bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multisample Ultrasound Point Shear Wave Elastography of the Liver
Authors: Dillman Jonathan R. , Trout Andrew T.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To characterize the technical performance of a multisample ultrasound point shear wave elastography (pSWE) technique that allows 15 individual measurements of liver stiffness in a single acquisition.

Methods

In 56 overweight and obese adults, research ultrasound examinations were performed using conventional pSWE and multisample pSWE (Sequoia; Siemens Healthineers). Five independent measurements were acquired with the conventional technique over five consecutive breath holds (5C1 and DAX transducers). A single multisample acquisition (DAX transducer) of up to 15 unique measurements was acquired during a single breath hold. All imaging was performed before (baseline) and after a “coffee break” (repeat). Median liver stiffness measurements between techniques and between baseline and repeat imaging were compared using Pearson correlation (r) and intra‐class correlation (ICC) coefficients.

Results

Mean participant age was 33.7 ± 11.4 years; 40 participants were female. There was high correlation between conventional pSWE measurements obtained using the 5C1 and DAX transducers at baseline (r = .75 [95% CI: 0.61–0.85], P < .0001) and repeat (r = .88 [95% CI: 0.78–0.92], P < .0001). There was moderate agreement between conventional pSWE measurements obtained using the 5C1 and DAX transducers at baseline (ICC = 0.69 [95% CI: 0.52–0.81]), and good agreement at repeat (ICC = 0.81 [95% CI: 0.65–0.90]). There was moderate correlation (r = .59 [95% CI: 0.39–0.74], P < .0001) and moderate agreement (ICC = 0.58 [95% CI: 0.38–0.73]) between baseline conventional and multisample pSWE measurements acquired using the DAX transducer; there was high correlation (r = .73 [95% CI: 0.57–0.83], P < .0001) and moderate agreement (ICC = 0.72 [95% CI: 0.56–0.82] between techniques at repeat. There was moderate correlation (r = .65 [95% CI: 0.46–0.78], P < .0001) and moderate agreement (ICC = 0.64 [95% CI: 0.45–0.77]) between baseline and repeat multisample pSWE measurements.

Conclusions

Multisample pSWE, allowing up to 15 measurements in a single breath hold, showed moderate to high correlation and moderate agreement with conventional pSWE.
Investigation and analysis of high risk factors of falls in hospitalised patients after vascular surgery
Authors: Bai Yuan , Zhang Xiao‐Hong , He Fang , Li Zhuo‐Xia , Li Min , Yu Ying
Published: August 2023

Aim

To analyse the risk factors for falls in vascular patients and methods to mitigate fall risk in hospitalised patients receiving vascular surgery.

Design

This study is a multicentre, retrospective study.

Methods

A total of 112 inpatients that underwent vascular surgery in five hospitals in Shanxi Province from April 2018 to April 2022 were selected. They were divided into two groups according to whether they had fallen or not; 56 patients who fell were taken as the observation group and 56 patients who did not fall were taken as the control group. The risk factors of falls were analysed by univariate and logistic regression.

Results

There was no significant difference between the observation and the control groups in male patients and the incidence of falls without family members. In the observation group, the percentage of patients aged ≥65 years old, with a history of falls and/or fractures, long‐term medications and a history of osteoporosis was higher than in the control group and showed a statistically significant difference. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age, a history of falls and fractures, long‐term medications and a history of osteoporosis were independent risk factors for falls, and the differences were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Older age, a history of falls and/or fractures, continuous medication for more than 3 months and a history of osteoporosis are the risk factors for falls in hospitalised patients undergoing vascular surgery.
EXIST: EXamining rIsk of excesS adiposiTy—Machine learning to predict obesity‐related complications
Authors: Turchin Alexander , Morrison Fritha J. , Shubina Maria , Lipkovich Ilya , Shinde Shraddha , Ahmad Nadia N. , Kan Hong
Published: August 2023

Background

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of multiple conditions, ranging from heart disease to cancer. However, there are few predictive models for these outcomes that have been developed specifically for people with overweight/obesity.

Objective

To develop predictive models for obesity‐related complications in patients with overweight and obesity.

Methods

Electronic health record data of adults with body mass index 25–80 kg/m2 treated in primary care practices between 2000 and 2019 were utilized to develop and evaluate predictive models for nine long‐term clinical outcomes using a) Lasso‐Cox models and b) a machine‐learning method random survival forests (RSF). Models were trained on a training dataset and evaluated on a test dataset over 100 replicates. Parsimonious models of <10 variables were also developed using Lasso‐Cox.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 5.6 years, study outcome incidence in the cohort of 433,272 patients ranged from 1.8% for knee replacement to 11.7% for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Harrell C‐index averaged over replicates ranged from 0.702 for liver outcomes to 0.896 for death for RSF, and from 0.694 for liver outcomes to 0.891 for death for Lasso‐Cox. The Harrell C‐index for parsimonious models ranged from 0.675 for liver outcomes to 0.850 for knee replacement.

Conclusions

Predictive modeling can identify patients at high risk of obesity‐related complications. Interpretable Cox models achieve results close to those of machine learning methods and could be helpful for population health management and clinical treatment decisions.
Investigating the adhesion and rheological properties of metal organic framework incorporated polyester fiber/zeolite imidazolium salt framework‐67‐modified asphalt composite
Authors: He Lu , Ren Denghui , Muhammad Yaseen , Lai Fang , Pei Ruinan , Zhao Zhenxia , Yang Qingzhao , Li Jing
Published: August 2023

Utilizing efficient and cost‐effective modifiers is essential for the development of high‐performance asphalt materials. In this study, a polydopamine (PDA) chelated cobalt ion (Co2+)‐assisted in situ growth strategy was employed to anchor nanoporous zeolite imidazolium salt framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) on polyester (PET) fiber substrates for the preparation of styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block copolymer‐modified asphalt (SBS‐MA). Experimental results indicated that optimal fiber incorporation of 1.5% led to the best interfacial interaction at the modified asphalt fracture section. ZIF‐67 nanoporous structure acted as an organic–inorganic hybridization interfacial layer to enhance the fiber–asphalt interfacial interaction. The adhesion work of the modified fiber with SBS‐MA increased by 42.12%. Furthermore, the adhesion work, peeling work, and compatibility ratio of modified asphalt with aggregates were also improved. Similarly, the complex modulus of the 1.5% ZIF‐67–PDA–PET/SBS‐MA at 46°C was increased by 131.30% in comparison with that of the pristine SBS‐MA. More importantly, the synergistic effect of the highly thermally stable PET fibers and ZIF‐67 nanocrystals improved the thermal decomposition of SBS‐MA. These results suggest that ZIF‐67–PDA–PET fiber holds great promise for application in designing novel materials for the construction industry.
Nanocellulose‐based soft actuators and their applications
Authors: Cui Yande , Lin Jiehan , Wu Yuting , Chen Mingqi , Yang Xuefeng , Chang Chunyu
Published: August 2023

Nanocellulose has aroused growing attention in the design and fabrication of multifarious soft actuators thanks to its abundant source, appropriate mechanical properties, and sustainability. In this mini‐review, an up‐to‐date account of recent progresses in nanocellulose‐based actuators with homogeneous and heterogeneous structures is provided. The fundamental design concepts and synthesis strategies for nanocellulose‐based soft actuators with a wide array of micro‐architecture are described. Moreover, their actuation mechanisms, structure–function relationships, and emerging applications in the fields of soft robotics, biomedical science and bioelectronics are highlighted. Finally, a brief conclusion, the current challenges, and future perspectives in the development of nanocellulose‐based actuators is presented. This mini‐review provides new insights into the fundamental research and the technological application of advanced nanocellulose‐based soft actuators.
Effect of fertilization on the degradation and enantioselectivity of fipronil in soil
Authors: Zhang Leihong , Zhang Yirong , Li Jindong , Qi Yanli , Li Li , Qin Kaikai , Lu Yongyue , Liu Chenglan
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Fertilizers and pesticides are commonly used simultaneously in agriculture. However, the effects of common fertilizers on the dissipation, enantioselectivity, and metabolites of the chiral insecticide fipronil in soil are yet to be reported.

RESULT

An enantioselective method for detecting fipronil enantiomers and their metabolites in different soil matrices was developed using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). The results showed that organic and compound fertilizers significantly decreased the degradation of S‐ and R‐fipronil, whereas phosphate and microbial fertilizers slightly reduced fipronil dissipation. The half‐life values for S‐ and R‐fipronil were 43.3 and 28.9 days, 99.0 and 63.0 days, 69.3 and 43.3 days, 46.2 and 30.1 days, and 43.3 and 31.5 days, respectively, in the control and the four fertilizer treatments, respectively. The enantioselectivity of fipronil enantiomers occurred and R‐fipronil exhibited preferential degradation with an enantiomeric fraction (EF) of 0.4900–0.6238 in all treatments; but the four tested fertilizers decreased enantioselectivity with EF values changed from 0.4970 to 0.6238 in the control to 0.4900–0.6171 in fertilizer treatments. Two metabolites, fipronil sulfone and sulfide, were produced, and their amounts increased with culture time in all treatments. Fertilization reduced the content of fipronil sulfide and sulfone but hardly reduced the total amount of fipronil and its metabolites.

CONCLUSION

Fertilizers affect the environmental behavior of fipronil in the soil. Fertilization alters the soil bacterial community, which may be an important factor. This influence is relatively complicated and should be comprehensively considered in the environmental risk assessment of pesticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Short pathways to highly active antimicrobial: structurally diverse polyamines derivatives from Amino‐Aldehyde condensation strategy
Authors: Ma Yue , Zhou Han , Wang Yi‐Rong , Zhang Bao‐Qi , Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Peng Deng , An Jun‐Xia , Zhang Shao‐Yong , Luo Xiong‐Fei , Wang Guang‐Han , Ding Yan‐Yan , Zhao Wen‐Bin , Hu Yong‐Mei , Liu Ying‐Qian
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Chemical fungicides are the mainstay of plant disease control in agricultural production, but there are a very limited number of drugs that can effectively control plant diseases. Two series of secondary amine derivatives were synthesized using the diamine skeleton combined with saturated aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, and their antibacterial and antifungal activities against plant pathogens were determined. In addition, the antimicrobial mechanism of the highly active compound A26 was preliminarily examined against Xanthomonas oryzae (Xoo).

RESULTS

Compound A26 exhibited the highest antibacterial potency among all the target compounds, with MIC values of 3.12, 3.12 and 12.5 μg mL−1 against Xoo, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri and Pseudomonas sollamacearum, respectively. In addition, compound A26 had powerful curative and protective effects against Xoo at 200 μg mL−1, and was better than the control agent Xinjunan. Preliminary mechanistic studies showed that compound A26 reduced the bacterial pathogenicity by targeting cell membranes and inhibiting the secretion of extracellular polysaccharides. Meanwhile, the toxicity of compound A26 to Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cells and Human Liver‐7702 was similar to that of Xinjunan, and it had moderate toxicity according to the World Health Organization classification standard of oral exogenous toxicity, with an LD50 of 245.47 mg kg−1.

CONCLUSION

Secondary amines have efficient and broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity against plant pathogenic bacteria and are expected to be a new class of candidate compounds for antibacterial drugs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Leverage target and R&D spending
Authors: Azim Khan Sharier
Published: August 2023

In this paper, I examine how capital structure (relative to target) affects the financing of R&D spending. Studies on capital structure have shown that firms adjust their debt levels toward target debt levels. I show that firms with below‐target debt are more likely to issue debt to finance R&D spending compared to firms that have above‐target debt. The results are stronger for firms that are smaller in size and firms that do not pay dividends. I also show that firms with below‐target debt are more likely to use a greater fraction of proceeds from net debt issuance to finance R&D spending (either directly or indirectly).
Cooperative 3D tunnel measurement based on 2D–3D registration of omnidirectional laser light
Authors: Igaue Takuya , Hayamizu Toko , Higuchi Hiroshi , Ikura Mikihiro , Yoshida Kenichi , Yamanaka Satoshi , Yamaguchi Takashi , Asama Hajime , Yamashita Atsushi
Published: August 2023

In this study, we proposed a high‐density three‐dimensional (3D) tunnel measurement method, which estimates the pose changes of cameras based on a point set registration algorithm regarding 2D and 3D point clouds. To detect small deformations and defects, high‐density 3D measurements are necessary for tunnel construction sites. The line‐structured light method uses an omnidirectional laser to measure a high‐density cross‐section point cloud from camera images. To estimate the pose changes of cameras in tunnels, which have few textures and distinctive shapes, cooperative robots are useful because they estimate the pose by aggregating relative poses from the other robots. However, previous studies mounted several sensors for both the 3D measurement and pose estimation, increasing the size of the measurement system. Furthermore, the lack of 3D features makes it difficult to match point clouds obtained from different robots. The proposed measurement system consists of a cross‐section measurement unit and a pose estimation unit; one camera was mounted for each unit. To estimate the relative poses of the two cameras, we designed a 2D–3D registration algorithm for the omnidirectional laser light, and implemented hand‐truck and unmanned aerial vehicle systems. In the measurement of a tunnel with a width of 8.8 m and a height of 6.4 m, the error of the point cloud measured by the proposed method was 162.8 and 575.3 mm along 27 m, respectively. In a hallway measurement, the proposed method generated less errors in straight line shapes with few distinctive shapes compared with that of the 3D point set registration algorithm with Light Detection and Ranging.
Longitudinal relationship between psychological distress and personality traits
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen
Published: August 2023

Personality traits are typically assumed to predict psychological distress, with little attention paid to the potential influence of psychological distress on personality traits. Recent empirical findings, however, challenge this prevailing view by demonstrating the potential for personality traits to change and suggesting the plausible influence of chronic distress on these traits. This study aimed to examine the mutual within‐person associations between psychological distress and the Big Five personality traits. The primary research question was whether a change in psychological distress is associated with a change in personality traits (and vice versa) after approximately 4 years. A nationally representative sample from Australia (N = 22,837), collected at four time points over 13 years, was used. The random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model was used to partition variance into between‐person and within‐person components. Results showed that there was no temporal within‐person association between openness and distress. Extraversion and conscientiousness were found to have bidirectional within‐person relationships with distress, suggesting that increases in extraversion and conscientiousness are associated with decreases in distress over time and vice versa. Emotional stability and agreeableness showed unidirectional relationships with distress, with increased distress predicting decreased emotional stability and increased agreeableness predicting decreased distress. Therefore, except for openness, the other traits had at least one significant within‐person link to psychological distress. These findings unveil a reciprocal longitudinal linkage between personality traits and psychological distress, highlighting the potential negative impact of prolonged psychological distress on the developmental trajectory of personality traits.
Reconstituted Extracellular Vesicles from Human Platelets Decrease Viral Myocarditis in Mice
Authors: Beetler Danielle J. , Bruno Katelyn A. , Watkins Molly M. , Xu Vivian , Chekuri Isha , Giresi Presley , Di Florio Damian N. , Whelan Emily R. , Edenfield Brandy H. , Walker Sierra A. , Morales‐Lara Andrea C. , Hill Anneliese R. , Jain Angita , Auda Matthew E. , Macomb Logan P. , Shapiro Kathryn A. , Keegan Kevin C. , Wolfram Joy , Behfar Atta , Stalboerger Paul G. , Terzic Andre , Farres Houssam , Cooper Leslie T. , Fairweather DeLisa
Published: August 2023

Patients with viral myocarditis are at risk of sudden death and may progress to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Currently, no disease‐specific therapies exist to treat viral myocarditis. Here it is examined whether reconstituted, lyophilized extracellular vesicles (EVs) from platelets from healthy men and women reduce acute or chronic myocarditis in male mice. Human‐platelet‐derived EVs (PEV) do not cause toxicity, damage, or inflammation in naïve mice. PEV administered during the innate immune response significantly reduces myocarditis with fewer epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐like module‐containing mucin‐like hormone receptor‐like 1 (F4/80) macrophages, T cells (cluster of differentiation molecules 4 and 8, CD4 and CD8), and mast cells, and improved cardiac function. Innate immune mediators known to increase myocarditis are decreased by innate PEV treatment including Toll‐like receptor (TLR)4 and complement. PEV also significantly reduces perivascular fibrosis and remodeling including interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), transforming growth factor‐beta 1, matrix metalloproteinase, collagen genes, and mast cell degranulation. PEV given at days 7–9 after infection reduces myocarditis and improves cardiac function. MicroRNA (miR) sequencing reveals that PEV contains miRs that decrease viral replication, TLR4 signaling, and T‐cell activation. These data show that EVs from the platelets of healthy individuals can significantly reduce myocarditis and improve cardiac function.
Exploiting Ambipolarity in Graphene Field‐Effect Transistors for Novel Designs on High‐Frequency Analog Electronics
Authors: Pasadas Francisco , Medina‐Rull Alberto , Ruiz Francisco G. , Ramos‐Silva Javier Noe , Pacheco‐Sanchez Anibal , Pardo Mari Carmen , Toral‐Lopez Alejandro , Godoy Andrés , Ramírez‐García Eloy , Jiménez David , Marin Enrique G.
Published: August 2023

Exploiting ambipolar electrical conductivity based on graphene field‐effect transistors has raised enormous interest for high‐frequency (HF) analog electronics. Controlling the device polarity, by biasing the graphene transistor around the vertex of the V‐shaped transfer curve, enables to redesign and highly simplify conventional analog circuits, and simultaneously to seek for multifunctionalities, especially in the HF domain. This study presents new insights for the design of different HF applications such as power amplifiers, mixers, frequency multipliers, phase shifters, and modulators that specifically leverage the inherent ambipolarity of graphene‐based transistors.
Cooperative Synthesis of Raspberry‐Like Covalent Organic Framework‐Polymer Particles with a Radial Single‐Crystal Grain Orientation
Authors: Salaün Pauline , Fadel Alexandre , Pelaez‐Fernandez Mario , Mouloud Bahae‐Eddine , Tahon Jean‐François , Volkringer Christophe , Addad Ahmed , Woisel Patrice , Le Fer Gaëlle
Published: August 2023

Despite many efforts devoted toward the design of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) at the framework level by selecting the building blocks, their organization in the nano to meso regimes is often neglected. Moreover, the importance of processability for their applications has recently emerged and the synthesis of COF nanostructures without agglomeration is still a challenge. Herein, the first example of hybrid COF‐polymer particles for which polymers are used to manipulate the 2D COF growth along a specific direction is reported. The study examines how the nature, chain‐end functionality, and molar mass of the polymer influence the shaping of hybrid 2D boronate ester‐linked COF‐polymer particles. Catechol‐poly(N‐butyl acrylate) leads to the self‐assembly of crystallites into quasi‐spherical structures while catechol‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) mediates the synthesis of raspberry‐like COF‐polymer particles with radial grain orientation. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM) and 4D‐STEM‐ACOM (automated crystal orientation mapping) highlight the single‐crystal character of these domains with one plane family throughout the particles. Interestingly, the presence of PNIPAm on the particle surface allows their drying without co‐crystallization and enables their resuspension. Kinetic investigations show that catechol‐PnBuA acts as a modulator and catechol‐PNIPAm induces a template effect, introducing supramolecular self‐assembly properties into particles to create new morphologies with higher structural complexity, beyond the framework level.
High Thermoelectric Performance of Non‐Stoichiometric and Oriented GeTe Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Xiaohe , Lu Xiaowei , Jiang Peng , Bao Xinhe
Published: August 2023

The increasing demand for micro‐thermoelectric coolers and generators promotes the research on thermoelectric (TE) thin films. As a promising medium‐temperature TE material, GeTe has attracted wide attention recently. However, the thermoelectric performance of thin‐film GeTe remains inferior. Herein, oriented GeTe films with excessive Ge are obtained by magnetron co‐sputtering technique, which can not only reduce the carrier concentration but also increase the carrier mobility, maintaining the high electrical conductivity of GeTe. Furthermore, higher structural symmetry and grain boundary scattering enhance the Seebeck coefficient of oriented GeTe films. As a result, the power factor (PF) value can reach as high as 2848 µW m−1 K−2 at room temperature and increase to 5263 µW m−1 K−2 at 600 K. Furthermore, a TE device with the Ge‐rich GeTe thin film is fabricated and the maximum output power density (power per unit area) reaches 0.3 W cm−2 at ΔT = 250 K. This work demonstrates that the stoichiometry and orientation modulations are effective strategies to improve the thermoelectric performance of GeTe thin films.
Ultra‐Large Scale Stitchless AFM: Advancing Nanoscale Characterization and Manipulation with Zero Stitching Error and High Throughput
Authors: Liu Yijie , Li Xuexuan , Zhang Yuliang , Ge Lin , Guan Yingchun , Zhang Zhen
Published: August 2023

The atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an important tool capable of characterization, measurement, and manipulation at the nanoscale with a vertical resolution of less than 0.1 nm. However, the conventional AFMs' scanning range is around 100 µm, which limits their capability for processing cross‐scale samples. In this study, it proposes a novel approach to overcome this limitation with an ultra‐large scale stitchless AFM (ULSS‐AFM) that allows for the high‐throughput characterization of an area of up to 1 × 1 mm2 through a synergistic integration with a compliant nano‐manipulator (CNM). Specifically, the compact CNM provides planar motion with nanoscale precision and millimeter range for the sample, while the probe of the ULSS‐AFM interacts with the sample. Experimental results show that the proposed ULSS‐AFM performs effectively in different scanning ranges under various scanning modes, resolutions, and frequencies. Compared with the conventional AFMs, the approach enables high‐throughput characterization of ultra‐large scale samples without stitching or bow errors, expanding the scanning area of conventional AFMs by two orders of magnitude. This advancement opens up important avenues for cross‐scale scientific research and industrial applications in nano‐ and microscale.
Superior Rate Capability of Small Regenerated Graphite Particles Induced by Homogeneously Distributed Current Density Derived from Cracks and Intrinsic Defects
Authors: Da Haoran , Fang Wenhao , Zhu Jiufu , Li Jin , Pan Shanshan , Li Jiajia , Huang Jiaqi , Zhang Haitao , Zhang Suojiang
Published: August 2023

As spent batteries can be considered as alternative raw sources of electrode materials; the development of regeneration techniques for spent graphite becomes key to realizing economic and environmental sustainability. Herein, the reutilization of small spent graphite particles is domonstrated due to their special structural characteristics, which may directly contribute to the improvement of lithiation kinetics and high‐rate charging during long‐term cycling. Such intrinsic defects and external cracked channels may be introduced by the aging of intrinsic bulk structure and exfoliation of surface structure. On account of these potential advantages, a carbonized polypyrrole layer on sieved small graphite particles is developed to obtain superior rate performance. The coated amorphous/graphitic layer could repair the exposed edge and basal plane, and significantly facilitate Li ion diffusion during fast charging. Moreover, the enhanced performance may favor the improved homogeneity of current density distribution during fast charging, which is confirmed by a porous electrode model. The regenerated graphite with a disorder/order coating layer could effectively regulate the Li+ transport channel, exhibiting a high specific capacity at high‐rate charging (102.7 mAh g−1 at 4 C after 500 cycles) without severe Li plating. This work provides an opportunity to utilize spent graphite in fast‐charging batteries.
Designing a Dimension Reduced Hybrid Perovskite with Robust Large Birefringence by Expanding Cationic π‐Delocation
Authors: Xu Qianting , Huang Weiqi , Wang Han , Li Yanqiang , Zhou Yang , Hou Linxi , Zhao Sangen , Luo Junhua
Published: August 2023

It is in great demand to discover new materials with large birefringence for the miniaturization of optical communication devices. In this work, a new one‐dimensional hybrid halide perovskite, (C6N10H8)Pb2Br6, is obtained successfully through structural design of dimension reduction from the notable three‐dimensional halide perovskite CsPbBr3. Remarkably, (C6N10H8)Pb2Br6 exhibits a significantly enhanced birefringence of ∆n = 0.42@550 nm, which is the largest among halide perovskites so far. Furthermore, its birefringence performance is robust in a wide temperature range of 300–440 K. Theoretical calculations reveal that this outstanding birefringence results from the synergistic effect of [PbBr6]4− octahedra and [C6N10H8]2+ cations with expanding π‐delocation. According to further structural analyses, the structural dimension reduction cooperating with the increase of [PbBr6]4− octahedral distortion leads to the enhanced birefringence. This work uncovers the great promise of hybrid halide perovskites as robust birefringent crystals in future optical communication and would shed useful insights on the design and synthesis of new birefringent crystals.
The effect of the degree of cracking on the state of stress and cracks width in elements with restrained boundary conditions
Authors: Zych Mariusz
Published: August 2023

A new and more precise model of cracking of reinforced concrete elements subjected to imposed strains is presented. A key question is how in the stress classic approach to take account of the effect of element relaxation (after each cracking episode) on cracks width reduction and other cracking criteria. Such a model would enable the calculation of the maximum cracks width depending on the cracking stage (i.e., the stage of cracks formation or that of stabilized cracks). This phenomenon is important particularly in semi‐massive structures in which the condition of watertightness must be fulfilled. The model has been validated based on the experimental studies available in the literature. For higher levels of strain the cracks widths have been found seriously underestimated after European standards (especially in elements with higher reinforcement ratio) while the calculations performed following the proposed model indicate proper estimation of cracks width.
Principle active metabolites of Pinus morrisonicolaHayata synergistically inhibit cell proliferation and autophagy to elevate apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Shibu Marthandam Asokan , Chen Yi‐Ju , Yang Hong‐Siang , He Yen‐Hua , Lo Yun‐Hsin , Lin Wan‐Teng
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common primary tumor of liver is a leading cause of cancer‐associated deaths. Improving cellular apoptosis and enhancing autophagic clearance is been considered to improve treatment outcomes of HCC. Polyphenols from Pinus morrisonicola (Hayata) have shown various physiological and therapeutic benefits and the flavonoid chrysin is been known for their anticancer effects. However, the main bioactive principle and the mechanism underlying the antitumor activity of pine needle extract are not clear yet. In this study, the effects of ethanol extract from pine needle on HCC cells were determined. The results show that when compared with administration of chrysin alone, a fraction containing pinocembrin, chrysin, and tiliroside significantly reduced autophagy and increased apoptosis. The results also correlated with decrease in cell cycle regulators and the autophagic proteins like LC3‐II. Collectively, the results imply the fraction containing pinocembrin, chrysin, and tiliroside as an ideal complementary medicine for an effective antitumor activity.
Ferulic acid grafted into β‐cyclodextrin nanosponges amelioratesParaquat‐inducedhumanMRC‐5 fibroblast injury
Authors: Meamar Rokhsareh , Haddad Shadi , Nasiri Rozita , Borojeni Gelare Sadeghi , Kolahdoozan Majid , Eizadi‐Mood Nastaran , Pourisfahani Seyed Alireza , Mahvari Razieh , Rezaei Atefe , Fesharaki Mehrafarin
Published: August 2023

Paraquat (PQ) is a commercially important and effective herbicide in the world. Nevertheless, it has higher toxicity causing acute organ damage and different complications, mainly in the lungs and kidneys. Ferulic acid (FA), 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycinnamic acid imposes multiple pharmacological impacts. No protective effect of FA on PQ poisoning‐caused human embryonic lung fibroblast damage has not been reported. Despite their many beneficial effects, FA is characterized by poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and phytochemical instability. To solve the problem, β‐cyclodextrin nanosponge (β‐CD NSs) was utilized to increase the solubility of FA so that it was grafted into β‐CD NSs to establish β‐CD@FA NSs. The purpose of this work was to examine for the first time the protective effect of β‐CD@FA NS on MRC‐5 human lung cells damages induced by PQ poisoning. MTS assay was performed to investigate the viability of MRC‐5 cells at different concentrations of FA/β‐CD@FA NSs when cells were co‐cultured with 0.2 μg/mL PQ. The flow cytometry study was carried out to determine apoptosis. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels were detected using appropriate biochemistry kits. Compared with the PQ group, the cell activity, CAT, and SOD levels were significantly increased in the FA and chiefly in β‐CD@FA NSs intervention groups, whereas apoptosis and MDA levels were markedly decreased. The inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and interleukin 22 (IL‐22) were detected. The results demonstrate that β‐CD@FA NSs can inhibit PQ‐induced cell damage by enhancing antioxidant stress capacity and regulation of inflammatory responses.
Conflict Areas—An Israeli Perspective
Authors: Danieli David
Published: August 2023

The unfolding war and human tragedy in Ukraine cause many among us to reflect on human nature and the nature of war, and why is it that the community of nations is unable to resolve its conflicts in accordance with the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter that laid the promise and hope of peaceful coexistence among nations, against the backdrop of terrible past experiences.
The Struggle to Save the JCPOA: Negotiations to Nowhere?
Authors: Miller Steven E.
Published: August 2023

On May 8, 2018, President Donald Trump announced that he was withdrawing the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).  However, he failed in his subsequent efforts to coerce Iran into capitulation on the nuclear issue or to accept what Washington regarded as a better deal. The Biden Administration thus inherited a situation in which neither the United States nor Iran was complying with the deal but the Administration was pledged to restore the JCPOA.  Rather than simply reverse Trump’s unilateral policy on the JCPOA, though, Biden launched a diplomatic effort aimed at restoring the agreement while possibly modifying some of its terms to address concerns about Tehran's nuclear progress that had arisen when Iran too began to ignore JCPOA constraints. The ensuing negotiations soon bogged down, impeded by a tangle of misaligned perceptions and irreconcilable positions. Washington hoped that the leverage provided by Trump’s sanctions would give Iran incentives to rejoin the agreement, but this perspective failed to take into account that Tehran has its own complaints and reservations about the JCPOA as well as its own internal opposition to the agreement. As a result, more than two years into his Presidency, Biden has been unable to correct what he regarded as the “gigantic mistake” of withdrawing from the JCPOA.
Preserving and Updating Strategic Stability
Authors: Arbatov Alexey
Published: August 2023

A number of justifications of the special military operation launched by Russia on February 24 2022 are officially put forward.
Domestic Debate in Russia About Arms Control and Nuclear Weapons
Authors: Arbatova Nadezhda
Published: August 2023

Generally speaking, arms control is a historical period of transition from uncompromising confrontation to a new world order. It can last for decades with breakthroughs and pullbacks. Today many are talking about the need for new approaches to arms control but new approaches will not arise from the middle of  nowhere. No measures of “soft” arms control - the vague discussions on military doctrines or experts’ debates about new interpreteations of strategic stability - can be a substitute to “hard core” of arms control of verifiable  limitations and reductions of  weapons and troops.
Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East Within the Context of Regional Security
Authors: Al Assad Wael
Published: August 2023

I think it is important to look at WMDs in the ME, and the efforts to eliminate them, within the context of regional security.
Cultural-Historical Wholeness Approach: Critical Activity Settings of More-Than-Parental Involvement
Authors: Sadownik Alicja R.
Published: August 2023

This chapter starts with a description of the cultural-historical wholeness approach as a theory of child development. The theory’s considerable focus on the context in which such development takes place makes it capable of theorising the collaboration between different institutions that constitutes the developmental situation of the child. The concepts of an activity setting, in which both societal demands and individual motives intersect, and a crisis are described as productive tools for reflecting on different modes of more-than-parental involvement in ECEC. As an interpretative theory, this toolkit does not impose any particular model of parental involvement, but instead allows for reflection on the conditions that allow for different practices to appear, thus locating the level of eventual change-making.
Noninvertible anomalies in SU(N) × U(1) gauge theories
Authors: Anber Mohamed M. , Poppitz Erich
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We study 4-dimensional SU(N) × U(1) gauge theories with a single massless Dirac fermion in the 2-index symmetric/antisymmetric representations and show that they are endowed with a noninvertible 0-form $$ {\overset{\sim }{\mathbb{Z}}}_{2\left(N\pm 2\right)}^{\upchi} $$

ℤ
~

2

N
±
2

χ

chiral symmetry along with a 1-form $$ {\mathbb{Z}}_N^{(1)} $$

ℤ
N

1

center symmetry. By using the Hamiltonian formalism and putting the theory on a spatial three-torus $$ \mathbbm{T} $$
T
3, we construct the non-unitary gauge invariant operator corresponding to $$ {\overset{\sim }{\mathbb{Z}}}_{2\left(N\pm 2\right)}^{\upchi} $$

ℤ
~

2

N
±
2

χ

and find that it acts nontrivially in sectors of the Hilbert space characterized by selected magnetic fluxes. When we subject $$ \mathbbm{T} $$
T
3 to $$ {\mathbb{Z}}_N^{(1)} $$

ℤ
N

1

twists, for N even, in selected magnetic flux sectors, the algebra of $$ {\overset{\sim }{\mathbb{Z}}}_{2\left(N\pm 2\right)}^{\upchi} $$

ℤ
~

2

N
±
2

χ

and $$ {\mathbb{Z}}_N^{(1)} $$

ℤ
N

1

fails to commute by a ℤ2 phase. We interpret this noncommutativity as a mixed anomaly between the noninvertible and the 1-form symmetries. The anomaly implies that all states in the torus Hilbert space with the selected magnetic fluxes exhibit a two-fold degeneracy for arbitrary $$ \mathbbm{T} $$
T
3 size. The degenerate states are labeled by discrete electric fluxes and are characterized by nonzero expectation values of condensates. In an appendix, we also discuss how to construct the corresponding noninvertible defect via the “half-space gauging” of a discrete one-form magnetic symmetry.
On the ghost problem of conformal gravity
Authors: Hell Anamaria , Lüst Dieter , Zoupanos George
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We study the metric perturbations around the de Sitter and Minkowski backgrounds in Conformal Gravity. We confirm the presence of ghosts in both cases. In the de Sitter case, by applying the Maldacena boundary conditions — the Neumann boundary condition and the positive-frequency mode condition — to the metric, we show that one cannot recover a general solution for the perturbations. In turn, alongside the Neumann boundary condition, we derive an additional condition with which the perturbations of conformal gravity and dS perturbations of Einstein gravity with cosmological constant coincide. We further show that the Neumann boundary condition does not lead to a general solution in Minkowski space. Conversely, we derive the alternative boundary conditions, with which we attain an agreement between the perturbations of conformal and Einstein gravity in full generality, thus removing the ghost of conformal gravity.
Heavy Neutral Leptons from Stopped Muons and Pions
Authors: Ema Yohei , Liu Zhen , Lyu Kun-Feng , Pospelov Maxim
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Stopped muons, which are generic in pion-at-rest experiments, can shed light on heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) in unexplored parameter spaces. If the HNL is lighter than the muon, the HNL can be produced from decays of muons and pions. The HNL will travel from the production location and decay into visible Standard Model (SM) modes, leaving signals inside downstream detectors. We find that in the case that the HNL dominantly mixes with muon neutrinos, the LSND constraint on the mixing angle squared is stronger than all the previous constraints by more than an order of magnitude. In this study, we recast the LSND measurement of the ν – e scattering. Future experiments such as PIP2-BD could further improve the sensitivity, provided they can distinguish the HNL events from backgrounds induced by the SM neutrinos.
Metabolomic insights into maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies affected by type 1 diabetes
Authors: Meek Claire L. , Stewart Zoe A. , Feig Denice S. , Furse Samuel , Neoh Sandra L. , Koulman Albert , Murphy Helen R. ,   on behalf of the CONCEPTT collaborative group
Published: August 2023

Aims/hypothesis

Type 1 diabetes in pregnancy is associated with suboptimal pregnancy outcomes, attributed to maternal hyperglycaemia and offspring hyperinsulinism (quantifiable by cord blood C-peptide). We assessed metabolomic patterns associated with risk factors (maternal hyperglycaemia, diet, BMI, weight gain) and perinatal complications (pre-eclampsia, large for gestational age [LGA], neonatal hypoglycaemia, hyperinsulinism) in the Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Women with Type 1 Diabetes in Pregnancy Trial (CONCEPTT).

Methods

A total of 174 CONCEPTT participants gave ≥1 non-fasting serum sample for the biorepository at 12 gestational weeks (147 women), 24 weeks (167 women) and 34 weeks (160 women) with cord blood from 93 infants. Results from untargeted metabolite analysis (ultrahigh performance LC-MS) are presented as adjusted logistic/linear regression of maternal and cord blood metabolites, risk factors and perinatal complications using a modified Bonferroni limit of significance for dependent variables.

Results

Maternal continuous glucose monitoring time-above-range (but not BMI or excessive gestational weight gain) was associated with increased triacylglycerols in maternal blood and increased carnitines in cord blood. LGA, adiposity, neonatal hypoglycaemia and offspring hyperinsulinism showed distinct metabolite profiles. LGA was associated with increased carnitines, steroid hormones and lipid metabolites, predominantly in the third trimester. However, neonatal hypoglycaemia and offspring hyperinsulinism were both associated with metabolite changes from the first trimester, featuring triacylglycerols or dietary phenols. Pre-eclampsia was associated with increased abundance of phosphatidylethanolamines, a membrane phospholipid, at 24 weeks.

Conclusions/interpretation

Altered lipid metabolism is a key pathophysiological feature of type 1 diabetes pregnancy. New strategies for optimising maternal diet and insulin dosing from the first trimester are needed to improve pregnancy outcomes in type 1 diabetes.

Graphical Abstract
Behandlung mit voll implantierbaren Distraktionsmarknägeln zur Extremitätenverlängerung – ein Paradigmenwechsel
Authors: Baumgart Rainer , Lenze Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Wie kaum ein anderes Implantat haben voll implantierbare Distraktionsmarknägel die korrigierende und rekonstruktive Knochenchirurgie verändert. Basierend auf den Grundlagen der Kallusdistraktion haben diese neuen apparativen Entwicklungen mit neuartigen Planungsstrategien und minimal-invasiven operativen Techniken eine Vielzahl an Indikationen erschlossen und die Behandlung reproduzierbar und sicher gemacht. Voraussetzung ist aber, dass standardisierte Abläufe eingehalten werden, die sowohl die Operationsvorbereitung, die Durchführung als auch die sich anschließende Distraktionsbehandlung betreffen. Die Behandlung mit voll implantierbaren Distraktionsmarknägeln gehört an spezialisierte Zentren, damit der bereits jetzt erkennbare Paradigmenwechsel in der korrigierenden und rekonstruktiven Extremitätenchirurgie das Tor für weitere Entwicklungen öffnet.
A-agents, misleadingly known as “Novichoks”: a narrative review
Authors: Opravil Jakub , Pejchal Jaroslav , Finger Vladimir , Korabecny Jan , Rozsypal Tomas , Hrabinova Martina , Muckova Lubica , Hepnarova Vendula , Konecny Jan , Soukup Ondrej , Jun Daniel
Published: August 2023

“Novichok” refers to a new group of nerve agents called the A-series agents. Their existence came to light in 2018 after incidents in the UK and again in 2020 in Russia. They are unique organophosphorus-based compounds developed during the Cold War in a program called Foliant in the USSR. This review is based on original chemical entities from Mirzayanov's memoirs published in 2008. Due to classified research, a considerable debate arose about their structures, and hence, various structural moieties were speculated. For this reason, the scientific literature is highly incomplete and, in some cases, contradictory. This review critically assesses the information published to date on this class of compounds. The scope of this work is to summarize all the available and relevant information, including the physicochemical properties, chemical synthesis, mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and medical countermeasures used to date. The environmental stability of A-series agents, the lack of environmentally safe decontamination, their high toxicity, and the scarcity of information on post-contamination treatment pose a challenge for managing possible incidents.
Costs associated with adverse drug reactions in an older population admitted to hospital: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Bennett Kathleen , Cahir Caitriona , Sorensen Jan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study examines healthcare costs associated with adverse drug reactions (ADR) in an older population admitted acutely to an Irish tertiary hospital.

Methods

Prospective cohort study involving older persons admitted to hospital with and without an ADR. Data was collected at baseline, during hospitalisation and post-discharge. Participants provided information on healthcare resource use three months before admission (baseline) and three months after discharge (follow-up). For each healthcare resource, unit costs were derived and applied. The average cost (standard deviation (SD)) associated with the hospital admission for the ADR and non-ADR are presented. In addition, baseline and follow-up care costs were compared using difference-in-difference analysis and presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Costs by preventability and severity of ADR are also presented.

Results

A total of n = 230 participants were included (n = 93 ADR and n = 137 without ADR). The average cost associated with hospital admission for an ADR was €9538 (SD €10442) and €9828 (SD €11770) for non-ADR. The additional follow-up costs (difference-in-difference) associated with the ADR was estimated at €2047 (95% CI: -€889 to €4983). The mean incremental follow-up cost of definite preventable ADRs was estimated at €1648 (95% CI: -€4310 to €7605), possible preventable ADRs €2259 (95 CI: -€1194 to €5712) and unavoidable ADRs €1757 (95% CI: -€3377 to €6890). The mean incremental follow-up cost associated with moderate severe ADRs was estimated at €1922 (95% CI: -€1088 to €4932) and €3580 (95% CI: -€4898 to €12,058) for severe ADRs.

 Conclusion

ADRs leading to hospital admission are associated with modest incremental healthcare costs during and three months after admission. Severe and possibly preventable ADRs were associated with higher costs.