bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjusting the RAPID score with 2 additional variables significantly increases its predictive value in patients with empyema
Authors: Stüben B. O. , Plitzko G. A. , Urban F. , Kölzer H. , Kemper M. , Wakker J. , Izbicki J. R. , Bachmann K.
Published: February 2023

Pleural empyema is a serious condition leading to a significant burden on health care systems due to protracted hospitalisations. Treatment ranges from non-surgical interventions such as antibiotic therapy and chest tube placement to thoracoscopic or open surgery. Various risk factors which impact outcomes have been investigated. The RAPID (renal, age, purulence, infection source, and dietary factors) score is a clinical risk score which identifies patients at risk of death and may be used to formulate individual treatment strategies accordingly. All patients undergoing surgical interventions for empyema at a major tertiary medical centre in Germany from 2017 to 2020 were analysed. The aim was to identify perioperative risk factors which significantly impact treatment outcomes but are currently not included in the RAPID score. 245 patients with pleural empyema surgically treated at the Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery at the University Medical Centre, Hamburg, Germany (admitted from January 2017 to April 2020) were retrospectively analysed. All patients which received either minimally invasive or open thoracic surgery were included. Epidemiological as well as perioperative data was analysed to identify risk factors which impact long-term overall outcomes. 90-day mortality rate was the primary endpoint. The mean age was 59.4 years with a bimodal distribution. There was a male predominance across the cohort (71.4% compared to 28.6%), with no significant differences across ages below or above 60 years. 53 (21.6%) patients died within the first 90 days. Diabetes type 1 and 2, renal replacement therapy, immunosuppression, postoperative bleeding, intraoperative transfusion as well as microbiologically confirmed bacterial invasion of the pleura all led to higher mortality rates. Higher RAPID scores accurately predicted higher 90-day mortality rates. Modifying the RAPID score by adding the comorbidities diabetes and renal replacement therapy significantly increased the predictive value of the score. We demonstrated various perioperative and patient related risk-factors not included in the RAPID score which negatively impact postoperative outcome in patients receiving surgical treatment for pleural empyema. These should be taken into consideration when deciding on the best course of treatment. If confirmed in a prospective study including non-surgical patients with a significantly larger cohort, it may be worth considering expanding the RAPID score to include these.
Electromagnetic metamaterials to approach superconductive-like electrical conductivity
Authors: Danisi A. , Zannini C.
Published: February 2023

This paper explores the possibility of using electromagnetic metamaterials to synthesize an equivalent structure that approaches superconductive-like properties, i.e. extremely high electrical conductivity. The underlying electromagnetic model is formalized analytically using transmission line theory and supported by experimental measurements. This particular use of metamaterials could bring to the ground-breaking scenario of developing superconductive-like cavities and lossless guiding structures at ambient temperature.
Explainable AI for unveiling deep learning pollen classification model based on fusion of scattered light patterns and fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Brdar Sanja , Panić Marko , Matavulj Predrag , Stanković Mira , Bartolić Dragana , Šikoparija Branko
Published: February 2023

Pollen monitoring have become data-intensive in recent years as real-time detectors are deployed to classify airborne pollen grains. Machine learning models with a focus on deep learning, have an essential role in the pollen classification task. Within this study we developed an explainable framework to unveil a deep learning model for pollen classification. Model works on data coming from single particle detector (Rapid-E) that records for each particle optical fingerprint with scattered light and laser induced fluorescence. Morphological properties of a particle are sensed with the light scattering process, while chemical properties are encoded with fluorescence spectrum and fluorescence lifetime induced by high-resolution laser. By utilizing these three data modalities, scattering, spectrum, and lifetime, deep learning-based models with millions of parameters are learned to distinguish different pollen classes, but a proper understanding of such a black-box model decisions demands additional methods to employ. Our study provides the first results of applied explainable artificial intelligence (xAI) methodology on the pollen classification model. Extracted knowledge on the important features that attribute to the predicting particular pollen classes is further examined from the perspective of domain knowledge and compared to available reference data on pollen sizes, shape, and laboratory spectrofluorometer measurements.
Exploring a global interpretation mechanism for deep learning networks when predicting sepsis
Authors: Strickler Ethan A. T. , Thomas Joshua , Thomas Johnson P. , Benjamin Bruce , Shamsuddin Rittika
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to identify additional clinical features for sepsis detection through the use of a novel mechanism for interpreting black-box machine learning models trained and to provide a suitable evaluation for the mechanism. We use the publicly available dataset from the 2019 PhysioNet Challenge. It has around 40,000 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with 40 physiological variables. Using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) as the representative black-box machine learning model, we adapted the Multi-set Classifier to globally interpret the black-box model for concepts it learned about sepsis. To identify relevant features, the result is compared against: (i) features used by a computational sepsis expert, (ii) clinical features from clinical collaborators, (iii) academic features from literature, and (iv) significant features from statistical hypothesis testing. Random Forest was found to be the computational sepsis expert because it had high accuracies for solving both the detection and early detection, and a high degree of overlap with clinical and literature features. Using the proposed interpretation mechanism and the dataset, we identified 17 features that the LSTM used for sepsis classification, 11 of which overlaps with the top 20 features from the Random Forest model, 10 with academic features and 5 with clinical features. Clinical opinion suggests, 3 LSTM features have strong correlation with some clinical features that were not identified by the mechanism. We also found that age, chloride ion concentration, pH and oxygen saturation should be investigated further for connection with developing sepsis. Interpretation mechanisms can bolster the incorporation of state-of-the-art machine learning models into clinical decision support systems, and might help clinicians to address the issue of early sepsis detection. The promising results from this study warrants further investigation into creation of new and improvement of existing interpretation mechanisms for black-box models, and into clinical features that are currently not used in clinical assessment of sepsis.
Decadal decline in maternal body condition of a Southern Ocean capital breeder
Authors: Vermeulen Els , Thavar Terriann , Glarou Maria , Ganswindt Andre , Christiansen Fredrik
Published: February 2023

The changing physical properties of the Southern Ocean are known to impact the recruitment and survival of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). For oceanic krill predators, the resulting reduced energy intake may lead to population-level effects likely preceded by an alteration in the animals’ body condition. This is especially true for capital breeders that rely on stored energy for successful reproduction. One such Southern Ocean capital breeder, the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), has been monitored over the past 43 years in their South African wintering ground. Changes in the population have been documented in the past decade, including a decreased reproductive rate and a shift in foraging strategy. To evaluate if a reduced foraging success is an underlying factor, we assessed the temporal variation in morphological body condition through aerial photogrammetry. Results showed a 23% reduction in maternal body condition, potentially contributing to the decreased reproductive rate of the population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to quantify a decadal reduction in the body condition of a capital breeder dependent on Southern Ocean productivity. Understanding the bioenergetic consequences of environmental change is vital to predicting species’ resilience to climate change.
Study on the synthesis mechanism of sodalite, gismondine, and zeolite-P1 zeolite materials from ladle furnace slag and fly ash
Authors: Ma Wenqing , Yi Yuanrong , Fang Minghang , Li Chunhui , Li Jie , Liu Wei
Published: February 2023

In this study, geopolymers were prepared using ladle furnace slag (LFS) and fly ash (FA), and hydrothermal treatment was then used to synthesize bulk zeolite molecular sieves with gismondine, zeolite-P1, and sodalite phases. The effect of the synthesis conditions on the crystalline phases of the zeolite molecular sieves was investigated by XRD. The results showed that the best zeolite molecular sieves were prepared with an LFS: FA ratio of 4: 6, a curing temperature of 40 °C, a curing time of 12 h, a sodium silicate modulus (Ms) of 1.4, a NaOH concentration of 4 mol/L, a hydrothermal temperature of 120 °C, and a hydrothermal time of 12 h. On this basis, the products were analyzed by SEM, N2 adsorption, and FT-IR. The results showed that the synthesized zeolite molecular sieves had mesoporous properties, and the degree of polymerization and cross-linking of the silica-aluminate gel were enhanced after hydrothermal treatment. In addition, the formation mechanism of the zeolite molecular sieves was explored through the changes of the silica-alumina during zeolite formation. This paper is the first to use the hydrothermal conversion of zeolite molecular sieves from LFS-FA based polymers to provide some guidance for the resource utilization of LFS and FA.
Impact of activation energy and variable properties on peristaltic flow through porous wall channel
Authors: Rafiq Maimona , Shaheen Asma , Trabelsi Youssef , Eldin Sayed M. , Khan M. Ijaz , Suker Dhia Kadhm
Published: February 2023

The current study discusses the peristaltic flow of Jeffrey fluid through a porous wall channel. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects are also considered while formulating the problem. Heat and mass transfers are discussed in the presence of activation energy and constant heat source/sink effects. A chemical reaction is also part of the analysis. The Lubrication approach is adopted for the simplification of resulting non-linear equations. MATHEMATICA command, NDSolve, is used to discuss the results graphically for various flow parameters like Hartman number$$(M)$$(M), porosity parameter$$(k)$$(k), slip parameters ($$\gamma ,{\gamma }_{1},{\gamma }_{2}$$γ,γ1,γ2), Schmidt$$(Sc)$$(Sc), Soret$$(Sr)$$(Sr)and Prandtl$$(Pr)$$(Pr)numbers, and many others. Parabolic behavior for velocity and sinusoidal nature for heat transfer and pressure gradient is noticed. Results indicate that the velocity is greatly affected by varying values of slip parameters (γ′s) and Hartman number$$(H)$$(H). Enhancing the viscoelastic nature of fluid causes an increase in velocity. Similar behavior is noticed for velocity and temperature profiles. The decreasing trend is shown by concentration when the value of the chemical reaction and temperature ratio parameters is enhanced. Thus, the study presented in the current analysis can be used to study many human physiological systems especially, the blood flow. Since Jeffrey's fluid exhibits the same characteristics as observed for blood.
The impact of inconsistent human annotations on AI driven clinical decision making
Authors: Sylolypavan Aneeta , Sleeman Derek , Wu Honghan , Sim Malcolm
Published: February 2023

In supervised learning model development, domain experts are often used to provide the class labels (annotations). Annotation inconsistencies commonly occur when even highly experienced clinical experts annotate the same phenomenon (e.g., medical image, diagnostics, or prognostic status), due to inherent expert bias, judgments, and slips, among other factors. While their existence is relatively well-known, the implications of such inconsistencies are largely understudied in real-world settings, when supervised learning is applied on such ‘noisy’ labelled data. To shed light on these issues, we conducted extensive experiments and analyses on three real-world Intensive Care Unit (ICU) datasets. Specifically, individual models were built from a common dataset, annotated independently by 11 Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University Hospital ICU consultants, and model performance estimates were compared through internal validation (Fleiss’ κ = 0.383 i.e., fair agreement). Further, broad external validation (on both static and time series datasets) of these 11 classifiers was carried out on a HiRID external dataset, where the models’ classifications were found to have low pairwise agreements (average Cohen’s κ = 0.255 i.e., minimal agreement). Moreover, they tend to disagree more on making discharge decisions (Fleiss’ κ = 0.174) than predicting mortality (Fleiss’ κ = 0.267). Given these inconsistencies, further analyses were conducted to evaluate the current best practices in obtaining gold-standard models and determining consensus. The results suggest that: (a) there may not always be a “super expert” in acute clinical settings (using internal and external validation model performances as a proxy); and (b) standard consensus seeking (such as majority vote) consistently leads to suboptimal models. Further analysis, however, suggests that assessing annotation learnability and using only ‘learnable’ annotated datasets for determining consensus achieves optimal models in most cases.
Arabidopsis histone H3 lysine 9 methyltransferases KYP/SUVH5/6 are involved in leaf development by interacting with AS1-AS2 to repress KNAT1 and KNAT2
Authors: Hung Fu-Yu , Feng Yun-Ru , Hsin Kuan-Ting , Shih Yuan-Hsin , Chang Chung-Han , Zhong Wenjian , Lai You-Cheng , Xu Yingchao , Yang Songguang , Sugimoto Keiko , Cheng Yi-Sheng , Wu Keqiang
Published: February 2023

The Arabidopsis H3K9 methyltransferases KRYPTONITE/SUPPRESSOR OF VARIEGATION 3–9 HOMOLOG 4 (KYP/SUVH4), SUVH5 and SUVH6 are redundantly involved in silencing of transposable elements (TEs). Our recent study indicated that KYP/SUVH5/6 can directly interact with the histone deacetylase HDA6 to synergistically regulate TE expression. However, the function of KYP/SUVH5/6 in plant development is still unclear. The transcriptional factors ASYMMETRIC LEAVES1 (AS1) and AS2 form a transcription complex, which is involved in leaf development by repressing the homeobox genes KNOTTED-LIKE FROM ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA 1 (KNAT1) and KNAT2. In this study, we found that KYP and SUVH5/6 directly interact with AS1-AS2 to repress KNAT1 and KNAT2 by altering histone H3 acetylation and H3K9 dimethylation levels. In addition, KYP can directly target the promoters of KNAT1 and KNAT2, and the binding of KYP depends on AS1. Furthermore, the genome-wide occupancy profile of KYP indicated that KYP is enriched in the promoter regions of coding genes, and the binding of KYP is positively correlated with that of AS1 and HDA6. Together, these results indicate that Arabidopsis H3K9 methyltransferases KYP/SUVH5/6 are involved in leaf development by interacting with AS1-AS2 to alter histone H3 acetylation and H3K9 dimethylation from KNAT1 and KNAT2 loci.
Seasonal and latitudinal variability in the atmospheric concentrations of cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Wania Frank , Warner Nicholas A. , McLachlan Michael S. , Durham Jeremy , Miøen Merete , Lei Ying Duan , Xu Shihe
Published: February 2023

The spatial and temporal patterns in the concentrations of D4, D5 and D6 in the atmosphere measured with passive samplers along a European and a Canadian transect are largely consistent with the current understanding of their atmospheric fate.
Photo-responsive metal–organic frameworks – design strategies and emerging applications in photocatalysis and adsorption
Authors: Scandura Gabriele , Eid Sana , Alnajjar Ali A. , Paul Twinkle , Karanikolos Georgios N. , Shetty Dinesh , Omer Khalid , Alqerem Rami , Juma Alaa , Wang Huanting , Arafat Hassan A. , Dumée Ludovic F.
Published: February 2023

The emergence of light-responsive metal–organic frameworks represents an opportunity for stimuli responsive platform design for environmental applications.
Ga4C-family crystals, a new generation of star thermoelectric materials, achieved by band degeneracies, valley anisotropy, and strong phonon scattering among others
Authors: Lou Ao , Fu Hua-Hua , Wu Ruqian
Published: February 2023

We uncover a new class of high-performance thermoelectric materials, i.e., supertetrahedral Ga4C-family materials with an ultrahigh thermoelectric figure of merit, produced both by a large power factor and ultralow lattice thermal conductivity.
Evolution of the valence state of Ru metal ions in correlation with the structural and electronic properties of double perovskite ruthenates; A2SmRuO6 (where A = Ba & Sr)
Authors: Dani Sahil , Pandit Rabia , Sharma Hitesh , Arya A. , Choudhary R. J. , Goyal Navdeep , Singh Jarnail , Kumar Rakesh
Published: February 2023

This novel study is crucial in understanding the intriguing electronic, structural and chemical properties of special double perovskite compounds, Ba2SmRuO6 and Sr2SmRuO6, for their applications as “Spintronics based devices”.
Future of computational molecular spectroscopy—from supporting interpretation to leading the innovation
Authors: Wang Feng
Published: February 2023

Molecular spectroscopy measures transitions between discrete molecular energies which follow quantum mechanics.
Structural insights into latency of the metallopeptidase ulilysin (lysargiNase) and its unexpected inhibition by a sulfonyl–fluoride inhibitor of serine peptidases
Authors: Rodríguez-Banqueri Arturo , Moliner-Culubret Marina , Mendes Soraia R. , Guevara Tibisay , Eckhard Ulrich , Gomis-Rüth F. Xavier
Published: February 2023

The metallopeptidase ulilysin is kept latent by a cysteine-switch mechanism and is unexpectedly inhibited by the serine-peptidase inhibitor, 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride.
Bioinspired HOF-based luminescent skin sensor with triple mechanochromism responses for the recognition and collection of human biophysical signals
Authors: Xu Xin , Yan Bing
Published: February 2023

Luminescent HOF-based force-sensitive skin sensors with stretched, bent, pressed mechanochromism responses were fabricated for sensing human biophysical signals.
Surface engineering of nanoflower-like MoS2 decorated porous Si3N4 ceramics for electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Bai Jialin , Huang Shijie , Yao Xiumin , Liu Xuejian , Huang Zhengren
Published: February 2023

MoS2 nanoflower decorated porous Si3N4 ceramics were prepared by a combination of vacuum infiltration and hydrothermal reaction. Excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance was achieved by constructing MoS2-Si3N4 heterostructures.
Cryogenic thermoelectric enhancements in SbCl3-doped porous Bi0.85Sb0.15 alloys
Authors: Wang Jian , Luo Feng , Zhu Can , Wang Jiafu , He Xiong , Zhang Yan , Liu Hongxia , Sun Zhigang
Published: February 2023

The high ZT values of 0.45 under 0 T and 0.64 under 1 T at cryogenic temperature are achieved for a porous Bi0.85Sb0.15/1 vol% SbCl3 material prepared by SbCl3 sublimation due to a large decrease of thermal conductivity.
Characterizing Communicative Participation in Multilingual Jamaican Preschoolers
Authors: Kokotek Leslie E. , Washington Karla N.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

This study characterized communicative participation and related aspects of functional communication for Jamaican Creole (JC)-English–speaking preschoolers with and without functionally defined speech sound disorders (fSSDs). This study included parent reports and direct assessment measures from an existing corpus of baseline data collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method:

The communicative participation of typically developing (TD;
n
= 226) bilingual JC-English–speaking preschoolers and those with fSSDs (
n
= 39) was documented using the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS). Functional speech intelligibility was recorded using the Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS) in English and JC (ICS-JC). Objective measures of speech production were collected through direct child assessment in both languages and then transcribed and calculated for percent of consonants (PCC), vowels (PVC), and phonemes correct (PPC). Within-group relationships were explored using association testing, and differences between groups were explored through multivariate analyses.

Results:

FOCUS scores and ICS and ICS-JC scores were found to be minimally to moderately related for Jamaican preschoolers in the TD group (
r
= .28–.34,
p
< .002) and strongly related in the fSSD group (
r
= .56–.60,
p
< .002). No relations were observed between the FOCUS scores and PCC/PVC/PPC in either language. There was a statistically significant difference between all FOCUS scores for Jamaican preschoolers in the TD and fSSD groups (
p
≤ .002).

Conclusions:

These findings provide additional evidence for using the FOCUS beyond documenting change in communicative participation to support clinical decision-making in planning and developing speech-language interventions. This study also documents an important characterization of JC-English–speaking children with and without fSSDs, offering data on children's abilities that can be used in future comparisons of communicative participation and speech functioning observed during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
A Preliminary Study of Speech Rhythm Differences as Markers of Stuttering Persistence in Preschool-Age Children
Authors: Erdemir Aysu , Walden Tedra A. , Tilsen Sam , Mefferd Antje S. , Jones Robin M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to determine whether there are speech rhythm differences between preschool-age children who stutter that were eventually diagnosed as persisting (CWS-Per) or recovered (CWS-Rec) and children who do not stutter (CWNS), using empirical spectral analysis and empirical mode decomposition of the speech amplitude envelope, and (b) to determine whether speech rhythm characteristics close to onset are predictive of later persistence.

Method:

Fifty children (3–4 years of age) participated in the study. Approximately 2–2.5 years after the experimental testing took place, children were assigned to the following groups: CWS-Per (nine boys, one girl), CWS-Rec (18 boys, two girls), and CWNS (18 boys, two girls). All children produced a narrative based on a text-free storybook. From the audio recordings of these narratives, fluent utterances were selected for each child from which seven envelope-based measures were extracted. Group-based differences on each measure as well as predictive analyses were conducted to identify measures that discriminate CWS-Per versus CWS-Rec.

Results:

CWS-Per were found to have a relatively higher degree of power in suprasyllabic oscillations and greater variability in the timing of syllabic rhythms especially for longer utterances. A logistic regression model using two speech rhythm measures was able to discriminate the eventual outcome of recovery versus persistence, with 80% sensitivity and 75% specificity.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that envelope-based speech rhythm measures are a promising approach to assess speech rhythm differences in developmental stuttering, and its potential for identification of children at risk of developing persistent stuttering should be investigated further.
Residual charge effects on partial discharges' response to varying sub‐kHz voltage frequencies
Authors: Nyamupangedengu Cuthbert , Venge Tapiwa
Published: February 2023

Partial discharges (PD) are the ‘cancer’ of electrical insulation. Insulation design and mitigation of PD‐induced degradation should be based on good knowledge of PD phenomena. In that regard, a significant body of knowledge has been built up from concerted research across the world in past decades and on various aspects of PD phenomena under various conditions. However, the work is far from being complete as new challenges arise. One such challenge is that electric power equipment insulation is becoming more exposed to non‐power frequency voltages. Examples are the proliferation of invertor‐based grid‐tied renewable energy sources and other technologies such as high‐frequency power electronic transformers. Questions that are driving continued research in this regard include the reasons for lack of consensus on the findings on how PD characteristics respond to variations in the voltage frequency. This paper presents results of how residual charge influences PD characteristics' response to voltage frequency changes from 1 to 200 Hz. The study approach is implementing the extended 3‐capacitor PD model in MATLAB® Simulink® and validating the findings using the relevant experimental results that are available in literature. The PD type studied is that of an air cavity encapsulated in a polyethylene dielectric. Highlights of the findings are that the extent of the influence of residual charge on PD characteristics depends on the relative magnitude of the residual charge as well as the voltage frequency. The relationships however exhibit non‐monotonous trends. Such results further confirm similar findings and conclusions by other researchers and could be signalling the establishment of a more solid knowledge base for design of insulations that operate at non‐power frequencies.
Genetic diversity and structure assessment ofMacrobrachium nipponensepopulations: implications for the protection and management of genetic resources
Authors: Xiong Yiwei , Jiang Sufei , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Jisheng , Zhang Wenyi , Jin Shubo , Gong Yongsheng , Wu Yan , Qiao Hui , Fu Hongtuo
Published: February 2023

This article presents a study of D-loop sequences to characterize the genetic diversity of wildMacrobrachium nipponensepopulations in Yixing natural waters including two reservoirs (Hengshan reservoir, HS; Youche reservoir, YC), 3 brooks (Linjin Dang, LJD; Magong Dushan Dang, MDD; Yangshan Dang, YSD) and 3 shallow lakes (Dongjiu lake, DJ; Xijiu lake, XJ; Tuanjiu lake, XJ), and compared the genetic differentiation and population structure with wild populations of Taihu Lake (TH), Yangtze River (YZ), and the main local artificially bred varieties “Taihu No. 2” (TH-2). A 747 bp D-loop sequence fragment was amplified in 321 individuals and the results exhibited a higher content of A+T (80.03%) than C+G (19.97%). A total of 110 haplotypes were identified. Thehand π value proved the diversity of these populations was at the same level with high genetic diversity. TH-2 and YZ showed remarkable diversity, and XJ is even better.Fstestimates suggested that YZ and TH-2 were significant differentiation with other Yixing populations (P< 0.05). Three populations from shallow lake (DJ, XJ and TJ) displayed significant differentiated with the left Yixing ones (P< 0.05). The pairwise genetic distance, as well as haplotype network results, also suggested that all these 11 populations did not diverge at the species level (<15%). ThePvalues of Tajima'sDand FuFswere relatively greater than 0.1 (P> 0.1) and the nucleotide mismatch distribution analysis showed multiple peaks, giving a conclusion that the populations did not exhibited expansion. All these results suggested that TH-2 and YZ have remarkable diversity, and the germplasm resources and genetic diversity ofM. nipponensein Yixing are very good and are suitable for original materials of breeding.
Zenker’s peroral endoscopic myotomy for management of large Zenker’s diverticulum
Authors: Zhang Linda Y. , Hernández Mondragón Oscar , Pioche Mathieu , Steinway Steven N. , Nieto Jose , Ujiki Michael B. , VanDruff Vanessa N. , Kim Raymond E. , Canakis Andrew , Tantau Marcel , Tantau Alina , Pop Anamaria , Jacques Jérémie , Lajin Michael , Desai Pankaj , Shrigiriwar Apurva , Bejjani Michael , Kumta Nikhil A. , Khashab Mouen A.
Published: February 2023

Background Zenker’s diverticulum peroral endoscopic myotomy (zPOEM) is a minimally invasive treatment strategy for Zenker’s diverticulum, with excellent results for management of small-to-moderate Zenker’s diverticulum. We evaluated its use in the management of large Zenker’s diverticulum.

Methods This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study across 11 international centers including adult patients with large Zenker’s diverticulum ≥ 40 mm treated by zPOEM between March 2017 and March 2022. The primary outcome was clinical success (dysphagia score ≤ 1 without need for further intervention). Secondary outcomes included technical success (complete myotomy as intended), adverse events (AEs), and rate of recurrence.

Results 83 patients (male 62.7 %, mean age 72.6 [SD 11.5] years) underwent zPOEM for treatment of large Zenker’s diverticulum (median size 50 mm, interquartile range [IQR] 41–55 mm, range 40–80 mm). The zPOEM procedure was technically successful in 82 patients (98.8 %), with a mean procedure time of 48.7 (SD 23.2) minutes. Clinical success was achieved in 71 patients (85.5 %). Median (IQR) symptom scores improved significantly from baseline for dysphagia (2 2
3 vs. 0 [0–2]; P < 0.001), regurgitation (3 2
3
4 vs. 0 [0–0]; P < 0.001), and respiratory symptoms (2 [0–3] vs. 0 [0–0]; P < 0.001). Among patients achieving clinical success, only one recurrence (1.4 %) was recorded during a median follow-up of 12.2 months (IQR 3–28). Post-procedure AEs, all mild to moderate, occurred in four patients (4.8 %).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated safe and effective use of zPOEM in the management of large Zenker’s diverticulum.
Tissue Damage Caused by Diclofenac Intramuscular Injection: The Nicolau Syndrome
Authors: Anees Afzal , Hassan Yaqoob , Motiwala Zainab Yusufali , Khan Isna Rafat
Published: February 2023

Introduction Nicolau syndrome is an extremely rare complication following intramuscular administration of drugs leading to tissue damage and necrosis.

Case Report In this case, the patient received the injection from an untrained quack surgeon (Jarrah) due to an improper intramuscular injection technique. A 45-year-old female complained of pain and blackish discoloration of the skin over the left buttock after receiving an intramuscular diclofenac injection.4 The patient was managed by administering intravenous antibiotics and analgesics, followed by surgical debridement. Flap reconstruction was done after granulation tissue formation.

Conclusion Healthcare should be sought from appropriately trained and licensed professionals. Patients should be well educated on this. Pain, erythema, and discoloration should be recognized as red flags of the Nicolau syndrome so that it can be addressed promptly to avoid complications.
High Rate of Pulmonary Cement Embolism after Cement-Augmented Pedicle Screw Fixation: A 12-Year Single-Center Study
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Bajwa Awais Akbar , Schneider Till , Iwanaga Joe , Tubbs R. Shane , Kiening Karl L. , Unterberg Andreas W. , Ishak Basem
Published: February 2023

Background The global trend toward increased life expectancy because of remarkable improvements in health care quality has drawn increased attention to osteoporotic fractures and degenerative spine diseases. Cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation has been established as the mainstay treatment for patients with poor bone quality. This study aimed to determine the number of patients with cement leakage and pulmonary cement embolism (PCE) as detected on thoracic computed tomography (CT), and to assess the potential risk factors for PCE.

Methods Patients undergoing cement-augmented pedicle screw placement in our institution between May 2008 and December 2020 were included. Data regarding baseline characteristics, complications, and cement leakage rates were collected. Indications for the performance of a postoperative thoracic CT due to the suspicion of PCE were intra- or postoperative complications, or postoperative oxygen supplementation. Moreover, PCE was accidently diagnosed because the thoracic CT was performed for medical reasons other than the suspicion of PCE (tumor staging, severe pneumonia, or exacerbated chronic pulmonary obstructive disease).

Results A total of 104 patients with a mean age of 72.8 years (standard deviation of 6.7) were included. Of 802 screws, 573 were cement augmented. Of the 104 patients, 44 (42.3%) underwent thoracic CT scans to diagnose PCE; additionally, 67 (64.4%) demonstrated cement leakage, of whom 27 developed PCE and 4 were symptomatic. Cement-augmented thoracic screws were a risk factor for PCE (odds ratio: 1.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.2–2.1; p = 0.004).

Conclusions This study showed a high prevalence of cement leakage after cement-augmented pedicle screw insertion, with a relatively frequent incidence of PCE, as tracked by thoracic CT scans. Cement-augmented thoracic screw placement was a unique risk factor for PCE.
Fibrosis as a Risk Factor for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Azevedo Brenda Lamônica Rodrigues , Roni Gabriel Marim , Torrelio Rosalie Matuk Fuentes , da Gama-de-Souza Letícia Nogueira
Published: February 2023

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe subtype of epidermolysis bullosa caused by changes in collagen VII with a high risk of early development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This review aimed to discuss the relationship between the recurrent healing process, the appearance of fibrosis, and malignant epithelial transformation in RDEB. We searched PubMed, the Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library, and Embase for articles on the relationship between blistering, recurrent scarring, and fibrosis in the context of cSCC and RDEB. That alterations of collagen VII result in blister formation, scar deficiency associated with inflammation, and increased expression of transforming growth factor β. These events promote the differentiation of myofibroblasts and the expression of profibrotic proteins, leading to structural changes and the establishment of a microenvironment favorable to carcinogenesis. Patients with RDEB and areas of recurrent scarring and fibrosis may be more prone to the development of cSCC.
Deep neural network finds lack of transferability when modeling supercooled water
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: February 2023

Decomposition analyses of the molecular interactions show DNN potentials were unable to correctly represent fundamental individual many-body contributions.
Addressing key aspects of J × B driven MeV fast electron generation in ultra-short ultra-intense laser foil interaction
Authors: Mandal T. , Arora V. , Moorti A. , Uphadhyay A. , Chakera J. A
Published: February 2023

Applicability of J × B mechanism of MeV fast electron generation is clearly demonstrated through observation of directed electron beam along laser propagation direction (simultaneous emission also along laser polarization/transverse directions) in the interaction of ∼25 fs laser pulse with thin foil target at an intensity of 1–7 × 1019 W/cm2. Fast electron temperature is found to be lower (higher) than ponderomotive for shorter (longer) preplasma scale lengths. Role of pre-acceleration of electrons in the rising part of the laser pulse is suggested for observed efficient J × B acceleration for p-polarization case. 2D particle in cell simulation also supports the above-mentioned observations.
Remote value transmission and traceability technology of measuring instruments based on wireless communication
Authors: Fang Lide , Li Yiming , Duan Sihan , Lan Kang
Published: February 2023

When the traditional calibration methods of measurement instruments are applied, these measurement instruments need to be transmitted to a higher-level validation body for calibration. During transportation, many unknown factors will lead to additional errors that cannot be measured. Remote calibration effectively solves the problems of long calibration cycle and additional error generation. This Review summarizes research achievements made in the field of remote metrology. By comparing the existing remote calibration methods, their advantages and disadvantages are analyzed. Combined with the previous work of the research team, the application scenarios of the future remote value transmission and traceability technology are proposed.
Experimental demonstration of >20 kJ laser energy coupling in 1-cm hydrocarbon-filled gas pipe targets via inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption with applications to MagLIF
Authors: Pollock B. B. , Goyon C. , Sefkow A. B. , Glinsky M. E. , Peterson K. J. , Weis M. R. , Carroll E. G. , Fry J. , Piston K. , Harvey-Thompson A. J. , Hansen S. B. , Beckwith K. , Ampleford D. J. , Tubman E. R. , Strozzi D. J. , Ross J. S. , Moody J. D.
Published: February 2023

Laser propagation experiments using four beams of the National Ignition Facility to deliver up to 35 kJ of laser energy at 351 nm laser wavelength to heat magnetized liner inertial fusion-scale (1 cm-long), hydrocarbon-filled gas pipe targets to ∼keV electron temperatures have demonstrated energy coupling >20 kJ with essentially no backscatter in 15% critical electron density gas fills with 0–19 T applied axial magnetic fields. The energy coupling is also investigated for an electron density of 11.5% critical and for applied field strengths up to 24 T at both densities. This spans a range of Hall parameters 0 < ωceτei≲2, where a Hall parameter of 0.5 is expected to reduce electron thermal conduction across the field lines by a factor of 4–5 for the conditions of these experiments. At sufficiently high applied field strength (and therefore Hall parameter), the measured laser propagation speed through the targets increases in the measurements, consistent with reduced perpendicular electron thermal transport; this reduces the coupled energy to the target once the laser burns through the gas pipe. The results compare well with a 1D analytic propagation model for inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption.
A nonlocal electron transport model in the diffusion scaling of hydrodynamics
Authors: Michel O. , Duclous R. , Masson-Laborde P.-E. , Enaux C. , Lafitte P.
Published: February 2023

We analyze a model of nonlocal electron transport named P1-diffusion based on a spherical harmonic expansion in velocity space and a diffusion scaling, which makes it compatible with assumptions from magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD). An iterative, fully implicit (CFL-free, as defined by the Courant Friedrich Levy condition) and asymptotic preserving discretization is proposed, which necessitates the inversion of a possibly large number of—but small—linear systems. It is found accurate with respect to reference solutions from a Vlasov–Fokker–Planck–Maxwell code (based on a Polynomial expansion of order N, or PN expansion) on a series of tests, which are representative of the conduction zone in laser-created plasmas. Thereby, the present approach is a good candidate for being embedded in multi-D MHD codes.
Detection performance of pixelated lutetium–yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) scintillators for high-resolution photon-counting CT imaging
Authors: Mahani Hojjat , Taheri Ali , Askari Mojtaba
Published: February 2023

High-resolution photon-counting detector (PCD) computed tomography (CT) imaging is increasingly used for several applications. Recent technological advances in CT instrumentation have introduced various types of radiation detectors. Therefore, this work aims at evaluating the lutetium–yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) scintillator for use in PCD CT from a detector point of view. To do so, a mini-CT prototype was designed and constructed based on the pixelated LYSO blocks. The detector comprises four 10 × 10 linearly arranged LYSO blocks coupled with four position-sensitive photomultiplier tubes. The prototype utilizes a point gamma-ray source along with a cone-beam collimator. An in-home MATLAB-based data processing software package was also developed for storing the list-mode data, event positioning, and energy windowing. A set of experiments were conducted to assess the performance of the constructed energy-resolved LYSO:Ce detector for mini-CT imaging. The results show good crystal identification for all blocks with a maximum peak-to-valley ratio of 3.48. In addition, the findings confirm that the developed detector is position-sensitive. The 20% energy window provides an optimal performance by simultaneously providing good crystal identification and a scatter removal factor of 0.71. A 96% uniformity was also observed when the detector was irradiated with a uniform flood. The spatial resolution of the mini-CT prototype in the x- and y-directions was calculated to be 0.9 and 0.93 mm, respectively, corrected for a magnification factor of 2.5. It is concluded that the pixelated LYSO crystal is a promising alternative to the current detectors and would be the scintillator of choice for high-resolution PCD CT imaging tasks.
Quasi-one-dimensional Mn6Bi5 and its electronic structure
Authors: Li Xiangfei , Dong Qingxin , Meng Ying , Wang Luyao , Zhuang Haoyu , Guo Qinwen , Yang Junkai , Ji Yu , Shen Xi , Yao Yuan , Chen Genfu , Yu Richeng
Published: February 2023

With the reduction in dimensions, interesting phenomena such as charge density waves and superconductivity emerge in AMn6Bi5 (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs) quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) materials. Here, we report a high-quality Mn6Bi5 single crystal induced by the high-energy focus ion beam, which owns a quasi-1D crystal structure with infinite [Mn6Bi5]∞ chains. We optimize that the structure of Mn6Bi5 using density functional theory and characterize it using scanning transmission electron microscopy, and the rotation behavior of [Mn6Bi5]∞ chains is predicted and confirmed. We illustrate the quasi-1D nature of Mn6Bi5 by the density of states and band structure calculations and predict the anisotropic resistivity. Through comparing the Fermi surfaces of Mn6Bi5 and KMn6Bi5, we point out the tendency of the transition from quasi-1D to 3D crystal in Mn6Bi5. We observe and explain the apparent blueshift in the bulk plasmon peak in Mn6Bi5 and point out the reason for forming the shoulder peak in the Mn L3 peak.
A study of grain boundary effects on the stress-induced martensitic transformation and superelasticity in NiTi alloy via atomistic simulation
Authors: Liu S. , Ke C. B. , Cao S. , Ma X. , Xu Y. F. , Zhang X. P.
Published: February 2023

The stress-induced martensitic transformations and superelasticity behavior in the NiTi alloy with a single crystal model and a twist grain boundary bicrystal model at different temperatures are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. An atomic tracing method is proposed to identify specific numbers of B19′ martensite variants. Under uniaxial compressive loading, the stress-induced martensitic transformation takes place accompanied by the formation of <011>M type II twins, and the deformation process can be divided into three distinct stages based on microstructure evolution and average atomic total energy. It is found that the twist grain boundary induces an increase in the martensite start temperature, which is consistent with the experimental results. There is no residual B19′ martensite at the end of the unloading process, and the irrecoverable strain mainly results from plastic deformation at the grain boundary through the analysis of atomic local shear strains and has hardly changed with increasing deformation temperature. Remarkably, the grain boundary brings about the acceleration of martensite nucleation and an earlier occurrence of stress plateau. Further simulation results manifest that the presence of the twist grain boundary leads to weakened temperature dependence of martensitic transformation stress and a reduction in the hysteresis loop area.
Tremendous tunneling magnetoresistance effects based on van der Waals room-temperature ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 with highly spin-polarized Fermi surfaces
Authors: Li Xinlu , Zhu Meng , Wang Yaoyuan , Zheng Fanxing , Dong Jianting , Zhou Ye , You Long , Zhang Jia
Published: February 2023

Recently, van der Waals (vdW) magnetic heterostructures have received increasing research attention in spintronics. However, the lack of room-temperature magnetic order of vdW materials has largely impeded its development in practical spintronic devices. Inspired by the lately discovered vdW ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2, which has been shown to have magnetic order above room temperature and sizable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, we investigate the basic electronic structure and magnetic properties of Fe3GaTe2 as well as tunneling magnetoresistance effect in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with structure of Fe3GaTe2/insulator/Fe3GaTe2 by using first-principles calculations. It is found that Fe3GaTe2 with highly spin-polarized Fermi surface ensures that such magnetic tunnel junctions may have prominent tunneling magnetoresistance effect at room temperature even comparable to existing conventional AlOx and MgO-based MTJs. Our results suggest that Fe3GaTe2-based MTJs may be the promising candidate for realizing long-waiting full magnetic vdW spintronic devices.
Two states of magnetic frustration in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 amorphous films with fractal structures: New knowledge about clusters and cluster ensembles
Authors: Okunev V. D. , Szymczak H.
Published: February 2023

In amorphous La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films with a fractal structure, two states of magnetic frustration were found, which are the characteristic of cluster spin glass (CSG) and spin glass (SG) states and are associated with the presence of competing, FM and AFM, magnetic interactions, and the geometry of fractal formations. A high density of clusters in them provides effective magnetic interactions of magnetic moments without the participation of free charge carriers. It has been established that the formation of CSG begins with the transition of the central parts of the clusters to the FM state (at T < 98 K) and ends with the formation of the AFM order in the peripheral areas of the clusters, at T < 64 K. Increasing the field to H = 1.2 kOe, which stimulates AFM ordering of peripheral areas, strengthens the state of the cluster glass. A further decrease in temperature (T < 26 ) and an increase in the field (H > 2.5 kOe) causes the transition of peripheral areas from the AFM to the SG state. A phenomenological description of the frustration process is made. The dependences of the order parameter and barrier height on temperature and magnetic field have been studied. The consequences of the CSG ⇒ SG phase transition for the magnetism of the samples and the direct influence of the external field on their magnetic structure are discussed.