Difference In Time Research Articles

SAGAbg. II. The Low-mass Star-forming Sequence Evolves Significantly between 0.05 < z < 0.21

The redshift-dependent relation between galaxy stellar mass and star formation rate (SFR), known as the star-forming sequence (SFS), is a key observational yardstick for galaxy assembly. We use the SAGAbg-A sample of background galaxies from the Satellites Around Galactic Analogs (SAGA) Survey to model the low-redshift evolution of the low-mass SFS. The sample is comprised of 23,258 galaxies with Hα-based SFRs spanning 6<log10(M⋆/[M⊙])<10 and z < 0.21 (t < 2.5 Gyr). Although it is common to bin or stack galaxies at z ≲ 0.2 for galaxy population studies, the difference in lookback time between z = 0 and z = 0.21 is comparable to the time between z = 1 and z = 2. We develop a model to account for both the physical evolution of low-mass SFS and the selection function of the SAGA Survey, allowing us to disentangle redshift evolution from redshift-dependent selection effects across the SAGAbg-A redshift range. Our findings indicate significant evolution in the SFS over the last ∼2.5 Gyr, with a rising normalization: 〈SFR(M⋆=108.5M⊙)〉(z)=1.24−0.23+0.25z−1.47−0.03+0.03 . We also identify the redshift limit at which a static SFS is ruled out at the 95% confidence level, which is z = 0.05 based on the precision of the SAGAbg-A sample. Comparison with cosmological hydrodynamic simulations reveals that some contemporary simulations underpredict the recent evolution of the low-mass SFS. This demonstrates that the recent evolution of the low-mass SFS can provide new constraints on the assembly of the low-mass Universe and highlights the need for improved models in this regime.

Changes in Reader Performance During Sequential Reading of Breast Cancer Screening Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Examinations.

Background Studies suggest that readers experience perceptual adaptation when interpreting batched screening mammograms, which may serve as a mechanism for improved performance. Purpose To analyze clinical digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) screening data to evaluate changes in reader performance during sequential batch reading. Materials and Methods This observational retrospective study used data from the radiology information system collected for screening DBT examinations performed from January 2018 to December 2019. The reference standard was established based on pathology results, if applicable, or imaging findings at 1-year follow-up. Examinations were aggregated into batches, defined as a sequence of cases for a given reader with differences in interexamination time of 10 minutes or less. Mixed-effect models were used to evaluate performance and timing across batch positions. Statistical adjustments accounted for potential confounders, including patient characteristics (age, breast density), reading factors (day of week, time of day), and between-reader heterogeneity. Results The dataset included 121 652 examinations (median patient age, 61 years [IQR, 53-69 years]), including 1081 cancers interpreted by 15 radiologists. Unadjusted false-positive rates decreased from an averaged 15.5% at the first within-batch examination to 10.5% after three sequentially read examinations (P < .001), without a significant change in sensitivity (82.6% vs 84.2%; P = .15). The interpretation time consistently decreased, achieving a substantial reduction in longer batches (average 2.8 to 2.2 minutes for noncancer examinations; P < .001). Adjustment for sampling bias and confounders (patient age, breast density, day of week, time of day; all P < .005) reduced the effect on false-positive rates (11.5% to 9.4% after three examinations; P < .001) and interpretation time (3.2 to 2.7 minutes for noncancer examinations; P < .001). Conclusion Radiologists showed improved recall rates and interpretation times without change in sensitivity over the course of batch reading of DBT screening examinations. © RSNA, 2024 See also the editorial by Iima and Satake in this issue.

Performance of consumer wrist-worn type sleep tracking devices compared to polysomnography: a meta-analysis.

The use of sleep tracking devices is increasing as people become more aware of the importance of sleep and interested in monitoring their patterns. With many devices on the market, we conducted a meta-analysis comparing sleep-scoring data from consumer wrist-worn sleep tracking devices with polysomnography to validate the accuracy of devices. We retrieved studies from the databases of SCOPUS, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and KoreaMed, and OVID Medline up to March 2024. We compared personal data about participants and information on objective sleep parameters. From 24 studies, data of 798 patient using Fitbit, Jawbone, myCadian watch, WHOOP strap, Garmin, Basis B1, Zulu Watch, Huami Arc, E4 wristband, Fatigue Science Readiband, Apple Watch, or Xiaomi Mi Band 5 were analyzed. There were significant differences in total sleep time {mean difference (MD) -16.854, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-26.332; -7.375]}, sleep efficiency (MD -4.691, 95% CI [-7.079; -2.302]), sleep latency (MD 2.574, 95% CI [0.606; 4.542]), and wake after sleep onset (MD 13.255, 95% CI [4.522; 21.988]) between all consumer sleep tracking devices and polysomnography. In subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference of wake after sleep onset between Fitbit and polysomnography. There was also no significant difference sleep latency between other devices and polysomnography. Fitbit measured sleep latency longer than other devices, and other devices measured wake after sleep onset longer. Based on Begg and Egger's test, there was no publication bias in total sleep time and sleep efficiency. Wrist-worn sleep tracking devices, while popular, are not as reliable as polysomnography in measuring key sleep parameters like total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and sleep latency. Physicians and consumers should be aware of their limitations and interpret results carefully, though they can still be useful for tracking general sleep patterns. Further improvements and clinical studies are needed to enhance their accuracy.

Pulse current injection platform with consecutive early-time and intermediate-time high-altitude electromagnetic pulse conducted currents for immunity test of electrical equipment.

High-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) has attracted considerable attention for its influence on electrical equipment. HEMP is divided into three parts: early time HEMP (E1), intermediate-time HEMP (E2), and late-time HEMP (E3). Most studies focused on E1 alone, while few investigated others. However, the electrical equipment may be disturbed by more than one part since these three parts co-exist in a HEMP environment. The pulse current injection (PCI) test is an effective immunity test method for evaluating the sensitivity and susceptibility of electrical equipment. To investigate the responses of electrical equipment excited by the consecutive E1 and E2 and compare with those under the individual E1 or E2, this paper builds a PCI platform that can carry out PCI tests with the consecutive E1 and E2 conducted current. To output the E1 current and the E2 current consecutively, which exhibit significant differences in the rise time (20ns and 1.5 μs), peak current (2500 and 250A), and full width at half maximum (FWHM, 500-550ns and 3-5ms), an E1&E2 coupler with a fast-closing high-current trigger switch is designed in this paper. Finally, some 10-kV epoxy insulators are tested in the developed platform, which shows the capacity of the proposed platform to test the immunity of electrical equipment with the consecutive E1 and E2 conducted current.

Traction-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection of colonic lesions: a North American experience

Background and aimsTraction-assisted ESD (TA-ESD) is a proposed technique to improve the efficiency and efficacy of ESD. Multiple studies primarily from Asian centers yielded mixed results in terms of procedure time, en bloc resection rate and R0 resection rate in comparison to conventional ESD (C-ESD). We performed the first comparison of TA-ESD and C-ESD at a high-volume North American center. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort matched study of all patients who underwent colonic ESD at a single center in the United States by a single operator. The study group were patients who underwent TA-ESD and were matched with a C-ESD case on a 1:1 basis based upon location within the colon, lesion size, and scope stabilization device usage. The baseline characteristics and procedure-related outcomes were compared between the groups. Results138 colonic ESD cases were included (69 TA-ESD, 69 C-ESD). There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the groups. Mean procedure time was 91.0 min (SD 32.5) for TA-ESD and 85.4 min (SD 39.3) for C-ESD (p=0.36). En bloc resection was achieved in 69 (100%) of the TA-ESDs and 67 (97.1%) of the C-ESDs (p=0.15). R0 resection was achieved in 52 (75.4%) of the TA-ESDs and 48 (69.6%) of the C-ESDs (p=0.45). ConclusionWe did not show a significant difference in procedure time, en bloc resection, R0 resection, or adverse events. Further randomized prospective studies that are sufficiently powered and stratified by operator experience level are needed to further elucidate the utility of the technique.

Centralization of gastric cancer surgery- impact on treatment strategies and survival - a national population-based cohort study

BackgroundCentralized surgery care improves results of curative resection in rare malignancies. Less is known of secondary effects of such centralization on all patients, including patients receiving palliative or no tumor treatment. This population-based cohort study aimed to evaluate effects of centralization on survival and treatment decision in all gastric cancer patients in Sweden between 2006-2016. MethodsAll patients diagnosed with gastric cancer, including cardia cancer Siewert III, were identified using National Registry for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer (NREV) in Sweden. Patients diagnosed at a local hospital performing low-volume curative gastric cancer surgery before centralization were compared to patients in the same communities after curative cases were referred elsewhere. Survival differences were investigated with multivariate cox-regression models and probability of curative care with multivariate logistical regression. Results4547 patients diagnosed at 49 hospitals were included, whereof 28 stopped performing curative gastric cancer surgery during the study period. After centralization, 8 hospitals performed curative gastric cancer surgery, and the median overall survival increased from 7.9 to 9.1 months. Resection rates fell from 36% to 30%. Treatment recommendations made at multidisciplinary cancer conference increased from 23% to 80%, where any active tumor treatment (curative and palliative) recommendation increased from 68% to 73%. No significant difference in treatment strategy or time to surgery was found between the groups. No difference in overall survival was found between the groups. ConclusionDuring the centralization of gastric cancer surgery, survival, multidisciplinary treatment decisions and active treatment increased, with no detrimental effects on populations outside the major centers’ primary uptake areas.

Intraoperative Position System guided with Augmented Reality Improves the Learning Curve of Endovascular Navigation in Endovascular Naïve Operators

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the completion of gate cannulation task performed by participants of varying experience using fluoroscopy, the Intra-Operative Positioning System (IOPS) – an FDA-cleared endovascular navigation system that has been developed to reduce dependence on fluoroscopy – or an investigational augmented reality electromagnetic navigation technology based on IOPS. MethodsThe task consisted in the cannulation of the gate of a GORE Excluder AAA endoprosthesis bifurcated aortic stent graft (W.L. GORE & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ USA) deployed into a 3D printed abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model connected to a 7000 MDX flow pump (Sarns Inc/3M, Ann Arbor, MI USA) reproducing physiological conditions. The procedure was performed in a hybrid operating room (GE Allia IGS 7). Each participant performed the cannulation task with fluoroscopy, standard IOPS guidance with flat screen display (IOPS-FS), and the investigational IOPS with augmented reality headset (IOPS-AR), in a randomly assigned order. All participants used the same sensorized guidewire and steerable 6Fr catheter during their three cannulation tasks. A total of 26 participants were classified in three groups of experience: Group 1 (endovascular naïve; n = 13), Group 2 (surgeon in training; n = 12) and Group 3 (one expert surgeon). Primary endpoints included cannulation time and technical success, which was defined as the advancement of the catheter over the guidewire within the main body of the aortic stent graft within a maximum 15 minutes cutoff time for each trial. ResultsIn group 1, the mean cannulation time was shorter using IOPS-AR versus fluoroscopy (4.3 ±4.4 min vs 7.1±4.9 min; P=.04), but not statistically different when comparing IOPS-FS and fluoroscopy (6.3±4.5 min vs 7.1±4.9 min; P=.63). In group 1, technical success was 77% with fluoroscopy and 92% with both IOPS-FS and IOPS-AR (P=.59). In group 2, although there was no significant difference between cannulation time amongst the three different endovascular approaches, there was a trend towards shorter cannulation times with IOPS-FS or IOPS-AR as compared to fluoroscopy (mean time of 2.5±0.9, 4.4±4.0 and 5.2±4.5 min, respectively). In group 2, technical success was 92% with fluoroscopy and 100% with both IOPS-FS and IOPS-AR (P>.99). The expert vascular surgeon repeated the cannulation task four times for each endovascular approach, with 100% technical success and no difference in mean cannulation time between the imaging modalities (P=.89). ConclusionsAugmented reality allows for reducing the gate cannulation time as compared to fluoroscopy in participants with no previous exposure to any endovascular procedure. This suggests that augmented reality can be beneficial for individuals early in their career and can mitigate the learning curve. As individuals become experts, their ability to adapt to different endovascular modalities increases, eliminating the learning curve altogether.

Analysis of vocal fold movement and voice onset behavior in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux based on high speed laryngeal high-speed videoendoscopy

Objective:Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux（LPR） have chronic inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa leading to a high response state in the larynx, which may make the vocal fold movement too fast. This paper discusses the characteristics of vocal fold movement and voice onset by analyzing laryngeal high-speed videoendoscopy in patients with LPR. Methods:Forty patients with LPR were enrolled as LPR group. The diagnostic criteria of LPR included positive reflux symptom index（RSI） and reflux syndrome score（RFS） to identify suspected LPR, objective oropharyngeal DX pH monitoring was carried out, and positive Ryan index indicated reflux. According to age and sex matching, 40 healthy volunteers were selected as the normal group. Laryngeal high-speed videoendoscopy, and the vocal fold motion and vibration parameters, including vocal fold adduction time, vocal fold abduction time, vocal fold vibration onset mode（vocal onset time and mode） and the opening quotient of vocal fold vibration cycle. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. Results:The time of vocal fold adduction in LPR group（mean 225.81ms） was less than that in normal group（mean 277.01 ms）, and the difference was statistically significant（P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in adduction time between LPR group and normal group（P>0.05）. The vocal onset time in LPR group was significantly longer than that in normal group（P<0.05）. High speed video endoscope showed that there were 17 patients with hard onset in LPR group and 8 patients with hard onset in normal group, the difference was statistically significant（P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in the open quotient of vocal fold vibration between LPR group and normal group（P>0.05）. The vocal fold abduction time in LPR group（mean 372.92 ms） was less than that in normal group（mean 426.98ms）, but the difference was not statistically significant（P>0.05）. The time difference of bilateral abduction of vocal fold in LPR group was significantly higher than that in normal group（P<0.05）. Conclusion:The larynx of LPR patients is in a high response state, the vocal fold moves faster, and it is more likely to have a hard vocal onset. These may result in voice dysfunction.

Condiciones geriátricas y estrategia invasiva en pacientes frágiles con IAMSEST. Análisis de subgrupos de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Introduction and objectives Invasive management in frail patients with non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) remains controversial. We investigated the impact of various geriatric conditions.Methods The MOSCA-FRAIL trial included 167 adults aged ≥ 70 years with frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale [CFS] ≥ 4 points) and NSTEMI, who were randomized to either an invasive (n = 84) or conservative (n = 83) strategy. In addition to frailty, we measured activities of daily living (Barthel index), cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer test), and comorbidities (Charlson index). The primary endpoint was the difference (invasive minus conservative) in restricted mean survival time (RMST) for all-cause mortality at a median follow-up of 3.9 years.Results A total of 93 patients died. The RMST difference favored invasive management at the CFS 25th percentile (CFS = 4; 157 days, 95%CI, 18-295; P = .027), which changed to a nonsignificant effect at the 50th and 75th percentiles. The RMST difference remained nonsignificant, irrespective of the severity of other geriatric assessments. In time-to-event analysis, invasive management was associated with an initially lower life expectancy, peaking at around 1 year, among all subgroups. However, patients with CFS = 4 experienced a benefit at the end of follow-up (181 days, 95%CI, 19-343), whereas those with CFS > 4 did not (−16 days, 95%CI, −217 to 186; interaction P = .16). Subgroups defined by other geriatric markers showed a similar time-dependent trend, albeit with weaker statistical interaction.Conclusions Among adults with frailty and NSTEMI, the CFS might be useful for evaluating the relative risks and benefits of invasive management. A CFS > 4 could serve as a valuable threshold for decision-making.

Measuring and Predicting Multisensory Reaction Latency: A Probabilistic Model for Visual-Auditory Integration.

Virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) devices offer both immersive imagery and sound. With those wide-field cues, we can simultaneously acquire and process visual and auditory signals to quickly identify objects, make decisions, and take action. While vision often takes precedence in perception, our visual sensitivity degrades in the periphery. In contrast, auditory sensitivity can exhibit an opposite trend due to the elevated interaural time difference. What occurs when these senses are simultaneously integrated, as is common in VR applications such as 360° video watching and immersive gaming? We present a computational and probabilistic model to predict VR users' reaction latency to visual-auditory multisensory targets. To this aim, we first conducted a psychophysical experiment in VR to measure the reaction latency by tracking the onset of eye movements. Experiments with numerical metrics and user studies with naturalistic scenarios showcase the model's accuracy and generalizability. Lastly, we discuss the potential applications, such as measuring the sufficiency of target appearance duration in immersive video playback, and suggesting the optimal spatial layouts for AR interface design.

Locating method of buried PE pipeline based on vibration signal analysis

Abstract This paper proposes a buried PE gas pipeline positioning method based on vibration signal analysis. Firstly, the collected signal is denoised using the Dual-tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT) method, and then the delay time of the denoised collected signal is extracted through the cross-correlation function to locate the buried PE pipeline. A simulation model is established on this theoretical basis, and sensor asymmetric and symmetric arrangements are simulated in COMSOL to observe the peak values of the collected signal in the time domain, determining the relationship between the time difference of the two signals and the pipeline position. Through simulation, it is known that the pipeline location can be judged by the magnitude of the delay time. The method proposed in this paper addresses the shortcomings of existing pipeline positioning methods and provides a basis for future pipeline positioning.

Numerical investigation of bandgap characteristics in integrated metallic metafilters for nonlinear guided wave applications

Guided waves propagating in nonlinear media, featuring second harmonic generation, represent a promising avenue for early-stage damage detection due to their high sensitivity and long-range propagation capabilities. However, nonlinear ultrasonic measurements are hindered by nonlinearities induced by the experimental system, necessitating careful calibrations that have restricted their application to laboratory settings. While several phononic crystal and metamaterial designs have been devised to enhance nonlinear-based ultrasonic testing, most are tailored for suppressing second harmonics within a frequency range of 100–300 kHz, primarily utilizing low-frequency excitation. In this paper, we propose a metallic ring-shaped metafilter designed to explore high-order bandgaps. To fully understand the bandgap characteristics, we begin by analyzing mode shapes, providing insights into the underlying wave mechanics. The efficacy of the designed filter is subsequently assessed through 3D time step elastodynamic simulations. In addition, this study underscores the significance of parameters such as the number of rings employed in the filter, signal duration, and bandgap width in optimizing its performance. Furthermore, the observed mode conversion phenomena from S0 to A0 guided wave modes underscore the filter’s capacity to influence guided wave propagation. The defect localization technique, based on the time difference of arrival of second-order wave modes, accurately predicts the defect location with an error margin of less than 0.2%. The present investigation showcases advancements in the sensitivity of nonlinear-based guided wave testing for characterizing microstructural changes, promising substantial potential for detecting incipient damage in practical structural health monitoring applications.

Research on ultrasonic testing method for tangential contact stress based on equivalent medium theory

As a weak link, the joint surface of machine tools directly affects the stiffness and machining accuracy of the entire machine tool. However, obtaining the distribution of contact stress is a key problem that urgently needs to be solved in exploring the mechanical properties of joint surface connections. In this paper, a tangential contact stress ultrasonic testing method based on the equivalent medium theory is proposed, providing data support for accurately characterizing the contact state of the joint surface. A virtual material model of rough contact interface based on fractal theory is established to explore the coupling relationship between the propagation speed of ultrasonic critical refracted longitudinal waves, the tested object’s material parameters, and stress. Moreover, the expression of the equivalent material parameters of the ultrasonic critical refracted longitudinal wave propagation layer with stress variation is derived. An ultrasonic acoustic time difference model considering changes in contact surface material parameters is constructed based on the principle of acoustic elasticity of ultrasound. Furthermore, a critical refractive detection model for longitudinal wave’s tangential contact stress is established based on equivalent medium theory. Experimental specimens and stress detection plans are designed, and the tangential contact stress of the specimens is measured based on the division of surface grids. The equivalent stress value of each node is calculated based on the von Mises stress by measuring the stress in the X/Y direction. In addition, a shear stress distribution cloud map of the contact surface is drawn. Finally, the accuracy of the detection results is confirmed by combining theory, simulation, and experimental methods. The proposed tangential contact stress detection method based on critical refractive longitudinal waves is significant for low-stress assemblies.

Different Effects of a Super Storm on Atmospheric Electric Fields at Different Latitudes

Geomagnetic storms have a significant impact on Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere, as well as on the global atmospheric circuit. This study focuses on investigating the anomalous variations in the vertical atmospheric electric field at eight mid-latitude and low-latitude stations during a mega-geomagnetic storm on 24 April 2023. The majority of stations observed vertical atmospheric electric field increases, while only three nearby stations exhibited vertical atmospheric electric field decreases. The analysis revealed that vertical atmospheric electric field changes ranged from 19 to 370 V/m, and the time differences between extreme vertical atmospheric electric field values and the minimum Dst value ranged from 0 to 5.3 h. Other response patterns to this super magnetic storm at different latitudes are summarized, and the physical mechanisms of different effects of magnetic storms on the electric fields of stations at different latitudes are also discussed.

The Effect of Audit Quality and Financial Performance on Audit Delay (Empirical Study on LQ45 Companies in 2021-2023)

The financial report is an information medium that is very useful for stakeholders. The financial statements owned by the company can be used for stakeholders to make decisions. Financial statements presented by companies must be audited because audited financial statements can increase the confidence of financial statement users. One of the important factors in financial statements is timeliness. Financial statements can be very useful if financial statements are presented on time, therefore the financial statements presented must be timely so that decision-making can also be taken appropriately. The purpose of this study is to see what factors can affect audit delays. Audit delay is the time difference between the closing date of the book and the date of signing the auditor's report. The sample in this study is companies with the LQ45 index, because LQ45 index companies are companies that have a healthy financial condition. Data will be taken from the Indonesia Stock Exchange website for 3 years. Data analysis will be carried out using SPSS by performing the Classical Assumption Test and the Multiple Linear Regression Test. The targeted output is journal publication in accredited national journals. Keywords: Audit Delay, Profitability, Leverage, Audit Quality

Ultrasound-Guided Axillary Access Using a Micropuncture Needle Versus Conventional Cephalic Venous Access for Implantation of Cardiac Devices: A Single-Center Randomized Trial

(1) Background: Ultrasound-guided axillary (USAX) vein puncture is a relatively new method to obtain venous access for the implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). However, its use is limited as most of the operators are not familiar with this technique. Our aim was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the USAX compared with the traditional cephalic vein dissection for venous access in CIED implantation. (2) Methods: This was a single-center, randomized, controlled, superiority trial. A total of 114 patients were randomized (1:1 ratio) to either USAX (u/s axillary group; 59 patients) or cephalic vein access (cephalic group; 55 patients). The primary study endpoint was defined as successful placement of all leads via the chosen access. Secondary study endpoints included time from local anesthetic injection to lead advancement in the SVC, total procedure time (skin to skin), procedure-related complications and pain perception. (3) Results: USAX was superior to cephalic access in terms of primary endpoint (OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.3, 14.0; p = 0.012). Total procedure duration was higher in the cephalic group (55.15 ± 16.62 vs. 48.35 ± 12.81 min, p = 0.017) but there was neither a significant difference in fluoroscopy time (p = 0.872) nor in total radiation dose (p = 0.815). The level of pain was higher in the cephalic group (p = 0.016), while the rates of complications were similar in both groups (p &gt; 0.05). (4) Conclusion: USAX was superior to cephalic access regarding success rate, total procedure duration and level of pain, while having no difference in complication rates.

Informatics assessment of COVID-19 data collection: an analysis of UK Biobank questionnaire data

BackgroundThere have been many efforts to expand existing data collection initiatives to include COVID-19 related data. One program that expanded is UK Biobank, a large-scale research and biomedical data collection resource that added several COVID-19 related data fields including questionnaires (exposures and symptoms), viral testing, and serological data. This study aimed to analyze this COVID-19 data to understand how COVID-19 data was collected and how it can be used to attribute COVID-19 and analyze differences in cohorts and time periods.MethodsA cohort of COVID-19 infected individuals was defined from the UK Biobank population using viral testing, diagnosis, and self-reported data. Changes over time, from March 2020 to October 2021, in total case counts and changes in case counts by identification source (diagnosis from EHR, measurement from viral testing and self-reported from questionnaire) were also analyzed. For the questionnaires, an analysis of the structure and dynamics of the questionnaires was done which included the amount and type of questions asked, how often and how many individuals answered the questions and what responses were given. In addition, the amount of individuals who provided responses regarding different time segments covered by the questionnaire was calculated along with how often responses changed. The analysis included changes in population level responses over time. The analyses were repeated for COVID and non-COVID individuals and compared responses.ResultsThere were 62 042 distinct participants who had COVID-19, with 49 120 identified through diagnosis, 30 553 identified through viral testing and 934 identified through self-reporting, with many identified in multiple methods. This included vast changes in overall cases and distribution of case data source over time. 6 899 of 9 952 participants completing the exposure questionnaire responded regarding every time period covered by the questionnaire including large changes in response over time. The most common change came for employment situation, which was changed by 74.78% of individuals from the first to last time of asking. On a population level, there were changes as face mask usage increased each successive time period. There were decreases in nearly every COVID-19 symptom from the first to the second questionnaire. When comparing COVID to non-COVID participants, COVID participants were more commonly keyworkers (COVID: 33.76%, non-COVID: 15.00%) and more often lived with young people attending school (61.70%, 45.32%).ConclusionTo develop a robust cohort of COVID-19 participants from the UK Biobank population, multiple types of data were needed. The differences based on time and exposures show the important of comprehensive data capture and the utility of COVID-19 related questionnaire data.

Experimental Investigation of Steel-Borne Acoustic Pulses for Fault Pinpointing in Pipe-Type Cable Systems: A Scaled-Down Model Approach.

Pipe-type cable systems, including high-pressure fluid-filled (HPFF) and high-pressure gas-filled cables, are widely used for underground high-voltage transmission. These systems consist of insulated conductor cables within steel pipes, filled with pressurized fluids or gases for insulation and cooling. Despite their reliability, faults can occur due to insulation degradation, thermal expansion, and environmental factors. As many circuits exceed their 40-year design life, efficient fault localization becomes crucial. Fault location involves prelocation and pinpointing. Therefore, a novel pinpointing approach for pipe-type cable systems is proposed, utilizing accelerometers mounted on a steel pipe to capture fault-induced acoustic signals and employing the time difference of arrival method to accurately pinpoint the location of the fault. The experimental investigations utilized a scaled-down HPFF pipe-type cable system setup, featuring a carbon steel pipe, high-frequency accelerometers, and both mechanical and capacitive discharge methods for generating acoustic pulses. The tests evaluated the propagation velocity, attenuation, and pinpointing accuracy with the pipe in various embedment conditions. The experimental results demonstrated accurate fault pinpointing in the centimeter range, even when the pipe was fully embedded, with the acoustic pulse velocities aligning closely with the theoretical values. These experimental investigation findings highlight the potential of this novel acoustic pinpointing technique to improve fault localization in underground systems, enhance grid reliability, and reduce outage duration. Further research is recommended to validate this approach in full-scale systems.

The Impact of Next-Generation Sequencing Workflows on Outcomes in Advanced Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis at One Academic Health System.

Broad-based molecular testing with next-generation sequencing (NGS) is now the standard of care in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Two approaches to molecular testing are (1) reflexive testing at pathologic NSCLC confirmation, often using an in-house molecular panel, and (2) send-out testing to private vendors, ordered by a clinician. This study explored the outcomes with reflex versus send-out testing. A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients diagnosed with de novo stage IV NSCLC in 2019 and 2020 at three hospitals in the same system, one academic hospital (Northwestern Memorial Hospital, or NMH) utilizing reflex, in-house NGS, and two community-based hospitals (Central DuPage Hospital, or CDH, and Delnor, or D) sending out tissue samples for testing. The outcomes assessed were the time from biopsy to results, biopsy to treatment, the incidence of first-line targetable mutations and the use of first-line targeted therapies, and overall survival. In total, 191 patients met the inclusion criteria, 85 at NMH, 106 at CDH + D, and in total, 131 in 2019 and 60 in 2020. The time to results was significantly shorter with reflexive NGS when compared with send-out testing; the time to treatment was also shorter but not statistically significant. At CDH + D, the time to results was significantly shorter with a limited panel than with comprehensive testing, but the time to treatment was similar. NGS testing rates were 95% at NMH and 84.5% at CDH + D (p = 0.009), with 31.0% at NMH receiving 1L targeted therapies versus 20.8% at CDH + D (p = 0.08). In 2019, the median time from biopsy to treatment was 35 days at NMH and 38 days at CDH and Delnor; in 2020, time to treatment was 26 days and 37 days, respectively. Overall survival trended longer in 2020 relative to 2019 independent of site. Reflexive NGS testing is associated with a shorter time to actionable results and higher rates of first-line targetable mutations than send-out testing. In practices with send-out testing, limited panels had slightly faster turnaround times but no difference in time to treatment. If resources allow, reflexive NGS should be considered in healthcare systems for patients with NSCLC.

Perspectives and needs of neonatology division directors regarding gender equity.

Gender inequities in pediatrics are extensively documented despite women predominating the workforce. As a landscape assessment of gender equity in university-based neonatology divisions in the United States, we collected gender equity measures from academic neonatology division directors; 83% (n = 106) participated. The majority recognized addressing gender inequity was a middle-to-top priority, though they reported minimal gender inequities in their division. Most division directors are men and a higher proportion of full professors are men, but they reported minimal differences in time to promotion, leadership positions, and awards. Half of centers analyzed compensation by gender; all reported no gender difference. The existence of gender-equity-promoting strategies was variable and uncertain by many directors. They reported lack of bandwidth, personnel, and resources as the largest barriers to tracking and addressing gender inequities. These perceived minimal gender inequities diverge from published objective data and highlight the need to track and report metrics accurately and systematically.