bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive noradrenergic degeneration and motor cortical dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chu Hong-Yuan
Published: November 2024

The locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC-NE) system plays an important role in regulating brain function, and its neuronal loss has been well-documented in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The LC-NE neurodegeneration is believed to underlie various nonmotor symptoms in people with PD, including neuropsychiatric deficits, sleep disruptions, and cognitive impairments. Of particular interest, LC-NE neurons send intensive axonal projections to the motor regions of the cerebral cortex. However, how NE depletion in the motor cortex contributes to PD pathophysiology remains poorly understood. In addition, recent studies provided increasing mechanistic insights into secondary changes in the cerebral cortex as LC-NE degenerates, which might involve its interaction with dopaminergic signaling during the chronic course of the disease. In the present article, we briefly discuss clinical and preclinical studies that support the critical roles of LC-NE neurodegeneration and motor cortical dysfunction in both motor and nonmotor deficits in Parkinsonian states. We focus our discussion on the potential impact of LC-NE neurodegeneration on motor cortical function and the subsequent symptom manifestation. Last, we propose future research directions that can advance our understanding of cortical pathophysiology in PD by integrating noradrenergic degeneration.
A proteome-wide structural systems approach reveals insights into protein families of all human herpesviruses
Authors: Soh Timothy K. , Ognibene Sofia , Sanders Saskia , Schäper Robin , Kaufer Benedikt B. , Bosse Jens B.
Published: November 2024

Structure predictions have become invaluable tools, but viral proteins are absent from the EMBL/DeepMind AlphaFold database. Here, we provide proteome-wide structure predictions for all nine human herpesviruses and analyze them in depth with explicit scoring thresholds. By clustering these predictions into structural similarity groups, we identified new families, such as the HCMV UL112-113 cluster, which is conserved in alpha- and betaherpesviruses. A domain-level search found protein families consisting of subgroups with varying numbers of duplicated folds. Using large-scale structural similarity searches, we identified viral proteins with cellular folds, such as the HSV-1 US2 cluster possessing dihydrofolate reductase folds and the EBV BMRF2 cluster that might have emerged from cellular equilibrative nucleoside transporters. Our HerpesFolds database is available at https://www.herpesfolds.org/herpesfolds and displays all models and clusters through an interactive web interface. Here, we show that system-wide structure predictions can reveal homology between viral species and identify potential protein functions.
Developmental hematopoietic stem cell variation explains clonal hematopoiesis later in life
Authors: Kreger Jesse , Mooney Jazlyn A. , Shibata Darryl , MacLean Adam L.
Published: November 2024

Clonal hematopoiesis becomes increasingly common with age, but its cause is enigmatic because driver mutations are often absent. Serial observations infer weak selection indicating variants are acquired much earlier in life with unexplained initial growth spurts. Here we use fluctuating CpG methylation as a lineage marker to track stem cell clonal dynamics of hematopoiesis. We show, via the shared prenatal circulation of monozygotic twins, that weak selection conferred by stem cell variation created before birth can reliably yield clonal hematopoiesis later in life. Theory indicates weak selection will lead to dominance given enough time and large enough population sizes. Human hematopoiesis satisfies both these conditions. Stochastic loss of weakly selected variants is naturally prevented by the expansion of stem cell lineages during development. The dominance of stem cell clones created before birth is supported by blood fluctuating CpG methylation patterns that exhibit low correlation between unrelated individuals but are highly correlated between many elderly monozygotic twins. Therefore, clonal hematopoiesis driven by weak selection in later life appears to reflect variation created before birth.
Facile orientation control of MOF-303 hollow fiber membranes by a dual-source seeding method
Authors: Zhai Mengjiao , Moghadam Farhad , Gosiamemang Tsaone , Heng Jerry Y. Y. , Li Kang
Published: November 2024

Metal‒organic frameworks (MOFs) are nanoporous crystalline materials with enormous potential for further development into a new class of high-performance membranes. However, the preparation of defect-free and water-stable MOF membranes with high permselectivity and good structural integrity remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a dual-source seeding (DS) approach to produce high-performance, water-stable MOF-303 membranes with hollow fiber (HF) geometry and preferentially tailored crystallographic orientation. By controlling the nucleation site density during secondary growth, MOF-303 membranes with a preferred crystallographic orientation (CPO) on the (011) plane were fabricated. The MOF-303 membrane with CPO on (011) provides straight one-dimensional permeation channels with a superior water flux of 18 kg m−2 h−1 in pervaporative water/ethanol separation, which is higher than that of most of the reported zeolite membranes and 1–2 orders of magnitude greater than that of previously reported MOF membranes. The straight water permeation channels also offer a promising water permeance of 15 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and a molecular weight cut-off (MWCO ≈ 269) for dye nanofiltration. These results provide a concept for developing ultrapermeable MOF membranes with good selectivity and structural integrity for pervaporation and nanofiltration.
The neuroepithelial origin of ovarian carcinomas explained through an epithelial-mesenchymal-ectodermal transition enhanced by cisplatin
Authors: Díaz-Carballo David , Safoor Ayesha , Saka Sahitya , Noa-Bolaño Adrien , D’Souza Flevy , Klein Jacqueline , Acikelli Ali H. , Malak Sascha , Rahner Udo , Turki Amin T. , Höppner Anne , Kamitz Annabelle , Song Wanlu , Chen Ye-guang , Kamada Lalitha , Tannapfel Andrea , Brinkmann Sebastian , Ochsenfarth Crista , Strumberg Dirk
Published: November 2024

Acquired resistance to platinum-derived cytostatics poses major challenges in ovarian carcinoma therapy. In this work, we show a shift in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process towards an “ectodermal” conversion of ovarian carcinoma cells in response to cisplatin treatment, a progression we have termed epithelial-mesenchymal-ectodermal transition (EMET). EMET appears to occur via the classical EMT as judged by a) the downregulation of several epithelial markers and b) upregulation of Vimentin, accompanied by various embryonal transcription factors and, importantly, a plethora of neuronal markers, consistent with ectodermal differentiation. Moreover, we isolated cells from ovarian carcinoma cultures exhibiting a dual neural/stemness signature and multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. We also found that the epithelial cells differentiate from these neural/stem populations, indicating that the cell of origin in this tumor must in fact be a neural cell type with stemness features. Notably, some transcription factors like PAX6 and PAX9 were not localized in the nucleoplasm of these cells, hinting at altered nuclear permeability. In addition, the neuronal morphology was rapidly established when commercially available and primary ovarian carcinoma cells were cultured in the form of organoids. Importantly, we also identified a cell type in regular ovarian tissues, which possess similar neural/stemness features as observed in 2D or 3D cultures. The signature of this cell type is amplified in ovarian carcinoma tumors, suggesting a neuroepithelial origin of this tumor type. In conclusion, we propose that ovarian carcinomas harbor a small population of cells with an intrinsic neuronal/stemness/MDR phenotype, serving as the cradle from which ovarian carcinoma evolves.
Determinants of an unfavorable treatment outcome among tuberculosis patients in the Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Ereso Berhane Megerssa , Sagbakken Mette , Gradmann Christoph , Yimer Solomon Abebe
Published: November 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health challenge in Ethiopia. TB treatment outcomes were suboptimal compared to the expected target of the national TB control Program. The provision of standard anti-TB treatment is the primary component of the directly observed treatment, short-course strategy. The aim of this study was to assess the TB treatment outcomes and the determinants of an unfavorable treatment outcome. The study used a cross-sectional study design at baseline and record review to identify treatment outcomes. A total of 1,161 TB patients were recruited from eight randomly selected districts and one town administration in the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Treatment outcomes were grouped into favorable and unfavorable. Of the total participants, 86.9% had a favorable treatment outcome, and 5.7% an unfavorable treatment outcome. The rest were transferred out and not recorded cases. Women were more likely to experience an unfavorable treatment outcome [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.96, 95% CI 1.06, 3.64]. Patients who were perceived to not be stigmatized were less likely to have an unfavorable treatment outcome (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.15, 0.73). Patients who had a monthly income of > 3,500 Ethiopian birr were less likely to have an unfavorable outcome than patients who did not have a regular income (AOR = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01, 0.45). The observed treatment success rate is lower than the World Health Organization’s target of successfully treating > 90% of detected TB cases. It is imperative to ensure that information, education and communication/behavior change communication strategies consider the needs of women and patients with perceived TB stigma. Furthermore, designing locally acceptable and affordable interventions may help to address the financial challenges of TB treatment adherence.
Levels of parathyroid hormone and IGF binding protein 1 and associations with mortality and hip fractures in older women
Authors: Uzunel Elin , Ranch Lundin Hans , Grahn Kronhed Ann-Charlotte , Wändell Per , Salminen Helena
Published: November 2024

In this study we examined the effect of simultaneously elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) (≥ 65 ng/mL) and high levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) on the 10-year risk of all-cause mortality and hip fractures. Blood tests for levels of PTH and IGFBP-1 was collected at baseline in 338 community-dwelling women in Stockholm aged between 69 and 79 years. Data on hip fractures and all-cause mortality over the next 10 years were retrieved from healthcare registers. The participants were divided into four groups depending on their levels of PTH and IGFBP-1: (A) normal PTH and low IGFBP-1; (B) normal PTH and high IGFBP-1; (C) elevated PTH and low IGFBP-1; (D) elevated PTH and high IGFBP-1. Group D was used as reference. Cox proportional hazard regression (HR) model was used to compare age-adjusted association with hip fractures and all-cause mortality of the four groups. The group with elevated levels of PTH and high IGFBP-1 had a two to three times higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to the other groups but we found no association with hip fractures.
Utilization of lightweight ceramic aggregates based on waste materials in the production of lightweight polymer concrete as a component of sustainable architecture
Authors: Smoleń Jakub , Fross Klaudiusz , Groń Krzysztof , Orzechowska Kaja , Stępień Krzysztof , Junak Grzegorz , Kozioł Mateusz , Pawlak Sebastian , Pawlik Tomasz , Fross Roxana
Published: November 2024

In this study, a novel lightweight epoxy polymer concrete (PC) was developed with lightweight ceramic aggregates based on waste materials, which can be applied in construction materials. For the purposes of this study, lightweight ceramic aggregates based on waste materials were produced and used as fillers in the production of epoxy polymer concretes. Two aggregate fractions were used in the study: 4–8 mm and 8–16 mm. The physical properties of non-infiltrated and infiltrated granules were compared, which clearly demonstrated that infiltration is beneficial, as the penetration of liquid resin into deep pores increases the interfacial surface area. Next, using the infiltrated granules, a series of polymer concretes were prepared and tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, open porosity, water absorption, apparent density, and thermal diffusivity. The highest mechanical properties were achieved for samples containing only a fine fraction with aggregates with a diameter of 4–8 mm, 99.68 MPa compression, and 18.71 MPa flexural strength. Thermal diffusivity measurements were obtained for heat transfer comparison between the developed polymer concrete and traditional concrete. The results showed that the thermal diffusivity value for the polymer concrete was equal to 2.33  ×10-7 m2/s, which was nearly half of traditional concrete. The investigated material was considered to be frost-resistant because of its low water absorption (0.36%). It was proven that the utilization of lightweight ceramic aggregates based on waste materials was reasonable and increased the mechanical properties of the polymer concrete alongside the overloading environment by processing wastes that are difficult to reuse.
Delivering sustainable climate action: reframing the sustainable development goals
Authors: Singh Ajit , Pope Francis D. , Radcliffe Jonathan , Luiu Carlo , Bakare Hakeem , Bartington Suzanne E. , Bonsu Nana O. , Bryson John R. , Cheeseman Nic , Flowe Heather , Krause Stefan , Newbigging Karen , Nunan Fiona , Reardon Louise , Rogers Christopher D. F. , Rowlingson Karen , Thomson Ian
Published: November 2024

Globally, climate change represents the most significant threat to the environment and socio-economic development, endangering lives and livelihoods. Within the UN’s current 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate action is explicitly covered under Goal 13, “to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”. This perspective considers how to re-frame the SDGs and their successor towards mainstreaming climate action within the targets and indicators of all the development goals.
Accessing bimetallic complexes through a variable bridging ligand strategy
Authors: Liyanage Hansani T. Lekam Wasam , Smith Mark D. , Wheeler Kraig A. , Semeniuc Radu F.
Published: November 2024

A Variable Bridging Ligand strategy to prepare heterometallic species has been used to synthesize a new ligand and its copper complexes, thus producing a pro-metalloligand, two metalloligands, and two mixed valence CuII/CuI compounds.
RNA-seq analysis and in vivo experiments identified the protective effect of kaempferol on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the PPARG/TNC signaling pathway to reduce ECM deposition
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Xie Yizi , Cai Yan , Huang Huiting , Liang Huiqiu , Liao Gang , Jiang Yong , Peng Xiaoyun , Zhan Shaofeng , Huang Xiufang
Published: November 2024

The Impact of Kaempferol on the TNC/PPARG Signaling Pathway in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Improvement of growth and lipid accumulation in microalgae with aggregation-induced emission-based nanomaterials towards sustainable lipid production
Authors: Rakhi Sharmin Ferdewsi , Reza Abdul Hakim Mohammad Mohsinul , Davies Brynley , Wang Jianzhong , Qin Jianguang , Tang Youhong
Published: November 2024

Using an aggregation-induced emission-based nanomaterial, TPA-A, for increased biomass and lipid production in microalgae toward sustainability.
Nano onions based on an amphiphilic Au3(pyrazolate)3 complex
Authors: Solea Atena B. , Dermutas Davide , Fadaei-Tirani Farzaneh , Leanza Luigi , Delle Piane Massimo , Pavan Giovanni M. , Severin Kay
Published: November 2024

Multilayer vesicles with an onion-like architecture are obtained by aggregation of an amphiphilic Au3(pyrazolate)3 complex in aqueous solution.
Structural modulation of NH4V4O10 cathode materials for low-temperature zinc-ion energy-storage devices
Authors: Li Yaotong , Zhao Chunru , Wang Wei , Wu Xiang , Huang Yudai
Published: November 2024

Oxygen defects are introduced into the lattice of NH4V4O10 nanobelts by adding thiourea towards high-capacity Zn//NHVO-Od-1 batteries at low temperature.
Nanoscale-surface roughness enhances the performance of organic thin-film thermoelectrics
Authors: Kaur Balwinder , Khan Ezaz Hasan , Routsi Anna Maria , Li Lian , Latulippe Andrew , Sun Hongwei , Drew Christopher , Kumar Jayant , Christodouleas Dionysios C.
Published: November 2024

The thermoelectric ZT of organic thin-films can be significantly boosted by increasing their surface roughness. Herein, a soft-templating method produced a nanorough thin film of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):Tosylate with a ZT equal to 0.99.
Single and combined treatment processes for rhodamine B removal by coagulation–flocculation and adsorption
Authors: Chebbi Meriem , Youcef Soufiane , Youcef Leila , Soudani Amina , Dridi Chafika , Sahli Amane , Houchet Aya , Deroues Chaima
Published: November 2024

In this paper, two physico-chemical methods were adopted in single and combined systems for the removal of rhodamine B from aqueous solutions.
pH-mediated manipulation of the histidine brace in LPMOs and generation of a tri-anionic variant, investigated by EPR, ENDOR, ESEEM and HYSCORE spectroscopy
Authors: Haak Julia , Golten Ole , Sørlie Morten , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Cutsail George E.
Published: November 2024

A lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase's ligands and their electronic influences are revealed by advanced electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies.
Analytical model for the motion and interaction of two-dimensional active nematic defects
Authors: Schimming Cody D. , Reichhardt C. J. O. , Reichhardt C.
Published: November 2024

We develop an analytical model for the motion and interaction of defects in active nematics. We analyze in detail the interactions of two defects and show that the model gives predictions for the trajectories of multiple defects in confinement.
Adhesion of the mucilage envelope of Ocimum basilicum seeds probed by sum frequency generation spectroscopy
Authors: Rasmussen Mette H. , Bregnhøj Mikkel , Kreitschitz Agnieszka , Gorb Stanislav N. , Weidner Tobias
Published: November 2024

Surface spectroscopy reveals ordering of cellulose during basil seed adhesion.
Prenatal to Adulthood: The Responsibility of the Speech-Language Pathologist on the Comprehensive Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team
Authors: Sommer Chelsea L. , Wombacher Natalie R.
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

Comprehensive cleft care is an important component when caring for a child with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP ± L). Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) serve different capacities on comprehensive cleft palate and craniofacial teams.

Method:

This tutorial highlights the role of the SLP on the cleft palate and craniofacial team from the prenatal consultation to adulthood. This tutorial emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the cleft team SLP and other professionals on a comprehensive cleft team. Additionally, the tutorial provides education for feeding infants with CP ± L and focuses on assessment and treatment of children with CP ± L before and after the palate repair. Finally, this tutorial underscores the importance of working as part of and collaborating with interdisciplinary team members.

Results:

SLPs are an essential member of comprehensive cleft teams in addition to other medical providers. SLPs play a critical role on these multidisciplinary teams and are fundamental to the assessment and treatment of feeding, speech, language, and resonance disorders in children with CP ± L.

Conclusion:

It is critical that SLPs are involved in comprehensive cleft team care from the prenatal consultation through adulthood to monitor resonance, speech, and language development and outcomes.
Parents Plus: A Parent-Implemented Intervention for Preschool Children With Developmental Language Disorders
Authors: Sawyer Brook , Hindman Annemarie , Smith Julie , Hammer Carol Scheffner , Santoro Julie
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

Parent engagement is a critical component of optimizing services for young children with disabilities, including those with language disorders. Without training, however, many parents may lack the knowledge and skills to effectively facilitate their children's language development during the essential early childhood years. The Parents Plus intervention was designed to support parents, through online training and coaching, in using focused stimulation, an evidence-based strategy for fostering early language development.

Method:

Thirty-one parents and their children with developmental language disorder participated in a small-scale randomized controlled trial to provide a preliminary test of Parents Plus. Sixteen parent–child dyads completed the Parents Plus intervention, while 15 parent–child dyads were in the control condition.

Results:

Findings indicate that Parents Plus shows promise in improving children's vocabulary and morphosyntactic skills. Additionally, Parents Plus emerged as a socially valid approach, with parents reporting that its goals, content, procedures, and outcomes were acceptable.

Conclusion:

Implications for education and directions for future research are discussed.
Formation of wind-fed black hole high-mass X-ray binaries: The role of Roche-lobe-overflow post black hole formation
Authors: Xing Zepei , Fragos Tassos , Zapartas Emmanouil , Kwan Tom M. , Dai Lixin , Mandel Ilya , Kruckow Matthias U. , Briel Max , Andrews Jeff J. , Bavera Simone S. , Gossage Seth , Kovlakas Konstantinos , Rocha Kyle A. , Sun Meng , Srivastava Philipp M.
Published: November 2024

The three dynamically confirmed wind-fed black hole high-mass X-ray binaries (BH-HMXBs) are suggested to all contain a highly spinning black hole (BH). However, based on the theories of efficient angular momentum transport inside the stars, we expect that the first-born BHs in binary systems should have low spins, which is consistent with gravitational-wave observations. As a result, the origin of the high BH spins measured in wind-fed BH-HMXBs remains a mystery. In this paper, we conduct a binary population synthesis study on wind-fed BH-HMXBs at solar metallicity with the use of the newly developed code POSYDON, considering three scenarios for BH accretion: Eddington-limited, moderately super-Eddington, and fully conservative accretion. Taking into account the conditions for accretion-disk formation, we find that regardless of the accretion model, these systems are more likely to have already experienced a phase of Roche-lobe overflow after the BH formation. To account for the extreme BH spins, highly conservative accretion onto BHs is required, when assuming the accreted material carries the specific angular momentum at the innermost stable orbit. Besides, in our simulations we found that the systems with donor stars within the mass range of 10 − 20 M⊙ are prevalent, posing a challenge in explaining simultaneously all observed properties of the BH-HMXB in our Galaxy, Cygnus X-1, and potentially hinting that the accretion efficiency onto non-degenerate stars, before the formation of the BH, is also more conservative than assumed in our simulations.
Water vapor as a probe of the origin of gas in debris disks
Authors: Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Nakatani Riouhei , Rebollido Isabel , MacGregor Meredith , Davidsson Björn J. R. , Lis Dariusz C. , Turner Neal , Willacy Karen
Published: November 2024

Context. Debris disks contain the formation and evolution histories of planetary systems. Recent detections of gas in these disks have received considerable attention, as the origin of the gas sheds light on ongoing disk evolution and the current composition of planet-forming materials.

Aims. Observations of CO gas alone, however, cannot reliably differentiate between two leading and competing hypotheses: (1) that the observed gas is a leftover of protoplanetary disk gas, and (2) that the gas is the outcome of collisions between icy bodies. We propose that such a differentiation may become possible by observing cold water vapor.

Methods. We performed order-of-magnitude analyses and compared these with existing observations.

Results. We show that different hypotheses lead to different masses of water vapor. This occurs because, for both hypotheses, the presence of cold water vapor is attributed to photodesorption from dust particles by attenuated interstellar UV radiation. Cold water vapor cannot be observed by current astronomical facilities as most of its emission lines fall in the far-IR (FIR) range.

Conclusions. This work highlights the need for a future FIR space observatory to reveal the origin of gas in debris disks and the evolution of planet-forming disks in general.
Artificial intelligence plus molecular profiling for personalized radiotherapy: Questions 105–107 in the 150 most important questions in cancer research and clinical oncology series
Authors: Song Ting , Li Huali
Published: November 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly applied in cancer prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment planning, and therapy implications. For enhancing professional communication and promoting research collaboration, Visualized Cancer Medicine continues the program of publishing the 150 most important questions in cancer research and clinical oncology. In this article, we propose three new key questions about integrating AI into radiation therapy for cancer patients as follows. Question 105: How can we develop individualized radiation therapy based on the biological variations combined with AI analysis for better treatment outcomes and less treatment toxicity? Question 106: Can AI improve real-time dose monitoring and adjustments in radiotherapy? Question 107: Can molecular profiling plus AI be help predict the benefits of adjusting the plan in adaptive radiotherapy?
Integration internationaler Pflegekräfte
Authors: Ismail Susan
Published: November 2024

Welche Faktoren unterstützen dabei, Pflegekräfte aus dem Ausland erfolgreich zu integrieren? Ein Erfahrungsbericht aus dem Psychiatrischen Zentrum Nordbaden.
Achtsamkeit mit Kindern – ein unermessliches Potenzial
Authors: Cayla Cécile , Schick Stefa
Published: November 2024

Achtung! Es folgt ein sonderbarer Einstieg ins Thema: Achtsamkeit ist keine Theorie, Achtsamkeit ist eine Praxis. So wird Geschriebenes Ratgeber sein können, doch nur durch Transfer in den Alltag, eine beherzte Anwendung und tägliche Übung ist Achtsamkeit – bei sich selbst angefangen – zu etablieren. Mit Auswirkung auf das Umfeld, hin zu einem zufriedeneren Zusammensein. Vielleicht kann dieser Artikel Einladung sein, täglichen Übungen und Achtsamkeitsritualen Lebensraum zu gewähren.
Personalsituation und Grundlagen der Personalbedarfsberechnungen im stationären und ambulanten Bereich in Deutschland – eine repräsentative Umfrage der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Leitender Gastroenterologischer Krankenhausärzte*innen (ALGK)
Authors: Frieling Thomas , Schilling Dieter , Terjung Birgit , Leifeld Ludger , Kucharzik Torsten , Madisch Ahmed , Schütte Kerstin , Labenz Jochen , Dechêne Alexander , Gundling Felix , Dollhopf Markus , Gartung Carsten , Albert Jörg G. , Schimanski Carl Christoph , Dumoulin Franz Ludwig , Menzel Josef
Published: November 2024

In Deutschland gibt es keine krankenhauseinheitlichen Standards zur transparenten Berechnung des ärztlichen Personalbedarfs in den Kliniken. Dies trifft in besonderem Maße auf die ambulanten Leistungen zu.

Die ALGK führte vom 21. März bis zum 01. Mai 2024 eine Mitgliederbefragung über den Link https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/H7TTJYZ durch. Hierbei wurden 400 Mitglieder per E-Mail angeschrieben. Die 119 außerordentlichen Mitglieder, die ihre berufliche Tätigkeit beendet hatten, wurden nicht berücksichtigt.

Die Rücklaufquote war 24%. 37% repräsentierten Grund- und Regelversorger, 47% Schwerpunktversorger und 16% Maximalversorger. Kommunale Krankenhäuser waren mit 42%, konfessionelle Träger mit 34% und private Träger mit 24% vertreten. 7% der Häuser hatten weniger als 200 Betten, 28% 200 bis 400 Betten, 37% 400 bis 600 Betten, 15% 600 bis 800 Betten und 13% mehr als 800 Betten. In 15% wurden jährlich bis 1500 Patienten, in 13% bis 2500 Patienten, in je 22% bis 3000 bzw. 4000 Patienten, in 16% bis 5000 Patienten und in 12% mehr als 5000 Patienten pro Jahr versorgt. Der mittlere Casemix war 2373 ± 999 und der Casemix-Index 0,70 ± 0,11. Im Mittel waren 17,6 ± 7,6 Arztstellen vorhanden und ein Assistenzarzt versorgte 14 ± 2,7 Patienten pro Tag. Eine transparente Personalberechnung war in 56% der Abteilungen bzw. Kliniken nicht vorhanden, in 82% erfolgte keine innerbetriebliche Leistungsverrechnung bzw. Kostendeckungsrechnung, in 54% erfolgte keine Rückmeldung der ambulanten Leistungen von der Verwaltung, in 93% bestand keine transparente Arztstellenberechnung anhand der ambulanten Leistungen, in 97% wurden die Ausbildung und Weiterbildung der jungen Kolleginnen und Kollegen bei der Stellenberechnung nicht berücksichtigt, in 75% war für die leitenden Gastroenterologen*innen bezüglich der ambulanten Leistungen kein kommunizierter und für sie erkennbarer strategischer Plan durch den Krankenhausträger erkennbar. 49% der Befragten befürchteten, dass Ihr Krankenhausträger die Umstrukturierungen im Gesundheitswesen mit Ambulantisierung, Zentralisierung, Mindestmengenerfüllung nicht bewältigt und sogar in seiner Existenz bedroht ist.

Eine transparente Stellenberechnung bzw. Kommunikation über die stationären und ambulanten gastroenterologischen Leistungen bzw. die strategischen Ziele im Rahmen der Gesundheitsstrukturreform sind in deutschen Krankenhäusern sehr lückenhaft. Dies führt zur Verunsicherung und Existenzängsten in hohem Maße.
Entirely Intramural Growth Pattern: A Rare Presentation of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Review of the Literature
Authors: Qiu Jiayu , Tu Yi , Yu Chen , Shu Xu , Pan Xiaolin , Zhang Yanxia
Published: November 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant tumor originating from the squamous epithelium. In contrast, esophageal submucosal tumors are common benign lesions arising from mesenchymal tissues. To date, an entirely intramural growth of ESCC is very rare. This study described a case of an esophageal submucosal tumor resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) that was finally diagnosed as ESCC.

A 51-year-old woman presented with progressive dysphagia and was provisionally diagnosed with esophageal leiomyoma by further diagnostic modalities. The patient did not have any obvious suspicious malignant features and underwent ESD. However, the histopathology of the resected specimen was reported as poorly differentiated infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma with normal overlying squamous epithelium. Consequently, the patient received additional chemoradiotherapy, and no recurrence was observed during the 2-year follow-up.

A comprehensive literature search related to ESCC with entirely intramural growth was performed in PubMed and Embase from their inception up to November 2023, and 12 articles including 13 cases were finally included in the literature review. Subsequently, we extracted information about these cases.

It is concluded that ESCC may masquerade as a submucosal tumor with a complete submucosal growth pattern and is easily misdiagnosed because endoscopic biopsy and iodine staining are always negative. Therefore, if a patient with a submucosal tumor has dysphagia or weight loss in the short term, clinicians should be alert to the possibility of ESCC with a complete submucosal growth pattern. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), chest computed tomography (CT), or positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) may help assist in the diagnosis, and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) could be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Insurability and government-funded mitigation: safer but costlier
Authors: Liu Dahui , Nozick Linda , Millea Meghan , Kruse Jamie , Davidson Rachel , Trainor Joseph , Li Junkan , Williams Caroline
Published: November 2024

Hurricanes significantly harm homeowners through physical damage and long-term financial strain due to rising insurance costs, property value loss, and repair expenses. This paper focuses on the interrelated decisions of the government mitigation funding of residential acquisitions and retrofit subsidies and of price restrictions on the insurance market in eastern North Carolina to determine the financial effects on stakeholders. The introduction of these policy interventions have impacts that propagate through the system due to risk adjustments, homeowner take-up behaviour, and insurer profit-maximising behaviour. This study uses an integrated game theoretic model to demonstrate that there are cost-effective government spending levels that reduce residential loss from hurricane damage. When insurance prices are capped at preintervention levels, the number of households and their distribution of losses, which has been altered through mitigation, leads to increased insurer insolvency. When insurance prices are allowed to adjust after mitigation, some homeowners find insurance is no longer affordable. This highlights the tradeoff between ensuring insurer stability and expanding homeowner insurance accessibility.
Abrupt change in internal friction of aluminum during low-temperature plastic deformation
Authors: Kosilov A. T. , Safonov I. A. , Zolotukhin I. V.
Published: November 2024

An abrupt change in the internal friction in aluminum thin foils has been detected during continuous plastic deformation at 4.2 and 77.3°K. Investigations showed that the process of stress relaxation in single-crystal aluminum foils has two stages.
Structural and optical study of chitosan–graphene oxide composite through hydrothermal route
Authors: Paul Tonmoy , Ifat-Al-Karim Md , Nahid Farzana , Haque Md Mahbubul
Published: November 2024

Chitosan (CS), a semi-crystalline biomolecule, has gained widespread attention due to its great synthesis flexibility and biological compatibility. In this study, chitosan was synthesized from chitin, a homopolymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine linked by β–(1→4) bonds extracted from shrimp shell. Crystallinity of chitosan was always an issue while applying it in various applications. Graphene Oxide (GO) can be a very capable substitute for enhancing the crystallinity of chitosan due to its mechanical, thermal, optical, biomedical, and electronic properties. In this study, a chitosan–graphene oxide composite was synthesized by following the hydrothermal method. The characterization of chitosan–graphene oxide composite performed by different processes: x-ray diffraction revealed that the produced chitosan–graphene oxide composite has improved crystalline characteristics, with a smaller crystallite size of 6.2 nm when compared to GO and CS. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups in GO, CS, and GO–CS. The Raman spectrum predicted the increased disorders originated from sp2 carbon hexagonal networks with strong covalent bonds. The relative quality and successful preparation of the GO–CS composite were evaluated and confirmed by ultraviolet spectroscopy. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis pictured the morphology of the GO-CS composite. The novel aspect of this study was the incorporation of graphene oxide in order to boost the crystal structure of chitosan derived from raw shrimp shells.
Comparative analysis on single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes suspended for enhanced thermal energy transfer past stretching surfaces
Authors: Bhargavi N. , Sreenivasulu P. , Poornima T.
Published: November 2024

Flat and parabolic trough solar collectors concentrate sunlight onto a receiver tube containing the heat transfer liquid. Particularly, CNT nanofluids enhance the efficacy of energy harvesting in these systems. Flat plate collectors are simple in design and cheaper than parabolic shape collectors. Based on this idea, the present investigation focuses on how energy transmission helps harvest solar energy. Thus, three-dimensional, electrically conducting carbon nanotubes suspended in engine oil formed nanofluid flowing past a stretching porous surface with thermal slip are investigated numerically. Through the utilization of similarity transformations, the governing nonlinear partial differential equations are converted into a set of coupled ordinary differential equations. After that, the shooting approach is applied to these equations together with the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method to solve them. The study investigates the influence of various flow parameters on the velocity, temperature, skin friction coefficients, and Nusselt number near the wall. A comparative study of single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes is made. From the theoretical calculations, the momentum of flow is higher, and temperature is lower for multi-walled carbon nanotubes than single-walled ones. The heat transfer rate enhances with an increase in Pr and S, and it is opposite when R, St, and δ increases. This study shows that the energy transmission rate is better in multi-walled carbon nanotubes, which act as better cooling liquid.
Enhanced chaotic communication with machine learning
Authors: Xia Ji , Chen Luonan , Ma Huan-Fei
Published: November 2024

Communication with chaotic signals holds a significant position in the field of secure communication and has consistently been research hotspot. While representative chaotic communication frameworks are all based on the deployment of robust synchronization or complex correlators, they pose considerable challenges to practical applications. In this work, a machine-learning-based framework is proposed for the chaotic shift keying scheme, which is robust against noise deterioration. Specifically, we adopt the reservoir computing technique with noise training schema to enhance the robustness of the entire communication process. Overall, the novel structure we propose fully leverages the predictive capabilities of neural networks, providing a new perspective for machine learning in the field of chaotic communication and significantly improving the accuracy of existing technologies.
Influence of stand thinning on wildlife in managed second-growth forests: tree squirrels, small mustelids, and mammalian species richness
Authors: Sullivan Thomas P. , Sullivan Druscilla S.
Published: November 2024

Context Clearcutting of forests reduces food, cover, and stand structure attributes for tree squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, Glaucomys sabrinus), small mustelids (Mustela richardsonii, Neogale frenata), and other mammal species. Forest restoration is urgently needed and stand thinning of second-growth forests may help restore habitats for mammals. Aims We tested the hypotheses that in thinned stands of second-growth lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) at 30–36 years post-thinning: (H1) tree dimensions would be comparable to, or higher than those in uncut old-growth forest; activity of tree squirrels, weasels, and mammalian species richness would be higher in (H2) heavily thinned than lightly thinned stands, and (H3) higher in uncut old-growth forest than in second-growth thinned stands. Methods We measured stand structure attributes and activity of tree squirrels, weasels, and mammalian species richness with camera traps from 2021 to 2023 in replicated (n = 3) treatments of three densities of thinned pine stands and uncut old-growth forest in south-central British Columbia (BC), Canada. Key results Thinned and old-growth stands had mean tree diameters ranging from 18 to 22 cm, but mean tree heights were highest in the old-growth stands. Low-density stands tended to have large diameter crop trees with substantial crowns. There was no evidence for a difference in mean activity of T. hudsonicus and G. sabrinus, other common mammal species, and overall species richness among stands. There were more weasel detections per camera-day in the low-density and old-growth stands than other thinned stands. Conclusions Comparison of stand structure attributes showed partial support for H1. There was insufficient evidence to detect biologically meaningful effects among stands in a mean index of activity for T. hudsonicus, G. sabrinus, other common mammal species, and overall species richness, and hence did not support H2 or H3. There was weak support for H2 and H3 with limited weasel activity. Implications Thinned second-growth stands ≤1000 stems/ha may provide habitat at least for the mammal species and post-treatment period outlined in this study. To our knowledge, this is the first convergence of managed coniferous stands (age 43 years) with old-growth forest (age 140–187 years) in terms of some components of stand structure and mammalian species richness.
Mirrors and windows
Authors: Martín de León Celia
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to explore whether the co-speech
gestures of interpreters align with those of a speaker during simultaneous
interpreting. And if they do align, to investigate the functions that the
aligned gestures serve and whether they provide information about the conceptual
alignment of interpreters to a speaker. To achieve this, the gestures of three
professional interpreters during a simulated remote simultaneous interpreting
session were compared with those of the speaker using a mixed-methods approach.
This consisted of qualitative micro-analyses and descriptive quantitative
analyses of co-speech gestures. Gestural alignment with the speaker was found
for all participants and across all functional dimensions, with representational
gestures eliciting the highest percentage of alignment. The qualitative analysis
of examples of aligned gestures with referential and interactive functions and
of gestures used to organize the speech content metaphorically suggests that
there was conceptual alignment of the interpreters with the speaker.
Student retention in minority immersion education
Authors: Cammarata Laurent , Ó Duibhir Pádraig , Marchak Kristan
Published: November 2024

Despite the popularity of immersion/bilingual programs across the globe, student retention from kindergarten to
the last year of high school has been a preoccupying issue for decades. There is a dearth of research exploring the challenges
faced by parents, who are the primary decision-makers when it comes to enrolment and withdrawal. Thus, we lack a critical
understanding to address the issue of student retention in immersion programmes. This article reports on two large-scale online
survey studies, one conducted in the Canadian French Immersion (FI) context and the other in the Irish Immersion (IM) context.
Both studies explored parental decision-making processes in relation to enrolment and withdrawal. Findings revealed common
challenges, such as the need for greater support for students with special education needs. Parental motivation and understanding
of the L2 acquisition process were also found to be critical when it comes to resilience to continue in the programme.
Leveraging Remote Sensing Products to Estimate Grassland Productivity in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Encabo Jan Bryan M. , Cordeiro Marcos R.C.
Published: November 2024

Remote sensing is the acquisition of data about an area without being in direct contact with it. It can be used to estimate vegetation productivity, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional field measurements. This technology enables timely and consistent monitoring of large areas over time using satellite sensors. More recently, drone-mounted sensors have been used for monitoring smaller areas with higher spatial resolutions. Indices derived from remote sensing datasets can be used to estimate vegetation productivity and health, as well as to monitor grassland ecosystems promptly. By providing detailed and frequent data, remote sensing supports the development of sustainable practices and policies that promote efficient land management, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of grassland ecosystems. A case study of Manitoba’s rangeland ecoregions is provided to illustrate how remote sensing products can be used to quantify grassland distribution in different geographic regions of the province.

Information

© The Authors 2024
The Critical Role of Long-Range Strain-Induced Interactions in Stabilizing Zener Ordering
Authors: Qin 秦 Weijia 维佳 , Liu 刘 Xinyi 新毅 , Li 李 Jinshan 金山 , Lai 赖 Minjie 敏杰 , Zhang 张 Xie 燮
Published: November 2024

As a fundamental theory of structural transformations, the Zener ordering of interstitials in a body-centered cubic host lattice, which was established more than half a century ago, has been challenged by recent first-principles investigations. In this Letter, we rigorously prove the existence of Zener ordering via Monte Carlo simulations with complete interstitial interactions and demonstrate the critical role of long-range indirect strain-induced interactions in stabilizing Zener ordering. These insights improve our understanding of the self-induced collective ordering of point defects in a host lattice and elucidate the fundamental physics of order-disorder phase transitions in alloys.
Revealing Light-Induced Charge Density Wave Melting and Carrier Redistribution in 1T-TiSe2
Authors: Chen 陈 Wanying 婉莹 , Zhong 钟 Haoyuan 浩源 , Bao 鲍 Changhua 昌华 , Wang 王 Fei 飞 , Cai 蔡 Xuanxi 轩羲 , Yun 运 Chenxia 晨霞 , Teng 滕 Hao 浩 , Wei 魏 Zhiyi 志义 , Zhou 周 Shuyun 树云
Published: November 2024

Capturing ultrafast dynamics over a large momentum space is critical for revealing the relationship between the electronic and structural modulations in quantum materials. Here, by performing time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements at the Synergetic Extreme Condition User Facility (SECUF) equipped with an extreme ultraviolet light source, we reveal the ultrafast dynamics of a charge-density wave (CDW) material, 1T-TiSe2, upon photoexcitation. Pump-induced CDW melting is revealed from two aspects: gap closing of the CDW at the Brillouin zone (BZ) center and weakening of the CDW folded band at the BZ boundary. By comparing the transient electronic structure and spectral weight over a large momentum space, we further reveal the carrier redistribution involving the excitation of electrons from the Γ point to the M point. This study provides a comprehensive picture of the physics and ultrafast dynamics of a CDW material across the entire BZ.
Enhanced collection efficiency of quantum emitter mediated by extra ordinary optical transmission in a plasmonic cavity
Authors: Ahmed Nadeem , Lone Faizan H , Nair Rajesh V
Published: November 2024

Manipulation of light-matter interaction has played a key role in developing modern quantum optical technologies. We have designed a plasmonic cavity by placing a gold film over a dielectric layer of PMMA (spacer layer) placed on the distributed Bragg reflector with a high reflection band between 550 nm and 750 nm using computational models. We then introduced periodic holes of subwavelength dimension in the gold film and a quantum emitter (QE) is placed inside the spacer layer. When QE interacts with the periodic array of nano-holes, it shows an enhanced light transmission through them due to the phenomenon of extraordinary optical transmission (EOT), which is attributed to surface plasmon polariton excitations in the metallic structures. When the QE emission is coupled with these modes, EOT will help its emission to propagate into the far-field domain. We find an average Purcell enhancement of 3 times with 50% collection efficiency without using an antenna. The results have the potential to develop better single-photon coupling interfaces, quantum communication systems, and other quantum technologies.