bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The characteristics and flocculation performance of hydrophobic association poly‐(3‐methacryloylamido propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride)
Authors: Guo Yiming , Li Xiaoxiao , Ming Anqi , Sun Jun , Wang Hua , Chen Lin , Tian Xingyou , Cao Yuxiang , Yuan Yun , Feng Yujun
Published: January 2024

The cationic polymer plays a crucial role in the flocculation process for solid–liquid separation. A hydrophobic‐associated cationic polymer was prepared through micellar free‐radical polymerization of cationic monomer 3‐methyl acrylamide propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (MAPTAC) and hydrophobic monomer Poly (ethylene glycol) Octadecyl methacrylate (OEMA). The Poly‐MAPTAC‐OEMA can form network structure through intermolecular hydrophobic association in aqueous solution, which leads to the solution viscosity increase and the salt thickening property. The critical associating concentrations (CACs) of Poly‐MAPTAC‐OEMA are 5818–6992 mg/L in aqueous solution. For the diatomite suspensions, at the dosage above about 5 mg/L, the Poly‐MAPTAC‐OEMA can show higher flocculation efficiency compared with Poly‐MAPTAC. Specifically, at the dosage of 8 mg/L, the enhancement rate of sedimentation rate can reach 7.27%–32.31%. Meanwhile, the hydrophobic association mainly enhances the bridging ability but has no significant effect on the improvement of the electric neutralization ability of Poly‐MAPTAC‐OEMA. The flocculation performance‐enhanced dosage of Poly‐MAPTAC‐OEMA is obviously lower than the CAC of Poly‐MAPTAC‐OEMA; this may be because during the flocculation process, the Poly‐MAPTAC‐OEMA first absorb and deeply concentrate on the particle surface, and then the hydrophobic association and bridging enhancement of Poly‐MAPTAC‐OEMA can occur more easily on the particle surface.
Suppressing Li dendrite by a guar gum natural polymer film for high‐performance lithium metal anodes
Authors: Fei Guiqiang , Du Yifan , Liu Xuan , Yin Zheng , Shu Kewei , Niu Huizhu , Han Yun , Wang Yu , Liu Hui , Wang Haihua
Published: January 2024

Lithium dendrites pose a major hurdle for enhancing the energy density of lithium metal batteries, and the artificial solid electrolyte interface layer offers a potential solution. In this work, a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly guar gum film is applied to the artificial protective layer. The guar gum artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer formed naturally, enriched with OH and AOA groups, displayed exceptional electrochemical stability, and achieved an impressively high transference number of 0.88 for lithium‐ion movement. In symmetric cells, the Li@GG‐Cu anode displays remarkable cycling performance even during extended periods. This is evidenced by its ability to maintain a surface capacity of approximately 850 h (1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2). In addition, when utilizing a complete cell setup comprising a LiFPO4 cathode (weighing 1.5 mg cm−2) and anode coated with a guar gum film, the capacity retention of an impressive 96.2% showcases outstanding preservation of battery performance over time even after 700 cycles. This performance surpasses that of a lithium foil electrode (87.1%) and a copper anode with lithium deposition (0%). Our work exhibits a promising material for a novel configuration of artificial SEI, effectively stabilizing lithium metal anode.
Enhancement of electrical parameters of PANI—A conducting polymer with low concentration nanofiller for optoelectronic and electrical application
Authors: Kumar Tamilarasi , Muthukrishnan Meena , Thiagamani Senthil Muthu Kumar , Khan Anish , Althomali Raed H. , Hashem Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Electrical conductivity is emerging as one of the most essential material's qualities of the 21st century due to the lightning‐fast advancements in the electronics sector and the continuously improving electrical goods. As conductive materials are used in the majority of the modern items we use, including power sources, energy generating systems, electrical circuits, sensors, and many others, continuing advancement in this field is very crucial. The novelty of this work lies in the dispersion of ferrite nanoparticles, which was synthesized using egg albumen to enhance the electrical behavior of PANI polymer films. In this research work, a simple casting approach was used to ex situ polymerize aniline to fabricate ultrathin and flexible CuFe2O4 distributed PANI films for electrical conductivity applications. The combustion approach was used to produce the copper ferrite nanoparticles, while egg albumen was not only used as the fuel but also it was used a capping agent to control the size of ferrite NPs with a size much lower than that already reported. Studies on the structural, morphological, and electrical properties of pure and various weight percent of (1 , 3 , and 5 wt%) CuFe2O4 loaded PANI films were performed. Comparing the different films, the 5 wt% CuFe2O4 dispersed PANI films exhibited remarkable and greatly improved permittivity and electrical conductivity with low dielectric loss. This indicates the 5 wt% CuFe2O4 dispersed PANI films have the prospective uses in high‐tech industries where there is a need for flexible, thin, and lightweight high electrical conducting materials with lesser loss factor.
Long‐term stability of planetary orbits between Jupiter and Saturn
Authors: Dvorak Rudolf , Cuntz Manfred
Published: January 2024

We extend our two previous studies on the existence of stable orbits in the Solar System by examining the domain between Jupiter and Saturn. We place (1) a massless object, (2) a Moon‐mass object, (3) a Mars‐mass object, (4) an Earth‐mass object, and (5) a Uranus‐mass object in the said region. Note that these objects are considered separately in the framework of our simulations. Our goal is to explore the orbital stability of those objects. We employ the Lie‐integration method, which is fast and well established, allowing us to solve the respective differential equations for the ‐body system. Hence, we consider the celestial bodies spanning from Jupiter to Neptune, including the aforementioned test object, the main focus for our model simulations. The integrations indicate that in some models the test objects placed in the region between Jupiter and Saturn reside in that region for more than 600 Myr. Between 5 and 10 au, mean‐motion resonances (MMRs) take place acting upon the test objects akin to simulations of Paper I and II. Our models indicate relatively small differences for the long‐term stability of the five test objects notwithstanding their vastly different masses. Generally, it is found that between  and 7.13 au the orbits become unstable mostly within 5 million years and further out, that is, up to  au, the duration of stability lengthens to up to hundreds of millions of years.
Impact of reciprocal peer observation on teacher collaboration perceptions
Authors: Corcelles‐Seuba Mariona , Sala‐Bars Ingrid , Soler Mireia , Duran David
Published: January 2024

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of reciprocal peer observation (RPO) as a form of professional collaboration among teachers in enhancing their perceptions of teacher collaboration within a school setting. The Teacher Collaboration Perceptions Questionnaire (TCPQ) was specifically designed and validated for this purpose, using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The study employed a longitudinal observational design, with 400 teachers in a pre/post‐test study. The impact of RPO was examined on three dimensions related to professional collaboration: collaborative school culture, collective agency and teachers' attitudes towards collaboration. The results revealed that participants' perceptions of collaboration improved significantly after the implementation of RPO. The study confirms the utility of RPO as a professional collaborative practice that can foster changes in teachers' perceptions of the collaborative school culture, teachers' sense of collective agency and teachers' preference for collaboration over individual work. The study concludes with a discussion of its educational implications.
An AI‐assisted integrated, scalable, single‐cell phenomic‐transcriptomic platform to elucidate intratumor heterogeneity against immune response
Authors: Tostado Christopher P. , Da Ong Lucas Xian , Heng Joel Jia Wei , Miccolis Carlo , Chia Shumei , Seow Justine Jia Wen , Toh Yi‐Chin , DasGupta Ramanuj
Published: January 2024

We present a novel framework combining single‐cell phenotypic data with single‐cell transcriptomic analysis to identify factors underpinning heterogeneity in antitumor immune response. We developed a pairwise, tumor‐immune discretized interaction assay between natural killer (NK‐92MI) cells and patient‐derived head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines on a microfluidic cell‐trapping platform. Furthermore we generated a deep‐learning computer vision algorithm that is capable of automating the acquisition and analysis of a large, live‐cell imaging data set (>1 million) of paired tumor‐immune interactions spanning a time course of 24 h across multiple HNSCC lines (n = 10). Finally, we combined the response data measured by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis against NK‐mediated killing with downstream single‐cell transcriptomic analysis to interrogate molecular signatures associated with NK‐effector response. As proof‐of‐concept for the proposed framework, we efficiently identified MHC class I‐driven cytotoxic resistance as a key mechanism for immune evasion in nonresponders, while enhanced expression of cell adhesion molecules was found to be correlated with sensitivity against NK‐mediated cytotoxicity. We conclude that this integrated, data‐driven phenotypic approach holds tremendous promise in advancing the rapid identification of new mechanisms and therapeutic targets related to immune evasion and response.
Optimum timing of lung resection surgery following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Yanbo , Niu Lingli , Zhu Yunke , Wu Zhu , Xia Liang , Xiao Congjia , Shen Xu , Xiao Xin , Tian Conglin , Lin Feng
Published: January 2024

Background

The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection on postoperative recovery of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is need to be understood, thereby informing the optimal timing of surgical decision‐making during the COVID‐19 pandemic for NSCLC patients. This study reports the postoperative outcomes of surgical NSCLC patients with preoperative SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Method

This single‐center retrospective cohort study included 241 NSCLC patients who underwent lobectomy or sub‐lobectomy between December 1, 2022 and February 14, 2023. Surgical outcomes of patients with preoperative SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (stratified by the time from diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection to surgery) were compared with those without preoperative SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The primary outcomes were total postoperative complications and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), the secondary outcomes included operation time, total postoperative drainage and time, length of hospital stay (LOS), 30‐day and 90‐day postoperative symptoms.

Results

This study included 153 (63.5%) patients with preoperative SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and 88 (36.5%) patients without previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. In patients with a preoperative SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnosis, the incidence of total postoperative complications (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.12–8.01; p = 0.028) and PPCs (OR, 4.20; 95% CI, 1.11–15.91; p = 0.035) both increased in patients infected having surgery within 2 weeks compared with non‐infection before surgery. However, patients who underwent lung resection more than 2 weeks after SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnosis had a similar risk of postoperative complications and surgical outcomes with those non‐infection before surgery.

Conclusion

This is the first study to provide evidence regarding the optimum timing of lung resection surgery and assessing early outcomes after surgery in NSCLC patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Our study documents that the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection did not complicate surgical procedures for lung cancer, and suggest that lung surgery should be postponed at least 2 weeks after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection for NSCLC patients.
An individualized stemness‐related signature to predict prognosis and immunotherapy responses for gastric cancer using single‐cell and bulk tissue transcriptomes
Authors: Zheng Linyong , Chen Jingyan , Ye Wenhai , Fan Qi , Chen Haifeng , Yan Haidan
Published: January 2024

Background

Currently, many stemness‐related signatures have been developed for gastric cancer (GC) to predict prognosis and immunotherapy outcomes. However, due to batch effects, these signatures cannot accurately analyze patients one by one, rendering them impractical in real clinical scenarios. Therefore, we aimed to develop an individualized and clinically applicable signature based on GC stemness.

Methods

Malignant epithelial cells from single‐cell RNA‐Seq data of GC were used to identify stemness‐related signature genes based on the CytoTRACE score. Using two bulk tissue datasets as training data, the enrichment scores of the signature genes were applied to classify samples into two subtypes. Then, using the identified subtypes as criteria, we developed an individualized stemness‐related signature based on the within‐sample relative expression orderings of genes.

Results

We identified 175 stemness‐related signature genes, which exhibited significantly higher AUCell scores in poorly differentiated GCs compared to differentiated GCs. In training datasets, GC samples were classified into two subtypes with significantly different survival times and genomic characteristics. Utilizing the two subtypes, an individualized signature was constructed containing 47 gene pairs. In four independent testing datasets, GC samples classified as high risk exhibited significantly shorter survival times, higher infiltration of M2 macrophages, and lower immune responses compared to low‐risk samples. Moreover, the potential therapeutic targets and corresponding drugs were identified for the high‐risk group, such as CD248 targeted by ontuxizumab.

Conclusions

We developed an individualized stemness‐related signature, which can accurately predict the prognosis and efficacy of immunotherapy for each GC sample.
A rare case of massive intrapartum hemorrhage followed by inner myometrial laceration during a vaginal delivery: A case report
Authors: Khakifirooz Bahareh , Shojaei Arian , Hajialigol Amirhossein
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Considering the laceration of the inner layer of the myometrium as an important and controllable cause of bleeding during childbirth can lead to saving the mother's life.

Laceration of the inner layer of the myometrium can cause massive bleeding during and after childbirth, which can lead to the death of the mother if it is not diagnosed in time.we presented a rare case of massive intrapartum bleeding following myometrial laceration that diagnosed correctly and the patient survived with in‐time treatments. The patient was a 26‐year‐old woman who was under observation for term pregnancy and complaint of rupture of membranes (ROM) and vaginal bleeding. Following the spontaneous course of labor and without receiving oxytocin, during the normal course of labor, she was with an estimated total blood loss of 750 mL bleeding, which despite the normal fetal heart rate and with the mother's indication for cesarean section, was transferred to the operating room and underwent cesarean section. During the cesarean section, the amniotic fluid was clear, after the removal of the placenta, severe and clear bleeding was flowing from the posterior wall of the uterus, which was caused by the laceration of the inner layer of the myometrium in the posterior wall of the lower segment of the uterus. The myometrial laceration was repaired with absorbable continuous locked sutures and hemostasis was established, and then the patient used uterotonic drugs, and after monitoring, the patient was discharged from the hospital in good condition.
Solitary Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the sternum in a 21‐year‐old woman
Authors: Soleimani Neda , Hosseinzadeh Massood , Amirian Armin , Hassani Masha , Mohammadzadeh Sahand
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Children are more likely to develop Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disorder with an unknown cause. LCH often invades skeletal systems, while it has occasionally been seen in the sternum or ribs. The best course of treatment for single‐site, skeletal LCH is yet unknown. We present an instance of sternal LCH with adult onset. By fusing and reconstructing chest computed tomography, it was possible to determine the extent of surrounding soft tissue invasion. Because LCH is so uncommon, it could be challenging to recall when we see a sternal lesion. Adult Patients who arrive with anterior chest discomfort and an osteolytic sternal lesion should include LCH on their differential diagnosis list.
Foix–Chavany–Marie syndrome due to unilateral opercular infarction—A case report
Authors: Yadav Pramodman Singh , Shah Leeza , Rayamajhi Anusha , Mehta Binod , Bhurtel Min Raj , Adhikari Pratik , Shrestha Manisha , Bhattarai Sashank
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Unilateral opercular lesions can result in Foix–Chavany–Marie syndrome, which is marked by acute anarthria, automatic‐voluntary movement dissociation—most notably the absence of voluntary facial and tongue movements—and a generally better prognosis. Better patient outcomes are mostly dependent on early detection, management, and rehabilitation.

Opercular syndrome is a rare neurological disorder caused by bilateral or unilateral lesions of the operculum that result in symptoms related to speech and swallowing difficulties with dissociation of automatic‐voluntary movements in affected muscles. 78‐year‐old female presented with acute onset dysarthria, left sided facial deviation and difficulties in chewing, speaking, and swallowing. CT head revealed ischemic changes in left frontal operculum and was diagnosed with the unilateral opercular syndrome. The case was managed according to ischemic stroke protocol. The patient was discharged after 7 days of hospital stay, with MRS 2, NIHSS 9 and secondary stroke preventive measures. At 4 months follow‐up, her MRS was 1, with mild dysarthria, that could be understood, and her swallowing improved to some amount of drooling while feeding. Early recognition, treatment, and rehabilitation play important role in prompt improvement of symptoms.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome due to nonadherence to antihypertensive treatment: A case report from Nepal
Authors: Priyanka K.C. , Anand Ayush , Husain Salman Haidar , Bhattarai Urza , Sharma Sanjib Kumar
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome may occur secondary to abrupt cessation of antihypertensive therapy. A gradual reduction in blood pressure and counseling regarding medication adherence are crucial to prevent adverse consequences.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a reversible clinical radiographic syndrome with headache, hypertensive encephalopathy, seizures, and visual disturbances as common modes of presentation. PRES can be attributed to several risk factors. We reported the case of a 66‐year‐old Asian female with PRES following nonadherence to antihypertensive treatment. Initially, her computed tomography scan of the head was normal. After 48 h, we again ordered a head CT scan, which showed lesions suggestive of hypertensive encephalopathy. We immediately reduced 20%–25% of mean arterial pressure, followed by a gradual blood pressure lowering to avoid adverse consequences. We did a follow‐up CT scan of the head at 2 weeks, showing the resolution of early lesions. Hence, we made a diagnosis of PRES. In these patients, it is crucial to ensure medication adherence to avoid complications.
A rare case of multi‐drug resistant Raoultella ornithinolytica‐induced sepsis in a healthy young man in Uganda
Authors: Ndibarema Elias Rugaatwa , Olum Ronald , Ogavu Joseph , Makhoba Anthony
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health challenge. It causes unresponsiveness to treatment with antimicrobials, leads to sepsis, septic shock, and increased hospital mortality. This is compounded by new multidrug resistant organisms. We present and discuss a case of sepsis caused by a rare multi‐drug resistant bacterium Raoultella ornithinolytica.

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern worldwide, associated with nearly 5 million deaths. The highest mortality attributed to AMR is seen in sub‐Saharan Africa. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa contribute to most deaths attributed to AMR globally. However, other uncommon microorganisms have been implicated. Few cases of resistant, extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL) producing Raoultella ornithinolytica have been reported to cause sepsis worldwide. To our knowledge, no case of R. ornithinolytica‐induced sepsis has been reported in our settings. We report a case of sepsis due to R. ornithinolytica in an injured young adult. We received a 36‐year‐old man, a professional banker involved in a road traffic accident 2 h before admission. He sustained a deep degloving wound on the right ankle with exposure of the lateral malleolus and presented with severe pain, and bleeding at the injury site. x‐Rays confirmed a comminuted intra‐articular distal tibia and fibular fracture. Surgical debridement and external fixation were aseptically done on the same day. Below knee amputation was done on the 7th day post‐admission due to extensively injured and infected limb with sepsis. Local pus culture isolated ESBL‐positive R. ornithinolytica susceptible only to meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin. Introducing these antibiotics on the 11th post‐admission day averted sepsis and enhanced patient recovery. With the threat of AMR, newly emerging highly resistant microbes should be expected and suspected. Early recognition of sepsis and its focus and precise intervention with antimicrobials guided by specimen culture and susceptibility profile is highly recommended and should be standard practice. It highly reduces morbidity and mortality due to sepsis.
The importance of designing a protector for a preterm and low birth weight infant with ectopia cordis
Authors: Mukai Takeo , Ito Atsushi , Shitara Yoshihiko , Kashima Kohei , Kobayashi Mika , Shiraga Kazuhiro , Takazawa Shinya , Takahashi Naoto
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Ectopia cordis is a rare condition with expected low survival rate based on past studies. We encountered a case of a preterm and low birth weight infant with ectopia cordis. When the infant cried, the prolapse of the heart, liver, and intestinal tract worsened. A pressure‐applying protector was used to protect the organs and reduce the prolapse. Upon application, the infant's tachypnea and desaturation worsened. Fluoroscopic examination suggested that the pressure from the prolapsed regions was impeding pulmonary expansion and negatively affecting circulation. It is essential to carefully design a protector that accommodates the infant's growth.
Rare oto‐tricho‐tussia/tinnitus: A case report
Authors: Azimi Habib , Tabibzadeh Seyed Mohammad , Khalilpour Abbas , Akbaribazm Mohsen
Published: January 2024

Key clinical message

Oto‐tricho is associated with the symptoms of gag reflex and non‐neuropathic tinnitus, which can be treated by removing the hair and its follicle.

Oto‐tricho refers to a disorder of hair growth in the tympanic membrane (TM). In its early stages, it can manifest as symptoms such as tinnitus, chronic pain, cough, and nausea. If left untreated, it can potentially lead to tympanosclerosis, TM micro‐perforation, and hearing loss. In this report, we present a case study of a 33‐year‐old male with hair and follicle growth observed on the left TM. Over the course of the past year, the patient experienced various symptoms including tinnitus, dry cough, and chronic pain. An examination with an otoscope revealed the presence of oto‐tricho‐tussia/tinnitus. To address the issue, the hair and hair follicles were surgically removed using direct visual guidance. Subsequent follow‐up was conducted over a period of 5 months, during which no pain or infection was observed at the site of the TM. The patient's previous symptoms were successfully resolved. Furthermore, further observation of the TM revealed no evidence of hair follicles or hair regrowth.
Synthesis of ‘Impossible’ Rotaxanes
Authors: Saura‐Sanmartin Adrian
Published: January 2024

‘Impossible’ rotaxanes, which are constituted by interlocked components without obvious binding motifs, have attracted the interest of the mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) community. Within the synthetic efforts reported in the last decades towards the preparation of MIMs, some innovative protocols for accessing ‘impossible’ rotaxanes have been developed. This short review highlights different selected synthetic examples of ‘impossible’ rotaxanes, as well as suggests some future directions of this research area.
Blueshift in Trifurcated Hydrogen Bonds: A Tradeoff between Tetrel Bonding and Steric Repulsion
Authors: de Azevedo Santos Lucas , van der Voort Storm , Burema Shiri R. , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: January 2024

The front cover artwork is provided by the TheoCheM group at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The image shows how, in X–•••H3C–Y complexes, the Lewis base X– tetrel‐binds to the central C while sterically pushing the H atoms towards C; hence, the compression and blueshift of the H–C bonds. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202300480.
Does proactive boundary‐spanning search drive green innovation? Exploring the significance of green dynamic capabilities and analytics capabilities
Authors: Appiah Listowel Owusu
Published: January 2024

Successful innovation requires firms to search beyond their organizational confines for complementary knowledge resources ahead of their competitors. While such proactive boundary‐spanning search (PBS) provides relevant knowledge resources for green innovations, it can also lead to information overload that derails green innovation efforts. Therefore, there is a need to understand how and when PBS translates into green innovation. This study combines the dynamic capabilities theory with the organizational information processing theory to develop a moderated mediation model that espouses the role of green dynamic capability and analytics capability in the relationship between PBS and green innovation. The study's hypothesis is tested using firm‐level survey data from 200 manufacturing firms in Ghana. Partial least squares structural equations modeling (PLS‐SEM) and PROCESS were used to evaluate the research model. The results confirm a positive relationship between PBS and green dynamic capabilities, and also between green dynamic capabilities and green innovation. More importantly, PBS drives green innovation through green dynamic capability, particularly at moderate and high levels of analytics capability. The theoretical and managerial implications of the study are outlined in the text.
Indium tin oxide thin film preparation and property relationship for humidity sensing: A review
Authors: Rajendran Vinooth , Prathuru Anil , Fernandez Carlos , Sujatha Dhavamani , Panda Subhendu K. , Faisal Nadimul Haque
Published: January 2024

This review aims to present a critical overview of indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film preparation methods, structure–property relationship, and its humidity sensing. A range of passive and active humidity sensors with thin films (based on metal oxides) detects humidity. ITO thin film has advantageous properties, such as low resistivity and high stability, making it highly suitable for humidity sensing applications. ITO thin film has shown the efficient level of humidity sensing, and a compatible size of humidity sensor can monitor the interface conditions humidity. So far, the application of ITO thin film for humidity measurement has yet to be explored at commercial scale, specifically in the detection of lower environmental humidity range (below 5% relative humidity (RH)). The research reveals a gap in improving the ITO thin film properties with an optimal range of preparation conditions. The research opportunities in the preparation, properties, characteristics, and efficient humidity sensitivity of ITO thin film are reviewed in this work.
Numerical evaluation of elasto‐mechanical and visco‐elastic electro‐mechanical models of the human heart
Authors: Fröhlich Jonathan , Gerach Tobias , Krauß Jonathan , Loewe Axel , Stengel Laura , Wieners Christian
Published: January 2024

We investigate the properties of static mechanical and dynamic electro‐mechanical models for the deformation of the human heart. Numerically this is realized by a staggered scheme for the coupled partial/ordinary differential equation (PDE‐ODE) system. First, we consider a static and purely mechanical benchmark configuration on a realistic geometry of the human ventricles. Using a penalty term for quasi‐incompressibility, we test different parameters and mesh sizes and observe that this approach is not sufficient for lowest order conforming finite elements. Then, we compare the approaches of active stress and active strain for cardiac muscle contraction. Finally, we compare in a coupled anatomically realistic electro‐mechanical model numerical Newmark damping with a visco‐elastic model using Rayleigh damping. Nonphysiological oscillations can be better mitigated using viscosity.
Power to the people—And then? A multilevel leadership perspective on organizational decentralization
Authors: Huettermann Hendrik , Berger Stefan , Reinwald Max , Bruch Heike
Published: January 2024

As organizations strive for more flexibility, decentralized decision‐making has been at the core of many modern HR approaches. Yet, on a company‐wide scale, it remains unclear whether decentralized decision‐making structures improve organizational performance. Our study aims to illuminate prior ambiguous evidence by examining an employee‐level mechanism underlying the organizational‐level relationship between decentralization and performance, and scrutinizing the critical role of formal leaders for empowering employees in decentralized structures. Integrating the perspective of organizational structure as opportunities and constraints with social information processing theory, we argue that transferring decision‐making authority to lower organizational levels positively affects employees' emergent leadership, but only to the extent that direct supervisors engage in empowering leadership and guide employees' behaviors in decentralized structures. Our predictions are supported by a multilevel, multisource field study of 5807 individuals across 144 companies. We further find that emergent leadership yields a positive effect on organizational performance. By developing a multilevel model that explicates both an employee‐level mechanism and a contingency of the decentralization–organizational performance link, our study enriches understanding of the key role that formal leaders play for achieving the strategic goals of decentralized decision‐making in organizations.
Serum Bile Acids as Markers of Juvenile Liver Disease in α1‐Antitrypsin Deficiency
Authors: Nemeth Antal , Samuelson Kickan , Strandvik Birgitta
Published: January 2024

Serum bile acids were studied in 34 patients, aged 7/12 to 20 years, with α1‐antitrypsin deficiency. Of these patients, 27 were of Pi‐phenotype Z and 7 of SZ. Liver biopsy according to Menghini was performed in 19 patients. Fasting serum levels of cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids, determined by radioimmunoassay, were compared to conventional liver function tests and liver morphology. All patients with morphological liver cirrhosis had increased fasting levels of serum bile acids. The other patients, including those with severe fibrosis, had normal values. Although standard liver function tests were more pathological in the cirrhotic patients than in the others, serum fasting bile acids seemed to be the most distinct markers of severe liver disease.
Serum D‐Xylose Absorption Tests
Authors: McDonald Philip J. , Powell Geraldine K. , Goldblum Randall M.
Published: January 2024

We evaluated the use of the D‐xylose absorption test as a marker of intestinal mucosal damage following single‐dose oral food challenges in infants suspected of food‐protein‐induced‐enterocolitis. The absorption tests were performed before any challenge, and again after each of four separate food challenges. The response to challenge was judged by five objective criteria (diarrhea, polymorphonuclear leukocytosis, fecal blood, leukocytes, and eosinophils). A significant decrease in the group mean for serum xylose was seen following positive challenges. The l‐h serum xylose level prior to any challenge was 42 ± 9.5. following negative challenges it was 46 ± 15, and following positive challenges it was 28 ± 4.4, However, there was not a good individual correlation between the challenge response and xylose absorption, so intrasubject variability of the xylose absorption test was examined in six infants who had at least three tests performed before a positive challenge response was encountered. The average standard deviation for these repeated tests was 8.2 mg/dl, and the coefficient of variability was 12.6%. This would suggest that, in utilizing this test to assess mucosal damage following oral food challenges or gluten reintroduction, a decrease of 16 mg/dl from the prechallenge values would have to be seen before the difference would exceed two standard deviations. This degree of change was not seen in any patient following a single oral food challenge.
Clinical Associations of Stool Astrovirus in Childhood
Authors: Nazer Hisham , Rice Stephen , Walker‐Smith John A.
Published: January 2024

From among 1,248 stool specimens examined during the 2‐year period, February 1979 to February 1981, astrovirus was detected by electron microscopy in 42 specimens from 28 children. Diarrhoea was an invariable clinical feature; vomiting occurred in 18 children, abdominal pain in 7, and mild dehydration in 5. Fourteen of the children with acute diarrhoea were admitted directly to the gastroenteritis unit. The other 14 children developed their acute diarrhoea sometime after hospital admission. Although the excretion of astrovirus was associated with mild gastroenteritis, the presence of other enteric pathogens in 16 of the 28 children limited the degree to which the clinical symptoms could be attributed to astrovirus alone. Transient monosaccharide intolerance lasting 1 to 2 days occurred in 18 children, and cow's milk protein intolerance requiring milk elimination for several months was a sequel in 3 children.
Loperamide Modifies Escherichia coli, Heat‐Stable Enterotoxin‐Induced Intestinal Secretion
Authors: Watt Jean , Candy David C. A. , Gregory Brian , Tripp John H. , Harries John T.
Published: January 2024

We have shown previously that loperamide, an opiate analogue, inhibits cholera‐toxin‐ and prostaglandin E2‐induced secretion in the rat small intestine. In these studies loperamide modified secretion induced by partially purified Escherichia coli, heat‐stable enterotoxin in infant mice. The drug was effective whether administered before or after established secretion. These experiments provide further suggestive evidence that loperamide has a broad spectrum of antisecretory activity.
Clinical Response to Short‐Term Nasogastric Feeding in Infants with Gastroesophageal Reflux and Growth Failure
Authors: Ferry George D. , Selby Maija , Pietro Timothy J.
Published: January 2024

When conventional treatment with upright positioning and thickened feedings fails to control vomiting associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) of infancy, malnutrition and growth failure may result. If this occurs, fundoplication is usually recommended. In this study, 12 infants with growth failure associated with GER were given a trial of short‐term (11.1 $PT SE 1.6 days) continuous‐drip nasogastric (NG) feedings prior to surgical referral. Five of 10 infants for whom long‐term follow‐up (3− 12 months) was obtained showed immediate weight gain, cessation of vomiting, and long‐term resolution of growth failure without the need for surgery. All infants who had a favorable long‐term response showed evidence of catch‐up growth during the first 7 days of NG feeding. Infants who did not begin catch‐up growth during the first 7 days did not benefit from longer periods (up to 21 days) of NG feeding. Poor response to NG feedings was associated with the presence of other medical problems (p = 0.024), including chronic pulmonary disease, malabsorption, cerebral palsy, and laryngomalacia. Four infants who did require fundoplication still showed no improvement in growth 2–6 months after surgery. In infants with GER and growth failure without other complicating disorders, a 7− 10‐day course of NG feeding may improve nutrition and bring about a permanent resolution of vomiting.
Chronic Nonspecific Diarrhea in Children
Authors: Poley J. Rainer
Published: January 2024

Investigations by scanning electron microscopy into changes of surface morphology of small bowel ***nucosa in children with chronic nonspecific diarrhea are reported. The study population comprised 56 patients, ranging in age from 5 months to 7 years: 65% were between 10 and 28 months old, and 64% of the patients were boys. The major findings were: microorganisms on he mucosal surface: excessive extrusion of cell cytoplasm and of enterocytes (cell shedding): presence of excessive mucus on the mucosal surface: damage to the brush border; and partial villous atrophy. The latter lesion was found in only four patients. All these changes are considered pathologic and, for the most part, are presumed to be due to the presence of antigens, in particular, nicroorganisms. A depression of disaccharidase activities was encountered in 64% of the patients, but prevalence was without regard to age. Most common was a combined depression of lactase, sucrase, and maltase, as well as an isolated depression of lactase. The possibility has to be considered that enteroadherent microorganisms which are usually not considered pathogenic, and microorganisms such as Mycoplasma, may emerge as intestinal pathogens in susceptible children. It is feasible that genetic traits of the host and environmental factors facilitate adherence and colonization of the small bowel mucosa which, in turn, produces chronic diarrhea. Further studies are needed to confirm the preliminary information contained in this report.
Picolinic Carboxylase Activity in Rat Liver and Kidney. I. Influence of Growth, Sex, Gestation, Lactation, and Nutritional Imbalance
Authors: Statter Marian , Krieger Ingeborg
Published: January 2024

Picolinic acid (PA) is a metabolite of tryptophan that chelates trace metals, including zinc. Several recent observations have suggested a role for PA in zinc metabolism. The enzyme responsible for its formation is picolinic carboxylase (PC). We have measured PC in rats under a variety of conditions, using tissues that play a role in zinc metabolism. PC activity was demonstrated in liver and kidney and was not detectable in pancreas and brain. Activity was most pronounced in kidney. In male suckling rats, PC increased gradually, reaching maximum levels on the 21st day of life. Only liver PC showed marked variations under different physiological conditions. Liver PC was higher on the 21st day of life than in adulthood. It was higher in female than in male adult rats. In pregnant rats, liver PC decreased gradually toward the end of gestation, reaching the lowest point near delivery: however, a 12‐fold increase occurred during lactation. Liver PC activity of rats with symptoms of pellagra showed a fivefold increase over controls with similar body weight, whereas liver PC of chronically starved rats showed only a twofold increase over controls with twice their body weight.
Relapsing Pancreatitis in Association with Crohn's Disease
Authors: Seidman Ernest G. , Deckelbaum Richard J. , Owen Herbert , de Chadarévian Jean‐Pierre , Weber Andrée M. , Morin Claude L. , Roy Claude C.
Published: January 2024

Two adolescent girls, aged 15 and 18, in whom the diagnosis of Crohn's ileocolitis had been made 6 months and 3 years previously, developed acute pancreatitis with relapses of varying duration and severity. The younger patient's condition progressed to chronic relapsing pancreatitis with intractable pain despite partial pancreatectomy. The other has had recurrent acute attacks but has been well between bouts. No duodenal involvement could be found in the two cases and there was no evidence to implicate drugs as a factor responsible for this rare association between pancreatitis and Crohn's disease.
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
Authors: Colón A. R. , Sorkin L. F. , Stern W. R. , Lessinger V. S. , Hefter L. G. , Hodin E.
Published: January 2024

A 4‐month‐old boy presented with signs of intermittent pyloric obstruction. Peripheral eosinophilia. along with radiographs showing antral‐pyloric and duodenal narrowing, suggested the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. A brief discussion of the disease process follows.
Immunoregulatory T Subsets in Chronic Active Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Pignata Claudio , Vajro Pietro , Troncone Riccardo , Monaco Giuseppe , Ciriaco Maria
Published: January 2024

Immunoregulatory T subsets, defined by monoclonal antibodies, were enumerated in children affected by HBsAg‐positive chronic active hepatitis. The helper to suppressor/cytotoxic cells ratio was lower in patients than in age‐matched controls. The lower ratio was mainly due to an increase of lymphocytes of the suppressor/cytotoxic phenotype. Helper cells were even fewer in severe chronic hepatitis patients, thereby lowering still further the helper/suppressor ratio. Therapy seemed to influence the ratio in patients affected by moderate active chronic hepatitis, for four of eight children treated with azathioprine and prednisone had a ratio within −1 SD of normal values. The increase of the suppressor/cytotoxic cells in patients affected by chronic hepatitis might be a means for limiting virus‐induced cell hyperactivity.
Plasma Amino Acids After a Feed of Human Milk or Formula at Three Months of Age
Authors: Tikanoja T. , Simell O.
Published: January 2024

Prefeeding plasma amino acid concentrations were higher and glycine‐to‐valine ratios lower in formula‐fed infants as compared to breast‐fed infants at 3 months of age. After a human milk meal (true protein, 0.8 g/100 ml) or formula meal (1.5 g/100 ml), all essential and several nonessential amino acids peaked at 30–60 min. The postprandial increments were greater and lasted longer after formula, reflecting the amounts of individual amino acids in the feeds. The changes resembled those seen in adults, and were smaller than those observed in these infants at 1 week of age. These data indicate that gastrointestinal, hepatic, and endocrine responses to a meal are immature at the age of 3 months.
Chronic Relapsing Pancreatitis in Childhood Caused by Pancreaticobiliary Ductal Anomaly
Authors: Karp Melvyn P. , Jewett Theodore C. , Cooney Donald R.
Published: January 2024

Chronic relapsing pancreatitis is a rare childhood disease. Although various obstructive phenomena have been implicated in its etiology, few reports have described the role played by anomalies of the pancreaticobiliary ductal system. Recently, a patient with a complex anomalous ductal communication was treated by us for chronic relapsing pancreatitis. This particular anomaly, and its clinical presentation, has not previously appeared in the literature. The problems associated with the diagnosis and surgical management of this patient have prompted this report.
General Configuration of Cholestasis in the Newborn
Authors: Spivak William , Grand Richard J.
Published: January 2024

The infant with cholestasis presents a series of diagnostic challenges which require careful delineation. Correct diagnosis, permitting selection of appropriate management and therapy, can be made in the vast majority of patients. When the diagnosis remains obscure, exploratory surgery to distinguish intrahepatic from extrahepatic cholestasis should be performed by 60 days of age in order to provide the best possible outcome. Nevertheless, in both intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestatic disorders, the characteristics of the original insult determine the prognosis, which may often be predicted by the early liver biopsy. When end‐stage liver disease is inevitable, hepatic transplantation may be considered.
Lectins and the Intestine
Authors: Torres‐Pinedo Ramon
Published: January 2024

Lectins are being used increasingly for the study of carbohydrate structures in the small and large intestine. These substances are particularly useful for characterization of normal and abnormal intestinal mucus, but they are also important probes for investigation of epithelial surface changes associated with differentiation and maturation. Lectins are contained in significant amounts in a great variety of products ingested in the human diet. This, and the demonstration of their harmful effects on intestinal epithelium in rodents, indicate a need for investigation of potential adverse actions of lectins on human intestine.
Stability of Calcium and Phosphorus in Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition Solutions
Authors: Venkataraman Pankaja S. , Brissie Edward O. , Tsang Reginald C.
Published: January 2024

The solubility and stability of Ca and P in a parenteral nutrition solution is defined. In this study we demonstrate that high levels of Ca and P can be attained in parenteral nutrition solutions suitable for use in neonates. The efficacy and safety in neonates, however, will require specific study.
Use of End‐Tidal Carbon Monoxide to Correct End‐Tidal Hydrogen in Neonates
Authors: Hopper Andrew O. , Smith David W. , Ostrander Clinton R. , Cohen Ronald S. , Stevenson David K.
Published: January 2024

We evaluated the usefulness of end‐tidal CO (ETCO) as an internal standard for reducing the error in end‐tidal H2 (ETH2) measurements due to contamination of repeated breath samples with nonalveolar gas. Triplicate end‐tidal samples were drawn from 12 healthy premature infants in small (< 1 cc) increments through a posterior nasopharyngeal catheter at end‐expiration, determined from the infant's chest wall movement. CO and H2 determinations were made on each sample by a reduction gas detector capable of determining CO and H2 concentrations to ±0.001 and 0.010 ppm, respectively. Respiratory breath samples were corrected for ambient CO and H2 concentrations. Since the alveolar gas fraction has the highest CO concentration of all tidal gases, the end‐tidal sample with the highest CO peak was assumed to be most representative of uncontaminated alveolar gas. The other samples were “corrected” using a factor that was the ratio of the patient's highest CO peak to the given sample's CO value. The use of ETCO to correct ETH2 from samples deliberately contaminated with ambient air can significantly reduce the variability of ETH, values. However, such correction is probably not necessary when comparing groups of infants using a standard collection technique. For individual infants, correction may reveal more marked short‐term fluctuations in true alveolar H2 concentration.