bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A misinterpreted psychoanalyst: Herbert Silberer and his theory of symbol‐formation
Authors: Gyimesi Júlia
Published: October 2023

The primary aim of this article is to give a more detailed exposition of the cultural, personal, and theoretical contexts in which the Viennese psychoanalyst, Herbert Silberer's theories were born. When assessing the broader picture that this approach offers, it can be concluded that Silberer was an innovative thinker who inspired several of his contemporaries. Recognized in many respects by the society and scholars of this time, he represented quite a different viewpoint that was significantly influenced by several forms of Western esoteric thinking. Yet his main aim was to contribute to the field of psychoanalysis and develop a theory in which rationalistic psychoanalytic interpretations were combined with nonreductive approaches to mystical experiences. Silberer's name is frequently mentioned in a specific context in which his tragic suicide is emphasized rather than his innovations. Upon evaluating the materials recording Silberer's private life, it seems very likely that his suicide was not triggered by the criticism of Freud alone. Silberer's family affairs, his relationship with his father, and his financial and professional struggles could have all contributed to his tragic decision. This paper contends that Silberer'soeuvredeserves greater attention and must be evaluated based upon its own merit.
Measuring the performance of HIV self‐testing at private pharmacies in Kenya: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ortblad Katrina F. , Kwach Benn , Zhang Shengruo , Asewe Magdalene , Ongwen Patricia Atieno , Malen Rachel C. , Harkey Kendall , Odoyo Josephine , Gathii Paul , Rota Greshon , Sharma Monisha , Were Daniel Knight , Ngure Kenneth , Omollo Victor , Bukusi Elizabeth Anne
Published: October 2023

Introduction

HIV self‐testing (HIVST) has the potential to support daily oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery in private pharmacies, but many national guidelines have not approved HIVST for PrEP dispensing. In Kenya, pharmacy providers are permitted to deliver HIVST, but often do not have the required certification to deliver rapid diagnostic testing (RDT). We estimated the performance of provider‐delivered HIVST compared to RDT, the standard of care for PrEP delivery, at private pharmacies in Kenya to inform decisions on the use of HIVST for PrEP scale‐up.

Methods

At 20 pharmacies in Kisumu County, we trained pharmacy providers (pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists) on blood‐based HIVST use and client assistance (if requested). We recruited pharmacy clients purchasing sexual and reproductive health‐related products (e.g. condoms) and enrolled those ≥18 years with self‐reported behaviours associated with HIV risk. Enrolled clients received HIVST with associated provider counselling, followed by RDT by a certified HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Pharmacy providers and clients independently interpreted HIVST results prior to RDT (results interpreted only by the HTS counsellor). We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of pharmacy provider‐delivered HIVST compared to HTS counsellor‐administered RDT.

Results

Between March and June 2022, we screened 1691 clients and enrolled 1500; 64% (954/1500) were female and the median age was 26 years (IQR 22–31). We additionally enrolled 40 providers; 42% (17/40) were pharmacy owners and their median years of experience was 6 (IQR 4–10). The majority (79%, 1190/1500) of clients requested provider assistance with HIVST and providers spent a median of 20 minutes (IQR 15–43) with each HIVST client. The sensitivity of provider‐delivered HIVST at the pharmacy was high when interpreted by providers (98.5%, 95% CI 97.8%, 99.1%) and clients (98.8%, 95% CI 98.0%, 99.3%), as was the specificity of HIVST in this setting (provider‐interpretation: 96.9%, 95% CI 89.2%, 99.6%; client‐interpretation: 93.8%, 95% CI 84.8%, 98.3%).

Conclusions

When compared to the national HIV testing algorithm, provider‐delivered blood‐based HIVST at private pharmacies in Kenya performed well. These findings suggest that blood‐based HIVST may be a useful tool to support PrEP initiation and continuation at private pharmacies and potentially other community‐based delivery settings.
Non‐enzymatic glycation and aggregation of camel immunoglobulins induce breast cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Alafaleq Nouf O. , Alruwaished Ghaida I. , Khan Mohd Shahnawaz , Al‐Shouli Samia T. , Mujamammi Ahmed H. , Sabi Essa M. , Sumaily Khalid M. , Almansour Mohammed , Alokail Majed S.
Published: October 2023

Glycation of biomolecules results in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) has been implicated in the progression of various diseases, including diabetes and cancer. This study purified three IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3) from Camelus dromedarius colostrum using ammonium sulfate fractionation and chromatographic procedures. SDS‐PAGE was performed to confirm the purity and molecular weight of the IgG subclasses. Several biochemical and biophysical techniques were employed to study the effect of glycation on camel IgG using methylglyoxal (MGO), a dicarbonyl sugar. Early glycation measurement showed an increase in the fructosamine content by ~four‐fold in IgG2, ~two‐fold in IgG3, and a slight rise in IgG1. AGEs were observed in all classes of IgGs with maximum hyperchromicity (96.6%) in IgG2. Furthermore, glycation‐induced oxidation of IgGs led to an increase in carbonyl content and loss of ‐SH groups. Among subclass, IgG2 showed the highest (39.7%) increase in carbonyl content accompanied by 82.5% decrease in ‐SH groups. Far UV‐CD analysis illustrated perturbation of β‐sheet structure during glycation reaction with MGO. Moreover, glycation of IgG proceeds to various conformational states like aggregation and increased hydrophobicity. In addition, the cytotoxicity assay (MTT) illustrated the proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) with IgG2 treatment.
The Role of Improved Motion‐Sensitized Driven Equilibrium Blood Suppression and Fat Saturation on T2 Relaxation Time, Using GraSE Sequence in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Hammood Ebtihal Raheem , Shirani Shapoor , Sadri Ali , Bahri Mousa , Dehghani Sadegh
Published: October 2023

Background

T2 mapping is a valuable technique in cardiac MR imaging that offers insights into the microstructural characteristics of myocardial tissue. However, it was shown that myocardial T2 relaxation times (T2) measured vary significantly depending on sequence, sequence parameters, and field strength.

Purpose

To assess T2 variability and image quality in cardiac T2 maps using four variants of the gradient‐spin echo (GraSE) sequence, having different methods of blood signal suppression (double inversion recovery (DIR) and improved motion‐sensitized driven equilibrium (iMSDE) and with and without the addition of fat saturation (FS).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

48 healthy volunteers (46.7 +/− 21.5 years, 24 male) with no cardiac history.

Field Strength/Sequence

GraSE sequence with DIR (GraSEDIR), with iMSDE (GraSEiMSDE) and FS (GraSEDIR‐FS) and with both iMSDE and FS (GraSEiMSDE‐FS) at 1.5T.

Assessment

Global T2 from three short axis myocardial slices. and image quality assessments using a 5‐point Lickert scale (1, (non‐diagnostic) to 5, (excellent)) were conducted to evaluate the impact of DB and FS techniques on myocardial T2 measurements and image quality.

Statistical Tests

Paired t‐tests or non‐parametric equivalents for comparisons between sequences. The Bland–Altmann plots and Pearson rank correlation analyses, as appropriate. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean global T2 values for GraSEDIR, GraSEDIR‐FS, GraSEiMSDE, and GraSEiMSDE‐FS, were 52.84 ± 5.72 msec, 54.98 ± 3.59 msec, 53.9 ± 4.05 msec, and 55.14 ± 4.28 msec, respectively, with no significant differences (P = 0.092). High image quality scores (>4 out of 5) were obtained for all sequence variants with no significant differences between them (P = 0.11).

Data Conclusion

All GraSE sequence variants exhibited approximately the same results and variations in the DB technique and addition of FS did not have significant impact on myocardial T2 values.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Stand‐off Raman spectroscopy is a promising approach for the detection and identification of bloodstains for forensic purposes
Authors: Almehmadi Lamyaa M. , Lednev Igor K.
Published: October 2023

Stand‐off Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was demonstrated to have great potential for detecting and identifying biological stains from a distance for forensic purposes. Bloodstain spectra were collected using a handheld Raman spectrometer equipped with a stand‐off attachment and compared with spectra acquired with a benchtop Raman microscope. The two sets of spectra were visually similar, supporting the potential use of a handheld Raman spectrometer with stand‐off attachment for blood detection at the scene of crime. In addition, the stand‐off Raman spectra of bloodstains were correctly identified using a previously built SVM‐DA model for the identification of all main body fluids (Muro et al., Forensic Chemistry, 2016). Stand‐off Raman spectroscopy opens a new potential opportunity for further development of Raman spectroscopy as a universal tool for detecting and identifying body fluid traces for forensic purposes.
Research progress on the regulation of oxidative stress by phenolics: the role of gut microbiota and Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Yanxia , Wang Xiaoling , Podio Natalia S. , Wang Xiaoyin , Xu Shuyan , Jiang Suhang , Wei Xia , Han Yuna , Cai Yunyan , Chen Xingyu , Jin Fan , Li Xianbao , Gong Er Sheng
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the increase in high‐calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles has made obesity a global public health problem. An unbalanced diet promotes the production of proinflammatory cytokines and causes redox imbalance in the body. Phenolics have potent antioxidant activity and cytoprotective ability. They can scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thus combating the body's oxidative stress. They can also improve the body's inflammatory response, enhance the enzyme activity of lipid metabolism, and reduce the contents of cholesterol and triglyceride. Most phenolics are biotransformed and absorbed into the blood after the action by gut microbiota; these metabolites then undergo phase I and II metabolism and regulate oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and increasing expression of antioxidant enzymes. Phenolics induce the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and phase II detoxification enzymes by stimulating Nrf2 to enter the nucleus and bind to the antioxidant response element after uncoupling from Keap1, thereby promoting the production of antioxidant enzymes and phase II detoxification enzymes. The absorption rate of phenolics in the small intestine is extremely low. Most phenolics reach the colon, where they interact with the microbiota and undergo a series of metabolism. Their metabolites will reach the liver via the portal vein and undergo conjugation reactions. Subsequently, the metabolites reach the whole body to exert biological activity by traveling with the systemic circulation. Phenolics can promote the growth of probiotics, reduce the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B), and improve intestinal microecological imbalance. This paper reviews the nutritional value, bioactivity, and antioxidant mechanism of phenolics in the body, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of natural antioxidants and provide a reference for elucidating the mechanism of action of phenolics for regulating oxidative stress in the body. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
High symptom burden in patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer
Authors: Lilley Elizabeth J. , Lu Pamela , Robinson Kristen , Griffith Heather , Mansfield Paul , Ikoma Naruhiko , Badgwell Brian D.
Published: October 2023

Background

There is little data describing symptom burden before or after gastrectomy for patients with cancer. We aimed to examine the perioperative patterns of symptom severity in patients undergoing gastrectomy.

Methods

In this single‐institution prospective cohort study, patients scheduled to undergo gastrectomy for cancer completed serial symptom measurement questionnaires preoperatively, at postoperative day (POD) 1–3, and POD 4–7. The percent of patients with moderate to severe scores was calculated at each time point.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients completed 94 surveys. Preoperatively, 46% reported at least one moderate/severe symptom. This increased to 88% during POD 1–3 and 79% during POD 4–7. During the preoperative period, 25% of patients reported moderate to severe interference in at least one aspect of daily life. This increased to 73% of patients at both POD 1–3 and POD 4–7.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer frequently experience symptoms that interfere with daily life. A better understanding of these symptoms may improve patients' experiences with, and recovery from, gastrectomy.
Understanding the etiopathogenesis of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation: From clinical evidence to basic scientific research
Authors: Zhou Minhao , Theologis Alekos A. , O’Connell Grace D.
Published: October 2023

Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, as a leading cause of low back pain, productivity loss, and disability, is a common musculoskeletal disorder that results in significant socioeconomic burdens. Despite extensive clinical and basic scientific research efforts, herniation etiopathogenesis, particularly its initiation and progression, is not well understood. Understanding herniation etiopathogenesis is essential for developing effective preventive measures and therapeutic interventions. Thus, this review seeks to provide a thorough overview of the advances in herniation‐oriented research, with a discussion on ongoing challenges and potential future directions for clinical, translational, and basic scientific investigations to facilitate innovative interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding herniation etiopathogenesis. Specifically, risk factors for herniation are identified and summarized, including familial predisposition, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking tobacco, selected cardiovascular diseases, disc degeneration, and occupational risks. Basic scientific experimental and computational research that aims to understand the link between excessive mechanical load, catabolic tissue remodeling due to inflammation or insufficient nutrient supply, and herniation, are also reviewed. Potential future directions to address the current challenges in herniation‐oriented research are explored by combining known progressive development in existing research techniques with ongoing technological advances. More research on the relationship between occupational risk factors and herniation, as well as the relationship between degeneration and herniation, is needed to develop preventive measures for working‐age individuals. Notably, researchers should explore using or modifying existing degeneration animal models to study herniation etiopathogenesis, as such models may allow for a better understanding of how to prevent mild‐to‐moderately degenerated discs from herniating.
Three‐dimensional printed Zn2SiO4/sodium alginate composite scaffold with multiple biological functions for tendon‐to‐bone repair
Authors: Wang Yu , Jiao Yiren , Zeng Zhen , Chang Jiang , Yang Chen , Dong Zhihong
Published: October 2023

The intricate nature of the tendon–bone interface poses significant challenges for current surgical methods aimed at repairing tendon–bone interface injuries. Despite notable progress in surgical techniques, these methods continue to grapple with hurdles such as complications and suboptimal healing effects. In this study, we prepared a three‐dimensional‐printed composite scaffold by incorporating bioactive ceramic zinc silicate (Zn2SiO4) into sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel. The physicochemical properties and mechanical strength of the SA hydrogel scaffold composited with Zn2SiO4 (ZnSi/SA) were investigated in vitro. Impressively, the 0.5‐ZnSi/SA scaffold exhibited a sustained release of Zn and Si ions, while exhibiting mechanical properties compatible with tendon–bone interface repair. Moreover, cell viability, cell migration, and osteogenic differentiation assay results showed that 0.5‐ZnSi/SA scaffold facilitated the viability, mobility, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells. In parallel, assessments of cell viability, cell migration, and tendon differentiation indicated that 0.5‐ZnSi/SA scaffold promoted the viability, migration, and tenogenic differentiation of tendon stem/progenitor cells. Moreover, cell viability, cell migration, and tube formation assay results demonstrated that 0.5‐ZnSi/SA scaffold enhanced the viability, migration rate, and angiogenic performance of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Collectively, our findings suggest a promising therapeutic avenue employing ZnSi/SA scaffold for tendon–bone interface healing.
Mathematical modelling of the impact of poverty on cholera outbreaks
Authors: Tchatat Daudel , Kolaye Gabriel Guilsou , Alioum Amadou , Bowong Samuel , Maïrousgou Céline
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we propose and analyze a coupled disease‐economic model to study the impact of poverty on cholera outbreaks. We consider the stock of capital per effective units of labor, reflecting the effect of the stock of capital on cholera outbreak and transmission. The system has positive bounded solutions. We show that the disease‐free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable whenever
, while when
, the disease‐free equilibrium is unstable. The sensitivity analysis of the model has been performed in order to determine the impact of related parameters on outbreak severity. We further study various cases for the investment rate upon critical value of the investment in order to describe the effect of poverty on the infected individuals over time. The results we obtained show that increasing of the stock of capital per effective units of labor and the implementation of strategies combining awareness programs and therapeutic treatments will reduce the proportion of the infected population. To verify our analytical results, the numerical simulations on the model are performed.
Movienet: Deep space–time‐coil reconstruction network without k‐space data consistency for fast motion‐resolved 4D MRI
Authors: Murray Victor , Siddiq Syed , Crane Christopher , El Homsi Maria , Kim Tae‐Hyung , Wu Can , Otazo Ricardo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To develop a novel deep learning approach for 4D‐MRI reconstruction, named Movienet, which exploits space–time‐coil correlations and motion preservation instead of k‐space data consistency, to accelerate the acquisition of golden‐angle radial data and enable subsecond reconstruction times in dynamic MRI.

Methods

Movienet uses a U‐net architecture with modified residual learning blocks that operate entirely in the image domain to remove aliasing artifacts and reconstruct an unaliased motion‐resolved 4D image. Motion preservation is enforced by sorting the input image and reference for training in a linear motion order from expiration to inspiration. The input image was collected with a lower scan time than the reference XD‐GRASP image used for training. Movienet is demonstrated for motion‐resolved 4D MRI and motion‐resistant 3D MRI of abdominal tumors on a therapeutic 1.5T MR‐Linac (1.5‐fold acquisition acceleration) and diagnostic 3T MRI scanners (2‐fold and 2.25‐fold acquisition acceleration for 4D and 3D, respectively). Image quality was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively by expert clinical readers.

Results

The reconstruction time of Movienet was 0.69 s (4 motion states) and 0.75 s (10 motion states), which is substantially lower than iterative XD‐GRASP and unrolled reconstruction networks. Movienet enables faster acquisition than XD‐GRASP with similar overall image quality and improved suppression of streaking artifacts.

Conclusion

Movienet accelerates data acquisition with respect to compressed sensing and reconstructs 4D images in less than 1 s, which would enable an efficient implementation of 4D MRI in a clinical setting for fast motion‐resistant 3D anatomical imaging or motion‐resolved 4D imaging.
Durability of the liquid rubber‐modified CFRP‐steel interface under freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Pang Yuyang , Li Zhenqi , Wang Qiang , Hao Jianbing , Gao Li , Tang Qun
Published: October 2023

An experimental investigation was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of using a liquid rubber‐modified epoxy resin to improve the bonding durability between steel and carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates in a freeze–thaw environment. Forty‐eight CFRP‐steel double strap joints were prepared, with a focus on two key factors: the number of freeze–thaw cycles (0, 50, 100, and 200 cycles) and the amount of liquid rubber in the adhesive (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by mass). The bond properties encompassing the damage mode, the ultimate capacity, and the bond–slip response of the CFRP‐steel joints were examined, respectively. The study revealed that the ultimate capacity of the joints decreased as the freeze–thaw cycles increased. The ultimate capacity retention rate for unmodified joints, after undergoing 200 freeze–thaw cycles, was approximately 84.9%, while for the modified joints, it ranged from 90.5% to 96.4%. Furthermore, the impact of the freeze–thaw cycles and liquid rubber content on the key bond indicators in terms of the maximum shear stress τmax, initial slip S1, maximum slip Sf, and fracture energy Gf were ascertained, leading to the establishment of the bond–slip degradation relationship of the liquid rubber modified CFRP‐steel interface under freeze–thaw environment.

Highlights

The effects of the liquid rubber content and freeze–thaw cycles on the mechanical properties of the epoxy resin‐based adhesive were determined.

The influences of both the liquid rubber content and freeze–thaw cycles on the CFRP‐steel interface were analyzed.

The bond–slip degradation relationships of the liquid rubber‐modified CFRP–steel interface under freeze–thaw cycles were developed.
Bioactivities and chemical profiling comparison and metabolomic variations of polyphenolics and steroidal glycoalkaloids in different parts of Solanum nigrum L.
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liu Dongmei , Cui Yanru , Xu Tongxin , Lu Tiantian , Liu Xiaoli , Liu Kun , Wang Quande , Li Aiqian , Zhao Pengfei , Cheng Zhongzhe
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Solanum nigrum L. is a traditional medicinal herb and edible plant. Many studies provide evidence that S. nigrum L. is a nutritious vegetable. Polyphenols and steroidal glycoalkaloids are the main components.

Objectives

This study aimed to systemically evaluate the phytochemical profile, quantification, and bioactivities of polyphenolics and glycoalkaloids in different parts of S. nigrum L.

Results

Total polyphenols (TPC) and total glycoalkaloids (TGK) were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu and acid dye colorimetric methods, respectively. A total of 55 polyphenolic constituents (including 22 phenolic acids and 33 flavonoids) and 24 steroidal glycoalkaloids were identified from different parts using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography Q‐exactive high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QE‐HRMS), of which 40 polyphenols (including 15 phenolic acids and 25 flavonoids) and one steroidal glycoalkaloid were characterised for the first time in S. nigrum L. Moreover, typical polyphenols and glycoalkaloids were determined using HPLC‐UV and HPLC–evaporative light‐scattering detector (ELSD), respectively. In addition, the TPC and TGK and their typical constituents were compared in different anatomical parts. Finally, the antioxidant capacities of polyphenolic extracts from different parts of S. nigrum L. were evaluated by ·OH, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay in vitro. In addition, the antitumour effects of TGK from different parts of S. nigrum L. on the proliferation of PC‐3 cells were investigated using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Polyphenolic and glycoalkaloid extracts from different parts of S. nigrum L. showed different antioxidant and cytotoxic capacities in vitro.

Conclusion

This is the first study to systematically differentiate between polyphenolic and glycoalkaloid profiles from different parts of S. nigrum L.
AFM dilatometry measurements on ultra‐stable fluoropolymer glasses: Further evidence of extreme fictive temperature reduction
Authors: El Banna Amer A. , McKenna Gregory B.
Published: October 2023

Ultra‐stable amorphous fluoropolymers glasses were created using vacuum pyrolysis deposition (VPD). Glass films with thickness ranging from 90 to 160 nm were grown at a substrate temperature of 0.86 Tg, where Tg is the glass transition temperature of the virgin polymer and is in units of K. Atomic force microscope (AFM) dilatometry measurements were conducted to investigate density behavior of the ultra‐stable glasses. Thickness measurements were made in stepwise fashion over a range of temperatures from ambient to above the Tg. Results show that the intersections of the line for the equilibrium liquid and those for the rejuvenated and stable glasses identifying the fictive temperature Tf result in Tf, rejuvenated = 347.3 K and Tf, stable = 269.5 K, that is, nearly 80 K below the Tg of the rejuvenated material and well below the notional Kauzmann temperature as estimated from the Vogel‐Fultcher‐Tammann (VFT) analysis of the cooling rate dependence of the calorimetric glass transition temperature reported previously. The results corroborate the published calorimetric results on the same ultra‐stable fluoropolymer glasses that witnessed Tf reductions of up to 62.6 K below the Tg of the rejuvenated system. In addition, to demonstrate the versatility of the AFM dilatometry methodology for the thin film response, isothermal de‐aging experiments were carried out to illustrate the devitrification kinetics. We also carried out one of the Kovacs’ signature key experiments, the asymmetry of approach, to further illustrate the method.
Improved Performance and Bias Stability of Indium‐Tin‐Zinc‐Oxide Thin‐Film Transistors Enabled by an Oxygen‐Compensated Capping Layer
Authors: Xiao Zhenyuan , Jin Jidong , Lee Jeongho , Choi Gisang , Lin Xiaoyu , Zhang Jiawei , Kim Jaekyun
Published: October 2023

Herein, the effects of oxygen‐compensated capping layer (CCL) on the electrical performance and stability of indium‐tin‐zinc‐oxide (ITZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) are investigated. Two different channel structures, namely, single and dual channels, are tested for the ITZO TFTs. The dual‐channel layer is created by depositing an oxygen CCL on the oxygen‐uncompensated channel layer (UCL), while the single‐channel layer consists only of the oxygen UCL. It is found that the oxygen CCL is critical for enhancing the electrical properties of dual‐channel ITZO TFT and its stability under different stress modes such as dynamic stress, positive bias temperature stress, and negative bias illumination stress. The dual‐channel ITZO TFT exhibits a saturation field‐effect mobility of 16.69 cm2 V−1s−1, a threshold voltage of 6.80 V, and a subthreshold swing of 0.22 V dec−1. Furthermore, it is revealed that the higher metal‐oxide concentration and fewer defects in the dual channel lead to enhanced electrical performance and stability of the device. This work demonstrates the potential of utilizing the oxygen CCL for the highly reliable operation of oxide semiconductor TFTs.
Unsupervised learning for medical data: A review of probabilistic factorization methods
Authors: Neijzen Dorien , Lunter Gerton
Published: October 2023

We review popular unsupervised learning methods for the analysis of high‐dimensional data encountered in, for example, genomics, medical imaging, cohort studies, and biobanks. We show that four commonly used methods, principal component analysis, K‐means clustering, nonnegative matrix factorization, and latent Dirichlet allocation, can be written as probabilistic models underpinned by a low‐rank matrix factorization. In addition to highlighting their similarities, this formulation clarifies the various assumptions and restrictions of each approach, which eases identifying the appropriate method for specific applications for applied medical researchers. We also touch upon the most important aspects of inference and model selection for the application of these methods to health data.
Shape and Phase‐Controlled One‐Pot Synthesis of Air Stable Cationic AgCdS Nanocrystals, Optoelectronic and Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Studies
Authors: Chaturvedi Jyotsna , Munthasir Akkarakkaran Thayyil Muhammed , Nayak Arpan Kumar , Tripathi Laxmi Narayan , Thilagar Pakkirisamy , Jagirdar Balaji R.
Published: October 2023

CdS‐based materials are extensively studied for photocatalytic water splitting. By incorporating Ag+ into CdS nanomaterials, the catalyst's charge carrier dynamic can be tuned for photo‐electrochemical devices. However, photo‐corrosion and air‐stability of the heterostructures limit the photocatalytic device's performance. Here, a one‐pot, single molecular source synthesis of the air‐stable AgCdS ternary semiconductor alloy nanostructures by heat‐up method is reported. Monoclinic and hexagonal phases of the alloy are tuned by judicious choice of dodecane thiol (DDT), octadecyl amine (ODA), and oleyl amine (OLA) as capping agents. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and powder X‐ray diffraction characterization of the AgCdS alloy confirm the monoclinic and hexagonal phase (wurtzite) formation. The high‐resolution TEM studies confirm the formation of AgCdS@DDT alloy nanorods and their shape transformation into nano‐triangles. The nanoparticle coalescence is observed for ODA‐capped alloys in the wurtzite phase. Moreover, OLA directs mixed crystal phases and anisotropic growth of alloy. Optical processes in AgCdS@DDT nano‐triangles show mono‐exponential decay (3.97 ± 0.01 ns). The monoclinic phase of the AgCdS@DDT nanorods exhibits higher electrochemical hydrogen evolution activity in neutral media as compared to the AgCdS@ODA/OLA alloy nanocrystals. DDT and OLA‐capped alloys display current densities of 14.1 and 14.7 mA cm−2, respectively, at 0.8 V (vs RHE).
Mutation testing optimisations using the Clang front‐end
Authors: Vercammen Sten , Demeyer Serge , Borg Markus , Pettersson Niklas , Hedin Görel
Published: October 2023

Mutation testing is the state‐of‐the‐art technique for assessing the fault detection capacity of a test suite. Unfortunately, a full mutation analysis is often prohibitively expensive. The CppCheck project for instance, demands a build time of 5.8 min and a test execution time of 17 s on our desktop computer. An unoptimised mutation analysis, for 55,000 generated mutants took 11.8 days in total, of which 4.3 days is spent on (re)compiling the project. In this paper, we present a feasibility study, investigating how a number of optimisation strategies can be implemented based on the Clang front‐end. These optimisation strategies allow to eliminate the compilation and execution overhead in order to support efficient mutation testing for the C language family. We provide a proof‐of‐concept tool that achieves a speedup of between 2
and 30
. We make a detailed analysis of the speedup induced by the optimisations, elaborate on the lessons learned and point out avenues for further improvements.
Synthesis of stable iodoplumbate and perovskite for efficient annealing‐free device and long‐term storage
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Park Sang‐Won , Lee Younghyun , Hosono Hideo , Park Byungwoo , Kim Jinhyun
Published: October 2023

As a next‐generation photovoltaic device, perovskite solar cells are rapidly emerging. Nevertheless, both solution and device stability pose challenges for commercialization due to chemical degradation caused by internal and external factors. Especially, the decomposition of iodoplumbate in a perovskite solution hinders the long‐term use of perovskite solutions. Moreover, the synthesis of stable perovskites at low temperature is important for stable devices and wide applications (flexible devices and high reproducibility). Herein, the critical composition of perovskite is found to obtain high stabilities of both iodoplumbate and perovskite crystals by utilizing CsPbBr3 and FAPbI3, exhibiting high device performance and long‐term solution storage. The novel composition of CsPbBr3‐alloyed FAPbI3 not only crystallizes under annealing‐free conditions but also demonstrates excellent iodoplumbate stability for 100 days (∼3000 h) without any degradation. Furthermore, high device stabilities are achieved over 2000 and 3000 h under extreme conditions of A.M. 1.5 and 85°C/85% relative humidity, respectively. Overall, the device exhibited a high power conversion efficiency of 23.4%, and furthermore, CsPbBr3‐alloyed FAPbI3 was devoted to widen the applications in both flexible and carbon‐electrode devices, thereby addressing both scientific depths and potential commercial materials.
Validation of Reference Frame Consistency of GNSS Service Products
Authors: Huisman Lennard , de Ligt Huib
Published: October 2023

In Global Navigation Sattelite System (GNSS) point positioning the coordinate reference frame of the positioning results is determined by the reference frame of the used GNSS service product. These products include broadcast ephemeris, precise orbits, clocks, biases, and reference station observations. Consistency in the reference frame is crucial for analyzing coordinate differences and velocities in earth science and geomatics applications. National agencies calculate coordinates for GNSS reference stations to ensure reference frame consistency within a country, however this approach is not suitable for providers covering multiple countries.

This contribution will introduce two new approaches for reference frame validation of GNSS service products and their relation with the International Association of Geodesy’s Reference Frame Sub-Commission for Europe (EUREF) densification guidelines, including results of a first prototype assessing the consistency of a cross-border GNSS RTK service with the EUREF Permanent Network (EPN) reference frame ETRF2000 and consistency of a GNSS PPP service with the International GNSS Service reference frame IGb14.
Thinking Democratic Politics with Territory
Authors: Mazzoleni Oscar
Published: October 2023

This final chapter summarises that territory plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between society and politics. The key characteristics of a territorial approach to political analysis are discussed, and three ideal types are identified, which highlight a territory’s stability, contingency and politicisation.
Wave scattering event shapes at high energies
Authors: Gonzo Riccardo , Ilderton Anton
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We study the space and properties of global and local observables for radiation emitted in the scattering of a massive scalar field in gauge and gravitational plane-wave backgrounds, in both the quantum and classical theory. We first compute the radiated momentum and angular momentum flow, demonstrating that they are good local observables determined by the amplitude and phase of the waveform. We then focus on the corresponding global observables, which in the gravitational case requires dealing with the collinear divergence of the gravitational Compton cross-section. We show using the KLN theorem that we can obtain an infrared-finite cross-section only by summing over forward scattering diagrams; this suggests dressing the initial state in the direction collinear to the plane wave in order to be able to compute observables integrated over the celestial sphere. Finally, we explore the high-energy behaviour of our observables. We find that classical global observables generically exhibit a power-law mass divergence in electrodynamics and a logarithmic mass divergence in gravity, even when radiation reaction is included. We then show explicitly how this is consistently resolved in the full quantum theory.
The differences in drug disposition gene induction by rifampicin and rifabutin are unlikely due to different effects on important pregnane X receptor (NR1I2) splice variants
Authors: Nilles Julie , Weiss Johanna , Masin Martin , Tuffs Christopher , Strowitzki Moritz J. , Haefeli Walter E. , Ruez Stephanie , Theile Dirk
Published: October 2023

Rifampicin and rifabutin can activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR, NR1I2), thereby inducing pharmacokinetically important genes/proteins and reducing exposure to co-administered drugs. Because induction effects vary considerably between these antibiotics, differences could be due to unequal rifamycin-induced activation or tissue expression of the three major NR1I2 splice variants, PXR.1 (NM_003889), PXR.2 (NM_022002), and PXR.3 (NM_033013). Consequently, PXR activation (PXR reporter gene assays) and mRNA expression levels of total NR1I2, PXR.1, PXR.2, and PXR.3 were investigated by polymerase chain reaction in colon and liver samples from eleven surgical patients, in LS180 cells, and primary human hepatocytes. Compared to the colon, total NR1I2 mRNA expression was higher in the liver. Both tissues showed similar expression levels of PXR.1 and PXR.3, respectively. PXR.2 was not quantifiable in the colon samples. Rifampicin and rifabutin similarly enhanced PXR.1 and PXR.2 activity when transfected into LS180 cells, while PXR.3 could not be activated. In LS180 cells, rifampicin (10 μM) reduced total NR1I2 and PXR.3 expression 2-fold after 24 h, while rifabutin (10 μM) increased total NR1I2, PXR.1, PXR.2, and PXR.3 mRNA by approx. 50% after 96-h exposure. In primary human hepatocytes, rifampicin (10 μM) suppressed total NR1I2, PXR.1, and PXR.3 after 48-h exposure, and rifabutin (10 μM) had no significant impact on total NR1I2 or any of the splice variants studied. In conclusion, both antibiotics activated the studied PXR splice variants similarly but modified their expression differently. While rifampicin can suppress mRNA of PXR forms, rifabutin rather increases their expression levels.
The Influence of Scar Patterns After Reduction Mammoplasty on Eye Movement and Gaze Pattern: An Eye-Tracking Investigation
Authors: Frank Konstantin , Zeng Rui , Sedlbauer Stephanie , Prantl Lukas , Giunta Riccardo , Cotofana Sebastian , Moellhoff Nicholas , Alfertshofer Michael , Kaye Kai , Brébant Vanessa
Published: October 2023

Background

Given that scars are acknowledged as the primary cause of postoperative dissatisfaction following reduction mammoplasty, it is imperative to comprehend the patient’s visual perception of different scar patterns in order to enhance patient satisfaction. To achieve this, eye-tracking technology provides an unbiased method of evaluating how observers assess breast scars.

Methods

58 participants (32 females and 26 males) between the ages of 19 and 82 years (mean age of 29.47 ± 10.98 years) were shown 18 color photographs, taken at 3 viewing angles (right 45° oblique, frontal and frontal view with arms raised), from 6 patients undergone reduction mammoplasty with the inverted T-scar technique (3 patients) or no-vertical-scar technique (3 patients). The images were presented to every participant for a fixed duration of 5 s each. Eye-tracking device was used to collect and analyze the gaze data of viewers.

Results

The nipple-areola complex (NAC) and the periareolar scar captured observers’ gaze faster, had longer duration and more count of eye fixation than all other parts of breast scars, regardless of the viewing angle and scar pattern. Moreover, the scar region in the inverted T-scar pattern received greater and faster visual attraction of observer’s gaze than the no-vertical-scar pattern.

Conclusion

The NAC and the periareolar scar seem to be perceived as the most important regions for breast aesthetics. The findings can be helpful to assist plastic surgeons in determining the most appropriate technique for reduction mammoplasty, meanwhile underlining the importance of a fine periareolar scar and symmetric NAC for excellent aesthetic outcomes.

This is to our best knowledge the first study using eye-tracking technology in evaluating reduction mammoplasty outcomes.

This study explored the influence of different scar patterns after reduction mammoplasty on eye movements and gaze patterns among observers.

The study have validated the significance of the NAC and the periareolar scar for breast aesthetics and revealed that the scar region in the inverted T-scar pattern may be judged less visually attractive than the no-vertical-scar pattern.

Level of Evidence V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Real-world routine diagnostic molecular analysis for TP53 mutational status is recommended over p53 immunohistochemistry in B-cell lymphomas
Authors: de Haan Lorraine M. , de Groen Ruben A. L. , de Groot Fleur A. , Noordenbos Troy , van Wezel Tom , van Eijk Ronald , Ruano Dina , Diepstra Arjan , Koens Lianne , Nicolae-Cristea Alina , Hartog Wietske C. E. den , Terpstra Valeska , Ahsmann Els , Dekker Tim J. A. , Sijs-Szabo Aniko , Veelken Hendrik , Cleven Arjen H. G. , Jansen Patty M. , Vermaat Joost S. P.
Published: October 2023

Previous studies in patients with mature B-cell lymphomas (MBCL) have shown that pathogenic TP53 aberrations are associated with inferior chemotherapeutic efficacy and survival outcomes. In solid malignancies, p53 immunohistochemistry is commonly used as a surrogate marker to assess TP53 mutations, but this correlation is not yet well-established in lymphomas. This study evaluated the accuracy of p53 immunohistochemistry as a surrogate marker for TP53 mutational analysis in a large real-world patient cohort of 354 MBCL patients within routine diagnostic practice. For each case, p53 IHC was assigned to one of three categories: wild type (staining 1–50% of tumor cells with variable nuclear staining), abnormal complete absence or abnormal overexpression (strong and diffuse staining > 50% of tumor cells). Pathogenic variants of TP53 were identified with a targeted next generation sequencing (tNGS) panel. Wild type p53 expression was observed in 267 cases (75.4%), complete absence in twenty cases (5.7%) and the overexpression pattern in 67 cases (18.9%). tNGS identified a pathogenic TP53 mutation in 102 patients (29%). The overall accuracy of p53 IHC was 84.5% (95% CI 80.3–88.1), with a robust specificity of 92.1% (95% CI 88.0- 95.1), but a low sensitivity of 65.7% (95% CI 55.7–74.8). These results suggest that the performance of p53 IHC is insufficient as a surrogate marker for TP53 mutations in our real-world routine diagnostic workup of MBCL patients. By using p53 immunohistochemistry alone, there is a significant risk a TP53 mutation will be missed, resulting in misevaluation of a high-risk patient. Therefore, molecular analysis is recommended in all MBCL patients, especially for further development of risk-directed therapies based on TP53 mutation status.
Personalized prognostic prediction tool for high-grade neuroendocrine cervical cancer: a SEER database analysis and single-center validation
Authors: Chen Xiaoyue , Shi Wenpei , Wang Chao , Zhu Haiyan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Cervical high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma (CHGNEC) is a rare but highly aggressive cancer. The purpose of this study is to develop a prognostic nomogram that can accurately predict the outcomes for CHGNEC patients.

Methods

We analyzed clinical data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of CHGNEC patients, including small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). We investigated patient characteristics and prognosis, and developed a prognostic nomogram model for cancer-specific survival in CHGNEC patients. External validation was conducted using real clinical cases from our hospital.

Results

Our study included 306 patients from SEER database, with a mean age of 49.9 ± 15.5 years. Most of the patients had SCNEC (86.9%). Among them, 170 died from the disease, while 136 either survived or died from other causes. Our final predictive model identified age at diagnosis, stage 1 status, stage 4 status, T1, N0, and surgery of the primary site as independent prognostic factors for CHGNEC. We validated our model using a group of 16 CHGNEC patients who underwent surgery at our center. The external validation showed that the prognostic nomogram had excellent discriminative ability, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.76 (95% CI 0.49–1.00) for the prediction of 3-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and an AUC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.62–1.00) for the prediction of 5-years CSS. The random survival forest model achieved an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI 0.56–1.00) for 3-years CSS and 0.91 (95% CI 0.72–1.00) for 5-years CSS, indicating its adequacy in predicting outcomes for CHGNEC patients.

Conclusion

Our study provides an excellent nomogram for predicting the prognosis of CHGNEC patients. The prognostic nomogram can be a useful tool for clinicians in identifying high-risk patients and making personalized treatment decisions.
Ethische Aspekte fertilitätserhaltender Maßnahmen bei jungen krebskranken Personen
Authors: Pietschmann Ines , Wiesemann Claudia
Published: October 2023

Eigene Kinder zu bekommen und eine Familie zu gründen ist für viele Menschen ein wichtiger Aspekt eines guten Lebens. Die Einschränkung der Fertilität durch Krebstherapien kann für Patient*innen eine lebensgeschichtlich bedeutsame Belastung darstellen. Deshalb muss über die Möglichkeiten von fertilitätserhaltenden Maßnahmen (FEM) aufgeklärt werden. Die Entscheidung, ob diese durchgeführt werden sollen, findet in einer ohnehin belastenden Situation statt. Die Entscheidung über FEM wirft eine Reihe ethischer Fragen auf, derer sich Ärzt*innen bei der Aufklärung und Beratung bewusst sein müssen. In der Aufklärungs- und Entscheidungssituation werden Themen der Patient*innenautonomie, des Nicht-Schadens und der Gerechtigkeit verhandelt. Auch können Einstellungen zu Partnerschaft, Fragen des Kindeswohls und Alternativen zu FEM für die Entscheidung von Betroffenen wichtig sein. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über relevante ethische Fragen rund um fertilitätserhaltende Maßnahmen und wie damit umgegangen werden sollte.
Male Sexual Victimization by Women: Incidence Rates, Mental Health, and Conformity to Gender Norms in a Sample of British Men
Authors: Madjlessi Jasmine , Loughnan Steve
Published: October 2023

Male sexual victimization by women is often neglected within psychological research (Fisher & Pina, 2013). Not only is the topic understudied, incidence rates and associated psychological impacts are inconsistent across the literature (Depraetere et al., 2020; Peterson et al., 2011). The present study provides an additional estimate of male sexual victimization by women, explores its association with victim mental disorders, and examines the potential moderating role of conformity to gender norms. A sample of 1124 heterosexual British men completed an online survey consisting of a modified CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, and measures of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and conformity to masculine norms. In the present sample, 71% of men experienced some form of sexual victimization by a woman at least once during their lifetime. Sexual victimization was significantly associated with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, conformity to masculine gender norms was not a significant moderator between victimization and mental disorders. These findings further illuminate the occurrence of male sexual victimization by women, as well as the importance of continued research on the topic.