Common Descriptors Research Articles

Review Article. Measurement of radiologist reporting times: Assessment of precision, comparison of three different measurement techniques and review of potential applications.

Radiologist reporting times are a key component of radiology department workload assessment, but reliable measurement remains challenging. Currently, there are three contenders for this task: median reporting times (MRTs), extracted directly from a department's radiology information system (RIS); study-ascribed times (SATs), using published tables of individual descriptors derived from a combination of measurement and consensus; and radiology reporting figures (RRFs), using published tables of measured times based on modality and numbers of anatomical areas. We review these techniques, their possible uses and some potential pitfalls. We discuss the level of precision that can realistically be attained in measuring reporting times, and list the strengths and weaknesses of each technique, comparing them in relation to each of eight potential applications. We believe that SATs are challenging for practical use due to their static nature, absent common descriptors and large number. RRFs are more user-friendly but are also static and require ongoing updates; currently, they do not include ultrasound. MRTs cannot currently be extracted from every RIS, but where available they are easy to use and their dynamic nature provides the most objective data. They underestimate the unmeasurable components of a radiologist's work and therefore the total time spent in a reporting session. MRTs are superior to the other methods in flexibility, precision and ease of use. All institutions should have access to this data and we call on vendors of Radiology Information Systems which are currently not capable of providing it to make the necessary modifications.

The Fermi energy as common parameter to describe charge compensation mechanisms: A path to Fermi level engineering of oxide electroceramics

Chemical substitution, which can be iso- or heterovalent, is the primary strategy to tailor material properties. There are various ways how a material can react to substitution. Isovalent substitution changes the density of states while heterovalent substitution, i.e. doping, can induce electronic compensation, ionic compensation, valence changes of cations or anions, or result in the segregation or neutralization of the dopant. While all these can, in principle, occur simultaneously, it is often desirable to select a certain mechanism in order to determine material properties. Being able to predict and control the individual compensation mechanism should therefore be a key target of materials science. This contribution outlines the perspective that this could be achieved by taking the Fermi energy as a common descriptor for the different compensation mechanisms. This generalization becomes possible since the formation enthalpies of the defects involved in the various compensation mechanisms do all depend on the Fermi energy. In order to control material properties, it is then necessary to adjust the formation enthalpies and charge transition levels of the involved defects. Understanding how these depend on material composition will open up a new path for the design of materials by Fermi level engineering.

Head and Neck Cancer-Related Pain: A Descriptive Analysis of the Pain Phenotypes.

This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and prevalence of different painful phenotypes in head and neck cancer (HNC)-related pain. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients who presented with HNC-related pain. All patients underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment and were stratified in one or more painful phenotypes constructed based on the International Classification for Orofacial Pain, first edition, and International Classification for Headache Disorders, third edition. Among the participants included, 68% were male, and the mean age of the cohort was 49.71 ± 14.14 years. The most prevalent cancer sites were the tongue (29%) and buccal mucosa (24%). The average pain intensity was 5.88 ± 2.53 on an 11-point numeric verbal pain rating scale, where 0 was indicative of "no pain" and 10 was suggestive of "worst pain imaginable". However, the worst pain intensity over the last month was 8.95 ± 1.53. The average number of pain sites per patient was 6, and the most common pain descriptors were dull ache, burning, and sharpness. Myofascial pain, jaw bone pain, and burning pain disorder were the most common phenotypes, and on average, three different phenotypes co-existed. HNC-related pain has a varying and complex clinical profile, which may mirror the pain profiles of primary pain disorders, such as myofascial pain, jaw bone pain, or burning pain disorders, and often presents together as a cluster of phenotypes.

Evaluation of the Topology Space of DNA-Encoded Libraries.

DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) are widely used in the discovery of drug candidates, and understanding their design principles is critical for accessing better libraries. Most DELs are combinatorial in nature and are synthesized by assembling sets of building blocks in specific topologies. In this study, different aspects of library topology were explored and their effect on DEL properties and chemical diversity was analyzed. We introduce a descriptor for DEL topological assignment (DELTA) and use it to examine the landscape of possible DEL topologies and their coverage in the literature. A generative topographic mapping analysis revealed that the impact of library topology on chemical space coverage is secondary to building block selection. Furthermore, it became apparent that the descriptor used to analyze chemical space dictates how structures cluster, with the effects of topology being apparent when using three-dimensional descriptors but not with common two-dimensional descriptors. This outcome points to potential challenges of attempts to predict DEL productivity based on chemical space analyses alone. While topology is rather inconsequential for defining the chemical space of encoded compounds, it greatly affects possible interactions with target proteins as illustrated in docking studies using NAD/NADP binding proteins as model receptors.

Are you congested? A comparison of definitions between otolaryngologists and their patients.

To assess for differences of intended meaning in the description of congestion-related symptoms among otolaryngology patients and clinicians. Between June 2020 and October 2022, a questionnaire consisting of 16 common descriptors of congestion-related symptoms within four domains (obstructive-related, pressure-related, mucus-related, and other symptoms) was completed by patients and otolaryngologists at five tertiary otolaryngology practices. The primary outcome was to assess differences in patient and clinician perceptions of congestion-related symptoms. Differences based on geographic location was a secondary outcome. A total of 349 patients and 40 otolaryngologists participated. Patients selected a median of 6.8 (standard deviation [SD] 3.0) terms compared with 4.0 (SD 1.6) terms for otolaryngologists (p<0.001). Otolaryngologists were more likely to select obstruction-related symptoms (difference 6.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8%, 8.9%). Patients were more likely to describe congestion using pressure-related (-43.7%; -58.9%, -28.5%), mucus-related (-43.5%; -59.3%, -27.8%), and other symptoms (-44.2; -51.3%, -37.1%) compared with otolaryngologists. There were no significant differences identified based on geographic location with regard to symptom domains on multivariate analysis. There are differences between otolaryngologists and their patients in the interpretation of the symptoms of congestion. Clinicians tended to have a narrower interpretation of congestion that was limited to the obstruction-related symptom domain, while patients defined congestion more broadly. This has important counseling and communication implications for the clinician.

Advance care plans for vulnerable and disadvantaged adults: systematic review and narrative synthesis

BackgroundEvidence suggests that there is a gap in advance care planning (ACP) completion between vulnerable and disadvantaged populations compared with the general population. This review seeks to identify tools, guidelines...

Lifelong Machine Learning Potentials.

Machine learning potentials (MLPs) trained on accurate quantum chemical data can retain the high accuracy, while inflicting little computational demands. On the downside, they need to be trained for each individual system. In recent years, a vast number of MLPs have been trained from scratch because learning additional data typically requires retraining on all data to not forget previously acquired knowledge. Additionally, most common structural descriptors of MLPs cannot represent efficiently a large number of different chemical elements. In this work, we tackle these problems by introducing element-embracing atom-centered symmetry functions (eeACSFs), which combine structural properties and element information from the periodic table. These eeACSFs are key for our development of a lifelong machine learning potential (lMLP). Uncertainty quantification can be exploited to transgress a fixed, pretrained MLP to arrive at a continuously adapting lMLP, because a predefined level of accuracy can be ensured. To extend the applicability of an lMLP to new systems, we apply continual learning strategies to enable autonomous and on-the-fly training on a continuous stream of new data. For the training of deep neural networks, we propose the continual resilient (CoRe) optimizer and incremental learning strategies relying on rehearsal of data, regularization of parameters, and the architecture of the model.

Learning modality-invariant binary descriptor for crossing palmprint to palm-vein recognition

Palmprint has shown promising potential for biometrics recognition due to its excellent contactless and hygienic properties. However, most existing methods focus only on feature learning of unimodal palmprint images leading to the challenge of palmprint recognition crossing different modalities. In this paper, we propose a modality-invariant binary features learning (MIBFL) method for crossing palmprint to palm-vein recognition, where palm images are captured under visible and invisible near-infrared illumination, respectively. We first map the multiple modal palm images into their high-dimensional alignment representation to reduce the impact of misalignment and noise between different image modalities. Then, we simultaneously learn the discriminative features from different modalities of alignment images via matrix factorization by enforcing the orthogonal and balanced constraints. Lastly, we jointly learn a pair of encoding functions to project multi-modal palm features into the common binary feature descriptor for crossing palmprint to palm-vein recognition. Experimental results on the widely used PolyU multi-spectral palmprint database are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MIBFL method.

DFT potentials from a chemical perspective: Anatomy of electron (de)localization in molecules and crystals.

We introduce a fermionic potential, , as a comprehensive measure of electron (de)localization in atomic-molecular systems. Unlike other common descriptors as ELF, LOL, etc., it characterizes all physical effects responsible for (de)localization of electrons, namely: an exchange hole depth, its tendency to change, a sensitivity of an exchange correlation hidden in a pair density and kinetic potential to local variations in electron density. Wells in the distribution correspond to the domains of maximum electron localization, while the potential's barriers prevent delocalization of electrons through them. It also estimates bond orders and successfully reveals the impact of chemical modifications or environmental effects on the delocalization of electrons in molecules and crystals. The components provide a unique opportunity to compare the influence of the mentioned physical effects on electron (de)localization. This merges physical and chemical views of electron delocalization using functions appearing in density functional theory.

A pilot study to improve pain phenotyping in head and neck cancer patients.

Pain associated with head and neck cancer (HNC) is difficult to manage and reduces quality of life. It has been increasingly recognized that HNC patients exhibit a wide range of pain symptoms. Here we developed an orofacial pain assessment questionnaire and conducted a pilot study to improve pain phenotyping in HNC patients at the diagnosis. The questionnaire captures the following pain characteristics: pain intensity, location, quality, duration, and frequency; the impact of pain on daily activities; changes in smell and food sensitivities. Twenty-five HNC patients completed the questionnaire. 88% patients reported pain at the site of tumor; 36% reported multiple pain sites. All patients with pain reported at least one neuropathic pain (NP) descriptor, 54.5% reported at least two NP descriptors. The most common descriptors were "burning" and "pins and needles". Most patients reported increased pain to sour or hot/spicy food/drinks, and to food with coarse/hard textures. Patients exhibited impaired oral function, especially chewing, talking, mouth/jaw opening, and eating. Tumor progression has a significant impact on pain. Nodal metastasis is linked to pain at multiple body sites. Patients with advanced tumor staging experience greater pain at the primary tumor site, when exposed to hot or spicy food/drinks or food with hard/coarse texture, or when eating or chewing. We conclude that HNC patients experience a wide range of pain symptoms with altered mechanical, chemical, and temperature sensation. Improved phenotyping and stratification of pain in HNC patients will help address the underlying etiology, which may enable personalized therapeutic approaches in the future.

The ABC of Generalized Coordination Numbers and Their Use as a Descriptor in Electrocatalysis.

The quest for enhanced electrocatalysts can be boosted by descriptor-based analyses. Because adsorption energies are the most common descriptors, electrocatalyst design is largely based on brute-force routines that comb materials databases until an energetic criterion is verified. In this review, it is shown that an alternative is provided by generalized coordination numbers (denoted by or GCN), an inexpensive geometric descriptor for strained and unstrained transition metals and some alloys. captures trends in adsorption energies on both extended surfaces and nanoparticles and is used to elaborate structure-sensitive electrocatalytic activity plots and selectivity maps. Importantly, outlines the geometric configuration of the active sites, thereby enabling an atom-by-atom design, which is not possible using energetic descriptors. Specific examples for various adsorbates (e.g., *OH, *OOH, *CO, and *H), metals (e.g., Pt and Cu), and electrocatalytic reactions (e.g., O2 reduction, H2 evolution, CO oxidation, and reduction) are presented, and comparisons are made against other descriptors.

Renal function estimating equations performance during pregnancy and postpartum.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of renal function estimating equations compared to measured creatinine clearance (CrCl) during pregnancy and postpartum and to evaluate which body weight (pre-pregnancy weight (PPW), actual body weight (ABW), and ideal body weight (IBW)) provides the best performance. A retrospective study. Collections tookplace in the University of Washington clinical research unit. Women (n = 166) who completed ≥1 pharmacokinetic (PK) study with a 6-24 h measured CrCl during pregnancy and/or ≥3 months postpartum were included. CrCl was estimated utilizing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and CrCl equations with common weight descriptors. Analyses included Bland-Altman, relative accuracies within 10% and 25%, and root mean squared error (RMSE). Overall performance was determined by summation of rank for evaluation parameters. During pregnancy, correlations between measured CrCl and estimated CrCl were between 0.5-0.8; equations with slopes closest to one were Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD2; PPW and ABW) and Cockcroft-Gault (CG) (PPW); and y-intercept closest to zero was Preeclampsia Glomerular Filtration Rate (PGFR). The lowest bias was seen with CG (ABW), and the highest accuracy within 25% was CG (ABW). CG (PPW) had the lowest RMSE. Postpartum, the best correlation was found with MDRD2 (PPW), Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI (ABW)), and CKD-EPI 2021 (PPW). For slopes closest to one, MDRD2 (ABW) was best, whereas the equation with y-intercept closest to zero was CKD-EPI (ABW). CG (PPW) had the highest accuracy within 25%, and 100/serum creatinine (SCr) had the lowest bias. Based on overall performance, CG (PPW) was the best followed by CG (ABW) and PGFR during pregnancy and 100/SCr followed by CG (PPW) and CG (ABW) postpartum. The new CKD-EPI 2021 equation did not perform well during pregnancy. When 24-h CrCls are not available during pregnancy, CG (PPW or ABW) performed the best overall, whereas at 3 months postpartum, 100/SCr performed the best overall.

Survival of Single Immediate Implants and Reasons for Loss: A Systematic Review

Background: Immediate implant placement (IIP) or Type I implants have become more attractive than conventional implant placements as it reduces the number of surgical procedures and allows faster delivery of the final restoration compared to conventional implant placements. However, the survival of Type I implants varies depending on multiple factors. Purpose: To evaluate the survival rate of Type I implants, and to describe the factors influencing their failure. Materials and methods: A developed search strategy was applied to identify randomised controlled trials on single-unit immediate implants including at least six human participants with a minimum follow-up time of 12 months and published between 1 January 1999 and 1 January 2020 in several databases. The data were extracted independently using validated data extraction forms. Information on survival rates, number of implants placed, loading protocols, setting of the study, location of implants in the jaw, antibiotic protocol, grafting methods, and implant geometry were obtained and assessed. Results: Twenty-six randomised controlled trials with an average follow-up time of 24 months (range = 12–120 months) were included and analysed to give a survival rate ranging between 83.7 and 100%. Fifteen studies reported implant failures, of which twelve reported early losses (loss before definitive restoration). Nine early losses were due to lack of osseointegration, two did not report the reason for implant failure, and one was reported as iatrogenic. Of the eleven studies with 100% survival rates, the common trend observed was the use of titanium implants and an antibiotic regimen using amoxicillin. Conclusions: The survival rate for immediate single implant placement ranged from 83.7 to 100%. Implant failure was not consistently reported and when reported, failure due to lack of osseointegration prior to placement of the definitive restoration was the most common descriptor. Other attributed reasons included infection abscess, mobility after immediate loading, and iatrogenic complications.

Layperson Perception of Reflux-Related Symptoms.

To assess for differences of intended meaning in the description of reflux-related symptoms among otolaryngology patients and clinicians. Cross-sectional survey-based study. Five tertiary, academic otolaryngology practices. Between June 2020 and July 2022, a questionnaire consisting of 20 common descriptors of reflux-related symptoms within four domains (throat-, chest-, stomach-, and sensory-related symptoms) was completed by patients. Attending otolaryngologists at five academic medical centers then completed the same survey. The primary outcome was to assess differences in patient and clinician perceptions of reflux-related symptoms. Differences based on geographic location was a secondary outcome. A total of 324 patients and 27 otolaryngologists participated. Patients selected a median of six terms compared with 10.5 for otolaryngologists (p < .001). Otolaryngologists were more likely to select sensory symptoms (difference: 35.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.2%, 52.4%), throat-related symptoms (32.4%; 21.2, 43.6%), and chest-related symptoms (12.4%; 8.8, 15.9). Otolaryngologists and patients were equally likely to consider stomach symptoms as related to reflux (4.0%, -3.7%, 11.7%). No significant differences were identified based on geographic location. There are differences between otolaryngologists and their patients in the interpretation of the symptoms of reflux. Patients tended to have a narrower interpretation of reflux with symptoms primarily limited to classic stomach-related symptoms, while clinicians tended to have a broader definition of reflux that included extra-esophageal manifestations of disease. This has important counseling implications for the clinician, as patients presenting with reflux symptoms may not comprehend the relationship of those symptoms to reflux disease.

A pilot study to develop assessment tools for Group A Streptococcus surveillance studies.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes pharyngitis (sore throat) and impetigo (skin sores) GAS pharyngitis triggers rheumatic fever (RF) with epidemiological evidence supporting that GAS impetigo may also trigger RF in Australian Aboriginal children. Understanding the concurrent burden of these superficial GAS infections is critical to RF prevention. This pilot study aimed to trial tools for concurrent surveillance of sore throats and skins sore for contemporary studies of RF pathogenesis including development of a sore throat checklist for Aboriginal families and pharynx photography. Yarning circle conversations and semi-structured interviews were performed with Aboriginal caregivers and used to develop the language and composition of a sore throat checklist. The sore throat story checklist was combined with established methods of GAS pharyngitis and impetigo surveillance (examination, bacteriological culture, rapid antigen detection and serological tests) and new technologies (photography) and used for a pilot cross-sectional surveillance study of Aboriginal children attending their health clinic for a routine appointment. Feasibility, acceptability, and study costs were compiled. Ten Aboriginal caregivers participated in the sore-throat yarning circles; a checklist was derived from predominant symptoms and their common descriptors. Over two days, 21 Aboriginal children were approached for the pilot surveillance study, of whom 17 were recruited; median age was 9 years [IQR 5.5-13.5], 65% were female. One child declined throat swabbing and three declined finger pricks; all other surveillance elements were completed by each child indicating high acceptability of surveillance assessments. Mean time for screening assessment was 19 minutes per child. Transport of clinical specimens enabled gold standard microbiological and serological testing for GAS. Retrospective examination of sore throat photography concorded with assessments performed on the day. Yarning circle conversations were effective in deriving culturally appropriate sore throat questionnaires for GAS pharyngitis surveillance. New and established tools were feasible, practical and acceptable to participants and enable surveillance to determine the burden of superficial GAS infections in communities at high risk of RF. Surveillance of GAS pharyngitis and impetgio in remote Australia informs primary RF prevention with potential global translation.

Yam Grounds and Sugar Time: A Contrapuntal Reading of Mansfield Park

In Mansfield Park, Fanny Price's journey to gentility parallels Sir Thomas Bertram's journey to Antigua. They are, in fact, two sides of the same coin. The plot centers on growth and refining—both in training Fanny to become a marriageable young lady and in addressing sugar production issues on Sir Thomas's Antigua estate. Fanny must undergo a process to become "sweet" (her most common descriptor) just as surely as the plantation sugar cane on which her fortunes depend. This essay offers a contrapuntal reading of Austen's novel, reading Fanny's growth in terms of sugar refining and yam growth in the Caribbean.

Helping Surgeons’ Hands: A Biomechanical Evaluation of Ergonomic Instruments

"Ergonomic" is a common descriptor for a desk or computer workspace but is a term rarely used to describe a surgical instrument. Instead, surgeons spend many hours in inconvenient positions, often using instruments that are not ergonomic. Improving the ergonomics of surgical instruments may decrease the required force for simple tasks and allow for more efficient surgery. To evaluate the impact of ergonomic surgical instruments, the authors developed ergonomic screwdriver handles. The shape and size of these handles were engineered using previous dental studies and 3-dimensional modeling to create an ideal handle for specific glove sizes. Participants were recruited to test 3 different ergonomic handle sizes against a standard screwdriver while assessing digital peak force, digital contact area, and participant preference. Ten participants (3 women) with glove sizes ranging from 6 to 8 were evaluated. Ergonomic screwdriver handles sized for glove sizes 6 and 7 required significantly less thumb peak force than the standard screwdriver for all participants (702 N for glove size 6 and 567 N for glove size 7 ergonomic screwdrivers, vs 1780 N for "one size fits all" standard screwdriver). Participants consistently preferred screwdrivers that required lower thumb and index finger forces. All ergonomic handles required lower thumb and index finger force. Eighty percent of participants preferred a screwdriver modeled within 1 glove size of their own. Improved ergonomic handles require less force and are preferred by surgeons. The significant decrease in thumb peak force for glove sizes 6 and 7 suggests that there is room for ergonomic improvement in instruments, especially for surgeons with smaller hands. Manufacturing ergonomic screwdriver handles and using the evolving convenience of 3-dimensional printing may help to develop a more comfortable work environment for surgeons.

Fractals for an ethnography of time and addiction: Recursive and self-similar temporalities in heroin and poly-substance use.

Drawing on both mathematical and anthropological understandings of fractality, this paper explores alternative perspectives of time as it relates to heroin addiction and poly-substance use in Scotland. The paper ethnographically illustrates temporalities which confound typical conceptualizations of linearity, and which can be better understood as fractal. Senses of linear time are disrupted for people who use heroin through intensive poly-substance use, an increasing trend in Scotland, as both time and memory become fragmented beyond coherence or re-assemblage. Distortedness and complexity being common descriptors applied to mathematical fractals, time shattered into uncountable and un-interpretable fragments similarly connotes fracture, dissonance, and distortion. A meaningful engagement with fractal theory contains the potential to open up new vocabulary, imagery, and theoretical avenues with which to grasp complex and non-linear time experience. The aims of the paper are, therefore, twofold; to both provide a nuanced ethnographic exploration of substance use time, and to develop a reflexive analytical framework for temporal experience through fractals.

Awkward but so what: Differences in social trait preferences between autistic and non-autistic adults

Autistic and non-autistic observers form less favorable impressions of autistic adults relative to non-autistic adults, yet only non-autistic adults report lower interest in socially interacting with them. This discrepancy may relate to differences in how autistic and non-autistic people value and interpret social traits, with autistic people viewing characteristics such as “awkwardness” in neutral or positive terms rather than as a deterrent to interaction. Here, 24 autistic adults and 24 non-autistic adults rated themselves on 20 traits, their preferences for these traits in others, and their perception of them in an “average” person. Autistic participants rated themselves as more awkward, less socially keen, and less socially “normal” than non-autistic participants. Self-ratings and preferences in others correlated on three attributes—awkward, socially keen, and socially “normal”—with the autistic group demonstrating a large effect ( r = .70) for partners similar to their self-perception of “normal”. Collectively, these findings suggest that common social descriptors like awkward have different appeals for autistic people and should not be universally assumed to be undesirable characteristics. Future studies should seek to replicate these findings with larger and more diverse samples and more established measures.

GRACE AND REDEMPTION: EXPLORING DEATH IN FLANNERY O’CONNOR’S 'A GOOD MAN IS HARD TO FIND

Introduction: This paper aims to analyze Flannery O’Connor’s stories as recurring narratives where sickness transforms ordinary people into virtuous individuals. Sickness, in O’Connor’s works, is portrayed as a blessing, a perspective the author herself endorsed. This study examines O’Connor’s personal battle with the disease that ultimately claimed her life to support this view. Methodology: Contrary to the common critical descriptors of O’Connor’s work such as Southern, Catholic, or Grotesque this paper adopts a systematic approach. This method does not simplify her work but rather enriches its complexity and depth. Results/Findings: Through a detailed analysis of O’Connor’s short stories, the paper reveals her unique personal theology. Despite the grim scenarios depicted in her tales, filled with violence and despair O’Connor's underlying message is one of profound optimism. Her writing illustrates that redemption and revelation are closely tied to an awareness of mortality, which sickness uniquely brings. Future Direction: O’Connor’s work suggests that true transformation and spiritual enlightenment come through the acknowledgment of death's inevitability, a realization often catalyzed by illness. Future research could further explore the relationship between suffering and redemption in her narratives, offering deeper insights into her theological perspective and its broader implications.