bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A myoelectric digital twin for fast and realistic modelling in deep learning
Authors: Maksymenko Kostiantyn , Clarke Alexander Kenneth , Mendez Guerra Irene , Deslauriers-Gauthier Samuel , Farina Dario
Published: March 2023

Muscle electrophysiology has emerged as a powerful tool to drive human machine interfaces, with many new recent applications outside the traditional clinical domains, such as robotics and virtual reality. However, more sophisticated, functional, and robust decoding algorithms are required to meet the fine control requirements of these applications. Deep learning has shown high potential in meeting these demands, but requires a large amount of high-quality annotated data, which is expensive and time-consuming to acquire. Data augmentation using simulations, a strategy applied in other deep learning applications, has never been attempted in electromyography due to the absence of computationally efficient models. We introduce a concept of Myoelectric Digital Twin - highly realistic and fast computational model tailored for the training of deep learning algorithms. It enables simulation of arbitrary large and perfectly annotated datasets of realistic electromyography signals, allowing new approaches to muscular signal decoding, accelerating the development of human-machine interfaces.
Cable bacteria with electric connection to oxygen attract flocks of diverse bacteria
Authors: Bjerg Jesper J. , Lustermans Jamie J. M. , Marshall Ian P. G. , Mueller Anna J. , Brokjær Signe , Thorup Casper A. , Tataru Paula , Schmid Markus , Wagner Michael , Nielsen Lars Peter , Schramm Andreas
Published: March 2023

Cable bacteria are centimeter-long filamentous bacteria that conduct electrons via internal wires, thus coupling sulfide oxidation in deeper, anoxic sediment with oxygen reduction in surface sediment. This activity induces geochemical changes in the sediment, and other bacterial groups appear to benefit from the electrical connection to oxygen. Here, we report that diverse bacteria swim in a tight flock around the anoxic part of oxygen-respiring cable bacteria and disperse immediately when the connection to oxygen is disrupted (by cutting the cable bacteria with a laser). Raman microscopy shows that flocking bacteria are more oxidized when closer to the cable bacteria, but physical contact seems to be rare and brief, which suggests potential transfer of electrons via unidentified soluble intermediates. Metagenomic analysis indicates that most of the flocking bacteria appear to be aerobes, including organotrophs, sulfide oxidizers, and possibly iron oxidizers, which might transfer electrons to cable bacteria for respiration. The association and close interaction with such diverse partners might explain how oxygen via cable bacteria can affect microbial communities and processes far into anoxic environments.
Genome mining unveils a class of ribosomal peptides with two amino termini
Authors: Ren Hengqian , Dommaraju Shravan R. , Huang Chunshuai , Cui Haiyang , Pan Yuwei , Nesic Marko , Zhu Lingyang , Sarlah David , Mitchell Douglas A. , Zhao Huimin
Published: March 2023

The era of inexpensive genome sequencing and improved bioinformatics tools has reenergized the study of natural products, including the ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). In recent years, RiPP discovery has challenged preconceptions about the scope of post-translational modification chemistry, but genome mining of new RiPP classes remains an unsolved challenge. Here, we report a RiPP class defined by an unusual (S)-N2,N2-dimethyl-1,2-propanediamine (Dmp)-modified C-terminus, which we term the daptides. Nearly 500 daptide biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were identified by analyzing the RiPP Recognition Element (RRE), a common substrate-binding domain found in half of prokaryotic RiPP classes. A representative daptide BGC from Microbacterium paraoxydans DSM 15019 was selected for experimental characterization. Derived from a C-terminal threonine residue, the class-defining Dmp is installed over three steps by an oxidative decarboxylase, aminotransferase, and methyltransferase. Daptides uniquely harbor two positively charged termini, and thus we suspect this modification could aid in membrane targeting, as corroborated by hemolysis assays. Our studies further show that the oxidative decarboxylation step requires a functionally unannotated accessory protein. Fused to the C-terminus of the accessory protein is an RRE domain, which delivers the unmodified substrate peptide to the oxidative decarboxylase. This discovery of a class-defining post-translational modification in RiPPs may serve as a prototype for unveiling additional RiPP classes through genome mining.
Paternal methotrexate exposure affects sperm small RNA content and causes craniofacial defects in the offspring
Authors: Alata Jimenez Nagif , Castellano Mauricio , Santillan Emilio M. , Boulias Konstantinos , Boan Agustín , Arias Padilla Luisa F. , Fernandino Juan I. , Greer Eric L. , Tosar Juan P. , Cochella Luisa , Strobl-Mazzulla Pablo H.
Published: March 2023

Folate is an essential vitamin for vertebrate embryo development. Methotrexate (MTX) is a folate antagonist that is widely prescribed for autoimmune diseases, blood and solid organ malignancies, and dermatologic diseases. Although it is highly contraindicated for pregnant women, because it is associated with an increased risk of multiple birth defects, the effect of paternal MTX exposure on their offspring has been largely unexplored. Here, we found MTX treatment of adult medaka male fish (Oryzias latipes) causes cranial cartilage defects in their offspring. Small non-coding RNA (sncRNAs) sequencing in the sperm of MTX treated males identify differential expression of a subset of tRNAs, with higher abundance for specific 5′ tRNA halves. Sperm RNA methylation analysis on MTX treated males shows that m5C is the most abundant and differential modification found in RNAs ranging in size from 50 to 90 nucleotides, predominantly tRNAs, and that it correlates with greater testicularDnmt2methyltransferase expression. Injection of sperm small RNA fractions from MTX-treated males into normal fertilized eggs generated cranial cartilage defects in the offspring. Overall, our data suggest that paternal MTX exposure alters sperm sncRNAs expression and modifications that may contribute to developmental defects in their offspring.
A continuum of icy satellites’ radar properties explained by the coherent backscatter effect
Authors: Hofgartner Jason D. , Hand Kevin P.
Published: March 2023

The radar properties of icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn commonly differ by more than an order of magnitude from those of rocky planets because of the lower absorptivity of water ice than that of rock. However, the specific mechanisms behind these differences are not confidently known yet. Here we show that the global radar albedos and the circular polarization ratios of icy satellites are correlated and vary together along a continuum, which is not satisfactorily explained by existing models. We modified a backscatter model that includes the coherent backscatter opposition effect (CBOE) and found that it fits successfully the observed continuum, indicative of CBOE’s primary role in driving the circular polarization ratios of icy satellites. We predict that the linear polarization ratios and the incidence angle variation properties also vary along the observed continuum, and that, globally, Europa and Enceladus have very heterogeneous surfaces/subsurfaces with very little microwave absorption. The modified CBOE model suggests that some worlds beyond Saturn’s orbit that are rich in non-water ices may have even more extreme radar properties.
Novel flexible and conformable composite neutron scintillator based on fully enriched lithium tetraborate
Authors: Pino Felix , Delgado Jessica Carolina , Carturan Sara Maria , Mantovani Giorgia , Polo Matteo , Fabris Daniela , Maggioni Gianluigi , Quaranta Alberto , Moretto Sandra
Published: March 2023

Thermal neutron detection is a key subject for nuclear physics research and also in a wide variety of applications from homeland security to nuclear medicine. In this work, it is proposed a novel flexible and conformable composite thermal neutron scintillator based on a fully enriched Lithium Tetraborate preparation ($$^{6}$$

6

Li$$_2^{10}$$

2
10

B$$_4$$

4

O$$_7$$

7

) combined with a phosphorescent inorganic scintillator powder (ZnS:Ag), and is then distributed into a polydimethylsiloxane matrix. The proposed scintillator shows a good neutron detection efficiency (max. $$\sim$$
∼
57% with respect to the commercial EJ-420), an average light output of $$\sim$$
∼
9000 ph/neutron-capture, a remarkable insensitivity to $$\gamma$$
γ
-rays (Gamma Rejection Ratio <10$$^{-11}$$

-
11

), and an extraordinary flexibility, so as to reach extremely small curvature radii, down to 1.5 mm, with no signs of cracking or tearing. Its characteristics make it suitable to be employed in scenarios where non-standard geometries are needed, for example, to optimize the detector performance and/or maximize the detection efficiency. Finally, the response of a hybrid detector made of a plastic scintillator, wrapped with the proposed scintillator, coupled to a silicon photomultiplier array is described, and the excellent discrimination between $$\gamma$$
γ
-rays, fast and thermal neutrons resulting from data processing is demonstrated.
Simple nested Bayesian hypothesis testing for meta-analysis, Cox, Poisson and logistic regression models
Authors: Rostgaard Klaus
Published: March 2023

Many would probably be content to use Bayesian methodology for hypothesis testing, if it was easy, objective and with trustworthy assumptions. The Bayesian information criterion and some simple bounds on Bayes factor are closest to fit this bill, but with clear limitations. Here we develop an approximation of the so-called Bayes factor applicable in any bio-statistical settings where we have a d-dimensional parameter estimate of interest and the d x d dimensional (co-)variance of it. By design the approximation is monotone in thepvalue. It it thus a tool to transformpvalues into evidence (probabilities of the null and the alternative hypothesis, respectively). It is an improvement on the aforementioned techniques by being more flexible, intuitive and versatile but just as easy to calculate, requiring only statistics that will typically be available: e.g. apvalue or test statistic and the dimension of the alternative hypothesis.
Examining the impacts of DM filters to PFC isolated Ćuk converter for DCM operation by comparing Si and SiC MOSFET
Authors: Şehirli Erdal
Published: March 2023

Examining impacts of differential mode (DM) filter topologies covering pi, LC with damping, LC, LCL filter through isolated Ćuk single phase PFC converter is realized in this paper regarding to power factor, THD and efficiency. Application of PFC isolated Ćuk converter is conducted with 42 kHz switching frequency and 50 W power. Each filter is modeled, designed, and applied experimentally via isolated PFC Ćuk converter. Average model derivation based on state-space, for DCM operation of input side inductor of isolated PFC Ćuk converter that is not introduced in literature is the main contribution of the paper. Second main contribution is to analyze filter types by linear methods for the transfer functions cascading the converter and filter transfer functions, which is not presented for PFC converters. It is also presented that solely LCL filter which is not analyzed for PFC converters in detail in literature, does not give desired results. So, increasing the effectivity of LCL filter, new filter structure LCL with parallel C filter is proposed and modeled in this paper. Thanks to the applications, presented results of LCL with parallel C filter is better than others with 4.9% current THD and ‘1’ power factor. Proposed LCL filter ensures 45% reduction of total inductor value, comparing to LC filter. Besides, LCL with C filter provides better control characteristics with maximum allowable gain for stability as 0.7585 higher than other topologies. Moreover, practical design methodology of filter types avoiding complex mathematical procedure is given in this paper. Applications with each filters provide THD requirements, obtained 4.9% as a best value, lower than IEC61000-3-2 standard. Maximum percentage improvement comparing to the IEC61000-3-2 is 27.5% for third harmonic. Furthermore, SiC and Si Mosfets are employed separately in the converter and compared by using each DM filters regarding to power factor, THD, efficiency through applications. As a result, better efficiency with SiC Mosfet as 83% and better THD with Si Mosfet as 4.9% are conducted.
Pressure-induced second-order phase transition in fluorine
Authors: Rech Giovani L. , Martinotto André L. , Zorzi Janete E. , Perottoni Cláudio A.
Published: March 2023

The relative stability between the crystal structure of α-F2, space groupC2/c, and a hypothesized high-pressure phase, space groupCmce, was explored using Density Functional Theory and further assessed by Quantum Monte Carlo calculations.
Accelerating water evaporation from salty droplets on polar substrate: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Huang Yongfeng , Liang Yingzong , Xu Shun
Published: March 2023

Electrostatic interactions inside a droplet suppress water evaporation. However, interactions induced by a polar substrate promote evaporation, since the interaction decreases the evaporation barrier and enlarges the contact diameter.
Regulatory mechanisms of phytotoxicity and corona formation on sprouts by differently charged and sized polystyrene micro/nano-plastics
Authors: Kang Mengen , Gong Dongqing , Weng Yuzhu , Huang Yue , Chen Yanling , Li Fengjie , Bai Xue
Published: March 2023

The positively charged and small-sized PS MPs/NPs induce stronger phytotoxicity, and enhance root association and corona formation.
Dissolvable templates to prepare Pt-based porous metallic glass for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Liang Xiong , Liu Zehang , Fu Jianan , Zhang Heting , Huang Jinbiao , Ren Shuai , Zhang Zhenxuan , Chen Qing , Xiao Yong , Ruan Wenqing , Ma Jiang
Published: March 2023

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) plays a crucial role in electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices such as metal–air batteries and water electrolyzers.
Understanding the synergistic influence of the propylammonium bromide additive and erbium-doped CsPbI2Br for highly stable inorganic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Patil Jyoti V. , Mali Sawanta S. , Sadale Shivaji B. , Hong Chang Kook
Published: March 2023

Inorganic cesium lead halide perovskites have gained increasing attention to boost photovoltaic performance and device stability.
Development of a two-photon fluorescent probe for imaging hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in living cells and zebrafish
Authors: Xu Chen , Zhang Yukun , Sun Hui , Ai Jindong , Ren Mingguang
Published: March 2023

The probe T-HS was developed as a fluorescent H2S probe using 1,8-naphthylamine as fluorescent platform and azide group as the reaction site, which can be effectively used for fluorescence imaging of endogenous and exogenous H2S in zebrafish and cells.
Nicotinic acid bromide: a simple organic salt optical-electrical ferroelastic with highTc
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Tie , Lun Meng-Meng , Su Chang-Yuan , Zhang Zhi-Xu , Huang Pei-Zhi , Zhang Yi , Teri Gele , Fu Da-Wei
Published: March 2023

A new ferroelastic organic salt nicotinic acid bromide (N–Br) with highTc, reversible ferroelastic transition and white light was obtained by halogen substitution.
Correction: Atmospheric chemistry of (Z)- and (E)-1,2-dichloroethene: kinetics and mechanisms of the reactions with Cl atoms, OH radicals, and O3
Authors: Sulbaek Andersen Mads P. , Volkova Aleksandra , Hass Sofie A. , Lengkong Jonathan W. , Hovanessian Dvien , Sølling Theis I. , Wallington Timothy J. , Nielsen Ole J.
Published: March 2023

Correction for ‘Atmospheric chemistry of (Z)- and (E)-1,2-dichloroethene: kinetics and mechanisms of the reactions with Cl atoms, OH radicals, and O3’ by Mads P. Sulbaek Andersen et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022, 24, 7356–7373, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04877E.
Elimination of unstable residual lead iodide near the buried interface for the stability improvement of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Gao You , Ren Fumeng , Sun Derun , Li Sibo , Zheng Guanhaojie , Wang Jianan , Raza Hasan , Chen Rui , Wang Haixin , Liu Sanwan , Yu Peng , Meng Xin , He Jizhou , Zhou Jing , Hu Xiaodong , Zhang Zhengping , Qiu Longbin , Chen Wei , Liu Zonghao
Published: March 2023

A pre-embedding mixed A-cation halide strategy is developed to eliminate the residual unstable PbI2 and lattice strain near the buried interface of the perovskite layer for the stability improvement of formamidinium-based perovskite solar cells.
Quantifying the local mechanical properties of twisted double bilayer graphene
Authors: Canetta Alessandra , Gonzalez-Munoz Sergio , Nguyen Viet-Hung , Agarwal Khushboo , de Crombrugghe de Picquendaele Pauline , Hong Yuanzhuo , Mohapatra Sambit , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Nysten Bernard , Hackens Benoît , Ribeiro-Palau Rebeca , Charlier Jean-Christophe , Kolosov Oleg Victor , Spièce Jean , Gehring Pascal
Published: March 2023

Twisting two graphene double bilayers creates soft boundaries between different stacking domains. Comparted to the natural stacking order, the measured Young's modulus gets reduced by as much as 18%.
Correction: An efficient metal free synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiozoles – a greener approach
Authors: Ganesh Krithika , Sambasivam Ganesh , Gavara Govindarajulu , S Ramaraj , Rajendra Gaikwad , Karthikeyan S.
Published: March 2023

Correction for ‘An efficient metal free synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiozoles – a greener approach’ by Krithika Ganesh et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2023, 21, 564–568, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2OB01981G.
A Comparison of Voice Amplifiers and Personal Communication Systems for Hypophonia: An Exploration of Communicative Participation
Authors: Page Allyson D. , Schroeder Jessi-Rae , Knowles Thea , Jog Mandar , Adams Scott G.
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate how individuals with hypophonia (HP; also referred to as HP participants) and their primary communication partners (PCPs; also referred to as PCP participants) rate communicative participation before and after experience with a speech amplification device. A secondary purpose was to evaluate pre- and post-device effects on self-rated communicative participation for each of the three speech amplification devices trialed outside of the laboratory.

Method:

Seventeen individuals with HP and their PCPs participated in a crossover design study that compared three different amplification devices: a wired belt-pack amplifier, a wireless stationary amplifier, and a personal frequency modulation (FM) system. Both the individuals with HP and their PCPs self-rated communicative participation at baseline and after trialing each device following 1-week device trial periods at home. Patient-reported outcome measures included the Communicative Effectiveness Survey (CES) and the Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP). Following study completion, participants indicated whether they would like to select a specific device to continue using.

Results:

Overall, HP participants rated communicative participation following device use higher than that in the pre-device condition, with the FM system resulting in the overall highest VAPP ratings and second highest CES ratings. Furthermore, HP and PCP participants rated these measures similarly. Finally, HP participants who selected a device to continue using self-reported lower total communicative effectiveness scores and greater voice activity limitations and participation restrictions at baseline in comparison to the nonselectors.

Conclusions:

This study contributes to an increased understanding of how communicative participation is experienced within this clinical population resulting from speech amplification. It is suggested that the inclusion of participation-based outcome measurement is essential to ensure a multidimensional and comprehensive approach to device prescription for individuals with HP.
The role of the chromospheric magnetic canopy in the formation of a sunspot penumbra
Authors: Lindner P. , Kuckein C. , González Manrique S. J. , Bello González N. , Kleint L. , Berkefeld T.
Published: March 2023

Context. While it is conjectured that a chromospheric canopy plays a role in penumbra formation, it has been difficult to find observational evidence of the connectivity between the photosphere and the chromosphere.

Aims. We investigate the existence of a chromospheric canopy as a necessary condition for the formation of a penumbra. Another aim is to find the origin of the inclined magnetic fields.

Methods. Spectropolarimetric observations of NOAA AR 12776 from the GRIS spectrograph at the GREGOR telescope were analyzed. Atmospheric parameters were obtained from the deep photospheric Ca I 10 839 Å line (VFISV inversion code), the mostly photospheric Si I 10 827 Å line (SIR inversion code), and the chromospheric He I 10 830 Å triplet (HAZEL inversion code). We compared the photospheric and chromospheric magnetic topology of a sunspot sector with a fully-fledged penumbra to a sector where no penumbra formed. Additionally, imaging data from the BBI instrument, attached to the GREGOR telescope, in TiO-band and G-band were analyzed.

Results. In the deepest atmospheric layers, we find that the magnetic properties (inclination and field strength distribution) measured on the sunspot sector with fully-fledged penumbra are similar to those measured on the sector without penumbra. However, in higher layers the magnetic properties are different. In the region showing no penumbra, almost vertical chromospheric magnetic fields are observed. Additionally, thin filamentary structures with a maximum width of 0.1″ are seen in photospheric high-resolution TiO-band images in this region.

Conclusions. The existence of a penumbra is found to be determined by the conditions in the chromosphere. This indicates that a chromospheric canopy is a necessary condition for the formation of a penumbra. However, our results demonstrate that inclined fields in the chromospheric canopy are not needed for the development of inclined fields in the photosphere. We question the “fallen magnetic flux tubes” penumbra formation scenario and favor a scenario in which inclined fields emerge from below the surface and are blocked by the overlying chromospheric canopy.
Changing patterns of business behavior: The Ukrainian experience of adaptation of global accounting and financial mechanisms
Authors: Calinescu Tetyana , Likhonosova Ganna , Zelenko Olena
Published: March 2023

In the context of growing turbulence in economic development, it becomes necessary to determine the main patterns of interaction between business and its counterparties. The purpose of this study is to determine behavior patterns - patterns and eliminate existing obstacles to leveling negative phenomena in the economy and finding conditions for meeting business needs, incentives for further development, improving the quality and standard of living, attracting more financial resources, investments to ensure production. The methodological basis of the study was modern regulatory and legislative sources of formation of accounting and financial mechanisms and patterns in business activity. In the conducted researches, methods of dialectics, methods and principles of scientific knowledge. As a result of the study, the possibility of substantiating the patterns of business behavior that form the system of financial, transactional management and strategic accounting of intellectual property and its structural components based on a complex of conceptual approaches is determined: the theory of intellectual capital, intellectual property valuations, accounting and management, the methodology of net intellectual capital accounting. Conclusions are presented by the optimal variant of pattern changes that corresponds to the selected conditions of adaptation of the accounting and financial mechanism to the conditions of business development can be obtained only on the basis of intuitive selection, appropriate traditional methods, algorithms, strategies, which will be the basis of the set goals and tasks related to the nature of doing business.
The relationship between motives for using a Chatbot and satisfaction with Chatbot characteristics: An exploratory study
Authors: Rieke Tim , Martins Helena
Published: March 2023

Even though there is a growing number of studies focusing on Chatbots and artificial conversations, research lacks studies analyzing Chatbot characteristics and motives for using this technology. This displays a critical gap in the literature that the present study addresses. This work thus attempts to analyze the relationship between motives for using a Chatbot and satisfaction with Chatbot characteristics. Two questionnaires were developed, one to assess satisfaction with Chatbot characteristics, according to the Kano model and another to assessing motives for using Chatbots, based on previous qualitative research. Survey research was directed to the Portuguese population (N=258) and statistical analysis indicated that motives for using Chatbots do not seem to have a clear relationship with satisfaction with Chatbot characteristics. Furthermore, results suggest that equipping Chatbots with human-like characteristics, seems to be indifferent to Portuguese Millennials; instead, speed and accessibility of Chatbots seem to be valued, especially when using this technology for convenience purposes. A discussion on the possible implications for theory and practice on this topic is presented, and clues for future research are suggested.
Research on the development path of China’s cross-border e-commerce industry under the COVID epidemic
Authors: Kučera Jiří , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 epidemic in 2020 has swept the world, bringing great challenges to Chinese cross-border e-commerce industry, as well as opportunities for development. According to my country's economic survey in the first and second quarters of 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic has caused a sharp drop in the transaction volume of Chinese foreign trade industry, while the crossborder e-commerce industry has grown against the trend. Starting from the characteristics of Chinese cross-border e-commerce industry, this article analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on Chinase cross-border e-commerce industry, mainly in the obstruction of logistics and the impact on the global supply chain. Taking Ali International Station as a case analysis, through the formulation of support policies for sellers, investment in digital trade and other measures to help e-commerce sellers to tide over the difficulties, and then put forward suggestions on path selection for Chinese cross-border e-commerce industry to cope with the COVID-19 epidemic.
Tabakentwöhnung bei COPD
Authors: Andreas Stefan , Kotz Daniel , Batra Anil , Hellmann Andreas , Mühlig Stephan , Nowak Dennis , Schultz Konrad , Worth Heinrich , Schüler Sabine
Published: March 2023

Tabakabhängigkeit ist eine häufige Komorbidität bei Patient*innen mit COPD (englisch: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) und hat einen negativen Effekt auf den Verlauf der Erkrankung. Eine klinisch relevante Verbesserung der COPD kann jedoch nur durch vollständige und dauerhafte Abstinenz erreicht werden. Daher ist der Verzicht auf Tabakkonsum ein zentrales Therapiekonzept.

Nach ausführlicher Dokumentation der Rauchgewohnheiten und einer motivierenden Beratung, in der die Risiken des Rauchens aufgezeigt werden, soll allen rauchenden Patient*innen mit COPD eine strukturierte Therapie zur Tabakentwöhnung angeboten werden. Es gibt hochwertige Evidenz für die Wirksamkeit einer Kombinationstherapie aus Verhaltenstherapie und Medikamenten (zur Behandlung des Entzugssyndroms). Aufgrund der aktuell unzureichenden Datenlage gibt es derzeit keine Empfehlung für die Verwendung von E-Zigaretten als primäre Option für einen Entwöhnungsversuch.

Das Rauchen ist die mit Abstand häufigste Ursache der COPD. Die Tabakentwöhnung ist die wirksamste und kosteneffektivste Einzelmaßnahme, um das Risiko der COPD-Entstehung und das Voranschreiten der Erkrankung zu reduzieren.
Pituitary Surgery in Germany – Findings from the European
Pituitary Adenoma Surgery Survey
Authors: Ottenhausen Malte , Conrad Jens , Kalasauskas Darius , Netuka David , Ringel Florian
Published: March 2023

Background Surgery is, next to medical and radiation therapy, the mainstay
therapy for pituitary adenomas. While scientific consensus regarding the key
aspects of pituitary surgery exists among neurosurgeons, procedures are not
standardized and might vary significantly between hospitals and surgeons.

Objective To provide an overview of how neurosurgical departments in
Germany manage pituitary surgery.

Methods Responses from the European Pituitary Adenoma Surgery Survey were
analyzed. The survey contained 60 questions regarding demographics, training,
surgical and endocrinological aspects, and patient management.

Results Sixty neurosurgical centers from Germany responded to the survey.
Among the centers, 35.3% (n=18) exclusively use the microscopic
and 31.1% (n=14) the endoscopic technique; all other centers
(n=28) use both approaches. Of responding centers, 20%
(n=12) perform less than 10 transsphenoidal pituitary surgeries per
year, and 1.7% (n=1), more than 100 operations. The number of
transcranial pituitary operations is significantly smaller, with 53.3%
of centers performing only 0–2 per year, 35% performing
3–5, and only one center (1.7%) performing more than 15
transcranial operations per year. In 8 centers (13.3%), surgeries are
always performed together with an ENT surgeon; in 29 centers (48.4%) ENT
surgeons are never involved. In most centers (n=54, 90%)
intraoperative MRI is not available. Image guidance (with preoperative CT
and/or MRI data) is used by 91.7% of respondents (n=55).
Forty-two centers (72.4%) routinely prescribe hydrocortisone after
pituitary surgery, and 75% (n=45) have pituitary board meetings
with endocrinologists, radiologists, and radiosurgeons. Fifty-two
(86.7%) respondents perform the first follow-up scan by MRI 3–4
months after surgery.

Conclusions The data showed differences as well as similarities between
centers and could help to discuss the standardization of methods and the
formation of networks and certification to improve patient care.
Novel Immunochromatographic Test for Anti-factor XIII B Subunit Autoantibodies to Diagnose Autoimmune Acquired Factor XIII Deficiency
Authors: Osaki Tsukasa , Yokoyama Chikako , Magari Yasuo , Souri Masayoshi , Ichinose Akitada
Published: March 2023

Autoimmune factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency (AiF13D) is an acquired life-threatening bleeding disorder due to anti-FXIII autoantibodies (autoAbs). We previously established an immunochromatographic test (ICT) for detection of anti-FXIII-A subunit (FXIII-A) autoAbs. Conversely, the detection of anti-FXIII-B subunit (FXIII-B) autoAbs is currently performed in a limited number of medical facilities through time-consuming and expensive laboratory tests, such as dot-blotting analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Accordingly, in this study, we generated eight rat monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human FXIII-B using the rat lymph node method. By employing an ELISA, two mAbs, 2G12B10 and 8H12B9, were selected considering the distance between the recognition regions of each mAb (the 6th and 9th–10th Sushi domain, respectively) and the strength of their reactivity. Using this mAb combination, we prototyped an ICT to detect anti-FXIII-B autoAbs and distinguish between AiF13D and “nonimmune” acquired FXIII deficiency (acF13D), and tested it with 22 healthy controls, 23 acF13D patients, 15 AiF13D patients without anti-FXIII-B autoAbs, and 8 AiF13D patients with anti-FXIII-B autoAbs. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses of ICTs for anti-FXIII-B autoAbs were performed and revealed a precision similar to dot-blot analysis. Human anti-FXIII-A mAbs were also generated from a single patient with AiF13D using a new cDNA cloning method, and their binding properties were characterized. Consequently, anti-FXIII-A immunoglobulin G preparations were established as potentially permanent positive controls of ICT for anti-FXIII-A antibodies. Combining the previously developed ICT for anti-FXIII-A autoAbs and the novel ICT for anti-FXIII-B autoAbs may reduce false negatives and lead to appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Antithrombotic Effects of the Novel Small-Molecule Factor XIa Inhibitor Milvexian in a Rabbit Arteriovenous Shunt Model of Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Wang Xinkang , Li Qiu , Du Fuyong , Shukla Neetu , Nawrocki Andrea R. , Chintala Madhu
Published: March 2023

Background Factor XIa (FXIa) is an emerging therapeutic target, and FXIa inhibition is a promising mechanism to improve therapeutic index over current anticoagulants. Milvexian (BMS-986177/JNJ-70033093) is an oral small-molecule FXIa inhibitor.

Objective Milvexian's antithrombotic efficacy was characterized in a rabbit arteriovenous (AV) shunt model of venous thrombosis and compared with the factor Xa inhibitor apixaban and the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran.

Methods The AV shunt model of thrombosis was conducted in anesthetized rabbits. Vehicle or drugs were administered as intravenous bolus plus a continuous infusion. Thrombus weight was the primary efficacy endpoint. Ex vivo activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT) were measured as the pharmacodynamic responses.

Results Milvexian dose dependently reduced thrombus weights by 34.3 ± 7.9, 51.6 ± 6.8 (p < 0.01; n = 5), and 66.9 ± 4.8% (p < 0.001; n = 6) versus vehicle at 0.25 + 0.17, 1.0 + 0.67, and 4.0 ± 2.68 mg/kg bolus + mg/kg/h infusion, respectively. Ex vivo clotting data supported a dose-dependent prolongation of aPTT (with 1.54-, 2.23-, and 3.12-fold increases from baseline upon the AV shunt start), but no changes in PT and TT. Dose-dependent inhibition in thrombus weight and clotting assays was also demonstrated for both apixaban and dabigatran as the references for the model validation.

Conclusion Results demonstrate that milvexian is an effective anticoagulant for prevention of venous thrombosis in the rabbit model, which supports the utility of milvexian in venous thrombosis, as seen in the phase 2 clinical study.
Visible-Light-Mediated Regioselective Chlorosulfonylation of Acrylamides
Authors: Merino Estíbaliz , Zurro Mercedes , Torres-Oya Sergio , Otárola Guillermo G. , Vaquero Juan José
Published: March 2023

A one-step chlorosulfonylation of acrylamides via a photocatalytic redox process is described. This reaction provides α-chlorosulfonylamides with a quaternary center with high regioselectivity via radical process. It is amenable to a broad range of substrates and the products are obtained in moderate to good yields.
Structure of mycobacterial respiratory complex I
Authors: Liang Yingke , Plourde Alicia , Bueler Stephanie A. , Liu Jun , Brzezinski Peter , Vahidi Siavash , Rubinstein John L.
Published: March 2023

Oxidative phosphorylation, the combined activity of the electron transport chain (ETC) and adenosine triphosphate synthase, has emerged as a valuable target for the treatment of infection by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and other mycobacteria. The mycobacterial ETC is highly branched with multiple dehydrogenases transferring electrons to a membrane-bound pool of menaquinone and multiple oxidases transferring electrons from the pool. The proton-pumping type I nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase (Complex I) is found in low abundance in the plasma membranes of mycobacteria in typical in vitro culture conditions and is often considered dispensable. We found that growth of
Mycobacterium smegmatis
in carbon-limited conditions greatly increased the abundance of Complex I and allowed isolation of a rotenone-sensitive preparation of the enzyme. Determination of the structure of the complex by cryoEM revealed the “orphan” two-component response regulator protein MSMEG_2064 as a subunit of the assembly. MSMEG_2064 in the complex occupies a site similar to the proposed redox-sensing subunit NDUFA9 in eukaryotic Complex I. An apparent purine nucleoside triphosphate within the NuoG subunit resembles the GTP-derived molybdenum cofactor in homologous formate dehydrogenase enzymes. The membrane region of the complex binds acyl phosphatidylinositol dimannoside, a characteristic three-tailed lipid from the mycobacterial membrane. The structure also shows menaquinone, which is preferentially used over ubiquinone by gram-positive bacteria, in two different positions along the quinone channel, comparable to ubiquinone in other structures and suggesting a conserved quinone binding mechanism.
Potential Psychosocial Explanations for the Impact of Pet Ownership on Human Well-Being: Evaluating and Expanding Current Hypotheses
Authors: Barcelos Ana Maria , Kargas Niko , Maltby John , Mills Daniel S.
Published: March 2023

There is a set of hypotheses commonly used in the literature to explain how pets affect human well-being (e.g., pets as social catalysts). Many studies are reported as giving results consistent with one or more of these, but they may not appear to be sufficient to explain the impacts of several pet-related activities on owner well-being. Confirmation bias may also overshadow the consideration of alternative mechanisms. This report aims to review and evaluate a range of psychosocial hypotheses that might help to explain how pets affect the well-being of their owners. This included a theoretical testing of the hypotheses against the recurring themes which emerged from four previously published qualitative frameworks relating to pet-related activities and their well-being outcomes. Twelve psychosocial hypotheses were generated and evaluated using this process: (1) social catalyst-repellent, (2) emotional contagion and empathy, (3) social support, (4) biophilia, (5) attributed fault, (6) social norms, (7) annoyance by noises, (8) routine, (9) caring, (10) exercise, (11) learning, and (12) affective touch. Only three presented potentially contradictory evidence (i.e., social catalyst-repellent, routine, and caring hypotheses), but closer examination revealed that these could not be rejected. These twelve hypotheses are a source of reference for a broader consideration of how pets might affect human well-being. Researchers are encouraged to use, test and/or challenge these hypotheses using established methods of scientific falsification in order to identify which are of the most important in relation to specific owner well-being outcomes.
Research on high temperature performance of pressure sensor
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiang , Pan Shuliang , Memon Maria Muzamil , Liu Qiong , Wang Tao , Zhang Wanli
Published: March 2023

This work proposes a molybdenum (Mo) based pressure sensor capable of operating at temperatures higher than 300 °C. The sensor utilizes a 30 μm thick rectangular pressure-sensitive film and 2 μm thick gate Mo resistors to form a Wheatstone bridge structure to enhance pressure sensing. Finite element analysis (FEA) has been performed to design the sensor and analyze the pressure and temperature effect. The developed sensor with the excitation of 1 V voltage exhibits excellent performance characteristics at room temperature (25 °C), including a sensitivity of 0.05689 mV V−1 kPa−1, 0.15% full scale (FS) accuracy, a nonlinearity of 0.79% FS, and 0.02% FS repeatability. The thermal zero shift of −0.13% FS/°C is obtained in the 25 °C to 300 °C temperature range. The simulation findings illustrate that the thermal mismatch weakens the thermal zero shift by +0.012‰ FS/°C, while the deviation of the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and initial resistivity (

ρ

T
0

) aggravate the thermal zero shift by −0.139% FS/°C. Among both, the deviation of

ρ

T
0

and TCR is the major contributor to thermal zero shift. Moreover, it was found that the Seebeck effect caused by the on-chip temperature gradient also affects the accuracy of the sensor. A temperature difference of 5.4 °C produces a thermoelectric potential of 37.95 μV equivalent to a pressure of 670 Pa loading on the chip. Besides, the response characteristics of the sensor at different temperature rates were investigated.
Frequency scanning interferometry based deformation monitoring system for the alignment of the FCC-ee machine detector interface
Authors: Watrelot Léonard , Sosin Mateusz , Durand Stéphane
Published: March 2023

In a particle accelerator, two particle beams are accelerated and collided at one or several physics detectors. The machine detector interface (MDI) is the place where the accelerator ring is linked to the physics detector. It is the area where the alignment requirements are the most stringent, and the MDI of the lepton version of the future circular collider (FCC-ee) is no exception. It will implement a complex design and alignment requirement for typical components in the MDI are of the order of 30 μm. Until now, no working solutions have been proposed for the alignment of such MDI. In this contribution, two different systems are studied: the Surveillance d’Ouvrages par Fibre Optique (Structural Monitoring by Optical Fibers, SOFO) and the in-lined multiplexed and distributed frequency scanning interferometry (FSI). Both systems allow individual and simultaneous distance measurements of multiple portions along a fiber, and a new system using the FSI technology is proposed for the alignment monitoring. Using a network of helical shaped fiber allows the measurement of deformations if a sufficient amount of fibers is placed on the cylinder. With a sensor measurement accuracy of 1 μm, 3D coordinates of points at the end of a 4 m long and 0.25 m radius cylinder (FCC-ee MDI dimensions) can be determined at an accuracy under 5 μm. This system will provide a link between the alignment of the final focusing quadrupoles and the rest of the machine.
Correlation properties of a one-dimensional repulsive Bose gas at finite temperature
Authors: De Rosi Giulia , Rota Riccardo , Astrakharchik Grigori E , Boronat Jordi
Published: March 2023

We present a comprehensive study shedding light on how thermal fluctuations affect correlations in a Bose gas with contact repulsive interactions in one spatial dimension. The pair correlation function, the static structure factor, and the one-body density matrix are calculated as a function of the interaction strength and temperature with the exact ab-initio Path Integral Monte Carlo method. We explore all possible gas regimes from weak to strong interactions and from low to high temperatures. We provide a detailed comparison with a number of theories, such as perturbative (Bogoliubov and decoherent classical), effective (Luttinger liquid) and exact (ground-state and thermal Bethe Ansatz) ones. Our Monte Carlo results exhibit an excellent agreement with the tractable limits and provide a fundamental benchmark for future observations which can be achieved in atomic gases, cavity quantum-electrodynamic and superconducting-circuit platforms.
A first-principles study of electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of TlXF3 (X: Zn, Sr) perovskite crystal structure
Authors: Khan Sajid , Gassoumi Abdelaziz , Rahman Altaf Ur , Ullah Farhat , Ahmad Rashid , Mehmood Nasir , Abdul M , Shah Abdul Hakim
Published: March 2023

This study communicates the structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of a perovskite TlXF3 (X: Zn, Sr) crystal structure using first-principles calculations. Both compounds were found structurally as well as thermodynamically stable in cubic phase. To check the kinetic stability, the phonon frequancy band structure is calculated which indicates that there is no negative frequency in the phonon spectrum, which confirms the dynamic stability of TlXF3. The bandgaps of both compounds belong to insulating region. The TlSrF3 exhibits direct bandgap of 4.37 eV at X symmetry point while TlZnF3 possess indirect bandgap of 3.95 eV (M-X). Using HSE functional, the calculated electronic bandgaps of TlSrF3 and TlZnF3 are 5.74 eV(X-X) and 5.36 eV (M-X), respectively. The analysis of electronic states in band structure shows that for TlSrF3, the top of valence band is composed of the F-p states whereas the states in lower potion of conduction band are impacted by the significant contribution of Tl-p orbital states. In case of TlZnF3, the states near the valence band maxima and conduction band minima are coming mainly form Tl atom. The effect of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) on the electronic band structure is also considered. The SOC in the valance band is negligible, while in the conduction band it shows a dominant effect at Γ-point in both TlSrF3 and TlZnF3 compounds. The dependence of thermoelectric properties such as electrical conductivity σ, Seebeck coefficient (S), Power factor (PF), electronic thermal conductivity (κ) and figure-of-merit (ZT) as a function of carrier concentration and temperature are investigated. The optical properties were also studied to understand the response of TlXF3 to incident photons of energies upto 14 eV. We conclude that the TlXF3 are promising candidates for electronic, thermoelectric and optoelectronic devices.
Characterization of the absorption properties of 5 nm spherical gold nanoparticles functionalized with dodecanothiol and without functionalization with potential therapeutic applications
Authors: Cruz-Rodríguez Juan C , Camacho-López Miguel A , Torres-García Eugenio , Aranda-Lara Liliana , Morales-Avila Enrique , Díaz-Sánchez Luis E , Jiménez-Mancilla Nallely P , Isaac-Olivé Keila
Published: March 2023

Hybrid nanosystems have useful properties for preparing therapeutic systems. Among the most commonly used inorganic components in hybrid nanosystems are gold nanoparticles (AuNP). The design of these nanosystems may require AuNP of hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature. Upon irradiation of AuNP, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed, and the temperature of the surrounding medium rises, depending on the size, shape and structure of the nanoparticle. The aim of this work is to evaluate whether irradiating 5 nm spherical gold nanoparticles both ‘bare’ (AuNP) and functionalized with dodecanethiol (AuNPf) with a Nd:YAG pulsed laser (30 ps, and 10 Hz) at wavelengths of 532 nm (0.031 J cm−2) and 1064 nm (1.91 J cm−2) produces ROS and heat sufficiently to induce cytotoxicity, or to demonstrate whether functionalization significantly influences such processes. It was verified by UV–vis spectrophotometry with ABMA and DCPIP that AuNP and AuNPf in solution induced ROS formation. They also produce a moderate elevation of the temperature of the surrounding medium. Irradiation of T47D cells at 532 nm in the presence of AuNP significantly decreased cell viability (>60%) compared to irradiation in the absence of NP (<20%). This effect was less evident when irradiating at 1064 nm because the cytotoxicity in the absence of AuNPs was very high (80%). AuNPf showed in solution a similar behavior to AuNP but due to the solvent in the suspension it was not possible to evaluate the cell toxicity caused by AuNPf. The results obtained indicate that it is feasible to design hybrid nanosystems for therapy from these 5 nm NPs, which would have photodynamic and photothermal effect.