bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Forward Gate Bias Robustness in p‐GaN Gate High‐Electron‐Mobility Transistors through Doping Profile Engineering
Authors: Borga Matteo , Posthuma Niels , Vohra Anurag , Bakeroot Benoit , Decoutere Stefaan
Published: April 2024

This article presents a study on the improvement of the gate robustness and reliability of p‐GaN gate high‐electron‐mobility transistors (HEMTs) by doping profile engineering and by performing a thermal treatment. The reduction of the p‐doping concentration at the Schottky interface using a graded magnesium (Mg) profile in the p‐GaN layer and introducing a top Si‐GaN cap layer is proposed, combined with a high‐temperature anneal step after the gate patterning. The results show that the proposed approach enhances the gate breakdown voltage, reduces the gate leakage current, and increases the time to failure under constant voltage stress, while ensuring stable dynamic behavior and off‐state leakage performance under high‐voltage stress.
High‐Performance and Temperature‐Stable InGaN Single‐Quantum‐Well Red Light‐Emitting Diodes via Selective Hydrogen Passivation
Authors: Altinkaya Cesur , Kirilenko Pavel , Iida Daisuke , Ohkawa Kazuhiro
Published: April 2024

Herein, a selective passivation of p‐GaN via hydrogen plasma treatment for InGaN single‐quantum‐well (SQW) red light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) is reported. Insulating regions are formed on the p‐GaN top surface via hydrogen plasma treatment, suppressing current injection beneath the p‐pad and along the mesa perimeter to increase light output and mitigate non‐radiative recombination. The fabricated LEDs demonstrate a high on‐wafer light output power density of >88 mW cm−2, a peak on‐wafer external quantum efficiency of 0.65%, and on‐wafer wall‐plug efficiency of 0.41% with a 645 nm peak emission wavelength at 10 mA (7.2 A cm−2) current injection. Further, the temperature dependence of InGaN SQW red LEDs is compared with their AlGaInP counterparts. InGaN SQW red LEDs exhibit a high characteristic temperature of 208 K and a small redshift coefficient of 0.072 nm K−1 at 72 A cm−2 current injection, which are almost 3 and 2 times better than the characteristics of AlGaInP red LEDs, respectively.
The Nonradiative Properties of Self‐Trapped Holes in Ultra‐Wide Bandgap Gallium Oxide Film
Authors: Lukman Isiaka , Bergman Leah
Published: April 2024

The photoluminescence (PL) of self‐trapped holes (STH) in ultra‐wide bandgap β‐Ga2O3 is commonly its most dominant light emission and is an inherent property. Thus, gaining knowledge of the crystal dynamics that impact the PL properties is vital to sensor and other technologies. The PL, Raman‐phonons, and their interactions are studied at an extreme temperature range of 77–622 K. The PL is studied up to the bandgap value of ≈5 eV. It is found that the high‐energy Raman modes provide a major route to the nonradiative process of the PL via STH–phonon interaction with an activation energy of 72 meV. This dynamic is modeled with the configurational coordinate scheme at the strong phonon coupling limit. The exceptionally broad Gaussian PL linewidth manifests this coupling. The weak temperature response of the PL energy peak position indicates that the STH has characteristics of a deep‐level defect. This contrasts with the large redshift of ≈220 meV of the optical gap of the film, ascertained from transmission. Unlike the temperature response of the high‐energy phonons, the behavior of the low‐energy phonons is found to follow the Bose–Einstein population increase, indicating no strong interaction with the STH.
Qubit Efficient Quantum Algorithms for the Vehicle Routing Problem on Noisy Intermediate‐Scale Quantum Processors
Authors: Leonidas Ioannis D. , Dukakis Alexander , Tan Benjamin , Angelakis Dimitris G.
Published: April 2024

The vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTW) is a common optimization problem faced within the logistics industry. In this work, the use of a previously‐introduced qubit encoding scheme is explored to reduce the number of qubits, to evaluate the effectiveness of Noisy Intermediate‐Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices when applied to industry relevant optimization problems. A quantum variational approach is applied to a testbed of multiple VRPTW instances ranging from 11 to 3964 routes. These intances are formulated as quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problems based on realistic shipping scenarios. The results are compared with standard binary‐to‐qubit mappings after executing on simulators as well as various quantum hardware platforms, including IBMQ, AWS (Rigetti), and IonQ. These results are benchmarked against the classical solver, Gurobi. The approach can find approximate solutions to the VRPTW comparable to those obtained from quantum algorithms using the full encoding, despite the reduction in qubits required. These results suggest that using the encoding scheme to fit larger problem sizes into fewer qubits is a promising step in using NISQ devices to find approximate solutions for industry‐based optimization problems, although additional resources are still required to eke out the performance from larger problem sizes.
Tight Upper Bound for the Maximal Expectation Value of the N$N$‐Partite Generalized Svetlichny Operator
Authors: Xiao Youwang , Wang Zong , Zhao Wen‐Na , Li Ming
Published: April 2024

Genuine multipartite non‐locality is not only of fundamental interest but also serves as an important resource for quantum information theory. The ‐partite scenario and provide an analytical upper bound on the maximal expectation value of the generalized Svetlichny inequality achieved by an arbitrary ‐qubit system is considered. Furthermore, the constraints on quantum states for which the upper bound is tight are also presented and illustrated by noisy generalized Greenberger‐Horne‐Zeilinger states. Especially, the new techniques proposed to derive the upper bound allow more insights into the structure of the generalized Svetlichny operator and enable us to systematically investigate the relevant properties. As an operational approach, the variation of the correlation matrix defined makes it more convenient to search for suitable unit vectors that satisfy the tightness conditions. Finally, the results give feasible experimental implementations in detecting the genuine multipartite non‐locality and can potentially be applied to other quantum information processing tasks.
LiF/Li3N‐Rich Electrode–Electrolyte Interfaces Enabled by Multi‐Functional Electrolyte Additive to Achieve High‐Performance Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Batteries
Authors: Lei Yue , Xu Xin , Yin Junying , Xi Kang , Wei Lai , Zheng Junzi , Wang Yuhao , Wu Haihua , Jiang Sen , Gao Yunfang
Published: April 2024

LiPF6‐based carbonate electrolytes have been extensively employed in commercial Li‐ion batteries, but they face numerous interfacial stability challenges while applicating in high‐energy‐density lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, this work proposes N‐succinimidyl trifluoroacetate (NST) as a multifunctional electrolyte additive to address these challenges. NST additive could optimize Li+ solvation structure and eliminate HF/H2O in the electrolyte, and preferentially be decomposed on the Ni‐rich cathode (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, NCM811) to generate LiF/Li3N‐rich cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) with high conductivity. The synergistic effect reduces the electrolyte decomposition and inhibits the transition metal (TM) dissolution. Meanwhile, NST promotes the creation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) rich in inorganics on the Li metal anode (LMA), which restrains the growth of Li dendrites, minimizes parasitic reactions, and fosters rapid Li+ transport. As a result, compared with the reference, the Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cell with 1.0 wt.% NST exhibits higher capacity retention after 200 cycles at 1C (86.4% vs. 64.8%) and better rate performance, even at 9C. In the presence of NST, the Li/Li symmetrical cell shows a super‐stable cyclic performance beyond 500 h at 0.5 mA cm−2/0.5 mAh cm−2. These unique features of NST are a promising solution for addressing the interfacial deterioration issue of high‐capacity Ni‐rich cathodes paired with LMA.
Voltage‐ and Metal‐assisted Chemical Etching of Micro and Nano Structures in Silicon: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Surdo Salvatore , Barillaro Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

Sculpting silicon at the micro and nano scales has been game‐changing to mold bulk silicon properties and expand, in turn, applications of silicon beyond electronics, namely, in photonics, sensing, medicine, and mechanics, to cite a few. Voltage‐ and metal‐assisted chemical etching (ECE and MaCE, respectively) of silicon in acidic electrolytes have emerged over other micro and nanostructuring technologies thanks to their unique etching features. ECE and MaCE have enabled the fabrication of novel structures and devices not achievable otherwise, complementing those feasible with the deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) technology, the gold standard in silicon machining. Here, a comprehensive review of ECE and MaCE for silicon micro and nano machining is provided. The chemistry and physics ruling the dissolution of silicon are dissected and similarities and differences between ECE and MaCE are discussed showing that they are the two sides of the same coin. The processes governing the anisotropic etching of designed silicon micro and nanostructures are analyzed, and the modulation of etching profile over depth is discussed. The preparation of micro‐ and nanostructures with tailored optical, mechanical, and thermo(electrical) properties is then addressed, and their applications in photonics, (bio)sensing, (nano)medicine, and micromechanical systems are surveyed. Eventually, ECE and MaCE are benchmarked against DRIE, and future perspectives are highlighted.
Theory‐Guided Experimental Design of Covalent Triazine Frameworks for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Zhao Chengxiao , Li Zhaolin , Wu Xinzhao , Su Hengwei , Bai Fu‐quan , Ran Xia , Yang Liuqing , Fang Weiwei , Yang Xiaofei
Published: April 2024

The high crystalline covalent triazine framework‐1 (CTF‐1), composed of alternating triazine and phenylene, has emerged as an efficient photocatalyst for solar‐driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, it is of great challenge to further improve photocatalytic HER performance via increasing crystallinity due to its near‐perfect crystallization. Herein, an alternative strategy of scaffold functionalization is employed to optimize the energy band structure of crystalline CTF‐1 for boosting hydrogen‐evolving activity. Guided by the computational predictions, versatile CTF‐based polymer photocatalysts are prepared with different functional groups (OH, NH2, COOH) using binary polymerization for practical hydrogen production. Experiment evidence verifies that the introduction of a limited number of electron‐donating groups is sufficient to maintain high crystallinity in CTF, modulate the band structure, broaden visible light absorption, and consequently enhance its photophysical properties. Notably, the functionalization with OH exhibits the most positive effect on CTF‐1, delivering a photocatalytic activity with a hydrogen‐producing rate exceeding 100 µmol h−1.
A Novel Perspective on Enhancing Photocatalytic Performance through the Synergistic Effect of Nd Single Atoms and Heterostructures
Authors: Ge Shuang , An Jing , Wang Qiuye , Li Minze , Wang Dingsheng , Wang Guofeng
Published: April 2024

There are few reports on lanthanide single atom modified catalysts, as the role of the 4f levels in photocatalysis is difficult to explain clearly. Here, the synergistic effect of 4f levels of Nd and heterostructures is studied by combining steady‐state, transient, and ultrafast spectral analysis techniques with DFT theoretical calculations based on the construction of Nd single atom modified black phosphorus/g‐C3N4 (BP/CN) heterojunctions. As expected, the generation rates of CO and CH4 of the optimized heterostructure are 7.44 and 6.85 times higher than those of CN, and 8.43 and 9.65 times higher than those of BP, respectively. The Nd single atoms can not only cause surface reconstruction and regulate the active sites of BP, but also accelerate charge separation and transfer, further suppressing the recombination of electron‐hole pairs. The electrons can transfer from g‐C3N4:Nd to BP:Nd, with a transfer time of ≈11.4 ps, while the radiation recombination time of electron‐hole pairs of g‐C3N4 is ≈26.13 µs, indicating that the construction of heterojunctions promotes charge transfer. The 2P1/2/2G9/2/4G7/2/2H11/2/4F7/2→4I9/2 emissions from Nd3+ can also be absorbed by heterostructures, which improves the utilization of light. The energy change of the key rate measurement step CO2*→COOH* decreases through Nd single atom modification.
Multienzyme‐Like Polyoxometalate‐Based Single‐Atom Enzymes for Cancer‐Specific Therapy Through Acid‐Triggered Nontoxicity‐to‐Toxicity Transition
Authors: Ge Xiyang , Yin Yiyan , Wang Xiaoni , Gao Yixuan , Guan Xiaowen , Sun Jianghui , Ouyang Jin , Na Na
Published: April 2024

Single‐atom enzymes (SAzymes) exhibit great potential for chemodynamic therapy (CDT); while, general application is still challenged by their instability and unavoidable side effects during delivery. Herein, a manganese‐based polyoxometalate single‐atom enzyme (Mn‐POM SAE) is first introduced into tumor‐specific CDT, which exhibits tumor microenvironment (TME)‐activated transition of nontoxicity‐to‐toxicity. Different from traditional POM materials, the aggregates of low‐toxic Mn‐POM SAE nanospheres are obtained at neutral conditions, facilitating efficient delivery and avoiding toxicity problems in normal tissues. Under acid TME conditions, these nanospheres are degraded into smaller units of toxic Mn(II)‐PW11; thus, initiating cancer cell‐specific therapy. The released active units of Mn(II)‐PW11 exhibit excellent multienzyme‐like activities (including peroxidase (POD)‐like, oxidase (OXD)‐like, catalase (CAT)‐like, and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)‐like activities) for the synergistic cancer therapy due to the stabilized high valence Mn species (MnIII/MnIV). As demonstrated by both intracellular evaluations and in vivo experiments, ROS is generated to cause damage to lysosome membranes, further facilitating acidification and impaired autophagy to enhance cancer therapy. This study provides a detailed investigation on the acid‐triggered releasing of active units and the electron transfer in multienzyme‐mimic‐like therapy, further enlarging the application of POMs from catalytical engineering into cancer therapy.
In Situ Loading of Ni3ZnC0.7 Nanoparticles with Carbon Nanotubes to 3D Melamine Sponge Derived Hollow Carbon Skeleton toward Superior Microwave Absorption and Thermal Resistance
Authors: Liu Ruilin , Wang YuKun , Wang Peng , Kimura Hideo , Wang Baolei , Hou Chuanxin , Sun Xueqin , Du Wei , Xie Xiubo
Published: April 2024

The simple and low‐cost construction of a 3D network structure is an ideal way to prepare high‐performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials. Herein, a series of carbon skeleton/carbon nanotubes/Ni3ZnC0.7 composites (CS/CNTs/Ni3ZnC0.7) are successfully prepared by in situ growth of Ni3ZnC0.7 and CNTs on 3D melamine sponge carbon. With the increase of precursor, Ni3ZnC0.7 nanoparticles nucleate and catalyze the generation of CNTs on the surface of the carbon skeleton. The minimum reflection loss (RL) value of the S60min composite (loading time of 60 min) reaches ‐86.6 dB at 1.6 mm and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL≤−10 dB) is up to 9.3 GHz (8.7–18 GHz). The 3D network sponge carbon with layered micro/nanostructure and hollow skeleton promotes multiple reflection and absorption mechanisms of incident EMW. The N‐doping and defects can be equivalent to an electric dipole, providing dipole polarization to increase dielectric relaxation. The uniform Ni3ZnC0.7 nanoparticles and CNTs play a key role in dissipating electromagnetic energy, blocking heat transfer, and enhancing the mechanical properties of the skeleton. Fortunately, the composite displays a quite low thermal conductivity of 0.09075 W m·K−1 and good flexibility, which can provide insulation and quickly recover to its original state after being stressed.
Modelling Human Gut‐Microbiome Interactions in a 3D Bioelectronic Platform
Authors: Moysidou Chrysanthi‐Maria , van Niekerk Douglas C. , Stoeger Verena , Pitsalidis Charalampos , Draper Lorraine A. , Withers Aimee M. , Hughes Katherine , McCoy Reece , Acharya Rachana , Hill Colin , Owens Róisín M.
Published: April 2024

The role of the gut microbiome in various aspects of health and disease is now a well‐established concept in modern biomedicine. Numerous studies have revealed links between host health and microbial activity, spanning from digestion and metabolism to autoimmune disorders, stress and neuroinflammation. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this complex cross‐talk still remain a mystery. Conventionally, studies examining host‐microbiome interactions rely on animal models, but translation of such findings into human systems is challenging. Bioengineered models represent a highly promisingapproach for tackling such challenges. Here, a bioelectronic platform, the e‐transmembrane, is used to establish a 3D model of human intestine, to study the effects of microbiota on gut barrier integrity. More specifically, how postbiotics and live bacteria impact the morphology and function of the intestinal barrier is evaluated. e‐Transmembrane devices provide a means for in‐line and label‐free continuous monitoring of host‐microbe cross‐talk using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, revealing distinct patterns that emerge over 24 hours. Microscopy and quantification of molecular biomarkers further validate the differential effects of each bacterial intervention on the host tissue. In addition, a framework to better study and screen drug candidates and potential therapeutic/dietary interventions, such as postbiotics and probiotics, in more physiologically relevant human models is provided.
Exceptional Stability against Water, UV Light, and Heat for CsPbBr3@Pb‐MOF Composites
Authors: Wang Chenxu , Yan Lihe , Si Jinhai , Wang Ning , Li Ting , Hou Xun
Published: April 2024

All‐inorganic lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have been widely applied in optoelectronic devices owing to their excellent photoluminescence (PL) properties. However, poor stability upon exposure to water, UV light or heat strongly limits their practical application. Herein, CsPbBr3@Pb‐MOF composites with exceptional stability against water, UV light, and heat are synthesized by ultrasonic processing the precursors of lead‐based MOF (Pb‐MOF), oleylammonium bromide (OAmBr) and cesium oleate (Cs‐OA) solutions at room temperature. Pb‐MOF can not only provide the lead source for the in situ growth of CsPbBr3 NCs, but also the protective layer of perovskites NCs. The formed CsPbBr3@Pb‐MOF composites show a considerable PL quantum yield (PLQY) of 67.8%, and can maintain 90% of the initial PL intensity when immersed in water for 2 months. In addition, the outstanding PL stability against UV light and heat is demonstrated with CsPbBr3 NCs synthesized by the conventional method as a comparison. Finally, a green (light‐emitting diode) LED is fabricated using green‐emitting CsPbBr3@Pb‐MOF composites and exhibits excellent stability without packaging when immersed in water for 30 days. This study provides a practical approach to improve the stability in aqueous phase, which may pave the way for future applications for various optoelectronic devices.
SAFe‐Health: Guarding federated learning‐driven smart healthcare with federated defense averaging against data poisoning
Authors: Mali Bhabesh , Singh Pranav Kumar , Mazumdar Nabajyoti
Published: April 2024

Federated learning (FL) serves as a decentralized training framework for machine learning (ML) models, preserving data privacy in critical domains such as smart healthcare. However, it has been found that attackers can exploit this decentralized learning framework to perform data and model poisoning attacks, specifically in FL‐driven smart healthcare. This work delves into the realm of FL‐driven smart healthcare systems, consisting of multiple hospitals based architecture and focusing on heart disease detection using FL. We carry out data poisoning attacks, using two different attacking methods, label flipping attack and input data/feature manipulation attack to demonstrate that such FL‐driven smart healthcare systems are vulnerable to attacks. To guard the system against such attack, we propose a novel federated averaging defense mechanism to stop the identified poisoned clients in weight aggregation. This mechanism effectively detects and thwarts data poisoning attempts by identifying compromised clients during weight aggregation. The proposed mechanism is based on the idea of weighted averaging, where each client's contribution is weighted according to its trustworthiness. The proposed work addresses a critical gap in the literature by focusing on the often‐overlooked issue of poisoning attacks in tabular text datasets, which are crucial to the smart healthcare system. We conduct the testbed‐based experiment to demonstrate that the proposed mechanism is effectively detecting and mitigating data poisoning attacks in selected FL‐driven smart healthcare scenarios, while maintaining high accuracy and convergence rates.
Shrinkage Porosity Model for Steel Ingots with Reduction Deformation during Solidification
Authors: Zhang Chaojie , Nian Yi , Zhang Liqiang , Ali Naqash , Li Jiale
Published: April 2024

This article studies the shrinkage porosity model for steel ingots with reduction deformation during solidification, and examines the effect of reduction deformation on the shrinkage porosity. Initial investigations involve conducting experiments on reduction deformation during steel ingot solidification, entailing laboratory‐based high‐temperature melting and jack reduction process, with a focus on diverse reduction amounts and cooling times before reduction. Post‐experimental procedures include sample sectioning, acid etching, and low‐magnification structural analysis. Following this, numerical simulations are employed to model the solidification and reduction deformation processes of the steel ingot. Ultimately, a shrinkage porosity criterion model is developed, integrating the equivalent plastic strain resulting from reduction deformation during solidification into the micro‐porosity criterion model. This approach facilitates the prediction of micro‐porosity distribution following reduction deformation. Findings reveal that the shrinkage porosity criterion G2L−5/3ε/εa, which includes the equivalent plastic strain coefficient, effectively predicts the distribution of micro‐porosity subsequent to reduction deformation during steel ingot solidification. A higher reduction amount during the solidification process corresponds to a lowered level of internal micro‐porosity.
Properties of Oxidized Potato Starch–Potassium Alum Mixtures, and Their Application in Starch Noodles
Authors: Huang Shijie , Liu Xinfang , Zhang Xiaoyu , He Xiangxiang , Ren Guoyan , Luo Lei
Published: April 2024

This study explores the effects of potassium alum (PA) on oxidized potato starch (OS) with a carboxyl content of 0.0186%, in terms of their pasting and rheological properties. Furthermore, the application of oxidized starch in the manufacturing of starch noodles is investigated. The results indicate a positive correlation between pasting temperature and PA content (65.6–67.7 °C), while showing a negative correlation with peak viscosity (409–236 BU). The addition of PA leads to reduced dynamic moduli (G′' and G″), consistency coefficient (K), and hysteresis area, accompanied by an elevated fluid behavior index (n). Shear recovery assays demonstrate a positive correlation between PA content and shear resistance, with recovery rates escalating from 76% to 84%. The mouthfeel of starch noodles produced using oxidized starch exhibit comparable to commercial counterparts (PA content 0.35%), but with lower PA levels (at 0.2%). Additionally, these starch noodles have a higher whiteness compared to starch noodles made with potato starch.
Typification of the Lace Lichen,Ramalina menziesiiTaylor—and its synonyms—reiterates the need for complete typification of names for well‐known or iconic taxa
Authors: LaGreca Scott , Tocci Genevieve E. , Briscoe Laura , Lendemer James C.
Published: April 2024

A lectotype is designated for the name of the iconic and well‐known macrolichenRamalina menziesiiTaylor from among a suite of largely overlooked syntypes deposited in the Thomas Taylor Herbarium at the Farlow Herbarium, Harvard University. Lectotypes are also selected for the synonyms ofR. menziesii:Chlorodictyon foliosum,Ramalina reticulata(≡Lichen reticulatusNoehd., nom. illeg.) andR. retiformis. The place of publication of L. reticulatusNoehd. is discussed in detail. The case highlights the surprising degree to which the application of names for taxa that have been extensively studied and are widely known outside a narrow specialist field, can remain unresolved.
Shaping patient perceptions with healthcare supply chain transparency
Authors: Duan Yanji , Xu Jing , Zhao Mei , An Lian
Published: April 2024

Healthcare professionals continually face pressure for increased transparency in their supply chains (SCs). This research examines how healthcare SC information disclosures and physician operations influence patient perceptions (i.e., satisfaction with physicians and attitude toward healthcare service providers). Evidence from prior research might not be applicable in the healthcare context because of intense regulations and safety concerns. Moreover, previous studies have mostly adopted an internal, operational perspective. By contrast, we provide healthcare professionals with guidance on how to maximize patient perceptions. Anchoring on signaling theory and construal level theory of psychological distance, we examine whether and how the disclosed information in a healthcare context influences patients' perceptions with two vignette‐based studies. In contrast with literature on SC transparency, we do not find a main effect of SC disclosures in healthcare. Instead, the effects depend on the content disclosed. We find that spatial and temporal distances of the healthcare SC significantly influence patients' perceptions. Furthermore, a three‐way interaction shows that by strategically disclosing manufacturing and distribution information, especially when these occur close to the patient's home country, and incorporating service recovery actions, such as closer follow‐ups, professionals can maximize patient perception outcomes.
Genetic and multi‐omic risk assessment of Alzheimer's disease implicates core associated biological domains
Authors: Cary Gregory A. , Wiley Jesse C. , Gockley Jake , Keegan Stephen , Amirtha Ganesh Sai Sruthi , Heath Laura , Butler Robert R. , Mangravite Lara M. , Logsdon Benjamin A. , Longo Frank M. , Levey Allan , Greenwood Anna K. , Carter Gregory W.
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the predominant dementia globally, with heterogeneous presentation and penetrance of clinical symptoms, variable presence of mixed pathologies, potential disease subtypes, and numerous associated endophenotypes. Beyond the difficulty of designing treatments that address the core pathological characteristics of the disease, therapeutic development is challenged by the uncertainty of which endophenotypic areas and specific targets implicated by those endophenotypes to prioritize for further translational research. However, publicly funded consortia driving large‐scale open science efforts have produced multiple omic analyses that address both disease risk relevance and biological process involvement of genes across the genome.

METHODS

Here we report the development of an informatic pipeline that draws from genetic association studies, predicted variant impact, and linkage with dementia associated phenotypes to create a genetic risk score. This is paired with a multi‐omic risk score utilizing extensive sets of both transcriptomic and proteomic studies to identify system‐level changes in expression associated with AD. These two elements combined constitute our target risk score that ranks AD risk genome‐wide. The ranked genes are organized into endophenotypic space through the development of 19 biological domains associated with AD in the described genetics and genomics studies and accompanying literature. The biological domains are constructed from exhaustive Gene Ontology (GO) term compilations, allowing automated assignment of genes into objectively defined disease‐associated biology. This rank‐and‐organize approach, performed genome‐wide, allows the characterization of aggregations of AD risk across biological domains.

RESULTS

The top AD‐risk‐associated biological domains are Synapse, Immune Response, Lipid Metabolism, Mitochondrial Metabolism, Structural Stabilization, and Proteostasis, with slightly lower levels of risk enrichment present within the other 13 biological domains.

DISCUSSION

This provides an objective methodology to localize risk within specific biological endophenotypes and drill down into the most significantly associated sets of GO terms and annotated genes for potential therapeutic targets.
Effects of dietary nanoliposome‐coated astaxanthin on haematological parameters, immune responses and the antioxidant status of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Besharat Mojdeh , Islami Houman Rajabi , Soltani Mehdi , Mousavi Seyed Abdolmajid
Published: April 2024

Background

Astaxanthin is the most prevalent carotenoid in the marine environment and is widely used as an additive in formulated aquafeeds.

Objectives

A 60‐day feeding trial was conducted to consider the effect of dietary nanoliposome‐coated astaxanthin (NA) on haematological parameters, serum antioxidant activities and immune responses of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Methods

A total of 450 healthy fish weighing 31.00 ± 2.09 g were randomly assigned in triplicate (30 fish per replicate) to 5 dietary treatments: 0 (control), 25.00, 50.00, 75.00, and 100.00 mg kg−1 NA.

Results

Fish fed the diet supplemented with 50.00 mg kg−1 NA exhibited the highest values of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit of 1.64 ± 0.01 × 106 mm−3, 5.54 ± 0.21 × 103 mm−3, 8.73 ± 0.24 g dL−1 and 46.67% ± 0.88%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those fed the basal diet (p < 0.05). The lowest and highest percentages of lymphocytes (67.67% ± 0.33%) and neutrophils (27.33% ± 1.20%) were also obtained in fish fed 50.00 mg kg−1 NA compared to those fed the basal diet (p < 0.05). Fish receiving diet supplemented with 50.00 mg kg−1 NA revealed the highest serum activity in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme and alternative complement and the lowest level of total cholesterol, cortisol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase than fish receiving the basal diet (p < 0.05). Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) and ACH50 contents significantly increased with increasing dietary NA supplementation to the highest values of 43.17 ± 1.46 and 293.33 ± 2.03 U mL−1, respectively, in fish fed diet supplemented with 50 mg kg−1 NA (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Supplementation of NA in rainbow trout diet at 50 mg kg−1 exhibited a positive effect on haematological parameters, antioxidant capacity and immune responses. Administration of such dosage can enhance rainbow trout immune responses against unfavourable or stressful conditions, for example disease outbreaks, hypoxic condition, thermal stress and sudden osmotic fluctuations, which usually happen in an intensive culture system.
Converting rectangular and circular primary tanks into the AAA biologically enhanced clarification settler
Authors: Wett Bernhard , Aichinger Peter , Murthy Sudhir
Published: April 2024

The frequent design challenge for existing water resource recovery facilities targets the accommodation of an ~50% load increase within the existing infrastructure and footprint. Off‐loading this organic load at the top‐end of the plant and redirection toward the digesters has proven the most efficient way of process intensification. The Triple A settler is an “activated primary treatment,” stands for alternating activated adsorption, and can be retrofitted into existing rectangular or circular (mostly) primary tanks at a hydraulic retention time of 2 h and a sludge retention time of about 0.5 days. Several technology implementations demonstrate flexible designs adjusting to existing tank geometries and depths of 2.5 to 5.0 m. Different implementation scales from dry‐weather flow rates ranging from 0.1 to 10 mgd show generic applicability of the functional principles at any scale: Biosorption, bioflocculation, and assimilation provide the key added value in pretreatment efficiencies of ~60/25/33 in %COD/%N/%P removal compared with application of pure physics in primary settling with typical 33%/9%/11% removal, respectively.

Practitioners Points

Triple A is a hybrid form of A‐stage and contact stabilizer for advanced primary treatment.

Besides COD and TSS, also, P and N can be removed via Triple A.

Triple A can be retrofitted in existing rectangular or circular tanks.

This high‐rate process does not worsen the conditions for enhanced biological phosphorus removal.

Energy efficiency, capacity increase, and operational benefits are the main goals of Triple A.
Comparing gastrointestinal stromal tumor outcomes between geriatric and non‐geriatric patients: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Singh Abhiram , Chitti Bhargava , Aguiar Christopher , Wernicke A. Gabriella , Devoe Craig E. , Rahman Husneara , Sison Cristina , Parashar Bhupesh
Published: April 2024

Background

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the GI tract. SEER is an extensive cancer database which proves useful in analyzing population trends. This analysis investigated GIST outcomes between geriatric & non‐geriatric patients.

Methods

SEER*STAT 8.4.0.1 was used to extract relevant GIST data from 2000 to 2019. Geriatric age was defined as ≥70 years. Variables included age, sex, surgery, cancer‐specific death, and overall survival. Statistical tests included univariate analysis using KM survival estimate (95% confidence interval) to calculate 5‐year survival (5YS). Log‐Rank tests determined statistical significance. Multivariable Cox's PH regression estimated the geriatric hazard death ratio adjusted for sex, stage, and surgery.

Results

The number of patients included was 13,579, yielding overall 5YS of 68.6% (95% CI 67.7–69.5). Cancer‐specific death was 39.11% in 2000 & 3.33% in 2019. Non‐geriatric & geriatric patient data yielded 5YS of 77.4% (76.4%–78.3%) and 53.3% (51.7%–54.8%) respectively (p < 0.0001). For no surgery/surgery, younger patient data yielded 5YS of 48.7% (45.8%–51.4%) and 83.7% (82.7%–84.7%) respectively (p < 0.0001); geriatric data yielded 5YS of 29.3% (26.5%–32.1%) and 62.8% (60.8%–64.6%) respectively (p < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis yielded a geriatric hazard death of 2.56 (2.42–2.70) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Cancer‐specific death decreased since 2000, indicating an improvement in survival & treatment methods. Observed lower survival rates overall in the geriatric group. Surgery appeared to enhance survival rates in both groups, suggesting that surgery is an important factor in GIST survival regardless of age. Large prospective studies will help define clinical management for geriatric patients.
Experimental Basis
Authors: Zhang Chun-Liang , Wang Ju , Kaufhold Stephan , Liu Yuemiao , Czaikowski Oliver , Pingel Janis , Schäfer Thorsten , Kouhail Yasmine , Bouby Muriel , Heberling Frank , Morélova Nikoletta , Stoll Madeleine , Kraft Stephanie , Gill Nadine , Joseph Claudia , Geckeis Horst
Published: April 2024

A research programme has been conducted jointly by GRS together with BRIUG and BGR to characterize GMZ bentonite as buffer material in comparison with the well-known MX80 bentonite.
Vorstellung der Mindeststeuerregeln
Authors: Steinmeister Nicolas
Published: April 2024

Die Einführung einer weltweiten Mindeststeuer für multinationale Konzerne soll durch ein Gespann aus vier Regelungen erreicht werden. Zu unterscheiden ist zwischen den sog. GloBE Rules („GloBE-Regeln“) und einer ergänzenden „Subject to Tax Rule“ („STTR“) auf DBA-Ebene. Die GloBE-Regeln bestehen aus der vorrangig anzuwendenden „Income Inclusion Rule“ („IIR“) als einer Art Hinzurechnungsbesteuerung, welche von einer ebenfalls auf DBA-Ebene umzusetzenden „Switch-over Rule“ („SOR“) flankiert werden kann, und der nachrangig anzuwendenden „Undertaxed Payments Rule“ („UTPR“), die länderabhängig entweder als Betriebsausgabenabzugsbeschränkung oder in einer vergleichbaren Form (z. B. einer Quellenbesteuerung mit Abzugsverfahren) ausgestaltet werden soll. Die Erhebung der Mindeststeuer soll in diesem Rahmen erfolgen, wenn die Erträge der in einem anderen Staat ansässigen Konzerneinheiten eines multinationalen Konzerns dort mit einem effektiven Steuersatz von weniger als 15 % besteuert werden. Der Differenzbetrag wird dann bei einer anderen Konzerneinheit, im Idealfall der Konzernobergesellschaft, im Inland über die Globe-Regeln nachbesteuert.
Entwicklung der Ambulantisierung
Authors: Tillmanns Hanna , Jäckel Dörte
Published: April 2024

Ambulante Operationen können in Deutschland sowohl von Vertragsärztinnen und -ärzten als auch durch Krankenhäuser durchgeführt werden. Internationale Vergleiche zeigen, dass deutlich mehr Fälle ambulant erbracht werden können. Hinzu kommen die sinkenden personellen und finanziellen Ressourcen, die bedarfsgerecht eingesetzt werden müssen und so unnötige vollstationäre Behandlungen vermeiden. Gleichwohl haben sich die Fallzahlen im Bereich des ambulanten Operierens in über einem Jahrzehnt kaum verändert. Dieser Beitrag ermittelt auf Basis der Abrechnungsdaten von AOK-Versicherten, welche Leistungen ein Potenzial zur Ambulantisierung aufweisen und wie sich der Grad der Ambulantisierung über einen Zeitraum von zwölf Jahren verändert hat. Bei der Ermittlung ambulantisierbarer Fälle werden unterschiedliche, aktuell diskutierte Methoden angewandt. Die Ergebnisse werden sowohl regionalisiert als auch leistungsspezifisch diskutiert. Es zeigt sich ein geringfügiger Rückgang des Ambulantisierungsgrades auf Bundesebene, welcher auf weiteren gesetzlichen Handlungsbedarf zur Förderung der Ambulantisierung hinweist.
Operative Umsetzung der ambulanten, stationsersetzenden Versorgung in Krankenhäusern
Authors: Spinner Georg , Kaiss Joanina , Hagemeier Christina , Katholing Monika , Schäfer Carsten
Published: April 2024

Im Rahmen einer Studie im Auftrag der Rhön Stiftung Eugen und Ingeborg Münch wurde untersucht, wie sich die ambulante Versorgung in Krankenhäusern derzeit darstellt und wie sich Krankenhäuser in Zukunft aufstellen müssen, um die ambulante Leistungserbringung kostendeckend zu gestalten und die Ambulantisierung voranzutreiben. Die zentralen Ergebnisse sind in diesem Beitrag zusammengefasst. Dabei sollen Antworten auf die Frage geliefert werden, wie die operative Umsetzung der ambulanten, stationsersetzenden Versorgung in Krankenhäusern in Bezug auf Infrastruktur, Organisation, Prozesse sowie Personaleinsatz gelingen kann, basierend auf der Annahme, dass für die ambulante Leistungserbringung derzeit kaum passende Strukturen und Prozesse existieren. Zur Beantwortung dieser Frage wurde anhand von zwei Beispielhäusern eine Ambulanzkostenrechnung auf Basis einer Vollkostenrechnung durchgeführt und die Auswirkungen der Umsetzung des ambulanten Potenzials auf die Deckungsbeiträge definierter Fachabteilungen analysiert. Die Ergebnisse wurden in Expertengesprächen validiert und ergänzt. Die Studie identifiziert sechs Handlungsfelder und zeigt die Schrittfolge für die Umsetzung der Ambulantisierung auf. Die Ergebnisse der Studie verdeutlichen, dass, neben Änderungen in der Vergütung eine grundlegende Überarbeitung des ambulanten Geschäftsmodells in Krankenhäusern unerlässlich ist, um die ambulante stationsersetzende Versorgung erfolgreich voranzubringen.
A Methodological Approach and Geometry-Based Typology of Late-Gothic Net Vaults’ Rib Systems. Presented on Case Studies from Historic Hungary
Authors: Jobbik Eszter , Krähling János
Published: April 2024

Extensive literature exists concerning the building and construction techniques of Late Gothic net vaults’ rib systems. Nonetheless, the most influential works on this subject were authored in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries—long after these structures were constructed. During this period, the accuracy of the available survey techniques limited the knowledge about these vaults’ exact geometry. Nowadays, terrestrial laser scanning allows us to gather never-before-evaluated data about them. In this article, we present a new geometry-based typology of Late Gothic net vaults’ rib systems – based on written sources and our own case studies – which challenges some premises of the literature. The typology is accompanied by a thorough explanation of our methodology for geometric analysis. We also accentuate our views on the crucial role of geometric analysis in studying building connections and genealogy.
“To implant or not to implant”: electrically evoked auditory brainstem response audiometry for decision-making in vestibular schwannoma resection with CI
Authors: Dahm Valerie , Gadenstaetter Anselm Joseph , Arnoldner Christoph
Published: April 2024

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are often associated with debilitating hearing loss. Therefore, preservation and rehabilitation of hearing have become major therapeutic goals of VS management. Recently, cochlear implantation (CI) has been established as an effective treatment option for VS-associated hearing loss. Nevertheless, the integrity and proper function of the cochlear nerve must be evaluated before conducting CI to ensure optimal CI outcomes. Various methods to determine cochlear nerve integrity and functionality have emerged in the last few years. Of these, the use of electrically evoked auditory brainstem response audiometry (eABR) in particular has been proven to be a meaningful tool for monitoring cochlear nerve health during VS surgery. Here, the cochlear nerve can be electrically stimulated using an intracochlear test electrode before, during, and after tumor extirpation. Subsequently, the resulting brainstem responses can be measured and interpreted accordingly to obtain direct information on the cochlear nerve function. This allows for continuous monitoring of cochlear nerve function throughout the course of VS surgery and aids in the decision-making for CI candidacy. Finally, in the case of preserved brainstem responses, CI can be performed instantly after VS extirpation. This simultaneous approach offers several advantages over two-staged procedures and has been shown to be an efficient and safe procedure for restoring hearing after VS removal.
Chance und Risken von künstlicher Intelligenz und Machine Learning in der bildgebenden Diagnostik
Authors: Nehrer Stefan , Chen Kenneth , Ljuhar Richard , Götz Christoph
Published: April 2024

Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) findet zunehmend Anwendung in der bildgebenden Diagnostik. Dieser umfassende Begriff bezieht sich auf Computerprogramme, die in der Lage sind, intelligente Aufgaben zu übernehmen und zu lösen. Die stetige Weiterentwicklung der KI-Architekturen ermöglicht es, auch anspruchsvolle Aufgaben wie die Erkennung und Quantifizierung von radiologischen Parametern auf einem höheren Niveau zu bewältigen. Gegenwärtig erfolgen die Beurteilung und Beschreibung solcher Parameter größtenteils auf manuelle Weise und in narrativer Form. Diese manuelle Vorgehensweise ist nicht nur zeitintensiv, sondern auch anfällig für Interrater- und Intrarater-Variabilität, da sie stark von der beurteilenden Person und äußeren Einflüssen beeinflusst wird. Mithilfe von KI-Algorithmen können standardisierte und reproduzierbare Ergebnisse entstehen, da sie unabhängig von externen Einflüssen Informationen in Bilddaten auf den Pixel genau auswerten kann. Ein entscheidender Vorteil besteht darin, dass die KI im Gegensatz zur manuellen Beurteilung auch auf umfangreiche Hintergrunddaten zurückgreifen kann, was zu einer weiteren Verbesserung der Genauigkeit führt. In der Rolle eines unterstützenden Tools trägt die KI dazu bei, die Qualität der Röntgenbildbeurteilung zu steigern, während gleichzeitig die Arbeitsbelastung reduziert wird.
Chatbots, search engines, and the sealing of knowledges
Authors: Lindemann Nora Freya
Published: April 2024

In 2023, online search engine provider Microsoft integrated a language model that provides direct answers to search queries into its search engine Bing. Shortly afterwards, Google also introduced a similar feature to its search engine with the launch of Google Gemini. This introduction of direct answers to search queries signals an important and significant change in online search. This article explores the implications of this new search paradigm. Drawing on Donna Haraway’s theory of Situated Knowledges and Rainer Mühlhoff’s concept of Sealed Surfaces, I introduce the term Sealed Knowledges to draw attention to the increasingly difficult access to the plurality of potential answers to search queries through the output of a singular, authoritative, and plausible text paragraph. I argue that the integration of language models for the provision of direct answers into search engines is based on a de-situated and disembodied understanding of knowledge and affects the subjectivities of its users. At the same time, the sealing of knowledges can lead to an increasing spread of misinformation and may make marginalized knowledge increasingly difficult to find. The paper concludes with an outlook on how to resist the increasing sealing of knowledges in online search.
Effectiveness of neurodynamic treatment in managing lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review
Authors: Tedeschi Roberto , Platano Daniela , Melotto Gianluca , Danilo Donati
Published: April 2024

Background

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as “tennis elbow,” is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting up to 3% of the population, primarily in individuals over 40 years old. It leads to pain and dysfunction at the lateral epicondyle, primarily involving the tendons of forearm extensor muscles, innervated by the radial nerve. Recent insights suggest a multifactorial etiology, questioning the traditional tendinopathy model. Neurodynamics, exploring nerve mechanics, emerges as a potential treatment approach.

Methods

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines searched multiple databases for clinical trials investigating neurodynamic interventions for lateral epicondylitis. Inclusion criteria involved lateral epicondylitis patients receiving neurodynamic treatment, with pain, disability, and functional improvement as primary outcomes.

Results

Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Neurodynamic techniques, including radial nerve mobilization and home exercises, showed positive outcomes. Significant pain reduction, improved grip strength, and increased ulnar deviation angle were observed in several studies. However, heterogeneity in study design, follow-up durations, and small sample sizes limit conclusive evidence.

Conclusion

Neurodynamic treatment, particularly radial nerve mobilization, appears promising in alleviating pain and improving nerve mechanosensitivity in lateral epicondylitis. High-quality research is needed to establish its efficacy, considering the limitations in existing studies. A multidisciplinary approach and standardized patient inclusion criteria should be emphasized to advance the management of this condition.