bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and characterizations of jarosite waste reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) composites: A sustainable approach toward solid waste management
Authors: Pattnaik Shruti S. , Behera Diptiranjan , Mishra Priyanka P. , Sahoo Shakti S. , Singh Vishal K. , Manna Suvendu , Das Nigamananda , Behera Ajaya K.
Published: March 2024

Jarosite, an industrial waste, has the potential to be used as an alternative filler in biocomposites used as packaging material and can replace nondegradable thermoplastic. Such a novel approach of waste management strategy has not been studied till date. In this research work, different weight percentages of jarosite were mixed with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to fabricate polymer composites with better physico‐chemical, thermal, tensile, and biodegradation properties. The data indicate that a low concentration of jarosite (3 wt.%) improved the tensile strength by 198.7% and the composite showed higher thermal stability by 6.3% than that of the neat PVA. X‐ray diffractogram and transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed a strong interaction between PVA and jarosite. Interestingly, the addition of jarosite reduced the water absorption capacity and thickness swelling of the PVA composite by 58% and 54.7%, respectively. Jarosite‐incorporated composites showed lesser degradation potential (64%) than the control composites (84%) after 60 days under soil burial conditions, indicating that PVA‐jarosite composites have a higher shelf‐life, which is needed for packaging materials. These composites can also be good alternant for thermoplastic used in preparation of cuboid, sealing, and decorative materials. Also, this would be a novel sustainable approach for managing/reducing jarosite waste.

Highlights

Jarosite was reinforced with PVA to fabricate biocomposites.

The maximum tensile strength of the composite was achieved as 45.4 MPa.

The thermal stability of mechanically optimized composite is found at 320°C.

After 60 days under soil burial, the composite lost 64.8% of its original weight.

Developed composites can be good alternant for nondegradable thermoplastic.
Implementing a whole‐of‐service stepped care approach to personality disorder treatment: Impact of training and service redesign on clinician attitudes and skills
Authors: Grenyer Brin F. S. , Bailey Rachel C.
Published: March 2024

Personality disorders are a highly prevalent mental health condition. Historically, clinician attitudes have been negative, and only a small number have specialised training. This study evaluated clinician attitudes and confidence in working with people with personality disorder following the combination of training and implementation of a stepped care whole‐of‐service approach. A total of 102 multidisciplinary mental health clinicians were trained to implement the stepped care approach, and completed surveys prior to implementation and at 12 months follow up. Clinicians delivered manualised structured psychological therapy as part of the model. Measures assessed changes in attitudes and confidence, and impact of the service changes and therapy approach. Qualitative responses elucidated core themes. Evaluation at 12 months post training and service redesign showed improvements in clinician skills, confidence, theoretical knowledge and attitudes. Qualitative thematic analysis found core themes of improved understanding, clinical skills and improvements in the accessibility and timeliness of treatment. Implementing a whole‐of‐service model featuring stepped care therapies enhanced clinician attitudes, confidence, skills and knowledge in working with people with personality disorders. Clinicians identified that the whole‐of‐service model also improved accessibility to treatment, and quality of clinical care to the consumer and their carers.
A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of turmeric in the treatment of digestive disorders
Authors: Thavorn Kednapa , Wolfe Dianna , Faust Lena , Shorr Risa , Akkawi Maya , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Klinger Christopher , Chai‐Adisaksopa Chatree , Tanvejsilp Pimwara , Nochaiwong Surapon , Straus Sharon E. , Hutton Brian
Published: March 2024

Turmeric has been gaining popularity as a treatment option for digestive disorders, although a rigorous synthesis of efficacy has not been conducted. This study aimed to summarize the evidence for the efficacy and safety of turmeric in the treatment of digestive disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and peptic ulcers. Literature searches were conducted in Medline, EMBASE, AMED, the Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials, and Dissertation Abstracts from inception to November 15, 2021. Dual independent screening of citations and full texts was conducted and studies meeting inclusion criteria were retained: randomized controlled trials (RCT) and comparative observational studies evaluating turmeric use in people of any age with one of the digestive disorders of interest. Extraction of relevant data and risk of bias assessments were performed by two reviewers independently. Meta‐analysis was not conducted due to high heterogeneity. From 1136 citations screened, 26 eligible studies were retained. Most studies were assessed to have a high risk of bias, and many had methodological limitations. Descriptive summaries suggest that turmeric is safe, with possible efficacy in patients with IBD or IBS, but its effects were inconsistent for other conditions. The efficacy of turmeric in digestive disorders remains unclear due to the high risk of bias and methodological limitations of the included studies. Future studies should be designed to include larger sample sizes, use rigorous statistical methods, employ core outcome sets, and adhere to reporting guidance for RCTs of herbal interventions to facilitate more meaningful comparisons and robust conclusions.
Dynamical Gaussian, lognormal, and reverse lognormal maximum‐likelihood ensemble filter
Authors: Van Loon Senne , Fletcher Steven J. , Zupanski Milija
Published: March 2024

We present a non‐Gaussian ensemble data assimilation method based on the maximum‐likelihood ensemble filter, which allows for any combination of Gaussian, lognormal, and reverse lognormal errors in both the background and the observations. The technique is fully nonlinear, does not require a tangent linear model, and uses a Hessian preconditioner to minimise the cost function efficiently in ensemble space. When the Gaussian assumption is relaxed, the results show significant improvements in the analysis skill within two atmospheric toy models, and the performance of data assimilation systems for (semi)bounded variables is expected to improve.
Proposal and confirmation of N‐(2‐carboxyethyl)proline as a human endogenous metabolite
Authors: Zhang Qibo , Adam Klaus‐Peter
Published: March 2024

Rationale

Malondialdehyde, one of the peroxidation products of polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been widely reported as an oxidative stress biomarker in many diseases. However, malondialdehyde is inherently unstable in biological matrices, which renders its measurement unreliable with all the reported analytical methods. To find an alternative oxidative stress biomarker, we envisioned that N‐(2‐carboxyethyl)proline, a modified conjugate of malondialdehyde and proline, could be a stable candidate for this purpose.

Methods

The proposed compound was chemically synthesized, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry methods were developed and used to search for the compound in human biological samples.

Results

An endogenous metabolite in human feces and urine samples was found to match the synthetic N‐(2‐carboxyethyl)proline by chromatographic retention and the fragmentation pattern of its molecular ion.

Conclusion

The results confirmed that N‐(2‐carboxyethyl)proline was a new metabolite in human feces and urine samples. In addition, our results demonstrated a case of successful identification of true unknown metabolite by knowledge‐based hypothesis of possible metabolites followed by experimental confirmation with a synthetic standard.
Multiscale Computational and Artificial Intelligence Models of Linear and Nonlinear Composites: A Review
Authors: Agarwal Mohit , Pasupathy Parameshwaran , Wu Xuehai , Recchia Stephen S. , Pelegri Assimina A.
Published: March 2024

Herein, state‐of‐the‐art multiscale modeling methods have been described. This research includes notable molecular, micro‐, meso‐, and macroscale models for hard (polymer, metal, yarn, fiber, fiber‐reinforced polymer, and polymer matrix composites) and soft (biological tissues such as brain white matter [BWM]) composite materials. These numerical models vary from molecular dynamics simulations to finite‐element (FE) analyses and machine learning/deep learning surrogate models. Constitutive material models are summarized, such as viscoelastic hyperelastic, and emerging models like fractional viscoelastic. Key challenges such as meshing, data variability and material nonlinearity‐driven uncertainty, limitations in terms of computational resources availability, model fidelity, and repeatability are outlined with state‐of‐the‐art models. Latest advancements in FE modeling involving meshless methods, hybrid ML and FE models, and nonlinear constitutive material (linear and nonlinear) models aim to provide readers with a clear outlook on futuristic trends in composite multiscale modeling research and development. The data‐driven models presented here are of varying length and time scales, developed using advanced mathematical, numerical, and huge volumes of experimental results as data for digital models. An in‐depth discussion on data‐driven models would provide researchers with the necessary tools to build real‐time composite structure monitoring and lifecycle prediction models.
Preparation and Application of Thin‐Sodium Metal
Authors: Huang Shaozhen , He Zhiyuan , Li Canglong , Pan Wen , Li Wenhao , Liu Wen , Li Tianbao , Chen Yuejiao , Chen Libao
Published: March 2024

With the development of energy storage technology, the new energy storage materials are more diverse. The sodium metal has the advantages of high energy density, rich resource reserves, and low costs for raw materials, becoming promising advanced energy storage materials for application. However, the low tensile strength of sodium metal makes it difficult to process deformation while its severe viscosity and low melting point affect the subsequent manufactory and application of batteries. These characteristics hinder the processing and preparation of thin‐sodium metal. The designs of composite‐supporting structure, alloying, and the interface strengthening for sodium metal can effectively overcome the difficulties in preparation of the thin sodium. In this review, the design principles of thin sodium in terms of processing and preparation, according to the physical and chemical properties of sodium metal, are discussed. Meanwhile, the key challenges and new development opportunities are addressed for the processing and preparation of the thin‐sodium metal, which is beneficial for deeply understanding the reliable fabrication and realizing the practical application of thin‐sodium metals.
Void Formation and Radiation‐Induced Ion Migration in Perovskite Solar Cells under 10 MeV Proton Radiation
Authors: Nguyen Dang‐Thuan , Bui Anh Dinh , Huang Keqing , Leung Tik Lun , Chang Li‐Chun , Nguyen Khoa , Tabi Grace Dansoa , Trần‐Phú Thành , Nguyen Hieu , Ho‐Baillie Anita , Kluth Patrick , Weber Klaus , White Thomas , Duong The
Published: March 2024

Perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology is a promising candidate for space applications because of its high power‐to‐weight ratio, low‐cost fabrication process, and good tolerance to high‐energy particle radiation. In this work, perovskite films and resultant high‐efficiency PSCs are assessed under 10 MeV proton radiation at fluences in the range 1e12–1e14 p cm−2, which are equivalent to 1 to 100 years in geostationary orbit (GEO) without any shielding or cover. For the first time, void formation and material ablation are detected on perovskite films, indicating structural damage of the materials under the proton radiation. Furthermore, ions inside the devices especially Au and Pb ions are displaced to underlying layers under the proton bombardment. These lead to the degradation of PSCs to ≈89% of the initial performance (from 24.1% to 21.4%) at the highest dose. The experimental results are supported by previous simulation works with a good fit in all optoelectronic parameters. This study provides insights into the degradation mechanism of PSCs under proton radiation and paves the way for the utilization of PSCs in space applications.
Rostral and body shape analyses reveal cryptic diversity of Late Jurassic batomorphs (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii) from Europe
Authors: Türtscher Julia , Jambura Patrick L. , Villalobos‐Segura Eduardo , López‐Romero Faviel A. , Underwood Charlie J. , Thies Detlev , Lauer Bruce , Lauer René , Kriwet Jürgen
Published: March 2024

The fossil record of chondrichthyans (chimaeras, sharks, rays and skates) consists largely of isolated teeth, with holomorphic specimens being extraordinary exceptions. However, numerous of these more or less completely preserved specimens are known from several Upper Jurassic deposits of Europe, enabling detailed analysis of their morphology. Batomorphs (rays and skates) resembling modern guitarfishes and wedgefishes (Rhinopristiformes) are among the most common Jurassic chondrichthyans found, but they have been only sporadically studied up to now, resulting in large knowledge gaps concerning their taxonomy and phylogeny. Here, we present the most detailed revision of Late Jurassic holomorphic batomorphs to date, quantitatively analysing body proportions of specimens from Germany (Solnhofen Archipelago), France (Cerin) and the UK (Kimmeridge), using both geometric and traditional morphometrics. Furthermore, we identify qualitative morphological characters for species discrimination, to clarify the taxonomic identity and diversity of Late Jurassic batomorphs based on holomorphic specimens. Our results support the validity of Belemnobatis sismondae, Kimmerobatis etchesi and Spathobatis bugesiacus, as well as that of the previously doubtful Asterodermus platypterus. Moreover, we describe Aellopobatis bavarica, a new taxon, which has hitherto been considered to be a large‐sized morphotype of Spathobatis bugesiacus. Our results highlight that the diversity of holomorphic batomorphs during the Late Jurassic was greater than previously thought, and suggest that this group was already well‐established and diverse by this time. This study thus provides vital information about the evolutionary history of Late Jurassic batomorphs and has direct implications for batomorph species that are based on isolated teeth only.
Large durophagous fish from the Spathian (late Early Triassic) of Romania hints at earlier onset of the Triassic actinopterygian revolution
Authors: Cavin Lionel , Argyriou Thodoris , Romano Carlo , Grădinaru Eugen
Published: March 2024

Fossil evidence suggests that ray‐finned fishes (Actinopterygii) diversified greatly after the largest mass extinction event at the Permian–Triassic boundary. This radiation resulted in a diversity peak in the Middle Triassic, which is manifested in diverse feeding specializations, especially among small‐bodied Neopterygii. We present new material from an early Spathian (Early Triassic) outcrop in northern Dobrogea, southeast Romania. The material includes isolated jaw and palatal bones that evidently belong to a single individual, a durophagous actinopterygian, and isolated scales referred to the same taxon. A systematic evaluation of this material indicates affinities with †Polzbergiidae, and provides a first glimpse of internal aspects of the feeding apparatus of that group. A pair of ectopterygoids with crushing dentition show a well‐developed lateral process, a feature that was previously proposed to be a synapomorphy uniting Cladistia (bichirs) with the Triassic †Scanilepiformes. The recognition of this structure in various Triassic ray‐fins (summarized herein) indicates that it was probably widespread among stem neopterygians. The new material belongs to a large individual with a heterodont dentition, therefore representing the earliest large, specialized, durophagous neopterygian. It increases the group's morphological diversity in the Spathian, and hints at an earlier trophic diversification after the mass extinction. Based on new data, we analyse changes in body size of bony fishes through the Early and Middle Triassic. Current evidence suggests that body size distribution remained skewed towards larger sizes in the late Early Triassic, and that the diversification of small‐bodied stem neopterygians had not yet been in full swing.
Tailoring Low‐Alloyed Cryogenic Steel Strong and Tough Introduces Fine‐Grained Equiaxed Ferrite by Intercritical Subquenching
Authors: Ding Chao , Wang Enmao , Liu Jinxu , Li Leilei , Huang ManLi , Niu Gang , Yu Xinpan , Wu Huibin
Published: March 2024

Herein, a novel approach is developed to enhance the strength, ductility, and low‐temperature toughness of high‐strength low‐alloy steels, overcoming the traditional trade‐off. By incorporating an intercritical subquenching step during the conventional quenching and tempering (QT) process, a microstructure featuring refined lath bainite and a small amount of fine equiaxed ferrite is achieved. The resulting steel exhibits a strength similar to that of QT steel with significantly improved ductility and low‐temperature impact toughness. Compared to traditional QT steel, the new process steel maintains a similar strength. In addition, the elongation increases from ~22.2% to ~24.9%, and the impact energy significantly increases at −50 °C from ~233 to ~347 J. The fine grain size and dense lath structure contribute to the minimal reduction in strength. The presence of equiaxed ferrite and bainite improves the ductility, while plastic deformation and special grain boundaries play a crucial role in enhancing the low‐temperature toughness. This innovative heat treatment method offers an economical solution for producing high‐strength low‐alloy cryogenic vessel steels without compromising strength while greatly improving ductility and low‐temperature toughness.
Effect of Al Content on Inclusions in Fe‐15Mn‐xAl‐C Low‐Density Steel
Authors: Cao Lei , Wang Guocheng , Xiao Yuanyou , Tao Ke
Published: March 2024

Three experiments of Fe‐15Mn‐xAl‐C (x = 1, 3, 5) low‐density steel with different Al contents are carried out, and the characteristics of inclusions are observed through field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the types of inclusions in the three samples are almost the same, mainly Al2O3, AlN, MnS, TiN, Al2O3‐MnS, AlN‐MnS, TiN‐MnS, and Al2O3‐AlN‐MnS. The number percentage of Al2O3 decreases, while the number percentage of AlN increases with the increase of Al content in the three samples. As the Al content increases, the number of inclusions between 1 and 5 μm decreases, while the number between 5 and 10 μm increases. FactSage8.2 software calculation shows that an increase in Al content leads to an increase in the liquidus and a decrease in the solidus of the steel; at the same time, it causes the austenite region to narrow and expands the ferrite region. The change in the solidification route leads to a delay in the solidification fraction of AlN, MnS, and TiN inclusions precipitation. At last, the 2D mismatch theory shows that the mismatch degrees of Al2O3/MnS, AlN/MnS, TiN/MnS, and AlN/Al2O3 are 8.41%, 8.94%, 11.65%, and 11.66%, respectively.
Uncertainty in the dynamic properties of tall buildings and propagation to the wind‐induced response
Authors: Picozzi Vincenzo , Maietta Venere , Avossa Alberto Maria , Ricciardelli Francesco
Published: March 2024

The response of tall buildings to wind actions is commonly assessed through the quasi‐static approach considering mean, background, and resonant components of the action. The latter accounts for the amplification due to resonance and depends on the dynamic properties of the buildings, that is, modal mass, frequency, and damping ratio. Selecting appropriate values of the modal parameters of tall buildings is not immediate and is usually done using predictive models. These contain uncertainty, which eventually propagates to the dynamic response. The main aim of the paper is the assessment of uncertainty in the dynamic response of flexible buildings to wind action arising from a not perfect knowledge of their dynamic properties. The paper explicitly refers to the dynamic models given by Eurocode 1, but the approach is general, and the analyses can be repeated selecting any other model. It is found that the bias in the dynamic factor is always less than one, with values on average between 0.86 and 0.98. This indicates that the approach of Eurocode 1 is conservative. The only exception is that of the acrosswind response of steel buildings with an high aspect ratio, in which case the bias can be as large as 1.16. As to randomness, the coefficient of variation of the alongwind dynamic factor is very seldom found to exceed 10%, with average values around 5%. Such values are much lower than those of the coefficient of variation of damping, which is in the order of 50% or more. This indicates that uncertainty attenuates when it propagates to the response. On the other hand, the coefficient of variation of the acrosswind and torsional dynamic factors reaches values of 20% or more, indicating that such attenuation is much lower in that case.
Diagnosis and management of trichobezoars in a sheep
Authors: Garcia‐Arevalo Jorge Leonardo , Bedoya‐Rios Miguel Angel , Albarracin‐Navas Javier Hernando , Moreno‐Jerez Edgar Ricardo , Cala‐Delgado Daniel Leonardo
Published: March 2024

This paper describes the diagnosis, surgical treatment and resolution of trichobezoars in a Santander Creole sheep from Santander, Colombia. A 2‐month‐old female sheep was presented with bilateral abdominal distention, pain upon abdominal palpation indicating the presence of a spherical and malleable foreign body, absence of ruminal movements, soft and mucoid faeces and the presence of two radiopaque structures indicative of foreign bodies within the rumen. The ultrasound confirmed a marked acoustic shadow at the level of the right middle mesogastric quadrant. To resolve the condition, a rumenotomy was performed: the foreign bodies were extracted and the structure and diagnosis of trichobezoars were confirmed. The recommendation was to improve the nutritional needs of the herd to avoid these digestive disorders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a diagnosis and surgical treatment of trichobezoars in a Creole sheep from the Department of Santander, Colombia.
Neutron imaging of exchange flow between biopore and matrix for Bt versus C horizons
Authors: Barbosa Luis Alfredo Pires , Lima Fernando Vieira , Gerke Horst H.
Published: March 2024

The surface coating of biopores plays a pivotal role in mediating mass exchange between the biopore and the soil matrix, ultimately governing preferential flow in structured soils. However, quantitative experiments of the flow exchange dynamics in the soil around an earthworm burrow (drilosphere) are limited. Here, we developed an experimental setup to mimic preferential flow within a biopore while monitoring the water distribution by neutron radiography. The objective was to quantify the evolving water content distribution in the biopore with surrounding drilosphere samples from Bt and C horizons. We hypothesize that the distribution of clay and organic material across biopore surfaces in Bt and C horizons impacts the biopore coating material formation (i.e., composition and thickness), thereby influencing its role in controlling mass exchange during preferential flow events. The experimental setup was proposed for in situ quantification of the preferential flow dynamics in an earthworm burrow (biopore) passing through Bt and C horizons of a Luvisol developed on glacial till. The neutron radiographies were obtained at the NEUtron Transmission Radiography facility of the Paul Scherrer Institut, Villingen. The volumetric water content was quantified by calibrating gray scale values from radiography images with defined water contents using stepped aluminum cuvettes attached to the samples; image analysis was used to determine sorptivity at the biopore–soil matrix interface. The water exchange flow was found to be smaller for coated biopore surface in the more clayey Bt horizon, as compared to the coarser textured carbonaceous subsoil C horizon, where higher sorptivity intensified mass exchange. The method most realistically captured the dynamics of the vertical preferential flow process in a biopore, including lateral exchange flow, by determining the water sorptivity of the drilosphere. In contrast to mini‐infiltrometer data, biopore–matrix exchange flow was here more restricted for Bt in contrast to carbonaceous C horizon. Since both horizons showed the presence of coating material on their burrow walls, the results suggest further analysis of their contrasting properties and structures.
Apparate: Einleitung
Authors: Richter Tilman , Lorenz Caspar-Fridolin
Published: March 2024

Das Heft ist dem Apparat gewidmet, wobei seine Begriffsgeschichte ebenso wie ein Panorama verschiedener Einzelfälle zur Diskussion stehen: etwa eine in Uganda operierende NGO, ein niederländischer Verein zur Seenotrettung oder die britische Gefängnisverwaltung, welche die staatliche Zwangsernährung von Frauen entwickelte. Der Apparat ist für unsere Zwecke als Regierungsmaschine weit gefasst worden. Besprochen werden Konzerne, Bürokratien, Organisationen, große und kleine Verwaltungen und totale Institutionen, unbedingt aber auch autopoietische Normen und Dispositive.
»Auch solle niemand nichts unterschreiben, so er nicht zuvor ganz gelesen hat«. Zur Formalisierung des Zögerns der Verwaltung
Authors: Richter Tilman
Published: March 2024

Ausgehend von Stefan Nellens Diskussion der Rechtsethnologie Bruno Latours reflektiert der Beitrag das Zögern als grundsätzlichen Verfahrensmodus der Bürokratie. Das Zögern, das so elementar zum administrativen Handeln gehört, hat allerdings selbst mediale Grundlagen. Der Essay schlägt vor, das Schriftformerfordernis und die dazugehörigen Anforderungen des bürokratischen Schreibakts, und hier besonders die Unterschrift, als Mittel zur Herstellung von Verantwortlichkeit und damit auch des Zögerns zu verstehen.
Fälle digitaler Rechtsfindung
Authors: Klaut Manuela
Published: March 2024

Während die aktuelle Forschung zu digitalen Kulturen von einer eigensinnigen, kaum vorhersehbaren Diffusion spricht, die dem Prozess der Digitalisierung zugrunde liegt, fordert das Recht die Digitalisierung durch unzählige Formalismen heraus. Das Recht ist jedoch kein autonomes, intelligentes System – es existiert in Einzelfällen, die es vielmehr ständig diffundieren lassen. In digitalen Systemen müssen diese Einzelfälle erst kategorisiert, priorisiert und an den Rechtsprozess angepasst werden, um als virtueller Aktenschrank zu funktionieren. Kein digitalisierter Rechtsprozess ist verstreut, unentschieden oder unbegrenzt, sondern ersetzt einen automatisierten Fallvergleich in Gang, der auch über den Ausgang des Falles entscheidet. Die neue Herausforderung an digitale Rechtsverfahren heißt „Legal Tech“ und soll eine standardisierte, automatisierte und effiziente Lösung für Verwaltungsverfahren schaffen. Der Aufsatz beschäftigt sich weniger mit den konkreten technischen Verfahren der Digitalisierung juristischer Prozesse als vielmehr mit dem interpretativen Erbe, das bereits im Prozess der Rechtsfindung in der Subsumtion unter den Sachverhalt auf dem Spiel steht und das bei der Übersetzung in eine digitale Logik, in ein präsumtives Anwendungsszenario, apparative und institutionelle Hürden überwinden muss: die technische Umsetzung semantischer Prozesse und die Kodierung des Rechts.
Expect the unexpected: investigating discordant prostate MRI and biopsy results
Authors: Stanzione Arnaldo , Lee Kang-Lung , Sanmugalingam Nimalan , Rajendran Ishwariya , Sushentsev Nikita , Caglič Iztok , Barrett Tristan
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To evaluate discrepant radio-pathological outcomes in biopsy-naïve patients undergoing prostate MRI and to provide insights into the underlying causes.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2780 biopsy-naïve patients undergoing prostate MRI at a tertiary referral centre between October 2015 and June 2022. Exclusion criteria were biopsy not performed, indeterminate MRI findings (PI-RADS 3), and clinically insignificant PCa (Gleason score 3 + 3). Patients with discrepant findings between MRI and biopsy results were categorised into two groups: MRI-negative/Biopsy-positive and MRI-positive/Biopsy-negative (biopsy-positive defined as Gleason score ≥ 3 + 4). An expert uroradiologist reviewed discrepant cases, retrospectively re-assigning PI-RADS scores, identifying any missed MRI targets, and evaluating the quality of MRI scans. Potential explanations for discrepancies included MRI overcalls (including known pitfalls), benign pathology findings, and biopsy targeting errors.

Results

Patients who did not undergo biopsy (n = 1258) or who had indeterminate MRI findings (n = 204), as well as those with clinically insignificant PCa (n = 216), were excluded, with a total of 1102 patients analysed. Of these, 32/1,102 (3%) were classified as MRI-negative/biopsy-positive and 117/1102 (11%) as MRI-positive/biopsy-negative. In the MRI-negative/Biopsy-positive group, 44% of studies were considered non-diagnostic quality. Upon retrospective image review, target lesions were identified in 28% of cases. In the MRI-positive/Biopsy-negative group, 42% of cases were considered to be MRI overcalls, and 32% had an explanatory benign pathological finding, with biopsy targeting errors accounting for 11% of cases.

Conclusion

Prostate MRI demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy, with low occurrences of discrepant findings as defined. Common reasons for MRI-positive/Biopsy-negative cases included explanatory benign findings and MRI overcalls.

Clinical relevance statement

This study highlights the importance of optimal prostate MRI image quality and expertise in reducing diagnostic errors, improving patient outcomes, and guiding appropriate management decisions in the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway.

Key Points

• Discrepancies between prostate MRI and biopsy results can occur, with higher numbers of MRI-positive/biopsy-negative relative to MRI-negative/biopsy-positive cases.

• MRI-positive/biopsy-negative cases were mostly overcalls or explainable by benign biopsy findings.

• In about one-third of MRI-negative/biopsy-positive cases, a target lesion was retrospectively identified.
Modified Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for cases with anterior tumor: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Qian Jiajun , Fu Yao , Marra Giancarlo , Zhang Feifei , Wu Xiao , Li Danyan , Xu Linfeng , Qiu Xuefeng , Gan Weidong , Guo Hongqian
Published: March 2024

Objective

To compare the outcomes between a modified Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (mRS-RARP) technique and conventional robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (Con-RARP) technique for cases with anterior prostate cancer (PCa), especially positive surgical margin (PSM) rates and urinary continence (UC).

Patients and methods

We retrospectively included 193 mRS-RARP and 473 Con-RARP consecutively performed by a single surgeon for anterior PCa. Perioperative complications, pathology, and continence were compared after propensity score matching using 9 variables.

Results

After matching (n = 193 per group), PSM were not significantly different in the two groups (16.1% in mRS-RARP group vs. 15.0% in Con-RARP group, p = 0.779). The UC at catheter removal and at 1-month was significantly higher in the mRS-RARP (24.9% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001; 29.0% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.001, respectively), but not at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups (p = 0.261, 0.832, and 0.683, respectively).

Conclusion

mRS-RARP seems to be an oncologically safe approach for patients with anterior PCa. Compared with the conventional approach, mRS-RARP approach shows benefits in the short-term postoperative UC recovery.
Experimental optimization of a fish robot’s swimming modes: a complex multiphysical problem
Authors: Abbaszadeh Shokoofeh , Hoerner Stefan , Leidhold Roberto
Published: March 2024

Multiphysical optimization is particularly challenging when involving fluid–solid interactions with large deformations. While analytical approaches are commonly computational inexpensive but lack of the necessary accuracy for many applications, numerical simulations can provide higher accuracy but become very fast extremely costly. Experimental optimization approaches promise several benefits which can allow to overcome these issues in particular for application which bear complex multiphysics such as fluid–structure interactions. Here, we propose a method for an experimental optimization using genetic algorithms with a custom optimizer software directly coupled to a fully automatized experiment. Our application case is a biomimicking fish robot. The aim of the optimization is to determine the best swimming gaits for high propulsion performance in combination with low power consumption. The optimization involves genetic algorithms, more precise the NSGA-II algorithm and has been performed in still and running water. The results show a negligible impact of the investigated flow velocity. A subsequent spot analysis allows to derive some particular characteristics which leads to the recommendation to perform two different swimming gaits for cruising and for sprinting. Furthermore, we show that Exp-O techniques enable a massive reduction in the evaluation time for multiphysical optimization problems in realistic scenarios.
Pediatric non-galenic pial arteriovenous fistula’s characteristics and outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Thrash Garrett W. , Hale Andrew T. , Feldman Michael J. , Saccomano Benjamin W. , Barrett D. Jonah , Malenkia Pedram D. , Das Somnath , Tsemo Georges Bouobda , Blount Jeffrey P. , Rocque Brandon G. , Rozzelle Curtis J. , Johnston James M. , Jones Jesse G.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Pediatric non-galenic pial arteriovenous fistulas (pAVFs) are rare vascular malformations that are characterized by a pial arterial-venous connection without an intervening capillary bed. Outcomes and treatment strategies for pAVFs are highly individualized, owing to the rarity of the disease and lack of large-scale data guiding optimal treatment approaches.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of pediatric patients (< 18 years at diagnosis) diagnosed with a pAVF by digital subtraction angiogram (DSA). The demographics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were documented for each patient and clinical outcome data was collected. Descriptive information stratified by outcome scores were classified as follows: 1 = excellent (no deficit and full premorbid activity), 2 = good (mild deficit and full premorbid activity), 3 = fair (moderate deficit and impaired activity), 4 = poor (severe deficit and dependent on others), 5 = death.

Results

A total of 87 studies involving 231 patients were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 3 years (neonates to 18 years). There was slight male preponderance (55.4%), and 150 subjects (81.1%*) experienced excellent outcomes after treatment. Of the 189 patients treated using endovascular approaches, 80.3% experienced excellent outcomes and of the 15 patients surgically treated subjects 75% had an excellent outcome. The highest rate of excellent outcomes was achieved in patients treated with Onyx (95.2%) and other forms of EvOH (100%). High output heart failure and comorbid vascular lesions tended to result in worse outcomes, with only 54.2% and 68% of subjects experiencing an excellent outcome, respectively. *Outcomes were reported in only 185 patients.

Conclusion

pAVFs are rare lesions, necessitating aggregation of patient data to inform natural history and optimal treatment strategies. This review summarizes the current literature on pAVF in children, where children presenting with heart failure as a result of high flow through the lesion were less likely to experience an excellent outcome. Prospective, large-scale studies would further characterize pediatric pAVFs and enable quantitative analysis of outcomes to inform best treatment practices.
A History of Malaria and Conflict
Authors: Mertens Jonas E.
Published: March 2024

It is supposed that in all armed conflicts until World War II more humans died of infectious diseases than of the actual violence. Especially malaria left a crucial imprint on wars throughout history. The disease aggravates wartime conditions, is thus responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in conflict zones, and is at the same time more commonly found in these areas. Malaria has halted many military campaigns in the past, with prominent examples ranging from antiquity through the medieval period and into the modern era. The parasitosis still continues to play an important role in the outcome of warfare and follow-up events today and is of special public health importance in areas of the Global South, where most of its endemicity and some of the most brutal conflicts of our time are located. Vice versa, wars and ensuing population movements increase malaria transmission and morbidity as well as impede control efforts. Awareness of this and the development of strategies to overcome both malaria and wars will massively improve the well-being of the population affected.
Deficits in emotion recognition and processing in children with high callous-unemotional traits: the role of the MAOA gene
Authors: Muratori Pietro , Palumbo Sara , Vellucci Stefano , Mariotti Veronica , Billeci Lucia , Levantini Valentina , Inguaggiato Emanuela , Masi Gabriele , Milone Annarita , Pellegrini Silvia
Published: March 2024

Children with high Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits show deficits in recognizing and processing facial expressions. Alterations in emotion recognition have been linked to a higher synaptic concentration of monoaminergic neurotransmitters. The current study investigated the relationship between the MAOA-Low-activity alleles and the ability to recognize and process facial expressions in 97 male children (8–12 years old) diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorder. Participants completed a computerized emotion-recognition task while an eye-tracking system recorded the number (Fixation Count, FC) and length (Fixation Duration, FD) of fixations to the eye region of the emotional stimuli. Children with high CU traits exhibited lower scores in recognition of sadness and anger, and lower FC and FD for sadness and fear than children with low CU traits. Children carrying the MAOA-Low-activity alleles displayed lower FD for sadness, and FD and FC for fear than those carrying the MAOA-High-activity alleles. These genetic effects appeared even stronger in children with CU traits. Moderation analysis revealed that CU traits were associated with lower FC and FD for fear, and lower FD for sadness, probably due to the MAOA-Low-activity alleles. Our findings, although to be replicated, suggest MAOA-Low-activity alleles as potential genetic biomarkers to identify CU children in need of training focused on emotion processing.
Theoretical study of the photoisomerization of 1,2-bispyrazinyl-ethylene and the halogen ion salts of 1-Pyrazinyl-2-(4’-methylpyrazinyl)ethylene
Authors: Adeniyi Adebayo A. , Conradie Jeanet , Von Eschwege Karel G.
Published: March 2024

Context

It has been reported that photoexcitation of azastilbene compounds like E-1,2-bispyrazinyl-ethylene (bpe) can undergo E → Z photoisomerization of its quaternary salts via the excited triplet state. However, experimentally it is possible to get low fluorescence and photoisomerisation quantum yields in a state with higher internal conversion than intersystem crossing. We modelled bpe and its methylated derivative (bpeMe), as well as its quaternary halogen salts (bpeMeX with X = F−, Cl−, Br− and I−) to study levels of fluorescence, phosphorescence and excited state potential energy surfaces (PES). Results support experimental observations of molecules where the anion of a salt is an efficient electron donor, that molecules with weak electron-donating anions like Cl− to give increased fluorescence and photoisomerization, as compared to molecules with stronger electron-donating anions like I−, which are dominated by competing electron transfer. The fluorescence of bpeMeF and bpeMeCl was found to be stronger than bpeMeBr and bpeMeI. A deep well in the triplet excited state of bpeMeI is considered responsible for the decreased photoisomerization, compared to what was experimentally observed for bpeMeCl. Uniquely, the bpeMeI molecule is characterised by near-zero splitting of the s1 and t1 excited states that can enhance charge transfer. The quaternary salt of bpeMe with stronger electron-donating Br− anion was observed to undergo fluorescence and phosphorescence at much lower energy compared to those with weak electron-donating F− and Cl− anions. This research shows how to control the excited state fluorescence, phosphorescence and isomerization of quaternary halogen salts of methyl derivatives of 1,2-bispyrazinyl-ethylene, which aids experimental design where excited state isomerization is considered.

Methods

Geometry optimization, molecular electrostatic potential (MESP), and time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations were conducted utilizing Gaussian 16 with the B3LYP functional and the 6–31 + G(d,p) basis set. The minimum energy path (MEP) for the E to Z isomerization of the molecules was established employing the Nudged-Elastic-Band (NEB) method, implemented in Orca 4.2. Precise energies of the E → Z isomerization reaction path were determined employing CASSCF and a more accurate multireference method, NEVPT2.
Determination of feed yield and quality parameters of whole crop durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) biomass under agrivoltaic system
Authors: Dal Prà Aldo , Miglietta Franco , Genesio Lorenzo , Lanini Giuseppe Mario , Bozzi Riccardo , Morè Nicola , Greco Antonino , Fabbri Maria Chiara
Published: March 2024

Agrivoltaics represents a key technology for reaching sustainable development goals by reducing the competition between land used for food, for feed, and for electricity. It has been demonstrated that Agrivoltaics can increase land productivity and play a role in the expansion of renewable energy production. This work aimed to study the yield and nutritional characteristics, as well as feeding value for ruminants of Durum wheat biomass grown under agrivoltaic. Two years of controlled experiments revealed that the reduction in light moderately limited wheat yields in the phenological phase of soft dough in standard agrivoltaic trackers (i.e. with a Ground Coverage Ratio (GCR) = 13%), otherwise under extended trackers (i.e. GCR = 41%), the yields was reduced compared to control in whole light. The digestible neutral detergent fiber evaluated after 24 h of in situ rumen incubations increased with shading, resulting in different ratios of acid detergent lignin. More shaded theses also had superior crude and soluble proteins, acid detergent-insoluble protein, acid and neutral detergent fiber than the control. The biomass in the shaded treatments showed a better Ca: P ratio for ruminant nutrition. These characteristics are strategic in forage production, allowing a more flexible harvesting strategy. This additional contribution of the nutritional characteristics of Durum wheat produced on Agrivoltaic Systems could allow a better inclusion of the different types in diets and better management of silage or hay harvesting sites. These results might be helpful in improving biomass production and give valuable information on Durum Wheat under the Agrivoltaic System.
Understanding K–12 teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge readiness and attitudes toward artificial intelligence education
Authors: Yue Miao , Jong Morris Siu-Yung , Ng Davy Tsz Kit
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) education is increasingly being recognized as essential at the K–12 level. For better understanding teachers’ preparedness for AI education and effectively developing relevant teacher training programs, teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) readiness and attitudes toward AI teaching must be determined. However, limited research has been conducted on this topic. To address this research gap, we recruited 1,664 K–12 teachers to obtain a comprehensive view of teachers’ readiness for and attitudes toward teaching AI in K–12 classrooms. These teachers differed in terms of their gender, teaching subject, teaching grade, teaching experience, and experience in teaching AI. The findings of this study indicated that a substantial gap exists in the AI-related content and technological knowledge of the recruited teachers. Moreover, intriguing relationships were found between the teachers’ pedagogical knowledge, content knowledge, and attitudes toward teaching AI. The effects of demographic factors on the teachers’ TPACK and attitudes were also examined. On the basis of the findings of this study, recommendations were formulated for developing effective teacher professional development programs in the field of AI education.
Robust computation tree logic
Authors: Nayak Satya Prakash , Neider Daniel , Roy Rajarshi , Zimmermann Martin
Published: March 2024

It is widely accepted that every system should be robust in that “small” violations of environment assumptions should lead to “small” violations of system guarantees, but it is less clear how to make this intuition mathematically precise. While significant efforts have been devoted to providing notions of robustness for linear temporal logic, branching-time logics, such as computation tree logic (CTL) and CTL*, have received less attention in this regard. To address this shortcoming, we develop “robust” extensions of CTL and CTL*, which we name robust CTL (rCTL) and robust CTL* (rCTL*). Both extensions are syntactically similar to their parent logics but employ multi-valued semantics to distinguish between “large” and “small” violations of the specification. We show that the multi-valued semantics of rCTL make it more expressive than CTL, while rCTL* is as expressive as CTL*. Moreover, we show that the model checking problem, the satisfiability problem, and the synthesis problem for rCTL and rCTL* have the same asymptotic complexity as their non-robust counterparts, implying that robustness can be added to branching-time logics for free.