bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Channelized hotelling observer‐based low‐contrast detectability on the ACR CT accreditation phantom: Part II. Repeatability study
Authors: Fan Mingdong , Zhou Zhongxing , McCollough Cynthia , Yu Lifeng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundObjective and quantitative evaluation for low‐contrast detectability that correlates with human observer performance is lacking for routine CT quality control testing. Channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) is considered a strong candidate to fill the need but has long been deemed impractical to implement due to its requirement of a large number of repeated scans in order to provide accurate and precise estimates of index of detectability (d’). In our previous work, we optimized a CHO model observer on the American College of Radiology (ACR) CT accreditation phantom and achieved accurate measurement of d’ with only 1–3 repeat scans.PurposeIn this work, we aim to validate the repeatability of the proposed CHO‐based low‐contrast evaluation on four scanner models using the ACR CT accreditation phantom.MethodsThe repeatability test was performed on four different scanners from two major CT manufacturers: Siemens Force and Alpha; Canon Prism and Prime SP. An ACR CT phantom was scanned 10 times, each time after repositioning of the phantom. For each repositioning, 3 repeated scans were acquired at 24, 12, and 6 mGy on all four scanner models. CHO was applied at the measured dose levels for different low‐contrast object sizes (4–6 mm). The CHO was also applied to images created using deep learning‐based reconstructions on Canon Prism and to four different scan/reconstruction modes on the Siemens Alpha, a photon‐counting‐detector (PCD)‐CT. The repeatability was evaluated by the probability that a measurement would fall within the ±15% tolerance (P<15%).ResultsWith the CHO setting optimized for the ACR phantom and the use of 3 repeated scans and 9 non‐overlapping slices per scan, the CHO measurement could provide high repeatability with P<15% of 98.8%–99.9% at 12 mGy with IR reconstruction on all four scanners. On scanner A, P<15% were 91.5%–99.9% at the three dose levels and for all three object sizes while the numbers were 93.6%–99.998% on scanner B. P<15% were 96.5%–97.2% for the two deep learning reconstructions and 97.0%–99.97% for the four scan/reconstruction modes on the PCD‐CT.ConclusionThe CHO provided highly repeatable measurements with over 95% probability that a CHO measurement would lie within the ±15% tolerance for most of the dose levels and object sizes on the ACR phantom. The repeatability was maintained when the CHO was applied to images created with a commercial deep learning‐based reconstruction and various scan/reconstruction modes on a PCD‐CT. This study demonstrates that practical implementation of CHO for routine quality control and performance evaluation is feasible.
TPA: Two‐stage progressive attention segmentation framework for hepatocellular carcinoma on multi‐modality MRI
Authors: Gao Lei , Wang Weilang , Meng Xiangpan , Zhang Shuhang , Xu Jun , Ju Shenghong , Wang Yuan‐Cheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundDynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and measurement of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The multi‐modality information contained in the multi‐phase images of DCE‐MRI is important for improving segmentation. However, this remains a challenging task due to the heterogeneity of HCC, which may cause one HCC lesion to have varied imaging appearance in each phase of DCE‐MRI. In particular, some phases exhibit inconsistent sizes and boundaries will result in a lack of correlation between modalities, and it may pose inaccurate segmentation results.PurposeWe aim to design a multi‐modality segmentation model that can learn meaningful inter‐phase correlation for achieving HCC segmentation.MethodsIn this study, we propose a two‐stage progressive attention segmentation framework (TPA) for HCC based on the transformer and the decision‐making process of radiologists. Specifically, the first stage aims to fuse features from multi‐phase images to identify HCC and provide localization region. In the second stage, a multi‐modality attention transformer module (MAT) is designed to focus on the features that can represent the actual size.ResultsWe conduct training, validation, and test in a single‐center dataset (386 cases), followed by external test on a batch of multi‐center datasets (83 cases). Furthermore, we analyze a subgroup of data with weak inter‐phase correlation in the test set. The proposed model achieves Dice coefficient of 0.822 and 0.772 in the internal and external test sets, respectively, and 0.829, 0.791 in the subgroup. The experimental results demonstrate that our model outperforms state‐of‐the‐art models, particularly within subgroup.ConclusionsThe proposed TPA provides best segmentation results, and utilizing clinical prior knowledge for network design is practical and feasible.
Proteomic analysis of spermathecal fluid reveals factors related to long‐term sperm storage in ant queens
Authors: Gotoh Ayako 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAnt queens can maintain a large number of sperm cells for over a decade after mating at the beginning of their adult lives until they die. This sperm storage ability is prominent; however, the cellular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Sperm cells are maintained in the female sperm storage organ—the spermatheca—which supplies a suitable environment for sperm cells. To reveal the molecular basis of the long‐term sperm storage mechanisms in ant queens, protein profiles enriched in the spermathecal fluid relative to the hemolymph were identified in Lasius japonicus using data‐independent acquisition‐based quantitative proteomics technology. Proteins related to the extracellular matrix, antioxidants, metabolic pathways, proteases, chaperones, and with uncharacterized functions were especially abundant with higher log ratio values in the spermathecal fluid relative to the hemolymph. These enriched proteins were shared with highly expressed genes previously detected by transcriptome analyses of the spermatheca in queens of Crematogaster osakensis that belong to a different subfamily than L. japonicus. It is likely that the ability for long‐term sperm storage evolved early in the ant lineage. Therefore, the common proteins identified in these two ant species are possibly crucial for this ability.
Fertilization, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes after IVF, rescue ICSI, and ICSI in unexplained infertility: A retrospective study
Authors: Qiu Fenglong , Zuo Yanghua , Xue Huiying , Zhang Rongxue 
Published: February 2024

AbstractConventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is not recommended for nonmale infertile patients to avoid fertilization failure (FF) in view of controversies regarding safety issues. Among the strategies that may help to promote the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women with a high risk of FF, rescue ICSI (R‐ICSI) has attracted attention. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of short‐term insemination combined with early R‐ICSI in the treatment of unexplained infertility. A total of 952 controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycles for unexplained infertility were divided into short‐term IVF (short‐term insemination without R‐ICSI, n = 500), R‐ICSI (short‐term insemination with R‐ICSI, n = 141), and ICSI (conventional ICSI, n = 311) groups. Patients underwent consecutive transfer cycles until live birth, or until all embryos from the first COS cycle were used. Laboratory data and clinical outcomes from short‐term IVF, R‐ICSI, and ICSI groups were compared. Short‐term IVF and ICSI groups were superior to R‐ICSI group in polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, and top‐quality embryos rate. Short‐term IVF, R‐ICSI, and ICSI groups underwent 705 (500 fresh and 205 frozen‐thawed cycles), 190 (141 fresh and 49 frozen‐thawed cycles), and 445 (311 fresh and 134 frozen‐thawed cycles) transfer cycles, resulting in 294, 76, and 190 live birth cycles, respectively. Comparison of pregnancy outcomes among these three groups demonstrated similar clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates in fresh and frozen‐thawed embryo transfer cycles. There was no significant difference in the cumulative live birth rate among these three groups. R‐ICSI group showed similar neonatal outcomes compared with short‐term IVF and ICSI groups, including the rates of low birth weight, fetal macrosomia, small for gestational age and large for gestational age. Short‐term insemination combined with early R‐ICSI achieved satisfactory pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, albeit with a high polyspermy rate, which was an effective alternative to avoid excessive use of ICSI in unexplained infertility.
A standardised method for improving the readability of patient education materials for total hip & knee arthroplasty patients
Authors: Baumann John , Marshall Samuel , O’Malley John , DeFroda Steven 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeOrthopaedic Patient Education Materials (PEMs) related to total hip and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have repeatedly been shown to not meet American Medical Association and National Institutes of Health recommendations for readability. PEMs that are written with too much complexity limit the ability of some readers to comprehend the material. These complex PEMs also limit the health literacy of patients, a key determinant of health status and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to improve the readability of total hip and TKA‐related PEMs by limiting the use of sentences with ≥15 words and limiting the use of words with ≥ three syllables.MethodsThe readability of all 26 PEMs in this study was assessed before and after editing. Editing of articles included limiting the use of sentences with ≥15 words and limiting the use of words with ≥three syllables while preserving PEM content.ResultsA total of 26 PEMs were available for use in this study after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The percentage of original PEMs at or below the recommended sixth‐grade reading level was 0% (0 out of 26), while the percentage of edited PEMs at or below the sixth‐grade reading level was 50% (13 out of 26).ConclusionsUsing this standardised method for reducing sentence length to <15 words and limiting the use of words with >2 syllables, while preserving key content, significantly improved the readability of PEMs related to total hip and TKA.
Examining the effect of weight‐related recruitment information on participant characteristics: A randomized field experiment
Authors: Wang Christy , Hunger Jeffrey M. , Liao Joseph , Figueroa David , Lopez Alejandra , Tomiyama A. Janet 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveAlthough 82% of American adults have a body mass index (BMI) of over 25, individuals with elevated BMI are considered difficult to recruit for studies. Effective participant identification and recruitment are crucial to minimize the likelihood of sampling bias. One understudied factor that could lead to sampling bias is the study information presented in recruitment materials. In the context of weight research, potential participants with higher weight may avoid studies that advertise weight‐related procedures. Thus, this study experimentally manipulated the phrasing of weight‐related information included in recruitment materials and examined its impact on participants' characteristics.MethodsTwo visually similar flyers, either weight‐salient or neutral, were randomly posted throughout a university campus to recruit participants (N = 300) for a short survey, assessing their internalized weight bias, anticipated and experienced stigmatizing experiences, eating habits, and general demographic characteristics.ResultsAlthough the weight‐salient (vs. neutral) flyer took 18.5 days longer to recruit the target sample size, there were no between flyer differences in respondents' internalized weight bias, anticipated/experienced weight stigma, disordered eating behaviors, BMI, or perceived weight. Absolute levels of these variables, however, were low overall.ConclusionProviding detailed information about study procedures allows participants to have more autonomy over their participation without differentially affecting participant characteristics.
Engineering the optical, and dielectric properties of (PVA: PVP)/BaSnO3 polymer nanocomposites as promising films for optoelectronics and energy storage applications
Authors: Al‐Sulami Ahlam I. , Al‐Nashri Alanoud A. , Al‐Mhyawi Saedah , Hameed Talaat A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis work is devoted to optimizing the optical and dielectric parameters of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) (1:1) polymer nanocomposites by controlling barium stannate contents (BaSnO3) aspiring to engage it into flexible optoelectronics and thermally stable capacitors. Herein, high purity BaSnO3 was synthesized by solid‐state route and loaded with different ratios (5–20 wt%) into PVA/PVP blend to form films by solution casting method. Further, the degree of crystallinity (Xc) was highly increased upon increasing the filler contents (BaSnO3), as confirmed by X‐ray diffractometer measurement. The surface morphology pictured by a field emission scanning electron microscope revealed the variation of the surface from smooth to rough surface upon insertion of BaSnO3. The thermodynamic parameters including enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibb's free energy (ΔG) were extracted from TGA measurements and studied in detail. The optical characteristics of plain PVA/PVP and polymer nanocomposite films are explored by UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer. The presence of charge‐transfer complexes within the polymer nanocomposites was certified via shifting of band gap energy from 5.02 to 4.33 eV and variation of band tailing energy (Eu) from 0.22 to 0.44 eV. The real and imaginary part of optical conductivity (σp1, σp2) was confirmed to be enhanced with the insertion of BaSnO3. It is also found that the dielectric constant and DC current increased with the insertion of BaSnO3 content, while the dielectric loss decreases. The findings recommend these polymer nanocomposites as a good candidate for green energy applications and high‐performance capacitors.
Ultra high density carbon fiber derived from isotactic polypropylene fiber without skin‐core structure
Authors: Yang Minghang , Sun Luzhen , Liu Qiongxia , Deng Yu , Liu Cheng , Li Nan , Xu Jian , Chen Yousi , Jian Xigao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolypropylene (PP)‐based carbon fibers were prepared by sulfonation process of isotactic PP fibers with concentrated sulfuric acid, followed by stress‐less carbonization under nitrogen atmosphere. The stabilization behaviors of PP fiber under different sulfonation temperatures and time were discussed. The carbonization behavior of the stabilized PP fibers under different carbonization temperatures, as well as the mechanical performance of the obtained carbon fibers were investigated. The results indicated that linear PP molecule were effectively converted into thermally stable structure at higher temperature (≥130°C) in short time (2 h) through sulfonation‐desulfonation reaction, among which ordered graphite structure has been formed prior to the carbonization process. Meanwhile, the carbon fibers were considerably densified by increasing the sulfonation temperature and carbonization temperature, and a bulk density of 1.96 g/cm3 was achieved. Moreover, the temperature and time of the sulfonation process as well as the temperature of the carbonization process were regulated, and carbon fibers with tensile strength of 262.3 MPa was obtained, which was superior to that of 208.1 MPa for the linear low density polyethylene‐based carbon fibers reported previously. Isotactic PP was proved to be a promising candidate to develop carbon fibers with tunable graphite structure and mechanical performance.
Financial assistance and other financial coping strategies after a pediatric cancer diagnosis
Authors: Lin Jackie J. , Evans Erica M. , Praxedes Kathleen , Agrawal Anurag K. , Winestone Lena E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundFamilies experience financial burden and household material hardship (HMH) after a pediatric cancer diagnosis. This study investigates types of financial assistance and other financial coping strategies (FCS) adopted by families during the first year after diagnosis.MethodsRetrospective survey of caregivers of pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer from 2015 to 2019. The survey collected data on demographics, diagnosis, income, HMH, and private, hospital, and government assistance received and other FCS adopted after diagnosis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze FCS by income. Subgroup analysis of families experiencing HMH was used to identify predictors of receiving government assistance.ResultsOf 156 respondents, 52% were low‐to‐middle income, 29% had public insurance, and 22% had non‐English language preference. Low‐to‐middle‐income families were more likely to incur debt (odds ratio [OR] 6.24, p < .001) and reduce consumption (OR 2.16, p = .03) than high‐income families, and this association persisted in multivariable analysis. Among families with housing, food, and energy insecurity, 40%, 70%, and 39%, respectively, received hospital or government assistance specific to the experienced hardship. In subgroup analysis of families with HMH, after adjusting for income and other confounders, non‐English language preference was associated with lower odds of receiving government assistance.ConclusionsAfter a pediatric cancer diagnosis, low‐to‐middle‐income families are more likely to incur debt than high‐income families. Most families experiencing food insecurity received some food assistance, while housing and energy assistance were less common. Future studies should investigate methods to equitably improve access to financial assistance and minimize long‐term financial consequences.
Social determinants of health predict health outcomes following pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Klages Kimberly L. , Schwartz Laura E. , Crabtree Endia J. Santee , Brokamp Cole , Rasnick Erika , Dandoy Christopher E. , Davies Stella M. , Pai Ahna L. H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is an intensive medical procedure that places substantial financial and logistical burdens on families and is associated with significant health risks, such as graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and infections. The influence of the social determinants of health (SDoH) on outcomes following pediatric HCT is understudied. This study aimed to examine whether SDoH predicts outcomes following pediatric HCT.ProcedureData were collected from 84 children who received HCT (Mage = 5.8 years, SD = 3.7) and their primary caregiver. Detailed demographic information was collected from caregivers at baseline, and child health information was extracted from the electronic medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between SDoH and health outcomes within a 24‐month period following pediatric HCT.ResultsAfter controlling for malignancy as reason for transplant and donor type, lower family income predicted the incidence of chronic GVHD. Neighborhood deprivation, total family income, public health insurance, caregiver relationship status, caregiver educational attainment, and perceived family financial difficulties did not predict acute GVHD or the number of infections.ConclusionsTotal family income is a simple family indicator of SDoH that predicts chronic GVHD after pediatric allogeneic HCT. These findings provide further support for the importance of screening of child and family SDoH risks to ensure that fundamental needs can be met to mitigate potential health disparities for up to 2 years following pediatric HCT.
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling of the drug–drug interaction between ivacaftor and lefamulin in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Amiel Magali , Ke Alice , Gelone Steven P. , Jones Hannah M. , Wicha Wolfgang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLefamulin is being evaluated as a treatment for bacterial exacerbations in cystic fibrosis (CF). Ivacaftor is approved for the treatment of patients with CF. Lefamulin is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor and co‐administration with ivacaftor may result in a drug–drug interaction (DDI). A CF population was built based on literature using the Simcyp Simulator. A previously developed and validated physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for ivacaftor was used. A PBPK model for lefamulin was developed and verified. Predicted concentrations and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters for both ivacaftor and lefamulin in healthy subjects and patients with CF were in reasonable agreement with observed data (within 1.4‐fold, majority within 1.25‐fold). The lefamulin model as a CYP3A4 perpetrator was validated using a different Ki value for oral (p.o.) and intravenous (i.v.) routes. The simulated changes in area under the curve of ivacaftor in patients with CF when co‐administered with p.o. and i.v. lefamulin were weak‐to‐moderate. The predicted change in ivacaftor PK when co‐administered with oral lefamulin was less than observed between ivacaftor and fluconazole. These results suggest a low liability for a DDI between lefamulin and ivacaftor in patients with CF.
Building coercive Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals based on Razumikhin and Halanay approaches
Authors: Loko Epiphane , Chaillet Antoine , Karafyllis Iasson 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this article, we provide a systematic and constructive way to build a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional for time‐delay systems whose stability can be established through the Razumikhin or the Halanay approaches. The constructed Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional turns out to be coercive, meaning sandwiched between functions of the state history norm, and to dissipate in terms of the whole history norm. We present these results in the framework of input‐to‐state stability (ISS) in order to further account for the influence of input disturbances. A special emphasis is also given on exponential stability and exponential ISS. We illustrate our findings though the study of a coupled ODE‐PDE model of a chemical reactor, and show that, unlike most results in that area, our approach happens to ensure ISS in terms of the supremum norm of the state.
Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analytical method for the determination of nitrosamine drug substance‐related impurity in sitagliptin base and salts
Authors: Bessa‐Jambrina Sergio , Marlés‐Torres Anna , Galán‐Rodríguez Cristóbal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA reversed‐phase ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method is presented for the quantification of the mutagenic impurity 7‐nitroso‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrazine found in three sitagliptin drug substances (sitagliptin base [SG], sitagliptin hydrochloride monohydrate [SG HCl{H}] salt, and sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate [SG P{H}] salt). A simple and highly sensitive method was developed for SG, SG HCl(H) salt, and SG P(H) salt. Sample preparation was adapted to each product considering solubility, sensitivity, and accuracy issues. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an Acquity HSS T3 column (3.0 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) and a mobile phase consisting of formic acid 0.1% in water combined with methanol. Detection and quantification of the impurity were carried out using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry detection with electrospray ionization in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The limit of detection and limit of quantification was found to be 0.1–0.3 and 10 ppb, respectively. The accuracy and precision of the method were satisfactorily determined with recovery values between 74.1% and 119.4%. Linearity is demonstrated in the range of 10 and 2000 ppb with regression coefficients (R) within the range of 0.9918–0.9972. The method is currently used for the analysis of the mutagenic impurity in the three‐drug substances in the Moehs Group.