bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Zhou Tian Formula extraction technology based on AHP‐CRITIC method and analysis of transfer efficiency of key components based on HPLC fingerprinting
Authors: Ma Yi‐feng , Feng Yang , Yao Li‐li , Feng Pei‐shi , Zhou Wei‐kang , Fang Le‐xuan , Tao Yi , Wang Ping
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Zhou Tian Formula (ZTF) is an antidepressant traditional Chinese medicine utilized widely in clinical settings for the treatment of patients with depression. However, shortcomings persist in its extraction technology and quality control.

Objective

This study aimed to propose a methodology for ZTF extraction technology based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)–criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method and to establish a quality control framework for the efficient transfer of index components.

Method

Firstly, we analyzed the chemical components of ZTF and determined the optimal extraction technology. Secondly, we calculated the transfer efficiency of the index components during the conversion of water decoction to extract powder and subsequently to granules. Thirdly, we established HPLC fingerprints for 15 batches of ZTF water decoction, extract powder, and granules. We employed SIMCA software to analyze the chemicals responsible for variations in quality among different batches of ZTF granules.

Results

We determined the optimal extraction process. The average transfer efficiency of ferulic acid, puerarin, mirificin, isoferulic acid, and calycosin during the conversion of water decoction to extract powder and subsequently to granules exceeded 41%. The HPLC fingerprints of ZTF exhibited a similarity exceeding 0.890. Variable importance in projection values indicated that calycosin, ferulic acid, and puerarin were the primary contributors to quality variations.

Conclusions

The AHP‐CRITIC method, coupled with an orthogonal array design, could be used for exploring extraction technology. In addition, the rules governing the transfer of index components from water decoction to extract powder, and subsequently to granules, could be applied for the evaluation and quality assessment of ZTF.
Postmortem imaging of fetuses at early gestations: A comparison of microfocus computed tomography with postmortem magnetic resonance at 9.4 T and postmortem ultrasound
Authors: Ibarra Vilar Patricia , Jani Jacques C. , Cannie Mieke M. , Shelmerdine Susan C. , Lecomte Sophie , Verhoye Marleen , Hutchinson Ciaran J. , Arthurs Owen J. , Carlin Andrew , Kang Xin
Published: February 2024

Objective

To compare the diagnostic performance of postmortem ultrasound (PMUS), 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and microfocus computed tomography (micro‐CT) for the examination of early gestation fetuses.

Method

Eight unselected fetuses (10–15 weeks gestational age) underwent at least 2 of the 3 listed imaging examinations. Six fetuses underwent 9.4 T MRI, four underwent micro‐CT and six underwent PMUS. All operators were blinded to clinical history. All imaging was reported according to a prespecified template assessing 36 anatomical structures, later grouped into five regions: brain, thorax, heart, abdomen and genito‐urinary.

Results

More anatomical structures were seen on 9.4 T MRI and micro‐CT than with PMUS, with a combined frequency of identified structures of 91.9% and 69.7% versus 54.5% and 59.6 (p < 0.001; p < 0.05) respectively according to comparison groups. In comparison with 9.4 T MRI, more structures were seen on micro‐CT (90.2% vs. 83.3%, p < 0.05). Anatomical structures were described as abnormal on PMUS in 2.7%, 9.4 T MRI in 6.1% and micro‐CT 7.7% of all structures observed. However, the accuracy test could not be calculated because conventional autopsy was performed on 6 fetuses of that only one structure was abnormal.

Conclusion

Micro‐CT appears to offer the greatest potential as an imaging adjunct or non‐invasive alternative for conventional autopsies in early gestation fetuses.
A de novo pathogenic variant in DHX30 gene in a fetus with isolated dysgenesis of the corpus callosum
Authors: Haratz Karina Krajden , Malinger Gustavo , Erlik Uri , Goldstein Rayna , Shohat Mordechai , Birnbaum Roee
Published: February 2024

A 36 years old woman in her first pregnancy was referred at 24w3d for a dedicated neurosonographic examination due to a suspected short corpus callosum (CC). The examination depicted a dysgenetic CC with asymmetric thickness at the level of the body in coronal views, very thin in the midline and thicker in both sides, suggesting bilateral formation of Probst bundles. The BPD, HC, and transverse cerebellar diameters were in the normal low range without associated growth restriction. Associated anomalies were not detected in the brain or other organs. Following genetic consultation and a normal CMA, trio exome sequencing was performed and a de novo missense pathogenic mutation c.2353 C > T in the DHX30 gene was detected. This variant has been previously reported in children and adults, mostly with a severe phenotype including neurodevelopmental disorder with variable motor and language impairment, but also mild phenotypes have been reported. MRI describes delayed myelination, ventriculomegaly, and cortical and cerebellar atrophy as imaging features in affected patients. This is the first prenatal report of a DHX30‐associated neurodevelopmental disorder in which the fetus presents with isolated callosal dysgenesis, stressing the importance of exome sequencing in fetuses with this condition, as far as it is phenotypic presentation of numerous syndromes with different outcomes.
Pain coping, multidisciplinary care, and mHealth: Patients' views on managing advanced cancer pain
Authors: DeForge Sara M. , Smith Kyla , Anderson Kris‐Ann , Baltazar Ashton R. , Beck Meghan , Enzinger Andrea C. , Tulsky James A. , Allsop Matthew , Edwards Robert R. , Schreiber Kristin L. , Azizoddin Desiree R.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Pain is common among people with advanced cancer. While opioids provide significant relief, incorporating psycho‐behavioral treatments may improve pain outcomes. We examined patients' experiences with pain self‐management and how their self‐management of chronic, cancer‐related pain may be complemented by behavioral mobile health (mHealth) interventions.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured qualitative interviews with patients with advanced cancer and pain. Each participant reviewed content from our behavioral mHealth application for cancer pain management and early images of its interface. Participants reflected on their experiences self‐managing cancer pain and on app content. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive thematic analysis.

Results

Patients (n = 28; 54% female; mean age = 53) across two geographic regions reported using psychological strategies (e.g., reframing negative thoughts, distraction, pain acceptance, social support) to manage chronic cancer‐related pain. Patients shared their perspectives on the integration of psycho‐behavioral pain treatments into their existing medical care and their experiences with opioid hesitancy. Patient recommendations for how mHealth interventions could best support them coalesced around two topics: 1.) convenience in accessing integrated pharmacological and psycho‐behavioral pain education and communication tools and 2.) relevance of the specific content to their clinical situation.

Conclusions

Integrated pharmacological and psycho‐behavioral pain treatments were important to participants. This underscores a need to coordinate complimentary approaches when developing cancer pain management interventions. Participant feedback suggests that an mHealth intervention that integrates pain treatments may have the capacity to increase advanced cancer patients' access to destigmatizing, accessible care while improving pain self‐management.
Isolated cryptococcal pleural effusion in a heart transplant recipient: A case report and literature review of pleural fluid adenosine deaminase levels
Authors: Lee Jaehee , Park Bo Eun , Jang Se Yong , Kim Chang Ho
Published: February 2024

Isolated cryptococcal pleural effusion is rare as the initial clinical presentation in opportunistic cryptococcal infection. We describe a 59‐year‐old male heart transplantation recipient who presented with a mononuclear‐leukocyte‐predominant exudative pleural effusion, with adenosine deaminase levels (ADA) of 37 IU/L and focal pleural nodularity on computed tomography. A thorough evaluation, including pleural fluid culture, cryptococcal antigen, and histological examination, led to the diagnosis of cryptococcal pleural effusion. Antifungal therapy with fluconazole of 400 mg/day showed clinical and radiological improvement. A literature review identified six cases of cryptococcal pleural effusion that reported pleural fluid ADA levels. All cases, including the present one, involved immunocompromised hosts and exhibited a mononuclear‐leukocyte‐predominant exudate. High pleural fluid ADA levels were observed in approximately half of these cases. The pleural fluid cryptococcal antigen test was an important diagnostic tool for early diagnosis. In an era where immunocompromised hosts are increasing, cryptococcal infection should be considered as a potential aetiology in immunosuppressed patients with an exudative pleural effusion of unknown cause, even if ADA levels are elevated.
Evaluation of alternative approaches to PHABSIM modeling of coastal cutthroat trout spawning habitat
Authors: Beecher Hal A. , Boessow Steven N. , Gates Kiza K. , Losee James P. , Freeman Riley , Madel Gabriel M.
Published: February 2024

In the face of a changing climate and increasing human demand for water, an understanding of habitat preference has become critical for managing wild fish populations and projecting potential changes in habitat and populations. Two approaches to Physical Habitat Simulation (PHABSIM) modeling of coastal cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii spawning habitat were compared by modeling a reach, consisting of eight transects covering a pool and upstream and downstream riffles, of a small Puget Sound stream with two sets of habitat variables. The reach contained a cluster of redds 2 years in a row, assumed to be an indication of preferred spawning habitat and was located in the area of maximum spawning in the watershed, based on multiple years of redd surveys. Two PHABSIM instream flow models of the study site, one based on standard microhabitat (depth [D], velocity [V], and substrate [S]) suitabilities and the other based on D, V, and channel unit (CU) suitabilities, were developed and compared for their relative ability to correctly predict coastal cutthroat trout spawning habitat selection at the redd cluster within the PHABSIM study site. One approach was the standard use of habitat suitability criteria (HSC) for D, V, and S to indicate spawning habitat quality. The alternate approach was to replace substrate HSC with CU index HSC that incorporated dominant substrate particle diameter, CU (riffle, deep and shallow pool tail, pool body, deep and shallow pool edge, cascade, waterfall, and terrestrial), where deep and shallow units were based on relative residual depth (RRD), size of CU relative to channel width, and position within CU. Spawning habitat quality was calculated for each transect as weighted usable width with the standard HSC metrics (WUWs) as well as the modified CU index (WUWm). WUWm at the transects bracketing the redd cluster exceeded WUWm at the remaining six transects and was outside the 95% confidence interval for WUWm at the remaining transects. In contrast, WUWs varied less between the redd cluster and the remainder of the transects, suggesting the CU index better reflected spawning habitat quality than substrate. Incorporation of elevation relative to SZF addressed vulnerability to declining flow during incubation. Both models resulted in maximum WUA within the range of discharges that coincided with the majority of fresh cutthroat trout redds in Skookum Creek.
Multiple graphdiyne‐like chains self‐assemble into carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wang Rui , Yang Houbo , Zhang Danhui , Sun Xuemei , Zhang Dengbo , Shi Jianhui , Liang Ruquan , Liu Anmin
Published: February 2024

The formation process of core–shell structure from multiple graphdiyne‐like chains and carbon nanotube is investigated by a molecular dynamics simulation. Multiple graphdiyne‐like chains self‐curl into helical structures located inside carbon nanotubes. The entire process involves two steps: sliding and twisting. A detailed analysis is conducted on the formation mechanism. Both the van der Waals potential well and the π–π stacking interaction between carbon nanotube and graphdiyne‐like chains play a major role in the self‐assemble process. Furthermore, the influence factors such as the number of graphdiyne‐like chains, the diameter of carbon nanotube, the length of carbon nanotube, the length of graphdiyne‐like chains, and the simulation temperature is also investigated. The research results are an important theoretical basis for manufacturing high‐quality carbon nanomaterials and other novel nanostructures.
A Functionally Asymmetric Janus Hygro‐Photothermal Hybrid for Atmospheric Water Harvesting in Arid Regions
Authors: Chen Weicheng , Liu Yangxi , Xu Bolin , Ganesan Muthusankar , Tan Bingqiong , Tan Yuxuan , Luo Fan , Liang Xianghui , Wang Shuangfeng , Gao Xuenong , Zhang Zhengguo , Ye Ruquan , Leung Dennis Y. C. , Ravi Sai Kishore , Fang Yutang
Published: February 2024

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are high‐performance adsorbents for atmospheric water harvesting but have poor water‐desorption ability, requiring excess energy input to release the trapped water. Addressing this issue, a Janus‐structured adsorbent with functional asymmetry is presented. The material exhibits contrasting functionalities on either face – a hygroscopic face interfaced with a photothermal face. Hygroscopic aluminum fumarate MOF and photothermal CuxS layers are in‐situ grown on opposite sides of a Cu/Al bimetallic substrate, resulting in a CuxS‐Cu/Al‐MOF Janus hygro‐photothermal hybrid. The two faces serve as independent “factories” for photothermal conversion and water adsorption‐desorption respectively, while the interfacing bimetallic layer serves as a “heat conveyor belt” between them. Due to the high porosity and hydrophilicity of the MOF, the hybrid exhibits a water‐adsorption capacity of 0.161 g g−1 and a fast adsorption rate (saturation within 52 min) at 30% relative humidity. Thanks to the photothermal CuxS, the hybrid can reach 71.5 °C under 1 Sun in 20 min and desorb 97% adsorbed water in 40 min, exhibiting a high photothermal conversion efficiency of over 90%. CuxS‐Cu/Al‐MOF exhibits minimal fluctuations after 200 cycles, and its water‐generation capacity is 3.21 times that of powdery MOF in 3 h in a self‐designed prototype in one cycle.
A Contrast‐Enhanced Tri‐Modal MRI Technique for High‐Performance Hypoxia Imaging of Breast Cancer
Authors: Mao Quanliang , Gu Mengyin , Hong Chengyuan , Wang Huiying , Ruan Xinzhong , Liu Zhusheng , Yuan Bo , Xu Mengting , Dong Chen , Mou Lei , Gao Xiang , Tang Guangyu , Chen Tianxiang , Wu Aiguo , Pan Yuning
Published: February 2024

Personalized radiotherapy strategies enabled by the construction of hypoxia‐guided biological target volumes (BTVs) can overcome hypoxia‐induced radioresistance by delivering high‐dose radiotherapy to targeted hypoxic areas of the tumor. However, the construction of hypoxia‐guided BTVs is difficult owing to lack of precise visualization of hypoxic areas. This study synthesizes a hypoxia‐responsive T1, T2, T2 mapping tri‐modal MRI molecular nanoprobe (SPION@ND) and provides precise imaging of hypoxic tumor areas by utilizing the advantageous features of tri‐modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SPION@ND exhibits hypoxia‐triggered dispersion‐aggregation structural transformation. Dispersed SPION@ND can be used for routine clinical BTV construction using T1‐contrast MRI. Conversely, aggregated SPION@ND can be used for tumor hypoxia imaging assessment using T2‐contrast MRI. Moreover, by introducing T2 mapping, this work designs a novel method (adjustable threshold‐based hypoxia assessment) for the precise assessment of tumor hypoxia confidence area and hypoxia level. Eventually this work successfully obtains hypoxia tumor target and accurates hypoxia tumor target, and achieves a one‐stop hypoxia‐guided BTV construction. Compared to the positron emission tomography‐based hypoxia assessment, SPION@ND provides a new method that allows safe and convenient imaging of hypoxic tumor areas in clinical settings.
Carboxyl‐Decorated UiO‐66 Supporting Pd Nanoparticles for Efficient Room‐Temperature Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin Derivatives
Authors: Yangcheng Ruixue , Li Jingwei , He Jiadai , Zheng Yuxin , Yu Haijie , Chen Cailing , Wang Jianjian
Published: February 2024

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin derivatives at room‐temperature (RT) is still of challenge due to the lack of satisfactory activity reported in previous literature. Here, it is successfully designed a Pd/UiO‐66‐(COOH)2 catalyst by using UiO‐66‐(COOH)2 as the support with uncoordinated carboxyl groups. This catalyst, featuring a moderate Pd loading, exhibited exceptional activity in RT HDO of vanillin (VAN, a typical model lignin derivative) to 2‐methoxyl‐4‐methylpheonol (MMP), and >99% VAN conversion with >99% MMP yield is achieved, which is the first metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐based catalyst realizing the goal of RT HDO of lignin derivatives, surpassing previous reports in the literature. Detailed investigations reveal a linear relationship between the amount of uncoordinated carboxyl group and MMP yield. These uncoordinated carboxyl groups accelerate the conversion of intermediate such as vanillyl alcohol (VAL), ultimately leading to a higher yield of MMP over Pd/UiO‐66‐(COOH)2 catalyst. Furthermore, Pd/UiO‐66‐(COOH)2 catalyst also exhibits exceptional reusability and excellent substrate generality, highlighting its promising potential for further biomass utilization.
Imparting Chemiresistor with Humidity‐Independent Sensitivity toward Trace‐Level Formaldehyde via Substitutional Doping Platinum Single Atom
Authors: Wang Ningyi , Liu Zihe , Zhou Yun , Zhao Liupeng , Kou Xueying , Wang Tianshuang , Wang Yanchao , Sun Peng , Lu Geyu
Published: February 2024

The modification of metal oxides with noble metals is one of the most effective means of improving gas‐sensing performance of chemiresistors, but it is often accompanied by unintended side effects such as sensor resistance increases up to unmeasurable levels. Herein, a carbonization–oxidation method is demonstrated using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique to realize platinum (Pt) single atom (SA) substitutional doping into SnO2 (named PtSA‐SnO2). The substitutional doping strategy can obviously enhance gas‐sensing properties, and meanwhile decrease sensor resistance by two orders of magnitude (decreased from ≈850 to ≈2 MΩ), which are attributed to the tuning of band gap and fermi‐level position, efficient single atom catalysis, and the raising of adsorption capability of formaldehyde, as validated by the state‐of‐the‐art characterizations, such as spherical aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs‐corrected STEM), in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transformed spectra (in situ DRIFT), CO temperature‐programmed reduction (CO‐TPR), and theoretical calculations. As a proof of concept, the developed PtSA‐SnO2 sensor shows humidity‐independent (30–70% relative humidity) gas‐sensing performance in the selective detection of formaldehyde with high response, distinguishable selectivity (8< Sformaldehyde/Sinterferant <14), and ultra‐low detection limit (10 ppb). This work presents a generalized and facile method to design high‐performance metal oxides for chemical sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Multifunctional Sandwich‐Structured Super‐Hygroscopic Zinc‐Based MOF‐Overlayed Cooling Wearables for Special Personal Thermal Management
Authors: Li Wulong , Zhang Yaoxin , Guo Shuai , Yu Zhen , Kang Jialiang , Li Zhanxiong , Wei Lei , Tan Swee Ching
Published: February 2024

Personal protective equipment pays attention exclusively to external safety protection and ignores the internal thermoregulation of physiological state in association with sweating. Herein, a super‐hygroscopic calcium‐doped poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) and superhydrophobic metal‐organic‐framework‐overlayed wearables (Ca‐PSS/MOF) integrated cooling wearable is proposed for special personal thermal management (PTM). Compared to the pristine fabric, the superhydrophobic MOF wearables exhibit anti‐fouling and antibacterial capabilities, and the antibacterial efficiency is up to 99.99% and 98.99% against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. More importantly, Ca‐PSS/MOF demonstrate significant heat index changes up to 25.5 °C by reducing relative humidity dramatically from 91.0% to 60.0% and temperature from 36.5 to 31.6 °C during the running test. The practical feasibility of the Ca‐PSS/MOF cooling wearables is well proved with the protective suit of the fireman. Owing to these multifunctional merits, the sandwich‐structured cooling Ca‐PSS/MOF are expected to provide new insights for designing the next‐generation multifunctional apparel for PTM.
Stability Strategies and Applications of Iodide Perovskites
Authors: Lei Yuchen , Zhang Yaofang , Huo Jiale , Ding Fei , Yan Yu , Shen Yan , Li Xiang , Kang Weimin , Yan Zirui
Published: February 2024

Iodide perovskites have demonstrated their unprecedented high efficiency and commercialization potential, and their superior optoelectronic properties, such as high absorption coefficient, high carrier mobility, and narrow direct bandgap, have attracted much attention, especially in solar cells, photodetectors, and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). However, whether it is organic iodide perovskite, organic–inorganic hybrid iodide perovskite or all‐inorganic iodide perovskite the stability of these iodide perovskites is still poor and the contamination is high. In recent years, scholars have studied more iodide perovskites to improve their stability as well as optoelectronic properties from various angles. This paper systematically reviews the strategies (component engineering, additive engineering, dimensionality reduction engineering, and phase mixing engineering) used to improve the stability of iodide perovskites and their applications in recent years.
pH‐Modulated 1D Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of a Brush‐Like Poly‐Para‐Phenylene Homopolymer
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Liu Bohao , Xu Fugui , Ning Lijian , Zhou Qian , Zhang Qichun , Mai Yiyong , Gong Qiuyu , Huang Yinjuan
Published: February 2024

The controllable self‐assembly of conjugated homopolymers, especially homopolymers without other segments (a prerequisite for phase separation), which can afford chances to achieve tunable optical/electronic properties, remains a great challenge due to their poor solubility and has remained rarely documented. Herein, a conjugated homopolymer (DPPP‐COOH) is synthesized, which has a unique brush‐like structure with a conjugated dendritic poly‐para‐phenylene (DPPP) backbone and alkyl‐carboxyl side chains at both edges of the backbone. The introduction of carboxyl makes the brush‐like homopolymer exhibit pH‐modulated 1D hierarchical self‐assembly behavior in dilute solution, and allows for flexible morphological regulation of the assemblies, forming some uncommon superstructures including ultralong nanowires (at pH 7), superhelices (at pH 10) and “single‐wall” nanotubes (at pH 13), respectively. Furthermore, the good aqueous dispersibility and 1D feature endow the superstructures formed in a high‐concentration neutral solution with high broad‐spectrum antibacterial performance superior to that of many conventional 1D materials.
Boosting Kesterite Solar Cell Performance with Tantalum Oxide Passivation Layer and In Situ Formed Point Contacts
Authors: Huang Wei‐Chih , Chi Chong‐Chi , Lin Chieh (Jeff) , Ouyang Chuenhou (Hao) , Lin Tzu‐Ying , Lai Chih‐Huang
Published: February 2024

Kesterite solar cells often suffer from low open‐circuit voltage due to interface recombination. To address this, a passivation approach is explored using a dielectric layer between the absorber and buffer layer, coupled with a point contact structure. In this method, carrier transport is enabled through point contacts while effectively passivating regions covered by oxide. In this study, although forming point contacts on the front surface poses processing challenges, a novel solution is presented. Herein, in situ formed ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) during Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) absorber fabrication is utilized as a nanomask for front surface point contacts. A thin TaOx layer, acting as the passivation layer, is deposited over the CZTSSe surface with ZnS NPs by using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The selective removal of these NPs by deionized water soaking creates size‐controlled point contacts without damaging the absorber surface. In this approach, the first successful implementation of TaOx in enhancing CZTSSe solar cell efficiency, which jumps from 6.17% to 9.02% due to this strategy, is marked. The passivation mechanism involves sodium attraction during ALD, reduced interface defects, and the generation of positive fixed oxide charges. In this innovative method, not only solar cell efficiency is improved but new insights are also provided into using secondary phases as nanomasks in interface engineering.
Enhancing Organic–Inorganic Perovskite Thin Film Crystallization via Vapor–Solid Reaction by Modifying PbI2 Precursors Films with Pyridinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate
Authors: Zhong Jialing , Zhang Lixin , Chen Yuanyuan , Kong Anqi , Tan Qiang , Fan Junshuai , Peng Yong , Liang Guijie , Ku Zhiliang
Published: February 2024

The vapor–solid reaction technique holds potential for producing large‐scale organic–inorganic perovskite films, using a two‐step deposition process. The sucess of perovskite formation heavily relies on the crystallization of lead iodide (PbI2) precursor films. However, the high crystallinity of PbI2 can hinder organic vapors' diffusion and negatively affecting the solar cells by increasing charge recombination and accelerating degradation. To address this, pyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate (PTFS) is introduced into the PbI2 precursor solution to control the nucleation and growth of PbI2 films. PTFS has been found to effectively suppresses PbI2 crystallization and enhance the integration of formamidinium ion (FA+) through hydrogen bonding, facilitating the full transformation of PbI2 into perovskite. It also minimizes defect formation by interacting with uncoordinated Pb2+ and FA+ ions. These modifications have significantly enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE), reaching up to 21.19%, and the devices have maintained 93% of their initial performance after 1580 h of exposure to air.
Data‐Driven and Cell‐Specific Determination of Nuclei‐Associated Actin Structure
Authors: Nikitina Nina , Bursa Nurbanu , Goelzer Matthew , Goldfeldt Madison , Crandall Chase , Howard Sean , Rubin Janet , Zavala Anamaria , Satici Aykut , Uzer Gunes
Published: February 2024

Quantitative volumetric assessment of filamentous actin (F‐actin) fibers remains challenging due to their interconnected nature, leading researchers to utilize threshold‐based or qualitative measurement methods with poor reproducibility. Herein, a novel machine learning‐based methodology is introduced for accurate quantification and reconstruction of nuclei‐associated F‐actin. Utilizing a convolutional neural network (CNN), actin filaments and nuclei from 3D confocal microscopy images are segmented and then each fiber is reconstructed by connecting intersecting contours on cross‐sectional slices. This allows measurement of the total number of actin filaments and individual actin filament length and volume in a reproducible fashion. Focusing on the role of F‐actin in supporting nucleocytoskeletal connectivity, apical F‐actin, basal F‐actin, and nuclear architecture in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are quantified following the disruption of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes. Disabling LINC in MSCs generates F‐actin disorganization at the nuclear envelope characterized by shorter length and volume of actin fibers contributing a less elongated nuclear shape. The findings not only present a new tool for mechanobiology but introduce a novel pipeline for developing realistic computational models based on quantitative measures of F‐actin.
Supporting newcomer children's cultural transitions with contemporary Canadian picture books
Authors: Li Sunny C. , Adams Brittany
Published: February 2024

This article examines major themes in 24 contemporary Canadian picture books to identify their potential to support children who are newcomers to Canada. Transition to a new country can be challenging for children and picture books are an effective tool for supporting their cultural and often linguistic transition. Through multimodal content analysis, the authors identify major themes that emerge from the visual and textual data in the books. Analysis identified prevailing themes related to family, food, multiculturalism, and geographic information. Each theme offers valuable insights into the diverse perspectives represented in the texts, providing a foundation for meaningful pedagogical applications for immigrant and newcomer children.
Intersectional lens to the study of racism in TESOL leadership: A narrative inquiry of a Nonnative English‐speaking leader (NNESL) exposing epistemological and institutional racism
Authors: Raza Kashif , Eslami Zohreh
Published: February 2024

Racism in TESOL and other academic fields is nothing new, nor are discussions on the topic. However, a majority of the racist encounters discussed in existing literature report on the negative experiences of language teachers and/or students. An area that has historically been ignored and is long due exploration is the negative experiences of nonnative English‐speaking leaders (NNESLs), especially when they lead and/or interact with colleagues among whom ideologies of Whiteness and native English speakerism are dominant. With an aim to fill this gap, this article provides a narrative inquiry of an NNESL's experiences of facing epistemological and institutional racism as she leads a division within an International Branch Campus (IBC) of a U.S. university in an English as an international language (EIL) context in the Middle East. As the NNESL attempts to introduce necessary innovations and policy changes, her capacity as a change maker is questioned, partly due to her nationality, nonnativeness, race, and gender. This article is an attempt to uncover the racial discrimination experienced by NNESLs by providing examples of epistemological and institutional racism embedded in racist discourses and practices, and how it, directly or indirectly, plays a significant role in power relations, institutional structures, and identities, and has implications for the field of TESOL leadership.
Superradiant leptogenesis
Authors: Ghoshal Anish , Perez-Gonzalez Yuber F. , Turner Jessica
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We investigate how superradiance affects the generation of baryon asymmetry in a universe with rotating primordial black holes, considering a scenario where a scalar boson is coupled to the heavy right-handed neutrinos. We identify the regions of the parameter space where the scalar production is enhanced due to superradiance. This enhancement, coupled with the subsequent decay of the scalar into right handed neutrinos, results in the non-thermal creation of lepton asymmetry. We show that successful leptogenesis is achieved for masses of primordial black holes in the range of order O(0.1 g) − O(10 g) and the lightest of the heavy neutrino masses, MN ~ O(1012) GeV. Consequently, regions of the parameter space, which in the case of Schwarzchild PBHs were incompatible with viable leptogenesis, can produce the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry.
From QFT to Boltzmann: freeze-in in the presence of oscillating condensates
Authors: Ai Wen-Yuan , Beniwal Ankit , Maggi Angelo , Marsh David J. E.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Scalar dark matter (DM), and axions in particular, have an irreducible abundance of particles produced by freeze-in due to portal interactions with the Standard Model plasma in the early Universe. In addition, vacuum misalignment and other mechanisms can lead to the presence of a cold, oscillating condensate. Therefore, generically, the evolution of the DM in both forms, condensate and particles, needs to be studied simultaneously. In non-equilibrium quantum field theory, the condensate and particles are described by one- and two-point functions, respectively. The fundamental coupled equations of motion (EoMs) of these objects are non-local. To simplify the EoMs and bring them into a familiar form for relic abundance calculations, we perform a Markovianization process for a quasi-harmonically oscillating homogeneous condensate, leading to local EoMs for the particle distribution function and the envelope function of condensate oscillation. This reduces the dynamics to a pair of coupled Boltzmann equations, and we derive explicitly the form of the collision operators for all particle and condensate interactions.
Island formula from Wald-like entropy with backreaction
Authors: Hirano Shinji
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We propose a Lorentzian derivation of the generalized entropy associated with the island formula for black holes as a Wald-like entropy without reference to the exterior non-gravitating region or field-theoretic von Neumann entropy of Hawking radiation in a fixed curved spacetime background. We illustrate this idea by studying two-dimensional black holes in the Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity and the Russo-Susskind-Thorlacius model in which Hawking radiation is represented by conformal scalars. With some prescriptions assumed, we show that the generalized entropy for the island formula can be reproduced as the Wald-like entropy of the two-dimensional dilaton-gravity theories upon the inclusion of the backreaction from Hawking radiation described by conformal anomaly. We give a discussion on how a similar idea can be applied to higher-dimensional black holes. It is emphasized that the generalized entropy is obtained in a fully gravitational fashion, yet it yields the same Page curve as that of the half-gravitational set-up. We argue that the results in this paper exacerbate the issues raised in the work of massive islands and inconsistency of islands in theories of long-range gravity.
Cobordism and bubbles of anything in the string landscape
Authors: Friedrich Bjoern , Hebecker Arthur , Walcher Johannes
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We study bubble of nothing decays and their reverse processes, the creation of vacua through ‘bubbles of something’, in models of the Universe based on string theory. From the four-dimensional perspective, the corresponding gravitational instantons contain an end-of-the-world (ETW) boundary or brane, realized by the internal manifold shrinking to zero size. The existence of such ETW branes is predicted by the Cobordism Conjecture. We develop the 4d EFT description of such boundaries at three levels: first, by generalizing the Witten bubble through an additional defect. Second, by replacing the compact S1 with a Calabi-Yau orientifold and allowing it to shrink and disappear through a postulated defect. Third, we describe an ETW brane construction for type IIB Calabi-Yau orientifold compactifications with O3/O7 planes through an appropriate additional O5 orientifolding. Our 4d EFT formalism allows us to compute the decay/creation rates for bubbles of anything depending on two parameters: the size of the relevant defect and its tension a.k.a. the induced (generalized) deficit angle.
Sub-GeV dark matter search at ILC beam dumps
Authors: Asai Kento , Iwamoto Sho , Perelstein Maxim , Sakaki Yasuhito , Ueda Daiki
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Light dark matter particles may be produced in electron and positron beam dumps of the International Linear Collider (ILC). We propose an experimental setup to search for such events, the Beam-Dump eXperiment at the ILC (ILC-BDX). The setup consists of a muon shield placed behind the beam dump, followed by a multi-layer tracker and an electromagnetic calorimeter. The calorimeter can detect electron recoils due to elastic scattering of dark matter particles produced in the dump, while the tracker is sensitive to decays of excited dark-sector states into the dark matter particle. We study the production, decay and scattering of sub-GeV dark matter particles in this setup in several models with a dark photon mediator. Taking into account beam-related backgrounds due to neutrinos produced in the beam dump as well as the cosmic-ray background, we evaluate the sensitivity reach of the ILC-BDX experiment. We find that the ILC-BDX will be able to probe interesting regions of the model parameter space and, in many cases, reach well below the relic target.
Heron’s Formula in Higher Dimensions
Authors: Havel Timothy F.
Published: February 2024

This paper shows how geometric algebra can be used to derive a novel generalization of Heron’s classical formula for the area of a triangle in the plane to higher dimensions. It begins by illustrating some of the many ways in which the conformal model of three-dimensional Euclidean space yields provocative insights into some of our most basic intuitive notions of solid geometry. It then uses this conceptual framework to elucidate the geometric meaning of Heron’s formula in the plane, and explains in detail how it extends naturally to the volumes of tetrahedra in space. The paper closes by outlining a proof of a previously conjectured extension of the formula to the hyper-volumes of simplices in all dimensions.
Vector spaces with a union of independent subspaces
Authors: Berarducci Alessandro , Mamino Marcello , Mennuni Rosario
Published: February 2024

We study the theory of K-vector spaces with a predicate for the union X of an infinite family of independent subspaces. We show that if K is infinite then the theory is complete and admits quantifier elimination in the language of K-vector spaces with predicates for the n-fold sums of X with itself. If K is finite this is no longer true, but we still have that a natural completion is near-model-complete.
Static bending analysis of a transversely cracked strip tapered footing on a two-parameter soil using a new beam finite element
Authors: Imamović Denis , Skrinar Matjaž
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a new beam Euler–Bernoulli finite element for the transverse static bending analysis of cracked slender strip tapered footings on an elastic two-parameter soil is presented. Standard Hermitian cubic interpolation functions are selected to derive the closed-form expressions of complete stiffness matrix and the load vector. The efficiency of the proposed finite element is verified on an example with several width tapering variations of a simple cracked footing with the results of governing differential equation. Another novelty of this study is improved bending moment functions with included discontinuity conditions at the crack location. These functions now accurately describe the bending moments in the vicinity of the crack of the finite element.
$$\ell ^1$$-summability and Fourier series of B-splines with respect to their knots
Authors: Buhmann Martin , Jäger Janin , Xu Yuan
Published: February 2024

We study the $$\ell ^1$$

ℓ
1

-summability of functions in the d-dimensional torus $${{\mathbb {T}}}^d$$

T

d

and so-called $$\ell ^1$$

ℓ
1

-invariant functions. Those are functions on the torus whose Fourier coefficients depend only on the $$\ell ^1$$

ℓ
1

-norm of their indices. Such functions are characterized as divided differences that have $$\cos {\theta }_1,\ldots ,\cos {\theta }_d$$

cos

θ
1

,
…
,
cos

θ
d

as knots for $$({\theta }_1\,\ldots , {\theta }_d) \in {{\mathbb {T}}}^d$$

(

θ
1

…
,

θ
d

)

∈

T

d

. It leads us to consider the d-dimensional Fourier series of univariate B-splines with respect to its knots, which turns out to enjoy a simple bi-orthogonality that can be used to obtain an orthogonal series of the B-spline function.
Accuracy of automated segmentation and volumetry of acute intracerebral hemorrhage following minimally invasive surgery using a patch-based convolutional neural network in a small dataset
Authors: Elsheikh Samer , Elbaz Ahmed , Rau Alexander , Demerath Theo , Fung Christian , Kellner Elias , Urbach Horst , Reisert Marco
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In cases of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) volume estimation is of prognostic and therapeutic value following minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The ABC/2 method is widely used, but suffers from inaccuracies and is time consuming. Supervised machine learning using convolutional neural networks (CNN), trained on large datasets, is suitable for segmentation tasks in medical imaging. Our objective was to develop a CNN based machine learning model for the segmentation of ICH and of the drain and volumetry of ICH following MIS of acute supratentorial ICH on a relatively small dataset.

Methods

Ninety two scans were assigned to training (n = 29 scans), validation (n = 4 scans) and testing (n = 59 scans) datasets. The mean age (SD) was 70 (± 13.56) years. Male patients were 36. A hierarchical, patch-based CNN for segmentation of ICH and drain was trained. Volume of ICH was calculated from the segmentation mask.

Results

The best performing model achieved a Dice similarity coefficient of 0.86 and 0.91 for the ICH and drain respectively. Automated ICH volumetry yielded high agreement with ground truth (Intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94 [95% CI: 0.91, 0.97]). Average difference in the ICH volume was 1.33 mL.

Conclusion

Using a relatively small dataset, originating from different CT-scanners and with heterogeneous voxel dimensions, we applied a patch-based CNN framework and successfully developed a machine learning model, which accurately segments the intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the drains. This provides automated and accurate volumetry of the bleeding in acute ICH treated with minimally invasive surgery.
Green Waste Compost Impacts Microbial Functions Related to Carbohydrate Use and Active Dispersal in Plant Pathogen-Infested Soil
Authors: LeBlanc Nicholas R. , Harrigian Fiona C.
Published: February 2024

The effects of compost on physical and chemical characteristics of soil are well-studied but impacts on soil microbiomes are poorly understood. This research tested effects of green waste compost on bacterial communities in soil infested with the plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. Compost was added to pathogen-infested soil and maintained in mesocosms in a greenhouse experiment and replicated growth chamber experiments. Bacteria and F. oxysporum abundance were quantified using quantitative PCR. Taxonomic and functional characteristics of bacterial communities were measured using shotgun metagenome sequencing. Compost significantly increased bacterial abundance 8 weeks after amendment in one experiment. Compost increased concentrations of chemical characteristics of soil, including phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, and pH. In all experiments, compost significantly reduced abundance of F. oxysporum and altered the taxonomic composition of soil bacterial communities. Sixteen bacterial genera were significantly increased from compost in every experiment, potentially playing a role in pathogen suppression. In all experiments, there was a consistent negative effect of compost on functions related to carbohydrate use and a positive effect on bacteria with flagella. Results from this work demonstrate that compost can reduce the abundance of soilborne plant pathogens and raise questions about the role of microbes in plant pathogen suppression.
Complications and side effects of Wide-Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) in upper limb surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lawand Jad , Hantouly Ashraf , Bouri Fadi , Muneer Mohammad , Farooq Abdulaziz , Hagert Elisabet
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Wide-Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT), a groundbreaking anaesthetic technique resurging in practice, warrants a comprehensive safety analysis for informed adoption. Our study aimed to identify complications/side effects of WALANT upper limb procedures through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

This PROSPERO-registered study was performed with strict adherence to PRISMA guidelines. Embase, OVIDMedline, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched until February 2023. Inclusion criteria involved English articles, reporting complications/side effects in primary WALANT upper limb surgeries. Outcomes included all complications and side effects, data on the anaesthetic mixture, publication year/location, study type, and procedures performed. The meta-analysis employed the Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine Transformation, computed I2 statistics, and utilized common or random effects models for pooled analysis.

Results

2002 studies were identified; 79 studies met the inclusion criteria representing 15,595 WALANT patients. A total of 301 patients had complications, and the meta-analysis using a random effects model provided a complication rate of 1.7% (95% CI: 0.93–2.7%). The most reported complications were superficial infection (41%, n = 123/300), other/specified (12%, n = 37/300), and recurrent disease (6.7%, n = 20/300). A decade-by-decade analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in complication rates spanning the last three decades (p = 0.42). Adding sodium bicarbonate to the anaesthetic solution significantly reduced postoperative complications (p = 0.025).

Conclusion

WALANT has a low overall complication rate of 1.7%, with no significant temporal variation and a significant reduction in complications when sodium bicarbonate is added to the anaesthetic solution. Our findings support the safety of WALANT in upper limb procedures.

Registration

PROSPERO: CRD42023404018.