bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Management Strategies for Carotid Artery Invasion by Head and Neck Cancer: Ligation Versus Reconstruction
Authors: Sun Kai , Zhang Haidong , Wang Chao , Gong Shanchun , Pan Yufei , Han Xiao , Li Jing , Liu Kai , Yu Zhenkun
Published: May 2024

Objective

Whether ligation or reconstruction should be performed after radical resection of the tumor and carotid artery in patients with head and neck cancers invading the carotid artery (HNC‐CA) has been controversial. This paper provides a review and meta‐analysis of the efficacy of these 2 modalities.

Data Sources

PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid databases were searched through August 2023.

Review Methods

Descriptive, graphical, tabular, and quantitative data were extracted. The statistical outcomes (risk difference, RD) were synthesized under a random‐effects model. This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses reporting guidelines.

Results

A total of 22 papers and 337 patients met the inclusion criteria for the literature review. Statistical analysis showed that the RD of overall survival (OS) rate at 1‐year was 32% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21%‐42%) for ligation and 70% (95% CI: 65%‐76%) for reconstruction (P < .05). The RD for OS rate at 2‐year was 16% (95% CI: 7%‐26%) for ligation and 39% (95% CI: 30%‐47%) for reconstruction (P < .05). The RD for disease‐free survival rate at 1‐year was 27% (95% CI: 17%‐38%) for ligation and 60% (95% CI: 51%‐70%) for reconstruction (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences (P > .05) between the 2 surgical modalities in terms of locoregional recurrence rate, carotid blowout rate, surgery‐related complications rate, neurological complications rate, and perioperative mortality rate.

Conclusion

This review demonstrates the significant advantage of carotid artery reconstruction surgery in short‐term patient survival, thus making it a recommended option for HNC‐CA patients undergoing radical surgery.
Health Disparities Research in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Scoping Review
Authors: Barr Jeremy , Mackie Aaron , Gorelik Daniel , Buckingham Hannah , Clark Delaney , Brissett Anthony E.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Health disparities contribute significantly to disease, health outcomes, and access to care. Little is known about the state of health disparities in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS). This scoping review aims to synthesize the existing disparities research in FPRS and guide future disparities‐related efforts.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science.

Review Methods

We conducted a scoping review in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Our search included all years through March 03, 2023. All peer‐reviewed primary literature of any design related to disparities in FPRS was eligible for inclusion.

Results

Of the 12283 unique abstracts identified, 215 studies underwent full‐text review, and 108 remained for final review. The most frequently examined topics were cleft lip and palate (40.7%), facial trauma (29.6%), and gender affirmation (9.3%). There was limited coverage of other areas. Consideration of race/ethnicity (68.5%), socioeconomic status (65.7%), and gender/sex (40.7%) were most common. Social capital (0%), religion, occupation, and features of relationships were least discussed (0.01% each). The majority of studies were published after 2018 (59.2%) and were of nonprospective designs (95.4%). Most studies focused on disparity detection (80.6%) and few focused on understanding (13.9%) or reducing disparities (5.6%).

Conclusion

This study captures the existing literature on health disparities in FPRS. Studies are concentrated in a few areas of FPRS and are primarily in the detecting phase of public health research. Our review highlights several gaps and opportunities for future disparities‐related focus.
A comparative study of thermal and morphological properties of polyhydroxybutyrate/bentonite clay and polyhydroxybutyrate/organically modified nanoclay composites
Authors: Barik Sourav , Konarde Mayureshwar Sunil , NR Aswathy , GS Sudha , Pattnaik Arpita A. , Mohapatra Aswini Kumar
Published: May 2024

Bacterial biopolymers are polymeric materials that are produced by microorganisms. Due to its inherent brittleness and slow crystallization rate, it has limited industrial applications. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) composites have been created to tackle these problems by combining non‐modified clay and organically modified nanoclay. In this study, 3 wt % of two different kinds of clays were incorporated to PHB through melt mixing method to prepare composites of PHB/bentonite Clay (BC) and PHB/organically modified nanoclay (Cloisite 30B (C30B)). The characteristics of PHB and its composites were investigated to study their thermal, rheological, morphological, surface properties and biodegradability. The study showed that the incorporation of C30B and BC into the PHB matrix improved the crystallization temperature to 97.30 and 96.82°C respectively as compared to the crystallization temperature of the PHB matrix as 88.79°C. The increased result of storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G") in its rheological analysis confirmed that there was proper melt intercalation in case of both PHB/C30B and PHB/BC composite. The morphological characteristics results provide less coagulation and good clay distribution over the polymer matrix which leads to improved contact angle of 66.60° and 68.15° in case of PHB/BC and PHB/C30B respectively. Further both the composites and PHB film showed biodegradation characteristics. In the realm of nanocomposite films for various applications, where the cost is the major consideration, the PHB/BC composite films are promising economical solution in place of high cost PHB/C30B nanocomposite films.

Highlights

The BC/PHB and C30B/PHB composite films were developed using a micro‐compounder.

Each films having a thickness 0.6 mm was extruded using a die.

Uniform dispersion of clay is characterized from SEM.

PHB with clay, boosted complex viscosity, storage, and loss modulus.

PHB decomposes readily in compost, as do PHB/C30B and PHB/BC composites.
Reproductive adverse events in patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma treated with chemotherapeutic regimens including cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone or CHOP with rituximab: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Rong , Zhao Jie , Yu Chengjun , Wang Ling , Chen Long , Hu Yang , Wu Shengde
Published: May 2024

The regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) or CHOP with rituximab (R‐CHOP) is the first‐line treatment for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). NHL patients treated with CHOP/R‐CHOP have a high risk of reproductive adverse events. The aim of this article was to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of regimens and make further suggestions on reproductive protection. We systematically searched with appropriate terms from January 1980 to June 2021 for observational studies in patients treated with CHOP/R‐CHOP, without any language restriction. We conducted meta‐analyses of one‐sample proportions of patients suffering reproductive adverse events after using CHOP/R‐CHOP. In addition, subgroup analyses were performed to determine the effect of sex. Nine articles involving 331 patients were included in the meta‐analysis, and the pooled proportion of reproductive adverse events was computed to be 22.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.4%–33.2%; heterogeneity test Q = 65.3; τ2 = 0.0231; I2 = 87.70%; p < 0.001) using the random‐effects model. And, the pooled proportion of male gonadal toxicity was 29.2% (95% CI 11.0%–47.4%; heterogeneity test Q = 46.65; τ2 = 3.055; I2 = 89.3%; p < 0.0001). The pooled proportion of female gonadal toxicity was 16.5% (95% CI 8.5%–24.5%; heterogeneity test Q = 18.6; τ2 = 0.0112; I2 = 67.8%; p = 0.005). The findings suggest that NHL patients have a relatively high risk of reproductive adverse events after treatment with CHOP/R‐CHOP. Men are more likely to have gonadal damage than women. Evaluation of reproductive function is particularly necessary both before and after treatment. Some reproductive protection strategies implemented for patients who want to preserve their fertility.
Comparison of SiNx Dielectric Layer Grown by Plasma‐Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition, Low‐Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition, and Metal‐Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition in Diamond‐ and GaN‐Based Integrated Devices
Authors: Sun Haolun , Wu Mei , Wang Ping , Yuan Chao , Ma Guoliang , Yang Ling , Ma Xiaohua , Hao Yue
Published: May 2024

To address the issue of heat dissipation caused by the high output power density of gallium nitride (GaN) devices, using diamond‐integrated devices is an effective solution. Recent studies have suggested that incorporating a dielectric layer, such as silicon nitride (SiNx), between diamond and GaN can improve adhesion while also reducing thermal boundary resistance (TBR). In this study, plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD), low‐pressure CVD, and metal‐organic CVD (MOCVD) techniques are utilized to grow the SiNx layer. The interface behavior of diamond/SiNx/GaN is analyzed through scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning TEM, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, while time‐domain thermoreflectance measurement is used to characterize thermal properties. After analyzing the impact of the growth dielectric layer on the interface thermal resistance of the three growth modes, it is concluded that the dielectric layer produced by the MOCVD technique exhibits a smoother surface and lower TBR compared to the other two methods. Therefore, the use of the MOCVD technique is recommended to achieve optimal thermal performance in diamond/SiNx/GaN systems.
Nonlinear Optical Second Harmonic Generation Characteristics in Cylindrical GaAs/Ga1–ηAlηAs Quantum Dots
Authors: Yan Xiaolong , Li Xuechao , Cai Yawen , Wang Xing
Published: May 2024

This article theoretically examines the effect of various variables on the second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficients of cylindrical GaAs/Ga1–ηAlηAs quantum dots. The iterative approach and the compact‐density matrix method have been utilized to determine the expression of the SHG coefficient. The outcomes demonstrate that the variation of the SHG coefficient is closely related to structural parameters, external conditions, and incident photon energy.
Insight into Cr Alloying on Face‐Centered Cubic to Body‐Centered Cubic Phase Transition in FeCr Alloy
Authors: Yang Hao , Yang Jin‐Han , Cai Ming‐Hui , Tang Shuai , Ma Han , Jia Nan , Liu Yan‐Dong , Zhao Xiang , Yan Hai‐Le , Zuo Liang
Published: May 2024

Effects of Cr alloying on phase stability, magnetism, and electronic structures in both body‐centered cubic (bcc) and face‐centered cubic (fcc) phases and on the transformation from fcc to bcc are studied by first‐principles calculations. Results show that the doped Cr atoms in fcc and bcc phases choose distinct occupation models. This phenomenon can be understood from the amount of electron density of states close to Fermi energy. For magnetism, Cr tends to be antiferromagnetically coupled with the surrounding Fe in the studied phases. The magnetic moment of Fe is greater than that of Cr in bcc, but the order is reversed in fcc. The moment of Fe is dictated by the distance between it and the doped Cr in bcc, whereas it is dominated by spatial orientation with Cr in fcc. For phase stability, it is found that the alloying of Cr prefers destabilizing bcc while tends to stabilize fcc, leading to a strong inhibition of phase transition from fcc to bcc. Notably, the role in the fcc phase is more prominent than that in bcc, which can be associated with the antiferromagnetism between Fe and Cr in fcc.
Urban influence on convective precipitation in the Paris region: Hectometric ensemble simulations in a case study
Authors: Forster Arnaud , Augros Clotilde , Masson Valéry
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of the urban environment of the Paris region on an isolated convective cell that formed downwind of the city on May 7, 2022, using the Meso‐NH research atmospheric model at a horizontal scale of 300 m. To account for all sources of forecast uncertainty, the initial and lateral boundary conditions of the simulations are provided by an ensemble prediction system. A multi‐layer urban scheme is used to represent the influence of buildings on the airflow accurately. Two sets of ensemble simulations are performed: the first set (URB) uses a fine‐scale surface description of the city, while the second set (NOURB) replaces urban surfaces with vegetation. This sensitivity test shows that, despite the high variability of simulated precipitation within the ensemble, the city of Paris plays a statistically significant role in the initiation of convection in this case. Convective cells are initiated over the city for several members of the URB ensemble, while almost no precipitation is simulated for the same members of the NOURB ensemble. The mean 6‐h rainfall accumulation of the URB ensemble is increased by 70% over Paris (compared with the NOURB ensemble) and no statistically significant trend is found around the city. The analysis reveals that the capital experiences a higher sensible heat flux due to drier and warmer air, resulting in enhanced vertical velocities and an increase in boundary‐layer height in the URB ensemble. Additionally, the total water content and cloud fraction over Paris are intensified, leading to more precipitation. These findings suggest that urbanisation has a notable impact on convection and precipitation processes in this case.
Humic acid as eco‐friendly corrosion inhibitor for EH40 ship plate steel
Authors: Wang Sizhu , Liang Zhipeng , Wang Yiyong , Jin Hui , Li Shengli , Guan Rui
Published: May 2024

In this study, a new type of green corrosion inhibitor, namely, sodium humate (SH), was extracted from humus soil, which is a natural humus plant, by dissolution‐neutralization, and then used for corrosion inhibition of low carbon steel in seawater. The corrosion inhibition performance of SH on low carbon steel EH40 in seawater was tested by weight loss method and electrochemical technology. The surface and corrosion products of low carbon steel were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), contact angle and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that SH is a mixed corrosion inhibitor, and the optimum concentration is 2 g L−1. At this concentration, the inhibition rate can reach 93.6%. It mainly affects the semi‐reaction of cathodic corrosion. By forming a corrosion protection layer with uniform adsorption on the surface of EH40 steel, EH40 steel becomes more resistant to seawater corrosion.
Shape Memory Materials Based on a NiMnSb Alloy and Polylactic Acid/Polyhydroxyalkanoate: Evaluation of The Chemical And Physical Properties
Authors: Coşkun Meltem , Kök Mediha , Pekdemir Mustafa Ersin
Published: May 2024

In this study, NiMnSb alloy and PLA/PHA blend composite films with shape memory properties, which exhibit magnetic, elastic, and smart properties at the same time, were prepared by solution casting method. After the magnetic shape memory alloy (MSMA) used in different ratios was doped into the polymer, its effect on the characteristic functional groups of PLA and PHA was examined by attenuated total reflectance‐infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐IR). When the thermal data were examined, it was determined that as the NiMnSb ratio increased, the percentage residue amount increased and the highest residue amount at 500 °C was in the PLA/PHA blend composite film containing 20 % alloy. In X‐ray diffraction (XRD), it was observed that the characteristic signal of the NiMnSb alloy in polymer blend composite films became evident with increasing concentration at 2θ=45° (222). VSM results showed that when a ferromagnetic material such as NiMnSb was doped into the diamagnetic PLA/PHA blend film, the resulting composite now showed ferromagnetic properties. In addition, it has been determined that MSMA further improves this feature of the PLA/PHA blend, which has a shape memory effect.
Poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole) as Adsorbent for Removal of Pharmaceuticals: Preparation, Characterization, Kinetics, Isotherms and Application on Sample Preparation
Authors: Nascimento Tienne Aparecida , Pires Bruna Carneiro , Dutra Flávia Viana Avelar , Borges Marcella Matos Cordeiro , Borges Keyller Bastos
Published: May 2024

Herein, poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole) has been synthetized and investigated to adsorb phenylbutazone (PBZ), ceftiofur (CEF) and prednisolone (PRD) in aqueous medium as proof of concept. After proper adsorbent characterization, some studies were carried out in batch process, i. e., contact time, pH, and concentration. The adsorption mechanism has been conducted using kinetic and isothermal models. It was found that the reaction equilibrium was reached in 20 min for all analytes. The best fit for the experimental data were obtained employing the models of dual‐site Langmuir–Freundlich, Fritz–Schlunder and Langmuir, with R2=0.999, 0.952 and 0.974, for PBZ, CEF and PRD, respectively. For PBZ, CEF and PRD, poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole) provided a Qmax=238.8 mg g−1 and Kmax=0.086 L g−1, Q=0.028 mg g−1 and Kmax=3.258 L g−1, Q=13.66 mg g−1 and KL=0.005 L g−1, respectively. Finally, the copolymer was evaluated in solid phase extraction, which showed recovery around 70 % for PBZ, offering also exciting opportunities for further application in the separation process.
Preparation and Characterization of Lignin‐Based Activated Carbon by Rubidium Chloride Chemical Method
Authors: Zhang Conglin , Li Haichao , Du Bingxuan
Published: May 2024

In order to prepare carbon adsorbent materials, lignin was used as raw material and rubidium chloride as activator, activated carbon materials were prepared by chemical activation method, and its structure was characterized and its adsorption performance on methylene blue solution was investigated; the adsorption of crystalline violet dye was carried out at different temperatures, and the adsorption thermodynamics was studied. The results showed that: the specific surface area of the activated carbon was 433.32 m2/g, the pore volume was 0.2191 cm3/g, and the average pore size was 2.0222 nm; the adsorption value of methylene blue could reach 172.0 mg/g, and it could quickly and efficiently adsorb methylene blue solution; the adsorption effect on crystal violet solution was good, and the saturated adsorption amount at 40 °C was up to 279 mg/g, and the removal rate reached 93 %, belonging to the spontaneous adsorption thermodynamic reaction. The experiment proved that rubidium chloride can be used as an activator to activate lignin raw materials to prepare activated carbon samples, and can effectively adsorb dyes.
The Renaissance of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) as a Promising Hole‐Transporting Material Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Xiaozhen , Wang Xuran , Zou Yaqing , An Mingwei , Wang Yang
Published: May 2024

To push the commercialization of the promising photovoltaic technique of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the three‐element golden law of efficiency, stability, and cost should be followed. As the key component of PSCs, hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) involving widely‐used organic semiconductors such as 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐4‐methoxyphenylamino)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) or poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) usually suffer high‐cost preparation and low operational stability. Fortunately, the studies on the classical p‐type polymer poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as an alternative HTM have recently sparked a broad interest due to its low‐cost synthesis, excellent batch‐to‐batch purity, superior hole conductivity as well as controllable and stable film morphology. Despite this, the device efficiency still lags behind P3HT‐based PSCs mainly owing to the mismatched energy level and poor interfacial contact between P3HT and the perovskite layer. Hence, in this review, the study timely summarizes the developed strategies for overcoming the corresponding issues such as interface engineering, morphology regulation, and formation of composite HTMs from which some critical clues can be extracted to provide guidance for further boosting the efficiency and stability of P3HT‐based devices. Finally, in the outlook, the future research directions either from the viewpoint of material design or device engineering are outlined.
Uncertainty Quantification in Modeling Mold Heat Transfer in Steel Continuous Slab Casting with CON1D
Authors: Wells Scott , Thomas Brian G.
Published: May 2024

Computational models are powerful tools to quantify physical phenomena to gain valuable insights into a manufacturing process. Their accuracy is hindered, however, by uncertainty in the input data. Furthermore, when calibrating models with plant measurements, it helps to understand which variables have greatest effect on the critical model outputs. This work applies uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis to determine the most influential input parameters in the CON1D model of heat transfer and solidification in steel continuous casting with slag. Results show that the slag rim greatly affects heat flux near the meniscus, so control of its size is important. Heat flux and temperature down the mold depend greatly on velocity of the solid slag layer, and slag solidification temperature, which control the slag layer thickness, which in turn affects the interfacial resistance that controls heat transfer in the process. Scale formation on the mold coldface greatly increases mold temperatures. Based on the results presented here, models of heat transfer in continuous casting such as CON1D would benefit from plant measurements such as slag rim size and solid slag velocity, and lab measurements such as slag viscosity at lower temperatures, to better characterize this important slag property.
3D Superstructures Consisting of Intersecting Gold Lamellae Formed by a Micelle‐Mediated Anisotropic Growth Approach
Authors: Rui Jiaxin , Chen Meng , Wu Tingting , Shi Xuzhi , Lu Wei , Dang Meng , Han Xiaolin , Wang Ning , Wang Yuru , Su Xiaodan , Teng Zhaogang
Published: May 2024

3D superstructures (3DSs) have attracted increasing interest because of the collective synergistic effects of individual building units, but their customization relies on tedious multistep strategy or high‐end nanofabrication technology. Herein, for the first time, a facile block copolymer micelle‐mediated anisotropic growth approach is reported to fabricate gold 3DSs consisting of tunable and intersecting lamellae with sawtooth‐like edges. The preparation of the 3DSs depends on the mediation of reduction kinetics of gold precursors and adsorption of block copolymer micelles on gold crystal surfaces using disulfiram as ligands. The thickness of lamellae in the 3DSs is controllable from ≈21 to 102 nm by adjusting the weight fraction of the micellar hydrophobicity blocks and the composed lamellar number is regulated from ≈3 to ≈30. Additional morphologies, such as a dendritic mesoporous structure and meatball‐like shapes, are obtained through controlling the extent of micelle swelling. Finite‐difference time‐domain simulations demonstrate that the unique 3DSs of gold lamellae with sawtooth‐like edges form abundant hotspots giving rise to surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The 3DSs exhibit strong electromagnetic field enhancement and excellent performance as SERS substrates for detecting 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid.
The deciphering of microplastics‐derived fluorescent dissolved organic matter in urban lakes, canals, and rivers using parallel factor analysis modeling and mimic experiment
Authors: Hassan Md. Anamul , Shammi Mashura , Tareq Shafi M.
Published: May 2024

The aim of the study is to investigate the leaching of fluorescent dissolved organic matter (fDOM) from microplastics. In addition, this study identifies the connection between fDOM and microplastics in the aquatic environment. Three‐dimensional excitation–emission matrix identified five fluorophores, that is, peak A, M, T, Tuv, and Wuv, and the parallel factor analysis modeling identified five components, that is, tryptophan‐like, p‐hydroxy acetophenone, humic acid (C‐like), detergent‐like, and fulvic acid (M‐like) in the urban surface water. Mimic experiments using commonly used synthetic plastic (like microplastics) in Mili‐Q water under solar radiation and dark environments demonstrate the release of fDOM from plastic. Two fluorophore peaks were observed at Ex/Em = 250/302 nm and Ex/Em = 260/333 nm for the expanded polystyrene plastic polymer and one fluorophore peak at Ex/Em = 260/333 nm for the low‐density polyethylene. Fluorophore and component intensity exhibited notable associations with microplastics in the aquatic environment. These findings indicated that the characteristics and dynamics of fDOM in urban surface water are influenced by microplastics.

Practitioner Points

Fluorescent dissolved organic matters were identified in urban surface waters.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) had shown two fluorophores at Em/Ex = 250/302 and Em/Ex = 260/333.

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) had one fluorophore at Em/Ex = 260/333.

Fluorophore and component intensity in the aquatic settings exhibited associations with microplastics.
Progress of photocatalytic oxidation–adsorption synergistic removal of organic arsenic in water
Authors: Ablat Hadiya , Nurmamat Xamsiya , Tian Jianrong , Zhao Zhixi
Published: May 2024

Photocatalytic oxidation–adsorption synergistic treatment of organic arsenic pollutants is a promising wastewater treatment technology, which not only degrades organic arsenic pollutants by photocatalytic degradation but also removes the generated inorganic arsenic by adsorption. This paper compares the results of photocatalytic oxidation–adsorption co‐treatment of organic arsenic pollutants such as monomethylarsonic acid, dimethylarsinic acid, phenylarsonic acid, p‐arsanilic acid, and 3‐nitro‐4‐hydroxyphenylarsonic acid on titanium dioxide, goethite, zinc oxide, and copper oxide. It examines the influence of the morphology of organic arsenic molecules, pH, coexisting ions, and the role of natural organic matter. The photocatalytic oxidation–adsorption co‐treatment mechanism is investigated, comparing the hydroxyl radical oxidation mechanism, the hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion radical cooxidation mechanism, and the hydroxyl radical and hole cooxidation mechanism. Finally, the future prospects of metal oxide photocatalytic materials and the development of robust and efficient technologies for removing organic arsenic are envisioned.
How to harness the power of web scraping for medical and surgical research: An application in estimating international collaboration
Authors: Goulas Sofoklis , Karamitros Georgios
Published: May 2024

The transformative potential of web scraping in surgical research through a comprehensive analysis of its revolutionary applications and profound impact is now within reach. This manuscript unveils the pivotal role of web scraping in driving innovation, enabling more effective management of human capital dynamics, and enhancing patient outcomes in the surgical field. As an example, we demonstrate how web scraping can uncover insights into international collaboration in surgery research revealing limited collaboration between surgeons in developed and developing countries.
The varying viscosity impact in an inclined peristaltic channel with diffusion‐thermo and thermo‐diffusion
Authors: Tanveer Anum , Jarral Sharak , Al‐Zubaidi A. , Saleem Salman , Radwan Neyara
Published: May 2024

A mathematical model is constructed to investigate the behavior of peristaltic flow of Jeffrey fluid in an inclined tapered asymmetric porous channel. The fluid viscosity is taken as space dependent variable quantity. Heat absorption, Soret and Dufour effects are also retained in the current scrutiny. These preferences have broad applications in engineering, biology and industry. We began our investigation by taking into account the two‐dimensional inclined asymmetric porous channel. In the context of mathematical modeling, the appropriate dimensional nonlinear equations for momentum, heat and mass transport are simplified into dimensionless equations by applying the essential estimation of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. The solution of the governing equations is executed numerically. A graphical depiction of many crucial physical characteristics on velocity, temperature, concentration, heat transfer rate, Nusselt number and Streamlines have been reported in ending section. Temperature profile exhibits an escalation with the augmentation of Brinkman number and Dufour number . For the growing values of Prandtl number , an increment in temperature profile is observed whilst a reverse tendency is captured for concentration profile. It is noted that concentration profile falls down owing to the enhancement in Soret number and Schmidt number . An oscillatory outlook is noticed for heat transfer rate and Nusselt number. The novelty of this proposed model in the research domain specifically depends on considerations of the combined study of the Variable viscosity, Darcy resistance, Viscous dissipation, Mixed convention, Heat absorption, Soret and Dufour effects in peristaltic flow of non‐ Newtonian Jeffrey fluid in an inclined Asymmetric tapered channel under the influence of convective boundary conditions.
What’s in a Name? European Uses of States of Exception During COVID-19
Authors: Egger Clara
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led a large range of European governments to rely on emergency powers to try to contain the pandemic. While emergency legislation grants the executive with more extensive powers to handle an immediate threat to the survival of a community, the extent of such powers, their modalities of activation as well as the monitoring and other roles of counterpowers vary from one country to the next. This chapter analyses the diversity of practices and legal provisions hidden behind the reference to a “state of emergency.” It first shows that the legal basis of such provisions differs. While some governments activated constitutional provisions, others relied on pre-existing crisis-management legal frameworks. Second, the timing and duration of emergency measures ranged from 65 days (Estonia) to 861 (France). It then assesses whether differences in the legal framework used translated into differences in the stringency of the measures introduced. On the one hand, state of emergency provisions shield democracy against a concentration of powers in the hands of the executive better than disaster-management legislation does. On the other hand, the activation of emergency powers also coincides with more stringent restrictions of fundamental rights. In strengthening legal preparedness to future crises, policy makers need to be particularly cautious in devising legal arsenals that maintain high levels of democratic governance and oversight in crisis times.
The Role of Parliaments in Exceptional Times
Authors: Poyet Corentin
Published: May 2024

What is the role of Parliaments during the COVID-19 pandemic? Countries had to adjust their decision-making procedures to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. In most countries, this has been done by strengthening the position of the executive bodies. However, the chapter shows that one cannot only argue about the decline of the Parliaments. Yes, they did not play a significant role in the daily management of the pandemic, and fast-track legislation and restrictions on gatherings were additional hurdles. Yet, many Parliaments were able to adapt to the “new state of the world” mainly by developing original oversight instruments to keep governments accountable. The pandemic has, thus, revealed and certainly accelerated a trend of declining parliamentary influence in policymaking compensated by the development of oversight instruments. The chapter also highlights the importance of political contexts in appreciating these changes.
Varieties of Democracies in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kübler Daniel
Published: May 2024

For democratic governments, the COVID-19 pandemic was a nightmare. Measures aiming to halt the spread of the coronavirus, such as contact restrictions, travel bans, lockdowns, curfews, certificate and vaccination requirements were not just inconveniences in everyday life. Some of these measures also led to restrictions on fundamental rights or affected the exercise of political rights that are central to democracy. Decision-making processes were also accelerated and shortened, the separation of powers shifted in favour of the executive, sometimes resulting in a loss of democratic control and accountability. This chapter investigates how different democracies fared in the pandemic and what impact the COVID-19 crisis had on the quality of democracy. The present chapter adds to existing literature by examining the relationship between the quality of democracy and legislative activities involved in policy responses to the pandemic. The analysis first shows that higher quality democracies have a larger share of acts decided by parliament instead of government or the administration. The chapter then zooms into the case of Switzerland, the only democratic country in the world where the electorate were able to vote three times on the COVID-19 legislation. The clear results of the referendums impressively showed the broad support of citizens for the government’s Corona measures—despite the drastic restrictions on individual freedoms that they entailed.
Limits and Lessons of COVID-19 Apps
Authors: Campbell-Verduyn Malcolm , Gstrein Oskar J.
Published: May 2024

While modern technologies—for example, in the form of airplanes facilitating international travel—enabled the coronavirus virus to spread rapidly, they were also the foreground in responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, most notably in the rapid development of novel vaccines, as well as smartphone apps used to locate, track and alert individuals to the spread of SARS-CoV-2. This chapter investigates what happened, how, and what is likely to emerge from what we characterise as a timid turn to COVID-apps in Europe during the initial outbreak of the pandemic. Our central argument is that COVID-app reliance re-turned to and extended a long-standing emphasis on digital technologies, as quick fixes to complex socio-ecological problems, a tendency known more widely as ‘technosolutionism’. Our analysis expands the growing literature on COVID-19 era technosolutionism in two ways. First, we explain how smartphone apps showed anxious citizens and consumers the rapid responsiveness of both governments and companies to the emergency in ways that navigated tensions between privacy and surveillance. Second, we elaborate how app-based responses have solidified an increasingly permanently ‘datafied’ emergency management infrastructure that threatens the very solution governments and technology firms sought between desires for privacy and surveillance. Our chapter concludes by pointing to further lessons to explore from this case of technosolutionism in troubled times.
Restrictions on Religious Worship
Authors: Brzozowski Wojciech , Hau Maksymilian , Rybczyńska Oliwia
Published: May 2024

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to curve the spread of the novel coronavirus became everyone’s overriding focus, and the measures which cut people off from their social life did not spare religious freedom. In fact, this freedom became one of their first collateral victim of the pandemic since churches were commonly identified as hotbeds for infection. The chapter addresses restrictions on religious worship, thus contributing to the extant literature on this topic by generalising examples from several jurisdictions. By doing so, our analysis uncovers patterns in the legal response to COVID-19 and its impacts on religious worship. We show that, on paper, light restrictions on religious practice prevailed during the COVID-19 pandemic and did not discriminate any specific religious denomination. We then preliminary assess the design of restrictions in the light of the requirements established by the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). Our chapter also contrasts how restrictions were implemented in different way across Europe. This empirical investigation allows us to draw recommendations on how to best safeguard freedom of religious worship in crises.
Melt infiltration in a crystal mush and pegmatoid formation in the platiniferous Merensky Reef, Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Authors: Hayes Ben , Maghdour-Mashhour Reza , Ashwal Lewis D. , Smith Albertus J.B. , Ueckermann Henriette , Vermeulen Jaco
Published: May 2024

Giant mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions of Archaean-Proterozoic age are the fossilised remnants of huge injections of silicate magma in the Earth’s crust and are our most important repositories of platinum-group elements. Magmatic PGE-rich ore deposits, such as the Merensky Reef, are typically hosted in stratiform reefs at the contacts between ultramafic and feldspathic cumulates. The Merensky Reef is commonly characterised by coarse-grained and pegmatoidal textures that may provide important clues to its origin. We present textural and in situ geochemical data for Merensky pegmatoids at Styldrift Mine (Impala Bafokeng) in the Western Bushveld Complex of South Africa. This region is adjacent to an inferred magmatic feeder zone to the Bushveld. The Merensky pegmatoids are characterised by (i) amoeboid olivine inclusions in zoned orthopyroxene megacrysts with increasing molar Mg# of orthopyroxene towards olivine, (ii) fine-grained chains of orthopyroxene in compositional equilibrium with adjacent orthopyroxene megacrysts, (iii) increasing molar Mg# of orthopyroxene megacrysts and increasing molar An with decreasing 87Sr/86Sri (at 2.06 Ga) of plagioclase oikocrysts in pegmatoids laterally across a 10-km section distal to the feeder, and (iv) highly variable molar An and initial 87Sr/86Sri of interstitial plagioclase proximal to the feeder. We interpret the coarse-grained and pegmatoidal textures, their dissolution-reprecipitation features, and lateral chemical variations as the product of lateral melt infiltration and mixing in a crystal mush. We suggest that the platiniferous Merensky Reef was not formed at the base of a large melt-filled magma chamber but was instead the product of non-sequential magma emplacement that rejuvenated the crystal mush.
Uniform Boundedness for Solutions to the Teukolsky Equation on Schwarzschild from Conservation Laws of Linearised Gravity
Authors: Collingbourne Sam C. , Holzegel Gustav
Published: May 2024

We consider the equations of linearised gravity on the Schwarzschild spacetime in a double null gauge. Applying suitably commuted versions of the conservation laws derived in earlier work of the second author we establish control on the gauge invariant Teukolsky quantities $$\upalpha ^{[\pm 2]}$$

α

[
±
2
]

without any reference to the decoupled Teukolsky wave equation satisfied by these quantities. More specifically, we uniformly bound the energy flux of all first derivatives of $$\upalpha ^{[\pm 2]}$$

α

[
±
2
]

along any outgoing cone from an initial data quantity at the level of first derivatives of the linearised curvature and second derivatives of the linearised connection components. Analogous control on the energy fluxes along any ingoing cone is established a posteriori directly from the Teukolsky equation using the outgoing bounds.
Decompressive craniotomy in split-technique (DCST) for TBI in infants: introducing a new surgical technique to prevent long-term complications
Authors: Sarikaya-Seiwert Sevgi , Shabo Ehab , Schievelkamp Arndt-Hendrik , Born Mark , Wispel Christian , Haberl Hannes
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is rarely required in infants. These youngest patients are vulnerable to blood loss, and cranial reconstruction can be challenging due to skull growth and bone flap resorption. On the other hand, infants have thin and flexible bone and osteogenic potential.

Material and methods

We propose a new technique called DCST, which makes use of these unique aspects by achieving decompression using the circumstance of the thin and flexible bone. We describe the surgical technique and the follow-up course over a period of 13 months.

Results and conclusion

In our study, DCST achieved adequate decompression and no  further repeated surgeries in accordance with decompressive craniectomy were needed afterwards.
Intrapartum fever complicated with maternal bacteremia: prevalence, bacteriology, and risk factors
Authors: Attali Emmanuel , Kern Guy , Warshaviak Miriam , Reicher Lee , Many Ariel , Yogev Yariv , Fouks Yuval
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To assess the prevalence, microbial profile, and clinical risk factors of maternal bacteremia associated with intrapartum fever (IPF).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study, in a single tertiary university-affiliated medical center between 2012 and 2018. Demographic and labor characteristics of women, who delivered at term (37+0/7–41+6/7) and developed bacteremia following IPF were compared to a control group of women with IPF but without bacteremia.

Results

During the study period there were 86,590 deliveries in our center. Of them, 2074 women (2.4%) were diagnosed with IPF, of them, for 2052 women (98.93%) the blood maternal cultures were available. In 26 patients (1.25%) maternal bacteremia was diagnosed. A lower rate of epidural anesthesia (84.6% vs 95.9%, p = 0.02) and a higher rate of antibiotics prophylaxis treatment prior to the onset of fever (30.8%.vs 12.1%, p = 0.006) were observed in patients who developed maternal bacteremia in comparison to those who have not. Maternal hyperpyrexia developed after initiation of antibiotics or without epidural anesthesia remained significantly associated with maternal bacteremia after applying a multivariate analysis, (Odds Ratio 3.14 95% CI 1.27–7.14, p = 0.009; 4.76 95% CI 1.35–12.5, p = 0.006; respectively).

Conclusion

Maternal fever developing after initiation of antibiotics or without epidural is associated with maternal bacteremia.
Upregulated lncRNA LINC01128 in colorectal cancer accelerates cell growth and predicts malignant prognosis through sponging miR-363-3p
Authors: Zhou Xiaohu , Li Yanhui , Wu Lei , Tian Chunyan , Wu Xiaoliang
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Colorectal cancer (CRC) refers to high-mortality tumors arising in the colon or rectum with a high rate of recurrence. The involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contributes to the treatment and prognosis evaluation of CRC, and brings a new direction for the radical cure of patients. To identify the pathological mechanism and regulation of lncRNA LINC01128 (LINC01128) on CRC cells, and analyze its potential prognostic value.

Methods

LINC01128 level in tissue and cell specimens from 122 CRC patients was evaluated by RT-qPCR. The clinical significance and prognostic value of LINC01128 in CRC were analyzed via Kaplan–Meier and Cox analysis. CCK8 and Transwell assays were used to study the function of LINC01128 in vitro. The relationship between LINC01128 and miR-363-3p was confirmed by luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results

The overexpression of LINC01128 is associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in CRC patients. Silencing LINC01128 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells. In addition, LINC01128 directly targeted and negatively regulated the miR-363-3p expression, while miR-363-3p inhibitor restored the inhibitory function of LINC01128.

Conclusion

As an independent prognostic factor of CRC, upregulation of LINC01128 predicts poor prognosis and accelerates tumor deterioration through miR-363-3p.
Expression of human RECQL5 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae causes transcription defects and transcription-associated genome instability
Authors: Lafuente-Barquero Juan , Svejstrup Jesper Q. , Luna Rosa , Aguilera Andrés
Published: May 2024

RECQL5 is a member of the conserved RecQ family of DNA helicases involved in the maintenance of genome stability that is specifically found in higher eukaryotes and associates with the elongating RNA polymerase II. To expand our understanding of its function we expressed human RECQL5 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which does not have a RECQL5 ortholog. We found that RECQL5 expression leads to cell growth inhibition, increased genotoxic sensitivity and transcription-associated hyperrecombination. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and transcriptomic analysis of yeast cells expressing human RECQL5 shows that this is recruited to transcribed genes and although it causes only a weak impact on gene expression, in particular at G + C-rich genes, it leads to a transcription termination defect detected as readthrough transcription. The data indicate that the interaction between RNAPII and RECQL5 is conserved from yeast to humans. Unexpectedly, however, the RECQL5-ID mutant, previously shown to have reduced the association with RNAPII in vitro, associates with the transcribing polymerase in cells. As a result, expression of RECQL5-ID leads to similar although weaker phenotypes than wild-type RECQL5 that could be transcription-mediated. Altogether, the data suggests that RECQL5 has the intrinsic ability to function in transcription-dependent and independent genome dynamics in S. cerevisiae.
Towards an objective assessment of tree vitality: a case study based on 3D laser scanning
Authors: Heidenreich Marius G. , Höwler Kirsten , Seidel Dominik
Published: May 2024

Key message

Analyzing fine branch length characteristics in beech trees using single-tree QSMs derived from laser scanning reveals insights into drought-induced changes in vitality, which include branch shedding and reduced shoot growth.

Climate change causes increasing temperatures and precipitation anomalies, which result in deteriorations of tree health and declines in ecosystem services of forests. It is therefore crucial to monitor tree vitality to preserve forests and their functions. However, methods describing tree vitality in situ are lacking reproducibility or are too laborious. Thus, we tested a laser-scanning based approach, assuming that an objective measurement of a tree’s outer shape should reveal changes according to tree vitality. QSMs of similarly sized beech trees from stands with varying degrees of drought damage were used. Absolute and relative fine branch lengths, their ratio to lower order branches’ lengths and their progressions over relative height were targeted to identify fine branch dieback and reduced growth. The absolute fine branch length was significantly lower for less vital beech trees, especially within the upper crown, leading to a less top-heavy vertical distribution of fine branches and a reduced fine-to-base order branch length ratio. Hence, height-dependent characteristics of fine branch lengths differed between vitalities. We conclude that using fine branch length characteristics derived from QSMs can be helpful in vitality assessments of beech trees. Still, uncertainties with regard to the plotwise assessment and problems with QSM quality are present.