bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visualization and comparison of CT dose distribution between axial and helical acquisitions
Authors: Yang Kai , Li Xinhua , Yu Lifeng , Li Baojun , Marschall Theodore A. , Liu Bob 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundIt is challenging to assess the accuracy of volume CT Dose Index (CTDIvol) when the axial scan modes corresponding to a helical scan protocol are not available. An alternative approach was proposed to directly measure using helical acquisitions and relatively small differences (< 20%) from CTDIvol were observed.PurposeTo visually demonstrate the 3D dose distribution for both axial and helical CT acquisitions and quantitively compare and CTDIvol.Methods3D dose distribution within the standard CTDI phantoms (16 and 32 cm diameter) from a single CT projection, Dp(x,y,z) was first generated using Monte Carlo simulation (GEANT4) with 9×108 photons per combination of tube voltage (80–140 kV), collimation width (1–8 cm), and z‐axis location of the central ray of the x‐ray beam, with a spatial resolution of 1 mm3. These dose distributions from one single projection were analytically ensembled to simulate 3D dose volumes DA(x,y,z) and DH(x,y,z) for axial and helical scans, respectively, with different helical pitches (0.3–2) and scan lengths (100–150 mm). 2D planar dose distributions were obtained by integrating the inside 100 mm of the dose volumes. CTDIvol and were calculated using the planar dose data at corresponding pencil chamber locations and the percentage differences (PD) were reported.ResultsHigh spatial resolution 3D CT dose volumes were generated and visualized. PDs between and CTDIvol had strong dependency on scan length and peripheral chamber locations, with subtle dependency on collimation width and pitch. PDs were mostly within the range of ± 3% for a scan length of 150 mm with four peripheral chamber locations.ConclusionsWith a scan length covering the entire phantom length, directly measured from helical scans can serve as an alternative to CTDIvol only if all four peripheral locations were measured.
Deep learning–based Lorentzian fitting of water saturation shift referencing spectra in MRI
Authors: Mohammed Ali Sajad , Yadav Nirbhay N. , Wirestam Ronnie , Singh Munendra , Heo Hye‐Young , van Zijl Peter C. , Knutsson Linda 
Published: June 2023

PurposeWater saturation shift referencing (WASSR) Z‐spectra are used commonly for field referencing in chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI. However, their analysis using least‐squares (LS) Lorentzian fitting is time‐consuming and prone to errors because of the unavoidable noise in vivo. A deep learning–based single Lorentzian Fitting Network (sLoFNet) is proposed to overcome these shortcomings.MethodsA neural network architecture was constructed and its hyperparameters optimized. Training was conducted on a simulated and in vivo–paired data sets of discrete signal values and their corresponding Lorentzian shape parameters. The sLoFNet performance was compared with LS on several WASSR data sets (both simulated and in vivo 3T brain scans). Prediction errors, robustness against noise, effects of sampling density, and time consumption were compared.ResultsLS and sLoFNet performed comparably in terms of RMS error and mean absolute error on all in vivo data with no statistically significant difference. Although the LS method fitted well on samples with low noise, its error increased rapidly when increasing sample noise up to 4.5%, whereas the error of sLoFNet increased only marginally. With the reduction of Z‐spectral sampling density, prediction errors increased for both methods, but the increase occurred earlier (at 25 vs. 15 frequency points) and was more pronounced for LS. Furthermore, sLoFNet performed, on average, 70 times faster than the LS‐method.ConclusionComparisons between LS and sLoFNet on simulated and in vivo WASSR MRI Z‐spectra in terms of robustness against noise and decreased sample resolution, as well as time consumption, showed significant advantages for sLoFNet.
B1+$$ {\mathrm{B}}_1^{+} $$ inhomogeneity correction of volumetric brain NOEMTR via high permittivity dielectric padding at 7 T
Authors: Jacobs Paul S. , Benyard Blake , Cao Quy , Swain Anshuman , Wilson Neil , Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , Tisdall M. Dylan , Detre John , Elliott Mark A. , Haris Mohammad , Reddy Ravinder 
Published: June 2023

PurposeNuclear Overhauser effect magnetization transfer ratio (NOEMTR) is a technique used to investigate brain lipids and macromolecules in greater detail than other techniques and benefits from increased contrast at 7 T. However, this contrast can become degraded because of inhomogeneities present at ultra‐high field strengths. High‐permittivity dielectric pads (DP) have been used to correct for these inhomogeneities via displacement currents generating secondary magnetic fields. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate that dielectric pads can be used to mitigate inhomogeneities and improve NOEMTR contrast in the temporal lobes at 7 T.MethodsPartial 3D NOEMTR contrast images and whole brain field maps were acquired on a 7 T MRI across six healthy subjects. Calcium titanate DP, having a relative permittivity of 110, was placed next to the subject's head near the temporal lobes. Pad corrected NOEMTR images had a separate postprocessing linear correction applied.ResultsDP provided supplemental to the temporal lobes while also reducing the magnitude across the posterior and superior regions of the brain. This resulted in a statistically significant increase in NOEMTR contrast in substructures of the temporal lobes both with and without linear correction. The padding also produced a convergence in NOEMTR contrast toward approximately equal mean values.ConclusionNOEMTR images showed significant improvement in temporal lobe contrast when DP were used, which resulted from an increase in homogeneity across the entire brain slab. DP‐derived improvements in NOEMTR are expected to increase the robustness of the brain substructural measures both in healthy and pathological conditions.
The relationship between body mass index and sleep in women with risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Reyes Pamela Acosta , Immanuel Jincy , Hague William M. , Teede Helena , Hibbert Emily , Nolan Christopher J. , Peek Michael J. , Wong Vincent , Flack Jeffrey R. , McLean Mark , Dalal Raiyomand , Harreiter Jürgen , Kautzky–Willer Alexandra , Rajagopal Rohit , Sweeting Arianne , Ross Glynis P. , Cheung Ngai Wah , Simmons David 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundBoth obesity and sleep disorders are common among women during pregnancy. Although prior research has identified a relationship between obesity and sleep disorders, those findings are from women later in pregnancy.ObjectiveTo explore the relationships between self‐reported sleep duration, insufficient sleep and snoring with body mass index (BMI) among multiethnic women at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)in early pregnancy.MethodsCross‐sectional study of baseline data from women at risk of GDM enrolled in the Treatment of BOoking Gestational diabetes Mellitus (TOBOGM) multicentre trial across 12 Australian/Austrian sites. Participants completed a questionnaire before 20 weeks’ gestation to evaluate sleep. BMI <25 kg/m2 served as the reference group in multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAmong the 2865 women included, the prevalence of overweight and obesity classes I‐III was 28%, 19%, 11% and 12%, respectively. There was no relationship between sleep duration and BMI. The risk of insufficient sleep >5 days/month was higher in class II and class III obesity (1.38 (1.03–1.85) and 1.34 (1.01–1.80), respectively), and the risk of snoring increased as BMI increased (1.59 (1.25–2.02), 2.68 (2.07–3.48), 4.35 (3.21–5.88) to 4.96 (3.65–6.74), respectively)).ConclusionsObesity is associated with insufficient sleep among pregnant women at risk of GDM. Snoring is more prevalent with increasing BMI.
A pilot study evaluating the use of sirolimus in children and young adults with desmoid‐type fibromatosis
Authors: Weiss Aaron R. , Dry Sarah , Maygar Clara , Cutler Anya , Lary Christine W. , Khoo Carmen , Fergione Jillian E. , Hounchell Melanie M. , Glick Kathleen , Browning Meghen , Choo Sun Ha , Hawkins Douglas S. , Lagmay Joanne , Manalang Michelle , Skapek Stephen X. , Weigel Brenda , Verwys Stephanie , Federman Noah 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDeregulation of the mTOR pathway may play an important role in tumor biology when the APC/β‐catenin pathway is disrupted in desmoid‐type fibromatosis (DT). A pilot study was conducted to determine whether sirolimus can block the mTOR pathway (primary aim) as well as determine whether it can safely be given in the preoperative setting, decrease tumor size/recurrence, and decrease tumor‐associated pain in children and young adults (secondary aims) with DT. Nine subjects ages 5–28 years were enrolled from 2014 to 2017 across four centers. Sirolimus was feasible and was associated with a nonstatistically significant decrease in pS706K activation.
Mechanical properties of carbon‐aramid hybrid fiber‐reinforced epoxy/poly(vinyl butyral) composites
Authors: Çakir Mustafa , Akin Emre , Renda Gökhan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCurrently, it is important to manufacture fiber‐reinforced epoxy matrix composites with high impact resistance besides their high strength and modulus values for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and aviation due to the brittle structure of epoxy. In this regard, we found the attractive results of the 0.5 wt% poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB)‐containing epoxy blend in terms of strength, Young's modulus, and impact resistance. These results substantially motivated us to manufacture fiber‐reinforced advanced epoxy/PVB matrix composites with 30–60 vol% carbon‐aramid fiber ratios. Flexural (three‐point bending) and tensile tests were performed to obtain strength and modulus values by measuring the force required to break the fiber‐reinforced composite specimens and elongation at break points. Interlaminar shear strength tests were performed by the short beam bending method by measuring the resistance of the composite to delamination. The Charpy impact test was used to measure the energy absorbed during crack formation and fracture propagation. The composites with PVB were generally superior to those without PVB (EPCs). Two types of findings were observed. First, PVB increased the tensile and flexural strength values substantially for the 30 and 40 vol% ratios, but the modulus values slightly decreased. Second, PVB also substantially increased the modulus values for the 50 vol% ratio besides the strength values. It was thought that this result could be attributed to the increase in the compatibility of the fiber/matrix for the 50 vol% ratio. These decreases for EPCs could be derived from the micro‐cracks and weaker interface between fiber and matrix.
Comprehensive properties study of polyimide with fluorinated nanofillers
Authors: Zhang Jialin , Lai Xingwang , Li Jinhui , Wang Tao , Shan Liang , Niu Fangfang , Zhang Guoping , Sun Rong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThere is an increasing demand for polyimide (PI) with excellent mechanical properties, good heat resistance, and low dielectric constant in integrated circuits and advanced packaging. Based on this, we report a strategy of tailoring the PI via fluorinated nanofillers modification to improve its mechanical properties, heat resistance, hydrophobicity, and reduce its dielectric constant. Specifically, different fluorinated nanofiller, including fluorinated graphene (FG), fluorinated carbon nanotubes (FCNT), fluorinated carbon black (FCB), and fluorinated graphene quantum dots (FGQD) were introduced into PI matrix to prepared composite films by a simple method of in‐situ polymerization, and the effect of different nanofillers on the properties of polyimide was systematically investigated. The results showed that the introduction of fluorinated nanofillers significantly improved the comprehensive performance of the composite films, especially the FGQD. FGQD/PI composite film with 0.5 wt% FGQD exhibits superior tensile strength (145.8 MPa), Young's modulus (2.83 GPa) and elongation at break (45.4%) the best comprehensive performance which are 10.0%, 19.4%, and 32.0% of those of pure PI, respectively. Most importantly, the FGQD/PI composite film shows decreased dielectric constant (from 3.38 to 2.93) at 1 MHz improved hydrophobicity and excellent heat resistance. The FGQD/PI composite film exhibits excellent comprehensive performance, thereby showing the potential in the future development of advanced packaging and microelectronics industry.
Heterogeneity after harmonisation: A retrospective cohort study of bleeding and stroke risk after the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants in four Western European countries
Authors: Komen J. J. , Hunt N. B. , Pottegård A. , Hjemdahl P. , Wettermark B. , Olesen M. , Bennie M. , Mueller T. , Carragher R. , Karlstad Ø. , Kjerpeseth L. J. , Klungel O. H. , Forslund T. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPurposeDatabase heterogeneity can impact effect estimates. Harmonisation provided by common protocols and common data models (CDMs) can increase the validity of pharmacoepidemiologic research. In a case study measuring the changes in the safety and effectiveness of stroke prevention therapy after the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), we performed an international comparison.MethodsUsing data from Stockholm, Denmark, Scotland and Norway, harmonised with a common protocol and CDM, two calendar‐based cohorts were created: 2012 and 2017. Patients with a diagnosis code of atrial fibrillation 5 years preceding the 1‐year cohort window were included. DOAC, vitamin K antagonist and aspirin treatment were assessed in the 6 months prior to the start of each year while strokes and bleeds were assessed during the year. A Poisson regression generated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) to compare outcomes from 2017 to 2012 adjusted for changes in individual‐level baseline characteristics.ResultsIn 280 359 patients in the 2012 cohort and 356 779 in the 2017 cohort, treatment with OACs increased on average from 45% to 65%, while treatment with aspirin decreased from 30% to 10%. In all countries except Scotland, there were decreases in the risk of stroke and no changes in bleeding risk, after adjustment for changes in baseline characteristics. In Scotland, major bleeding (IRR 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.00; 1.18]) and intracranial haemorrhage (IRR 1.31, 95% CI [1.13; 1.52]) increased from 2012 to 2017.ConclusionsStroke prevention therapy improved from 2012 to 2017 with a corresponding reduction in stroke risk without increasing the risk of bleeding in all countries, except Scotland. The heterogeneity that remains after methodological harmonisation can be informative of the underlying population and database.
Membrane material based on acrylic emulsion and terry cloth for medical drapes
Authors: Rafikov Adham Salimovich , Shirinova Mamura Xikmatullayevna , Nigmatova Fotima Usmonovna , Abdusamatova Dilfuza Ozotovna 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWaterproof “breathable” membrane materials were obtained using acrylic emulsion for the polymer layer and cotton terry cloth for the textile layer. Excellent physical, mechanical, and hygienic properties of polymer‐textile materials obtained by spraying the emulsion on the wrong side of the terry cloth, allow them to be used for medical and prophylactic bed linen. The resulting materials absorb a large amount of water (350%–366%), at the same time do not let liquid water through (water resistance—395–470 mm ), but have sufficient air and vapor permeability. The water‐absorbing and membrane properties of the obtained materials are due to their nature (hydrophilicity of cellulose fibers, hydrophobicity of polymethylacrylate) and structure (terry weaving of a textile fabric, the presence of micropores). Scanning electron microscope studies of the surface and cross section showed the capillary‐porous structure of the polymer layer and the material as a whole. When spraying an acrylic emulsion, a continuous polymer film is not formed; a hydrophobic polymer layer is located on the surface of individual fibers of a textile fabric. Another important advantage of the obtained membrane materials is that their water absorption, water resistance, and “breathing” properties are preserved after repeated washings.
Functional improvements of patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility after bilateral lung transplant due to severe COVID‐19 pulmonary disease
Authors: Goodman Daniel A. , Jensen Alexandra , Fahey Kyle , Walaszek Erin , Vail Caroline , Nassiri Kian , Jayabalan Prakash , Oswald Matthew , Rydberg Leslie 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has introduced a new subset of patients with acute end‐stage lung damage for which lung transplantation has been successfully performed.ObjectiveTo describe the inpatient rehabilitation course of patients who underwent bilateral lung transplant due to severe COVID‐19 pulmonary disease.DesignRetrospective chart review.SettingFree‐standing, academic, urban inpatient rehabilitation hospital.ParticipantsSeventeen patients aged 28–67 years old (mean 53.9 ± 10.7) who developed COVID‐19 respiratory failure and underwent bilateral lung transplant.InterventionsPatients participated in a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program including physical, occupational, and speech therapy tailored to the unique functional needs of each individual.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome measures of functional improvements, include mobility and self‐care scores on section GG of the Functional Abilities and Goals of the Improving Post‐Acute Care Transformation Act, as defined as quality measures by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Other functional measures included 6 minute walk test, Berg balance scale, Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA), and Cognition and Memory Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores. Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used to evaluate statistical significance of change between admission and discharge scores.ResultsFourteen patients completed inpatient rehabilitation. Self‐care (GG0130) mean score improved from 20.9 to 36.1. Mobility (GG0170) mean score improved from 30.7 to 70.7. Mean 6‐minute walk distance improved from 174.1 to 467.6 feet. Mean Berg balance scores improved from 18.6/56 to 36.3/56. MASA scores improved from 171.3 to 182.3. All functional measures demonstrated statistically significant improvements with p value ≤ .008, except for cognition and memory FIM scores, which did not show a statistically significant difference. A majority (76%) of patients discharged home.ConclusionThis new and unique patient population can successfully participate in a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program and achieve functional improvements despite medical complications.
Oviposition substrate location by the invasive woodwasp Sirex noctilio: the combined effect of chemical cues emitted by its obligate symbiont Amylostereum areolatum and different host‐tree species
Authors: Masagué Santiago , Fernández Patricia C. , Devescovi Francisco , Segura Diego F. , De La Vega Gerardo J. , Corley Juan C. , Villacide José M. , Martínez Andrés S. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDSirex noctilio is an invasive forest wasp that affects pines and can result in severe economic losses. The use of semiochemicals offers an opportunity to develop sensitive and specific capturing systems to mitigatenegative impacts. Previous research showed that female S. noctilio would use volatiles emitted by its fungal symbiont, Amylostereum areolatum, but little is known about how these modulate behaviour when combined with pine‐wood emissions. Our aim was to understand the relevance of fungal volatiles grown on artificial media and wood from two hosts trees, Pinus contorta and Pinus ponderosa, on behavioural and electroantennographic responses of wasp females. Because background odours can modify an insect's response towards resource‐indicating semiochemicals, we propose that the behaviour towards the symbiont (resource) will be modulated by host pine emissions (background odours).RESULTSOlfactometric assays showed that both host species with fungus were attractive when contrasted against air (P. contorta versus Air, χ2 = 12.19, P < 0.001; P. ponderosa versus Air, χ2 = 20.60, P < 0.001) and suggest a clear hierarchy in terms of female preferences towards the tested stimuli, with response highest towards the fungus grown on P. contorta (olfactory preference index: 5.5). Electrophysiological analyses indicate that females detect 62 volatile compounds from the tested sources.CONCLUSIONResults indicate a strong synergy between symbiont and host semiochemicals, suggesting that the pine species could play a fundamental role in the interaction. Further understanding of the chemical basis of this, could guide the development of specific and attractive lures, in order to maximize attraction of wasps in surveillance programmes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Traversability analysis for autonomous driving in complex environment: A LiDAR‐based terrain modeling approach
Authors: Xue Hanzhang , Fu Hao , Xiao Liang , Fan Yiming , Zhao Dawei , Dai Bin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractFor autonomous driving, traversability analysis is one of the most basic and essential tasks. In this paper, we propose a novel LiDAR‐based terrain modeling approach, which could output stable, complete, and accurate terrain models and traversability analysis results. As terrain is an inherent property of the environment that does not change with different view angles, our approach adopts a multiframe information fusion strategy for terrain modeling. Specifically, a normal distributions transform mapping approach is adopted to accurately model the terrain by fusing information from consecutive LiDAR frames. Then the spatial‐temporal Bayesian generalized kernel inference and bilateral filtering are utilized to promote the stability and completeness of the results while simultaneously retaining the sharp terrain edges. Based on the terrain modeling results, the traversability of each region is obtained by performing geometric connectivity analysis between neighboring terrain regions. Experimental results show that the proposed method could run in real‐time and outperforms state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Meaningful participation of schools in scientific research through contributory citizen science projects
Authors: Atias Osnat , Kali Yael , Shavit Ayelet , Baram‐Tsabari Ayelet 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSchool‐based citizen science offers a way for students and teachers to collaborate with scientists and take part in multiple facets of research such as data collection and analysis, and sometimes research initiation, co‐design, and reporting of findings. However, most citizen science projects offered to schools are of the contributory type, often regarded as a lesser form of participation since the role of nonscientific participants lies mostly in data collection. The current study set out to examine the potential of contributory projects to afford—despite their limitations—more equitable power relations between schools and scientists and a meaningful participation of schools in scientific research. We view meaningful participation as such that embodies students' and teachers' responsibility over scientific processes or outcomes. Nine pairs of teachers and scientists who collaborated in contributory‐based projects were asked to think aloud as they answered a questionnaire regarding their experiences, resulting with rich commentary on how they perceived relationships between the schools and the scientists. Analysis of the think‐aloud data, using a framework based on the notion of reciprocity in university‐community partnerships, indicated that most teachers and scientists developed a sense of reciprocal relations where both sides are acknowledged contributors, some even deeply so. We discuss factors influencing the emergence of reciprocity and implications towards the premise of school‐based citizen science to democratize science and change traditional power relations in school‐based citizen science collaborations.