bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of gait speed measured by a timed walking test in patients one year after stroke
Authors: Green John , Forster Anne , Young John 
Published: July 2002

Objective: To assess the reliability of gait speed in late-stage stroke patients. Design: Test–retest reliability of three timed walks to 10 metres repeated during two assessments one week apart. Setting: The patient's home. Subjects: Twenty-two stroke patients with mobility problems more than one year after stroke. Main outcome measure: Gait speed measured in seconds taken to walk 10 metres. Statistical analysis: Intraclass correlations (ICCs) with 95% con”dence interval (CI) and the Bland and Altman method for assessing agreement by calculating the mean difference between measurements ( d–); the 95% CI for d–; the standard deviation of the difference (SDdiff); a reliability coef”cient and the 95% limits of agreement. Results: There was a trend for decreased times taken to walk 10 metres both within each assessment and between assessments. ICCs for within assessment reliability were 0.95–0.99. The d– (SDdiff) for the second and third walks for assessment 1 was –1.00 (2.63) seconds and for assessment 2 was –0.70 (1.58) seconds. The reliability coef”cient was 5.26 for assessment 1 and 3.17 for assessment 2. ICCs for between-assessment reliability were 0.87–0.88. The d – (SDdiff) for the comparison of the third walks at assessment 1 and assessment 2 was –0.90 (5.01) seconds. The reliability coef”cient was 10.02 and the 95% limits of agreement were –10.92 to +9.12 seconds. Conclusion: Within-assessment gait speed measured at home is highly reliable. The between-assessment reliability of gait speed measurement is less reliable but comparable with other studies.
Thymidylate Synthase Expression in Colorectal Cancer: A Prognostic and Predictive Marker of Benefit From Adjuvant Fluorouracil-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Edler David , Glimelius Bengt , Hallström Marja , Jakobsen Anders , Johnston Patrick G. , Magnusson Inger , Ragnhammar Peter , Blomgren Henric 
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: We studied the prognostic value of thymidylate synthase (TS) expression in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and the role of TS expression as a predictor of chemotherapeutic benefit in patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: TS expression was immunohistochemically assessed on tumor sections from 862 patients with CRC Dukes’ stages B and C enrolled onto randomized trials evaluating fluorouracil (5-FU)-based adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: TS expression was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free (P = .05) and overall survival (P = .05). In the subgroup treated with surgery alone, TS was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free (P < .001) and overall survival (P = .001), whereas this was not the case in the subgroup of adjuvantly treated patients. Patients whose tumors expressed high TS levels had a tendency to improved outcome after adjuvant therapy (not significant). The group whose tumors expressed the highest TS grade, grade 3 (34% of the patients), had a significantly longer disease-free survival if they were treated with adjuvant therapy compared with surgery alone (multivariate analyses, P = .02), whereas patients whose tumors expressed low TS levels (28% of the patients) had an impaired outcome after adjuvant therapy (multivariate analyses: disease-free survival, P = .01; overall survival, P = .01). CONCLUSION: TS expression predicts for survival independent of Dukes’ stage in patients with CRC treated with surgery alone. The study indicates that patients with high TS levels may benefit from adjuvant 5-FU–based chemotherapy. However, patients with low TS levels seem to have a worse outcome when treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.
Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Osteolytic Vertebral Compression Fractures as a Result of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Dudeney S. , Lieberman I.H. , Reinhardt M-K. , Hussein M. 
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: We prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteolytic vertebral compression fractures resulting from multiple myeloma. The principle symptoms in multiple myeloma result from bone destruction, especially the spine. Kyphoplasty is a new technique that involves the introduction of inflatable bone tamps (IBT) into the vertebral body. The purpose of the IBT is to restore the vertebral body back toward its original height, while creating a cavity that can be filled with highly viscous bone cement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five consecutive kyphoplasty procedures were performed in 18 patients with osteolytic vertebral compression fractures resulting from multiple myeloma. Cement leakage and any complications were recorded. Early objective analysis was made by comparing preoperative and latest Short Form 36 Health Survey scores. Height restoration was estimated by measuring vertebral height on lateral radiographs. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 63.5 years, mean duration of symptoms was 11 months, and mean follow-up was 7.4 months. There were no major complications related directly to use of this technique. On average, 34% of height lost at the time of fracture was restored. Asymptomatic cement leakage occurred at two (4%) of 55 levels. Significant improvement in SF36 scores occurred for Bodily Pain (23.2 to 55.4, P = .0008), Physical Function (21.3 to 50.6, P = .0010), Vitality (31.3 to 47.5, P = .010), and Social Functioning (40.6 to 64.8, P = .014). CONCLUSION: Kyphoplasty was efficacious in the treatment of osteolytic vertebral compression fractures resulting from multiple myeloma. Kyphoplasty is associated with early clinical improvement of pain and function as well as some restoration of vertebral body height.
Prospective Randomized Trial of Low- Versus High-Dose Radiation Therapy in Adults With Supratentorial Low-Grade Glioma: Initial Report of a North Central Cancer Treatment Group/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study
Authors: Shaw E. , Arusell R. , Scheithauer B. , O’Fallon J. , O’Neill B. , Dinapoli R. , Nelson D. , Earle J. , Jones C. , Cascino T. , Nichols D. , Ivnik R. , Hellman R. , Curran W. , Abrams R. 
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: To compare survival and toxicity in adult patients treated with low-dose (50.4 Gy/28 fractions) versus high-dose (64.8 Gy/36 fractions) localized radiation therapy (RT) for supratentorial low-grade astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and mixed oligoastrocytoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1986 to 1994, 203 eligible/analyzable patients were randomized: 101 to low-dose RT, 102 to high-dose RT. Almost half were younger than 40 years, and 95% had grade 2 tumors. Histologic subtype was astrocytoma (or mixed oligo-astrocytoma with astrocytoma dominant) in 32% of patients and oligodendroglioma (or oligoastrocytoma with oligodendroglioma dominant) in 68%. Tumor diameter was less than 5 cm in 35% of patients, and 41% of tumors showed some degree of contrast enhancement. Extent of resection was gross total in 14% of patients, subtotal in 35%, and biopsy only in 51%. RESULTS: At the time of the present analysis, 83 patients (41%) are dead, and median follow-up is 6.43 years in the 120 who are still alive. Survival at 2 and 5 years is nonsignificantly better with low-dose RT; survival at 2 and 5 years was 94% and 72%, respectively, with low-dose RT and 85% and 64%, respectively, with high-dose RT (log rank P = .48). Multivariate analysis identified histologic subtype, tumor size, and age as the most significant prognostic factors. Survival is significantly better in patients who are younger than 40 years and in patients who have oligodendroglioma or oligo-dominant histology. Grade 3 to 5 radiation neurotoxicity (necrosis) was observed in seven patients, with one fatality in each treatment arm. The 2-year actuarial incidence of grade 3 to 5 radiation necrosis was 2.5% with low-dose RT and 5% with high-dose RT. CONCLUSION: This phase III prospective randomized trial of low- versus high-dose radiation therapy for adults with supratentorial low-grade astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and oligoastrocytoma found somewhat lower survival and slightly higher incidence of radiation necrosis in the high-dose RT arm. The most important prognostic factors for survival are histologic subtype, tumor size, and age. The study design of the ongoing intergroup trial in this population will be discussed.
An efficient component of the redundancy calibration program to ensure equipment stability by assaying HDR Ir‐192 sources at the time of replacement
Authors: Vijande Javier , Carmona Vicente , Lliso Françoise , Ballester Facundo , Perez‐Calatayud Jose 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundBrachytherapy (BT) treatments involving temporary high‐dose rate (HDR) sources are extensively employed in clinical practice. Ensuring the consistency of all measurement equipment at the hospital level is crucial, requiring a robust redundancy and consistency program. This enables the institution to verify the stability of the dosimetry system over time.PurposeTo describe, justify, and analyze a component of the redundancy program of the calibration protocols followed by the Radiotherapy Department of the Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe (València, Spain) during the last 10 years for the case of HDR BT as an additional component to ensure long term stability of the measurement equipment.MethodsAt the time the HDR BT source is replaced, its Air Kerma Strength (SK) is measured. By comparing this value with the one obtained at the time of installation (corrected by decay), a clear determination of the stability of the measurement equipment can be performed.ResultsDifference between SK,vendor and SK,hosp as a function of the measurement date is reported for a 10 years’ period. All measurements are well within the ±3% tolerance level recommended in current international guidelines. Percentage differences of SK,hosp values at the time of replacement compared to SK,hosp ones at the time when the source was installed are within the ±0.5% range, reflecting oscillations around a null deviation.ConclusionsThe method proposed allows any hospital to ensure a redundancy component of the long‐term stability of all equipment involved in BT measurements in a very simple and time efficient manner. Additionally, it enables the hospital to maintain a detailed log of historical differences, facilitating the identification and correction of potential systematic deviations over time.
Look Down Not Up! Solving the Building Industry's Wasteful Conundrum with Digital and Earthen Construction
Authors: Cisar Sasha 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIs earth a bono fide alternative to concrete? Sasha Cisar believes in some cases it is. A trained architect who leads sustainability research at radicant, Switzerland's first digital sustainability bank, he shows us some recently constructed examples. The synthesis of digital technologies with these types of materiality and integrated construction techniques, and their full adoption in the building industry, could reap huge rewards and contribute to climate action.
Knowledge Production in Digital Design and Fabrication
Authors: Rust Romana , Ariza Inés 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRomana Rust and Inés Ariza illustrate how digital fabrication projects developed by Gramazio Kohler Research at ETH Zurich are using innovative software pipelines and producing more collaborative software and digitally driven techniques to illicit much more dynamic and sustainably effective interfaces between machines and humans for the construction industry. Rust is a computational architect and Head of Research and Innovation at vyzn AG, and Ariza is an architect and researcher within the NCCR Digital Fabrication consortium at Gramazio Kohler Research, and R&D Project Lead at MESH AG.
A New Generation of Activated Carbon Adsorbent Microstructures
Authors: Grigor Ethan , Carver Joseph , Bulan Edric , Scott Stuart , Chew YM John , Perera Semali 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis work presents the successful manufacture and characterization of bespoke carbon adsorbent microstructures such as tessellated (TES) or serpentine spiral grooved (SSG) by using 3D direct light printing. This is the first time stereolithographic printing has been used to exert precise control over specific micromixer designs to quantify the impact of channel structure on the removal of n‐butane. Activated microstructures achieved nitrogen Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) surface areas up to 1600 m2 g−1 while maintaining uniform channel geometries. When tested with 1000 ppm n‐butane at 1 L min−1, the microstructures exceeded the equilibrium loading of commercial carbon‐packed beds by over 40%. Dynamic adsorption breakthrough testing using a constant Reynolds number (Re 80) shows that complex micromixer designs surpassed simpler geometries, with the SSG geometry achieving a 41% longer breakthrough time. Shorter mass transfer zones were observed in all the complex geometries, suggesting superior kinetics and carbon structure utilization as a result of the micromixer‐based etched grooves and interlinked channels. Furthermore, pressure drop testing demonstrates that all microstructures had half the pressure drop of commercial carbon‐packed beds. This study shows the power of leveraging 3D printing to produce optimized microstructures, providing a glimpse into the future of high‐performance gas separation.
Pathways to personalized medicine—Embracing heterogeneity for progress in clinical therapeutics research in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Arnold Steven E. , Hyman Bradley T. , Betensky Rebecca A. , Dodge Hiroko H. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBiological and clinical heterogeneity is a major challenge in research for developing new treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD may be defined by its amyloid beta and tau pathologies, but we recognize that mixed pathologies are common, and that diverse genetics, central nervous system (CNS) and systemic pathophysiological processes, and environmental/experiential factors contribute to AD's diverse clinical and neuropathological features. All these factors are rational targets for therapeutic development; indeed, there are hundreds of candidate pharmacological, dietary, neurostimulation, and lifestyle interventions that show benefits in homogeneous laboratory models. Conventional clinical trial designs accommodate heterogeneity poorly, and this may be one reason that progress in translating candidate interventions has been so difficult. We review the challenges of AD's heterogeneity for the clinical trials enterprise. We then discuss how advances in repeatable biomarkers and digital phenotyping enable novel “single‐case” and adaptive trial designs to accelerate therapeutics development, moving us closer to personalized research and medicine for AD.Highlights
Alzheimer's disease is diverse in its clinical features, course, risks, and biology.
Typical randomized controlled trials are exclusive and necessarily large to attain arm comparability with broad outcomes.
Repeated blood biomarkers and digital tracking can improve outcome measure precision and sensitivity.
This enables the use of novel “single‐case” and adaptive trial designs for inclusivity, rigor, and efficiency.
Calcined Nickel Oxide Nanostructures at Different Temperatures Onto Graphite for Efficient Electro‐Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol in Basic Electrolyte
Authors: Zouli Nasser , Hameed R. M. Abdel , Abutaleb Ahmed , Maafa Ibrahim M. , Yousef Ayman 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTFabricating a highly active and stable nanocatalyst material displays a great concern when constructing a commercially viable ethylene glycol (EG) fuel cell. Herein, nickel oxide nanostructures were grown onto graphite (NO/T) using coprecipitation and calcination protocol at different temperatures. Techniques for XRD, TEM, SEM, and EDX investigations were used to look into the produced crystal planes, shape, and elemental mapping of synthesized nickel oxide nanoparticles. Different NO/T nanocatalyst electroactivities were examined in order to oxidize EG molecules in basic electrolyte. The surface area values of calcined nanostructures at 200°C and 300°C were much higher than those measured at NO/T‐400 by 7.62 and 3.71 folds to explain their outstanding performance. Some kinetic information for varied NO/T nanocatalysts was derived including the electron transfer coefficient, rate constant, and surface coverage values. Electron transfer rate constants of 0.1946, 0.3734, 0.0113, and 0.0303 s−1 were calculated at NO/T‐200, NO/T‐300, NO/T‐400, and NO/T‐500, respectively. Increased oxidation current densities could be achieved when NO/T nanomaterials were subjected to lowered calcination temperatures. NO/T‐200 and NO/T‐300 nanocatalysts also displayed decreased Eonset for alcohol oxidation process by 20 and 41 mV in relation to that at NO/T‐400. Moreover, chronoamperometric experiments revealed the prevalence of the stable behavior during EG oxidation at these nanostructures, especially for calcined ones at 200°C and 300°C. Much reduced poisoning rates were measured at NO/T‐200 (0.171 s−1) and NO/T‐300 (0.067 s−1) when contrasted to that at NO/T‐500 (0.727 s−1). Increasing the alcohol and supporting electrolyte concentrations was beneficial in improving the charge transfer characteristics of NO/T nanocatalysts as demonstrated by EIS measurements. This study supports the promising activity of NiO nanoparticles onto graphite as anode materials for direct alcohol fuel cells.
A comprehensive insight into metal oxide nanoparticle synthesis, associated regulations, and application in the agri‐food sector
Authors: Wroblewski Charles , Barbhuiya Rahul Islam , Kaur Guneet , Nair Gopu Raveendran , Elsayed Abdallah , Singh Ashutosh 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTo achieve global sustainability goals, it is necessary to ensure food safety and security by adopting sustainable agricultural practices. However, the current agri‐food sector is not only in its most vulnerable state, but it is also becoming a threat to the environment due to the combination of industrial and human activities that are detrimental. These activities, including the use of highly toxic agrochemicals, have deteriorated the quality of arable soil, thereby impacting food security. One area of research emerging in recent years as a promising avenue to combat concerns around agricultural soil quality and productivity is that of the application of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs). In this review, we comprehensively examine the synthesis processes, application, environmental impact, and regulations associated with MONPs in the agri‐food sector. In agriculture, these nanoparticles have been demonstrated to enhance crop yields by acting as delivery systems for nutrients, preventing soil degradation, and reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers. In relation to ensuring food quality and security, these nanoparticles are used as additives to enhance nutritional content, improve texture, and extend shelf life. Alternatively, the antimicrobial properties of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles can be used to modify packaging materials and make them more effective at preserving food, reducing food waste by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Overall, using nanoparticles in the agriculture and food industry offers exciting opportunities to promote sustainability, reduce environmental pollution, and improve food quality and safety.
Single Source Precursor Path to 2D Materials: A Case Study of Solution‐Processed Molybdenum‐Rich MoSe2‐x Ultrathin Nanosheets
Authors: Mishra Shashank , Jeanneau Erwann , Gahlot Sweta , Raydan Nidal , Burel Laurence , Cornier Thibault , Bonhomme Anne , Bargiela Pascal 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTwo‐dimensional Molybdenum diselenide is a versatile and promising material used for a wide range of applications and its synthesis in high quality and yield is currently the subject of intense research. Low temperature solution phase synthesis of nanomaterials using designed molecular precursors enjoys tremendous advantages over traditional high‐temperature solid‐state synthesis. However, molecular precursor chemistry of molybdenum selenide nanomaterials is almost non‐existent. We report here synthesis and structural characterization of new molybdenum molecular precursors with selenoether and selenourea ligands, which due to their easy synthesis, desired Mo/Se composition and moderate processing properties, are highly promising as single source precursors for the scale‐up production of 2D molybdenum diselenide materials. This is demonstrated by the solution‐phase decomposition of the Mo‐selenourea precursor which produced Mo‐rich MoSe2‐x ultrathin nanosheets (NSs) in good yield. These NSs were characterized by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies.
Dynamic model of the UC San Diego NHERI six‐degree‐of‐freedom large high‐performance outdoor shake table
Authors: Lai Chin‐Ta , Conte Joel P. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe UC San Diego large high‐performance outdoor shake table (LHPOST), which was commissioned on October 1, 2004 as a shared‐use experimental facility of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) program, was upgraded from its original one degree‐of‐freedom (LHPOST) to a six‐degree‐of‐freedom configuration (LHPOST6) between October 2019 and April 2022. A mechanics‐based numerical model of the LHPOST6 able to capture the dynamics of the upgraded 6‐DOF shake table system under bare table condition is presented in this paper. The model includes: (i) a rigid body kinematic model that relates the platen motion to the motions of the components attached to the platen, (ii) a hydraulic dynamic model that calculates the hydraulic actuator forces based on all fourth‐stage servovalve spool positions, (iii) a hold‐down strut model that determines the pull‐down forces produced by the three hold‐down struts, (iv) Bouc‐Wen models utilized to represent the dissipative forces in the shake table system, and (v) a rigid body dynamic model borrowed from robotic analysis governing the translational and rotational motions of the platen subjected to the forces from the various components attached to the platen. Extensive validation against experimental data shows excellent agreement for tri‐axial and six‐axial earthquake shake table tests. This validated model can be coupled with finite element models of test specimens to study the interaction between the shake table system and the specimens, and it offers potential for enhancing motion tracking performance through off‐line controller tuning or advanced control algorithm development.