bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of solid electrolytes: Development of conventional and interdisciplinary approaches
Authors: Tufail Muhammad Khurram , Zhai Pengbo , Khokar Waquar , Jia Mengyang , Zhao Ning , Guo Xiangxin
Published: July 2023

Solid‐state lithium batteries (SSLBs) have received considerable attention due to their advantages in thermal stability, energy density, and safety. Solid electrolyte (SE) is a key component in developing high‐performance SSLBs. An in‐depth understanding of the intrinsic bulk and interfacial properties is imperative to achieve SEs with competitive performance. This review first introduces the traditional electrochemical approaches to evaluating the fundamental parameters of SEs, including the ionic and electronic conductivities, activation barrier, electrochemical stability, and diffusion coefficient. After that, the characterization techniques to evaluate the structural and chemical stability of SEs are reviewed. Further, emerging interdisciplinary visualization techniques for SEs and interfaces are highlighted, including synchrotron X‐ray tomography, ultrasonic scanning imaging, time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry, and three‐dimensional stress mapping, which improve the understanding of electrochemical performance and failure mechanisms. In addition, the application of machine learning to accelerate the screening and development of novel SEs is introduced. This review article aims to provide an overview of advanced characterization from a broad physical chemistry view, inspiring innovative and interdisciplinary studies in solid‐state batteries.
Zombie companies in China in the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Zhao Jingchen , Wei Chuyi
Published: July 2023

COVID‐19 poses novel sources of uncertainty and risk to companies, but it also offers many opportunities. In the COVID‐19 era, unprecedented government and central bank interventions to tackle the economic crisis precipitated by the pandemic have reinvigorated the debate on the threat of a zombification of the economy in China, caused by unviable companies being kept alive artificially. This particular consequence of COVID‐19 may aggravate the economic problem of zombie companies in China, increase the risk of further zombification, and create new zombie companies. Recognizing the risk factors of zombie companies and revisiting corporate insolvency law in China, this article aims to address a gap in knowledge related to how zombie companies are being handled in practice in China in the era of the pandemic. In particular, we will investigate the definition, recognition, and uniqueness of zombie companies in the context of COVID‐19, and propose several policy actions, primarily through Chinese insolvency law, to mitigate the risk of the return of zombie companies or a further zombification of the economy. It is anticipated that these measures will help to enhance China's sustainable economic recovery in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
AREL1 resists the apoptosis induced by TGF‐β by inhibiting SMAC in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Li Yun , Song Yunhong , Liang Yulian
Published: July 2023

Abnormal apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells is an important feature of arteriosclerosis (AS). Here, we induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and investigated the role of antiapoptotic E3 ubiquitin ligase (AREL1) in the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. We proved that AREL1 is downregulated in TGF‐β treated HUVECs. The overexpression of AREL1 inhibits the activation of Caspase‐3 and Caspase‐9 and attenuates cell apoptosis induced by TGF‐β. According to the result of coimmunoprecipitation, AREL1 interacts with the proapoptotic proteins the second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspases (SMAC) in TGF‐β treated HUVECs. In addition, miR‐320b inhibits the expression of AREL1, and the overexpression of AREL1 attenuates the apoptosis induced by miR‐320b mimics in HUVECs. In conclusion, AREL1 is downregulated by miR‐320b. AREL1 overexpression inhibits TGF‐β induced apoptosis through downregulating SMAC in vascular endothelial cells. Our study explores pathogenesis regulation mechanism and new biological therapeutic targets for vascular disease.
Sex‐specific difference in agonistic sounds depends on size of sonic organs in fishes: Testing the hypothesis in the croaking gourami (Labyrinth fishes)
Authors: Mischling Elean , Ladich Friedrich
Published: July 2023

In most vocal fish species, females possess smaller sound‐generating organs and vocalize less than males. In certain cases females lack sonic organs, in others differences between sexes are unknown. This study analyzes in detail the relationship between sexual dimorphism of sonic organs and the characteristics of agonistic behavior and of sounds recorded under the same behavioral conditions in a vocal fish species, the croaking gourami Trichopsis vittata. During agonistic contests both sexes stretch and pluck two enhanced (sonic) tendons when beating pectoral fins alternately, resulting in a series of double‐pulsed bursts, termed croaking sound. The following anatomical, behavioral, and acoustic variables were analyzed: diameter of enhanced tendons in each specimen, duration of same‐sex dyadic contests, number and duration of lateral display bouts and of sounds, number of single‐ and double‐pulsed bursts, burst period, peak‐to‐peak amplitudes of pulses, dominant frequency and sound pressure level (SPLrms). Female sonic tendons were approximately one‐fifth smaller than male's of the same size. Six out of seven behavioral variables did not differ between sexes. Sound characteristics were similar in both sexes except for SPLs, which were on average 5 dB lower in females. The degree of sexual dimorphisms in sonic organs may explain differences in sound characteristics. Sounds differ only in one sound characteristic (SPLrms) in T. vittata, in contrast with the congeneric Trichopsis pumila which possesses a more pronounced sexual dimorphism in sonic organs and in which agonistic sounds differ in all sound properties between sexes.
Lack of vitamin B12 impairs innate and adaptive immunity of Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) tadpoles
Authors: Warfel Hannah C. , Wilcoxen Travis E.
Published: July 2023

Vitamin B12 is a micronutrient required by a variety of organisms for healthy cellular functioning. Despite the systemic effects observed in cases of B12 deficiency, relatively little is known about how vitamin B12 affects immune health, especially in amphibians, which are declining at unprecedented rates. In this study, we tested how supplementing an algae diet with B12 affects the innate and adaptive immunity of Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) tadpoles. We found that innate immunity, as measured by a bacterial killing assay, was significantly more robust in B12‐supplemented tadpoles than control tadpoles, but no significant differences were found in natural antibody production or hematocrit between groups. Adaptive immunity, as measured byAeromonas hydrophila‐specific IgY antibodies, was significantly greater in tadpoles challenged withA. hydrophilaand supplemented with B12 than in control tadpoles, those only challenged withA. hydrophila, and those only given B12. Our results suggest that vitamin B12 is an important factor in maintaining a functional immune system in tadpoles, which may also be true for all vertebrates.
The impact of chasing stress on the metabolism of the Atlantic Ghost Crab Ocypode quadrata (Fabricius, 1787)
Authors: Vogt Éverton Lopes , Model Jorge Felipe Argenta , Lima Matheus Vieira , de Souza Samir Khal , Rocha Débora Santos , Fabres Rafael Bandeira , de Amaral Marjoriane , Simões Leonardo Airton Ressel , Vinagre Anapaula Sommer
Published: July 2023

Ocypode quadrata, a Ghost crab species found along the western Atlantic coast, is considered a bioindicator of anthropogenic impact on sandy beaches. Ghost Crabbing, a touristic activity in which ghost crabs are chased just for fun, is a potentially threatening activity for this crab. In crustaceans, metabolites such as glucose and lactate, and the gene expression of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) increase when the animals are exposed to several types of stress, including alterations in temperature, salinity, or exposure to xenobiotics. This work was developed to identify if being chased by humans would affect these markers of stress in this species of crab. The effects of chasing stress on hemolymph and tissue metabolites and the gene expression levels of CHH and HSP70 were investigated. The levels of lactate in the hemolymph of stressed crabs were six times higher than those of control crabs immediately after chasing and decreased progressively during recovery, indicating an active anaerobic metabolism during the stress. On the contrary, glucose levels in the hemolymph of the stressed crabs increased progressively from 30 to 60 min after chasing, indicating an inverse correlation between glucose and lactate and the conversion of lactate to glucose by gluconeogenesis. In stressed crabs, the levels of triglycerides in the hemolymph decreased 30 min after chasing, while the opposite tended to occur in the hepatopancreas, indicating that during recovery, the crabs use triglycerides as energy source to sustain aerobic metabolism. Finally, this study demonstrates that ghost crabs are stressed by minimum human contact and that “ghost crabbing” must not be encouraged as a tourist activity.
Spatial Full Degree‐Of‐Freedom Scattered Optical Field Modulation
Authors: Ding Chunxu , Shao Rongjun , Qu Yuan , He Qiaozhi , Liu Linxian , Yang Jiamiao
Published: July 2023

Scattered optical field modulations can enable the function of traditional optical technologies, such as the dynamic holographic display, in a scattering environment. Nonetheless, only part of the degrees of freedom in the optical field can be effectively modulated so far. Here, this work proposes spatial full degree‐of‐freedom scattered optical field modulation (SF‐SOM) to impose a control on the amplitude, phase, and polarization of the optical field. To do so, this method independently modulates the complex amplitude of two orthogonally polarized components. It also contains a full degree‐of‐freedom vector transmission matrix model to describe the transformation from the incident field to the scattered field. Compared with the single degree‐of‐freedom modulation methods against the same scattering environment, SF‐SOM increases the contrast of focus by a factor of five. Furthermore, the experiments demonstrate a holographic display and orbital angular momentum control with SF‐SOM to show its ubiquitous utility in optics.
FRANCES HESSELBEIN: A ROLE MODEL FOR LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP
Authors: Carter Louis
Published: July 2023

The author, CEO and founder of Best Practice Institute, and Most Loved Workplace®, writes about his relationship with Frances Hesselbein, whom he considered to be a valuable mentor. He recounts how he met Frances through Marshall Goldsmith, and the “first moment I heard her voice and her first few words to me, I knew I was in the presence of greatness.” The author recounts that when he “gave Frances the Best Practice Institute Lifetime Achievement Award at the New York Stock Exchange in 2011, she was in her 90s.” Among her valuable advice to him: “Lou, watch your thoughts. They become words. Watch your words. They become deeds. Watch your deeds. They become habits. Watch your habits. They become character. Character is everything.”
FRANCES HESSELBEIN: A STUDY IN COURAGE AND GRACE
Authors: McKee Annie
Published: July 2023

The author, an executive coach, and Adjunct Full Professor at the University of Pennsylvania knew and collaborated with Frances Hesselbein for many years. She discusses the qualities that made Frances stand out as a person and as a leader: “Frances stood up for honor, for responsibility, and for choosing the right path. More, Frances called on us to see the truth, maybe especially when it hurt, and to optimistically choose that right path even when the forces that be were insidiously pushing us to choose the easier, quieter, and yes, the cowardly path.” Along with courage, “I believe that what enabled Frances to overcome people’s natural resistance was grace. What is grace? Grace is compassion and dignity and eloquence and serenity in the face of opposition. Grace is optimism even when things look bleak. Grace is good humor and playfulness. Grace is joy.”
LEADERSHIP AND COMING BACK TO BASICS
Authors: Polson Shannon Huffman
Published: July 2023

The author, founder, and CEO of The Grit Institute was one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army. As a Girl Scout years ago, she encountered her “introduction to service above self,” while not being aware at the time of Frances Hesselbein, and her leadership of the Girl Scouts of the USA. The author writes that “though I didn’t benefit from Frances’ wisdom in those earlier years, her perspective even after her passing continues to breathe an understanding of leadership for the ages, and particularly in a world fraught with challenge and change.” She notes about Frances’ book Hesselbein on Leadership: “Reading her words as someone who has also led teams in and out of uniform, on deployment and in the boardroom and in the not‐for‐profit sector, and now speaks to companies and works with leaders today, I am grateful for her steady hand and straightforward advice.”
THE EXTENDED INFLUENCE OF FRANCES HESSELBEIN THROUGH THE POWER OF WEAK TIES
Authors: Ulrich Dave
Published: July 2023

The author, the Rensis Likert Professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan and Partner at the RBL Group, in writing about Frances Hesselbein, notes that his “tribute to her is less from my personal connection, and more from her impact on me, and perhaps others, through her ideas and example, what some might call weak ties.” He continues: “One way to think of the concept of weak ties is that they are acquaintances we interact with through their ideas and example more than extensive personal contact. My tribute to Frances is about both.” He makes several observations, including that “she focused on purpose and mission‐driven organizations by articulating the value of values in shaping an organization’s agenda.” Related is that Frances “recognized the worth of individuals and advocated for employee experiences at work that helped them live their passions and fulfill their potential.”
The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 patients admitted to a Fangcang shelter hospital in Beijing before the change in China's prevention and control policy
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Jiang Hui , Li Maochen , Shang Jvjv , Shi Yifan , Yan Yumeng , Li Xintong , Song Shuang , Zhao Chunxia , Zhao Chunming , Cen Chongpei , Li Bo , Fan Huahao , Liu Qingquan
Published: July 2023

In November 2022, a large number of Omicron infections suddenly appeared in Beijing, but the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the epidemic cases were unknown. We collected the data on COVID‐19 cases in Fangcang Hospital in Beijing from November 20, 2022, to December 8, 2022, and analyzed the epidemiological and clinical characteristics. Of the enrolled study, 85.9% were asymptomatic and 14.1% were mild. Epidemiological data showed that the transmission speed of the Omicron variant was fast and the transmission range was wide, large‐scale infections occurred in both rural and urban areas, and all age groups were susceptible to the Omicron variant. In addition, antipyretics and cough drugs were the two most used drugs, because 51.3% and 22.7% of patients had fever and cough, respectively, and 10.3% of patients took hypnotics. Furthermore, the proportion of patients with chronic diseases was low (13.9%), while the vaccination rate (71.2%) was relatively high. Based on the results, we found that most mild and asymptomatic cases did not need treatment, indicating that home isolation is correct and feasible. Although SARS‐CoV‐2 variants have characteristics such as high infectivity and immune‐escape ability, the public should not be too afraid of COVID‐19 infection; appropriate measures such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing are sufficient to prevent reinfection.
Proposed parity federal rule aims to boost MH coverage, increase service access
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2023

The Biden administration has issued proposed rules that would not only eliminate discrimination of mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) discrimination, but also would require plans to act if there are disparities in consumers' ability to access care and require data reports in order to evaluate the plans' compliance. The proposed rule also aims to bring more providers in‐network.
The optimal stocking strategy for Yaqui Catfish
Authors: Stewart David R. , Barron Joseph C. , Harden Tasha , Grube Elizabeth R. , Ulibarri Manuel , Taylor Andrew T. , Heist Edward J. , Mandeville Elizabeth , Hickerson Brian T. , Berg Nathan , Johnson Lacrecia A. , Butler Matthew J. , Harris Grant M.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The Yaqui Catfish Ictalurus pricei, a species that is endemic to the southwestern United States and west-central Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico, is extinct in the United States and extremely endangered in Mexico due to habitat loss and hybridization with nonnative Channel Catfish I. punctatus. To re-establish populations in the United States, a binational program consisting of broodstock collection, fish propagation, stocking, and poststocking monitoring is necessary. This programmatic approach is encapsulated within a Conservation Propagation and Stocking Program (CPSP), which documents important recovery actions, such as genetic management, fish culture, stocking, and poststocking assessments. The focus of our work is to identify the optimal stocking strategy for Yaqui Catfish, thereby informing the framework of a CPSP for the species' recovery.

Methods

Our strategy involved simulating population growth using an age-structured simulation model with varying stocking contribution rates, stocking densities, and stocking frequencies and incorporating these biological data with economic information within a utility function to quantify stocking costs.

Result

The optimal strategy requires releasing Yaqui Catfish at a density of 200 fish/ha every 5 years. This strategy excludes natural recruitment because historically, stocked Yaqui Catfish inhabited waters that were either too small or devoid of habitat to induce natural spawning. However, if larger waters or waters having appropriate habitats (e.g., interstitial spaces) are also stocked, it should increase natural recruitment, thereby (1) enabling populations to become self-sustaining and (2) drastically reducing the reliance on hatcheries for stocking and salvage of declining populations.

Conclusion

Our results provide important stocking recommendations within a CPSP, emphasizing the need to build a broodstock before genetically pure Yaqui Catfish disappear. The successful implementation of the optimal stocking strategy requires multiple locations for stocking fish and is contingent on strengthening binational partnerships. This approach fills an important void in Yaqui Catfish reestablishment, helping to prime the successful recovery of this species.
The importance of asking about wellbeing in a diabetes foot clinic
Authors: Bewsey Catherine
Published: July 2023

The onset of diabetes foot complications signals a new stage of diabetes progression. Amputation may be the result of such difficulties and can impact upon all aspects of a person's life such as mobility, independence, relationships, and possible loss of earning potential, all likely triggers of distress.

The aim of this article is for a health care professional to understand more about the types of distress experienced by individuals with diabetes. It will consider whether routine screening could help diabetes podiatry teams improve the outcomes of their patients.

Living with a long‐term condition such as diabetes can be stressful due to increased self‐management responsibilities and the potential for long‐term complications. Diabetes can interact with a person's mental health, including depression or anxiety.

The concept of diabetes distress describes the emotional distress resulting from living with diabetes and the burden of relentless daily self‐management. As this type of distress is relatively common, and impacts upon self‐care, it is important that every consultation includes a chance for a person living with diabetes to say how they are feeling.

Screening is one way a team can easily identify diabetes distress and provides the opportunity to discuss how each individual is coping with diabetes and life generally.

A routine brief screening measure such as the two‐item Diabetes Distress Screening instrument (DDS2) can be quickly and easily administered by health care professionals within a busy diabetes podiatry clinic and helps initiate an all‐important conversation about wellbeing. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Highlights from the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2023
Authors: Bishop Katie
Published: July 2023

The Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2023 saw health care professionals from around the world arrive in Liverpool for the three‐day event. The programme saw experts in all aspects of diabetes sharing their skills and knowledge, allowing attendees to develop their own practice, as well as providing tantalising insights into the future of diabetes care. Dr Katherine Bishop reports on some of the highlights from the conference.
What is an online political advert? An interrogation of conceptual challenges in the formation of digital policy response
Authors: Dommett Katharine , Zhu Junyan
Published: July 2023

Despite British and European policymakers' quest to regulate online political advertising, it is not clear what exactly constitutes an online political advert. As with many areas of digital governance, it is therefore necessary to impose definitional criteria, yet the process of doing so is by no means straightforward. Using qualitative interviews, we set out to clarify alternative routes for definition by distilling policymakers' understanding of what it means for a piece of content to be an “advert,” “online,” and “political.” Presenting a series of decision trees that trace policymakers' ideas, we reveal different traits that could be used to create a definition. In addition, we use our interviews to offer insight into the policymaking approach needed when defining complex and contested digital phenomena. Given the array of possible definitional approaches, we argue that policymakers will find it valuable to adopt an argumentative and communicative approach if efforts to gain consensus are to succeed. This article accordingly provides a practical tool for future attempts to define online political advertising, and casts light on the strategies policymakers may use when seeking to define and regulate complex digital phenomena.
Promotion of hate speech by Spanish political actors on Twitter
Authors: Said‐Hung Elias , Moreno‐López Roberto , Mottareale‐Calvanese Daria
Published: July 2023

By examining the messages published by Spanish political groups on Twitter, this paper seeks to identify the level and understanding of the type and use of hate speech within these groups’ discursive strategy. For this purpose, the topics of 60,209 tweets published between 1 September 2019 and 29 February 2020, by 16 political groups, leaders, and spokespersons of the Congress of Deputies in Spain were analysed. The data reveal a low presence of expressions of hate, most of which do not have a sentimental charge. Despite not observing a high rate of use of this type of expression within the rhetorical discursive strategy applied by political groups, some features associated with this type of expression are identified, more aimed at positioning around issues and specific social groups (immigration), and the greater use of messages published by others, retweeted by these actors for this purpose, among other features.
Priority switching scheduler
Authors: Finzi Anaïs , Perrier Victor , Francès Fabrice , Lochin Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

We define a novel core network router scheduling architecture called priority switching scheduler (PSS), to carry and isolate time constrained and elastic traffic flows from best‐effort traffic. To date, one possible solution has been to implement a core DiffServ network with standard fair queuing and scheduling mechanisms as proposed in the well‐known “A Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) for Capacity‐Admitted Traffic” from RFC5865. This architecture is one of the most selected solutions by internet service provider for access networks (e.g., customer‐premises equipment) and deployed within several performance‐enhancing proxies (PEPs) over satellite communications (SATCOM) architectures. In this study, we argue that the proposed standard implementation does not allow to efficiently quantify the reserved capacity for the AF class. By using a novel credit‐based shaper mechanism called burst limiting shaper (BLS) to manage the AF class, we show that PSS can provide the same isolation for the time constrained EF class while better quantifying the part allocated to the AF class. PSS operates both when the output link capacity is fixed (e.g., wire links and terrestrial networks) or might vary due to system impairments or weather condition (e.g., wireless or satellite links). We demonstrate the capability of PSS through an emulated SATCOM scenario with variable capacity and show the AF output rate is less dependent on the EF traffic, which improves the quantification of the reserved capacity of AF, without impacting EF traffic.
Scaling nonhierarchically: A theory of conflict‐free organizational growth with limited hierarchical growth
Authors: Lee Eucman , Ilseven Ekin , Puranam Phanish
Published: July 2023

Research Summary

We propose a theory that explains variations in the relationship between an organization's size and the extent of its authority hierarchy (as captured in managerial intensity). Conceptualizing authority hierarchy as a means to manage conflicts among subordinates, we formulate a model in which the number of managers required depends on the magnitude of conflicts generated between and within groups of workers. Our analysis shows that scaling non‐hierarchically can be accomplished either by creating low conflict “self‐managing” teams or reducing conflicts between many “self‐contained” teams, but which path is more effective varies by situation. Small initial differences in terms of their emphasis on within vs. between team conflict mitigation can lead to large differences as firms scale over time in the extent of their authority hierarchies.

Managerial Summary

Managing without an extensive hierarchy can be attractive for a variety of reasons, but under what conditions is it possible in large scale organizations? We build on the premise that the managerial hierarchy of authority serves to resolve conflicts that employees cannot resolve peer‐to‐peer (i.e., there are limits to scaling groups that manage themselves consensually). We develop a formal theory that predicts that there are three levers that can slow down the growth of managerial hierarchy even as the organization scales: investing in the technology and culture needed to (a) expand managerial capacity particularly toward the apex of the hierarchy (b) create “self‐managed” teams that produce few conflicts in need of managerial resolution and (c) create “self‐contained” teams that generate few conflicts between them that need escalation up the hierarchy for resolution. The third is likely to be the most effective lever as organizations grow.
Assessing Performance and Limitations of a Device‐Level Machine Learning Approach for Perovskite Solar Cells with an Application to Hole Transport Materials
Authors: Sala Simone , Quadrivi Eleonora , Biagini Paolo , Po’ Riccardo
Published: July 2023

Machine learning models have become widespread in materials science research. An open‐access and community‐driven database containing over 40 000 perovskite photovoltaic devices has been recently published. This resource enables the application of predictive data‐driven models to correlate device structure with photovoltaic performance, whereas the literature usually focuses on specific device layers. Herein, the concept of device‐level performance prediction is explored using gradient‐boosted regression trees as the core algorithm and Shapley values analysis to interpret and rationalize the results. The main pitfalls and conceptual limitations of the approach are discussed and correlated with the database structure and dimension, by comparing the performance of different choices of descriptors and dataset size. Evidence suggests that the additional features introduced herein, in particular chemical descriptors of perovskite additives, can boost regression performance at a device level. A specific model is finally trained to predict the performance of unseen devices and tested on experimental data from the literature. This task is found to be particularly challenging, as the ability of the model to generalize to a new chemical space is limited by several factors, including the amount and the quality of available data.
Understanding and Controlling Fluorinated Diacyl Peroxides and Fluoroalkyl Radicals in Alkene Fluoroalkylations
Authors: Kawamura Shintaro , Sodeoka Mikiko
Published: July 2023

The demand for practical methods for the synthesis of novel fluoroalkyl molecules is increasing owing to their diverse applications. Our group has achieved efficient difunctionalizing fluoroalkylations of alkenes using fluorinated carboxylic anhydrides as user‐friendly fluoroalkyl sources. Fluorinated diacyl peroxide, prepared in situ from carboxylic anhydrides, enables the development of novel reactions when used as a radical fluoroalkylating reagent. In this account, we aim to provide an in‐depth understanding of the structure, bonding, and reactivity of fluorinated diacyl peroxides and radicals as well as their control in fluoroalkylation reactions. In the first part of this account, the physical properties and reactivity of diacyl peroxides and fluoroalkyl radicals are described. In the subsequent part, we categorize the reactions into copper‐catalyzed and metal‐free methods utilizing the oxidizing properties of fluorinated diacyl peroxides. We also outline examples and mechanisms.
Use of focus point for plane acquisition to improve reproducibility in fetal biometry
Authors: Vignola S. , Donadono V. , Cavalli C. , Azzaretto V. , Casagrandi D. , Pandya P. , Napolitano R.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To assess the reproducibility of ultrasound measurements of fetal biometry using a ‘focus point’ to assist the acquisition of the relevant plane.

Methods

This was a study of 80 women with a singleton non‐anomalous pregnancy who attended University College London Hospital, London, UK, between 18 and 37 weeks' gestation. Planes to measure head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) were obtained four times by two different sonographers with different levels of experience, who were blinded to one another; the first set of images was obtained with reference to a standard image, and the second set of images was obtained using the focus point technique. The focus point was defined as a unique fetal anatomical landmark in each plane (cavum septi pellucidi for HC, two‐thirds of the umbilical vein for AC and one of the two extremities of the diaphysis for FL). Once identified, the focus point was maintained in view while the sonographer rotated the probe along three axes (x, y, z) to acquire the relevant plane. Sonographers were either in training or had > 3000 scans worth of experience. Intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility were assessed using Bland–Altman plots, and absolute values and percentages for mean difference and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were reported.

Results

Overall reproducibility was good, with all 95% LoA < 8%. Reproducibility was improved by use of the focus point compared with the standard technique for both intraobserver comparison (95% LoA, < 4% vs < 6%) and interobserver comparison (95% LoA, < 7% vs < 8%). These findings were independent of sonographer seniority and plane acquired.

Conclusions

Reproducibility of fetal biometry assessment is improved with use of the focus point for plane acquisition, regardless of sonographer experience. We propose that this method should be implemented in clinical practice and training programs in fetal biometry. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Angiogenic imbalance in maternal and cord blood is associated with neonatal birth weight and head circumference in pregnancies with major fetal congenital heart defect
Authors: Sánchez O. , Ribera I. , Ruiz A. , Eixarch E. , Antolín E. , Cruz‐Lemini M. , Dominguez C. , Arévalo S. , Ferrer Q. , Rodríguez‐Sureda V. , Crispi F. , Llurba E.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To ascertain whether abnormalities in neonatal head circumference and/or body weight are associated with levels of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factors in the maternal and cord blood of pregnancies with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and to assess whether the specific type of CHD influences this association.

Methods

This was a multicenter case–control study of women carrying a fetus with major CHD. Recruitment was carried out between June 2010 and July 2018 at four tertiary care hospitals in Spain. Maternal venous blood was drawn at study inclusion and at delivery. Cord blood samples were obtained at birth when possible. Placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and soluble endoglin (sEng) were measured in maternal and cord blood. Biomarker concentrations in the maternal blood were expressed as multiples of the median (MoM).

Results

PlGF, sFlt‐1 and sEng levels were measured in the maternal blood in 237 cases with CHD and 260 healthy controls, and in the cord blood in 150 cases and 56 controls. Compared with controls, median PlGF MoM in maternal blood was significantly lower in the CHD group (0.959 vs 1.022; P < 0.0001), while median sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio MoM was significantly higher (1.032 vs 0.974; P = 0.0085) and no difference was observed in sEng MoM (0.981 vs 1.011; P = 0.4673). Levels of sFlt‐1 and sEng were significantly higher in cord blood obtained from fetuses with CHD compared to controls (mean ± standard error of the mean, 447 ± 51 vs 264 ± 20 pg/mL; P = 0.0470 and 8.30 ± 0.92 vs 5.69 ± 0.34 ng/mL; P = 0.0430, respectively). Concentrations of sFlt‐1 and the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio in the maternal blood at study inclusion were associated negatively with birth weight and head circumference in the CHD group. The type of CHD anomaly (valvular, conotruncal or left ventricular outflow tract obstruction) did not appear to alter these findings.

Conclusions

Pregnancies with fetal CHD have an antiangiogenic profile in maternal and cord blood. This imbalance is adversely associated with neonatal head circumference and birth weight. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Hamartosis of the thoracolumbar vertebral column in a 3‐month‐old Rhodesian Ridgeback
Authors: Hauer Julia , Günther Charlotte , Matiasek Kaspar , Rupp Stefan , von Klopmann Thilo
Published: July 2023

This case report describes the clinical presentation, imaging diagnosis and histopathological findings of multiple osseous hamartomas in the thoracolumbar vertebral column of a 3‐month‐old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. The dog was presented due to progressive non‐painful, non‐ambulatory upper motor neuron paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse T2‐weighted hyperintensities in the vertebral bodies of Th12, L4, S2 and the vertebral arch of Th13, and showed irregular and hyperostotic outer borders of the cortex. The diagnosis of multiple hamartomas was confirmed by histopathology showing bone cavities containing myxoid mesenchymal material, tortuous blood vessels and lipid and cartilaginous emboli in the bone marrow. This case emphasises the importance of keeping a hamartoma in mind as cause for neurological signs, especially in young animals.
Traumatic injury of left femoral nerve causing unilateral hindlimb lameness in a cat
Authors: Santifort Koen M. , Lichtenauer Esther , Bergknut Niklas , Beukers Martijn , Ben‐Amotz Ron
Published: July 2023

A 1‐year‐old, female, domestic shorthair cat was referred for orthopaedic evaluation of acute‐onset, non‐progressive left pelvic limb lameness of 2.5‐week duration. Orthopaedic examination revealed an abnormal gait with impaired ability to support weight on the left pelvic limb. There was marked atrophy of the quadriceps muscles. Neurological examination revealed an absent patellar reflex and decreased sensation in the cutaneous zone of the saphenous nerve of the left pelvic limb. Magnetic resonance imaging showed T2‐weighted/short‐tau inversion recovery hyperintensity and contrast enhancement in the area of the femoral nerve and within muscles innervated by this nerve. Findings were deemed consistent with traumatic nerve injury and denervation/traumatic myopathy or myositis/neuritis. Electromyography of the quadriceps muscles revealed fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves. Follow‐up over the next 9 months revealed no changes in the neurological deficits. This was deemed to be consistent with either partial axonotmesis or partial neurotmesis of the left femoral nerve.
Serial ultrasonographic measurements of fetal parameters over three successive pregnancies in a captive Eastern black‐and‐white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza)
Authors: Rooney Tess , Moresco Anneke , Wolfman Darcy , Dibble Kelsey , Thompson Kimberly A.
Published: July 2023

This study provides ultrasonographic fetal growth charts for the Eastern black‐and‐white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza). Throughout three consecutive gestations (−162 to −2 days to parturition) in a single dam, we opportunistically obtained ultrasonographic measurements for the following parameters: biparietal diameter, head circumference, humerus length, femur length, tibia length, radius length, thoracic width, kidney length, and crown‐rump length. Biparietal diameter was the most consistently measured parameter. First detection of fetuses occurred between 96 and 162 days before parturition. This report demonstrates that voluntary transabdominal ultrasound can be well‐tolerated in the colobus monkey using operant conditioning. These findings may be useful to assess fetal development and predict parturition dates in the absence of a known conception date in this species.
Introduction: Tracing Entanglements in the Seventeenth Century Caribbean
Authors: Kullberg Christina
Published: July 2023

This introductory theoretical chapter makes the case for reading seventeenth-century French travel writing to the Caribbean in situ. Using Édouard Glissant’s notion of point of entanglement, it argues for a shift in perspectives that would seek to undo the colonial bias of early modern texts and seek other entangled ramifications of French Caribbean literature. In so doing, the book brings attention to ways in which enslaved and Indigenous peoples actively contributed to shaping early colonial society and, indeed, the representations of it. The first section discusses discourses of silencing around French coloniality in the period and presents the theoretical points of departures that have been guiding the work. The following section is devoted to a more thorough discussion of the notion of baroque and how this book uses it as an operative concept to read through the entanglements of travel writing. The third section gives a contextual framing for the analysis. It sketches the history of the period that the travel narratives describe and presents the population of the islands. Finally, the fourth section offers a more detailed account of the travelogues, their writers and the predicaments that dictated these texts, and ends by outlining the chapters or points of entanglement that will be approached, namely geography, the self, and language.
Searchable Symmetric Encryption
Authors: Krähenbühl Cyrill , Perrig Adrian
Published: July 2023

Searchable symmetric encryption allows operating on encrypted data, particularly keyword-based search on documents and range-based search on spatial data. Various methods can be used in Searchable symmetric encryption, such as order-preserving or fully homomorphic encryption, for different levels of information leakage. New schemes with more efficient search operations and reduced access and search pattern leakage that support novel settings, such as dynamic data sets and multiple users, have been proposed in the last few years. Especially with the emergence of cloud storage, encrypting sensitive remote data while preserving the ability to operate efficiently is an ample opportunity for the military and industry. However, there are risks when deploying Searchable symmetric encryption that must be considered since some Searchable symmetric encryption schemes proposed in the past have been (completely) broken by the research community.
Scientometric and Wikipedia Pageview Analysis
Authors: Glavackij Alexander , Ismail Sarah , David Dimitri Percia
Published: July 2023

Any trend assessment concerning data protection and encryption technologies constitutes a challenging task for various reasons. The swift development of security technologies brings a myriad of novel protocols, tools, and procedures whose technological readiness levels also evolve rapidly. We used a benchmarking development indicator, the attention brought by different communities, to perform the analysis. This attention was measured through a scientometric analysis of the production of scientific works, and the public attention was given to these technologies through Wikipedia pageviews. This analysis provides valuable insights into the development of data protection and encryption technologies and their impact on the security landscape.
Sporify: An Automated Tool to Quantify Spores in Z-Stacked 3D Samples
Authors: Sten Oscar , Del Dottore Emanuela , Raffaele Giulia , Ronzan Marilena , Pugno Nicola M. , Mazzolai Barbara
Published: July 2023

In recent years, fungi have attracted avid interest from the research community. This interest stems from several motives, including their network creation capabilities and fundamental role in the ecosystem. Controlled laboratory experiments of fungal behaviors are crucial to further understanding their role and functionalities.

In this paper, we propose a method for automating the quantification and observation of fungal spores. Our approach consists of four steps: 1) a Z-stack image acquisition of the sample is performed, 2) a detection algorithm is applied to all Z-planes, 3) clustering of spores detected in different Z-planes, 4) determination of the optimal Z-plane for each cluster through an ad-hoc focus measure. We compared the spore count obtained through the automated tool to a manual count and the count obtained by applying the detection algorithm to a single plane. The result is a highly automated, non-invasive tool to determine spore count, estimate each spore depth, and retrieve an all-in-focus image to analyze further.
Erratum to: Far-from-equilibrium attractors for massive kinetic theory in the relaxation time approximation
Authors: Alalawi H. , Strickland M.
Published: July 2023

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP12(2022)143
On Unsteady Internal Flows of Incompressible Fluids Characterized by Implicit Constitutive Equations in the Bulk and on the Boundary
Authors: Bulíček Miroslav , Málek Josef , Maringová Erika
Published: July 2023

Long-time and large-data existence of weak solutions for initial- and boundary-value problems concerning three-dimensional flows of incompressible fluids is nowadays available not only for Navier–Stokes fluids but also for various fluid models where the relation between the Cauchy stress tensor and the symmetric part of the velocity gradient is nonlinear. The majority of such studies however concerns models where such a dependence is explicit (the stress is a function of the velocity gradient), which makes the class of studied models unduly restrictive. The same concerns boundary conditions, or more precisely the slipping mechanisms on the boundary, where the no-slip is still the most preferred condition considered in the literature. Our main objective is to develop a robust mathematical theory for unsteady internal flows of implicitly constituted incompressible fluids with implicit relations between the tangential projections of the velocity and the normal traction on the boundary. The theory covers numerous rheological models used in chemistry, biorheology, polymer and food industry as well as in geomechanics. It also includes, as special cases, nonlinear slip as well as stick–slip boundary conditions. Unlike earlier studies, the conditions characterizing admissible classes of constitutive equations are expressed by means of tools of elementary calculus. In addition, a fully constructive proof (approximation scheme) is incorporated. Finally, we focus on the question of uniqueness of such weak solutions.
Evaluating 3D-printed bioseparation structures using multi-length scale tomography
Authors: Johnson Thomas F. , Conti Mariachiara , Iacoviello Francesco , Shearing Paul R. , Pullen James , Dimartino Simone , Bracewell Daniel G.
Published: July 2023

X-ray computed tomography was applied in imaging 3D-printed gyroids used for bioseparation in order to visualize and characterize structures from the entire geometry down to individual nanopores. Methacrylate prints were fabricated with feature sizes of 500 µm, 300 µm, and 200 µm, with the material phase exhibiting a porous substructure in all cases. Two X-ray scanners achieved pixel sizes from 5 µm to 16 nm to produce digital representations of samples across multiple length scales as the basis for geometric analysis and flow simulation. At the gyroid scale, imaged samples were visually compared to the original computed-aided designs to analyze printing fidelity across all feature sizes. An individual 500 µm feature, part of the overall gyroid structure, was compared and overlaid between design and imaged volumes, identifying individual printed layers. Internal subvolumes of all feature sizes were segmented into material and void phases for permeable flow analysis. Small pieces of 3D-printed material were optimized for nanotomographic imaging at a pixel size of 63 nm, with all three gyroid samples exhibiting similar geometric characteristics when measured. An average porosity of 45% was obtained that was within the expected design range, and a tortuosity factor of 2.52 was measured. Applying a voidage network map enabled the size, location, and connectivity of pores to be identified, obtaining an average pore size of 793 nm. Using Avizo XLAB at a bulk diffusivity of 7.00 × 10−11 m2s−1 resulted in a simulated material diffusivity of 2.17 × 10−11 m2s−1 ± 0.16 × 10−11 m2s−1.

Graphical abstract
Nachhaltigkeit im Gesundheitswesen – aktuelle und zukünftige Rechtsentwicklungen
Authors: Dittrich Tilmann , Lippert Hans-Dieter
Published: July 2023

Der Klimawandel wird als eine der größten Herausforderungen der Gesellschaft in den nächsten Jahrzehnten bis Jahrhunderten gesehen. Ein Fokus gesetzgeberischer Aktivitäten liegt daher auf dem Themenkomplex der Nachhaltigkeit. So wurde auf EU-Ebene im Januar 2023 eine umfassende nichtfinanzielle Berichtspflicht etabliert. Im Bereich der Nachhaltigkeit in Lieferketten sind sowohl die EU als auch der nationale Gesetzgeber aktiv. Hieraus ergeben sich bereits jetzt und in Zukunft erst recht auch Rechtspflichten für die Akteure des Gesundheitswesens. Zudem zeichnet sich aufgrund einer EU-Richtlinie ein Kritis-Dachgesetz ab, das Akteure des Gesundheitswesens zu Schutzmaßnahmen vor Naturereignissen verpflichten wird. Hierüber vermittelt der Beitrag einen Überblick. Er geht außerdem auf eine mögliche Erweiterung des SGB V im Bereich der Nachhaltigkeit ein.