bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the validity and reliability of the Arabic translated version of the depression and somatic symptoms scale (A-DSSS) among the Lebanese adults
Authors: Ismail Ali , Chabbouh Alfred , Charro Elie , El Masri Jad , Ghazi Maya , Sadier Najwane Said , Abou-Abbas Linda
Published: March 2024

The prevalence of depression is high worldwide, and somatic symptoms are known to be one of the most debilitating aspects of depression. However, clinicians often face challenges in accurately assessing this comorbidity. To address this issue, the Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale (DSSS) was developed as a self-administered scale that can diagnose both depression and somatic symptoms. The objective of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Arabic-translated version of the DSSS (A-DSSS) in a sample of Lebanese adults, as well as to explore its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one month, from February to March 2023, and involved a sample of 422 participants who were aged 18 years or older. Participants completed a questionnaire that included various measures, including demographic characteristics, alcohol and smoking habits, physical activity history, as well as two scales: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) scale and the A-DSSS scale. The A-DSSS showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.936), strong test–retest reliability (ICC of 0.988 with CI 0.976–0.994; p < 0.001), and a three-factor structure consistent with previous research. Convergent validity was supported by a significant correlation with the PHQ-9. Stepwise linear regression revealed that engaging in physical activity and increasing calorie consumption (as measured by MET-min/week score) were associated with a significant decrease in the A-DSSS total score and subscales. However, a significant increase in the A-DSSS total score was seen in the female gender in comparison for male gender. The A-DSSS revealed good psychometric properties and may be a useful tool for assessing depression and somatic symptoms in this population. The study also identified potential factors associated with depression and somatic symptoms, such as physical activity, calorie consumption, and gender, which may have implications in addressing depression and somatic symptoms for future interventions and clinical practice.
Effects of boiling water treatment on the physical properties of Quercus variabilis virgin cork grown in Korea
Authors: Prasetia Denni , Purusatama Byantara Darsan , Kim Jong Ho , Jang Jae Hyuk , Park Se-Yeong , Lee Seung-Hwan , Iswanto Apri Heri , Kim Nam Hun
Published: March 2024

The effects of boiling water treatment on the physical properties of Quercus variabilis virgin cork (Qv VC) were examined and compared with those of Quercus suber reproduction cork (Qs RC). The water treatment was conducted at 100 °C for 1 h. Qv VC showed a significantly higher dimensional change in the three directions and lower weight loss than Qs RC by boiling water treatment. Untreated and boiled Qv VC showed higher density, air-dried moisture content, red/green (a*) and yellow/blue (b*) chromaticity, overall color change, shrinkage in all three directions, moisture adsorption on the entire surface, and swelling per 1% moisture content than untreated and boiled Qs RC. However, the lightness (L*) and water absorption on each surface were higher for Qs RC than for Qv VC. Moisture adsorption on each surface was comparable before and after heat treatment for both species. After boiling water treatment, the air-dried moisture content, dimensions, volume shrinkage, water absorption, and moisture adsorption on each surface and the entire surface increased, whereas L*, a*, b*, and swelling per 1% moisture content decreased. The results of the present study could be useful for further utilization of Qv cork growing in Korea.
Safety evaluation of vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) via toxicological tests
Authors: Hwang Sung-bong , Choi Min-ju , Lee Hyeon-jeong , Han Jeong-jun
Published: March 2024

This study aims to evaluate the safety of MK-7 produced by fermentation process using a Bacillus subtilis var. natto strain for human ingestion via acute oral toxicity, repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity, 28-day recovery test, and genotoxicity tests. The acute oral toxicity test results indicated that all subjects survived at the dose of 5000 mg/kg with no toxic effects. For the repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity test, MK-7 was administered to rats at 500, 1500, and 4500 mg/kg for 90 d. No abnormal findings were detected in clinical observations or in clinical pathological and histopathological examinations. The no-observed-adverse-effect level(NOAEL) was determined to be 4500 mg/kg/d, the maximum dose tested. For the evaluation of genotoxicity, reverse mutation, chromosomal aberration, and micronucleus tests were performed. In the reversion mutation test, vitamin K2 did not induce reversion in bacterial strains, and no chromosomal abnormality was observed in the chromosomal abnormality test using Chinese hamster lung cells. In the micronucleus test, micronuclei were not induced using ICR mouse bone marrow cells. All the toxicity test results suggest that vitamin K2 produced by fermentation processes using Bacillus subtilis var. natto induced no toxicological changes under the experimental conditions.
Spatiotemporal monitoring of climate change impacts on water resources using an integrated approach of remote sensing and Google Earth Engine
Authors: Kazemi Garajeh Mohammad , Haji Fatemeh , Tohidfar Mahsa , Sadeqi Amin , Ahmadi Reyhaneh , Kariminejad Narges
Published: March 2024

In this study, a data-driven approach employed by utilizing the product called JRC-Global surface water mapping layers V1.4 on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) to map and monitor the effects of climate change on surface water resources. Key climatic variables affecting water bodies, including air temperature (AT), actual evapotranspiration (ETa), and total precipitation, were analyzed from 2000 to 2021 using the temperature-vegetation index (TVX) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products. The findings demonstrate a clear association between global warming and the shrinking of surface water resources in the LUB. According to the results, an increase in AT corresponded to a decrease in water surface area, highlighting the significant influence of AT and ETa on controlling the water surface in the LUB (partial rho of − 0.65 and − 0.68, respectively). Conversely, no significant relationship was found with precipitation and water surface area (partial rho of + 0.25). Notably, the results of the study indicate that over the past four decades, approximately 40% of the water bodies in the LUB remained permanent. This suggests a loss of around 30% of the permanent water resources, which have transitioned into seasonal water bodies, accounting for nearly 13% of the total. This research provides a comprehensive framework for monitoring surface water resource variations and assessing the impact of climate change on water resources. It aids in the development of sustainable water management strategies and plans, supporting the preservation and effective use of water resources.
Causal relationship between telomere length and sepsis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Jiamin , Zhu Gehua , Zhang Hongyan
Published: March 2024

Numerous observational studies have elucidated a connection between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and sepsis, yet its fundamental cause remains enigmatic. Thus, the current study’s objective is to employ a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to scrutinize the causality between LTL and sepsis. We selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with LTL (n = 472,174) and sepsis from a genome-wide association study (GWAS), including Sepsis (n = 486,484, ncase = 11,643), Sepsis (28 day death in critical care) (n = 431,365, ncase = 347), Sepsis (under 75) (n = 462,869, ncase = 11,568), Sepsis (28 day death) (n = 486,484, ncase = 1896), and Sepsis (critical care) (n = 431,365, ncase = 1380), as instrumental variables (IVs). The inverse variance weighted (IVW) MR method was employed as the primary approach, and various sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the validity of this instrument and potential pleiotropy. Using the IVW method, we uncovered a potential causal relationship between genetically predicted LTL reduction and increased susceptibility to sepsis, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.161 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.039–1.297, p = 0.008]. However, reverse MR analysis did not indicate any impact of sepsis on LTL. Our forward MR study highlights a potential causal relationship between LTL as an exposure and increased susceptibility to sepsis. Specifically, our findings suggest that individuals with genetically determined shorter LTL may be at an increased risk of developing sepsis. This may contribute to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sepsis.
An interpretable machine learning system for colorectal cancer diagnosis from pathology slides
Authors: Neto Pedro C. , Montezuma Diana , Oliveira Sara P. , Oliveira Domingos , Fraga João , Monteiro Ana , Monteiro João , Ribeiro Liliana , Gonçalves Sofia , Reinhard Stefan , Zlobec Inti , Pinto Isabel M. , Cardoso Jaime S.
Published: March 2024

Considering the profound transformation affecting pathology practice, we aimed to develop a scalable artificial intelligence (AI) system to diagnose colorectal cancer from whole-slide images (WSI). For this, we propose a deep learning (DL) system that learns from weak labels, a sampling strategy that reduces the number of training samples by a factor of six without compromising performance, an approach to leverage a small subset of fully annotated samples, and a prototype with explainable predictions, active learning features and parallelisation. Noting some problems in the literature, this study is conducted with one of the largest WSI colorectal samples dataset with approximately 10,500 WSIs. Of these samples, 900 are testing samples. Furthermore, the robustness of the proposed method is assessed with two additional external datasets (TCGA and PAIP) and a dataset of samples collected directly from the proposed prototype. Our proposed method predicts, for the patch-based tiles, a class based on the severity of the dysplasia and uses that information to classify the whole slide. It is trained with an interpretable mixed-supervision scheme to leverage the domain knowledge introduced by pathologists through spatial annotations. The mixed-supervision scheme allowed for an intelligent sampling strategy effectively evaluated in several different scenarios without compromising the performance. On the internal dataset, the method shows an accuracy of 93.44% and a sensitivity between positive (low-grade and high-grade dysplasia) and non-neoplastic samples of 0.996. On the external test samples varied with TCGA being the most challenging dataset with an overall accuracy of 84.91% and a sensitivity of 0.996.
Kinetic control over the chiral-selectivity in the formation of organometallic polymers on a Ag(110) surface
Authors: Houtsma R. S. Koen , van Nyendaal Floris , Stöhr Meike
Published: March 2024

Methods to control chiral-selectivity in molecular reactions through external inputs are of importance, both from a fundamental and technological point of view. Here, the self-assembly of prochiral 6,12-dibromochrysene monomers on Ag(110) is studied using scanning tunneling microscopy. Deposition of the monomers on a substrate held at room temperature leads to the formation of 1D achiral organometallic polymers. When the monomers are instead deposited on a substrate held at 373 K, homochiral organometallic polymers consisting of either the left- or right-handed enantiomer are formed. Post-deposition annealing of room temperature deposited samples at >373 K does not transform the achiral 1D organometallic polymers into homochiral ones and thus, does not yield the same final structure as if depositing onto a substrate held at the same elevated temperature. Furthermore, annealing promotes neither the formation of 1D covalently-coupled polymers nor the formation of graphene nanoribbons. Our results identify substrate temperature as an important factor in on-surface chiral synthesis, thereby demonstrating the importance of considering kinetic effects and the decisive role they can play in structure formation.
Platinum-group-metal quaternary alloys with lattice defects for enhanced oxygen electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Qi , Xu Chenqi , Luo Liangmei , Ge Cunwang , Wang Yanqing
Published: March 2024

Hollow carbon sphere-supported PtPdRuIr alloys with lattice defects exhibit enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction when benchmarked against Pt counterparts.
Construction of a novel S-type γ-Bi2O3/CeO2 heterojunction for highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics
Authors: Cao Jun , Liu Shuai , Wu Jiawei , Ding Bangfu , Mao Liang , Zhang Lei , Zheng Shukai , Zhang Junying
Published: March 2024

A novel S-type γ-Bi2O3/CeO2 heterojunction was constructed for highly efficient removal of lomefloxacin and tetracycline.
Dehydrogenation of diborane on small Nbn+ clusters
Authors: Gan Wen , Geng Lijun , Huang Benben , Hansen Klavs , Luo Zhixun
Published: March 2024

Dehydrogenation of diborane on small Nbn+ (1 ≤ n ≤ 21) clusters is studied showing dramatic size dependence to form NbnB1–4+ and NbnBxHy+ products only for 3 ≤ n ≤ 6.
Next generation microfluidics: fulfilling the promise of lab-on-a-chip technologies
Authors: Gurkan Umut A. , Wood David K. , Carranza Dorn , Herbertson Luke H. , Diamond Scott L. , Du E. , Guha Suvajyoti , Di Paola Jorge , Hines Patrick C. , Papautsky Ian , Shevkoplyas Sergey S. , Sniadecki Nathan J. , Pamula Vamsee K. , Sundd Prithu , Rizwan Asif , Qasba Pankaj , Lam Wilbur A.
Published: March 2024

In this perspective article, we present the state of the microfluidic field regarding current limitations and propose future directions and new approaches for the field to advance lab-on-a-chip technologies closer to translation and clinical use.
Nano revolution: pioneering the future of water reclamation with micro-/nano-robots
Authors: Preetam Subham
Published: March 2024

Future of micro-/nano-robots in water reclamation.
Point-of-care devices engaging green graphene: an eco-conscious and sustainable paradigm
Authors: Sengupta Joydip , Hussain Chaudhery Mustansar
Published: March 2024

The healthcare landscape has experienced a profound and irreversible transformation, primarily driven by the emergence of green nanomaterial-assisted point-of-care (POC) devices.
Depiction of scientific principles, laws and theories in Chemistry textbooks used by students in Singapore
Authors: Chan Melvin , Tan Yong Leng Kelvin , Subramaniam R.
Published: March 2024

In this study, we analyzed how scientific terms such as principle, law and theory are depicted in Chemistry textbooks used by students in Singapore. There are very few reports in the science or chemistry education literature that explicitly explore the term principle, although all three terms appear in a number of topics in the high school chemistry curricula. The textbooks’ definitions for the three terms were compared with key canonical attributes constituting these general terms. Findings indicate that most of the textbooks did not provide generic definitions of the three terms, and a number of attributes were also not apparent in the specific definitions of the three terms (except for principle). The relationship between laws and theories in textbooks was explored for three exemplars, and this provided useful insights. It is suggested that textbook authors, supported by curriculum developers and teachers, devote more attention to highlighting the relationships and distinctions among the three scientific terms. This can help students cultivate a better understanding of these terms, thus potentially leading to improved overall understanding of the nature of science.
Tertiary amide bond formation by an engineered asparaginyl ligase
Authors: de Veer Simon J. , Zhou Yan , Durek Thomas , Craik David J. , Rehm Fabian B. H.
Published: March 2024

The asparaginyl ligase [C247A]OaAEP1 is shown to ligate secondary amine nucleophiles to peptide and protein C-termini. These reactions can be extended to protein dual labelling, including one-pot dual labelling directly at the ligation junction.
Plasmon-induced hot carrier distribution in a composite nanosystem: role of the adsorption site
Authors: Muhammed Mufasila Mumthaz , Mokkath Junais Habeeb
Published: March 2024

The generation of hot carriers (HCs) through the excitation of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in metal nanostructures is a fascinating phenomenon that fuels both fundamental and applied research.
Correction: Ionic migration induced loss analysis of perovskite solar cells: a poling study
Authors: Zheng Xue , Ming Wenjie , Liu Pingping , Zhang Jie , Zhou Hongfei , Chen Ming , Li Weimin , Huang Boyuan , Wang Huan , Yang Chunlei
Published: March 2024

Correction for ‘Ionic migration induced loss analysis of perovskite solar cells: a poling study’ by Xue Zheng et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022, 24, 7805–7814, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05450C.
An efficient and straightforward approach for accessing sulfonamide/N-sulfonyl succinic esters via potassium fluoride-promoted C–N cleavage of N-sulfonyl succinimide
Authors: Lu Zujia , Yang Guangzao , Luo Huaxin , Gao Minjie , Irfan Majeed , Wang Fei , Zeng Zhuo
Published: March 2024

A new approach employs N-sulfonyl succinimide to give sulfonamides/N-sulfonyl succinic esters in good to excellent yield.
Structural engineering of atomic catalysts for electrocatalysis
Authors: Tang Tianmi , Bai Xue , Wang Zhenlu , Guan Jingqi
Published: March 2024

This review systematically introduces how to regulate the electronic structure and geometric configuration of atomic catalysts to achieve high-efficiency electrocatalysis performances by analyzing detailed electrocatalytic applications and mechanisms.
Evidence that Xrn1 is in complex with Gcn1, and is required for full levels of eIF2α phosphorylation
Authors: Shanmugam Renuka , Anderson Reuben , Schiemann Anja H. , Sattlegger Evelyn
Published: March 2024

The protein kinase Gcn2 and its effector protein Gcn1 are part of the general amino acid control signalling (GAAC) pathway best known in yeast for its function in maintaining amino acid homeostasis. Under amino acid limitation, Gcn2 becomes activated, subsequently increasing the levels of phosphorylated eIF2α (eIF2α-P). This leads to the increased translation of transcriptional regulators, such as Gcn4 in yeast and ATF4 in mammals, and subsequent re-programming of the cell's gene transcription profile, thereby allowing cells to cope with starvation. Xrn1 is involved in RNA decay, quality control and processing. We found that Xrn1 co-precipitates Gcn1 and Gcn2, suggesting that these three proteins are in the same complex. Growth under starvation conditions was dependent on Xrn1 but not on Xrn1-ribosome association, and this correlated with reduced eIF2α-P levels. Constitutively active Gcn2 leads to a growth defect due to eIF2α-hyperphosphorylation, and we found that this phenotype was independent of Xrn1, suggesting that xrn1 deletion does not enhance eIF2α de-phosphorylation. Our study provides evidence that Xrn1 is required for efficient Gcn2 activation, directly or indirectly. Thus, we have uncovered a potential new link between RNA metabolism and the GAAC.
COSMOS2020: Investigating the AGN-obscured accretion phase at z ∼ 1 via [Ne V] selection
Authors: Barchiesi L. , Vignali C. , Pozzi F. , Gilli R. , Mignoli M. , Gruppioni C. , Lapi A. , Marchesi S. , Ricci F. , Urry C. M.
Published: March 2024

The black hole-and-galaxy (BH-galaxy) co-evolution paradigm predicts a phase where most of the star formation (SF) and BH accretion takes place in gas-rich environments, namely, in what are likely to be very obscured conditions. In the first phase of this growth, some of the galactic gas is funnelled toward the centre of the galaxy and is accreted into the supermassive BH, triggering active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity. The large quantity of gas and dust hides the emission and the AGN appears as an obscured (type 2) AGN. The degree of obscuration in type 2 AGNs may even reach values as high as NH > 1024 cm−2 (i.e., Compton-thick, CT). Population synthesis models of the X-ray background (XRB) suggest that a large population of CT-AGN is, in fact, needed to explain the still unresolved XRB emission at energy above 20 keV. In this work, we investigated the properties of 94 [Ne V]3426 Å-selected type 2 AGN in COSMOS at z = 0.6 − 1.2, performing optical-to-far-infrared (FIR) spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting of COSMOS2020 photometric data to estimate the AGN bolometric luminosity and stellar mass, star formation rate, age of the oldest stars, and molecular gas mass for their host-galaxy. In addition, we performed an X-ray spectral analysis of the 36 X-ray-detected sources to obtain reliable values of the AGN obscuration and intrinsic luminosity, as well as to constrain the AGN properties of the X-ray-undetected sources. We found that more than two-thirds of our sample is composed of very obscured sources (NH > 1023 cm−2), with about 20% of the sources being candidate CT-AGN and half being AGNs in a strong phase of accretion (λEdd > 0.1). We built a mass- and redshift-matched control sample and its comparison with the [Ne V] sample indicates that the latter has a higher fraction of sources within the main sequence of star-forming galaxies and shows little evidence for AGNs quenching the SF. As the two samples have similar amounts of cold gas available to fuel the SF, this difference points towards a higher efficiency in forming stars in the [Ne V]-selected sample. The comparison with the prediction from the in situ co-evolution model suggests that [Ne V] is an effective tool for selecting galaxies in the obscured growth phase of the BH-galaxy co-evolution paradigm. We find that the “quenching phase” is still to come for most of the sample and only few galaxies show evidence of quenched SF activity.
Adaptive optics telemetry standard
Authors: Gomes Tiago , Correia Carlos M. , Bardou Lisa , Cetre Sylvain , Kolb Johann , Kulcsár Caroline , Leroux François , Morris Timothy , Morujão Nuno , Neichel Benoît , Beuzit Jean-Luc , Garcia Paulo
Published: March 2024

Context. The amount of adaptive optics (AO) telemetry generated by visible/near-infrared ground-based observatories is ever greater, leading to a growing need for a standardised data exchange format to support performance analysis, AO research, and development activities that involve large-scale telemetry mining, processing, and curation.

Aims. This paper introduces the Adaptive Optics Telemetry (AOT) data exchange format as a standard for sharing AO telemetry from visible/infrared ground-based observatories. AOT is based on the flexible image transport system (FITS) and aims to provide unambiguous and consistent data access across various systems and configurations, including natural and single- or multiple-laser guide-star AO systems.

Methods. We designed AOT with a focus on two key use cases: atmospheric turbulence parameter estimation and point-spread function reconstruction. We prototyped and tested the design using existing AO telemetry datasets from multiple systems: single conjugate with natural and laser guide stars, tomographic systems with multi-channel wavefront sensors, and single- and multi-wavefront correctors in systems featuring either a Shack-Hartmann or Pyramid as the main wavefront sensor.

Results. The AOT file structure has been thoroughly defined, with specified data fields, descriptions, data types, units, and expected dimensions. To support this format, we have developed a Python package that enables the data conversion, reading, writing, and exploration of AOT files; it has been made publicly available and is compatible with a general-purpose Python package manager. We have demonstrated the flexibility of the AOT format by packaging data from five different instruments, installed on different telescopes.
Künstlerische Therapien im Kontext interprofessioneller Zusammenarbeit
Authors: Schulze-Stampa Constanze
Published: March 2024

Gemäß wissenschaftlich vorliegender Evidenz aktivieren Künstlerische Therapien wirksame Regulierungsprozesse auf körperlicher, emotionaler, kognitiver und sozialer Ebene. Indem sie nonverbale und ästhetische Zugänge zu Patient*innen möglich und vermittelbar machen, ergänzen sie nicht nur das allgemeine klinische Angebot, sondern auch differenzialdiagnostische Prozesse in interprofessionellen Teams. Der Beitrag zeigt Grundlagen und formuliert Zukunftsvisionen.
Wenn Therapeut*innen für immer gehen, was bleibt?
Authors: Bossenmayer Jörg
Published: March 2024

Therapeutin Johanna S., 48 Jahre alt, hatte einen Tag voller Therapiesitzungen hinter sich und war auf dem Heimweg, als ihr plötzlich ein Auto auf ihrer Spur entgegenkam. Es traf ihr KFZ frontal, sie verstarb noch am Unfallort. Sie hatte nichts geregelt…
Systemtherapien bei metastasierten Schilddrüsenkarzinomen – ein Update
Authors: Brandenburg Tim , Machlah Yara Maria , Führer-Sakel Dagmar
Published: March 2024

Radiojodrefraktäre differenzierte Schilddrüsenkarzinome Die Wirksamkeit der Multikinase-Inhibitoren Lenvatinib und Sorafenib kann anhand von „Real-world“-Anwendungsdaten verschiedener Krebszentren weltweit gezeigt werden. Zur Behandlung des fortgeschrittenen rrDTC (radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer) steht Cabozantinib als Zweitlinienpräparat nach Progress unter Lenvatinib und/oder Sorafenib zur Verfügung. Bislang zeigte sich weiter eine geringe Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass eine medikamentöse Vorbehandlung zu einer Redifferenzierung mit anschließender erfolgreicher Radiojodtherapie führt. Eine aktuelle französische Studie berichtet hingegen von erfolgreicher Redifferenzierung bei bis zu 95% (20/21) der Patienten mit rrDTC.

Medulläres Schilddrüsenkarzinom Basierend auf einer erfolgten Beobachtungsstudie und einer Neubewertung der ZETA-Studie erfolgte eine Zulassungsänderung für Vandetanib. Die Indikation besteht seit Januar 2023 nur noch beim aggressiven, fortgeschrittenen medullären Schilddrüsenkarzinom mit positivem RET-Mutationsnachweis. Der selektive RET-Kinase-Inhibitor Selpercatinib steht seit 09/2022 auch in Erstlinie zur Behandlung des fortgeschrittenen RET-mutierten medullären Schilddrüsenkarzinoms zur Verfügung. Weitere „Next-Generation-Inhibitoren“ (z.B. LOXO-260) werden bereits in Phase-I-Studien getestet.

Anaplastisches Schilddrüsenkarzinom Das anaplastische Schilddrüsenkarzinom besitzt unverändert eine schlechte Prognose, obwohl einige Fortschritte in der Therapie Zuversicht geben. Von entscheidender Bedeutung sind eine schnelle molekularpathologische Evaluation von Treibermutationen, die Möglichkeit der Durchführung von Immuntherapien sowie der Zugang zu klinischen Studien.
Into the Unknown: The Shift in Key Service Performance Indicators after a Clinical Hospital Department Incorporates Virtual Service Delivery Options
Authors: Vivanti Angela , Murray Eryn , Doola Ra'eesa , Hill Jan , Sullivan Clair
Published: March 2024

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced health care services to introduce virtual service delivery. Little is known about the impact on health care service delivery.

Objectives This case study reports the impact of introducing remote access facilitating virtual service delivery.

Methods Key performance indicators of health care service delivery (Nutrition and Dietetic Department, 26.9 full-time equivalents) were monitored over three 6-month periods. These periods were Phase 1 (pre-COVID restrictions), Phase 2 (zero tolerance to COVID), and Phase 3 (living with COVID). Virtual service delivery was initiated between Phases 1 and 2. Virtual service delivery days were defined as days worked virtually in lieu of leave.

Results During Phase 2 and Phase 3, there were 87 and 188 extra days of virtual service delivery achieved and an opportunity cost saving of $26,000 USD and $56,000 USD, respectively. Leave hours reduced between Phases 1 and 2 (p < 0.006; mean ± standard deviation [SD] 591 ± 213 and 222 ± 91) and maintained between Phases 1 and 3 (p < 0.342; mean ± SD 494 ± 98) despite the pandemic. No adverse clinical events were reported. Professional quality of life scores were maintained.

Conclusion Virtual service delivery through remote access provided many days of otherwise potentially lost productivity, maintained patient care with no adverse events, and sustained Professional Quality of Life despite pandemic challenges. Operationally, lessons learnt included the importance of positive team culture to working effectively, keeping teams connected and adapting different solutions to meet teams' requirements. Incorporating virtual service delivery options into a hospital clinical department showed performance stability across key service performance indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alfvénic fluctuations in the expanding solar wind: Formation and radial evolution of spherical polarization
Authors: Matteini L. , Tenerani A. , Landi S. , Verdini A. , Velli M. , Hellinger P. , Franci L. , Horbury T. S. , Papini E. , Stawarz J. E.
Published: March 2024

We investigate properties of large-scale solar wind Alfvénic fluctuations and their evolution during radial expansion. We assume a strictly radial background magnetic field B∥R, and we use two-dimensional hybrid (fluid electrons, kinetic ions) simulations of balanced Alfvénic turbulence in the plane orthogonal to B; the simulated plasma evolves in a system comoving with the solar wind (i.e., in the expanding box approximation). Despite some model limitations, simulations exhibit important properties observed in the solar wind plasma: Magnetic field fluctuations evolve toward a state with low-amplitude variations in the amplitude B=|B| and tend to a spherical polarization. This is achieved in the plasma by spontaneously generating field aligned, radial fluctuations that suppress local variations of B, maintaining B∼ const. spatially in the plasma. We show that within the constraint of spherical polarization, variations in the radial component of the magnetic field, BR lead to a simple relation between δBR and δB=|δB| as δBR∼δB2/(2B), which correctly describes the observed evolution of the rms of radial fluctuations in the solar wind. During expansion, the background magnetic field amplitude decreases faster than that of fluctuations so that their the relative amplitude increases. In the regime of strong fluctuations, δB∼B, this causes local magnetic field reversals, consistent with solar wind switchbacks.
Digital microfluidics methods for nucleic acid detection: A mini review
Authors: Xing Youqiang , Wang Yan , Li Xiang , Pang Shangran
Published: March 2024

Many serious infectious diseases have occurred throughout human history. Rapid and accurate detection as well as the isolation of infected individuals, through nucleic acid testing, are effective means of containing the spread of these viruses. However, traditional nucleic acid testing methods rely on complex machines and specialized personnel, making it difficult to achieve large-scale, high-throughput, and rapid detection. In recent years, digital microfluidics has emerged as a promising technology that integrates various fields, including electrokinetics, acoustics, optics, magnetism, and mechanics. By leveraging the advantages of these different technologies, digital microfluidic chips offer several benefits, such as high detection throughput, integration of multiple functions, low reagent consumption, and portability. This rapid and efficient testing is crucial in the timely detection and isolation of infected individuals to prevent the virus spread. Another advantage is the low reagent consumption of digital microfluidic chips. Compared to traditional methods, these chips require smaller volumes of reagents, resulting in cost savings and reduced waste. Furthermore, digital microfluidic chips are portable and can be easily integrated into point-of-care testing devices. This enables testing to be conducted in remote or resource-limited areas, where access to complex laboratory equipment may be limited. Onsite testing reduces the time and cost associated with sample transportation. In conclusion, bioassay technologies based on digital microfluidic principles have the potential to significantly improve infectious disease detection and control. By enabling rapid, high-throughput, and portable testing, these technologies enhance our ability to contain the spread of infectious diseases and effectively manage public health outbreaks.
Advances in cancer mechanobiology: Metastasis, mechanics, and materials
Authors: Clevenger Abigail J. , McFarlin Maygan K. , Gorley John Paul M. , Solberg Spencer C. , Madyastha Anirudh K. , Raghavan Shreya A.
Published: March 2024

Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor cells are exposed to numerous mechanical forces, both internally and externally, which contribute to the metastatic cascade. From the initial growth of the tumor to traveling through the vasculature and to the eventual colonization of distant organs, tumor cells are continuously interacting with their surroundings through physical contact and mechanical force application. The mechanical forces found in the TME can be simplified into three main categories: (i) shear stress, (ii) tension and strain, and (iii) solid stress and compression. Each force type can independently impact tumor growth and progression. Here, we review recent bioengineering strategies, which have been employed to establish the connection between mechanical forces and tumor progression. While many cancers are explored in this review, we place great emphasis on cancers that are understudied in their response to mechanical forces, such as ovarian and colorectal cancers. We discuss the major steps of metastatic transformation and present novel, recent advances in model systems used to study how mechanical forces impact the study of the metastatic cascade. We end by summarizing systems that incorporate multiple forces to expand the complexity of our understanding of how tumor cells sense and respond to mechanical forces in their environment. Future studies would also benefit from the inclusion of time or the aspect of mechanical memory to further enhance this field. While the knowledge of mechanical forces and tumor metastasis grows, developing novel materials and in vitro systems are essential to providing new insight into predicting, treating, and preventing cancer progression and metastasis.
Design of an economic, portable, compact, and indigenous instrument setup for measuring sensing characteristics of thin film gas sensors
Authors: Bej Debabrata , Chattaraj Nilanjan , Sahu Rishiv
Published: March 2024

Thin film gas sensor characterization is very demanding for various applications because of technical design trade-offs in commercially available gas sensors. For gas sensing characterization, a suitable gas-testing experimental setup is very much needed in this context. Various factors in the experimental setup can affect a thin film gas sensor’s response beyond gas exposure. These factors include the test chamber’s volume, relative humidity, uniform operating temperature, uniform pressure, uniform gas density, uniform gas distribution, uniform gas concentration in the gas chamber, and uniform relative gas flow velocity over the surface of the sensor. All these environmental parameters, not being so predictive in nature, induce an inherent design trade-off in the experimental setup design. Although all the commercially available gas testing experimental setups are equally good considering the dedicated purpose for which they are made. However, all of them are for generic applications but not for specific applications because of their inherent trade-offs in their usability features. Those trade-offs always provide an opportunity to introduce a new setup with its own unique advantages. Hence, in this article, we have presented a portable, compact, indigenous gas sensing experimental setup for studying the performance of gas sensors. We have characterized and tested the setup using a ZnO based thin film gas sensor when exposed to CO2 gas at concentrations ranging from 1445 to 4631 ppm. The proposed gas sensing setup’s compact size offers unique advantages, including portability and compatibility for uniform environmental conditions.
Hydrodynamic forces in higher modes of a thin cantilever beam resonator
Authors: Devsoth Lalsingh , Pandey Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2024

The hydrodynamic force in a thin uniform beam cantilever is essential quantity for designing a resonator. We obtained the hydrodynamic drag forces in a uniform cantilever vibrating at the first four transverse modes using a semi-analytical boundary element method (BEM) and finite element method (FEM) in ANSYS. The present three-dimensional (3D) BEM inertial and damping forces are compared with FEM over a frequency range with less than 9.5% deviation until frequency parameter of 100; thereafter, it deviates numerically due to neglecting the non-linear convective forces. Considering the hydrodynamic damping force, the quality factor is estimated for the first four transverse modes of a uniform cantilever beam. As a result, the present 3D BEM model behaves well at the first bending mode compared to FEM. We also study the effect of the aspect ratio (ratio of width to length) of the beam for all four modes. However, the first mode quality factor sufficiently correlates with the numerical value for all aspect ratios. For uniform beams operating with higher modes, the influence of nonlinear and resonance frequency by the numerical model is more pronounced at smaller lengths. Hence, the 3D BEM approach can estimate the hydrodynamic forces on cantilever-based resonators, for example, atomic force microscopy and biosensors.
Cavity-modified molecular dipole switching dynamics
Authors: Weidman Jared D. , Dadgar Mohammadhossein (Shahriyar) , Stewart Zachary J. , Peyton Benjamin G. , Ulusoy Inga S. , Wilson Angela K.
Published: March 2024

Polaritonic states, which are formed by resonances between a molecular excitation and the photonic mode of a cavity, have a number of useful properties that offer new routes to control molecular photochemistry using electric fields. To provide a theoretical description of how polaritonic states affect the real-time electron dynamics in molecules, a new method is described where the effects of strong light–molecule coupling are implemented using real-time electronic structure theory. The coupling between the molecular electronic states and the cavity is described by the Pauli–Fierz Hamiltonian, and transitions between polaritonic states are induced via an external time-dependent electric field using time-dependent configuration interaction (TDCI) theory, producing quantum electrodynamics TDCI (QED-TDCI). This method is used to study laser-induced ultrafast charge transfer and dipole-switching dynamics of the LiCN molecule inside a cavity. The increase in cavity coupling strength is found to have a significant impact on the energies and transition dipole moments of the molecule–cavity system. The convergence of the polaritonic state energies as a function of the number of included electronic and photonic basis states is discussed.
Study on the influence of queue modes on the hydrodynamic performance of fish schooling swimming
Authors: Chu Wenhua , Yan Jifeng , Cao Yu , Zhao Zijing
Published: March 2024

In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were used to investigate how different queue patterns affect the hydrodynamic performance of fish schooling. Various queue modes—such as tandem, parallel, and rectangular—were simulated to analyze fish swimming behaviors and hydrodynamics. Results indicated that both the queue pattern and fish spacing influence collective fish swimming. In tandem queues, fish exhibited improved speeds, with leading fish showing a 39.3% increase in cruising speed compared to single fish at dy =0.3L. However, larger spacing led to decreased fish speeds, with two fish at dy =1.2L nearing the speed of a single fish (0.12 and 0.02L/s differences). In parallel queues, fish swimming speed was lower than that of a single fish, especially when dx =1.5D, with inner fish cruising at 49.9% of a single fish's speed. Yet, increased spacing at dx =4D saw speeds nearing equality (0.01L/s differences), suggesting reduced queue impact. Rectangular queues showcased varying fish speeds, notably with outer rear fish displaying superior propulsion. As spacing increased, all fish tended toward a single fish's speed. Analyses of single fish, including acceleration and wake interactions, revealed collective movement utilizing vortices to generate thrust and create low-pressure zones, thus enhancing hydrodynamics. This research sheds light on how queue modes and spacing affect fish collective behavior and swimming dynamics, offering insights into collective dynamics and biological behaviors.
Tracer dynamics in polymer networks: Generalized Langevin description
Authors: Milster Sebastian , Koch Fabian , Widder Christoph , Schilling Tanja , Dzubiella Joachim
Published: March 2024

Tracer diffusion in polymer networks and hydrogels is relevant in biology and technology, while it also constitutes an interesting model process for the dynamics of molecules in fluctuating, heterogeneous soft matter. Here, we systematically study the time-dependent dynamics and (non-Markovian) memory effects of tracers in polymer networks based on (Markovian) implicit-solvent Langevin simulations. In particular, we consider spherical tracer solutes at high dilution in regular, tetrafunctional bead-spring polymer networks and control the tracer–network Lennard-Jones (LJ) interactions and the polymer density. Based on the analysis of the memory (friction) kernels, we recover the expected long-time transport coefficients and demonstrate how the short-time tracer dynamics, polymer fluctuations, and the viscoelastic response are interlinked. Furthermore, we fit the characteristic memory modes of the tracers with damped harmonic oscillations and identify LJ contributions, bond vibrations, and slow network relaxations. Tuned by the LJ interaction parameter, these modes enter the kernel with an approximately linear to quadratic scaling, which we incorporate into a reduced functional form for convenient tracer memory interpolation and extrapolation. This eventually leads to highly efficient simulations utilizing the generalized Langevin equation, in which the polymer network acts as an additional thermal bath with a tunable intensity.
Numerical simulation of multi-fracture uniform propagation in naturally fractured reservoirs based on the continuum–discontinuum method
Authors: Huang Guopeng , Li Minghui , Zhou Fujian , Chen Jiangping , Chu Jinqi , Xiong Zhuang
Published: March 2024

Multi-cluster fracturing technology with horizontal wells is significant for the production enhancement of unconventional reservoirs. However, affected by the natural fracture distribution in the reservoir, stress shadowing between multi-fractures and perforation erosion has non-negligible influence on the multi-fracture uniform propagation, which results in uneven reservoir stimulation and lower production capacity. In this study, a multi-field coupled stress-seepage-fracture model for hydraulic fracturing of fractured reservoirs based on the continuum–discontinuum method was developed, adequately simulating the full scenario of stress disturbances, perforation erosion, and fracture interactions during the fracturing process. The effect of different geological and engineering parameters on the competing propagation of multi-fractures was investigated in detail, and the results show: Different geological and engineering parameters have significant influence on the competitive propagation of multi-fractures; among the geological parameters, the elastic modulus has the highest impact on the uniform fluid intake of multi-fractures, while the horizontal stress difference has the least impact on the uniform fluid intake of multi-fractures. Among the engineering parameters, the effect of natural fracture angle on the standard deviation of the fluid injection volume is gradually reduced with the increase in perforation number, flow rate, and fluid viscosity. For a low number of perforations and high fluid viscosity, both have great influence on promoting uniform fluid entry in multiple fractures. In addition, geological parameters have a significantly greater influence on the merging of multi-fractures than engineering parameters, and the probability of merging of multi-fractures increases significantly under low stress differentials and long natural fractures.
Improvement and application of local-variable-based transition models to complex three-dimensional configurations
Authors: Yan Chao , Jiang Haijun , Liu Zaijie
Published: March 2024

The hypersonic local-correlation-based transition modeling (LCTM) and amplification factor transport (AFT) transition models are extended to crossflow-induced transitions and applied to three-dimensional hypersonic vehicles. A new crossflow Reynolds number correlation is proposed and implanted to an existing hypersonic LCTM to extend it to take account of the crossflow effect. In the hypersonic AFT model, a new transport equation is added to predict the transported crossflow amplification factor. The two improved transition models are first validated using the HIFiRE-5 configuration. The results demonstrate that both transition models predict the transition on HIFiRE-5 with reasonable accuracy. Next, the two models are applied to the X-51A forebody and the X-33 vehicle. The results show that both models are capable of predicting transition behaviors and aeroheating environments on hypersonic complex geometries. The two models also provide reasonable reflections of the effects of various factors that influence transition, including the freestream Reynolds number, turbulence level, and angle of attack.
Research on molecular dynamics and electrical properties of high heat-resistant epoxy resins
Authors: Zhang Changhai , Liu Zeyang , Wang Xubin , Zhang Qiyue , Xing Wenjie , Zhang Tiandong , Chi Qingguo
Published: March 2024

In order to prepare highly heat-resistant packaging insulation materials, in this paper, bismaleimide/epoxy resin (BMI/EP55) composites with different contents of BMI were prepared by melt blending BMI into amino tetrafunctional and phenolic epoxy resin (at a ratio of 5:5). The microstructures and thermal and electrical properties of the composites were tested. The electrostatic potential distribution, energy level distribution, and molecular orbitals of BMI were calculated using Gaussian. The results showed that the carbonyl group in BMI is highly electronegative, implying that the carbonyl group has a strong electron trapping ability. The thermal decomposition temperature of the composites gradually increased with the increase of BMI content, and the 20% BMI/EP55 composites had the highest heat-resistance index, along with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of >250 °C. At different test temperatures, with increase in the BMI content, the conductivity of epoxy resin composites showed a tendency to first decrease and then increase, the breakdown field strength showed a tendency to first increase and then decrease, and the dielectric constant was gradually decreased. Two trap centers were present simultaneously in the composites, where the shallow trap energy level is the deepest in 20% BMI/EP composites and the deep trap energy level is the deepest in 10% BMI/EP55 composites. Correspondingly, the 10% BMI/EP55 composite had a slower charge decay rate, while the 20% BMI/EP55 had a faster charge decay rate. In summary, the BMI/EP55 composites with high heat resistance and insulating properties were prepared in this study, which provided ideas for preparing high-temperature packaging insulating materials.