bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial variation in the non-use of modern contraception and its predictors in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Md Nuruzzaman , Harris Melissa L.
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate spatial variations in the non-use of modern contraception in Bangladesh and identify associated individual, household, and community-level factors. The analysis utilized data from 16,135 women, extracted from the 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. The study's main outcome was the prevalence of non-use of modern contraception (yes or no), while the explanatory variables included factors at the individual, household, and community level. To assess geographical heterogeneity in non-use of modern contraception, Moran's I statistics were applied. Additionally, the Gettis-Ord Gi* was calculated to measure spatial autocorrelation differences across various study locations. The relationship between non-use of modern contraception and location was further explored using a geographically weighted regression model at the cluster level. The results indicated that 42.8% (95% CI 41.6–43.8) of respondents reported non-use of modern contraception in Bangladesh, with significant variation across geographical locations (p < 0.001). Hot spots of high non-use were predominantly identified in the Sylhet, Barishal, and some areas of the Chattogram divisions, while cold spots of low use were concentrated in the Rangpur, Mymensingh, and some areas Rajshahi divisions. Notably, the likelihood of non-use was highest among women and partners with low levels of education. The analysis of other risk factors, such as partner occupation, community-level illiteracy, and poverty, revealed varying effects on non-use of modern contraception across different locations (clusters) within the country. The study's findings underscore the importance of targeted, area-specific policies and programs aimed at promoting knowledge and uptake of modern contraception in Bangladesh.
Surgical resection versus transarterial chemoembolization for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma beyond Milan criteria: prognostic role of tumor burden score
Authors: Ho Shu-Yein , Liu Po-Hong , Hsu Chia-Yang , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Lei Hao-Jan , Liao Jia-I , Su Chien-Wei , Hou Ming-Chih , Huo Teh-Ia
Published: August 2023

Tumor burden score (TBS) has been recently introduced to indicate the extent of tumor burden in different cancers, but its role in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. We aimed to determine the prognostic role of TBS in patients with HCC beyond the Milan criteria receiving surgical resection (SR) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). A total of 1303 newly diagnosed HCC patients beyond Milan criteria receiving SR or TACE as the primary therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Independent prognostic predictors were examined by the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. SR was associated with better overall survival compared with TACE in these patients. Multivariate Cox analysis of the entire cohort revealed that age > 66 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.145, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.004–1.305, p = 0.043), serum α-fetoprotein > 200 ng/mL (HR: 1.602, 95% CI: 1.402–1.831, p < 0.001), performance status 2–4 (HR: 1.316, 95% CI: 1.115–1.553, p < 0.001), medium TBS (HR: 1.225, 95% CI:1.045–1.436, p = 0.012), high TBS (HR: 1.976, 95% CI: 1.637–2.384, p < 0.001), albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 2–3 (HR: 1.529, 95% CI: 1.342–1.743, p < 0.001), presence of vascular invasion (HR: 1.568, 95% CI: 1.354–1.816, p < 0.001), and TACE (HR: 2.396, 95% CI: 2.082–2.759, p < 0.001) were linked with decreased survival. SR consistently predicted a significantly better survival in different TBS subgroups. TBS is a feasible and independent prognostic predictor in HCC beyond the Milan criteria. SR provides better long-term outcome compared with TACE in these patients independent of TBS grade, and should be considered as the primary treatment modality in this special patient group.
Pure shear model for crack width analysis of reinforced concrete members
Authors: Sakalauskas Karolis , Kaklauskas Gintaris
Published: August 2023

Reinforcement corrosion in concrete structures with excessive crack width poses a high risk of reducing the structure's service life. The crack width behavior is one of the most complex aspects of the mechanics of reinforced concrete (RC). With most of the models used in practice being semi–empirical or empirical, very few analytical approaches have been proposed. However, the analytical models lack either accuracy or simplicity, or both. This paper presents a new analytical model, termed the Pure Shear Model, that predicts mean crack width by a simple formula. It is based on the partial interaction tension stiffening model considering a short RC tie subjected to short–term loading. The model assumes elastic material properties and neglects shrinkage, internal cracking, and slip at the interface. It presumes that the only deformations that occur in concrete are the shear strains due to shear lag that are taken constant across the cover thickness. Deplanation of concrete section due to shear lag results in crack width linearly increasing from zero at the bar to its maximum value on the surface of the RC member. Despite the simplicity of the proposed model, its accuracy in predicting mean crack width was shown to be comparable to that of the design code methods.
Fully automated F-wave corridor extraction and analysis algorithm for F-wave analyses and MUNE studies
Authors: Artuğ N. Tuğrul
Published: August 2023

F-waves are used in motor unit number estimation (MUNE) studies, which require rapid dedicated software to perform calculations. The aim of this study is to define a mathematical method for a fully automated F-wave extraction algorithm to perform F-wave and MUNE studies while performing baseline corrections without distorting traces. Ten recordings from each class, such as healthy controls, polio patients and ALS patients, were included. Submaximal stimuli were applied to the median and ulnar nerves to record 300 traces from the abductor pollicis brevis and abductor digiti minimi muscles. The autocorrelation function and the signal of sum of all traces were used to find the location for the maximum amplitude of the F-waves. F-waves were revealed by using a cutting window. Linear line estimation was preferred for baseline corrections because it did not cause any distortion in the traces. The algorithm automatically revealed F-waves from all 30 recordings in accordance with the locations marked by a neurophysiologist. The execution of the algorithm was less than 2 (usually < 1) minutes when 300 traces were analyzed. Mean sMUP amplitudes and MUNE values are important for differentiating healthy controls from patients. Moreover, F-wave parameters belonging to polio patients on whom there was a relatively low number of studies conducted were also evaluated.
Examining technology-assisted rehabilitation for older adults’ functional mobility: a network meta-analysis on efficacy and acceptability
Authors: Cieślik Błażej , Mazurek Justyna , Wrzeciono Adam , Maistrello Lorenza , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna , Conte Pierfranco , Kiper Pawel
Published: August 2023

Technological advancements facilitate feedback adaptation in rehabilitation through virtual reality (VR) exergaming, serious gaming, wearables, and telerehabilitation for older adults fall prevention. Although studies have evaluated these technologies, no comparisons of their effectiveness have been conducted to date. Thus, this study aims to assess the differences in effectiveness of these interventions on balance and functional mobility in the older adults. A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) were conducted to identify the most effective interventions for improving balance and functional mobility in adults aged 60 and over. The search was conducted in five databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science) up to June 10, 2023. The eligibility criteria were: (1) older adults, (2) functional mobility, balance, or gait as the primary outcome, (3) new technology intervention, and (4) randomized study design. New technology interventions were classified into five categories: exergaming with balance platforms or motion capture technologies, other serious gaming, interventions with wearables, and telerehabilitation. Additionally, two categories of control interventions (conventional exercises and no treatment) were extracted. The NMA was performed for the aggregated results of all outcomes, and separately for clinical functional scales, functional mobility, and gait speed results. Fifty-two RCTs with 3081 participants were included. Exergaming with motion capture was found to be statistically significant in producing a better effect than no treatment in the analysis of the functional mobility with an SMD of −0.70 (P < 0.01). The network meta-analysis revealed that exergaming with motion capture offers greater therapeutic benefits for functional mobility and balance compared to no treatment control. The effectiveness of this approach is similar to that of conventional exercises. Further RCTs are needed to provide a more definitive conclusion, particularly with respect to the effectiveness of serious games, telerehabilitation, and interventions with wearables.
Dynamic expectations: Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence of sub-second updates in reward predictions
Authors: Marciano Déborah , Bellier Ludovic , Mayer Ida , Ruvalcaba Michael , Lee Sangil , Hsu Ming , Knight Robert T.
Published: August 2023

Expectations are often dynamic: sports fans know that expectations are rapidly updated as games unfold. Yet expectations have traditionally been studied as static. Here we present behavioral and electrophysiological evidence of sub-second changes in expectations using slot machines as a case study. In Study 1, we demonstrate that EEG signal before the slot machine stops varies based on proximity to winning. Study 2 introduces a behavioral paradigm to measure dynamic expectations via betting, and shows that expectation trajectories vary as a function of winning proximity. Notably, these expectation trajectories parallel Study 1’s EEG activity. Studies 3 (EEG) and 4 (behavioral) replicate these findings in the loss domain. These four studies provide compelling evidence that dynamic sub-second updates in expectations can be behaviorally and electrophysiologically measured. Our research opens promising avenues for understanding the dynamic nature of reward expectations and their impact on cognitive processes.
Combined computational modeling and experimental study of the biomechanical mechanisms of platelet-driven contraction of fibrin clots
Authors: Michael Christian , Pancaldi Francesco , Britton Samuel , Kim Oleg V. , Peshkova Alina D. , Vo Khoi , Xu Zhiliang , Litvinov Rustem I. , Weisel John W. , Alber Mark
Published: August 2023

While blood clot formation has been relatively well studied, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the subsequent structural and mechanical clot remodeling called contraction or retraction. Impairment of the clot contraction process is associated with both life-threatening bleeding and thrombotic conditions, such as ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolism, and others. Recently, blood clot contraction was observed to be hindered in patients with COVID-19. A three-dimensional multiscale computational model is developed and used to quantify biomechanical mechanisms of the kinetics of clot contraction driven by platelet-fibrin pulling interactions. These results provide important biological insights into contraction of platelet filopodia, the mechanically active thin protrusions of the plasma membrane, described previously as performing mostly a sensory function. The biomechanical mechanisms and modeling approach described can potentially apply to studying other systems in which cells are embedded in a filamentous network and exert forces on the extracellular matrix modulated by the substrate stiffness.
Identifying the serious clinical outcomes of adverse reactions to drugs by a multi-task deep learning framework
Authors: Zhao Haochen , Ni Peng , Zhao Qichang , Liang Xiao , Ai Di , Erhardt Shannon , Wang Jun , Li Yaohang , Wang Jianxin
Published: August 2023

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) have a direct impact on human health. As continuous pharmacovigilance and drug monitoring prove to be costly and time-consuming, computational methods have emerged as promising alternatives. However, most existing computational methods primarily focus on predicting whether or not the drug is associated with an adverse reaction and do not consider the core issue of drug benefit-risk assessment—whether the treatment outcome is serious when adverse drug reactions occur. To this end, we categorize serious clinical outcomes caused by adverse reactions to drugs into seven distinct classes and present a deep learning framework, so-called GCAP, for predicting the seriousness of clinical outcomes of adverse reactions to drugs. GCAP has two tasks: one is to predict whether adverse reactions to drugs cause serious clinical outcomes, and the other is to infer the corresponding classes of serious clinical outcomes. Experimental results demonstrate that our method is a powerful and robust framework with high extendibility. GCAP can serve as a useful tool to successfully address the challenge of predicting the seriousness of clinical outcomes stemming from adverse reactions to drugs.
Controllable fabrication of vanadium selenium nanosheets for a high-performance Na-ion battery anode
Authors: Liu Lin , Xu Shitan , Tang Fang , Wu Meng , Yang Wenjing , Xu Chen , Rui Xianhong
Published: August 2023

Vanadium selenium (V2Se9) nanosheets are fabricated facilely via a one-pot synthesis method with the careful selection of the solvent/surfactant. The V2Se9 nanosheets demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance as an anode for Na-ion batteries.
Conceptual advances in nucleophilic organophosphine-promoted transformations
Authors: Dutta Lona , Mondal Atanu , Maurya Jay Prakash , Mukhopadhyay Dipto , Ramasastry S. S. V.
Published: August 2023

This feature article presents the recent progress in phosphine chemistry and highlights the new organophosphine-promoted transformations discovered in our laboratory.
CVD-growth and optoelectronic characterization of 2D MoS2/ReS2 vertical heterostructures with reverse stacking sequence
Authors: Chen Fei , He Yuxin , Zhang Teyang , Lv Qiuran , Mao Shuduan
Published: August 2023

The 2D MoS2/ReS2 and ReS2/MoS2 vertical heterostructures have been synthesized via the one-step CVD method by alternatively choosing different Re-based precursors.
Ultra-thin carbon-shell coated Ru/RuO2@C with rich grain boundaries for efficient and durable acidic water oxidation
Authors: Chen Qian , Wang Ruonan , Liu Lin , Guan Zhiming , Zhu Zhibin , Cao Lixin , Dong Bohua
Published: August 2023

Ultra-thin carbon-shell coated Ru/RuO2@C with abundant grain boundaries for efficient and long-lasting acidic water oxidation.
Electronic properties, skyrmions and bimerons in Janus CrXY (X, Y = S, Se, Te, Cl, Br, I, and X ≠ Y) monolayers
Authors: Guan Zhihao , Shen Zhong , Xue Yufei , Zhong Tingting , Wu Xiaoping , Song Changsheng
Published: August 2023

Nonmagnetic atom categories in CrXY determine its metallic or semiconducting behavior; the CrBrS monolayer exhibits room temperature ferromagnetic semiconductor behavior and a transition between Skyrmions and bimerons occurs in CrXY monolayers.
Direct Z-scheme WO3/covalent organic framework (COF) heterostructure for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production in water
Authors: Yang Yepeng , Li Yuan , Ma Xiaoqian , Xie Lanxin , Lv Die , Jiang Liang , He Jiao , Chen Daomei , Wang Jiaqiang
Published: August 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production from water and O2 has received considerable attention.
Enhanced upgrading of corncob to furfuryl alcohol with a novel silica-supported SO42−-TiO2 chemocatalyst and immobilized whole-cell biocatalyst
Authors: Li Qi , Gao Ruiying , Zhang Yi , Zhang Yufei , Liu Tieliang , He Yu-Cai , Zheng Ming-Ming
Published: August 2023

This work presents an efficient route for upgrading corncob to furfuryl alcohol using a novel silica-supported SO42−-TiO2 catalyst and recyclable magnetic hydrogel beads containing recombinant E. coli whole-cells in a sustainable approach.
A systematic study on synthesis parameters and thermoelectric properties of tellurium nanowire bundles
Authors: Ren Yanmei , Sun Rongke , Yu Xue , Wang Ruoxi , Zhang Wusheng , Zhu Xiaodong , Ma Yanqing , Ma Lei
Published: August 2023

The relationship between growth parameters and the structure of Te-NBs was systematically investigated. Both the internal growth mechanism of Te-NBs and the relationship between their structures and thermoelectric properties are illustrated.
Fluorane sensitive supercapacitive microcrystalline MoO3: dual application in energy storage and HF detection
Authors: Bansal Love , Ghosh Tanushree , Kandpal Suchita , Rani Chanchal , Sahu Bhumika , Rath Deb Kumar , Wesemann Christoph , Chhoker Sandeep , Bigall Nadja C. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: August 2023

Microcrystalline MoO3 powder, possessing supercapacitive energy storage capability, shows interesting HF sensing performance with a high sensitivity of 6656 mF mM−1 g−1 and a low limit of detection of 1.2 μM.
In vivo potential of polymeric N-acryloyl-glycine nanoparticles with anti-inflammatory activities for wound healing
Authors: Gupta Prem Shankar , Wasnik Kirti , Singh Gurmeet , Patra Sukanya , Pareek Divya , Yadav Desh Deepak , Tomar Munendra Singh , Maiti Somedutta , Singh Monika , Paik Pradip
Published: August 2023

The wound-healing process is highly coordinated and regulated interactions between the immune and biological systems since long-term wounds are severe clinical issues which make patients vulnerable to potentially fatal microbial infections.
A multifunctional flexible strain sensor based on an excellent sensing performance PDMS-MXene@CNT/TPU nanofiber membrane with hydrophobic and photothermal conversion performance
Authors: Xiao Junjie , He Jingqiang , Wang Weijie , Chen Meimei , Guo Ronghui
Published: August 2023

A multifunctional flexible strain sensor based on an excellent sensing performance PDMS-MXene@CNT/TPU nanofiber membrane with hydrophobic and photothermal conversion performance.
Retraction: Synthesis of atomic form nickel co-catalysts on TiO2 for improved photocatalysis via the RAFT technique
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wu Guohua , Zhang Baohua
Published: August 2023

Retraction of ‘Synthesis of atomic form nickel co-catalysts on TiO2 for improved photocatalysis via the RAFT technique’ by Bo Zhang et al., New J. Chem., 2022, 46, 14239–14250, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NJ02069F.
Advances in organic field-effect transistors based on metal–organic coordination materials and applications
Authors: Gong Zhong-Liang , Guo Yunlong , Zhong Yu-Wu
Published: August 2023

The recent developments in organic field-effect transistors based on metal–organic coordination materials and related applications are reviewed.
Yttrium- and zirconium-decorated Mg12O12–X (X = Y, Zr) nanoclusters as sensors for diazomethane (CH2N2) gas
Authors: Gber Terkumbur E. , Louis Hitler , Ngana Obinna C. , Amodu Ismail O. , Ekereke Ernest E. , Benjamin Innocent , Adalikwu Stephen A. , Adeyinka Adedapo
Published: August 2023

Azomethane (CH2N2) presents a notable hazard as a respiratory irritant, resulting in various adverse effects upon exposure. Environmental research seeks sensitive sensor materials for its detection. This study analyzes CH2N2 adsorption on nanocages (C1, CY1, CZ1) and pristine MgO using DFT/ωB97XD method.
Superior mechanical, electrical, dielectric, and EMI shielding properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) based carbon black composites
Authors: Rahaman Mostafizur
Published: August 2023

A novel EPDM/Printex black composite exhibits approximately 50 dB of EMI SE, which means 99.999% attenuation of radiation, and could be an effective material for EMI shielding applications.
Acetamido-TEMPO mediated electrochemical oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones
Authors: Schroeder Chelsea M. , Politano Fabrizio , Ohlhorst Kristiane K. , Leadbeater Nicholas E.
Published: August 2023

Base-free oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones employing an electrochemical aminoxylmediated reaction.
Concise synthesis of (R)-reticuline and (+)-salutaridine by combining early-stage organic synthesis and late-stage biocatalysis
Authors: Cigan Emmanuel , Pletz Jakob , Berger Sarah A. , Hierzberger Bettina , Grilec-Zlamal Michael , Steiner Alexander , Oroz-Guinea Isabel , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

Designing an alternative access to the morphinan scaffold by taking advantage of biocatalysis for asymmetric CN reduction and oxidative C–C bond formation.
Incorporating three-dimensional ordered macropores into high-entropy oxides for catalytic soot combustion
Authors: Duan Xiaolan , Wang Xiaopeng , Xu Lan , Ma Tingting , Shu Yuan , Hou Shengtai , Niu Qiang , Zhang Pengfei
Published: August 2023

An ordered macro-porous structure is achieved for various types of HEOs including cubic, perovskite, and spinel crystal patterns by polystyrene crystal templating. The prepared HEOs displayed excellent catalytic performance in soot combustion.
Biomimetic polyelectrolyte-gradient hydrogel electricity generator: a green and portable energy source
Authors: Pan Xiaofeng , Wang Qinhua , Benetti Daniele , Jin Lei , Ni Yonghao , Rosei Federico
Published: August 2023

Research on portable and eco-friendly electricity generators is promising for sustainability, as it helps address environmental pollution, depletion of fossil fuels, and the widespread use of personalized electronics.
Understanding the role of surface oxygen-containing functional groups on carbon-supported cobalt catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Pham Thi Ha My , Ko Youngdon , Wei Manhui , Zhao Kangning , Zhong Liping , Züttel Andreas
Published: August 2023

A high content of acidic surface OFGs on a carbon support enables the fine dispersion of Co-based nanocatalysts, enhancing its OER mass activity, while also inducing additional COOH surface groups that act as O2 spillover sites.
A multifunctional coumarin-based probe for distinguishable detection of Cu2+ and Zn2+: its piezochromic, viscochromic and AIE behavior with real sample analysis and bio-imaging applications
Authors: Singh Aayoosh , Yadav Pranjalee , Singh Saumya , Kumar Pradeep , Srikrishna S. , Singh Vinod P.
Published: August 2023

A multifunctional coumarin based organic luminophore, CTH, has been synthesized and its fluorescence properties are investigated.
Simulations of dynamo action in slowly rotating M dwarfs: Dependence on dimensionless parameters
Authors: Ortiz-Rodríguez C. A. , Käpylä P. J. , Navarrete F. H. , Schleicher D. R. G. , Mennickent R. E. , Hidalgo J. P. , Toro-Velásquez B.
Published: August 2023

Aims. The aim of this study is to explore the magnetic and flow properties of fully convective M dwarfs as a function of rotation period Prot and magnetic Reynolds ReM and Prandlt numbers PrM.

Methods. We performed three-dimensional simulations of fully convective stars using a star-in-a-box set-up. This set-up allows global dynamo simulations in a sphere embedded in a Cartesian cube. The equations of non-ideal magnetohydrodynamics were solved with the PENCIL CODE. We used the stellar parameters of an M5 dwarf with 0.21 M⊙ at three rotation rates corresponding to rotation periods (Prot) of 43, 61, and 90 days, and varied the magnetic Prandtl number in the range from 0.1 to 10.

Results. We found systematic differences in the behaviour of the large-scale magnetic field as functions of rotation and PrM. For the simulations with Prot = 43 days and PrM ≤ 2, we found cyclic large-scale magnetic fields. For PrM > 2, the cycles vanish and the field shows irregular reversals. In the simulations with Prot = 61 days for PrM ≤ 2, the cycles are less clear and the reversal are less periodic. In the higher PrM cases, the axisymmetric mean field shows irregular variations. For the slowest rotation case with Prot = 90 days, the field has an important dipolar component for PrM ≤ 5. For the highest PrM the large-scale magnetic field is predominantly irregular at mid-latitudes, with quasi-stationary fields near the poles. For the simulations with cycles, the cycle period length slightly increases with increasing ReM.
The M 101 galaxy group as a node in a nearby cosmic filament
Authors: Karachentseva Valentina E. , Karachentsev Igor D. , Kaisina Elena I. , Kaisin Serafim S.
Published: August 2023

We performed a search for faint low-surface-brightness dwarf galaxies around the major spiral galaxy M 101 and in the large rectangular area within SGL = [30–80]° and SGB = [10–37]° spanning a chain of galaxies: M 63, M 51, M 101, and NGC 6503. We based our search on data from DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys. We discovered six new probable dwarf members of the complex. We present a list of 25 prospective members of the M 101 group and estimate the total mass and the total-mass-to-K-band-luminosity ratio of the group as (1.02 ± 0.42)×1012 M⊙ and (16.0 ± 6.5) M⊙/L⊙, respectively. We note that the average dark mass-to-luminosity ratio in the groups around M 63, M 51, and M 101 is (12 ± 4) M⊙/L⊙, which is almost an order of magnitude lower than the global cosmic ratio, (102 ± 5) M⊙/L⊙.
Investigating the outskirts of Abell 133 with Suzaku and Chandra observations
Authors: Zhu Zhenlin , Kovács Orsolya E. , Simionescu Aurora , Werner Norbert
Published: August 2023

Context. Past observations and simulations have predicted an increasingly inhomogeneous gas distribution towards the outskirts of galaxy clusters. However, the exact properties of such gas clumping are not yet well known. The outskirts of Abell 133 can benefit from deep X-ray observations, with a 2.4 Ms ultra-deep Chandra exposure, as well as eight archival Suzaku pointings, making it a unique laboratory for studying the clumping of the intracluster medium (ICM).

Aims. We searched for significant clump candidates with the specific aim of identifying ones that could represent genuine ICM inhomogeneity. To further understand how clumping biases the thermodynamic profiles, we compared the measurements including and excluding the clump candidates.

Methods. We jointly analyzed Chandra and Suzaku observations of Abell 133. We selected clump candidates with at least 2σ significance based on the Chandra image and we discussed their origins further, using information from the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys cluster catalog as well as the CFHT r-band image. We performed multiple rounds of Suzaku spectral analysis with different corrections for the underlying point sources and clump distribution and we compared the resulting thermodynamic profiles.

Results. We detected 16 clump candidates using Chandra, most of which are identified as background clusters or galaxies – as opposed to intrinsic inhomogeneity. Even after the correction of the resolved clumps, the entropy profile approaching the outskirts still flattens, deviating from the power law model expected from self-similar evolution, which implies that unresolved clumping and other complex physics contribute to the entropy flattening in the outskirts.
Analysis of the degradation of amorphous silicon mini-modules under a severe sequential UV/DH test
Authors: Vincent Julia , Posa Venkata Ramana , Khouzam Ali , Logerais Pierre-Olivier , El Yaakoubi Mustapha , Labouret Anne
Published: August 2023

This study presents the results of severe accelerated tests carried out on four encapsulated amorphous silicon (a-Si) mini-modules. All the a-Si mini-modules were exposed to a 85 °C and 85% relative humidity damp heat (DH) prolonged treatment for 5000 h representing five times the duration specified by the IEC 61215 standard for qualification tests. For two of the four mini-modules, the DH test was preceded by a severe UV preconditioning, by applying 30 times the dose of 15 kWh/m2 at a temperature of 50 °C as prescribed by the IEC 61215 standard, in order to enhance the degradation during the following DH test and to reduce the overall testing time. I–V curves were plotted with a time step of 100 h under standard test conditions (STC) using a class A solar simulator and a source meter in order to monitor the degradation throughout both the tests. A visual inspection with photographic capturing was also performed at each stage to detect the apparent defects. Corrosion observed after 2000 h owing to the ingress of humidity is explained here by two possible infiltration paths in the layers of the mini-modules. Delamination occurred after 5000 h for the PV mini-modules which underwent the extended DH test. After 5000 h of damp heat testing, the degradation of the maximal power (Pmax) was found to be slightly accelerated for the a-Si mini-modules that were previously exposed to a severe UV preconditioning, with a value reaching 80% of its initial value, whereas, for the others only subjected to the prolonged DH test, the maximal power remained above 80% of its initial value. In all cases, the mini-modules seemed highly reliable with no failure after 5000 h of accelerated testing, and, based on an equivalent time of 20 years for 1000 h of accelerated test, they would exhibit a limited degradation rate of 0.2%/year in outdoor field conditions.
Changes in workload of Chinese university undergraduate teaching from the perspective of education quality management: A case study of a teaching-research university
Authors: Sun Lizhi , Chen Danhui , Xu Jingjing
Published: August 2023

The teaching workload of university teachers is an objective reflection of their instructional input and directly affects the quality of education and teaching. The ultimate goal of studying university teachers' workload is to enhance the quality of higher education. Based on the analysis of data from twelve years' teaching workload of a teaching-research university in China, the results show that the changes of overall teaching workload are in stages. Classroom teaching workload is the majority of the whole teaching workload. The teaching workload is mainly undertaken by university teachers with intermediate and deputy senior professional titles, and changes in teaching workload undertaken by university teachers with junior professional title and intermediate professional title is greater than those with vice senior professional title and senior professional title. Male teachers' workload is slightly more than female teachers, but gender differences have been shrinking over the years. The proportion of classroom teaching workload in teaching-oriented colleges is high, which is about 7:3 and has decreased in the past twelve years. Developing logic, administrative logic and difference logic are generative logic of changes in undergraduate teaching workload. Due to the relevance of the ISO 9000 family of standards in the management of higher education teaching, it is recommended to follow its seven quality management principles and adopt a teaching quality management approach based on the PDCA cycle in a broader context of quality management. This approach aims to manage higher education systematically, establish an organizational environment, and promote teachers' active engagement in teaching, including teaching workload. It also facilitates to improve teacher classification management and evaluation mechanisms.
Arterial-Venous Perfusion Without Anticoagulation to Reverse Accidental Hypothermia
Authors: Vertrees Roger , Fuller Sidney , Hundley D.Scott , Costabile Joseph , Yu Yan , Cilley Jonathan H. , Baldino William A. , DelRossi Anthony J.
Published: August 2023

To investigate a means of rewarming individuals suffering from accidental hypothermia, five Yucatan swine were topically cooled to a core body temperature of 30#x00B0;C. No heparin or any other means of anticoagulation was administered. An extracorporeal circuit consisting of polyvinylchloride tubing, a Bio-Pump and an external stainless steel heat exchanger was utilized and primed with an albuminized Ringers solution. An arterial-venous circuit was employed with oxygenation being provided by the animals' lungs. A series of aliquots of blood were taken and analyzed for coagulation prior to cannulation, after stabilization of blood flows, at a rectal rewarming temperature of 32°C and post-decannulation.

All subjects were effectively rewarmed to 34°C, with a mean perfusion time of 64.8 ± 8.5 minutes. Coagulation parameters showed very little alteration from the control values taken: PT (11.9 ± .5), PTT (16.0 ± .9), platelet count (456.0 ± 105.6) and normal fibrinogen levels. Necropsy examination revealed only minimal clot formation within either the extracorporeal circuit or the animals' vascular system.

Our results support the hypothesis that circulatory assistance and ultimately, extracorporeal circulation may be possible without anticoagulation.
Pre-Oxygenated Crystalloid Cardioplegia
Authors: Brooks John D. , Rhoades Jeanne , Buzzelli Tim , Nowack Robert
Published: August 2023

Since 1982, oxygenated crystalloid cardioplegia solution has become a popular method of myocardial preservation during cardiac surgery. The preferred method of oxygenated cardioplegia delivery has been the use of a recirculating delivery circuit that bubbles or films oxygen into the solution. Our present method allows us to pre-oxygenate the cardioplegia solution bags up to two weeks before using the oxygenated solution. The pO2 remains between 650-850 mmHg, and the oxygen content remains at 3.0-4.0 vol. %. The oxygenated cardioplegia maintains its sterility for as long as two weeks. The cost of oxygenating the cardioplegia is less than $1 per bag. Our delivery circuit requires no recirculating pump or sophisticated circuitry.
Venovenous Long Term Extracorporeal CO2 Removal With Biopump and Hollow Fiber Membrane Oxygenator For the Failing Lung
Authors: Everts Peter , Franssen Theo , Schipper Rob , Meinsma Kees , Boon Willem , Berreklouw Eric , Steenbrink John , Bavinck Hans
Published: August 2023

A 14-year-old male patient developed a severe respiratory insufficiency after a cart racing accident complicated by a bilateral pneumothorax, lung contusion and a rupture of a segmental lobe bronchus, for which two subsequential surgical interventions were needed.

Due to a decreased lung compliance, alveolar ventilation was decreased to a minimum, resulting in the development of hypercapnia.

The patient was placed on partial venovenous bypass utilizing the Biomedicus centrifugal pump and two Sarns hollow fiber membrane oxygenators, in combination with low frequency positive pressure ventilation, for extracorporeal CO2 removal with limited anticoagulation.

This case report illustrates the safe use and continuous effective performance of the hollow fiber membrane oxygenator and centrifugal pump for more than 60 hours.

Despite all efforts to create an environment for the lungs to heal, the patient succumbed due to irreversible traumatic cerebral damage and the bypass procedure was terminated after 60 hours.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass Without Systemic Heparinization for 24 Hours
Authors: von Segesser Ludwig , Turina Marko
Published: August 2023

Cardiopulmonary bypass without systemic heparinization was realised by means of heparin surface COATED oxygenators and tubing sets and analysed in comparison to UNCOATED oxygenators and tubing sets with systemic heparinization (ACT>400s). Seven dogs were perfused for up to 24 hours (when perfusion was electively terminated) with a pumpflow of 50 ml/min/kg bodyweight and either heparin surface COATED equipment (34±5 kg) or UNCOATED equipment (40±7 kg) by cavo-aortic cannulation after median sternotomy. Besides continuous monitoring of hemodynamics, blood samples for blood gas, biochemical and hematological analyses were taken before, FIVE minutes after beginning of cardiopulmonary bypass and at regular intervals thereafter (see chart on page 82).

Mean duration of perfusion was 23±2 hours for COATED versus 20±5 hours for UNCOATED. Adequate gas exchange was obtained with COATED and UNCOATED equipment throughout the perfusion. Plasma hemoglobin production was significantly lower with COATED equipment which allowed open-chest cardiopulmonary bypass without return of shed blood for 13±1 hours.
Fellowship award in cardiovascular perfusion: Perfusion Techniques of Profound Hypothermia and Circulatory Arrest for Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy
Authors: Winkler Mary H. , Rohrer Charlene H. , Ratty Susan C. , Jamieson Stuart , Dembitsky Walter , Moser Kenneth , Auger William
Published: August 2023

One hundred ninety-five patients with the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension have been operated on utilizing a standardized protocol involving profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest. A small subgroup, nine, were identified preoperatively as having heparin-associated thrombocytopenia (HAT). This challenging subgroup of patients was treated during heparin exposure with an investigational, “platelet disaggregating” agent, Iloprost.

The surgical procedure of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy requires multiple periods of circulatory arrest under profound hypothermia. Perfusion management of this procedure involves cerebral and myocardial protection, cooling, reperfusion at hypothermia and rewarming, treatment with Iloprost when appropriate, and methods of hemodilution.
Poster Presentation: In Vitro Comparison Tests of Five LV Vent Valves
Authors: Siposs George G.
Published: August 2023

Many surgical teams employ a sump pump to vent the left ventricle (LV). The problems associated with this technique are related to safety and convenience. If the flow is accidentally reversed in the LV vent line, air embolism accidents and subsequent litigation may be the result. If the cannula is occluded it is inconvenient to juggle pump speed to prevent the line from collapsing while maintaining gentle but adequate suction. We have in-vitro tested five commercially available L.V. Vent Valves (RLV-2100“B”, LV-100, H-130, GLV and VRV-200“B”), which were designed to regulate suction in the LV vent line, prevent the flow of air towards the heart, and vent downstream pressure to the atmosphere. The valves were tested for suction at various flow rates and pressure heads. The results of pressure and suction tests (during flow and occluded line conditions) are tabulated. We found that the RLV-2100“B” offers the best combination of suction control and pressure relief.
Lumbale Spinalkanalstenose – Update zur minimalinvasiven Chirurgie
Authors: Lange Nicole , Ryang Yu-Mi , Scheer Maximilian , Meyer Bernhard
Published: August 2023

In der modernen Neurochirurgie stehen vermehrt minimalinvasive Operationstechniken zur
Verfügung. Hier sollen am Beispiel der lumbalen Spinalkanalstenose einige dieser Techniken
erklärt und bewertet werden. Diese sind die indirekte Dekompression via XLIF und ALIF-Zugang,
der minimalinvasive TLIF, roboterassistierte Schraubenanlage, sowie
Single-Position-Surgery.
A Short and Facile [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition Protocol Toward Construction of a Levuglandin Skeleton
Authors: Deota Pradeep T. , Singh Deepak , Bhatt Gaurang J.
Published: August 2023

The γ-ketoaldehyde functionality of levuglandins (LGs) has a great propensity for various diseases such as Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis, and renal diseases. The synthesis of LGs constitutes a challenge for synthetic organic chemists due to their complex structures and low abundance in nature which has prompted us to develop its quick synthesis. This study aimed to explore a novel route for the construction of a levuglandin skeleton. We envisaged that the photocycloaddition of an appropriate alkene with equivalent propyne would give the cyclobutene adduct. The oxidative cleavage of the photocycloadduct can lead to the formation of the keto-aldehyde functionality. In this study, the readily available isopropenyl acetate (5) and methyl oleate (6) were used as starting materials to synthesize the target compound 13. The key step involves photocycloaddition of compounds 5 and 6, a regio-controlled elimination of the hydroxy group of compound 10, forming a cyclobutene derivative, as well as an oxidative cleavage of the cyclobutene derivative gives the framework of levuglandin. The intriguing chemistry of elimination resulting in the inseparable mixture of regioisomeric cyclobutenes has also been discussed. The route was simple and economical and helped for the creation of γ-ketoaldehyde functionality which is vital for the activity of levuglandins and can be extended for the construction of prostanoid skeleton through aldol condensation of the γ-ketoaldehydes.
Ulnar Fasciocutaneous Flap for Lower Forearms Defects
Authors: Singh R.P. , Singh A.K. , Tiwari P.
Published: August 2023

A case is reported in which ulnar fasciocutaneous flap was used to cover the volar wrist defect after the excision of an osteoclastoma of the lower end of radious.
Basis for fulfilling responsibilities, behavior, and professionalism of government agencies and effectiveness in public–public collaboration for food safety risk management
Authors: Wu Linhai , Zhang Liwei , Li Yufeng
Published: August 2023

Food safety risk management is an important cross-boundary issue around the world from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Public–public collaboration is the most basic form of cross-boundary governance. This study investigates the main factors affecting the governance effectiveness in public–public collaboration for food safety risk management through a questionnaire survey in Jiangsu Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, using a multivariable linear regression model based on principal component analysis. The results show that although the governance effectiveness in public–public collaboration is affected by many factors, the most important of which are the behavior and capabilities of legislative, administrative regulation and enforcement, and environmental improvement government (public) agencies, professionalism of government agencies, and laws and regulations as the basis for government agencies to perform their responsibilities. This research provides a case study for the academic community to better understand the main problems facing public–public collaboration for food safety risk management in China. It also provides insights into promoting public–public collaboration in developing countries.
A cavity loadlock apparatus for next-generation quantum optics experiments
Authors: Yin Chuan , Ando Henry , Stone Mark , Shadmany Danial , Soper Anna , Jaffe Matt , Kumar Aishwarya , Simon Jonathan
Published: August 2023

Cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED), the study of the interaction between quantized emitters and photons confined in an optical cavity, is an important tool for quantum science in computing, networking, and synthetic matter. In atomic cavity QED, this approach typically relies upon an ultrahigh vacuum chamber that hosts a cold trapped atomic ensemble and an optical cavity. Upgrading the cavity necessitates a months-long laborious process of removing external optics, venting, replacing the resonator, baking, and replacing optics, constituting a substantial bottleneck to innovation in resonator design. In this work, we demonstrate that the flexibility of optical cavities and the quick turnaround time in switching between them can be restored with the vacuum loadlock technique–reducing the cycle time to install a cavity, bake it, and transport it into the science chamber for days, achieving 3 × 10−10 Torr pressure in the science chamber. By reducing vacuum limitations, this approach is particularly powerful for labs interested in quickly exploring novel optic cavities or any other atomic physics relying on in-vacuum optics.
Achromatic elastic metalens for high-performance confocal piezoelectric energy harvesting
Authors: Lee Geon , Park Jeonghoon , Choi Wonjae , Ji Bonggyu , Kim Miso , Rho Junsuk
Published: August 2023

In this study, we analytically, numerically, and experimentally investigated a high-performance confocal piezoelectric energy harvesting system. We achieved a significantly enhanced electrical performance through a Mikaelian lens, which achromatically focuses ambient elastic waves, resulting in the formation of a highly amplified strain energy field in the piezoelectric energy harvester. Previous studies on piezoelectric energy harvesting platforms have limitations, such as the focal position changing with operating frequencies and impedance mismatching owing to inclusions or holes. To address these problems, we utilized the self-focusing ability based on the conformal mapping theory and achromatic ability based on the Kirchhoff–Love thin plate theory to design our Mikaelian lens-based piezoelectric energy harvesting platform. The proposed platform demonstrates a remarkable elastic wave focusing ability at an identical focal position for a broad frequency range. The experimentally visualized wave fields matched well with the numerically calculated full-wave harmonic simulation results. We achieved highly amplified output power up to 1.44 mW within a broad range from 40 to 60 kHz out of the same focal point owing to confined elastic wave energy; the output power extracted at this confocal position was up to 3.76 times higher than that extracted at the lens start position. Our highly performance and broadband achromatic piezoelectric energy harvesting platform lays an attractive foundation for designing potential applications, such as wireless sensing, structural health monitoring, and biomedical devices.
Measurement principles for quantum spectroscopy of molecular materials with entangled photons
Authors: Moretti Luca , Rojas-Gatjens Esteban , Uboldi Lorenzo , Tiede David Otto , Kumar Evan J. , Trovatello Chiara , Preda Fabrizio , Perri Antonio , Manzoni Cristian , Cerullo Giulio , Srimath Kandada Ajay Ram
Published: August 2023

Nonlinear spectroscopy with quantum entangled photons is an emerging field of research that holds the promise to achieve superior signal-to-noise ratio and effectively isolate many-body interactions. Photon sources used for this purpose, however, lack the frequency tunability and spectral bandwidth demanded by contemporary molecular materials. Here, we present design strategies for efficient spontaneous parametric downconversion to generate biphoton states with adequate spectral bandwidth and at visible wavelengths. Importantly, we demonstrate, by suitable design of the nonlinear optical interaction, the scope to engineer the degree of spectral correlations between the photons of the pair. We also present an experimental methodology to effectively characterize such spectral correlations. Importantly, we believe that such a characterization tool can be effectively adapted as a spectroscopy platform to optically probe system–bath interactions in materials.
Demonstration of neutron-yield enhancement by laser preheating and magnetization of laser-driven cylindrical implosions
Authors: Peebles J. L. , Davies J. R. , Barnak D. H. , Glebov V. Yu. , Hansen E. C. , Heuer P. V. , Leal L. S. , Bonino M. J. , Harding D. R. , Sefkow A. B. , Peterson K. J. , Sinars D. B. , Campbell E. M. , Betti R.
Published: August 2023

Magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) is a fusion concept that uses magnetized, preheated fuel to reduce the implosion velocities and convergence ratios required for ignition. A scaled, laser-driven experimental platform to study MagLIF has been demonstrated on the OMEGA laser system, providing comprehensive experimental data on MagLIF scaling, utilizing the higher shot rate on OMEGA compared to the Z machine. Using this platform, a broader experimental space for MagLIF has been studied. Presented in this article are experimental results that demonstrate that the combination of preheat and magnetization enhances the neutron yield by 470% compared to a reference implosion, significantly more than the yield enhancement by the field or preheat alone. These results are achieved while maintaining a relatively low convergence ratio (<20). The experiments were supported by one-, two-, and three-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamics simulations, all of which suggest that multiple sources of mix play different key roles depending on the scale of the MagLIF experiment.