bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing an adult stem cell derived microphysiological intestinal system for predicting oral prodrug bioconversion and permeability in humans
Authors: Sharma Abhinav , Jin Liang , Wang Xue , Wang Yue-Ting , Stresser David M.
Published: December 2023

We sought to develop a microphysiological intestinal test system for predicting oral prodrug bioconversion and permeability in humans. The investigation included extensive comparisons of candidate in vitro cell models and deep proteomic analysis.
Development and characterization of bio-based polyurethane flexible foams containing silver nanoparticles for efficient dermal healing application
Authors: Soltanzadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Hojjati Mahmoud Reza , Hassanajili Shadi , Mohammadi Ali Akbar
Published: December 2023

Polyurethane foam containing different percentages of vegetable and petroleum polyol containing silver nanoparticles, which is used in medical dressings. This wound dressing has high mechanical and antibacterial properties due to the presence of antibacterial properties of silver.
PyBroP-mediated nucleophilic addition of oxindoles with pyridine N-oxides to access 3-pyridyl-3,3-disubstituted oxindoles
Authors: Han Fuzhong , Xiao Wenjia , Jia Lina , Hu Xiangping
Published: December 2023

An attractive topic of metal-free methods is to achieve oxindoles that bear an N-heteroaromatic group-substituted quaternary center at the 3-position.
Physical chemistry students’ learning profiles and their relation to study-related burnout and perceptions of peer and self-assessment
Authors: Partanen Lauri J. , Myyry Liisa , Asikainen Henna
Published: December 2023

We explored chemical engineering students’ approaches to learning, study-related burnout, and perceptions of peer and self-assessment in a challenging physical chemistry thermodynamics course. Cluster analysis revealed three learning profiles based on students’ approaches to learning: students who scored high in both organised studying and the deep approach to learning, students who scored high in the unreflective approach to learning, and students who scored high in all three approaches. According to our findings, students who employed deep learning strategies and managed their time carefully experience the least study-related burnout. These students also felt more efficacious when participating in assessment and had fever negative experiences of both peer and self-assessment. Consequently, physical chemistry educators should adopt practices that facilitate a deeper approach to learning, including paying careful attention to course workload and utilising teaching methodologies that can foster the deep approach like peer and self-assessment.
Speciation and kinetics of fluoride transfer from tetra-n-butylammonium difluorotriphenylsilicate (‘TBAT’)
Authors: Kucharski Maciej M. , Watson Allan J. B. , Lloyd-Jones Guy C.
Published: December 2023

19F NMR analysis of ion-pairing and reaction kinetics shows that TBAT can act as a genuine surrogate for TBAF, as well as a reservoir for rapidly-reversible release of traces of it, to effect both direct (kd) and dissociative (kF) fluoride transfer.
Design of a bipolar organic small-molecule cathode with mesoporous nanospheres structure for long lifespan and high-rate Li-storage performance
Authors: Wang Simin , Guo Qifei , Liu Haoran , Zhang Longhai , Zhang Chaofeng , Zhou Tengfei , Ma Quanwei , Li Hongbao , Wang Rui , Zheng Yang
Published: December 2023

We designed a bipolar organic small-molecule cathode ferrocenyl-3-(λ1-azazyl) pyrazinyl [2,3-f] [1,10] phenanthrolino-2-amine (FCPD). This unique molecular design successfully boosts its Li+/anion storage performance.
Surface distribution of small-scale magnetic field on the active cool star LQ Hydrae
Authors: Kochukhov O. , Hackman T. , Lehtinen J. J.
Published: December 2023

It is well known that small-scale magnetism dominates the surface magnetic field topologies of active late-type stars. However, little information is available on the spatial distribution of this key magnetic field component. Here, we take advantage of the recently developed magnetic field diagnostic procedure relying on the magnetic intensification of iron atomic lines in the optical. We extend this methodology from measuring a single average field strength value to simultaneous Doppler imaging reconstruction of the two-dimensional maps of temperature and magnetic field strength. We applied this novel surface mapping approach to two spectroscopic data sets of the young active Sun-like star LQ Hya. For both epochs, we found a fairly uniform field strength distribution, apart from a latitudinal trend of the field strength increasing from 1.5–2.0 kG at low latitudes to 3.0–3.5 kG, close to the rotational poles. This distribution of the small-scale field does not display a clear correlation with the locations of temperature spots or the global magnetic field structure reconstructed for the same epochs.
Empfehlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Klinische
Neurophysiologie und Funktionelle Bildgebung (DGKN) zur Diagnostik des
irreversiblen Hirnfunktionsausfalls
Authors: Walter Uwe , Brandt Stephan A. , Förderreuther Stefanie , Günther Albrecht , Hansen Hans-Christian , Haueisen Jens , Salih Farid , Weise David
Published: December 2023

Im Zuge der Fünften Fortschreibung der Richtlinie der
Bundesärztekammer zur Feststellung des irreversiblen
Hirnfunktionsausfalls, gültig seit September 2022, wurden die
Empfehlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Klinische Neurophysiologie
und Funktionelle Bildgebung (DGKN) zu den ergänzenden
elektrophysiologischen und Doppler-sonografischen Untersuchungen aktualisiert.
Die hier präsentierten Empfehlungen der DGKN beinhalten die
Indikationen, Voraussetzungen und die Durchführung dieser
Zusatzverfahren bei Kindern und Erwachsenen.
Primäre und sekundäre Lebertumore – aus Sicht der Nuklearmedizin
Authors: Holzgreve Adrien , Ilhan Harun , Unterrainer Lena M. , Kircher Malte , Lapa Constantin , Enke Johanna S.
Published: December 2023

Konventionelle, radiologische Modalitäten wie die Ultraschalldiagnostik, CT- und
MRT-Bildgebung sind der klinische Standard in der onkologischen Bildgebung primärer und
sekundärer Lebertumore. In den letzten Jahrzehnten konnten nuklearmedizinische Verfahren,
darunter insbesondere die PET/CT-Bildgebung, zusätzliche, molekulare Informationen liefern,
die maßgeblich zur weiteren Optimierung der Stadieneinteilung und Risikostratifizierung
beigetragen haben. Neben FDG als „Standard“-Radiopharmakon der PET/CT-Bildgebung werden in
diesem Artikel weitere, spezifischere Radiopharmaka und neue Entwicklungen beschrieben.
Editorial
Authors: Proff Peter
Published: December 2023

Sehr verehrte Frau Kollegin, sehr geehrter Herr Kollege,

der Blick über den Tellerrand zeigt eindrucksvoll, dass die
Kieferorthopädie unverzichtbarer und integraler Bestandteil eines
synoptischen zahnärztlichen Versorgungskonzeptes ist, aber auch welche
ausgezeichneten Möglichkeiten sich durch die Zusammenarbeit mit den
Fachdisziplinen Parodontologie, Zahnerhaltung, Prothetik und Chirurgie
eröffnen. In den letzten zehn Jahren wurden in der gesamten Zahnheilkunde
nicht nur neue Lösungsstrategien für das Behandlungsmanagement
komplexer Fälle entwickelt, sondern auch die allgemeine
Versorgungsqualität in der Fläche auf ein hohes Niveau gehoben.
Retainer im MRT – Belassen oder Entfernen?
Authors: Roser C. J. , Jürchott A. , Bendszus M. , Heiland S. , Lux C. J. , Hilgenfeld T.
Published: December 2023

Die Magnetresonanztomographie stellt einen wesentlichen Bestandteil in der
Diagnostik dar, nicht nur, da sie als nicht ionisierende Bildgebung den
Patienten keiner Röntgenstrahlung aussetzt, sondern auch, da sie in
ihrer Darstellung des Weichgewebes röntgenologischen Untersuchungen
überlegen ist. Obgleich von der MRT aufgrund der strahlenfreien
Bildgebung keine direkten Gefahren für den Patienten ausgehen, bedingt
das statische und das hochfrequente Magnetfeld im MRT dennoch die Beachtung
verschiedener Aspekte im Sinne der Patientensicherheit. Zahnärzten und
Kieferorthopäden sind bei Entscheidungen mitbeteiligt, da sie
häufig bezüglich der vom Patienten getragenen Restaurationen und
Apparaturen konsultiert werden. Aus kieferorthopädischer Sicht stehen
Retainer hierbei im Fokus, da sie anders als alle anderen
kieferorthopädischen Apparaturen im Regelfall ein Leben lang in situ
verbleiben und damit die MRT-Bildgebung bis ins hohe Alter limitieren
können.

Wie die meisten dentalen Apparaturen bzw. Restaurationen bestehen nahezu alle
Retainer aus ferromagnetischen Werkstoffen, welche sich durch das zur
MRT-Bildgebung verwendete Hochfrequenzfeld erwärmen können.
Aufgrund des statischen Magnetfelds wirken auf Retainer darüber hinaus
sowohl Rotations- als auch Translationskräfte, über deren
Ausmaß und Auswirkung auf die Patientensicherheit oft Unklarheit bei
vielen Zahnärzten besteht. Neben beiden sicherheitsrelevanten Aspekten
gilt zu beachten, dass Retainer, wie alle anderen metallischen
kieferorthopädischen Apparaturen, Artefakte in der MRT verursachen.
Diese können die Bildqualität erheblich limitieren und eine
Diagnose erschweren.

Der folgende Artikel umfasst einen Überblick über die relevanten
Punkte, die es vor der Entscheidung über eine eventuelle Entfernung des
jeweiligen Retainers bei einer MRT-Aufnahme zu beachten gilt.
Influence of Metabolic Syndrome on the Long-Term Prognosis of
Patients with Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Tianfeng , Shi Zhewei , Qian Caizhen
Published: December 2023

The influence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on long-term prognosis of patients
with myocardial infarction (MI), the most severe type of coronary artery
disease, remains not fully determined. This systematic review and meta-analysis
were conducted to investigate the association between MetS and long-term
clinical outcomes of patients with MI. A systematic search of Medline, Web of
Science, and Embase databases from inception to June 25, 2023, was conducted to
obtain eligible studies. Only studies with follow-up duration for at least one
year were considered. A random-effects model was utilized to pool the results,
accounting for heterogeneity. Ten observational studies were included, which
included 33 197 patients with MI. Among them, 17 244 (51.9%) were with
MetS at baseline. During a follow-up duration of 12 to 48 months (mean: 22.5
months), patients with MetS were associated with higher incidence of major
adverse cardiovascular events [risk ratio (RR): 1.35. 95% confidence
interval (CI): 1.19 to 1.54, p<0.001; I2=64%] and
all-cause deaths (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.52, p<0.001;
I2=23%), as compared to those without MetS at baseline. Subgroup
analyses showed that the results were not significantly affected by study
characteristics such as study country, design, type of MI, mean age of the
patients, treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention, follow-up
durations, or study quality scores (p for subgroup difference all>0.05).
In patients with MI, MetS may be a risk factor of poor long-term prognosis.
Stereoselective Construction of Vicinal Quaternary Stereocenters via the 1,6-Conjugate Addition of β,β-Disubstituted N-Sulfinyl Metalloenamines to Isatin-Derived para-Quinone Methides
Authors: Lu Chong-Dao , Li Zheng-Fei
Published: December 2023

A 1,6-conjugate addition reaction of β,β-disubstituted N-tert-butanesulfinyl metalloenamines, generated via stereospecific α-deprotonation of enantioenriched α,α-disubstituted ketimines or deprotonation of the NH in geometry-defined enesulfinamides, with isatin-derived para-quinone methides is developed to build vicinal quaternary stereocenters with high stereocontrol. The resulting 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles contain a less-accessible acyclic quaternary stereogenic carbon substituted with two sterically and electronically similar groups at the α-position of the imino group. This protocol constitutes a rare example of the stereoselective construction of vicinal quaternary stereocenters via the conjugate addition of acyclic enolates/aza-enolates bearing two similar β-substituents.
Grand Multiparity and Obstetric Outcomes in a Contemporary Cohort: The Role of Increasing Parity
Authors: DeBolt Chelsea A. , Rao Manasa G. , Limaye Meghana A. , London Viktoriya , Sagaram Deepika , Roman Ashley S. , Minkoff Howard , Bernstein Peter S. , Overbey Jessica R. , Kaplowitz Elianna , Meislin Rachel , Toner Lorraine E. , Khander Amrin , Bigelow Catherine A. , Stone Joanne
Published: December 2023

Objective Evidence is inconsistent regarding grand multiparity and its association with adverse obstetric outcomes. Few large American cohorts of grand multiparas have been studied. We assessed if increasing parity among grand multiparas is associated with increased odds of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Study Design Multicenter retrospective cohort of patients with parity ≥ 5 who delivered a singleton gestation in New York City from 2011 to 2019. Outcomes included postpartum hemorrhage, preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, shoulder dystocia, birth weight > 4,000 and <2,500 g, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Parity was analyzed continuously, and multivariate analysis determined if increasing parity and other obstetric variables were associated with each adverse outcome.

Results There were 2,496 patients who met inclusion criteria. Increasing parity among grand multiparas was not associated with any of the prespecified adverse outcomes. Odds of postpartum hemorrhage increased with history (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.65, 95% confidence interval [1.83, 3.84]) and current cesarean delivery (aOR: 4.59 [3.40, 6.18]). Preterm delivery was associated with history (aOR: 12.36 [8.70–17.58]) and non-White race (aOR: 1.90 [1.27, 2.84]). Odds of shoulder dystocia increased with history (aOR: 5.89 [3.22, 10.79]) and birth weight > 4,000 g (aOR: 9.94 [6.32, 15.65]). Birth weight > 4,000 g was associated with maternal obesity (aOR: 2.92 [2.22, 3.84]). Birth weight < 2,500 g was associated with advanced maternal age (aOR: 1.69 [1.15, 2.48]), chronic hypertension (aOR: 2.45 [1.32, 4.53]), and non-White race (aOR: 2.47 [1.66, 3.68]). Odds of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increased with advanced maternal age (aOR: 1.79 [1.25, 2.56]), history (aOR: 10.09 [6.77–15.04]), and non-White race (aOR: 2.79 [1.95, 4.00]). NICU admission was associated with advanced maternal age (aOR: 1.47 [1.06, 2.02]) and non-White race (aOR: 2.57 [1.84, 3.58]).

Conclusion Among grand multiparous patients, the risk factor for adverse maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes appears to be occurrence of those adverse events in a prior pregnancy and not increasing parity itself.

Key Points
Hemoglobin on Admission for Childbirth and Postpartum Acute Care Use in a Southeastern Health Care System
Authors: Bruce Katharine E. , Busse Clara E. , Tully Kristin P. , Patterson Emily S. , Stuebe Alison M.
Published: December 2023

Objective Our objective was to evaluate whether hemoglobin on admission for childbirth is associated with postpartum acute care use (ACU).

Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients giving birth at a southeastern quaternary care hospital from January 2018 through June 2021 using electronic health records. Predelivery hemoglobin was categorized as <9, 9– < 10, 10– < 11, 11– < 12, and ≥12 g/dL. Acute care was defined as a visit to obstetric triage, the emergency department, or inpatient admission within 90 days postpartum. Generalized estimating equations quantified the crude and multivariable-adjusted association between predelivery hemoglobin and ACU.

Results Among 8,677 pregnancies, 1,467 (17%) used acute care in the system within 90 days postpartum. In unadjusted models, those with predelivery hemoglobin <9 had twice the risk of postpartum ACU compared to those with hemoglobin ≥12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.59–2.69), with a decrease in risk for each increase in hemoglobin category (9– < 10 g/dL: risk ratio [RR]: 1.47, CI: 1.21–1.79; 10– < 11 g/dL: RR: 1.44, CI: 1.26–1.64; 11– < 12 g/dL: RR: 1.20, CI: 1.07–1.34). The adjusted model showed a similar trend with smaller effect estimates (<9 g/dL: RR: 1.50, CI: 1.14–1.98; 9– < 10 g/dL: RR: 1.22, CI: 1.00–1.48; 10– < 11 g/dL: RR: 1.22, CI: 1.07–1.40; 11– < 12 g/dL: RR: 1.09, CI: 0.98–1.22).

Conclusion Low hemoglobin at childbirth admission was associated with increased postpartum ACU. Low hemoglobin on admission could signal to providers that additional follow-up, resources, and ongoing support are warranted to identify and address underlying health needs. Because hemoglobin is routinely assessed during the childbirth hospitalization, this indicator may be especially valuable for risk assessment among patients with limited prior engagement in health care.

Key Points
Topological Bistability of the π-System in a Helicene Carbon Nanohoop
Authors: Šolomek Tomáš , Malinčík Juraj
Published: December 2023

Molecules with a π-system that can be mapped onto a Möbius strip may display Möbius aromaticity. Such molecules are difficult to synthesize because they have a twisted structure. Recently, we combined chiral [6]helicene and fluorescent [7]cycloparaphenylene, and synthesized the first helicene para-phenylene ([6,7]HPP) carbon nanohoop. We have demonstrated that this design strategy ultimately provides a Möbius topology of the molecular π-electron system and, therefore, offers the potential to study Möbius aromaticity experimentally. In addition, the synthesized nanohoop exists as a mixture of conformers in solution. Some of the conformers possess a different orientability of their π-systems, i.e., they differ in their topology. As a result, the recorded circularly polarized luminescence of isolated enantiomers displays both left- and right-handedness of the emitted light, each emanating from a conformer with a different π-system topology. Therefore, [6,7]HPP provided the first experimental evidence of such topological bistability in carbon nanohoops.
A Systematic Approach to the Design and Implementation of Clinical Informatics Fellowship Programs
Authors: Lingham Veena , Chandwarkar Aarti , Miller Michael , Baker Carrie , Genes Nicholas , Hellems Martha , Khanna Raman , Mize Dara , Silverman Howard
Published: December 2023

Clinical Informatics (CI), a medical subspecialty since 2011, has grown from the initial four fellowship programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in 2014 to more than 50 and counting in the present day. In parallel, the literature guiding Clinical Informatics Fellowship training and the curriculum evolved from the original core content published in 2009 to the more recent CI Subspecialty Delineation of Practice and the updated ACGME Milestones 2.0 for CI. In this paper, we outline this evolution and its impact on CIF Curricula. We then propose a framework, specific processes, and tools to standardize the design and optimize the implementation of CIF programs.
Advances of Microneedle Patch in Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Zeng Yong-Nian , Jin Yin-Li , Li Wei
Published: December 2023

Wound healing is an intricate and orderly process of events that occur in response to external trauma, resulting in tissue repair and reconstruction. This process typically involves three phases, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling, and any disruption to this process may delay the healing of the wound. Chronic wounds associated with diabetes, in particular, are notorious because they are difficult to handle in a timely and orderly manner. During the treatment of the disease, drugs usually accumulate in the stratum corneum due to the skin barrier, leading to a reduction of the drug's bioavailability. Encouragingly, among the treatment strategies, microneedles (MNs) represent a novel and painless drug delivery method that promotes wound healing in diabetic patients by enabling the drug to reach the dermal layer efficiently. In this review, recent advances of MNs in the treatment of diabetic wound healing are summarized by categorizing the designs and strategies. We finally provide an outlook on the prospects and challenges of MN-based therapies for diabetic wound healing in the future.
Physics and applications of dusty plasmas: The Perspectives 2023
Authors: Beckers J. , Berndt J. , Block D. , Bonitz M. , Bruggeman P. J. , Couëdel L. , Delzanno G. L. , Feng Y. , Gopalakrishnan R. , Greiner F. , Hartmann P. , Horányi M. , Kersten H. , Knapek C. A. , Konopka U. , Kortshagen U. , Kostadinova E. G. , Kovačević E. , Krasheninnikov S. I. , Mann I. , Mariotti D. , Matthews L. S. , Melzer A. , Mikikian M. , Nosenko V. , Pustylnik M. Y. , Ratynskaia S. , Sankaran R. M. , Schneider V. , Thimsen E. J. , Thomas E. , Thomas H. M. , Tolias P. , van de Kerkhof M.
Published: December 2023

Dusty plasmas are electrically quasi-neutral media that, along with electrons, ions, neutral gas, radiation, and electric and/or magnetic fields, also contain solid or liquid particles with sizes ranging from a few nanometers to a few micrometers. These media can be found in many natural environments as well as in various laboratory setups and industrial applications. As a separate branch of plasma physics, the field of dusty plasma physics was born in the beginning of 1990s at the intersection of the interests of the communities investigating astrophysical and technological plasmas. An additional boost to the development of the field was given by the discovery of plasma crystals leading to a series of microgravity experiments of which the purpose was to investigate generic phenomena in condensed matter physics using strongly coupled complex (dusty) plasmas as model systems. Finally, the field has gained an increasing amount of attention due to its inevitable connection to the development of novel applications ranging from the synthesis of functional nanoparticles to nuclear fusion and from particle sensing and diagnostics to nano-contamination control. The purpose of the present perspectives paper is to identify promising new developments and research directions for the field. As such, dusty plasmas are considered in their entire variety: from classical low-pressure noble-gas dusty discharges to atmospheric pressure plasmas with aerosols and from rarefied astrophysical plasmas to dense plasmas in nuclear fusion devices. Both fundamental and application aspects are covered.
Control device for improving swirl flame stabilization
Authors: Krebbers Liam , Hawley Devon , Kheirkhah Sina
Published: December 2023

Aiming to improve the stabilization of unstable swirling turbulent premixed flames, an actively controlled swirler and electrical hardware and control software are developed, implemented, and tested in the present study. Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry is performed to calculate the swirl number and study the flame stabilization. A mixture of methane and air with a mean bulk flow velocity of 5.0 m/s and a fuel–air equivalence ratio of 0.6 is examined. This test condition, along with an original swirler vane angle of 30°, led to the initial anchoring of an unstable premixed flame at the burner exhaust. The developed actuation mechanism allows for changing the swirler vane angle from 30° to 60° and back to 30°. Increasing the vane angle from 30° to 60° increases the swirl number to relatively large values, which leads to the formation of a recirculation zone, a downward velocity along the burner centerline, and, as a result, the stabilization of an M-shaped flame. After the vane angle is reduced to 30°, the swirl number decreases but remains relatively large compared to its original value. As a result, the recirculation zone is present at the end of the actuation process and a V-shaped flame is stabilized. Improving the stabilization of the swirl flames is made possible because of the control apparatus and the method developed in the present study. The apparatus and technique designed and tested in this study facilitate the development of robust tools for improving the stabilization of swirling premixed flames in gas turbine combustors.
Improvement of magnetic field detectivity in electrical 1/f noise-dominated tunnel magnetoresistive sensors by AC magnetic field modulation technique
Authors: Nakatani Tomoya , Suto Hirofumi , Kulkarni Prabhanjan D. , Iwasaki Hitoshi , Sakuraba Yuya
Published: December 2023

Suppression of 1/f noise in tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors is a central issue in the realization of magnetic field sensors with ultrafine magnetic field detectivity. Although AC modulation with an external magnetic field has been proposed as a method to shift the operating frequency of a sensor to a high frequency and substantially suppress 1/f noise, its effects on the two types of 1/f noise, that is, magnetic and electrical 1/f noise, are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the noise characteristics and signal detection performance of TMR sensors with an even-function resistance-magnetic field curve operated by the AC modulation method. For one TMR device in which the magnetic 1/f noise was dominant, AC modulation degraded the magnetic field detectivity owing to the additional noise induced by the AC modulation field. However, in another TMR device, in which the electrical 1/f noise was artificially enhanced by introducing lattice defects in the MgO tunnel barrier, AC modulation effectively suppressed the 1/f noise and improved the magnetic field detectivity by one order. This demonstrates that the AC modulation method using an external magnetic field is effective for magnetic field sensors in which electrical 1/f noise is dominant.
Anomalous field-temperature phase diagram of superconductivity in Sn–Pb solder
Authors: Murakami Takumi , Arima Hiroto , Mizuguchi Yoshikazu
Published: December 2023

Sn–Pb solders are superconducting materials whose Sn and Pb are perfectly phase-separated. Recently, anomalous magnetic-flux trapping in a Sn45–Pb55 solder has been revealed, where the magnetic fluxes are selectively trapped in the Sn regions due to the supercurrents in the surrounding Pb regions. Here, we report on the observation of the anomalous critical field (Hc)-temperature (T) phase diagram of superconductivity in the Sn45–Pb55 solder. Although the Hc(T) for the Pb regions decreases with increasing field as in normal type-I superconductors and is consistent with the conventional trend with Hc(0) ∼ 800 Oe, the Hc(T) for the Sn regions exhibits anomalous behaviors. The most noticeable trend was observed in the field-cooled (under 1500 Oe) solder. The Hc-T phase diagram for the Sn regions largely varies when the applied external field is reversed, and Tc increases with increasing field amplitude when H < 0 Oe is applied. On the basis of the flux trapping and the observed anomalous Hc-T phase diagrams, we propose that the field-robust superconductivity in the Sn regions is related to the ferromagnetically aligned magnetic fluxes (or formation of vortices) in the Sn regions of the Sn45–Pb55 solder.
Revisiting research and methods in stemborer-rice interactions for integration into future breeding programs
Authors: Horgan Finbarr G.
Published: December 2023

Research into rice-stemborer interactions for pest management has gained renewed attention in the last 10–15 years. However, recent research has tended to overlook essential concepts around the nature of stemborer rice interactions that were developed between the 1960s and early 1990s. This lack of adequate attention to issues such as tolerance, compensation, and vulnerability is apparent from the limited range of bioassays and recorded parameters currently applied during research. Furthermore, aspects of intraspecific interactions between stemborers and between rice plants, and crop-mediated interspecific interactions between stemborers as determinants of crop damage have been almost entirely omitted from recent research. This review categorizes rice-stemborer interactions to help tease apart some of the factors that contribute to differential stemborer damage and yield losses. Furthermore, based on emerging knowledge of the relationship between damage and yield losses as rice plants grow and develop, the review highlights the need for considerably more attention to aspects of plant and crop tolerance, including a need to adequately develop phenotyping methods that assess genotypic differences in the plant’s capacity to compensate for damage. Since stemborers normally occur at low densities in well-managed rice landscapes, such attention to compensation for damage will potentially increase economic thresholds and, thereby, avoid pesticide applications.
Tales of the unexpected: Teacher’s experiences of working with children and dogs in schools
Authors: Lewis Helen , Godfrey Janet Oostendorp , Knight Cathryn
Published: December 2023

Globally, there are a growing number of dogs in schools. Research suggests that there are potential benefits of interactions between children and dogs in educational contexts, for example in terms of social–emotional, cognitive and physical development. However, there is a lack of research examining the potential challenges and limitations of involving a dog in school, particularly regarding the well-being of the dogs themselves. The present study investigated the experiences and perceptions of 453 educators around the world who have implemented a school dog program. The study found great variety in terms of the activities school dogs engage in. Despite respondents having positive perceptions of the benefits school dogs bring, many reported unexpected incidents from toileting and barking to more significant incidents such as growling and biting. This article highlights the relatively under explored tension between the practical, hands-on reality of including a sentient dog in the classroom, versus the ideas and expectations that teachers have about school dogs.
Transient current distribution among elements in metallized film capacitor for converter valves
Authors: Yi Chengqian , Zhang Bo , Li Chaoran , He Jinliang , Li Qi , Huang Kui , Jia Hua , Wu Yunyi
Published: December 2023

The metalized film capacitors (MFC) in converter valves are subjected to high-frequency currents under the action of power electronic switching, which will cause large differences in currents among capacitor elements inside MFC and seriously affect the stability of MFC. In this paper, experiments were conducted to measure the current waveforms among 90 elements under impulse, short-circuit discharge and sine waves at different frequencies. The equivalent circuit topology was simplified by using decoupling and controlled source equivalence, and parameters were extracted by electromagnetic calculations combined with experiments. Finally, an equivalent circuit model was established and the current distribution among elements was calculated. Influenced by the reactance of the parasitic inductor and the capacitor element, the frequency range can be divided into 3 regions based on the current distribution characteristics: in the high frequency range (>100 kHz), the current is mainly concentrated on several capacitor elements near the connection terminals. In the middle frequency range (about 10 kHz–100 kHz), the current oscillates between elements and the inductor, resulting in a wavy distribution of current amplitude, strongly influenced by frequency. In the low frequency range (<10 kHz), the current distribution varies very little among 90 elements. These results can support the study of performance evolution, fault analysis and design optimization in MFC.
Investigation into the mechanism of surface atom emission from an individual cathode spot using molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Yang Haonan , Shen Shuhang , Xu Ruoyu , Zhou Mingyu , Wang Zhongdong
Published: December 2023

Contact erosion on the cathode of a vacuum arc is determined by the behaviours of the cathode spots, where the plasma–surface interactions take place. A comprehensive model of a single cathode spot is developed in this work based on the molecular dynamics method, where an atomic copper substrate in the size of nanometres is built and the contributions to the development of cathode spot from leftover plasma ions, surface electron emission, surface atom emission, back ions, Nottingham heating and Joule heating are integrated. Defined based on the surface temperature distribution, a cathode spot is observed in the simulation results. The surface atom emission, which is the origin of mass loss, can be directly detected by the atoms being isolated from the surface. Two routes of surface atom emission are observed as the sources of mass loss, including evaporation, and atom sputtering or splashing. It is found that in the high-temperature region, atom sputtering or splashing dominates the surface atom emission, which leads to considerable mass losses. The simulation results are consistent with previous experimental and other simulation findings, providing fundamental insights into the cathode spot formation mechanism from a microscopic perspective.
High-temperature magnetically topological candidate material Mn3Bi2Te6
Authors: Wu Wen-Feng , Huang Xiao-Teng , Wang Han-Yu , Wang Wei-Hua , Liu Da-Yong , Yu Xiang-Long , Zeng Zhi , Zou Liang-Jian
Published: December 2023

The Mn–Bi–Te family displaying magnetism and non-trivial topological properties has received extensive attention. Here, we predict that the antiferromagnetic structure of Mn3Bi2Te6 with three MnTe layers is energetically stable and the magnetic energy difference of Mn–Mn is enhanced four times compared with that in the single MnTe layer of MnBi2Te4. The predicted Néel transition point is raised to 102.5 K, surpassing the temperature of liquid nitrogen. The topological properties show that with the variation of the MnTe layer from a single layer to three layers, the system transforms from a non-trivial topological phase to a trivial topological phase. Interestingly, the ferromagnetic state of Mn3Bi2Te6 is a topological semimetal and it exhibits a topological transition from trivial to non-trivial induced by the magnetic transition. Our results enrich the Mn–Bi–Te family system, offer a new platform for studying topological phase transitions, and pave a new way to improve the working temperature of magnetically topological devices.
Enhancement of NbO2-based oscillator neuron device performance via cryogenic operation
Authors: Kwon Ohhyuk , Heo Seongjae , Kim Dongmin , Kim Jiho , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: December 2023

The Niobium Dioxide (NbO2) oscillator neuron has garnered significant interest because of its simple structure compared to conventional CMOS-based circuits. However, the limited on/off resistance ratio narrows the range of series resistances that satisfy the self-oscillation conditions and limits its use in large-scale synaptic arrays. In this study, we report the possibility of improving the performance of NbO2-based oscillator neuron devices through cryogenic operation. The study emphasizes two crucial parameters: the on/off resistance ratio and the oscillation amplitude, both of which are essential for accurate weighted sum classification. The data suggest that these parameters can be effectively enhanced under cryogenic conditions. In addition, we revealed that 120 K is the optimal temperature for cryogenic operation, as it represents the temperature where the on/off resistance ratio ceases to increase. As a result, we revealed that the series resistance range satisfying the self-oscillation condition in a single oscillator increases from 20 to 126 kΩ. The research also probes the maximum possible array size at each temperature. At 300 K, representation is only possible for a 5 × 5 array, but at 120 K, a 30 × 30 array can be represented as a frequency. The evidence implies that the 120 K conditions not only broaden the range of series resistors that can be connected to a single oscillator but also increases the array size, thereby representing different weighted sum currents as frequencies. The research indicates that using carefully optimized cryogenic operation could be a viable method to enhance the necessary NbO2 properties for an oscillator neuron device.
Effect of transverse compressive stress applied at room temperature on Nb3Sn Rutherford cables
Authors: Lenoir Gilles , Puthran Kirtana , Barth Christian , Fleiter Jérôme , Ballarino Amalia
Published: December 2023

The accelerator magnets for the high luminosity upgrade of the large Hadron collider use Nb3Sn conductor to achieve the required in-field performance. To sustain the Lorentz forces during operation, a pre-compression is applied to the coils during the fabrication of the magnet. This can lead to an irreversible degradation of the Nb3Sn conductor due to its mechanical sensitivity. In this study, the impact of the pre-compression applied to the conductor at room temperature is investigated using a reacted double-stack specimen made of two Nb3Sn Rutherford cables. The cables have a keystone angle and are stack with a non-inverted configuration, without compensating the angle. The rectangular specimen is submitted to increasing transverse compressive stresses at room temperature applied perpendicularly to its width. The non-inverted configuration and the rectangular shape of the total specimen can thus lead to stress concentration. The pressure applied covers the range from 130 MPa to 190 MPa with a 10 MPa step increase. After each cumulated stress level, transport current measurements are performed in liquid helium and in background fields of up to 9.6 T in the FReSCa test station at CERN Metallographic analyses of several samples are made at selected stress levels. Monotonic and cumulated stresses are applied and the impact of mechanical cycling is analyzed. Procedures are specifically developed to minimize surface damage during samples’ preparation. The observations are compared with the electrical measurements in order to correlate the irreversible effect of the transverse pressure with the A15 damage state in the cross section. The transport current measurements of the double-stack specimen show degradation of critical current and n-value starting at respectively 170 MPa and 160 MPa cumulated loadings. However, cracks in the A15 phase are already observed in a metallographic sample subjected to 140 MPa.
Hydrological responses to the synergistic climate and land-use changes in the upper Lancang river basin
Authors: Xie Mingyue , Li Yu , Cai Ximing
Published: December 2023

Climate change trends in the upper Lancang river basin (LRB), a high-mountain area, are prominent on a global scale, and climate-induced land use change with increasing cropland and migration has been observed in the past decades and is expected to expand in the future. We assessed land use and sediment yield from the basin in the past and future under the synergistic impact of projected climate change and associated land use change. We found that the transition from grassland and forest to cropland under climatic change favorable to agriculture can be the topmost contributor to the sediment yield increase from the upper LRB, with an increaisng rate of 40.6% from the entire area and as high as 118% in some sub-areas. As the baisn serves as the source area of the Lancang-Mekong River Basin (LMRB), we call for coordinated management throughout the entire LMRB, given the complex sediment dynamics crossing scales, affected by both climate change and socioeconomic development in trans-boundary basin.
On auxiliary fields and Lagrangians for relativistic wave equations
Authors: Sharapov Alexey , Shcherbatov David
Published: December 2023

We address the problem of the existence of a Lagrangian for a given system of linear partial differential equation with constant coefficients. As a subtask, this involves bringing the system into a pre-Lagrangian form, wherein the number of equations matches the number of unknowns. We introduce a class of overdetermined systems, called co-flat, and show that they always admit a pre-Lagrangian form, which can be explicitly constructed by means of auxiliary variables. Moreover, we argue that such systems enjoy pre-Lagrangian formulations without auxiliary variables at all. As an application of our method, we construct new pre-Lagrangian and Lagrangian formulations for free massive fields of arbitrary integer spin. In contrast to the well-known models of Singh and Hagen, our Lagrangians involve much fewer auxiliary fields.
Trends in occupational and work-related contact dermatitis attributed to nickel, chromium and cobalt in the UK: findings from The Health and Occupation Research network 1996–2019
Authors: Iskandar Ireny Y K , Gawkrodger David J , Gittins Matthew , Byrne Laura , Carder Melanie , van Tongeren Martie
Published: December 2023

Background

Occupational exposure to metals such as nickel, chromium and cobalt can be associated with contact dermatitis, which can adversely affect an individual’s health, finances and employment. Despite this, little is known about the incidence of metal-related occupational contact dermatitis over prolonged periods of time.

Objectives

To investigate the medically reported trends in the incidence of work-related contact dermatitis attributed to nickel, chromium and cobalt in the UK.

Methods

Incidence and trends in cases of occupational contact dermatitis caused by nickel, chromium or cobalt between 1996 and 2019 (inclusive), reported to the EPIDERM surveillance scheme, were investigated and compared with trends in the incidence of occupational contact dermatitis attributed to agents other than the aforementioned metals. A sensitivity analysis restricting the study cohort to cases attributed to only one type of metal was also conducted.

Results

Of all cases reported to EPIDERM during the study period, 2374 (12%) were attributed to nickel, chromium or cobalt. Cases predominantly comprised females (59%), with a mean (SD) age (males and females) of 38 (13) years. Cases were most frequently reported in manufacturing, construction, and human health and social activity industries. The most frequently reported occupations were hairdressing, and sales and retail (assistants, cashiers and checkout operators). The highest annual incidence rate of contact dermatitis was observed in females (2.60 per 100 000 persons employed per year), with the first and second peak seen in those aged 16–24 and ≥ 65 years, respectively. A statistically significant decrease in the incidence of occupational contact dermatitis attributed to metals over the study period was observed for all occupations (annual average change –6.9%, 95% confidence interval –7.8 to –5.9), with much of the decrease occurring between 1996 and 2007. Similar findings were obtained in the sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Over a period of 24 years, there has been a statistically significant decline in the incidence of metal-related occupational contact dermatitis in the UK. This could be attributed not only to improvements in working conditions, which have reduced metal exposure, but could also be due to the closure of industries in the UK that might have generated cases of contact dermatitis owing to metal exposure.
Correlation between second and first primary cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 million cancer patients
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Zeng Meiyuan , Ju Xueming , Lin Anqi , Zhou Chaozheng , Shen Junyi , Liu Zaoqu , Tang Bufu , Cheng Quan , Wang Youyu , Zhang Jian , Luo Peng
Published: December 2023

Background

Many survivors of a first primary cancer (FPCs) are at risk of developing a second primary cancer (SPC), with effects on patient prognosis. Primary cancers have different frequencies of specific SPC development and the development of SPCs may be closely related to the FPC. The aim of this study was to explore possible correlations between SPCs and FPCs.

Methods

Relevant literature on SPCs was retrospectively searched and screened from four databases, namely, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PMC. Data on the number of patients with SPC in 28 different organ sites were also collected from The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 8 Registry and NHANES database.

Results

A total of 9 617 643 patients with an FPC and 677 430 patients with an SPC were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with a first primary gynaecological cancer and thyroid cancer frequently developed a second primary breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Moreover, those with a first primary head and neck cancer, anal cancer and oesophageal cancer developed a second primary lung cancer more frequently. A second primary lung cancer and prostate cancer was also common among patients with first primary bladder cancer and penile cancer. Patients with second primary bladder cancer accounted for 56% of first primary ureteral cancer patients with SPCs.

Conclusions

This study recommends close clinical follow-up, monitoring and appropriate interventions in patients with relevant FPCs for better screening and early diagnosis of SPCs.
Biologic pen injector waste: lessons from the PenCycle scheme
Authors: O’Malley Seán , Feighery Cliona
Published: December 2023

Biologic medicines have revolutionized the management of dermatological conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis and their use is likely to not only continue but grow given their success. Most of these medications are delivered through self-injector systems, commonly a prefilled pen made of high-quality plastics that will be disposed of after one use. The success of Novo Nordisk's PenCycle scheme in the UK has offered encouragement that salvaging much of this plastic and recycling it for other purposes is a viable route to significantly reducing the amount of plastic disposed of and, in the context of the global climate crisis, should be considered by all stakeholders.
Multivariate and regional age-related change in basal ganglia iron in neonates
Authors: Cabral Laura , Calabro Finnegan J , Foran Will , Parr Ashley C , Ojha Amar , Rasmussen Jerod , Ceschin Rafael , Panigrahy Ashok , Luna Beatriz
Published: December 2023

In the perinatal period, reward and cognitive systems begin trajectories, influencing later psychiatric risk. The basal ganglia is important for reward and cognitive processing but early development has not been fully characterized. To assess age-related development, we used a measure of basal ganglia physiology, specifically brain tissue iron, obtained from nT2* signal in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI), associated with dopaminergic processing. We used data from the Developing Human Connectome Project (n = 464) to assess how moving from the prenatal to the postnatal environment affects rsfMRI nT2*, modeling gestational and postnatal age separately for basal ganglia subregions in linear models. We did not find associations with tissue iron and gestational age [range: 24.29–42.29] but found positive associations with postnatal age [range:0–17.14] in the pallidum and putamen, but not the caudate. We tested if there was an interaction between preterm birth and postnatal age, finding early preterm infants (GA < 35 wk) had higher iron levels and changed less over time. To assess multivariate change, we used support vector regression to predict age from voxel-wise-nT2* maps. We could predict postnatal but not gestational age when maps were residualized for the other age term. This provides evidence subregions differentially change with postnatal experience and preterm birth may disrupt trajectories.