bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain‐Mediated Lattice Rotation Design for Enhancing Thermoelectric Performance in Bi2S2Se
Authors: Mansoor Adil , Jabar Bushra , Li Fu , Jamil Sidra , Fasehullah Muhammad , Chen Yue‐Xing , Liang Guang‐Xing , Fan Ping , Zheng Zhuang‐Hao
Published: April 2023

A unique strain‐mediated lattice rotation strategy is introduced via nanocompositing to upsurge the optimized limits in the composition‐to‐structural pathway on rationally engineering the efficient thermoelectric material. In this study, a special lattice rotation via strain engineering is realized to optimize the desired electronic and chemical environment for enhancing thermoelectric properties in n‐type Bi2S2Se. This approach results in a unique transport phenomenon to assist high‐energy electrons in transferring through the optimized transport channels, and appropriate structure disparity to significantly localize phonons. As a result, Sb over Cl doping in Bi2S2Se gently reduces Eg and introduces defect states in bandgap with shifting down the Fermi level, thus causing increase in carrier concentration, which contributes to a higher power factor of ≈7.18 µW cm−1 K−2 (at T = 773 K). Besides, a lower thermal conductivity of ≈0.49 W m−1 K−1 is driven through lattice strain and defect engineering. Consequently, an ultra‐high ZTmax = 1.13 (at T = 773 K) and a high ZTave = 0.54 (323 K‐773 K) are realized. This study not only leads to an extraordinary thermoelectric performance but also reveals a unique paradigm for electron transportation and phonon localization via lattice strain engineering.
Nanoparticle‐Based MRI‐Guided Tumor Microenvironment Heating via the Synergistic Effect of Ferroptosis and Inhibition of TGF‐β Signaling
Authors: Zhou Rui , Liu Yantan , Wang Zhaojun , Lv Jinyu , Liao Wangjun , Shen Zheyu , Rong Xiaoxiang
Published: April 2023

Although induction of ferroptosis and inhibition of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling are both effective ways to reform the tumor microenvironment (TME) and render low‐immunogenic tumors responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, dose‐limiting side effects remain major obstacles hindering their clinical application. Herein, novel sorafenib and anti‐TGF‐β antibody loaded Fe3O4/Gd2O3 hybrid nanoparticles with conjugation of arginine‐glycine‐aspartic dimer (FeGd‐HN@Sorafenib@TGF‐β‐antibody@RGD2, FG‐STR) are developed. Sorafenib significantly enhances FeGd‐HN‐triggered ferroptosis and improves maturation and phagocytosis of dendritic cells (DCs) by inducing damage‐associated molecular patterns released from ferroptotic cancer cells, while the anti‐TGF‐β antibody further synergizes with enhanced ferroptosis to promote DC maturation and the recruitment of CD8+ T cells, thus heating the TME. Moreover, the incorporation of RGD2 facilitates the uptake of the FG‐STR in tumor cells which lead to a significant dosage reduction of both sorafenib and anti‐TGF‐β antibody to avoid dose‐limiting toxicities. Finally, in vitro and in vivo experiments show that FG‐STR has significantly superior intrinsic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capability than that of Gadovist, effectively inhibits tumor growth and lung metastasis, and increases the efficacy of anti‐programmed cell death‐1 treatment. Taken together, this study provides a promising strategy for new advanced MRI‐guided TME heating therapies.
Ultra‐Soft Organogel Artificial Muscles Exhibiting High Power Density, Large Stroke, Fast Response and Long‐Term Durability in Air
Authors: Jiang Zhen , Abbasi Burhan Bin Asghar , Aloko Sinmisola , Mokhtari Fatemeh , Spinks Geoffrey M.
Published: April 2023

Polymeric gel‐based artificial muscles exhibiting tissue‐matched Young's modulus (10 Pa–1 MPa) promise to be core components in future soft machines with inherently safe human–machine interactions. However, the ability to simultaneously generate fast, large, high‐power, and long‐lasting actuation in the open‐air environment, has yet been demonstrated in this class of ultra‐soft materials. Herein, to overcome this hurdle, the design and synthesis of a twisted and coiled liquid crystalline glycerol‐organogel (TCLCG) is reported. Such material with a low Young's modulus of 133 kPa can surpass the actuation performance of skeletal muscles in a variety of aspects, including actuation strain (66%), actuation rate (275% s−1), power density (438 kW m−3), and work capacity (105 kJ m−3). Notably, its power density is 14 times higher than the record of state‐of‐the‐art polymeric gels. No actuation performance degradation is detected in the TCLCG even after air exposure for 7 days, owing to the excellent water retention ability enabled by glycerol as co‐solvent with water. Using TCLCG, mobile soft robots with extraordinary maneuverability in unstructured environments are successfully demonstrated, including a crawler showing fast bidirectional locomotion (0.50 mm s−1) in a small‐confined space, and a roller that can escape after deep burying in sand.
Research Progress in Donor−Acceptor Type Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Xia Yeqing , Zhang Weifeng , Yang Shuai , Wang Liping , Yu Gui
Published: April 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are new organic porous materials constructed by covalent bonds, with the advantages of pre‐designable topology, adjustable pore size, and abundant active sites. Many research studies have shown that COFs exhibit great potential in gas adsorption, molecular separation, catalysis, drug delivery, energy storage, etc. However, the electrons and holes of intrinsic COF are prone to compounding in transport, and the carrier lifetime is short. The donor–acceptor (D−A) type COFs, which are synthesized by introducing D and A units into the COFs backbone, combine separated electron and hole migration pathway, tunable band gap and optoelectronic properties of D−A type polymers with the unique advantages of COFs and have made great progress in related research in recent years. Here, the synthetic strategies of D−A type COFs are first outlined, including the rational design of linkages and D−A units as well as functionalization approaches. Then the applications of D−A type COFs in catalytic reactions, photothermal therapy, and electronic materials are systematically summarized. In the final section, the current challenges, and new directions for the development of D−A type COFs are presented.
Continuous‐Wave Pumped Perovskite Lasers with Device Area Below 1 µm2
Authors: Song Jiepeng , Shang Qiuyu , Deng Xinyi , Liang Yin , Li Chun , Liu Xinfeng , Xiong Qihua , Zhang Qing
Published: April 2023

Continuous‐wave (CW) pumped lasers with device areas below 1 µm2 constitute a key step to meeting the energy efficiency requirement for on‐chip optical communications. However, a debate about whether a sub‐micrometer device size and low threshold can be simultaneously satisfied has persisted owing to insurmountable radiation losses when approaching the optical diffraction limit. Herein, a record‐small CW optically pumped perovskite laser with a device area of 0.65 µm2 is demonstrated. The thresholds of sub‐micrometer lasers can be found lower than those of several‐micrometer counterparts, and are ascribed to the enlarged group refractive index and modal confinement resulting from the enhanced exciton–photon coupling. Moreover, the operation temperature is elevated to 150 K through the reduction in heat generation. These findings unveil the potential of exciton–polaritons in laser miniaturization, providing an alternative for developing low‐threshold semiconductor lasers without artificial optical cavities, to approach the optical diffraction limit.
A Long‐Overlooked Pitfall in Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries: Proper Electrode Balancing
Authors: Deckenbach Daniel , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: April 2023

In times of an ever‐increasing demand for portable energy storage systems, post‐lithium‐based battery systems are increasingly coming into the focus of current research. In this realm, zinc–air batteries can be considered a very promising candidate to expand the existing portfolio of lithium‐based rechargeable battery systems due to their high theoretical energy density of 1086 Wh kg−1. Despite a steady increase in research over the past 5 years, a breakthrough in realizing fully electrically rechargeable zinc–air batteries has yet to come. This perspective article highlights pitfalls that have probably hampered the development of rechargeable zinc–air batteries over years. This involves a fundamental evaluation of the zinc–air battery system, whereby fallacies of an alleged rechargeability are uncovered. Especially, the electrode balancing of the zinc anode as well as the interface between anode and electrolyte is focused herein. Known phenomena such as morphological changes are re‐evaluated by taking the contrasting battery stresses from shallow discharge to a highly desirable deep discharge into account. Existing challenges are discussed and prospected based on current approaches aiming to shed new light on a fundamental understanding and an opening of new avenues for rechargeability in zinc–air batteries.
Surface Structure and Optical Property Modulation of Hybrid‐Peptide‐Capped Gold Nanoclusters and their Aggregation‐Induced Emission Enhancement Behavior
Authors: Lai Xuandi , Liu Feiyan , Chen Liqiong
Published: April 2023

The impact of the regularity of the surface structure on the intra‐/inter‐particle behavior of luminescent metal nanoclusters (NCs) remains to be unambiguously clarified. Herein, an in‐depth investigation of the relationship between surface structure and the emission pattern of luminescent gold NCs (GNCs) is conducted using a series of NCs coated with opposite‐charged peptides (glutathione [GSH] and poly‐L‐lysine [PLL]) to unravel mutual interactions between ligands and to determine the predominant role of the arrangement of Au(I)‐ligand motifs in respect to their optical properties. GNCs with different emission patterns of 640 nm‐, 820 nm‐, or dual‐emitting are obtained by tuning the adding ratio of PLL to GSH. Moreover, the 640 nm‐emitting GNCs show aggregation‐induced emission enhancement behavior after the introduction of the Pb2+ ion, which is used to determine the quantity of Pb2+ with a limit of detection as low as 44 nm.
Zn2+ Doping in Organic Manganese(II) Bromide Hybrid Scintillators toward Enhanced Light Yield for X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Jin Jiance , Han Kai , Hu Yakun , Xia Zhiguo
Published: April 2023

Metal halide scintillators have drawn great interest for X‐ray imaging; however, it remains challenging to simultaneously achieve a high light yield (LY) and highly sensitive detection. Herein, Zn2+ is successfully introduced into [TPPen]2MnBr4 (TPPMB, TPPen = pentyltriphenylphosphonium) and the synthesis of [TPPen]2Mn0.9Zn0.1Br4 (TPPMZB) is designed. The LY increases from 43 000 for TPPMB to 68 000 photons MeV−1 for TPPMZB in virtue of the Zn atom doping. Additionally, the detection limit of TPPMZB is 204.1 nGy s−1, showing great improvement to that of TPPMB with the value of 696.9 nGy s−1. X‐ray imaging is realized by utilizing the large‐scale scintillator film fabricated by mixing polydimethylsiloxane with TPPMZB or TPPMB, and the spatial resolution is enlarged from 4.6 to 11.2 lp mm−1 after Zn2+‐doping. This study provides a design principle by doping engineering for enhancing the LY property of metal halide X‐ray scintillators.
Machine Learning‐Assisted Discovery of 2D Perovskites with Tailored Bandgap for Solar Cells
Authors: Shen Yushu , Wang Junya , Ji Xiaobo , Lu Wencong
Published: April 2023

2D organic–inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) have received considerable attention due to their attractive photoelectronic properties. Nevertheless, the selection of components for 2D OIHPs with target bandgap is still challenging. To address this issue, a collaborative machine learning model to screen promising 2D OIHPs materials with tailored bandgap is established. Based on the high‐throughput screening via machine learning model, 18 materials with bandgap of 0.9–1.6 eV are obtained to meet the requirement of Shockley–Queisser theory. And considering the application of weak light indoor, 30 candidates with bandgap of about 2.0 eV are also screened out successfully. The prediction results are verified to be reliable by comparing with the published results. Moreover, the Shapley Additive exPlanation and statistical analysis indicate that the electronegativity of the X site, the electronegativity of B site, the vertical ionization potential of A site, and the number of inorganic layers play decisive roles in the prediction of bandgap. This collaborative prediction combining with interpretable strategies can achieve rapid and accurate prediction of bandgap, thus accelerating the development of the 2D OIHP materials in various applications.
The Stiffest and Strongest Predicted Material: C2N Atomic Chains Approach the Theoretical Limits
Authors: Gao Enlai , Yang Hang , Guo Yongzhe , Nielsen Steven O. , Baughman Ray H.
Published: April 2023

Though linear atomic chains exhibit extreme properties, it is presently unclear how these properties can be maximized by the choice of elemental composition. Considering that boron, carbon, and nitrogen can form high modulus and high strength atomic chains, here an algorithm is developed to construct 143 possible atomic chains of these elements with 6 or fewer atoms in the primitive cell and explore their stabilities and mechanical properties by first‐principles calculations. It is found that the gravimetric modulus (1032 GPa g−1 cm3) and strength (108 GPa g−1 cm3) of the C2N chain significantly exceed those of any known material, including the previously stiffest predicted material (C chain, 945 GPa g−1 cm3) and the previously strongest predicted material (BC chain, 92 GPa g−1 cm3), and also approach the theoretical limits of gravimetric modulus (1036 GPa g−1 cm3) and strength (130 GPa g−1 cm3). Mechanistic analyses demonstrate that the higher gravimetric modulus and strength of the C2N chain, compared with the C and BC chains, originate from its short, stiff chemical bonding and the abnormal decrease in bond length alternation under tension. The likely ease of fabrication and potential synthesis routes for C2N chains are discussed.
Stress‐Dispersed Superstructure of Sn3(PO4)2@PC Derived from Programmable Assembly of Metal–Organic Framework as Long‐Life Potassium/Sodium‐Ion Batteries Anodes
Authors: Jiang Huimin , Zhang Shuo , Yan Liting , Xing Yanlong , Zhang Zhichao , Zheng Qiuju , Shen Jianxing , Zhao Xuebo , Wang Lianzhou
Published: April 2023

The structures of anode materials significantly affect their properties in rechargeable batteries. Material nanosizing and electrode integrity are both beneficial for performance enhancement of batteries, but it is challenging to guarantee optimized nanosizing particles and high structural integrity simultaneously. Herein, a programmable assembly strategy of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is used to construct a Sn‐based MOF superstructure precursor. After calcination under inert atmosphere, the as‐fabricated Sn3(PO4)2@phosphorus doped carbon (Sn3(PO4)2@PC‐48) well inherited the morphology of Sn‐MOF superstructure precursor. The resultant new material exhibits appreciable reversible capacity and low capacity degradation for K+ storage (144.0 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 with 90.1% capacity retained after 10000 cycles) and Na+ storage (202.5 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 with 96.0% capacity retained after 8000 cycles). Detailed characterizations, density functional theory calculations, and finite element analysis simulations reveal that the optimized electronic structure and the stress‐dispersed superstructure morphology of Sn3(PO4)2@PC promote the electronic conductivity, enhance K+/ Na+ binding ability and improve the structure stabilization efficiently. This strategy to optimize the structure of anode materials by controlling the MOF growth process offer new dimension to regulate the materials precisely in the energy field.
Near‐Infrared Persistent Luminescence Nanoprobe for Ultrasensitive Image‐Guided Tumor Resection
Authors: Lin Peng , Shi Junpeng , Lin Ye , Zhang Qian , Yu Kexin , Liu Lin , Song Liang , Kang Yile , Hong Maochun , Zhang Yun
Published: April 2023

Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging poses significant superiority over traditional medical imaging for tumor resection, thus having attracted widely attention. However, for tiny tumor residues, it requires relative high sensitivity to determine. Here, based on persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs), an ultrasensitive nanoprobe with extraordinary tumor imaging result is developed to guide surgical removal. Persistent luminescence (PersL) is quenched in normal tissue by the outer layer of MnO2, and is recovered due to the degradation of MnO2 in tumor microenvironment, significantly improving the sensitivity of tumor imaging. Combined with the absence of background fluorescence in imaging of PLNPs, ultrahigh sensitivity is achieved. In orthotopic breast cancer model, the intraoperative tumor‐to‐normal tissue (T/NT) signal ratio of the nanoprobe is 58.8, about 9 times that of downconversion nanoparticles. The T/NT ratio of residual tumor (<2 mm) remains 12.4, considerably high to distinguish tumor tissue from normal tissue. Besides, multiple‐microtumor, 4T1 liver‐implanted tumor and lung metastasis models are built to prove that this ultrasensitive nanoprobe is feasible to recognize tumor residues. Notably, PersL imaging takes only 1.5 min, appropriate to be applied for intraoperative imaging. Overall, an ultrasensitive and convenient imaging for recognizing residual tumor tissue is introduced, holding promise for complete surgical removal.
Regulating the Charge Migration in CuInSe2/N‐Doped Carbon Nanorod Arrays via Interfacial Engineering for Boosting Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Cheng , Sun Shengdong , Zhang Hui , Zhang Jun , Li Chuanhao , Chen Wei , Li Shikuo
Published: April 2023

Regulating the charge migration and separation in photoactive materials is a great challenge for developing photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications. Herein, inspired by capacitors, well‐defined CuInSe2/N‐doped carbon (CISe/N‐C) nanorod arrays are synthesized by Cu/In‐metal organic frame‐derived method. Like the charge process of capacitor, the N‐doped carbon can capture the photogenerated electron of CISe, and the strong interfacial coupling between CISe and N‐doped carbon can modulate the charge migration and separation. The optimized the CISe/N‐C photoanode achieves a maximum photocurrent of 4.28 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in neutral electrolyte solution under AM 1.5 G simulated sunlight (100 mW cm‐2), which is 8.4 times higher than that of the CuInSe2 photoanode (0.51 mA cm‐2). And a benefit of the strong electronic coupling between CISe and N‐doped carbon, the charge transfer rate is increased to 1.3–13 times higher than that of CISe in the range of 0.6–1.1 V versus RHE. The interfacial coupling effects on modulating the carrier transfer dynamics are investigated by Kelvin probe force microscopy analysis and density functional theory calculation. This work provides new insights into bulk phase carrier modulation to improve the performance of photoanode for PEC water splitting.
Dynamics of an Electrically Driven Phase Transition in Ca2RuO4 Thin Films: Nonequilibrium High‐Speed Resistive Switching in the Absence of an Abrupt Thermal Transition
Authors: Tsubaki Keiji , Tsurumaki‐Fukuchi Atsushi , Katase Takayoshi , Kamiya Toshio , Arita Masashi , Takahashi Yasuo
Published: April 2023

In Mott‐type resistive switching phenomena, which are based on the metal–insulator transition in strongly correlated materials, the presence of an abrupt temperature‐driven transition in the material is considered essential for achieving high‐speed and large‐resistance‐ratio switching. However, this means that the freedom of material/device design in applications is significantly reduced for this type of switching by the strict requirement of transition abruptness. Here, high‐speed, abrupt resistive switching with a switching time of 140 ns is demonstrated in epitaxial films of Ca2RuO4/LaAlO3 (001), which is a material with a nonthermal metal–insulator transition driven by current, despite the complete absence of an abrupt thermal transition in the resistivity–temperature characteristics. Highly smooth negative‐differential‐resistance behavior, very high cycling stability, and an endurance over 106 cycles are also demonstrated in the current–voltage and current–time characteristics, which confirm the nonstochastic nature of the abrupt switching. These results suggest that strict control of the resistivity–temperature characteristics is not necessarily required in a material with a nonthermal‐type metal–insulator transition to obtain high‐speed resistive switching because of the independence of the dynamics from those of the thermal transition, and this phenomenon potentially has important advantages in resistive switching applications.
Meta‐analysis of age‐related cognitive decline reveals a novel locus for the attention domain and implicates a COVID‐19‐related gene for global cognitive function
Authors: Acharya Vibha , Fan Kang‐Hsien , Snitz Beth E. , Ganguli Mary , DeKosky Steven T. , Lopez Oscar L. , Feingold Eleanor , Kamboh Mohammed Ilyas
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

Cognitive abilities have substantial heritability throughout life, as shown by twin‐ and population‐based studies. However, there is limited understanding of the genetic factors related to cognitive decline in aging across neurocognitive domains.

METHODS

We conducted a meta‐analysis on 3045 individuals aged ≥65, derived from three population‐based cohorts, to identify genetic variants associated with the decline of five neurocognitive domains (attention, memory, executive function, language, visuospatial function) and global cognitive decline. We also conducted gene‐based and functional bioinformatics analyses.

RESULTS

Apolipoprotein E (APOE)4 was significantly associated with decline of memory (p = 5.58E‐09) and global cognitive function (p = 1.84E‐08). We identified a novel association with attention decline on chromosome 9, rs6559700 (p = 2.69E‐08), near RASEF. Gene‐based analysis also identified a novel gene, TMPRSS11D, involved in the activation of SARS‐CoV‐2, to be associated with the decline in global cognitive function (p = 4.28E‐07).

DISCUSSION

Domain‐specific genetic studies can aid in the identification of novel genes and pathways associated with decline across neurocognitive domains.

Highlights

rs6559700 was associated with decline of attention.

APOE4 was associated with decline of memory and global cognitive decline.

TMPRSS11D, a gene involved in the activation of SARS‐CoV‐2, was implicated in global cognitive decline.

Cognitive domain abilities had both unique and shared molecular pathways across the domains.
Differences in the anatomical structure of the uterus between fertile and infertile individuals
Authors: Sevindik Betul , Unver Dogan Nadire , Secilmis Ozlem , Uysal Emine , Fazliogullari Zeliha , Karabulut Ahmet Kagan
Published: April 2023

Infertility affects a significant portion of the reproductive population and is caused by structural and hormonal factors. The prevalence of congenital uterine anomalies is 3%–4%, with the most common anomaly being septate uterus. However, further research is needed to determine whether these anomalies can cause infertility. In this study, we compared the morphometric parameters of the uterus of fertile and infertile individuals. Based on the data obtained, we aimed to determine the parameters to be evaluated for fertility prediction and to investigate the effect of uterine septum on fertility. The uteruses of 55 infertile and 80 fertile individuals between the age range of 20–45 years were analyzed retrospectively using magnetic resonance images. Infertile individuals were categorized into two groups according to the reasons for infertility: Group I, which included women with congenital uterine anomalies (septate uterus), and Group II, which included women with tubal and male factors. Group III comprised fertile individuals. Uterine length (UL), uterine body length (UbL), cervical length (CxL), uterine cavity length (UcL), anteroposterior diameter (APD), transverse diameter (TD), fundal thickness (FT), and ostial distance (OD) were measured. The uterine positions were examined. The data of uterine variables were evaluated statistically according to age and groups. The mean ages of individuals in Groups I, II, and III were 29.88 ± 6.69, 29.21 ± 4.59, and 27.45 ± 5.43 years, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of UL, UbL, CxL, UcL, APD, FT, and OD variables (p < 0.05), except for TD (p > 0.05). We observed that UL, UcL, length/width ratio, and APD parameters are important factors that influence fertility. Evaluating these parameters before septum resection would be useful in predicting the contribution of this surgical operation to fertility.
A test of psychotherapists' and nontherapists' recognition of correct and incorrect process in managing client resistance
Authors: Cooper Max B. , Di Bartolomeo Alyssa A. , Westra Henny A. , Olson David A. , Boritz Tali
Published: April 2023

Objective

Psychotherapist management of client resistance (i.e., opposition to change or the therapy process) has a significant impact on therapy outcomes. This study aimed at assessing psychotherapists' and nontherapists' abilities to recognise empirically supported correct and erroneous therapist responses to client resistance.

Method

Seventy‐eight therapists and 111 nontherapists completed a rapidly administered novel skills test, Therapist Errors in Resistance Management (TERM), assessing recognition of correct and erroneous resistance management.

Results

Participants were, on average, less than half as accurate at recognising therapist errors (recognised below chance levels) compared with correct therapist responses to resistance (recognised above chance levels). Therapists outperformed nontherapists in accurate recognition of therapist responding. However, among the therapist group, greater clinical experience did not predict superior recognition of therapist errors.

Conclusion

These results indicate that therapists and nontherapists alike may have difficulty detecting erroneous therapist responses to resistance, tending to mistake empirically contraindicated directive responses for correct responding. This may reflect the difficult and unintuitive nature of correct resistance responding and may suggest a need for increased training in process acuity and resistance management in therapist education.
An accessory mediastinal thyroid: A case report
Authors: Sadidi Hossein , Mehri Ali , Rezaei Reza
Published: April 2023

Key Clinical Message

Various differential diagnoses and etiologies exist for mediastinal masses. One of the most uncommon is the ectopic mediastinal goiter. It is crucial for a clinician, especially cardiothoracic surgeons, to think about it when encountering such masses.
Role of choledochotomy after mechanical lithotripsy‐related adverse event in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Lalanda Raquel , Seixo Maria Inês , Lopes Ana Sofia , Aparício David , Ferreira José , Freitas Carlos , Miranda Luís
Published: April 2023

Key Clinical Message

In case of rupture of the mechanical lithotripter's traction wires during an ERCP, we suggest performing a choledochotomy to remove the stone, and remove the closed Dormia basket through the mouth.
Sclerotherapy for the management of venous malformations: Experience from a single institution in Afghanistan
Authors: Rahimi Mohammad Tareq , Baryali Tawab , Akbari Ahmad Rashad , Saadaat Ramin , Salehzai Mohibullah , Haidary Ahmed Maseh
Published: April 2023

Key Clinical Message

Sclerotherapy is a convenient modality for the treatment of venous malformation. Ethanol as a sclerosing agent is easily available and cheap. Sclerotherapy for venous malformations has both functional as well as aesthetic outcome.
Repeated acute lower limb ischemia due to complete occlusion of an artificial vessel graft: A case report
Authors: Tamura Yamato , Abe Takehisa
Published: April 2023

Key Clinical Message

In cases involving an occluded artificial blood vessel graft, thrombosis of the vessel can cause lower limb ischemia. When thromboembolism develops, it is essential to rule out the complete occlusion of an artificial blood vessel graft as the cause.

A 60‐year‐old woman with bilateral superficial femoral artery occlusion underwent femoral‐popliteal bypass surgery. Six months later, left vascular prosthesis occlusion occurred; 1.5 years later, an occlusive embolus developed in the deep femoral artery. The proximal prosthesis aspect was detached from the native vessel. The limb was salvaged with bypass surgery.
Family firms' social responsibility: Exercise of family control versus family dynasty succession
Authors: Hsu Wen‐Tsung , Chen Hsiang‐Lan
Published: April 2023

Family owners have common interests of preserving socioemotional wealth (SEW), but their strategic preferences vary with their prioritization of different SEW aspects. This study, based on the SEW perspective, examines the differing effects of exercise of family control (focused SEW) and family dynasty succession (broad SEW) and the moderating effect of family CEO on corporate social responsibility (CSR) of family firms. The results indicate that the effect of exercise of family control on CSR is negative, while the effect of family dynasty succession on CSR is positive. Additionally, when the firm's CEO is a family member, the negative effect of exercise of family control is weaker and the positive effect of family dynasty succession is stronger.
Regulating Intermediate Concentration to Synthesize Highly Crystalline g‐C3N4 under Spontaneous Ultrahigh Pressure
Authors: Xie Qidong , Wang Cong , Shen Wenting , Fu Yaqin , Si Yinsong
Published: April 2023

Improving polymerization and crystallization properties has become a key point to maximize the intrinsic photocatalytic performance of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), however, the critical roles of intermediates in the polymerization and crystallization process are not clear. Herein, highly crystalline g‐C3N4 is obtained by calcinating different amount of dicyandiamide in a closed environment. Ultrahigh atmospheric pressure up to 6.2 MPa can be spontaneously formed due to the produced gaseous intermediates. The best crystallization properties were achieved when 1.8 g of dicyandiamide was used. The photocatalytic hydrogen production rate reaches 9241.3 μmol ⋅ g−1 ⋅ h−1, which is improved by about 12.5 times by comparison. The crystallization and hydrogen production activities cannot be enhanced only by adding an initial gas pressure meanwhile keeping the quality of dicyandiamide constant, confirming that the intermediate concentration determines the polymerization and hydrogen production performance of g‐C3N4. This study is important to improve the intrinsic photocatalytic performance of g‐C3N4 and the composites.
Long‐Time Instability of the Couette Flow in Low Gevrey Spaces
Authors: Deng Yu , Masmoudi Nader
Published: April 2023

We prove the instability of the Couette flow if the disturbances is less smooth than the Gevrey space of class 2. This shows that this is the critical regularity for this problem since it was proved in [5] that stability and inviscid damping hold for disturbances which are smoother than the Gevrey space of class 2. A big novelty is that this critical space is due to an instability mechanism which is completely nonlinear and is due to some energy cascade. © 2023 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Validation of the Fear and Avoidance of Memory Loss scale in community‐based older adults
Authors: Farina Francesca R. , Pavithra Pavithra , An Hosanna , Marquez Melissa , O'Loughlin Patricia , Regan John , Taddeo Michelle , Bennett Marc , Lenaert Bert , Griffith James W.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are among the most feared conditions. However, research around ADRD‐specific fear and avoidance behaviors is lacking. Here, we validated a novel measure of fear and avoidance specific to memory loss, the Fear and Avoidance of Memory Loss (FAM) scale, and examined associations between fear avoidance and psychosocial functioning in older adults.

Methods

We assessed FAM Scale internal reliability and concurrent validity, and candidate subscales across two samples (total N = 813). We then examined associations between fear avoidance and memory performance, anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep, social functioning, and quality of life.

Results

We identified two subscales: fear and avoidance, which yielded strong psychometric validity. Higher fear was associated with memory failures and sleep disturbance. Higher avoidance was associated with memory failures, poorer verbal memory, reduced social functioning, and quality of life.

Discussion

We present the first measure of fear avoidance specific to memory loss. We propose that targeting fear avoidance can promote ADRD risk reduction and resiliency.
Ten‐m4 plays a unique role in the establishment of binocular visual circuits
Authors: Young Timothy R. , Black Dylan , Mansuri Hannan , Oohashi Toshitaka , Zhou Xiao‐Hong , Sawatari Atomu , Leamey Catherine A.
Published: April 2023

The patterning of binocular vision requires distinct molecular pathways for inputs arising from each side of the nervous system. Recent studies have demonstrated important roles for members of the Ten‐m/Odz/teneurin family in the development of ipsilateral retinal projections. Here, we further highlight the significance of this gene family in visual development by identifying a role for Ten‐m4 during the formation of the ipsilateral projection in the mouse. Ten‐m4 was found to be expressed in the retina, dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), superior colliculus (SC), and primary visual cortex (V1) during development. Anterograde and retrograde tracing experiments in Ten‐m4 knockout (KO) mice revealed a specific increase in ipsilateral retinal ganglion cells projecting to dLGN and SC. This increase was most prominent in regions corresponding to temporal retina. Consistent with this, EphB1 expression in the retina around the time of decussation was enhanced in this temporal region for KO mice, suggesting that the increased size of the ipsilateral population arises due to an increased number of retinal ganglion cells remaining ipsilaterally at the optic chiasm due to EphB1‐mediated repulsion. The ectopic ipsilaterally targeted retinal ganglion cell projection observed in Ten‐m4 KOs was associated with changes in response to ethologically relevant visual stimuli. Together, these data demonstrate a requirement for Ten‐m4 in the establishment of ipsilateral projections from the retina, which likely acts in combination with other Ten‐m members (Ten‐m2 and Ten‐m3) to promote the formation of functional binocular circuits.
Quantifying uncertainty in coastal salinity regime for biological application using quantile regression
Authors: Yurek Simeon , Allen Micheal , Eaton Mitchell J. , Chagaris David , Reaver Nathan , Martin Julien , Frederick Peter , Dehaven Mark
Published: April 2023

Salinity regimes in coastal ecosystems are highly dynamic and driven by complex geomorphic and hydrological processes. Estuarine biota are generally adapted to salinity fluctuation, but are vulnerable to salinity extremes. Characterizing coastal salinity regime for ecological studies therefore requires representing extremes of salinity ranges at time scales relevant to ecology (e.g., daily, monthly, and seasonally). Here, we propose a framework for modeling coastal salinity with these overall goals: (1) quantify uncertainty in salinity associated with important terrestrial and oceanographic drivers, (2) examine time scales of salinity response to river streamflow events, and (3) predict salinity continuously over space at key time scales. Salinity is modeled as quantile surfaces related to river discharge, tidal dynamics, wind, and spatial location, applied to Suwannee Sound estuary, FL, USA, where salinity has been monitored spatially since 1981. Each quantile level is regressed independently, and together they comprise a distribution of salinity uncertainty across space, with upper and lower quantiles describing salinity extremes. Effects of physical drivers on salinity are compared through four base models with various combinations of tide and wind variables, each including spatial coordinates and a single streamflow metric (in cubic meters per second). Multiple time scales of streamflow are considered by taking means across various periods, from 1 to 12 days, and at various lagged intervals prior to salinity sample, totaling 144 streamflow metrics. We found that the Suwannee coastal salinity regime is dynamic at multiple time scales and varies nonlinearly across space from the river effluence outward. Salinity increases nonlinearly with decreasing river flow rates below 200 m3/s, most prominently in the lower quantiles of salinity (τ = 0.05–0.25). Wind appears to have a stronger influence on salinity than astronomic tides for this estuary. The regression approach developed here can be applied to any coastal system that has sufficient spatial and temporal monitoring coverage to capture multiple flood and drought events. It is implemented with a simpleRroutine, and is less computationally‐intensive than finite difference hydrodynamic modeling. The characterizations of salinity uncertainty developed in these analyses can be directly applied to future studies of fish and wildlife responses to changes in watershed management.
Confronting population models with experimental microcosm data: from trajectory matching to state‐space models
Authors: Rosenbaum Benjamin , Fronhofer Emanuel A.
Published: April 2023

Population and community ecology traditionally has a very strong theoretical foundation with well‐known dynamical models, such as the logistic and its variations, and many modifications of the classical Lotka–Volterra predator–prey and interspecific competition models. More and more, these classical models are being confronted with data via fitting to empirical time series for purposes of projections or for estimating model parameters of interest. However, using statistical models to fit theoretical models to data is far from trivial, especially for time series data where subsequent measurements are not independent. This raises the question of whether statistical inferences using pure observation error models, such as simple (non‐)linear regressions, are biased, and whether more elaborate process error models or state‐space models have to be used to address this complexity. In order to help empiricists, especially researchers working with experimental laboratory populations in micro‐ and mesocosms, make informed decisions about the statistical formalism to use, we here compare different error structures one could use when fitting classical deterministic ordinary differential equation (ODE) models to empirical data. We consider a large range of biological scenarios and theoretical models, from single species to community dynamics and trophic interactions. In order to compare the performance of different error structure models, we use both realistically simulated data and empirical data from microcosms in a Bayesian framework. We find that many model parameters can be estimated precisely with an appropriate choice of error structure using pure observation error or state‐space models, if observation errors are not too high. However, Allee effect models are typically hard to identify and state‐space models should be preferred when model complexity increases. Our work shows that, at least in the context of low environmental stochasticity and high quality observations, deterministic models can be used to describe stochastic population dynamics that include process variability and observation error. We discuss when more complex state‐space model formulations may be required for obtaining accurate parameter estimates. Finally, we provide a comprehensive tutorial for fitting these models in R.
Refusal of Representation in Advance Care Planning: A Case‐Inspired Ethical Analysis
Authors: Peters Andrew T. , Hauser Joshua M.
Published: April 2023

Unrepresented patients—people without capacity to make medical decisions who also lack a surrogate decision‐maker—form a large and vulnerable population within the United States health care system. The burden of unrepresentedness has rightly prompted widespread calls for more and better advance care planning, in which still‐healthy patients are encouraged to designate a surrogate decision‐maker and thus avoid the risk of becoming unrepresented. However, we observe that some patients, even with available social contacts and access to adequate advance care planning services, simply decline to name a surrogate decision‐maker. We propose a novel concept of “informed refusal of representation” (“IRR”) to characterize the position held by some such patients, who are often overlooked in prior work on unrepresentedness. We then discuss physicians’ ethical obligations in the face of such a refusal and avenues by which physicians can support patients without surrogates in receiving goal‐concordant care.
Legal Discrepancies and Expectations of Women: Abortion, Fetal Therapy, and NICU Care
Authors: Scheinerman Naomi , Callahan K. P.
Published: April 2023

Over the past several decades in which access to abortion has become increasingly restricted, parents' autonomy in medical decision‐making in the realms of fetal care and neonatal intensive care has expanded. Today, parents can decide against invasive medical interventions at gestational ages where abortions are forbidden, even in cases where neonates are expected to be seriously ill. Although a declared state interest in protecting the lives of fetuses and newborns contributes to justifications for restricting women's autonomy with regards to abortion, it does not fully explain this discrepancy. We believe that social portrayals of women as complying with or shirking their reproductive function play a major role in explaining it. The growing divide between a woman's rights as a reproductive being and as a parent suggest that abortion restriction is rooted in a historical societal desire for women to serve as reproducers and in the corresponding fear of them abandoning this allotted role in pursuit of social equality. The Dobbs v. Jackson (2022) decision is not based in a view of abortion as a medical act occurring between a doctor and patient, as Roe v. Wade (1973) did, but decision‐making about fetal therapy or NICU care is still viewed as occurring between a doctor and patient or surrogate because in this act a woman is seen as fulfilling her role as mother.
Numerical analysis of phase‐change heat transfer in axisymmetric biological tissue during nano‐cryosurgery
Authors: Kumar Sumit
Published: April 2023

The current work is concerned with the numerical investigation of phase‐change heat transfer in a cylindrical‐shaped biological tissue during nano‐cryosurgery. So, the two‐dimensional axisymmetric biological tissue with a single cryoprobe is considered to understand the freezing process inside it during nano‐cryosurgery. This problem has been numerically simulated using the commercial software ANSYS Fluent 2020 R2. The results obtained are verified with the data available in the literature, and good agreement was found between them. After that, the grid‐independent study is carried out to select the optimum element size. Then, the effect of various parameters, such as the radius and insertion depth of the cryoprobe and internal heat source, on the temperature distribution inside the biological tissue is studied. The effect of different nanoparticles, such as Au, Fe3O4, and MgO, on the temperature field are investigated, and it was found that the MgO nanoparticles reach the threshold temperature limit early and reduce cryoinjury to the surrounding healthy tissue. This study may help understand the freezing process inside the biological tissue during nano‐cryosurgery.
The conditional impact of market conditions, volatility and liquidity shocks on the arbitrage opportunities during pre‐COVID and COVID periods
Authors: Lakshmi VDMV , Sisodia Garima , Joseph Anto , Tiwari Aviral Kumar
Published: April 2023

The study examines the effects of market conditions, volatility and liquidity shocks on the arbitrage profits during pre‐COVID and COVID periods. The study uses a conditional quantile regression and finds no significant difference in the impact of market conditions on the arbitrage profits during pre‐COVID and COVID crisis periods. The increase in volatility combined with low liquidity during the COVID period makes arbitrage non‐viable. However, the decline in volatility during the COVID period encourages investors to initiate arbitrage. The results are useful to fund managers and market analysts to develop suitable trading strategies and stock market regulators to take necessary steps to improve price discovery mechanisms and market efficiency.
Concurrent schedules of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior in the treatment of problem behavior without extinction
Authors: Fleck Chelsea R. , Bourret Jason C. , Jehle Emma R.
Published: April 2023

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) without extinction is an effective intervention for reducing problem behavior maintained by socially mediated reinforcement, particularly when implementing dense schedules of reinforcement for appropriate behavior. Thinning schedules of reinforcement for an alternative response may result in resurgence of problem behavior. Resurgence may be of particular concern in the treatment of problem behavior without extinction because problem behavior that resurges is also likely to encounter reinforcement and thus can be expected to maintain. In the present investigation, we compared the effectiveness of single and concurrent DRA schedules in decreasing the probability of resurgence when problem behavior continues to produce reinforcement throughout all phases of the evaluation. Concurrent DRA schedules reduced or eliminated the likelihood of resurgence compared with a single DRA schedule during a treatment challenge.
Proxalutamide for the treatment of COVID‐19 rebound following Paxlovid treatment: Report of four cases and review of the literature
Authors: Yang Da‐Wei , Ju Min‐Jie , Wang Hao , Jia Yi‐Chen , Wang Xiao‐Dan , Fang Hao , Fan Jia
Published: April 2023

Background

The pandemic the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has created a global health crisis. Although Paxlovid is recommended for the early‐stage treatment of mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 in patients at increased risk of progression to severe COVID‐19, more and more cases are reported a COVID‐19 rebound after Paxlovid treatment. Currently, information on the additional treatment for COVID‐19 rebound following Paxlovid treatment is limited.

Case Report

Here, we present four cases with COVID‐19 who were mild on admission. All cases experienced a COVID‐19 rebound and progressed to severe COVID‐19, following treatment with Paxlovid (300 mg of nirmatrelvir with 100 mg ritonavir, twice daily for 5 days). After being treated with proxalutamide (300 mg/day), all cases finally turned real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) negative.

Conclusion

Our cases suggested that proxalutamide might be an effective remedial treatment option for patients experiencing a COVID‐19 rebound after Paxlovid treatment.