bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Printing of Metals with sub‐10 µm Resolution
Authors: Wang Jizhe , Shou Jiajun , Liu Dongna , Yao Yuan , Qian Qilin , Wang Zhenhua , Ren Jingbo , Zhang Boyu , Chen Hehao , Yu Yetian , He Ziyi , Zhou Nanjia
Published: August 2024

The ability to manufacture 3D metallic architectures with microscale resolution is greatly pursued because of their diverse applications in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) including microelectronics, mechanical metamaterials, and biomedical devices. However, the well‐developed photolithography and emerging metal additive manufacturing technologies have limited abilities in manufacturing micro‐scaled metallic structures with freeform 3D geometries. Here, for the first time, the high‐fidelity fabrication of arbitrary metallic motifs with sub‐10 µm resolution is achieved by employing an embedded‐writing embedded‐sintering (EWES) process. A paraffin wax‐based supporting matrix with high thermal stability is developed, which permits the printed silver nanoparticle ink to be pre‐sintered at 175 °C to form metallic green bodies. Via carefully regulating the matrix components, the printing resolution is tuned down to ≈7 µm. The green bodies are then embedded in a supporting salt bath and further sintered to realize freeform 3D silver motifs with great structure fidelity. 3D printing of various micro‐scaled silver architectures is demonstrated such as micro‐spring arrays, BCC lattices, horn antenna, and rotatable windmills. This method can be extended to the high‐fidelity 3D printing of other metals and metal oxides which require high‐temperature sintering, providing the pathways toward the design and fabrication of 3D MEMS with complex geometries and functions.
On the Performance Limits of Agrivoltaics—From Thermodynamic to Geo‐Meteorological Considerations
Authors: Kay Austin M. , Riley Drew B. , Sandberg Oskar J. , Burwell Gregory , Meredith Paul , Armin Ardalan
Published: August 2024

As the world strives toward its net‐zero targets, innovative solutions are required to reduce carbon emissions across all industrial sectors. One approach that can reduce emissions from food production is agrivoltaics—photovoltaic devices that enable the dual‐use of land for both agricultural and electrical power‐generating purposes. Optimizing agrivoltaics presents a complex systems‐level challenge requiring a balance between maximizing crop yields and on‐site power generation. This balance necessitates careful consideration of optics (light absorption, reflection, and transmission), thermodynamics, and the efficiency at which light is converted into electricity. Herein, real‐world solar insolation and temperature data are used in combination with a comprehensive device‐level model to determine the annual power generation of agrivoltaics based on different photovoltaic material choices. It is found that organic semiconductor‐based photovoltaics integrated as semitransparent elements of protected cropping environments (advanced greenhouses) have comparable performance to state‐of‐the‐art, inorganic semiconductor‐based photovoltaics like silicon. The results provide a solid technical basis for building full, systems‐level, technoeconomic models that account for crop and location requirements, starting from the undeniable standpoint of thermodynamics and electro‐optical physics.
Effects of Silicon and Aluminum Alloying on Phase Transformation and Microstructure Evolution in Fe–0.2C–2.5Mn Steel: Insights from Continuous–Cooling–Transformation and Time–Temperature–Transformation Diagrams
Authors: Gulbay Oguz , Gramlich Alexander , Krupp Ulrich
Published: August 2024

The impact of silicon and aluminum on phase transformation behavior, particularly bainite, and microstructure evolution in Fe–0.2C–2.5Mn steel are presented. Continuous–cooling–transformation (CCT) and time–temperature–transformation (TTT) diagrams are determined experimentally. An aluminum extended empirical formula is introduced to estimate the martensite start temperature (Ms) with a thorough assessment of existing formulae. Results show that aluminum significantly increases Ms and has a stronger influence on promoting ferritic microstructures than silicon. During continuous cooling, alongside bainite, formation of Widmanstätten structures is induced in aluminum‐alloyed steel at higher cooling rates due to increased prior austenite grain size. Silicon decelerates bainite transformation kinetics by enhancing austenite's chemical stability through carbon enrichment via preventing carbide precipitation and by strengthening austenite against displacive phase transformation via solid solution hardening. Although aluminum has similar effects, incubation time is shortened during isothermal treatment because of the increased driving force, which overcompensates for the retardation effects. A finer carbide‐free bainitic microstructure is achieved in aluminum‐alloyed steel with more pronounced film‐like retained austenite (RA) formation and superior carbon enrichment, improving RA stability and suppressing martensite–austenite island formation. Finally, with the proposed formula, an accurate approximation to experimental Ms is accomplished.
Impact of Radial Position on Iron Ore Sinter Reduction and Microstructure at 700–1100 °C
Authors: Abdelrahim Ahmed , Iljana Mikko , Aula Matti , Fabritius Timo
Published: August 2024

In this research, the reduction of iron ore sinter in a blast furnace (BF) simulator in CO–CO2–N2‐reducing gas, simulating conditions at the BF center and wall, is investigated. Measurements from an operating BF guide the study, ensuring realistic reduction parameters. Reduction rate and extent, along with physical properties, are assessed under a temperature range of 700–1100 °C. In isothermal reduction experiments, the BF center exhibits superior conditions, particularly at 900 °C, achieving an 83.78% reduction degree compared to 27.17% at the wall for the same temperature. In this study, it is highlighted that basic iron ore sinter demonstrates higher reduction efficiency compared to acid iron ore pellets under identical BF center reducing conditions. Specific surface area and porosity measurements unveil a contrasting trend in specific surface area and porosity evolution between the BF wall and center. Surface morphology analysis reveals that the reduction in specific surface area and porosity of sinter samples at the BF center conditions at 1000–1100 °C is attributed to the sintering of the formed metallic iron. Carbon analysis confirms no carbon deposition took place during reduction. Mineralogical and physical property analyses provide detailed insights into the evolving phase composition during sinter reduction.
Ferritic–Martensitic Steels in Power Industry: Microstructure, Degradation Mechanism, and Strengthening Methods
Authors: Jiang Hanyang , Huang Xin , Feng Yihui , Xiong Wei , Jin Zhenyu , Peng Guangjian
Published: August 2024

Ferritic–martensitic (F–M) steels are widely used for high‐temperature pressure vessels and reactor cladding structures in power plants. The high operating temperatures and pressures, as well as the radiation environment, significantly challenge the mechanical stability of these steels. Here, the degradation mechanisms in F–M steels during creep and thermal aging under these harsh environments are reviewed. The exceptional mechanical properties of F–M steels are mainly attributed to their well‐constructed microstructures and chemical compositions. Microstructural barriers such as dislocations, solid solution atoms, and precipitates play key roles in resisting degradation. During the long‐term service, the microstructures undergo gradual evolution, resulting in a deterioration of mechanical properties at the macrolevel. In addition to the degradation mechanisms, some recent advancements in strengthening methods, including microalloying strengthening, thermomechanical treatment (TMT), and oxide dispersion strengthening, are summarized, aimed at the development of next‐generation F–M steels. The strengthening of the F–M steels is mainly achieved by enhancing the thermal stability of their microstructures. Insight into both the deterioration mechanisms and strengthening methods of F–M steels may pave the way for new approaches in developing high‐performance steels for applications in next‐generation power plants operating at ultrahigh operating temperatures and pressures.
Methodische Zugänge, epistemische Konsequenzen
Authors: Mueller Nicole Marion
Published: August 2024

Im zweiten Kapitel wird die auf Themenmodellen basierende digitale Methode vorgestellt, ihre Grundcharakteristiken erläutert sowie ihre Anschlussfähigkeit an die literarische Textinterpretation i. A. und an den literarischen Übersetzungsvergleich im Besonderen diskutiert. Zusammengeführt werden diese Überlegungen im für den digital gestützten Übersetzungsvergleich entwickelten Analyseverfahren.
Long-Term Assessment of Aesthetic Results in Omphalocele Repair with POSAS Scale
Authors: Thomas Eduje , De Benedetti Lorenzo , Parente Giovanni , Di Mitri Marco , Cravano Sara Maria , D’Antonio Simone , Gargano Tommaso , Lima Mario
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Omphalocele (OM) is a congenital defect of the abdominal wall. The main goal of the
surgical management is the survival of the neonate. However, the residual scar
following the surgery can be extremely burdensome and negatively impact the quality
of life (QoL) of these patients. The aim of this study is to assess the cosmetic results of
the surgical treatment, the level of satisfaction of patients and surgeons, and the
influence of the scar on the QoL of the patient.

Materials and methods

We conducted an observational retrospective cross-sectional study collecting all data
regarding patients born with OM, operated at our Centre between 1998 and 2021. The
cosmetic results of the surgical repair were evaluated using the validated Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assessment of the quality of life
determined by the presence of the scar was conducted using PedQL 4.0. At last, the
patients were visited by two paediatric surgeons and a medical student, which then
scored the cosmetic result of the scar. Statistical analysis was conducted with
Spearman linear correlation and Mann–Whitney test. A P-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In our study, we included a total of 19 patients, with a mean of 12 years of age at the
time of the evaluation. The parameters with the major influence on the patient’s general
opinion of the scar were stiffness, thickness, and irregularity. We discovered significant
differences in median values of all scores between the giant OM group and the nongiant
OM group, in favour of the latter. Finally, we found a low grade of concordance
between PedsQL filled by parents and patients.

Conclusion

The POSAS scale is a valid, feasible, and reliable tool for the assessment of the aesthetic outcome of surgical procedures. The original size of the defect is the most important factor acting on the result. However, it is crucial that any decision on plastic surgery to improve the looks of the scar must be postponed to the adult age of the patient.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Inter- and Intra-observer Agreement of the Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System in Patients Undergoing (Infra)Popliteal Endovascular Interventions
Authors: Nugteren Michael J. , Ünlü Çağdaş , Samim Morsal , Scheffer Hester J. , de Borst Gert J. , Hazenberg Constantijn E. V. B.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Peripheral arterial calcification is an important predictor of outcomes after both conservative and endovascular treatment. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)-based calcification scores are limited by low sensitivity and inter-observer agreement. The Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System (PACSS) assesses the severity of target lesion calcification. The newly introduced modified PACSS (mPACSS) also evaluates target vessel calcification. This study aimed to assess the inter- and intra-observer reliability of PACSS and mPACSS on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in (infra)popliteal endovascular interventions.

Methods

A random sample of 50 limbs from the prospective multicenter Dutch Chronic Lower Limb-Threatening Ischemia Registry (THRILLER) were included. Three experienced independent raters scored PACSS on CTA. Three months later, one blinded rater assessed the same 50 CTA scans, keeping track of assessment time. The reliability of the original 5-step PACSS, a simplified binary PACSS (0–2 vs 3–4) and the 7-step mPACSS were tested using Cohen’s and Fleiss’ kappa statistics.

Results

In total, 50 limbs (mean age 70.1 ± 11.0, 29 men) with 41 popliteal and 40 infrapopliteal lesions were scored. Inter-observer agreement of PACSS and binary PACSS were moderate (κ = 0.60) and substantial (κ = 0.72), respectively, while intra-observer agreement was almost perfect in both scores (κ = 0.86). Inter- and intra-observer agreement of mPACSS were moderate (κ = 0.48) and substantial (κ = 0.77), respectively. Mean assessment time for an experienced rater was 3.43 ± 0.93 min per CTA scan.

Conclusion

Both the semi-quantitative PACSS and mPACSS scores for (infra)popliteal arteries can be performed reliably on pre-operative CTA.

Graphic Abstract
The mark of success: The role of vaccine-induced skin scar formation for BCG and smallpox vaccine-associated clinical benefits
Authors: Bæk Ole , Schaltz-Buchholzer Frederik , Campbell Anita , Amenyogbe Nelly , Campbell James , Aaby Peter , Benn Christine Stabell , Kollmann Tobias R.
Published: August 2024

Skin scar formation following Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or smallpox (Vaccinia) vaccination is an established marker of successful vaccination and ‘vaccine take’. Potent pathogen-specific (tuberculosis; smallpox) and pathogen-agnostic (protection from diseases unrelated to the intentionally targeted pathogen) effects of BCG and smallpox vaccines hold significant translational potential. Yet despite their use for centuries, how scar formation occurs and how local skin-based events relate to systemic effects that allow these two vaccines to deliver powerful health promoting effects has not yet been determined. We review here what is known about the events occurring in the skin and place this knowledge in the context of the overall impact of these two vaccines on human health with a particular focus on maternal-child health.
Be prepared! Impact of structured video-assisted coaching on performance in a simulated bleeding exercise during laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Chatziisaak Dimitrios , Sparn Moritz , Krstic Daniel , Bauci Gabriele , Warschkow Réne , Brunner Walter , Schmied Bruno , Hahnloser Dieter , Bischofberger Stephan
Published: August 2024

Background

Bleeding during laparoscopic surgery is stressful and requires immediate efficient management. Skills for complication management are rarely trained. This study aims to investigate the impact of video-assisted coaching on laparoscopic skills acquisition and performance in emergency bleeding situations.

Methods

Participants faced simulated emergency scenarios during laparoscopy involving bleeding management in porcine aorta/kidney specimens. Four sequences were conducted over two days, with a structured video-assisted coaching provided between sequences. Performance was assessed using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score. The study involved 27 participants attending the advanced colorectal surgery module at the 40th Annual Davos Course in 2023.

Results

54 video sequences were analyzed. Structured video-assisted coaching improved the GOALS sum score by 0.36 (95%CI: 0.21–0.50, P < 0.001) in contrast to simple repetition (0.05 with 95%CI: −0.43 to 0.53, P = 0.826). This association was observed for depth of perception (P < 0.001), bimanual dexterity (P < 0.001), tissue handling (P < 0.001), overall performance (P < 0.001), and efficiency (P < 0.001). Autonomy did not significantly improve (P = 0.55). Findings were consistent regardless of age, gender, and overall laparoscopic experience of the participants. However, a weaker effect of structured video-assisted coaching was observed in participants with experience in laparoscopic surgery.

Conclusion

Structured video-assisted coaching improved performance in laparoscopic skills in complex and stress-inducing bleeding scenarios. The findings of this study support the incorporation of video-assisted coaching and complication management exercises into surgical training curricula.
Relationship between GPS-based community mobility data and orthopedic trauma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria: a multicenter analysis
Authors: Jeremic Natasa , Widhalm Harald Kurt , Doering Kevin , Popp Domenik , Stark Matthias , Ower Cornelia , Rohit Arora , Boesenberg Roberto , Leithner Andreas , Nia Arastoo
Published: August 2024

Objective

The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between mobility patterns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and orthopedic trauma patients in Austria. Utilizing global positioning system (GPS)-based mobility data, the attempt was to assess both the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on reducing orthopedic trauma patients and the degree of compliance to the imposed movement restrictions.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included all patients (283,501) treated at 3 major level I trauma centers in Austria. Analyzed time periods were 1 January 2019 to 8 February 2021. Freely available GPS-based mobility data from Google and Apple Inc. was gathered.

Results

A moderate to strong correlation between the cumulative average outpatients and the assessed mobility index was observed for all cities (Google: r = 0.70 p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.67–0.73; Apple: r = 0.64 p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.61–0.67). A significant linear regression equation was found for Vienna (adjusted r2 = 0.48; F(1, 350) = 328,05; p < 0.01). During the first lockdown there was a drastic decline in mobility (up to −75.36%) and in numbers of orthopedic trauma outpatients (up to −64%, from 153 patients/day 2019 to 55 patients/day 2020) in comparison to the prepandemic era. The decline diminished as time passed.

Conclusion

Analyses of GPS-based mobility patterns show a correlation with trauma patient numbers. These findings can be used to develop prediction models, leading to better resource planning and public health policy, enhancing patient care and cost-effectiveness, especially in the event of future pandemics. Furthermore, the results suggest that compliance to mobility restrictions decreased over time during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased mobility and trauma patients.
The Fine-Tuned Large Language Model for Extracting the Progressive Bone Metastasis from Unstructured Radiology Reports
Authors: Kanemaru Noriko , Yasaka Koichiro , Fujita Nana , Kanzawa Jun , Abe Osamu
Published: August 2024

Early detection of patients with impending bone metastasis is crucial for prognosis improvement. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a fine-tuned, locally run large language model (LLM) in extracting patients with bone metastasis in unstructured Japanese radiology report and to compare its performance with manual annotation. This retrospective study included patients with “metastasis” in radiological reports (April 2018–January 2019, August–May 2022, and April–December 2023 for training, validation, and test datasets of 9559, 1498, and 7399 patients, respectively). Radiologists reviewed the clinical indication and diagnosis sections of the radiological report (used as input data) and classified them into groups 0 (no bone metastasis), 1 (progressive bone metastasis), and 2 (stable or decreased bone metastasis). The data for group 0 was under-sampled in training and test datasets due to group imbalance. The best-performing model from the validation set was subsequently tested using the testing dataset. Two additional radiologists (readers 1 and 2) were involved in classifying radiological reports within the test dataset for testing purposes. The fine-tuned LLM, reader 1, and reader 2 demonstrated an accuracy of 0.979, 0.996, and 0.993, sensitivity for groups 0/1/2 of 0.988/0.947/0.943, 1.000/1.000/0.966, and 1.000/0.982/0.954, and time required for classification (s) of 105, 2312, and 3094 in under-sampled test dataset (n = 711), respectively. Fine-tuned LLM extracted patients with bone metastasis, demonstrating satisfactory performance that was comparable to or slightly lower than manual annotation by radiologists in a noticeably shorter time.
Intelligent characteristic objects method (INCOME): a data knowledge-based multi-criteria decision analysis
Authors: Kizielewicz Bartłomiej , Shekhovtsov Andrii , Więckowski Jakub , Wątróbski Jarosław , Sałabun Wojciech
Published: August 2024

Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods are vital in assessing decision variants under multiple conditions. However, involving domain experts in developing decision models can be challenging and costly, necessitating more scalable and independent solutions. This paper introduces the intelligent characteristic objects method (INCOME), which combines the k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) algorithm and the COMET method to create a theoretical decision-maker for comparing characteristic objects (COs). INCOME overcomes limitations of classical MCDA methods, such as the TOPSIS approach, which struggles with complex functions and non-monotonic modeling. INCOME influences data-based knowledge to provide a robust framework for assessing decision options. The integration of the COMET method and kNN algorithm enables improved modeling of decision functions based on evaluated data, increasing the flexibility and independence of the INCOME approach. A case study assessing gas power plants based on four criteria is presented to validate the performance of the INCOME method. The results demonstrate high correlations with the reference model and slightly higher classical approaches like TOPSIS and TOPSIS-COMET. However, INCOME exhibits greater stability and flexibility by utilizing all available data instead of relying on limited expert knowledge. The proposed INCOME approach offers several advantages, including creating a continuous decision model, resistance to the Rank-Reversal phenomenon, and the potential for replacing domain experts with artificial experts. This study highlights the effectiveness of INCOME in Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. It suggests future research directions, such as parameter selection and testing in different decision-making problems.
Extending the IMQ Model: Deep Characterization of the Human TLR7 Response for Early Drug Development
Authors: van den Noort Juliette A. , Assil Salma , Ronner Micha N. , Osse Michelle , Pot Iris , Yavuz Yalçin , Damman Jeffrey , Lubberts Erik , Rissmann Robert , der Kolk Tessa Niemeyer-van , Tomljanovic Ingrid , Jansen Manon A. A. , Moerland Matthijs
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Imiquimod (IMQ; brand name Aldara®) is a registered topical agent that has been proven to induce local inflammation via the Toll-like receptor (TLR)7 pathway. The purpose of this study was to characterize TLR7-mediated inflammation following 7 days (168 h) of topical IMQ exposure in healthy volunteers, and to compare the effects of short exposure (48 h-72 h) with prolonged exposure (120 h-168 h). IMQ (100mg) was applied under occlusion to 5 different tape-stripped treatment sites on the back of 10 healthy participants for a maximum of 7 consecutive days. Erythema and skin perfusion were measured daily up to 168h. Biopsies for immunohistochemical staining and RNA sequencing were collected at 0h, 48h, 72h, 120h and 168h post IMQ application. IMQ triggered an inflammatory response starting at 48h after application, including erythema and perfusion of the skin. At the transcriptomic level, IMQ induced TLR7 signalling, IRF involvement and activation of TNF signalling via NF-κB. Furthermore, an enhanced inflammatory response at the cellular level was observed after prolonged IMQ exposure, with cellular infiltration of dendritic cells, macrophages and T cells which was also corroborated by transcriptomic profiles. No difference was found in the erythema and perfusion response after 168h of IMQ exposure compared to 72h. Prolonged IMQ exposure revealed enhanced cellular responses and additional pathways with modulated activity compared to short exposure and can therefore be of interest as a model for investigational compounds targeting innate and adaptive immune responses.
Core allocation to minimize total flow time in a multicore system in the presence of a processing time constraint
Authors: Vesilo Rein
Published: August 2024

Data centers are a vital and fundamental infrastructure component of the cloud. The requirement to execute a large number of demanding jobs places a premium on processing capacity. Parallelizing jobs to run on multiple cores reduces execution time. However, there is a decreasing marginal benefit to using more cores, with the speedup function quantifying the achievable gains. A critical performance metric is flow time. Previous results in the literature derived closed-form expressions for the optimal allocation of cores to minimize total flow time for a power-law speedup function if all jobs are present at time 0. However, this work did not place a constraint on the makespan. For many diverse applications, fast response times are essential, and latency targets are specified to avoid adverse impacts on user experience. This paper is the first to determine the optimal core allocations for a multicore system to minimize total flow time in the presence of a completion deadline (where all jobs have the same deadline). The allocation problem is formulated as a nonlinear optimization program that is solved using the Lagrange multiplier technique. Closed-form expressions are derived for the optimal core allocations, total flow time, and makespan, which can be fitted to a specified deadline by adjusting the value of a single Lagrange multiplier. Compared to the unconstrained problem, the shortest job first property for optimal allocation is maintained; however, a number of other properties require revising and other properties are only retained in a modified form (such as the scale-free and size-dependence properties). It is found that with a completion deadline the optimal solution may contain groups of simultaneous completions. In general, all possible patterns of single- and group-completion need to be considered, producing an exponential search space. However, the paper determines analytically that the optimal completion pattern consists of a sequence of single completions followed by a single group of simultaneous completions at the end, which reduces the search space dimension to being linear. The paper validates the Lagrange multiplier approach by verifying constraint qualifications.
Distinct In Vitro Differentiation Protocols Differentially Affect Cytotoxicity Induced by Heavy Metals in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Naitou Kiyotada , Shiraishi Mitsuya
Published: August 2024

The SH-SY5Y cell line is widely used in neurotoxicity studies. However, the effects of inducing cell differentiation on the cytotoxic effects of heavy metals are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of mercuric chloride (HgCl2), cadmium chloride (CdCl2), arsenic trioxide (As2O3), and methylmercury (MeHg) on SH-SY5Y cells differentiated in the presence of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) or all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Neurite outgrowth with distinct changes in neuronal marker expression, phenotype, and cell cycle was induced in SH-SY5Y cells by IGF-I treatment for 1 day or ATRA treatment for up to 7 days. The cytotoxic effects of HgCl2 decreased at lower concentrations and increased at higher concentrations in both IGF-I- and ATRA-differentiated cells compared with those in undifferentiated cells. Differentiation with IGF-I, but not with ATRA, increased the cytotoxic effects of CdCl2. Decreased cytotoxic effects of As2O3 and MeHg were observed at lower concentrations in IGF-I-differentiated cells, whereas increased cytotoxic effects of As2O3 and MeHg were observed at higher concentrations in ATRA-differentiated cells. Changes in the cytotoxic effects of heavy metals were observed even after 1 day of ATRA exposure in SH-SY5Y cells. Our results demonstrate that the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells by IGF-I and ATRA induces different cellular characteristics, resulting in diverse changes in sensitivity to heavy metals, which depend not only on the differentiation agents and treatment time but also on the heavy metal species and concentration.
Source Identification Using Principal Component Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination in PM2.5 Near an Industrial Area in Thailand
Authors: Simatupang Cathleen Ariella , Santhaweesuk Kanitthika , Pongkiatkul Prapat , Strezov Vladimir , Boontanon Narin , Jindal Ranjna , Boontanon Suwanna Kitpati
Published: August 2024

Industrialization has led to a surge in air pollution-related problems, as particulate matter (PM) containing heavy metals poses significant health risks. Understanding airborne particle chemistry, particularly the presence of heavy metals, is vital for effective air quality management and health interventions. This study analysed heavy metal levels in PM2.5 across various sites near an industrial zone in Thailand, including areas near main roads, the industrial zone, as well as indoor and outdoor areas of childcare centres. The concentrations of ambient PM2.5 were found to exceed national standards and acceptable limits during the cool dry season, particularly in the industrial zone (46.4 µg/m3), followed by areas near main roads (41.0 µg/m3) and childcare centres (31.6 µg/m3). The impact of the indoor–outdoor relationship on PM2.5 concentration within childcare centres varied. During the cool dry season, Aluminium had the highest concentration, while lead (Pb) across all sites raised environmental concerns. Remarkably, indoor childcare centres showed higher Pb levels than industrial zones and areas near the main road. Principal Component Analysis revealed the distinct factors linked to specific metals, implying contributions from industrial and transportation sources. Lead isotopic analysis indicated potential associations between lead sources and industries like smelting and refining. During the cool dry season, non-carcinogenic risks were concerning (HI > 1), especially near roads and industrial areas. Vulnerabilities were also observed in students and teachers within indoor childcare centres. This study underscores the importance of monitoring and reducing heavy metal pollution in PM2.5, especially in childcare centres near industrial zones, to preserve public health and regional air quality.
Stakeholder Theory, Public Engagement, and Epistemic Injustice: The Case of Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Scotland’s African, Caribbean, and Black Communities
Authors: Adekola Josephine U. , Chia Robert
Published: August 2024

The adoption of a stakeholder approach to public engagement within the public sector has been extensive. However, there remain critical gaps in the understanding of stakeholder participation arising from hidden disparities that contribute to unequal access to communication channels, information, and hence ultimately knowledge and decision making. The term “epistemic injustice” has been used to describe such inequality of access and consequently, the outcome that ensues. Epistemic injustice is much overlooked in stakeholder theory. This article shows how epistemic injustice can act as a barrier to effective stakeholder engagement and hence to successful public policy formulation and implementation. We use the case of vaccine hesitancy among Scotland’s African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities to illustrate this problem of unequal participation. The study drew on primary data involving 85 participants and secondary data sources from extant literature and explored salient factors shaping barriers to vaccine uptake during the recent pandemic. The findings demonstrate how the failure to grasp epistemic injustice undermines the effectiveness of the stakeholder approach, even with the most well-intentioned efforts. We argue that epistemic injustice is a critical barrier to effective stakeholder approaches.
»Darum gibt es im Grunde keine andre Beredsamkeit als die göttliche«. Die Predigt und die Krise der Rhetorik um 1800 – literaturwissenschaftliche und theologische Perspektiven
Authors: Weidner Daniel , Conrad Ruth
Published: August 2024

Der Beitrag betrachtet die verbreitete Diagnose einer ›Krise der Rhetorik‹ um 1800 aus der bisher weitgehend vernachlässigten Perspektive der Predigt. An vier exemplarischen Fällen wird gezeigt, wie die Rhetorik in der Predigt fortwirkt und sich transformiert. Franz Theremin bekräftigt noch einmal die Funktion der Rhetorik und repräsentiert die weitgehend ungebrochene Kontinuität rhetorischen Wissens in Homiletik und Predigtpraxis des 19. Jahrhunderts. Johann G. Fichte entwickelt das Format einer philosophischen Predigt, die gerade als Propädeutik der an sich antirhetorischen kritischen Philosophie dienen soll. Friedrich D. E. Schleiermacher entwickelt aus dem Problem der Mitteilbarkeit religiösen Wissens eine neue Konzeption der Predigt und auch ein höchst einflussreiches Konzept der Religion. Karl P. Moritz erzählt die Verkündigung kunstreligiöser Überlegungen und stellt im komischen Misslingen dieser Verkündigung gerade die Grenzen dieser Überlegungen aus. In der Zusammenschau der vier Fallstudien lässt sich die ›Krise der Rhetorik‹ differenzierter beschreiben und eine Predigtforschung entwerfen, die literaturwissenschaftliche und theologische Perspektiven verbindet.
The applications and prospects of big data in perioperative anesthetic management
Authors: Zhu Yiziting , Liu Xiang , Li Yujie , Yi Bin
Published: August 2024

Perioperative anesthetic management entails a multitude of decision-making processes within complex medical scenarios. These demand the continuous and dynamic execution of precise decisions which poses significant challenges. In the age of big data, the exponential growth in data volume from diverse sources has revolutionized many fields, including healthcare, finance, and marketing. Machine learning has emerged as a powerful tool for analyzing big data, enabling the handling of large datasets and uncovering intricate patterns and relationships. The application of big data and artificial intelligence algorithms is gradually being integrated, enabling effective task completion in various stages of perioperative management, including risk prediction, decision support, and auxiliary examination. Through in-depth analysis of big data, healthcare professionals can gain insights into patient prognoses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the distinctive features of perioperative big data and its applications in anesthesia management during the perioperative period.
Phylogenetic Effect on Tree Radial Growth Depends on Drought and Tree Sizes
Authors: Linger Ewuketu , Lutz James A. , Cao Min , Zhang Wen‐Fu , Yang Xiao‐Fei , Deng Xiao‐Bao , Tang Yong , Hu Yue‐Hua
Published: August 2024

Tree radial growth is one of the most direct measures of tree performance and is also sensitive to climate. Growth performance is the consequence of the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes. However, the effect of the evolutionary relatedness among species (i.e., phylogeny) on tree radial growth, especially under stressful conditions, remains largely unknown. Furthermore, there is still no ecological evidence for the influence of phylogeny on tree growth across different tree attributes (i.e., tree diameter variation and tree canopy height) and topographic habitat types. We used Blomberg's K to quantify the tree growth phylogenetic signal (TGPS) using two long‐term dendrometer data sets: one a continuous census of 225 tree species at 3‐month intervals in a tropical forest in southwest China from 2009 to 2017; the other, 12 tree species measured at 6‐month intervals in a temperate forest in Washington State, USA from 2013 to 2019. We found that TGPS values were higher in the temperate forest than in the tropical forest. Precipitation, tree diameter, canopy strata, and habitat types all influenced TGPS values. TGPS values were significantly (p < 0.05) and negatively related to precipitation in Xishuangbanna, and the three of four tree diameter classes in the temperate forest, respectively. Stressful growing conditions arose from either based on low precipitation or among large‐diameter trees competing with each other in the upper canopy led to phylogenetic conservatism in trees' radial growth performance. We conclude that phylogeny is pivotal to understanding the growth response differences among species and their responses to climate variability.
Closing Loopholes in Water Rights Systems to Save Water: The Colorado River Basin
Authors: Debaere P. , Li T. , Fox S. , Bennett K. , Block P. , Hietpas K. , Mekonnen M. , Quinn J. D. , Richter B. , Sharma S. , Singh S.
Published: August 2024

Around the world, water rights systems govern the allocation of water to a multitude of users. Such systems primarily come into play during times of drought, when some users have to be shorted. Yet their management during times of excess can have implications for subsequent drought impacts. This is evident in the State of Colorado, where under “free river conditions” in which there is sufficient water to satisfy all water rights, anyone—including individuals lacking water rights—can divert as much as they want, unconstrained by the limit of their water right. Here, we estimate the amount of excess water used under such conditions within Division five of the Upper Colorado River Basin in the State of Colorado. Comparing the daily water withdrawals of diversion structures along the Colorado River and its tributaries with their (daily) water rights, we find that in 2017, 339 structures report days with excess withdrawals, amounting to 108 million cubic meters (87,577 acer feet). While such excess withdrawal is legal in Colorado, we argue that the free river condition is an antiquated rule that will make much needed reform of water allocation within the water‐stressed Colorado River Basin more difficult. We offer policy suggestions to address it.
Constraining Mean Landslide Occurrence Rates for Non‐Temporal Landslide Inventories Using High‐Resolution Elevation Data
Authors: Woodard J. B. , LaHusen S. R. , Mirus B. B. , Barnhart K. R.
Published: August 2024

Constraining landslide occurrence rates can help to generate landslide hazard models that predict the spatial and temporal occurrence of landslides. However, most landslide inventories do not include any temporal data due to the difficulties of dating landslide deposits. Here we introduce a method for estimating the mean landslide occurrence rate of deep‐seated rotational and translational slides derived solely from high‐resolution (≤3 m) elevation data and globally available estimates of the diffusion coefficient for sediment flux. The method applies a linear diffusion model to the roughest landslide deposits until they reach a representative non‐landslide roughness distribution. This estimates the time for a landslide deposit to be unrecognizable in high‐resolution digital elevation data, which we term the mean lifetime of the landslide. Using the mean lifetime and number of landslides within an area of interest, we can estimate the mean occurrence rate of landslides over that domain. We validate this approach using a comprehensive temporal inventory of landslides in western Oregon created using age‐roughness curves that are calibrated with high‐resolution elevation data and radiocarbon data. We find good agreement between our diffusion method and the existing age‐roughness‐derived estimates, producing mean lifetimes of 4500 and 5200 years (4% difference), respectively. Hazard maps produced using the two methodologies generally agree, with the maximum differences in landslide probability reaching 0.1. Due to the relative abundance of high‐resolution elevation data compared with age‐dated landslides, our method could help constrain landslide occurrence rates in areas previously considered unfeasible.
Hyperspectral Imaging Predicts Differences in Carbon and Nitrogen Status Among Representative Biocrust Functional Groups of the Colorado Plateau
Authors: Yan Dong , Reed Sasha C. , Rutherford William A. , Javadian Mostafa , Reibold Robin H. , Villarreal Miguel , Poulter Benjamin , Song Shujun , Smith William K.
Published: August 2024

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are widespread soil photosynthetic communities covering about 12% of Earth's land surface, and play crucial roles in terrestrial carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles, yet scalable quantifications of biocrusts and their biogeochemical contributions are notably lacking. While remote sensing has enormous potential to assess, scale, and contextualize biocrusts and their functions, the applicability of hyperspectral data in predicting C‐ and N‐related biocrust traits remains largely unexplored. We address this issue by evaluating the potential of in situ hyperspectral data to predict C and N across a range of biocrust species and different environmental conditions. We found that in situ hyperspectral reflectance measurements can be used to predict biocrust tissue C/N ratios and N concentrations with relatively high accuracy but to a lesser extent for potential biocrust N2 fixation rates. Critical wavelength domains included the visible region of the spectrum from roughly 490–600 nm, which most effectively captured variations in biocrust tissue C, and the shortwave infrared region from 1,150 to 1,350 nm and 1,550–1,650 nm, which most effectively captured biocrust tissue N and N2 fixation potential. Finally, we provide evidence that multi‐ and hyperspectral missions with targeted band placement, such as the proposed 26‐band Landsat Next, could be effective in predicting biocrust traits. This work provides a critical step in understanding how to apply data from new and upcoming satellite missions to the monitoring of biocrusts.
Defining child health in the 21st century
Authors: Stein Ruth E. K.
Published: August 2024

The concept of child health has evolved over many decades and has gone from defining health as the absence of disease and disability to a much more sophisticated understanding of the ways in which a confluence of many factors leads to a healthy childhood and to producing the infrastructure for a healthy lifetime. We review the evolution of these ideas and endorse the definition featured in Children’s Health, the Nation’s Wealth, which states that child health is: “… the extent to which individual children or groups of children are able or enabled to: (a) develop and realize their potential, (b) satisfy their needs, and (c) develop the capacities that allow them to interact successfully with their biological, physical, and social environments.”

Impact

The definition of child health and the model presented form a framework for conducting and interpreting research in child health and understanding the ways in which influences affect child health.

They also demonstrate how child health is the foundation for life-long health.

Child health is dynamic and is always changing.

There are many influences affecting child health at any given time.

Because each child’s health is different, they may react in distinctive ways to a new health challenge.
LPA suppresses HLA-DR expression in human melanoma cells: a potential immune escape mechanism involving LPAR1 and DR6-mediated release of IL-10
Authors: Major Enikő , Lin Kuan-Hung , Lee Sue Chin , Káldi Krisztina , Győrffy Balázs , Tigyi Gábor J. , Benyó Zoltán
Published: August 2024

While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are promising in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, about half of patients do not respond well to them. Low levels of human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) in tumors have been shown to negatively influence prognosis and response to ICIs. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is produced in large amounts by melanoma and is abundantly present in the tumor microenvironment. LPA induces the release of various cytokines and chemokines from tumor cells, which affect cancer development, metastasis, and tumor immunity. In the present study, we investigated the role of LPA-induced IL-10 release in regulating HLA-DR expression and the underlying mechanisms in human melanoma cells. We showed that LPA (0.001–10 μM) dose-dependently increased DR6 transcript levels through activating LPAR1 in HEK293T cells. Knockdown of NF-κB1 abrogated the LPA-increased DR6 expression without affecting basal DR6 expression in both A2058 and A375 melanoma cell lines. LPA (10 µM) significantly increased IL-10 transcripts in A2058 and A375 melanoma cells, the effect was abolished by pharmacological inhibition of LPAR1 or knockdown of DR6. We found a statistically significant correlation between the expression of LPAR1, DR6 and IL-10 in human melanoma tissue and an association between increased expression of LPAR1 and reduced effectiveness of ICI therapy. We demonstrated that LPA (10 µM) markedly suppressed HLA-DR expression in both A375 and A2058 melanoma cells via activating the LPAR1-DR6-IL-10 pathway. These data suggest that the LPAR1-DR6-IL-10 autocrine loop could constitute a novel mechanism used by tumor cells to evade immunosurveillance by decreasing HLA-DR expression.
BEAM or cyclophosphamide in autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Silfverberg Thomas , Zjukovskaja Christina , Noui Yassine , Carlson Kristina ,   AutoMS-Swe Investigators, Nahimi Adjmal , Erik Ahlstrand , Honar Cherif , Arta Dreimane , Sigrun Einarsdottir , Jan Fagius , Hans Hägglund , Ellen Iacobaeus , Niclas Lange , Stig Lenhoff , Per Ljungman , Jan Lycke , Johan Mellergård , Fredrik Piehl , Anders Svenningsson , Andreas Tolf , Burman Joachim
Published: August 2024

The most widely used conditioning regimens in autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for multiple sclerosis (MS) are BEAM with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and high-dose cyclophosphamide with ATG (Cy/ATG). In this retrospective study, we compare efficacy and safety of these regimens when used for relapsing-remitting MS. We assessed 231 patients treated in Sweden before January 1, 2020. The final cohort comprised 33 patients treated with BEAM/ATG and 141 with Cy/ATG. Prospectively collected data from the Swedish MS registry were used for efficacy, and electronic health records for procedure-related safety. The Kaplan–Meier estimate of ‘no evidence of disease activity’ (NEDA) at 5 years was 81% (CI 68–96%) with BEAM/ATG and 71% (CI 63–80%) with Cy/ATG, p = 0.29. Severe adverse events were more common with BEAM/ATG, mean 3.1 vs 1.4 per patient, p = <0.001. Febrile neutropaenia occurred in 88% of BEAM/ATG patients and 68% of Cy/ATG patients, p = 0.023. Average hospitalisation was 3.0 days longer in BEAM/ATG patients from day of stem-cell infusion, p < 0.001. While both regimens showed similar efficacy, BEAM/ATG was associated with more severe adverse events and prolonged hospitalisation. In the absence of randomised controlled trials, Cy/ATG may be preferable for ASCT in patients with relapsing-remitting MS due to its favourable safety profile.