bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dose rate conversion coefficients for ocular contamination in nuclear medicine: A Monte Carlo simulation with experimental validation
Authors: Hoeijmakers Eva J. I. , Hoenen Kes , Bauwens Matthias , Eekers Daniëlle B. P. , Jeukens Cécile R. L. P. N. , Wierts Roel
Published: April 2024

Background

Since 2011, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has recommended an annual eye lens dose limit of 20 mSv for radiation workers, averaged over 5 years, with no year exceeding 50 mSv. However, limited research has been conducted on dose rate conversion coefficients (DCCs) for direct contamination of the eye.

Purpose

This study aimed to accurately determine DCCs for the eye lens and cornea for ocular contamination with radionuclides used in nuclear medicine.

Methods

DCCs for 37 radionuclides used in nuclear medicine were determined using two different methods. Method 1 involved conducting Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of an ICRU cylinder to determine the absorbed dose at a depth of 3 mm resulting from a point source. The accuracy of this simulation approach was validated by experimental thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) measurements for 18F, 68Ga, 99mTc, and 177Lu. In method 2, average DCCs were calculated for the eye lens (complete and radiosensitive parts) and the cornea for both a point source and thin surface contamination centered on the cornea using MC simulations on the adult mesh‐type reference computational phantom of the eye from the ICRP (MRCP).

Results

DCCs determined from TLD measurements showed excellent agreement (deviations: +1.4%, +4.7%, −3.1%, and −2.5% for 18F, 68Ga, 99mTc, and 177Lu, respectively) compared to MC simulations of the experimental set‐up. For the 37 radionuclides, DCCs of the complete eye‐lens for a point source ranged from 2.53 × 10−7 to 4.15 × 10−2 mGy MBq−1 s−1 for the adult MRCPs, being substantially smaller compared to DCCs determined via MC simulations of a ICRU cylinder. In general, point source and surface contamination showed comparable DCCs for the eye lens. Radionuclides emitting low‐energy beta radiation or conversion electrons (e.g., 177Lu, 99mTc) showed low DCCs as the radiation does not penetrate to the depth of the eye lens, while radionuclides emitting high‐energy beta radiation (e.g., 90Y) showed high DCCs. Overall, DCCs for the radiosensitive part of the eye lens were larger (up to a factor of 3) compared to the complete eye lens. DCCs for the cornea were larger than for the eye lens with a factor that strongly depended on the emitted radiation type. Especially alpha emitters (e.g., 211At, 223Ra) showed high DCCs for the cornea because of the short range of alpha radiation, leading to local maxima in the cornea and not reaching the eye lens.

Conclusion

DCCs at a depth of 3 mm in an ICRU cylinder and adult MRCP DCCs for both the complete and sensitive parts of the eye lens and cornea were determined for 37 radionuclides having applications in nuclear medicine. These DCCs are highly useful in radiation safety assessments and radiation dose calculations in ocular contamination incidents.
Mapped material point method for large deformation problems with sharp gradients and its application to soil‐structure interactions
Authors: Zhao Yidong , Li Minchen , Jiang Chenfanfu , Choo Jinhyun
Published: April 2024

The material point method (MPM) is often applied to large deformation problems that involve sharp gradients in the solution field. Representative examples in geomechanics are interactions between soils and various “structures” such as foundations, penetrometers, and machines, where the displacement fields exhibit sharp gradients around the soil‐structure interfaces. Such sharp gradients should be captured properly in the MPM discretization to ensure that the numerical solution is sufficiently accurate. In the MPM literature, several types of locally refined discretizations have been developed and used for this purpose. However, these local refinement schemes are not only quite complicated but also restricted to certain types of basis functions or update schemes. In this work, we propose a new MPM formulation, called the mapped MPM, that can efficiently capture sharp gradients with a uniform background grid compatible with every standard MPM basis function and scheme. The mapped MPM is built on the method of auxiliary mapping that reparameterizes the given problem in a different domain whereby sharp gradients become much smoother. Because the reparameterized problem is free of undesirably sharp gradients, it can be well solved with the standard MPM ingredients including a uniform background grid. We verify and demonstrate the mapped MPM through several numerical examples, with particular attention to soil‐structure interaction problems.
Transition in enuresis patients: Identifying the gaps and opportunities for the future
Authors: Karamaria Sevasti , Mauel Reiner , Van den Ende Mauro , Oosterlinck Ase , Verheye Alice , De Bruyne Elke , Degrauewe Eva , Dhondt Karlien , Dossche Lien , Raes Ann , Renson Catherine , Samijn Bieke , Spinoit Anne‐Françoise , Everaert Karel , Walle Johan Vande
Published: April 2024

Background

Nocturnal enuresis is generally considered a children's condition, yet it may persist 1%–2% in adolescence and early adulthood. Refractory patients often demand follow‐up by multidisciplinary teams, which is only restricted to some of the expert tertiary centers. However, there are no standardized transition programs/guidelines when follow‐up must be passed from pediatric to adult healthcare providers.

Aim, Materials & Methods

To investigate this issue, we conducted a literature search on enuresis transition, which resulted in no articles. We, therefore, proceeded in a rescue search strategy: we explored papers on transition programs of conditions that may be related and/or complicated by enuresis, nocturia, or other urinary symptoms (chronic diseases, CKD, bladder dysfunction, kidney transplant, neurogenic bladder).

Results

These programs emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach, a transition coordinator, and the importance of patient and parent participation, practices that could be adopted in enuresis. The lack of continuity in enuresis follow‐up was highlighted when we investigated who was conducting research and publishing on enuresis and nocturia. Pediatric disciplines (50%) are mostly involved in children's studies, and urologists in the adult ones (37%).

Discussion

We propose a stepwise approach for the transition of children with enuresis from pediatric to adult care, depending on the clinical subtype: from refractory patients who demand more complex, multidisciplinary care and would benefit from a transition coordinator up to children/young adults cured of enuresis but who persist in having or present lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/nocturia later on. In any case, the transition process should be initiated early at the age of 12–14 years, with adequate information to the patient and parents regarding relapses or LUTS/nocturia occurrence and of the future treating general practitioner on the enuresis characteristics and comorbidities of the patient.
Repeatability of Lac+ measurements in healthy human brain at 3 T
Authors: Armbruster Ryan , Wilson Neil , Elliott Mark A. , Liu Fang , Benyard Blake , Jacobs Paul , Swain Anshuman , Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , Reddy Ravinder
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In vivo quantification of lactate has numerous applications in studying the pathology of both cerebral and musculoskeletal systems. Due to its low concentration (~0.5–1 mM), and overlap with lipid signals, traditional 1H MR spectra acquired in vivo using a small voxel and short echo time often result in an inadequate signal to detect and resolve the lactate peak, especially in healthy human volunteers.

Methods

In this study, using a semi‐LASER acquisition with long echo time (TE = 288 ms) and large voxel size (80 × 70 × 20 mm3), we clearly visualize the combined signal of lactate and threonine. Therefore, we call the signal at 1.33 ppm Lac+ and quantify Lac+ concentration from water suppressed spectra in healthy human brains in vivo. Four participants (22–37 years old; mean age = 28 ± 5.4; three male, one female) were scanned on four separate days, and on each day four measurements were taken. Intra‐day values are calculated for each participant by comparing the four measurements on a single day. Inter‐day values were calculated using the mean intra‐day measurements.

Results

The mean intra‐participant Lac+ concentration, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 0.49 to 0.61 mM, 0.02 to 0.07 mM, and 4% to 13%, respectively, across four volunteers. The inter‐participant Lac+ concentration, SD, and CV was 0.53 mM, ±0.06 mM, and 11%.

Conclusion

Repeatability is shown in Lac+ measurement in healthy human brain using a long echo time semi‐LASER sequence with a large voxel in about 3.5 min at 3 T.
Upper Esophageal Sphincter and Esophageal Motility Pathology on Manometry in Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
Authors: Yousef Andrew , Krause Amanda , Yadlapati Rena , Sharma Priya , Weissbrod Philip A.
Published: April 2024

Objective

There exists a paucity of data regarding the mechanism and manometric findings in retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (RCPD). In this study, we aimed to compare esophageal physiologic findings between patients with RCPD compared to an asymptomatic cohort.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Setting

Tertiary Care Center.

Methods

Esophageal high‐resolution impedance manometry was completed preoperatively in patients diagnosed with RCPD. Manometric data were compared between the RCPD and asymptomatic cohorts. A 2:1 age‐sex‐matched asymptomatic cohort was used as the control group. Treatment response was assessed among the RCPD cohort.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients are included: 13 RCPD [mean age: 31.1 (SD: 12.6) years, female sex: 11 (85%)] and 26 asymptomatic [mean age: 32.1 (SD: 1.5) years, female sex: 22 (85%)]. The RCPD cohort, compared to the asymptomatic cohort, exhibited significantly greater upper esophageal sphincter (UES) length [4.5 (SD: 0.7) vs 3.7 (0.9) cm, P = .01] and higher UES basal pressures [91.9 (35.0) vs 49.7 (25.5) mm Hg, P = .002]. Patients with RCPD demonstrated higher rates of ineffective swallows [70.0% (31.6%) vs 15.4% (21.6%), P < .001] and incomplete bolus clearance [81% (22.0%) vs 21.8% (30.0%), P < .001]. All patients who underwent cricopharyngeal botulinum injections experienced initial improvement of symptoms with 3 patients requiring repeat intervention.

Conclusion

RCPD is associated with a longer UES, elevated UES basal pressures, and an increased incidence of ineffective esophageal motility. This study is the first to compare preoperative manometry results among patients with RCPD to those of an asymptomatic cohort, providing insights into the mechanism of RCPD.
Volume and Practice‐Setting Shift of Laryngology Procedures During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Reg‐ENT Database Analysis
Authors: Gray Raluca , Ryan Marisa A. , Mehta Vikas
Published: April 2024

Objective

The onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic changed practice patterns throughout medicine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes in the volume and location setting of laryngology procedures after the onset of COVID‐19.

Study Design

Retrospective database cohort study.

Setting

Reg‐ENT registry.

Methods

Retrospective review from 2017 to 2022 of patients who underwent a laryngology procedure identified by procedure code categorized by site of service code—“ambulatory surgical” versus “office” setting. Based on March 2020 as the cutoff point, the procedures were designated as pre‐COVID versus COVID time period.

Results

A total of 5989 patients underwent laryngology procedures. Forty‐two percent more procedures were performed in the COVID period (n = 3780) versus pre‐COVID (n = 2209). Pre‐COVID, the procedure distribution between office and ambulatory surgical setting was 70% (n = 1546) compared with 30% (663). This shifted to 77% (n = 2920) and 23% (n = 860) during COVID, P = .9. The most common diagnoses associated with laryngology procedures during the study period were vocal fold paralysis 47% (n = 2831), dysphonia 33% (n = 1392), and laryngotracheal stenosis 14% (n = 838). These trends remained in both pre‐COVID and COVID time periods. After the start of the pandemic, among patients undergoing laryngology procedures, there was a 93% increase (n = 284‐549) in the diagnosis of laryngotracheal stenosis, 70% increase (n = 520‐882 patients) in dysphonia and 69% increase (n = 1054‐1777) in vocal fold paralysis.

Conclusion

An increase in laryngology procedures performed after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic was identified with an overall procedural shift to the office‐setting.
Shell‐sheddable and charge switchable magnetic nanoparticle as pH‐sensitive nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery applications
Authors: Aram Elham , Sadeghi‐Abandansari Hamid , Radmanesh Fatemeh , Khorasani Hamid Reza , Nowroozi Mohammad Reza , Hassanpour Ali , Baharvand Hossein , Sabour Davood
Published: April 2024

A pH‐sensitive shell‐sheddable magnetic nanocarrier was prepared based on Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyethyleneglycol (PEG). The PEI was coated on Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles through an electrostatic attraction and the PEG chains were connected to the PEI via pH‐sensitive benzoic‐imine bonds. The synthesized products and final nanocarrier were characterized with FT‐IR, 1H NMR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta‐potential, TEM, and vibrating‐sample magnetometer (VSM). The PEI, as a middle layer, was used to load the curcumin (an anticancer drug) via van der Waals interactions and the shedding of PEG as a hydrophilic corona at the tumor pH (acidic) could induce the release of the drug. The curcumin loading content was found to be ~15% and curcumin‐loaded magnetic nanoparticles (C‐LMNs) showed more triggered release at the tumor pH (5.6) than physiological pH (7.4). In comparison to pure magnetic nanoparticles (MNs), the C‐LMNs showed more cytotoxicity to human prostate cancer cell (PC‐3) and also resulted in an increased rate of late apoptotic/necrotic PC‐3 cells, assessed by flow cytometry analysis. In conclusion, the C‐LMN as pH‐ and magnetic responsive nanocarrier showed good potential for targeted curcumin delivery in therapy of prostate cancer.
Unveiling the physico‐mechanical properties of kenaf yarn fiber‐reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites: Effect of quasi‐isotropic lay‐up sequences
Authors: Fitri M. F. M. , Asyraf M. R. M. , Hassan S. A. , Ilyas R. A.
Published: April 2024

The rapid advancement of polymer composites, particularly those reinforced with hybrid kenaf, has positioned them as viable structural materials across diverse industries such as automotive, defense, aerospace, marine, construction, and naval. Despite their growing popularity, recent advances in kenaf yarn‐reinforced thermoplastic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composites for structural applications need more comprehensive coverage in the literature. This article addresses this gap by critically examining the influence of quasi‐isotropic stacking orientation on water absorption, flexural strength, and impact properties in kenaf yarn fiber‐reinforced ABS composites. Prepared using hand layup and compression molding techniques, the composites featured varying stacking orientations, including 0°/0°/0°/0°, 0°/90°/0°/90°, −45°/90°/0°/45°, 90°/−45°/0°/45°, 90°/0°/45°/−45°, and 0°/45°/−45°/90° for kenaf yarn reinforced ABS. The findings reveal that the 0°/45°/−45°/90° configuration offers the best overall mechanical properties and water penetration resistance among quasi‐isotropic stacking sequences, exhibiting low water uptake and higher tensile and flexural strengths of 35.3 and 85.4 MPa, respectively, compared to other sequences. This suggests that incorporating ±45° plies contributes to a balanced distribution of mechanical strength and modulus across different directions, making the 0°/45°/−45°/90° configuration ideal for high‐strength structural applications in kenaf yarn/ABS composites.

Highlights

Fiber stacking orientation is the key factor affecting the mechanical performance of kenaf‐based composites.

Using the hand layup technique, six stacking orientations (0°/0°/0°/0°, 0°/90°/0°/90°, −45°/90°/0°/45°, 90°/−45°/0°/45°, 90°/0°/45°/−45°, and 0°/45°/−45°/90°) were employed to create kenaf fiber‐reinforced ABS composites.

A quasi‐isotropic sequence of 0°/45°/−45°/90° allows the least water penetration due to the strategic placement of ±45° plies in the middle layers of composites.

0°/45°/−45°/90° configuration offers the best flexural and tensile properties due to better force distribution within the ±45° plies in the middle layers.

Under surface morphological analysis, the optimal fiber stacking sequence contributes to fewer voids and fiber pull‐outs.
Transient interdomain interactions in free USP14 shape its conformational ensemble
Authors: Salomonsson Johannes , Wallner Björn , Sjöstrand Linda , D'Arcy Pádraig , Sunnerhagen Maria , Ahlner Alexandra
Published: April 2024

The deubiquitinase (DUB) ubiquitin‐specific protease 14 (USP14) is a dual domain protein that plays a regulatory role in proteasomal degradation and has been identified as a promising therapeutic target. USP14 comprises a conserved USP domain and a ubiquitin‐like (Ubl) domain separated by a 25‐residue linker. The enzyme activity of USP14 is autoinhibited in solution, but is enhanced when bound to the proteasome, where the Ubl and USP domains of USP14 bind to the Rpn1 and Rpt1/Rpt2 units, respectively. No structure of full‐length USP14 in the absence of proteasome has yet been presented, however, earlier work has described how transient interactions between Ubl and USP domains in USP4 and USP7 regulate DUB activity. To better understand the roles of the Ubl and USP domains in USP14, we studied the Ubl domain alone and in full‐length USP14 by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and used small angle x‐ray scattering and molecular modeling to visualize the entire USP14 protein ensemble. Jointly, our results show how transient interdomain interactions between the Ubl and USP domains of USP14 predispose its conformational ensemble for proteasome binding, which may have functional implications for proteasome regulation and may be exploited in the design of future USP14 inhibitors.
The proteomic landscape of fall armyworm oral secretion reveals its role in plant adaptation
Authors: Zhang Xian , Li Pai , Tang Yin , Mu Yu‐Pei , Liu Jie , Wang Mu‐Yang , Wang Wei , Mao Ying‐Bo
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)) is a polyphagous agricultural pest with rapidly evolving adaptations to host plants. We found the oral secretion (OS) of FAW from different plants influences plant defense response differentially, suggesting its role in adapting to host plants. However, the protein expression profile of FAW OS respond to different plants is largely unknown.

RESULTS

Here, from the mass spectrometry assay, we identified a total of 256 proteins in the OS of FAW fed on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana Domin), maize (Zea mays L.) and artificial diet. The FAW OS primarily comprise of 60 proteases, 32 esterases and 92 non‐enzymatic proteins. It displays high plasticity across different diets. We found that more than half of the esterases are lipases which have been reported as insect elicitors to enhance plant defense response. The lipase accumulation in cotton‐fed larvae was the highest, followed by maize‐fed larvae. In the presence of lipase inhibitors, the enhanced induction on defense genes in wounded leaves by OS was attenuated. However, the putative effectors were most highly accumulated in the OS from FAW larvae fed on maize compared to those fed on other diets. We identified that one of them (VRLP4) reduces the OS‐mediated induction on defense genes in wounded leaves.

CONCLUSION

Together, our investigation presents the proteomic landscape of the OS of FAW influenced by different diets and reveals diet‐mediated plasticity of OS is involved in FAW adaptation to host plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Flowering Ocimum gratissimum intercropped in tea plantations attracts and reduces Apolygus lucorum populations
Authors: Lun Xiaoyue , Jin Meina , Chen Zejun , Cao Yan , Zhang Xiangzhi , Xu Xiuxiu , Li Yusheng , Wang Hanyue , Zhang Zhengqun
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Apolygus lucorum is one of the most important piercing‐sucking insect pests of the tea plant In this study, we assessed the attractiveness of basil plants to A. lucorum and the effectiveness of Ocimum gratissimum L. in the control of A. lucorum. The control efficiency of main volatile chemicals emitted from O. gratissimum flowers was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Among seven basil varieties, O. gratissimum was more attractive to A. lucorum adults and was selected as a trap plant to assess its attractiveness to A. lucorum and effects on natural enemies in tea plantations. The population density of A. lucorum on trap strips of O. gratissimum in tea plantations was significantly higher than that on tea at 10–20 m away from the trap strips. Intercropping O. gratissimum with tea plants, at high‐density significantly reduced A. lucorum population levels. Eucalyptol, limonene, β‐ocimene, and linalool were the four dominant components in the O. gratissimum flower volatiles, and their emissions showed a gradual upward trend over the sampling period. Olfactometer assays indicated that eucalyptol and dodecane showed attraction to A. lucorum. High numbers of A. lucorum were recorded on limonene, eucalyptol, and myrcene‐baited yellow sticky traps in field trials in which 11 dominant volatiles emitted by O. gratissimum flowers were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Our research indicated that the aromatic plant O. gratissimum and its volatiles could attract A. lucorum and planting O. gratissimum has the potential as a pest biocontrol method to manipulate A. lucorum populations in tea plantations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Does birthplace affect intergenerational social mobility of migrants in urban escalators? Evidence from China
Authors: Cai Yuying , Wang Jiejing , Zhang Yanji
Published: April 2024

There is a growing body of literature on the effects of escalator regions on intergenerational social mobility (ISM) of migrants. Nevertheless, the role of migrant origins in migration outcomes remain neglected. To address this gap, this study attempts to investigate whether migrants' birthplaces continue to have an impact after they move to escalator regions and the mechanism of this impact. Using data from the 2010, 2013, and 2015 Chinese General Social Survey, our findings suggest that the effect of escalator regions on migrants' ISM varies according to the size of their birthplace. Furthermore, the birthplace effect on migrants' ISM when relocating to escalator regions is partially mediated by the birthplace effect on education. Finally, it was found that this birthplace effect varies according to dynamic human capital; migrants with high levels of dynamic human capital can overcome the birthplace effect after relocating to escalator regions.
Simulation Study of Aluminum Nitride TrenchFETs with Polarization‐Induced Doping
Authors: Faber Samuel , Römer Friedhard , Witzigmann Bernd
Published: April 2024

Aluminum nitride (AlN) possesses a high critical electric field, allowing for thinner drift regions and lower resistances compared with current materials used for power semiconductor devices. However, high activation energies of impurity dopants like magnesium or silicon and high contact resistances impede the application of AlN for typical device concepts such as TrenchFET. This article aims to develop and investigate novel vertical device structures using an AlN drift region. To evade the aforementioned issues, polarization‐induced doping is applied to generate an effective charge concentration and to accomplish less resistive ohmic contacts.
Impact of current and previous sperm findings on outcomes of intrauterine insemination
Authors: Taniguchi Maki , Kanasaki Haruhiko , Oride Aki , Okada Hiroe , Imamura Kayo , Kyo Satoru
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To examine the association between semen characteristics and outcomes of intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Methods

This retrospective analysis examined 1380 IUI procedures involving 421 couples. The association of clinical pregnancy with pre‐ and post‐wash sperm characteristics was assessed.

Results

Pre‐ and post‐wash sperm characteristics did not differ between IUI cycles that resulted in pregnancy and those that did not. When the motility of pre‐wash sperm was below the normal range (<42%) established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the pregnancy rate was significantly lower. In the IUI cycles when post‐wash sperm motility was below the WHO standard, pregnancy was not achieved. The frequency of improvement in post‐wash sperm motility in repeated IUI cycles appeared to correlate with the success of future IUI cycles. At the fourth IUI cycle, pregnancy was not achieved unless the post‐wash sperm motility was normal in at least two of three attempts. When post‐wash sperm concentration was below the normal range, the woman's age did not affect the IUI outcomes.

Conclusions

Sperm motility above the lower limit of the WHO criteria in post‐wash semen samples is an important factor in IUI outcomes.
Management strategies following implantation failure of euploid embryos
Authors: Kuroda Keiji
Published: April 2024

Background

Euploid blastocyst implantation failure may result from embryonic factors undetectable by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT‐A); however, various nonembryonic factors can also intricately interfere with implantation. This review seeks to clarify evidence‐based testing and treatments for implantation failure after euploid embryo transfer.

Methods

We conducted a review of the literature on implantation failure after euploid embryo transfer or multiple embryo transfer cycles, which mainly included systematic reviews and meta‐analyses.

Results

The recommended tests for implantation failure include (1) hysteroscopy, (2) endometrial CD138 immunohistochemistry and bacterial culture, (3) serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3, and (4) thrombophilia screening. Based on diagnostic findings, the following treatments have been recommended: (1) antibiotics for chronic endometritis, (2) vitamin D replacement, (3) lifestyle modification, and (4) low‐dose aspirin starting from the postimplantation period for thrombophilia. Moreover, frozen–thawed single euploid blastocyst transfer using assisted hatching and hyaluronan‐enriched transfer medium may support embryo implantation.

Conclusion

To ensure a successful pregnancy in subsequent embryo transfers, simple, inexpensive, and evidence‐based tests and treatments should be selected.
Recent Advancements on Spin Engineering Strategies for Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Zhao Wenli , Yang Jieyu , Xu Fenghua , Weng Baicheng
Published: April 2024

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a widely employed half‐electrode reaction in oxygen electrochemistry, in applications such as hydrogen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction, ammonia synthesis, and electrocatalytic hydrogenation. Unfortunately, its slow kinetics limits the commercialization of such applications. It is therefore highly imperative to develop highly robust electrocatalysts with high activity, long‐term durability, and low noble‐metal contents. Previously intensive efforts have been made to introduce the advancements on developing non‐precious transition metal electrocatalysts and their OER mechanisms. Electronic structure tuning is one of the most effective and interesting ways to boost OER activity and spin angular momentum is an intrinsic property of the electron. Therefore, modulation on the spin states and the magnetic properties of the electrocatalyst enables the changes on energy associated with interacting electron clouds with radical absorbance, affecting the OER activity and stability. Given that few review efforts have been made on this topic, in this review, the‐state‐of‐the‐art research progress on spin‐dependent effects in OER will be briefed. Spin engineering strategies, such as strain, crystal surface engineering, crystal doping, etc., will be introduced. The related mechanism for spin manipulation to boost OER activity will also be discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects for the development of spin catalysis are presented. This review aims to highlight the significance of spin engineering in breaking the bottleneck of electrocatalysis and promoting the practical application of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts.
In Situ Formation of Heterojunction in Composite Lithium Anode Facilitates Fast and Uniform Interfacial Ion Transport
Authors: Fang Shan , Wang Huasong , Zhao Shangquan , Yu Miaomiao , Liu Xiang , Li Yong , Wu Fanglin , Zuo Wenhua , Zhou Naigen , Ortiz Gregorio F.
Published: April 2024

Lithium metal is a highly promising anode for next‐generation high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries. Nevertheless, its practical application faces challenges due to the uncontrolled lithium dendrites growth and infinite volumetric expansion during repetitive cycling. Herein, a composite lithium anode is designed by mechanically rolling and pressing a cerium oxide‐coated carbon textile with lithium foil (Li@CeO2/CT). The in situ generated cerium dioxide (CeO2) and cerium trioxide (Ce2O3) form a heterojunction with a reduced lithium‐ion migration barrier, facilitating the rapid lithium ions migration. Additionally, both CeO2 and Ce2O3 exhibit higher adsorbed energy with lithium, enabling faster and more distributed interfacial transport of lithium ions. Furthermore, the high specific surface area of 3D skeleton can effectively reduce local current density, and alleviate the lithium volumetric changes upon plating/stripping. Benefiting from this unique structure, the highly compact and uniform lithium deposition is constructed, allowing the Li@CeO2/CT symmetric cells to maintain a stable cycling for over 500 cycles at an exceptional high current density of 100 mA cm−2. When paired with LiNi0.91Co0.06Mn0.03O2 (NCM91) cathode, the cell achieves 74.3% capacity retention after 800 cycles at 1 C, and a remarkable capacity retention of 81.1% after 500 cycles even at a high rate of 4  C.
Study on the Thermal Stability of Molybdenum Oxide‐Passivated Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Cui Zhiyang , Pang Yicong , Tang Hanbo , Liu Zhaolang , Wu Taojian , Wang Zilei , Lin Hao , Gao Pingqi
Published: April 2024

Dopant‐free heterojunction (HJ) solar cells are known for their simple process conditions and low parasitic absorption. However, stability issues remain one of the major obstacles for further development of cells with transition metal oxides (TMOs). Therefore, this research demonstrates the mechanism of thermal annealing degradation effects on TMOs/silicon (Si) HJ, namely, the infiltration of oxygen from air and the bidirectional diffusion of oxygen from TMOs, by investigating a typical molybdenum oxide (MoOx)/Si contact. A dense Au interlayer is introduced to block the interdiffusion of oxygen from the MoOx/Si interface and its surrounding environment. As a result, the dense layer slows down the interfacial oxidation of MoOx/Si and the degradation of the MoOxwork function, thus improving the stability of the MoOx/Si HJ to 200 °C. The diffusion of oxygen from MoOxto the MoOx/Si interface will be critical to further promote the thermal stability of the devices thereafter, especially for the cells withi‐a‐Si:H layer as the passivation layer. To attain stable dopant‐free cells with MoOx, it is crucial to prevent oxygen diffusion into Si while maintaining a high MoOxwork function and a thin SiOxlayer at the interface.
Multifunctional Spacer in 2D/3D Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite for Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Ding Yi‐an , Yang Xin , Wang Xiaoting , Liu Yuanzhong , Yan Yiran , Zhu Xiangrong , Huang Jin , Yang Liyou , Li Lina , Fu Qiang , Lu Linfeng , Ji Xiaofei
Published: April 2024

To maximize the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs), high‐performance and stable perovskite top cells with wide‐bandgaps are required. A 2D/3D wide‐bandgap perovskite with a bandgap of 1.69 eV using 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐1‐carboximidamide (1‐TzFACl) as a spacer is developed. The 2D/3D wide‐bandgap perovskite shows better film quality, enhanced crystallinity, suppressed nonradiative recombination, and significantly improved phase stability. Its initial PCE (21.58%) remains above 87% after 1560 h of continuous illumination due to the insertion of Cl− in the perovskite lattice. A monolithic two‐terminal perovskite/silicon TSC achieves a PCE of 25.66% with high light stability. This work provides an ingenious strategy to restrain the phase segregation in wide‐bandgap perovskites, leading to effective and stable perovskite/silicon TSCs.
Effective abdominal ultrasonographic detection of pancreatic cystic lesions using artificial intelligence‐assisted noise reduction
Authors: Watabe Hirotsugu , Yasumura Kayo , Fukai‐Watabe Shiho , Watabe Tokumu
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) exhibit a high incidence of pancreatic cancer. An IPMN presents as a pancreatic cystic lesion (PCL). Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to enhance ultrasonographic images. We retrospectively evaluated the utility of AI‐assisted ultrasonography in terms of PCL detection.

Methods

In total, 969 patients who underwent artificial narrow intelligence‐assisted transabdominal ultrasound examinations (AI group) were compared with 943 patients who underwent non‐AI‐assisted examinations (control group). The morphological changes and the frequencies of newly detected PCLs were compared between the groups.

Results

The PCL detection rate was significantly higher in the AI group than in the control group (1.25 ± 0.36 and 0.21 ± 0.15%, respectively; p = .008). AI‐assisted ultrasound evaluation was independently associated with enhanced PCL detection (odds ratio: 5.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.29–26.29, p = .02). PCLs smaller than 8 mm and all PCLs in the pancreatic tail were detected in the AI group.

PCL morphological changes were more common in the AI group than in the control group (63.6 ± 14.5 and 16.7 ± 15.2%, respectively; p = .04).

Conclusion

AI‐assisted transabdominal ultrasonography enhances the PCL detection rate. The use of AI is likely to increase the IPMN detection rate.
Influence of the Basicity on Phosphorus Enrichment Properties of Decarbonization Slag in Low‐Carbon Double Slag Converter Steelmaking Process with Industrial Experiments, Mineralogy, and Ion–molecule Coexistence Theory
Authors: Sun Han , Yang Jian , Zhang Runhao
Published: April 2024

To achieve low‐cost clean production in steelmaking plants, a low‐carbon double slag converter steelmaking process (LCDSP) with high dephosphorization efficiency, low lime consumption, and low CO2 emissions is focused on. The average lime consumption in LCDSP has decreased about 25.8%, which can reduce at least about 10.3 million m3 CO2 emissions per converter per year in the current steelmaking plant. The phosphorus enrichment properties of decarbonization slag with different basicities are comprehensively evaluated through LCDSP industrial experiments, mineralogy, and ion–molecule coexistence theory (IMCT). The increase of decarburization slag basicity (DSB) significantly improves the dephosphorization efficiency of molten steel. With increasing the DSB from 2.93 to 3.52, the typical morphology of the P‐rich phase extends from small pieces to long strips and then changes to block shapes with smooth edges. Finally, it forms a massive P‐rich phase with an area of more than 10 000 μm2 with a DSB of 3.80. The phosphorus enrichment properties of decarbonization slag with different DSBs evaluated using multiple perspectives show a consistent change trend. IMCT provides an accurate thermodynamic method for quantitatively predicting the phosphorus enrichment capacity in slag in two stages of LCDSP.
Long COVID: From olfactory dysfunctions to viral Parkinsonism
Authors: Pandey Sanyukta , Bapat Vibha , Abraham Jancy Nixon , Abraham Nixon M.
Published: April 2024

Neurological and psychiatric complications continue to be a public health concern in long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This varies from olfactory dysfunctions such as parosmia to cognitive and emotional challenges. Historically, the surge of neurological disorders followed the viral pandemics, for example, the emergence of Encephalitis Lethargica after the outbreak of Spanish Influenza. During and after COVID‐19 infection, the problems associated with the sense of smell and the reports of affected olfactory and limbic brain areas are leading to a growing concern about the similarity with the symptoms and the pattern of degeneration observed at the onset of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. These reports reveal the essentiality of long‐term studies of olfactory and cognitive functions in the post‐COVID era and the experiments using animal models to dissect the neural basis of these complications. In this manuscript, we summarize the research reporting the potential correlation between neurological disorders and viral pandemic outbreaks with a historical perspective. Further, we discuss the studies providing evidence of neurodegeneration due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection by focusing on viral Parkinsonism.
A new proof of Rédei’s theorem on the number of directions
Authors: Somlai Gábor
Published: April 2024

Rédei and Megyesi proved that the number of directions determined by a p-element subset of $${\mathbb F}_p^2$$

F
p
2

is either 1 or at least $$\frac{p+3}{2}$$

p
+
3

2

. The same result was independently obtained by Dress, Klin, and Muzychuk. We give a new and short proof of this result using a lemma proved by Kiss and the author. The new proof relies on a result on polynomials over finite fields.
On the singularities of distance functions in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Strömberg Thomas
Published: April 2024

For a given closed nonempty subset E of a Hilbert space H, the singular set $$\Sigma _E$$

Σ
E

consists of the points in $$H\setminus E$$

H
\
E

where the distance function $$d_E$$

d
E

is not Fréchet differentiable. It is known that $$\Sigma _E$$

Σ
E

is a weak deformation retract of the open set $$\mathcal {G}_E=\{x\in H: d_{\overline{{\text {co}}}\,E}(x)< d_E(x)\}$$

G
E

=

{
x
∈
H
:

d

co
¯

E

(
x
)

<

d
E

(
x
)

}

. This short paper sheds light on the relationship between the connected components of the three sets $$\Sigma _E\subset \mathcal {G}_E\subseteq H{\setminus } E$$

Σ
E

⊂

G
E

⊆
H
\
E

.
Kinesin KIF3A regulates meiotic progression and spindle assembly in oocyte meiosis
Authors: Liu Jing-Cai , Pan Zhen-Nan , Ju Jia-Qian , Zou Yuan-Jing , Pan Meng-Hao , Wang Yue , Wu Xin , Sun Shao-Chen
Published: April 2024

Kinesin family member 3A (KIF3A) is a microtubule-oriented motor protein that belongs to the kinesin-2 family for regulating intracellular transport and microtubule movement. In this study, we characterized the critical roles of KIF3A during mouse oocyte meiosis. We found that KIF3A associated with microtubules during meiosis and depletion of KIF3A resulted in oocyte maturation defects. LC–MS data indicated that KIF3A associated with cell cycle regulation, cytoskeleton, mitochondrial function and intracellular transport-related molecules. Depletion of KIF3A activated the spindle assembly checkpoint, leading to metaphase I arrest of the first meiosis. In addition, KIF3A depletion caused aberrant spindle pole organization based on its association with KIFC1 to regulate expression and polar localization of NuMA and γ-tubulin; and KIF3A knockdown also reduced microtubule stability due to the altered microtubule deacetylation by histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). Exogenous Kif3a mRNA supplementation rescued the maturation defects caused by KIF3A depletion. Moreover, KIF3A was also essential for the distribution and function of mitochondria, Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum in oocytes. Conditional knockout of epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1) disrupted the expression and localization of KIF3A in oocytes. Overall, our results suggest that KIF3A regulates cell cycle progression, spindle assembly and organelle distribution during mouse oocyte meiosis.
Tropical mobola plum (Parinari Curatellifolia): a full characterization of wood and bark within the scope of biorefineries
Authors: Malengue Abílio , Lourenço Ana , Patrício Helena , Costa Ricardo A. , Quilhó Teresa , Gominho Jorge
Published: April 2024

Parinari curatellifolia is the main species used to produce charcoal in Angola. Its chemical, anatomical, and thermal properties were analyzed. The bark is dark grey, rough, and corky, and the wood is brown to yellow-red. Compared to wood, bark fibers presented lower length, lumen, and wall thickness. There is not much difference between height and cell numbers of rays. Sieve tube elements appear solitary or in small groups (2–3 cells), and vessels were of two diameter classes but diffuse-porous. Bark basic density was lower than wood (505 kg.m− 3vs. 580 kg.m− 3). The mean chemical composition from bark vs. wood of P. curatellifolia was ash (3.2% vs. 1.6%), total extractives (12.2% vs. 10.0%), total lignin (42.4% vs. 28.4%), and suberin 5.4%. Families identified by GC-MS from DCM extracts were predominated by fatty acids in wood and triterpenoid contents in bark. Bark and wood had higher antioxidant activity in FRAP and DPPH methods. The bark had a monomeric lignin composition richer in guaiacyl-units (25.9% vs. 22.5%) and lower syringyl-units (5.7% vs. 8.5%). Potassium was the most abundant mineral, while the least was cadmium found in wood and bark. Regarding thermal properties, bark presented higher moisture content (9.0% vs. 8.0%), ash (3.33% vs. 1.61%), total volatiles (27.5% vs. 20.7%), lower fixed carbon (69.1% vs. 77.7%) and higher heating value (20.9 MJ/kg vs. 19.1 MJ/kg). According to these characteristics, both biomasses are interesting for developing more value-added products (e.g., charcoal, bio-chemicals with phytochemistry and pharmacology activities) besides burning under the context of biorefineries.
Molecular mapping of the broad bean wilt virus 2 resistance locus bwvr in Capsicum annuum using BSR-seq
Authors: Kim Jung-Min , Lee Joung-Ho , Park Se-Ran , Kwon Jin-Kyoung , Ro Na-Young , Kang Byoung-Cheorl
Published: April 2024

Key message

Bulked segregant RNA seq of pools of pepper accessions that are susceptible or resistant to Broad bean wilt virus 2 identifies a gene that might confer resistance to this devastating pathogen.

The single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV2) causes substantial damage to pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivation. Here, we describe mapping the BBWV2 resistance locus bwvr using a F7:8 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population constructed by crossing the BBWV2-resistant pepper accession ‘SNU-C’ with the susceptible pepper accession ‘ECW30R.’ All F1 plants infected with the BBWV2 strain PAP1 were susceptible to the virus, and the RIL population showed a 1:1 ratio of resistance to susceptibility, indicating that this trait is controlled by a single recessive gene. To map bwvr, we performed bulked segregant RNA-seq (BSR-seq). We sequenced pools of resistant and susceptible lines from the RILs and aligned the reads to the high-quality ‘Dempsey’ reference genome to identify variants between the pools. This analysis identified 519,887 variants and selected the region from 245.9–250.8 Mb of the Dempsey reference genome as the quantitative trait locus region for bwvr. To finely map bwvr, we used newly designed high-resolution melting (HRM) and Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers based on variants obtained from the BSR-seq reads and the PepperSNP16K array. Comparative analysis identified 11 SNU-C-specific SNPs within the bwvr locus. Using markers derived from these variants, we mapped the candidate bwvr locus to the region from 246.833–246.949 kb. SNU-C-specific variants clustered near DEM.v1.00035533 within the bwvr locus. DEM.v1.00035533 encodes the nitrate transporter NPF1.2 and contains a SNP within its 5′ untranslated region. The bwvr locus, which contains four genes including DEM.v1.00035533, could represent a valuable resource for global pepper breeding programs.
Risk of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes: a real-world data study from a global federated database
Authors: Eleftheriadou Aikaterini , Riley David , Zhao Sizheng S. , Austin Philip , Hernández Gema , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Jackson Timothy L. , Wilding John P. H. , Alam Uazman
Published: April 2024

Aims/hypothesis

A protective role of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-ra) in the development of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema has been described in some recent studies, which may extend beyond glycaemic control. We aimed to review the clinical impact of SGLT2i and GLP1-ra therapy on the risk of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema in individuals with type 2 diabetes taking insulin.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort analysis of approximately two million people with type 2 diabetes receiving insulin across 97 healthcare organisations using a global federated health research network (TriNetX, Cambridge, USA). Two intervention cohorts (SGLT2i + insulin, n=176,409; GLP1-ra + insulin, n=207,034) were compared against a control cohort (insulin with no SGLT2i/GLP1-ra, n=1,922,312). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed and estimated HRs were reported for each outcome. Propensity score was used to 1:1 match for age, sex, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, microvascular complications, chronic kidney disease, HbA1c, BMI and use of pioglitazone, lipid modifying agents, antilipemic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II inhibitors and metformin. A sub-analysis comparing the two intervention cohorts was also performed.

Results

SGLT2i with insulin was associated with a reduced HR (95% CI) for diabetic macular oedema compared with the control cohort (0.835; 0.780, 0.893), while GLP1-ra with insulin demonstrated a lack of signal with no statistical significance to the HR (1.013; 0.960, 1.069). SGLT2i with insulin was not associated with a clinically significant increase in the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (1.076; 1.027, 1.127), while GLP1-ra with insulin increased diabetic retinopathy risk (1.308; 1.261, 1.357). Compared with SGLT2i with insulin, GLP1-ra with insulin was associated with higher risk of diabetic retinopathy (1.205; 1.153, 1.259) and diabetic macular oedema (1.130; 1.056, 1.208).

Conclusions/interpretation

Our study suggests that the combination of SGLT2i and insulin is associated with lower risk of developing diabetic macular oedema. However, the use of GLP1-ra was associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes also taking insulin. A comparative analysis showed favourable outcomes with SGLT2i and insulin in the development of diabetic macular oedema and diabetic retinopathy. RCTs using dedicated  retinal imaging are required to determine the causal relationship with these therapies.

Graphical Abstract