bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
POCUS for pediatric appendicitis in the pediatric emergency department: An 8‐year retrospective review
Authors: Scheier Eric , Shapira Levy Efrat , Fisher Amir 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn many centers, pediatric radiology‐performed ultrasound and/or POCUS fellowship training are not readily available.ObjectiveTo present our experience using point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in a pediatric emergency medicine training program without POCUS fellowship‐trained staff, and to demonstrate that POCUS of the appendix is feasible outside the context for POCUS fellowship training.MethodsWe identified children diagnosed with appendicitis or periappendiceal abscess from June 2016 to June 2024. Variables reviewed include details of PED visit such as presenting symptoms, laboratory and imaging results, and PED treatment, as well as surgical report and pathology result. We evaluated the frequency and performance characteristics of POCUS over the study period.Results999 children were diagnosed with appendicitis. POCUS was performed in 360 of 845 cases (43%) of histology‐confirmed appendicitis and in 19 of 69 cases (28%) in which histology was negative for appendicitis. Both the number of POCUS examinations for appendicitis and the percentage of examinations correctly identifying appendicitis steadily increased over the study period. Accuracy was highest in the 5–10‐year age range and lowest for females from 10 to 15 years. In 96% of cases with a pathology result of appendicitis and a positive POCUS examination, POCUS correctly identified appendicitis. However, only 6 of 19 POCUS examinations in children without appendicitis on histology found no appendicitis. Performance of POCUS for appendicitis was significantly associated with increased opioid administration and a 20‐min mean decrease in length of pediatric emergency department stay.ConclusionsPOCUS for appendicitis within the context of PEM fellowship training is feasible and associated with decreased length of stay.
Plantar pressure in relation to hindfoot varus in people with unilateral upper motor neuron syndrome
Authors: Bloks Bente E. , Wilders Lise M. , Louwerens Jan Willem K. , Geurts Alexander C. , Nonnekes Jorik , Keijsers Noël L. W. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionHindfoot varus deformity is common in people with unilateral upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS) and can be dynamic or persistent. The aims of this study were (1) to gain insight into plantar pressure characteristics of people with chronic UMNS in relation to hindfoot varus and (2) to propose a quantitative outcome measure, based on plantar pressure, for the scientific evaluation of surgical interventions.MethodsIn this retrospective study, a cohort comprising plantar pressure data of 49 people with UMNS (22 “no hindfoot varus”, 18 “dynamic hindfoot varus”, and 9 “persistent hindfoot varus”), and 586 healthy controls was analyzed. As an indication of plantigrade foot contact, the ratio between the plantar contact area of the affected and the non‐affected foot was calculated. To investigate spatial and temporal aspects of plantar pressure, normalized plantar pressure patterns and center of pressure trajectories were computed.ResultsPeople with UMNS had lower plantar pressure area ratios compared to healthy controls. Additionally, increased plantar pressure underneath the lateral foot was found in people with a persistent hindfoot varus. Center of pressure trajectories were more lateral during the first 26% of the stance phase in people with a dynamic hindfoot varus and during the first 82% of the stance phase in people with a persistent hindfoot varus compared to healthy controls.ConclusionSpatial and temporal differences in plantar pressure were found in people with dynamic or persistent hindfoot varus deformity. We propose to primarily use the medio‐lateral center of pressure trajectory as outcome measure for the scientific evaluation of surgical interventions targeting hindfoot varus.
Galerkin boundary element method for simulating lightning response of grounding grid in horizontal multilayered soil model considering soil ionization effect
Authors: Li Zhong‐Xin , Li Peng , Zhao Xia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis work proposes a novel mathematical model based on the Galerkin time‐domain boundary element method for accurately calculating the lightning current distribution and lightning impulse response of the buried substation grounding grid, in a multi‐layer horizontal layered soil model, by taking into account the soil ionization effect. To improve computational efficiency, the quasi‐static complex image method and its closed form time‐domain Green's function have been introduced into the model that has the ability to analytically calculate the mutual inductance coefficient between the branch currents of any two conductor segments and the mutual resistance coefficient between the leakage currents. The Galerkin time‐domain boundary element method proposed in this work can simulate the transient lightning impulse response of a substation grounding grid buried in the multi‐layer horizontal layered soil.
Mid‐Infrared Single‐Photon Compressive Spectroscopy
Authors: Sun Ben , Huang Kun , Ma Huijie , Fang Jianan , Zheng Tingting , Qin Ruiyang , Chu Yongyuan , Guo Hairun , Liang Yan , Zeng Heping 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSensitive mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy plays an indispensable role in various photon‐starved conditions. However, the detection sensitivity of conventional MIR spectrometers is severely limited by excessive noises of the involved infrared sensors, especially for multi‐pixel arrays in parallel spectral acquisition. Here, an ultra‐sensitive MIR single‐pixel spectrometer is devised and implemented, which relies on high‐fidelity spectral upconversion and wavelength‐encoding compressive measurement. Specifically, a MIR nanophotonic supercontinuum from 3.1 to 3.9 µm is nonlinearly converted to the NIR band via synchronous chirped‐pulse pumping, which facilitates both the precise spectral mapping and sensitive upconversion detection. The upconverted signal is then spatially dispersed onto a programmable digital micromirror device, before being registered by a single‐element silicon detector. Consequently, the spectral information can be deciphered from the correlation between encoded patterns and recorded measurements, which results in a spectral resolution of 0.5 under an illumination flux down to 0.01 photons nm–1 pulse–1. Moreover, faithful reconstructions at sub‐Nyquist sampling rates are demonstrated using the compressive sensing algorithm, which leads to a 95% reduction in data acquisition time. The presented single‐pixel computational spectrometer features wavelength multiplexing, high throughput, and efficient sampling, which thus paves a new way for sensitive and fast spectroscopic analysis at the single‐photon level.
Proximal 4p Deletion Syndrome in an Infant With Multiple Systemic Anomalies
Authors: Pang Ying , Zeng Lan , Liang Hua , Cheng Chunlan , Shan Lihui , Wang Jin , Jiang Nanjing , Pi Guanghuan , Yang Li , Chen Ai , Xiong Fu , Zhu Shuyao 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundContiguous gene deletion in the short arm of chromosome 4 is linked to various neurodevelopmental disorders.MethodsIn this study, we conducted peripheral blood chromosome G‐banding karyotyping and whole‐exome sequencing (WES) on a proband presenting with anal atresia, global developmental delay, lymphocytosis, and other multisystem anomalies. Additionally, chromosome G‐banding karyotyping was also carried out on the proband's parents and brother.ResultsThe 7‐month‐old proband was found to have a 26.738 Mb 4p15.33‐p14 deletion as identified by chromosome G‐banding karyotyping and WES.ConclusionWe identified a patient with proximal 4p deletion syndrome by karyotype and WES analysis, which might explain some of his phenotypes. Our research enhances clinicians' knowledge of this rare condition, and offers valuable genetic counseling to the affected family. Further research is necessary to identify the causative gene or critical region associated with proximal 4p deletion syndrome.
Multi‐scale anatomical regularization for domain‐adaptive segmentation of pelvic CBCT images
Authors: Chen Xu , Pang Yunkui , Yap Pew‐Thian , Lian Jun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundCone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image segmentation is crucial in prostate cancer radiotherapy, enabling precise delineation of the prostate gland for accurate treatment planning and delivery. However, the poor quality of CBCT images poses challenges in clinical practice, making annotation difficult due to factors such as image noise, low contrast, and organ deformation.PurposeThe objective of this study is to create a segmentation model for the label‐free target domain (CBCT), leveraging valuable insights derived from the label‐rich source domain (CT). This goal is achieved by addressing the domain gap across diverse domains through the implementation of a cross‐modality medical image segmentation framework.MethodsOur approach introduces a multi‐scale domain adaptive segmentation method, performing domain adaptation simultaneously at both the image and feature levels. The primary innovation lies in a novel multi‐scale anatomical regularization approach, which (i) aligns the target domain feature space with the source domain feature space at multiple spatial scales simultaneously, and (ii) exchanges information across different scales to fuse knowledge from multi‐scale perspectives.ResultsQuantitative and qualitative experiments were conducted on pelvic CBCT segmentation tasks. The training dataset comprises 40 unpaired CBCT‐CT images with only CT images annotated. The validation and testing datasets consist of 5 and 10 CT images, respectively, all with annotations. The experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of our method compared to other state‐of‐the‐art cross‐modality medical image segmentation methods. The Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) for CBCT image segmentation results is %, and the average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) is . Statistical analysis confirms the statistical significance of the improvements achieved by our method.ConclusionsOur method exhibits superiority in pelvic CBCT image segmentation compared to its counterparts.
A cross‐sectional study of low birth satisfaction during the COVID‐19 epidemics' fifth wave
Authors: Mortazavi Forough , Mehrabadi Maryam 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate predictors of low birth satisfaction in a sample of Iranian postpartum women during the COVID‐19 epidemics' fifth wave.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsThis study was conducted on 676 postpartum women admitted to postpartum wards of Mobini maternity hospital using a convenience sampling method between 2 Aug and 18 September 2021 in Iran. We used the general linear model and multiple linear regression analyses to determine predictors of birth satisfaction.ResultsThe mean and standard deviation values of age and education were 28.7 ± 6.6 and 11.1 ± 4.1 (years), respectively. The mean scores of the three scales were as follows: FVC‐19S (14.7 ± 7.5), WHO‐5 (67.5 ± 13.0) and BSS‐R (28.6 ± 7.3). Sixty‐five point nine percent (65.9%) of the participants were multiparous. Overall predictors of low birth satisfaction were emergency caesarean, instrumental birth, episiotomy, Entonox analgesia, low level of well‐being score < 50, fear of COVID‐19, low satisfaction with pregnancy and low satisfaction with spouse's support. The overall proportion of the variance in birth satisfaction explained by all variables is 17.4%. Labor and birth variables explained 12.2% of the variance in birth satisfaction.Patient or Public ContributionNone.
Adaptive neural network dynamic surface optimal saturation control for single‐phase grid‐connected photovoltaic systems
Authors: Zhang Hongyang , Wang Tiechao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAn adaptive neural network (NN) based optimal saturation control scheme is investigated for single‐phase grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) systems by incorporating dynamic surface control (DSC) and adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) based on the backstepping control design framework. For each backstepping step, a critic‐actor architecture is constructed via reinforcement learning (RL), and the PV system is optimized according to the cost function in the architecture. Due to the nonlinearity, it is difficult to solve the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation. The neural networks (NNs) are employed to approximate the solution of the HJB equation such that the optimal virtual control and the actual controller are obtained. By considering control input symmetric saturation nonlinearity link, constraints on pulse width modulation (PWM) are ensured. On this basis, the combination of backstepping control design and dynamic surface technique is used to overcome the shortcomings of “differential explosion” and simplify calculations. Based on the Lyapunov method, the stability analysis proves that all signals of the closed‐loop PV systems are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB). Simulation experiments and comparative results are given to verify the efficacy of the studied control strategy.
Hybrid toughening effect of flax fiber and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer in 3D‐printed polylactic acid composites
Authors: Ansaripour Aref , Heidari‐Rarani Mohammad 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFlax fiber has emerged as a promising, eco‐friendly alternative to traditional synthetic reinforcement in polymer composites. However, manufacturing biocomposites using three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology is typically accompanied by significant processing challenges and weak product performance under dynamic loading conditions. This study aims to unlock the potential of 3D‐printed polylactic acid (PLA) by incorporating chemically modified chopped flax fibers and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer to improve impact strength and processability. To achieve this, we employed the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique to prepare composite specimens for the study. The crystallization behavior, tensile and impact properties, as well as the fracture behavior of the composites were investigated. The findings suggest that our approach stands out because it not only facilitates the challenging task of 3D printing PLA with fiber additives of high weight fraction and high aspect ratio but also results in a remarkable 120% enhancement in impact strength and an around 31.2% increase in tensile elongation compared to neat PLA, without compromising the elastic modulus.Highlights
Flax fibers were modified through alkalization and silanization.
Alkalization significantly enhanced printing quality.
Silanization reduced fiber attrition and doubled the fiber aspect ratio.
TPU particles facilitated the 3D printing of biocomposites.
For the first time, the hybrid strategy doubled the impact strength of PLA.
Investigation of effects of environmental conditions on wear behaviors of glass fiber reinforced polyester composite materials
Authors: Korku Mihriban , İlhan Recep , Feyzullahoğlu Erol 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGlass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites can be subjected to different environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, hydrothermal cycle, acidic and alkaline solution in environments where they operate. These environmental conditions cause different damage mechanisms in composites such as pore formation, micro‐cracks, delamination, fiber breakage, fiber/matrix interface separation, plasticization, swelling and surface color change. In this study, wear properties of hybrid glass fiber reinforced polymer composites exposed to various environmental conditions for constant load (60 N), speed (500 rpm) and 2 h were examined comprehensively, depending on material content and environmental conditions. In this experimental study, the service conditions in glass fiber reinforced composites were simulated using different artificial aging environments such as acidic environment, hydrothermal cycle and UV radiation. In addition to the material content, it appears that the environmental conditions to which composites are exposed has a significant effect on friction coefficient. Considering environmental conditions, it is seen that the acid environment and hydrothermal cycle have reduced wear resistance of GFRP composites, while UV radiation improved wear resistance of the composites. In C2 sample, the wear rates under different conditions are 1.87 × 10−14 m3/Nm in non‐treated sample, 6.05 × 10−14 m3/Nm in acid environment, 4.79 × 10−14 m3/Nm in hydrothermal cycle and 0.59 × 10−14 m3/Nm in UV radiation.Highlights
Friction coefficient of glass fiber reinforced polyester (GFRP) is higher under aged condition compared to non‐treated.
Glass fibers used in correct proportions can reduce friction coefficient in GFRP.
GFRP exposed to environmental conditions has an important effect on wear.
Acid environment and hydrothermal cycle has reduced wear resistance of GFRP.
UV radiation improved wear resistance of GFRP composite.
Registration of six albinism wheat sib lines for genetic aberration of photosynthetic pigments
Authors: Pan SiRui , Pan XingLai , Xu Hong , Shi YinHong , Pan QianYing , Xie SanGang , Pan QiuAi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPlant biologists have long been fascinated with the abnormal, the monstrous, and the defective. Six sib winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines with varying types of albinism, ShunMai GAG‐1 (Reg. no. GP‐1090, PI 704106), ShunMai GAG‐2 (Reg. no. GP‐1091, PI 704107), ShunMai GAG‐3 (Reg. no. GP‐1092, PI 704108), ShunMai GAG‐4 (Reg. no. GP‐1093, PI 704109), ShunMai GAG‐5 (Reg. no. GP‐1094, PI 704110), and ShunMai GAG‐6, (Reg. no. GP‐1095, PI 704111), were derived from a cross made in 2013 with unknown pedigree, and were developed using conventional phenotypic selections. Albinism, or stage‐specific albino, is their unique abnormal agronomic characteristics. All their leaves and tillers produced before winter are green, all their spring‐emerging leaves and tillers are albino, and all their summer‐producing leaves turn green again. Their main stems could have at least three albino leaves. In some colder springs, their after‐winter emerging leaves are reddish to pinkish. They may serve as useful experimental materials for addressing a wide range of wheat breeding problems, and for wheat field art too, and may also be important materials for functional studies and eventually lead to the gene discovery. We discuss the possible interactions between plastid genes and nuclear genes and between vernalization genes responsible for the transition from vegetative to generative growth stage and photosynthetic genes.
Exploring the impact of a maternal support grant to improve mental health and food security amongst pregnant women in South Africa during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Laurenzi Christina A. , Menyatsoe Masedi , Shuaib Mustafa , Edwards Amanda , Gemmell Kelly , Geffen Hayli , Tomlinson Mark , Müller Anna‐Marie , Manda Samuel , Mabaso Kopano M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSocial protection during pregnancy may support pregnant women struggling to meet basic needs to ensure a healthy pregnancy and buffer negative impacts of multiple adversities. We assessed the effect of a bimonthly digital food voucher, delivered to pregnant women during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Cape Town area, on their mental health, hunger, and dietary diversity. Pregnant women from antenatal clinics in specific high‐poverty areas were invited to join the voucher program; a subset was recruited for in‐depth telephone interviews. Interviews were conducted before, during, and after voucher distribution. Generalized estimating equations were fit to examine whether each outcome was associated with voucher exposure over time. Of the 205 participants, most were aged 25–34, not recently employed, with at least one child in their household. Approximately 1/3 were first‐time mothers and 32% reported mental health difficulties. Voucher exposure over 12 months was associated with significant reductions in mental health symptoms at midline and endline. Maternal hunger was reduced at midline and endline. High mental health scores were significantly associated with increased maternal hunger after adjusting for potential confounders. This study provides preliminary evidence for income support during pregnancy to shape positive health outcomes in South Africa.
Effect of the pH on the Formation of Gold Nanoparticles Enabled by Plasma‐Driven Solution Electrochemistry
Authors: Nam Jae Hyun , Bruggeman Peter 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTPlasma‐driven solution electrochemistry offers alternatives to wet‐chemical methods for synthesizing nanomaterials. This study examines how precursor solution pH affects gold nanoparticle formation, specifically the conversion of precursor ions by solvated electrons and H2O2, and particle size. Our experiments show that –enabled autocatalytic reduction selectivity is 43%–65%, suggesting a catalytic decomposition of by gold nanoparticles. The solubility of gold monomers, increasing with decreasing pH, influences nucleation and resulting particle size, affecting the particle size distribution significantly at pH between 3 and 5. A 1‐D film reaction‐diffusion model quantitatively reproduces and explains the experimental results, demonstrating the impact of pH on different plasma‐produced species, enabling the gold ion conversion and nucleation rates, which directly impact particle size distributions.
Prevention of resistance to spinosad by a combination of spinosad and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis in Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Su Tianyun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDSpinosad consists of spinosyn A and spinosyn D that are produced by the soil‐dwelling actinomycete Saccharopolyspora spinosa. It has been used to control a wide variety of arthropod pests of economic importance. Formulations of spinosad have been used to control larval mosquitoes since approximately 2010. However, the target site‐ and metabolism‐based resistance to this neurotoxin has been reported since 2000 in agricultural pests The current studies aim to further evaluate resistance risk and develop resistance prevention tactics in the southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus.RESULTSThe first comparison group involved selection at lethal concentration, 75% (LC75) of technical spinosad for 30 generations, resulting in baseline resistance ratios (RRs) of 51.1‐fold at LC50 and 45.4‐fold at LC90 in Cx. quinquefasciatus. However, under the same conditions, selection by a combination of spinosad and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (B.t.i.), negated resistance development to spinosad, RRs ranging 1.00–1.75‐fold at LC50 and 0.83–1.76‐fold at LC90. At the same time, the selected population remained susceptible to the combination throughout the selection process, RRs fluctuating 0.74–1.38‐fold at LC50 and 0.63–1.23‐fold at LC90.CONCLUSIONCombination of spinosad and B.t.i. negates resistance development to spinosad, as opposed to spinosad alone in Cx. quinquefasciatus. Moreover, the species tested does not develop resistance to this combination upon repeated exposures, implying the potential for further developing this combination as a viable product for larval mosquito control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.