bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional‐risk‐targeted seismic design: A novel approach for earthquake resistant design
Authors: Heresi Pablo , Miranda Eduardo
Published: July 2023

Current seismic design codes define safety levels based on the seismic risk of individual structures, such as specifying a maximum probability of collapse in 50 years. The design remains the same whether the structure is located within a sparsely populated area or within a densely populated area provided that both areas have the same seismic hazard. A novel seismic design approach, referred to as regional‐risk‐targeted seismic design is proposed in which the design level is based on a target seismic risk at the regional scale, as opposed to at the individual structure level. The proposed approach, which is aimed at new constructions, allows local governments to define acceptable levels of regional seismic risk and modify the seismic design criteria contained in national standards to satisfy them. As the possible consequences of a seismic event increase at the regional level, the design level becomes more stringent to control the regional seismic risk to acceptable limits. A series of simplifications are considered to facilitate its application. We illustrate the application of the proposed regional‐risk‐targeted seismic design with three examples in the city of San Francisco, California. In these examples, we iteratively compute the modifications to the maximum seismic risk on individual structures required to comply with specific target levels of regional seismic risk. In the proposed approach, the maximum tolerable seismic risk in individual structures depends not only on the seismic hazard at the site, but also on the number of structures and density in the region of interest. It is concluded that the proposed seismic design approach provides a more rational tool for local government officials to set and calibrate seismic design criteria to comply with their locally‐defined acceptable levels of regional seismic risks within a probabilistic risk management framework.
Microplastics in Malaysia's Aquatic Environment: Current Overview and Future Perspectives
Authors: Sulaiman Raja Norimie Raja , Bakar Aznizam Abu , Ngadi Norzita , Kahar Izzat Naim Shamsul , Nordin Abu Hassan , Ikram Muhammad , Nabgan Walid
Published: July 2023

Microplastic pollution has adversely affected the aquatic ecosystem, living creatures, and human health. Several studies in Malaysia have provided baseline information on the existence of microplastics in surface water, ingestion by marine life and sediment. Also, humans are exposed to microplastic due to consumption of contaminated abiotic and biotic products, such as processed seafood. Nonetheless, knowledge is still scarce among Malaysian on the potential remediation and pollution management of microplastics, which poses a significant challenge to preserve a good environmental status. Green technologies also other alternative to mitigate the contamination of microplastics for sustainable future. Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of microplastic's occurrence, fate, and implications in Malaysia's aquatic environment. Detection of microplastics from the water surface, ingestion by aquatics, and sediment samples are highlighted. Available different treatment processes toward microplastic remediation are also discussed. Additionally, the potential challenges, current perspective for plastic management in Malaysia, as well as green strategies for reducing microplastic contamination are also put forward. The goal of this work is to improve the understanding of the seriousness of microplastic contamination in aquatic environments, thus encouraging key concerns that need to be investigated further.
Application of bivariate statistical techniques for landslide susceptibility mapping: A case study in Kaghan Valley, NW Pakistan
Authors: Tanoli Javed Iqbal , Jehangir Adeel , Qasim Muhammad , Rehman Mohib ur , Shah Syed Tallataf Hussain , Ali Muhammad , Jadoon Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan
Published: July 2023

Landslides are dangerous events that threaten both human life and property. This research presents a case study of Kaghan valley catchment, which is an area of frequent landslide activity. We aim to present a comparison between the bivariate Landslide Numerical Risk Factor (LNRF), Statistical Index (SI) and Information Value (InfV) statistical models to evaluate landslide susceptibility. A total of 1556 landslides were identified using earlier reports, field surveys, and GOOGLE Earth imagery. The abundance of landslides is primarily controlled by acute deformation caused by a major thrust fault system and proximity to Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis (HKS). A landslide inventory was randomly partitioned into two datasets. 70% (1106) of landslides were used as a training phase of the models, whereas 30% (450) as validation of the three models. A spatial database of 11 conditioning factors was produced consisting of slope, aspect, elevation, lithology, land use, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), rainfall, Stream Power Index (SPI), distance to faults, rivers and streams. All the landslide susceptibility assessment parameters were obtained from different sources and different landslide susceptibility maps were prepared on the GIS software. Performance of the three models was validated through the Receiver operator Characteristics (ROC) through success and prediction rate curves. Results show that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for InfV, LNRF and SI models are 70.95, 83.99 and 67.56 for success rate curves and 70.75, 83.99 and 67.85 for prediction rate curves, respectively. LNRF having the highest AUC value proved to be superior for generating regional scale landslide susceptibility maps.
Exploring COVID‐19 from the perspectives of healthcare personnel in Malawi
Authors: Odenigbo Chúk , Crighton Eric
Published: July 2023

Background

The Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID‐19) brought many healthcare systems around the world to the point of collapse all the while putting the lives of healthcare workers at risk. This study forgoes an institutional look at healthcare to center individual healthcare personnel in Malawi to better understand (1) how the worldviews of healthcare workers impact their work in the context of COVID‐19, (2) how COVID‐19 impacted healthcare workers, and (3) the unique conditions faced by being a healthcare worker in a low‐income nation.

Methods

This research uses a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to qualitative methodology involving in‐depth interviews (n = 15) with healthcare workers, traditional healers, and hospital leadership. The data collected were inductively coded and analyzed using the framework method, producing rich descriptions on how COVID‐19 impacted the lifeworlds of healthcare workers in Malawi.

Results

The findings reveal many of the struggles healthcare workers faced due to misaligned government policy and perceived proximity to COVID‐19; outline their needs such as wanting better resources, funds, wages, and public health communication; and, exemplify the significant role that personal biases, worldviews, and sense of fear played in how healthcare workers perceived and interacted with COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Much of what was said echoes beyond borders, reflecting common global sentiments felt by healthcare personnel, and offers directions to explore building policies, strategies, and plans in preparation for any future disease outbreaks.
The course of patients with hairy cell leukemia during the omicron surge of the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tadmor Tamar , Melamed Guy , Patalon Tal , Alapi Hilel , Rokach Lior
Published: July 2023

In this study, we aim to explore the outcomes of Covid‐19 infection in patients with Hairy cell leukemia (HCL). The cohort is based on data obtained from electronic medical records. It includes 218 consecutive patients diagnosed with HCL between 16 June 1998, and 20 September 2022, out of which the coronavirus has infected 85 patients during the Omicron surge. Out of 85 patients with HCL who were infected by Covid‐19; 7 patients (8.2%) have been hospitalized, and the mortality rate was 2.3% (two patients). Thirteen of the 85 patients had been infected by Covid‐19 in previous waves, including 9/13 after vaccination, and none of them developed a severe disease. Humoral immune response after three doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination regimen was evaluated in 40 patients and was attained in 67.5%. Based on multivariate analysis: unfavorable outcome was significantly more common in patients with HCL above 65 years old, who had at least one cytopenia, and with comorbidity of cardiovascular disease or asplenia. Our results indicates that the course of COVID‐19 in patients with HCL during the Omicron wave has been improved relatively favorable.
Conceptualizations of “good death” and their relationship to technology: A scoping review and discourse analysis
Authors: Coret Michal , Martimianakis Maria Athina (Tina)
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

By the 1960s, medicine experienced technological revolutions that enabled it to control and medicalize death in many circumstances. The modern conceptualization of “good death” emerged in the late 1960s with the beginning of the hospice movement, and palliative care became an official medical specialty in 1987. This project aims to elucidate how the idea of “good death” has been discussed and perceived since then, as well as the impact of medical technologies on death.

Methods

The terms “good death,” “technology,” and “palliative care” were searched. One hundred ninety English sources that discussed “good death” explicitly or implicitly, published between 1987 and 2020, were included in the final analysis. Texts were analyzed for discursive themes related to “good death” and technology and demographic data related to authors, geographies, types of text, and date of publication.

Results

The discourse of a “good death” with the patient being in control dominated the archive. Other discourses include a good death being peaceful and comfortable, one where the patient is not alone, and one that is not prolonged. Medical technology discourses are largely negative in the setting of death.

Conclusion

Findings indicate a strong critique of the medicalization of death in the literature. This also complements the dominance of discourses on patient autonomy. Medical discourses of “good death” and technology permeate discussion outside of the healthcare context, and there is an absence of spirituality and neutrality in “good death” discourses. The results of this study are relevant for ethics and communication in geriatric and palliative care.
Maternal and perinatal health among pregnant patients in the context of a migratory crisis
Authors: Miranda Jezid , Sanabria María F. , Annicchiarico Walter , Alfieri Nikita , Cortes Magdalena Sanz
Published: July 2023

Objective

To compare maternal and perinatal outcomes of migrant Venezuelan women with local pregnant patients in a Colombian institution in the context of a migratory crisis.

Study Design

This cross‐sectional study included 11 304 deliveries from the Clínica de Maternidad Rafael Calvo in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, a tertiary referral center on the north coast of Colombia. Data on maternal demographics and perinatal outcomes were obtained by chart review.

Results

In total, 595 patients were identified as Venezuelan migrants, and their perinatal outcomes were compared against those of 10 709 local pregnant patients. Despite similar baseline maternal conditions in both groups, poorer prenatal follow‐up care (3 [1–5] vs. 5 [4–7] visits;P < 0.001) and severe complications were more common in Venezuelan migrant pregnant patients and their children. In addition, maternal hypertension was significantly more common in migrants (11.4% [68/595] vs. 8.3% [887/10709];P = 0.009). Furthermore, in the group of pregnant migrant patients, the rates of severe maternal morbidity (13.4% [80/575] vs. 9.45%, [1013/10709];P = 0.002), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (22/595 [3.7%] vs. 237/10709 [2.23%];P = 0.03), and perinatal mortality (11/586 [1.88%] vs. 67/10651 [0.63%];P = 0.003) were significantly higher than in the local pregnant population.

Conclusion

Forced migration during pregnancy may be associated with poorer prenatal care, which may predispose women and their newborns to more frequent adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Insights into clinical pharmacy practice in Latin America
Authors: Zavaleta‐Monestel Esteban , Serrano‐Arias Bruno , Milano‐Gil Antonella , Sanchez‐Solis Cesar , Arroyo‐Monterrosa Dadier Antonio , Muñoz‐Pichuante Daniel , Morales‐Vallespin Jorge , Diaz‐Madriz Jose Pablo , Viñas‐Veliz Mario , Dalmaso‐Neto Silvestre , Teixeira‐Ferreira Vania , Rojas‐Barrantes Zoe , Chaverri‐Fernandez Jose Miguel
Published: July 2023

Background

In Latin America, clinical pharmacy has undergone significant changes in recent decades, with more pharmacists seeking advanced training. Clinical pharmacists are now recognized for their crucial role in patient care, particularly in medication management, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration. However, the region's progress in this field has been influenced by diverse economic, social, and cultural factors, leading to different levels of advancement across different countries.

Aims

To describe the practice and training of professionals in clinical pharmacy, as a distinct field within the pharmaceutical profession, across eight Latin American countries.

Materials & Methods

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay were chosen for this review. Data on clinical pharmacy practices in these countries was collected through a survey comprising five sections with 21 targeted questions. Following the survey's completion, an extensive literature review was conducted across multiple databases.

Results

Brazil has the most responsive education system to meet the demands of the population for the pharmacy career, with a University to Pharmacy (UP) index of 0.31, the lowest among all the countries included. Brazil also offers the highest number of postgraduate programs in the area of clinical pharmacy. Furthermore, diverse basic and advanced clinical pharmacy practices were identified in the included regions. These practices range from pharmacotherapeutic monitoring of patients to interdisciplinary collaboration in managing critically ill hospitalized patients. Each country exhibits a varying degree of acceptance towards clinical pharmacy.

Conclusion

The evolution of clinical pharmacy in Latin America offers a promising opportunity to optimize drug therapy and improve patient safety and care quality. However, challenges remain, such as the need for more clinical sub‐specializations and better recognition of pharmacists' roles within healthcare teams. To address these challenges, continued professional development and advocacy are essential to enhance clinical pharmacy practice in the region.
Extracorporeal photopheresis induces NETosis in neutrophils derived from patients with chronic graft‐vs‐host disease
Authors: Goldberg Idan , Granot Galit , Telerman Alona , Partouche Shirly , Shochat Tzippy , Halperin Erez , Gafter‐Gvili Anat , Shargian Liat , Yeshurun Moshe , Raanani Pia , Wolach Ofir , Yahalom Vered
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is considered an effective treatment for patients with chronic graft vs host disease (cGVHD) and demonstrates efficacy in ameliorating GVHD. The mechanism by which ECP acts against cGVHD is not fully understood. Preliminary observations have hinted at the potential involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation in the pathogenesis of cGVHD. We aimed to assess the influence of ECP on the formation of NETs in patients with cGVHD as a potential mechanism in this setting.

Methods

Patients treated with ECP for cGVHD at the Rabin Medical Center were included in this study. Blood samples were obtained at three different time points: before starting an ECP cycle, at the end of the first day of treatment, and 24 h following the initiation of the ECP treatment cycle. Neutrophils were harvested from all blood samples. NET formation was assessed by measurement of NET‐bound specific neutrophil elastase activity and by immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Six patients (two females and four males) with cGVHD were included in the study. We observed a significant increase in NET formation among all six patients following ECP. Net‐bound specific neutrophil elastase activity was elevated from a median value of 2.23 mU/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 2.06‐2.47 mU/mL) at baseline to a median value of 13.06 mU/mL (IQR 10.27‐15.97 mU/mL) immediately after the treatment and to a peak median value of 14.73 mU/mL (IQR 9.6‐22.38 mU/mL) 24 h following the initiation of the ECP cycle. A qualitative assessment of NET formation using immunofluorescence staining has demonstrated markedly increased expression of citrullinated histone H3, a marker of NET formation, following ECP treatment.

Conclusions

Our preliminary data indicate that ECP induces NET formation among patients with cGVHD. The contribution of increased NET formation to the therapeutic effect of cGVHD should be further investigated.
Enumerating Steiner triple systems
Authors: Heinlein Daniel , Östergård Patric R. J.
Published: July 2023

Steiner triple systems (STSs) have been classified up to order 19. Earlier estimations of the number of isomorphism classes of STSs of order 21, the smallest open case, are discouraging as for classification, so it is natural to focus on the easier problem of merely counting the isomorphism classes. Computational approaches for counting STSs are here considered and lead to an algorithm that is used to obtain the number of isomorphism classes for order 21: 14,796,207,517,873,771.
A scoping review of engineering education systematic reviews
Authors: Phillips Margaret , Reed Jason B. , Zwicky Dave , Van Epps Amy S.
Published: July 2023

Background

Systematic review or systematic literature review (SLR) methodologies are a powerful tool for evidence‐based decision making. The method originated in the medical sciences but has since been adopted by other disciplines, including engineering education (EE).

Purpose

We aimed to answer two research questions: (i) To what extent is the SLR research method being applied in EE? (ii) How closely are SLRs published in EE following established reporting guidelines for the methodology?

Scope/Method

We searched Inspec, Compendex, and ERIC for engineering‐related SLRs and meta‐analyses (MAs). We included English language papers that contained an explicit SLR search, or where it appeared the methodology was intended by the author(s). We completed a data extraction process for 21 descriptive and quality‐related items, including engineering discipline, which allowed us to identify the EE studies analyzed in this article.

Results

This sub‐analysis presents the results of 276 EE‐related reviews. We found the use of SLR/MA methods is growing in EE, with 93% of papers published during 2015–2022. However, we found that authors are not generally following established guidelines for reporting their methods and findings.

Conclusions

Not following the best practices for conducting and reporting SLRs can result in the presentation of incorrect summaries and analyses due to missed evidence. Including search experts (e.g., librarians) trained in conducting SLRs can improve review quality. There is also an opportunity for EE‐related publishers to recruit experts trained in conducting SLRs as peer reviewers to participate in evaluating submitted reviews.
Stunning methods before slaughter induce oxidation changes of large yellow croaker during cold storage: the role of mitochondria and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Dong Yixuan , Zhang Hongzhi , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Improper stunning methods before slaughter could cause fish to deteriorate more quickly during cold storage. However, it is unclear how stunning methods affect the mitochondrial structure and the role of mitochondria in oxidation in muscle‐based food.

RESULTS

This study explored the potential mechanism of oxidation induced by different stunning methods (hit on the head, T1; gill cut, T2; immersion in ice/water slurry, T3; CO2 asphyxiated, T4; 40% CO2 + 30% N2 + 30% O2, T5) in large yellow croaker during cold storage. The results showed that T4 samples had the minimum stress response and the mitochondrial membrane potential and permeability were less damaged. Besides, the mitochondrial functional structure and peroxisome of T4 samples were less damaged compared with other samples, which was reflected in higher total superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. In terms of oxidation indices, the T4 samples showed higher pH values and iron myoglobin contents and lower total volatile basic nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances after 168 h cold storage, indicating that the T4 samples significantly maintained oxidative stability of large yellow croaker.

CONCLUSION

The CO2 asphyxiation had the least oxidative damage to large yellow croaker during cold storage, possibly because it had the least effect on mitochondrial structure, reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzyme activity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Terahertz Metasurfaces for Thermally Controlled Optical Encryption
Authors: Zhu Shuangqi , Dong Bowen , Guo Guanxuan , Lu Xueguang , Xu Quan , Han Jiaguang , Huang Wanxia , Ma Hua , Wang Yongtian , Zhang Xueqian , Huang Lingling
Published: July 2023

Terahertz (THz) metasurfaces have emerged as powerful tools to modulate the wavefronts of THz radiation fully. Smart designs and fabrication are essential for enhancing the flexibility and encryption security of THz metasurfaces. In addition to digital coding metasurfaces and microelectromechanical systems, one method to realize dynamic THz metasurfaces is to utilize an active material. In this paper, a dynamic THz metasurface, which is combined with the phase‐change material VO2 and can be thermally controlled to achieve optical encryption, is proposed. Based on the electromagnetically induced transparency effect and by arranging the antennas in advance according to a specific hologram, a secret image can be encoded into the metasurface. At room temperature, the transmitted light field is an irregular light spot with no useful information. If the temperature increases above the phase‐change temperature, the encrypted hologram can be reconstructed. Moreover, owing to the distinct characteristics of VO2, the phase‐change temperature required during decryption is not very high, and the entire process is reversible. It is expected that, in combination with updated processing technology, such metasurfaces can be practically applied to the next generation of optical encryption or optical anticounterfeiting in the future.
Fabrication of Insoluble Elastin by Enzyme‐Free Cross‐Linking
Authors: Hedtke Tobias , Mende Mathias , Steenbock Heiko , Brinckmann Jürgen , Menzel Matthias , Hoehenwarter Wolfgang , Pietzsch Markus , Groth Thomas , Schmelzer Christian E. H.
Published: July 2023

Elastin is an essential extracellular matrix protein that enables tissues and organs such as arteries, lungs, and skin, which undergo continuous deformation, to stretch and recoil. Here, an approach to fabricating artificial elastin with close‐to‐native molecular and mechanical characteristics is described. Recombinantly produced tropoelastin are polymerized through coacervation and allysine‐mediated cross‐linking induced by pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). A technique that allows the recovery and repeated use of PQQ for protein cross‐linking by covalent attachment to magnetic Sepharose beads is developed. The produced material closely resembles natural elastin in its molecular, biochemical, and mechanical properties, enabled by the occurrence of the cross‐linking amino acids desmosine, isodesmosine, and merodesmosine. It possesses elevated resistance against tryptic proteolysis, and its Young's modulus ranging between 1 and 2 MPa is similar to that of natural elastin. The approach described herein enables the engineering of mechanically resilient, elastin‐like materials for biomedical applications.
Degradation and Mechanical Behavior of Fish Gelatin/Polycaprolactone AC Electrospun Nanofibrous Meshes
Authors: Lacy Hannah A. , Nealy Sarah L. , Stanishevsky Andrei
Published: July 2023

With the increasing interest in biopolymer nanofibers for diverse applications, the characterization of these materials in the physiological environment has become of equal interest and importance. This study performs first‐time simulated body fluid (SBF) degradation and tensile mechanical analyses of blended fish gelatin (FGEL) and polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous meshes prepared by a high‐throughput free‐surface alternating field electrospinning. The thermally crosslinked FGEL/PCL nanofibrous materials with 84–96% porosity and up to 60 wt% PCL fraction demonstrate mass retention up to 88.4% after 14 days in SBF. The trends in the PCL crystallinity and FGEL secondary structure modification during the SBF degradation are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Tensile tests of such porous, 0.1–2.2 mm thick FGEL/PCL nanofibrous meshes in SBF reveal the ultimate tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break within the ranges of 60–105 kPa, 0.3–1.6 MPa, and 20–70%, respectively, depending on the FGEL/PCL mass ratio. The results demonstrate that FGEL/PCL nanofibrous materials prepared from poorly miscible FGEL and PCL can be suitable for selected biomedical applications such as scaffolds for skin, cranial cruciate ligament, articular cartilage, or vascular tissue repair.
Lipschitz metric for the modified coupled Camassa–Holm system
Authors: Pan Shihang
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study the Lipschitz continuity of the conservative solutions for the modified coupled Camassa–Holm system on the real line. By introducing a new characteristic, the original Camassa–Holm system can be reformulated to an equivalent semilinear system in Lagrangian coordinates, and the solutions on the equivalence classes (established from the relabeling functions in Lagrangian coordinates) can construct a semigroup
. There exists a bijection between the conservative solutions in original coordinates and the equivalence classes in Lagrangian coordinates such that we can construct a semigroup
of conservative solutions in Eulerian coordinates. Moreover, the Lipschitz continuity of the semigroup
ensures that the semigroup
with a new metric
is Lipschitz continuous.
Design of a multilayer ultra‐wideband absorber based on hybrid absorption structure
Authors: Lu Yinbo , Jia Yuxin , Zhai Huiqing , Wang Tianpeng
Published: July 2023

A multilayer, ultra‐wideband absorber is proposed in this paper, which consists of a hybrid circuit analog absorber and a metal resonant absorber. The circuit analog absorber is located at the upper part of the absorber to absorb low‐frequency electromagnetic waves, and the metal resonant absorber is located at the bottom of the absorber to absorb high‐frequency electromagnetic waves and provide a reflecting plate for the absorber. Through simulation, the absorption rate of the designed absorber can be greater than 90% in the range of 2.33–18.43 GHz, and an equivalent circuit is established for verification. In addition, the absorber has good angular stability and polarization insensitivity. The prototype of the absorber was manufactured and measured, and the test results are basically consistent with the analysis results.
Microwave‐induced thermoacoustic microscopy based on short‐pulse microwave and high‐frequency point‐focused ultrasonic transducer
Authors: Fang Qiuchao , Chi Zihui , Liu Yue , Wang Yang , Du Shuang , Wu Dan , Jiang Huabei
Published: July 2023

Background

As an emerging hybrid imaging modality, microwave‐induced thermoacoustic imaging (MITAI) provides high contrast and deep tissue penetration, and has been extensively applied in cancer diagnosis, arthritis detection, and brain research. However, the previous studies had a limited spatial resolution of about 0.45–1.5 mm.

Purpose

Here, we describe a microwave‐induced thermoacoustic microscopy (MITAM) system to help overcome the resolution limitation of current MITAI to image more subtle tissue features. On this basis, this paper applies MITAM to the thin skin and to demonstrate the potential of MITAM in detecting scleroderma.

Methods

To achieve high resolution, short pulse width microwave (pulse width: 70 ns) and high‐frequency ultrasonic point‐focused transducer (center frequency: 25 MHz) were used to build the MITAM system. Two parallel copper wires with a diameter of 90 μm in the X/Y plane and Y/Z plane were imaged to estimate X/Y/Z resolution. Nine Balb/c mice were randomly divided into three groups and injected with different concentrations of bleomycin to induce scleroderma models. Their ex vivo skins were then imaged by our MITAM system. Visual observations were performed on the 3‐dimensional skins MITAM images. And the mean value, Standard deviation, quartile distance, and signal‐to‐noise ratio were calculated to verify the results of the qualitative observations. Hematoxylin‐Eosin (HE) and Masson staining were used to validate the findings of the MITAM.

Results

The thickness of each imaged skin was measured to be about 450 μm. As an organ composed of multiple layers of tissues, the skin needs to be imaged at high resolution for the detection of related diseases. The results obtained showed that the improved resolution (68 μm in the Z‐axis and 135 μm in the X‐axis/Y‐axis) of MITAM over conventional MITAI allowed us to differentiate scleroderma skins from normal skins and to identify the severity of scleroderma skins, consistent with the pathological findings of these skins.

Conclusions

The preliminary results obtained indicate that the MITAM can relieve the resolution limitation of traditional MITAI and has the potential to detection scleroderma. However, the transmission‐type MITAM mentioned in this paper is difficult to image in vivo due to the narrow area between the antenna and the transducer. In the future, a reflective scanning MITAM will be constructed to detect scleroderma in vivo.
High burden of clinically significant adverse events associated with contemporary therapy for pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Summers Ryan J. , Monroig Vanessa M. , DeGroote Nicholas P. , West Zachary E. , Katafias Elizabeth , Miller Tamara P.
Published: July 2023

Background

Despite improvements in survival for children with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma (T‐ALL/LLy), morbidity remains high. However, data are lacking regarding comprehensive descriptions of clinically relevant adverse events (AEs) experienced during early intensive chemotherapy.

Procedure

This single‐institution retrospective study evaluated children aged 1–21 years with T‐ALL/T‐LLy diagnosed from 2010 to 2020. Physician chart abstraction identified and graded 20 clinically relevant AEs. AE rates were analyzed by T‐ALL or LLy, minimal residual disease status, induction steroid, and use of antimicrobial prophylaxis. Statistical comparisons used the Kruskal–Wallis test (continuous variables) and Chi‐square or Fisher's exact test (categorical variables).

Results

The cohort included 120 patients (T‐ALL: 88; T‐LLy: 32). Most patients experienced AEs during induction (85 out of 120; 70.8%) and consolidation (89 out of 111; 80.2%). Nonsepsis infection was common in induction (26 out of 120; 21.7%) and consolidation (35 out of 111; 31.5%). Patients treated with dexamethasone during induction had significantly higher rates of nonsepsis infection and/or sepsis during consolidation than those who received prednisone (p < .01).

Conclusions

Clinically significant AEs are extremely common during induction and consolidation therapy for patients with T‐ALL/LLy. Infectious AEs are particularly prevalent. These results can inform conversations with patients and families and aid in the development of toxicity‐related aims in the next generation of, prospective clinical trials in T‐ALL/LLy.
Resurgence of a de Sitter Glauber‐Sudarshan State: Nodal Diagrams and Borel Resummation
Authors: Brahma Suddhasattwa , Dasgupta Keshav , Faruk Mir‐Mehedi , Kulinich Bohdan , Meruliya Viraj , Pym Brent , Tatar Radu
Published: July 2023

It is shown in this article that an explicit construction of a four‐dimensional de Sitter space may be performed using a diagrammatic approach via nodal diagrams emanating from the path integral representation of the Glauber‐Sudarshan state. Sum of these diagrams typically leads to an asymptotic series of Gevrey kind which can then be Borel resummed, thus reproducing the non‐perturbative structure of the system. The analysis shows that four‐dimensional de Sitter space is not only possible in string theory overcoming the no‐go and the swampland criteria—albeit as a Glauber‐Sudarshan state—but it may also be non‐perturbatively stable within a controlled temporal domain. Somewhat consistently, the Borel resummation of the Gevrey series provides strong hint towards the positivity of the cosmological constant.
In‐Plane Crushing Behaviors of Hexagonal Honeycombs with Hollow‐Circle Joint under Different Compressive Velocities
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhao Wenjun , Gao Peijun
Published: July 2023

The in‐plane crushing behaviors of hierarchical hexagonal honeycombs, structured by replacing every three‐wall vertex of both the conventional and reentrant hexagonal honeycombs with a small hollow‐circle, are investigated herein. The finite element (FE) models are first verified by an empirical formula from the literature and then further used to simulate the in‐plane crushing behaviors of the honeycombs under different compressive velocities. The deformation mode, plateau stress, and specific energy absorption (SEA) are studied based on the FE simulations. With respect to the conventional hierarchical honeycombs, the reentrant hierarchical honeycombs, in most instances, are found to exhibit higher plateau stress but lower SEA. It is remarkable that the hierarchical hexagonal honeycombs exhibit higher plateau stress and SEA than the basic hexagonal ones, which indicates that the hierarchical design is effective in improving both the impact resistance and energy absorption capabilities of the honeycombs.
Electronic Structure and Optical Spectra of Halide Perovskites A2BCl6 [(A = Cs; B = Se, Sn, Te, Ti, Zr) and (A = K; B = Pd, Pt, Sn)] for Photovoltaic and Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Berri Saadi , Bouarissa Nadir
Published: July 2023

A precise and systematic analysis for A2BCl6 [(A = Cs; B = Se, Sn, Te, Ti, Zr) and (A = K; B = Pd, Pt, Sn)] is performed to investigate structural stability as well as optical and electrical properties using pseudopotential plane wave method. The calculated lattice constants show consistency with the experimental results that ensure their structural stability. From the electronic band structure results, Cs2BCl6 (B = Se, Sn, Te, Ti, Zr) and K2BCl6 (B = Pd, Pt, Sn) are established to be within an energy bandgap that varies between 1.131 and 3.731 eV. The metallic behavior of the materials for Cs2BCl6 (B = Ta, W) and K2BCl6 (B = Ta, W, Mn, Mo, Os, Re, Ru, Ta, Tc) is confirmed showing the presence of conducting characteristics. The dielectric function is large in the near‐ultraviolet region (3.10–4.13 eV). The extinction coefficient of A2BCl6 has the ability to work for implementations like Bragg's reflectors, optical and optoelectronic devices. The optical parameters of A2BCl6 disclose that the working constructions have an elevated dielectric constant. Analysis of the electronic and optical properties demonstrates that these double‐perovskite materials are suitable for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications.
Electron Quantum Optics with Beam Splitters and Waveguides in Dirac Matter
Authors: Forrester Derek Michael , Kusmartsev Fedor Vasilievich
Published: July 2023

An electron is a quantum particle and behaves as both a particle and a probability wave. On account of this it can be controlled in a similar way to a photon and electronic devices can be designed in analogy to those based on light when there is minimal excitation of the underlying Fermi sea. Here, splitting of the electron wavefunction is explored for systems supporting Dirac type physics, with a focus on graphene but being equally applicable to electronic states in topological insulators, liquid helium, and other systems described relativistically. Electron beam‐splitters and superfocusers are analysed along with propagation through nanoribbons, demonstrating that the waveform, system geometry, and energies all need to balance to maximise the probability density and hence lifetime of the flying electron. These findings form the basis for novel quantum electron optics.
The Thermodynamic Limit of Indoor Photovoltaics Based on Energetically‐Disordered Molecular Semiconductors
Authors: Kay Austin M. , Fitzsimons Maura E. , Burwell Gregory , Meredith Paul , Armin Ardalan , Sandberg Oskar J.
Published: July 2023

Due to their tailorable optical properties, organic semiconductors show considerable promise for use in indoor photovoltaics (IPVs), which present a sustainable route for powering ubiquitous “Internet‐of‐Things” devices in the coming decades. However, owing to their excitonic and energetically disordered nature, organic semiconductors generally display considerable sub‐gap absorption and relatively large non‐radiative losses in solar cells. To optimize organic semiconductor‐based photovoltaics, it is therefore vital to understand how energetic disorder and non‐radiative recombination limit the performance of these devices under indoor light sources. In this work, we explore how energetic disorder, sub‐optical gap absorption, and non‐radiative open‐circuit voltage losses detrimentally affect the upper performance limits of organic semiconductor‐based IPVs. Based on these considerations, we provide realistic upper estimates for the power conversion efficiency. Energetic disorder, inherently present in molecular semiconductors, is generally found to shift the optimal optical gap from 1.83 to ≈1.9 eV for devices operating under light emitting diode spectra. Finally, we also describe a methodology (accompanied by a computational tool with a graphical user interface) for predicting IPV performance under arbitrary illumination conditions. Using this methodology, we estimate the indoor power conversion efficiencies of several photovoltaic materials, including the state‐of‐the‐art systems PM6:Y6 and PM6:BTP‐eC9.
Toward TCO‐Free Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells: Effect of TCO Layers in Electrical Transport and Stability
Authors: Sai Hitoshi , Matsui Takuya
Published: July 2023

The current silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells utilize indium‐based transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers for supporting the lateral carrier transport. However, In is a typical rare metal and its consumption in solar cell manufacturing must be minimized for sustainable production. In this work, the possibility to realize high‐efficiency TCO‐free SHJ cells, in which no In‐based material is needed, is examined. It is found that monofacial rear‐junction structure is beneficial to collect minority carriers efficiently without the help of TCO layers, regardless of the wafer polarity. In addition, the contact resistivity of locally metallized area must be minimized for efficient carrier transport. Based on these findings, a TCO‐free SHJ cell showing an efficiency of 22.1%, which is comparable to that of the benchmark SHJ cell with TCO layers, is demonstrated. However, direct metallization of amorphous silicon layers causes the degradation in the photovoltaic property after prolonged annealing, probably due to the metal diffusion into Si. This degradation can be avoided by inserting a thin barrier layer such as a SnO2 layer. It is indicated in these results that it is possible to realize TCO‐free SHJ cells with high initial efficiencies, and the main obstacle is not the efficiency but the long‐term stability.
Bulk Contact Between Silver Nanowires Top Electrode and Interface Layer Enables High Performance of Full‐Solution‐Processed Semitransparent Organic Solar Cell Module
Authors: Zha Wusong , Chen Li-Min , Sun Shaoming , Gao Xiaomei , Han Yunfei , Liu Tong , Luo Qun , Chao Yu-Chiang , Zan Hsiao-Wen , Meng Hsin-Fei , Zhu Xiaozhang , Ma Chang-Qi
Published: July 2023

The solution‐processed electrode is key to the full‐solution‐processed organic solar cells (OSCs). Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are considered as an attractive solution‐processed electrode due to their low sheet resistance and high transmittance. However, the traditional “line‐plane” contact between AgNWs and the interface buffer layer is insufficient, resulting in the low performance of full‐solution‐processed OSCs. Herein, a bulk contact structure is reported between AgNWs and interface, formed by inserting the interface layer material, such as HMoOx (hydrogen molybdenum bronze) into the AgNWs networks. The extra HMoOx can be connected with the bottom interface buffer layer, forming a longitudinal network, and wrapping the AgNWs in the longitudinal interfacial layer. This bulk contact electrode‐interface structure increases the area of AgNWs/interface layers, promoting charge transfer and collection. Besides, the top‐injected method can enable the formation of a water‐based ink film on the top of the organic layer, as well as avoid solvent erosion between AgNWs and the interface layer. Based on the bulk contact electrode‐interface structure, this work realized high performance of 12.27% and 9.54% for 0.09 cm2 small‐area device and 10.8 cm2 full‐solution‐processed semitransparent mini‐module. These results provide a new idea for full‐solution‐processed OSCs preparation.
Oxidation Mechanism of Ti‐Doped Fe3O4 (111): A Combined DFT and AIMD Study with an Experimental Verification
Authors: Wang Yaozu , Zhang Jianliang , Jiang HuiQing , Cheng Qiang , Niu Lele , Liu Zhengjian
Published: July 2023

Magnetite, as a magnetic material, has profound and wide applications in materials synthesis and catalysis. Meanwhile, titanium‐doped magnetite has a wide range of promising applications in degradation of pollutants, and catalysts. However, the gangue elements in natural magnetite often affect its comprehensive performance. In order to investigate the effect of the Ti on the oxidation properties of magnetite in depth, the physical and chemical properties of the oxidation process of Ti‐doped magnetite are studied by thermogravimetric analysis and theoretical calculation. The thermogravimetric results show that with the increase of TiO2 content, the average oxidation rate of magnetite decreases, and the comprehensive oxidation performance gradually deteriorated. The calculation results show that when Ti atoms are doped in the surface system, which is conducive to the transfer of oxygen atoms on the surface, the adsorption capacity and dissociation of the surface system are greatly enhanced, thus reducing the initial temperature of surface oxidation. However, the existence of titanium atom isomorphism stabilizes the lattice structure of magnetite, which slows down the migration and diffusion rate of ions in the bulk structure, thereby affecting the overall oxidation performance of magnetite.
Study on Multiphase Flow Characteristics During RH Refining Process Affected by Nonradial Arrangement of Gas‐Blowing Nozzle
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Ni Peiyuan , Zhou Xiaobin , Liu Qilin , Ersson Mikael , Li Ying
Published: July 2023

Bath stirring, degassing, and decarburization in steel refining are strongly related to flow behaviors. The bubble plume produced in Ruhrstahl–Heraeus (RH) up‐snorkel plays an important role during refining, since it not only acts as a bubble pump, but also provides the reaction interface. Herein, it is aimed to form a new flow pattern in the up‐snorkel by using a nonradially arranged gas‐injection nozzle to enhance the 260 ton RH refining process. The results show that an upward spiral steel flow is produced, when nonradial gas‐injection nozzles are used in the up‐snorkel. Meanwhile, some bubbles moved toward the center region of the up‐snorkel, which may be caused by the centripetal effect in a rotational steel flow. This leads to a more uniform bubble distribution on the cross section of the snorkel, compared to that of the conventional case. Specifically, the circulation flow rate is increased by about 18.0%, and the mixing time are shortened by about 26.2% (criteria of ±5%), compared to that of the conventional case. In addition, the inclusion removal rate is increased by 0.5%, 4.8%, and 11.3% for the inclusion size of 20, 50, and 100 μm, respectively, compared to the conventional radial nozzle case.
Overcoming shielding in mass detection via isolation of sulfur heterocycles using green silver nanoparticles
Authors: Moustafa Nagy E. , Mahmoud Kout El‐Kloub Fars , Alderhami Suilman A.
Published: July 2023

Silver nanoparticles (nano‐Ag0) fixed on supports or in colloidal solution exhibit surface plasmon resonance, but there have been few attempts at surface plasmon resonance‐based liquid chromatographic separation. Here, for the first time, a capped Ag(I) green tea colloidal solution was used as a precursor to anchor nano‐Ag0 on silica. Nano‐Ag0 supported on silica was confirmed by spectroscopy and microscopy, and nano‐Ag0 particles (average diameter 20 nm) were scattered on the silica surface. This ecologically friendly approach for doping nanoparticles on solid supports was as efficient as chemical methods and could be used to separate polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles from a heavy aromatic fraction. Using a nano‐Ag‐silica ligand exchanger, parts‐per‐million concentrations of sulfur heterocycles were probed by surface plasmon resonance nano‐Ag0 on a solid substrate. Using this approach, mass detection shielding can be eliminated to isolate polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles from aromatic fractions. This study presents an innovative approach to producing dispersed silver nanoparticles on a solid substrate.
Brücken über den Nord‐Ostsee‐Kanal – Zeugnisse der Baukunst im Spannungsfeld von Erhalt oder Ersatzneubau
Authors: Geißler Karsten , Schröder Rüdiger
Published: July 2023

Im Beitrag werden mehrere Hochbrücken über den Nord‐Ostsee‐Kanal vorgestellt, für die die grundsätzliche Entscheidung zu Ertüchtigung oder Ersatzneubau differenziert getroffen wurde. Damit wird das Spannungsfeld betont, in welchem sich die Baulastträger hinsichtlich der Sicherstellung von Funktionalität der Verkehrsträger, Zustandsbewertung und rechnerischer Bewertung heute oft befinden. Konkret werden mit den beiden Eisenbahnhochbrücken Rendsburg und Hochdonn zwei Bauwerke dargestellt, die ihre normative Nutzungsdauer mit ca. 110 Jahren bereits überschritten haben und trotzdem nach ihrer Ertüchtigung noch lange wirtschaftlich weiterbetrieben werden können. Weiterhin werden die Rader Autobahnhochbrücke und die kombinierte Straßen‐ und Eisenbahnhochbrücke Levensau erläutert, die die beiden Grenzbereiche zur Festlegung eines Ersatzneubaus markieren. Die Autobahnbrücke ist den Straßenverkehrslasten der A7 nach nur 50 Jahren Nutzungszeit schlichtweg nicht mehr gewachsen, hingegen hat die Levensauer Hochbrücke mit eher moderatem Straßen‐ und Eisenbahnverkehr ihre planmäßige Nutzungsdauer schon lange erreicht, muss aber wegen der notwendigen Verbreiterung des Nord‐Ostsee‐Kanals neu gebaut werden.