bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyoderma gangrenosum with severe systemic features, after augmentation mammoplasty
Authors: Beeckman Marine , Peeters Caroline , Coyette Maude , Marot Liliane , Yildiz Halil , Lengele Benoit , Baeck Marie 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe report a rare life‐threatening presentation of postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) after augmentation mammoplasty in a 32‐year‐old woman. Six days after surgery, the patient presented with fever and erythema at surgical wounds. In view of a suspected postsurgical infection, the patient was first treated with antibiotics and removal of breast protheses. In spite of this treatment, in a few days the patient developed a state of shock with multiorgan failure. The antibiotic coverage was broadened several times and multiple extensive surgical debridement with resection of the mammary glands were performed but did not improve the clinical situation. Twelve days after admission, the diagnosis of PG with systemic features was suspected and clinical improvement was observed within 24 h of methylprednisolone administration. PG can mimic the cutaneous and systemic features of necrotizing wound infection of surgical site. Biopsy and culture are critical to differentiating necrotizing neutrophilic dermatosis from necrotizing infection. The diagnosis of this less common form of PG is challenging and this case highlights how the frequent misdiagnosis with infection may result in ineffective antibiotic treatment and how the unnecessary surgical debridement may prolong and exacerbate the condition.
On‐Surface Interchain Coupling and Skeletal Rearrangement of Indenofluorene Polymers
Authors: Chen Qiang , Di Giovannantonio Marco , Eimre Kristjan , Urgel José I. , Ruffieux Pascal , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Müllen Klaus , Fasel Roman , Narita Akimitsu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOn‐surface synthesis serves as a powerful approach to construct π‐conjugated carbon nanostructures that are not accessible by conventional wet chemistry. Nevertheless, this method has been limited by the types and numbers of available on‐surface transformations. While the majority of successful cases exploit thermally triggered dehalogenative carbon–carbon coupling and cyclodehydrogenation, rearrangement of appropriate functional moieties has received limited research attention. Here, the unprecedented interchain coupling and thermally induced skeleton rearrangement are described of (dihydro)indeno[2,1‐b]fluorene (IF) polymers on an Au(111) surface under ultrahigh vacuum conditions, leading to different ladder polymers as well as fully fused graphene nanoribbon segments containing pentagonal and heptagonal rings. Au‐coordinated nanoribbons are also observed. All structures are unambiguously characterized by high‐resolution scanning probe microscopy. The current results provide an avenue to fabricating a wider variety of π‐conjugated polymers and carbon nanostructures comprising nonhexagonal rings as well as rarely explored organometallic nanoribbons.
Unveiling the Role of Key Parameters during Molecular Growth for Optimal Poly(glycerol sebacate) Synthesis
Authors: Martín‐Cabezuelo Rubén , Naderpour‐Peñalver Alicia , Sigen A , Wang Wenxin , Vilariño‐Feltrer Guillermo , Vallés‐Lluch Ana 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPoly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) belongs to the hyperbranched polyesters family (HBP), which possesses an extensive variety of applications due to its tunable chemical and mechanical properties, together with its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the understanding of PGS synthesis becomes a challenge due to the lack of consistency when determining its synthesis parameters. Understanding these parameters is fundamental to control PGS synthesis and obtain a scalable and reproducible final product for biomedical applications. To unveil their effect on diverging PGS properties, diols are used as glycerol analogs and the reaction is chemically and thermally monitored, suggesting a heterogeneous reactivity of the exposed hydroxyl groups. Also, confinement of the prepolymerization is proven to be fundamental In order to maintain the equimolar ratio of initial monomers during synthesis. Early stages of the polycondensation (first 4 h) tend to linear and less branched oligomers by consuming primary hydroxyls rather than secondary hydroxyls. However, physicochemical characterization determines that a high degree of conversion (40%) is reached during these early stages. Afterward, the oligomers tend to condense through the secondary hydroxyls into a more crosslinked elastomer. This study demonstrates how hydroxyl affinity, water presence, and glycerol loss are crucial for the scalability and reproducibility of its final product.
De‐embedding calibration for an electromagnetic dual probe using GCPW
Authors: Li Hui , Shao Weiheng , Tian Xinxin , Xue Shan , Wu Duo‐Long , Hou Bo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAn ultrawideband de‐embedding calibration method (DCM) for a dual probe is proposed in this paper. Different from the conventional calibration method (CCM), in which a microstrip calibrator and the dual probe form a three‐port calibration network, the proposed calibration system is a four‐port network. By using two different lengths of grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) calibrators, namely line‐kit and through‐kit, the de‐embedded ‐parameter model of the calibration network is obtained. Measured results show that the ripple of the DCM with GCPW reduced by 59% of the CCM with the microstrip calibrator, and the phase delay has been almost compensated. In addition, the proposed method reduces the attenuation by approximately 0.7 dB at 10 GHz and 1.15 dB at 20 GHz. The calibration results indicate that the working frequency of the DCM is up to 22 GHz.
Frequency selective window blinds for indoor WLAN shielding
Authors: Hussaini Mohammed Abdullah , Sulaiman Mohamad Ismail , Kiani Ghaffer Iqbal , Khan Jahanzeb 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSecuring internal wireless communication of a corporate network from external eavesdropping requires electromagnetic (EM) shielding of the whole building, which may also block useful communication bands, such as mobile phone, radio, security, and television networks. Frequency selective surfaces provide selective spatial filtering of EM signals. A dual concentric modified square loop of unit‐cell dimension , fabricated on a window blinds material with dielectric constant 1.63 is presented for shielding indoor wireless network. The design resonates at WiFi and Bluetooth frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz and offers a measured suppression of at least −45 dB at both the frequency bands. Simulation and experimental results have been presented which exhibit stable and polarization insensitive responses in both, transverse electric and transverse magnetic modes, as well as angular stability for oblique incident angles up to 60°. The proposed Frequency Selective Window Blinds provide on‐demand, passive EM shielding and are easy to develop, install, and use.
8‐way high‐power high‐efficiency power divider/combiner
Authors: Yi Zixuan , Li Chenchen , Yang Xuexia , Li Meiling 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this letter, a low insertion loss power divider/combiner with a power capacity exceeding 100 kW is presented. The discussion focuses on the simultaneous achievement of high efficiency and high‐power capacity, based on the compensation analysis of discontinuous coaxial lines. An 8‐way power divider/combiner, operating within the frequency range of 7.73–9.33 GHz, has been designed, fabricated, and subjected to experimental testing. The experimental results demonstrate that within a relative bandwidth of 18.8%, the highest efficiency surpasses 98.49% and the power capacity exceeds 100 kW. Furthermore, the return loss of the multiport is better than 22.5 dB, the single port exhibits a return loss better than 20.7 dB, and the minimum isolation among the multiport is better than 27.5 dB. By comparison with other recently reported power dividers/combiners, the proposed power divider/combiner possesses both high‐power capacity and high efficiency simultaneously.
Spatial‐temporal V‐Net for automatic segmentation and quantification of right ventricle on gated myocardial perfusion SPECT images
Authors: Zhao Chen , Shi Shi , He Zhuo , Malhotra Saurabh , Wang Cheng , Zhao Zhongqiang , Li Xinli , Wen Haixing , Tang Shaojie , Zhou Yanli , Zhou Weihua 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundFunctional assessment of right ventricle (RV) using gated myocardial perfusion single‐photon emission computed tomography (MPS) heavily relies on the precise extraction of right ventricular contours.PurposeIn this paper, we present a new deep‐learning‐based model integrating both the spatial and temporal features in gated MPS images to perform the segmentation of the RV epicardium and endocardium.MethodsBy integrating the spatial features from each cardiac frame of the gated MPS and the temporal features from the sequential cardiac frames of the gated MPS, we developed a Spatial‐Temporal V‐Net (ST‐VNet) for automatic extraction of RV endocardial and epicardial contours. In the ST‐VNet, a V‐Net is employed to hierarchically extract spatial features, and convolutional long‐term short‐term memory (ConvLSTM) units are added to the skip‐connection pathway to extract the temporal features. The input of the ST‐VNet is ECG‐gated sequential frames of the MPS images and the output is the probability map of the epicardial or endocardial masks. A Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) loss which penalizes the discrepancy between the model prediction and the manual annotation was adopted to optimize the segmentation model.ResultsOur segmentation model was trained and validated on a retrospective dataset with 45 subjects, and the cardiac cycle of each subject was divided into eight gates. The proposed ST‐VNet achieved a DSC of 0.8914 and 0.8157 for the RV epicardium and endocardium segmentation, respectively. The mean absolute error, the mean squared error, and the Pearson correlation coefficient of the RV ejection fraction (RVEF) between the manual annotation and the model prediction were 0.0609, 0.0830, and 0.6985.ConclusionOur proposed ST‐VNet is an effective model for RV segmentation. It has great promise for clinical use in RV functional assessment.
Rheumatology nurses' perceptions of undertaking a postgraduate education programme: A phenomenological study
Authors: Ryan Sarah , Hassell Andrew , Paskins Zoe , Rule Katrina , Brooks Michael , Tajuria Gulshan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe expansion of the role of the rheumatology nurse specialist led to the instigation, in 1999, of the first Masters programme in rheumatology nursing, with the aim of supporting clinical advancement with evidence‐based practice. This study explored the experience of rheumatology nurses undertaking postgraduate study at Masters level.Objectives(1) To explore the perceptions and experiences of clinical nurse specialists undertaking a Masters programme in Rheumatology Nursing, including perceptions of impact. (2) To identify future educational needs.MethodsTen rheumatology nurses who had completed a Masters degree in rheumatology nursing participated in a semi‐structured video link or telephone interview conducted between 17th March 2021–17th May 2021. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was undertaken by two researchers and two public contributors.ResultsFour themes were identified: (i) Increased confidence and the development of new clinical skills. (ii) The perceived impact on the organisation; (iii) Benefits of face‐to‐face learning; and (iv) Continuing evolution of the rheumatology nurse specialist role. Participants reported increased confidence in clinical skills and felt that their learning had benefited their employing organisation. However, lack of time and insufficient managerial support could impede the implementation of new skills. Learning examination techniques, engagement in learning and peer support were seen as advantages of face‐to‐face learning. Future educational needs focused on diagnostic and prescribing skills.ConclusionsParticipant learners perceived that completing a face‐to‐face Masters in rheumatology increased confidence in delivering new clinical skills and fostered peer networks, whilst also benefiting their employing organisations. There is a need for organisational support to apply learning to the clinical setting.
Sound‐based cough peak flow estimation in patients with neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Recasens Bernat Bertran , Balañá Corberó Ana , Llorens Juana María Martínez , Guillen‐Sola Anna , Moreno Montserrat Villatoro , Escobar Greta García , Umayahara Yasutaka , Soh Zu , Tsuji Toshio , Rubio Miguel Ángel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsCough impairment is common in individuals with neuromuscular disorders and is associated with respiratory infections and shorter survival. Cough strength is assessed by measuring cough peak flow (CPF) using a flow meter, but this method requires a complex device setup and trained staff. The aim of the study is to evaluate the reliability of a smartphone app to estimate CPF based on cough sounds in a cohort of individuals with neuromuscular disorders.MethodsIndividuals with neuromuscular disorders underwent CPF measurement with a flow meter and a smartphone app. A CPF <270 L/min was considered abnormal.ResultsOf the 50 patients studied, 26 had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (52%), 15 had hereditary myopathies (30%), and 9 had myasthenia gravis (18%). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the CPF measured with a flow meter and CPF estimated with cough sounds was 0.774 (p < .001) even if the patients had orofacial weakness (ICC = 0.806, p < .001). The smartphone app had 94.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity to detect patients with CPF of less than 270 L/min.DiscussionOur findings suggest that sounds measured with a smartphone app provide a reliable estimate of CPF in patients with neuromuscular disorders, even in the presence of with orofacial weakness. This may be a convenient way to monitor respiratory involvement in patients with neuromuscular disorders, but larger studies of more diverse patient cohorts are needed.
Patient perspectives about treatment preferences for obesity with complications
Authors: Craig Hilary C. , Alsaeed Dalal , Norris Suzanne , Holian John , Kennedy Cormac , Feldman Alix , Le Roux Carel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveObesity and many of its comorbidities can be improved by nutritional therapy, lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgical intervention. Relatively little is known about patients' preferences for the range of obesity treatments. The present study was undertaken to identify factors that may influence these preferences. By evaluating patient‐preferred treatment options and factors influencing patients, treatment adherence and efficacy may be improved. Our objective was to identify factors that influence patient preferences and subsequent choice of obesity treatment among those seeking treatment for obesity‐related complications.MethodsParticipatory action research, using purposeful sampling, was used to recruit 33 patients with obesity complications. Recruitment took place in specialist clinics for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Sixteen males and 17 females aged 18–70 years with a BMI>35 kg/m2 were recruited. Prior to the interview, participants watched a 60‐min video explaining nutritional therapies, pharmacotherapies, and surgical therapies in equipoise. Data were collected in one‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews using zoom or the telephone; reflective thematic analysis was used.ResultsFour themes emerged: 1) structural factors, 2) autonomy, 3) interaction with formal care, and 4) the emotional and physical consequences of obesity. 39% of participants preferred nutritional therapy with support from medical professionals. 27% chose bariatric surgery. 24% chose pharmacotherapy alone, while 6% chose pharmacotherapy combined with nutritional therapy, 3% of participants wanted no intervention.ConclusionThe challenges can be addressed by increasing support for healthcare professionals toward enhancing both their knowledge and the health literacy of patients. Future research should focus on improving access to treatment pathways for patients as well as developing health literacy programs and educational programs for healthcare professionals.
Current practice of cancer predisposition testing in pediatric patients with CNS tumors in the United States
Authors: Roy Baylee , Knapke Sara , Pillay‐Smiley Natasha , Zhang Xue , Queen Kate , Sisson Rebecca 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAn estimated 8.6% of all pediatric patients with central nervous system tumors (CNSTs) have underlying hereditary cancer predisposition (HCP). Identifying HCP affects risk assessment and medical management options for the patients and their family members. However, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal germline genetic testing (GT) approach for pediatric patients with CNSTs. As a first step in addressing the need for consensus, we surveyed oncology and genetics providers from 47 institutions in professional organizations across the United States. We investigated their current practice (e.g., GT decisions and ordering practices) when assessing pediatric patients with CNSTs for HCP. We received 60 responses from 21 pediatric oncologists, 10 neuro‐oncologists, 28 genetics providers, and one neuro‐oncologist/geneticist. Results demonstrate genetic counselors, followed by oncologists, most often facilitated consent, ordered testing, and selected which test to order. The most ordered test was a multi‐gene panel (60%). Of 18 CNST diagnoses, choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC) was the diagnosis for which most providers (78%) reported they would offer GT. For medulloblastoma, 56% overall reported they would offer GT (64% of genetics providers, 62% of neuro‐oncologists, 20% of pediatric oncologists; p = .050). Findings suggest that even for the CNSTs most commonly known to be associated with HCP regardless of family history, there was variability in providers’ decisions to offer GT. The lack of consensus in GT decisions in our study indicates inconsistencies in the genetics care of pediatric patients with CNSTs, demonstrating a need for consensus guidelines to promote consistent genetics care.
Isospecific polymerization of sterically bulky α‐olefins catalyzed by zirconium(IV) complex possessing an [OSSO]‐type bis(phenolate) ligand
Authors: Ueda Nagisa , Maeda Kakeru , Ishii Akihiko , Nakata Norio 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDibenzyl zirconium(IV) complex (1), featuring an [OSSO]‐type bis(phenolate) ligand, served as a highly efficient pre‐catalyst for the polymerization of sterically bulky α‐olefins, such as vinyl cyclohexane (VCH) and 3‐methyl‐1‐butene (3‐MB). Upon activation with dried modified‐methylaluminoxane (dMMAO), the polymerization of VCH proceeded smoothly at 25°C to yield exclusively isotactic poly(VCH)s ([mm] >95%, Mw = 6500–19,400 g mol−1, PDI = 1.4), exhibiting good activity up to 924 g mmol(1)−1 h−1. The 1/dMMAO catalyst system also facilitated the polymerization of 3‐MB, producing colorless insoluble poly(3‐MB)s. DSC, TGA, and 13C CP‐MAS analyses showed the presence of highly isotactic microstructures in the resulting poly(3‐MB)s. Remarkably, the corresponding activity reached an impressive value of 898 g mmol(1)−1 h−1, surpassing that of previously reported homogeneous catalysts.
Cold plasma‐induced N, Cu‐doping on carbon paper for high‐active catalytic electrode preparation
Authors: Yue Xufeng , Xiang Hongyu , Zhang Peng , Shu Song , Zhao Yingxin , Zhang Jiacheng , Liu Jinwei , Yu Deping 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCarbon paper is commonly used for catalytic electrode preparation because of its high conductivity, corrosion resistance, and stability. However, traditional electrode preparation methods are inappropriate for highly hydrophobic carbon paper. In this paper, a high‐activity carbon paper catalytic electrode was prepared using multistrategies cold plasma modification to create atomic structural defects, dope N and Cu elements, and introduce oxygen‐containing functional groups. Analyses show that the bombardment of high‐energy particles caused atomic structural defects. Nitrogen and copper entered the carbon paper through plasma‐induced chemical recombination and physical adsorption, reaching 5.26% and 3.83%, respectively. Ethanol‐based plasma introduced oxygen‐containing functional groups to improve hydrophilicity. Finally, the plasma‐prepared electrode exhibited a reduction efficiency of 87.69% in an electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction.
Exploring novel HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors with drug‐resistant mutants: A double mutant surprise
Authors: Hollander Klarissa , Chan Albert H. , Frey Kathleen M. , Hunker Olivia , Ippolito Joseph A. , Spasov Krasimir A. , Yeh Yang‐Hui J. , Jorgensen William L. , Ho Ya‐Chi , Anderson Karen S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHIV‐1 reverse transcriptase (RT) remains a key target for HIV drug development. As successful management of the disease requires lifelong treatment, the emergence of resistance mutations is inevitable, making development of new RT inhibitors, which remain effective against resistant variants crucial. To this end, previous computationally guided drug design efforts have resulted in catechol diether compounds, which inhibit wildtype RT with picomolar affinities and appear to be promising preclinical candidates. To confirm that these compounds remain potent against Y181C, a widespread mutation conferring resistance to first generation inhibitors, they were screened against the HIV‐1 N119 clinical isolate, reported as a Y181C single mutant. In comparison to a molecular clone with the same mutation, N119 appears less susceptible to inhibition by our preclinical candidate compounds. A more detailed sequencing effort determined that N119 was misidentified and carries V106A in combination with Y181C. While both indolizine and naphthalene substituted catechol diethers are potent against the classical Y181C single mutant, the addition of V106A confers more resistance against the indolizine derivatives than the naphthalene derivatives. Crystal structures presented in this study highlight key features of the naphthyl group, which allow these compounds to remain potent in the double mutant, including stronger interactions with F227 and less reliance on V106 for stabilization of the ethoxy‐uracil ring, which makes critical hydrogen bonds with other residues in the binding pocket.