bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terrestrial Radiation of Some Selected Active Telecommunication Sites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Orlunta Aloysius Ndubisi , Sokari Sylvester Akinabie
Published: April 2023

A study on terrestrial background ionization radiation was carried out around  active selected  telecommunications sites in Port Harcourt. This study was done using Radalert 100 and the geographical position system (GPS). The exposure rate ranged from 0.033 to 0.141 with a mean value of 0.123±0.20 (mR/h) which is lower than the acceptable limit of 0.0133 (mR/h). The absorbed dose ranged from 287.1 nG/h to 1226.7 nGy/hr with a mean value of 1066.64±1769.6 nGy/hr, which is quite higher than the acceptable limit of 89.0 nGy/h. The annual effective dose ranged between 0.44 and 1.88 mSv/y, with a mean value of 1.642.7 mSv/y which is quite higher than the safe limit of 1.0 mSv/y. The excess lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) varied from 1.54 x10-3 to 6.58x10-3 with a mean value of 5. 72±9.5 mSv/y. The result from this study is higher than the acceptable limit of 0.29 x10-3 as recommended by UNSCEAR. This means that people living within these areas may be exposed to cancer in later life. The effective dose of the various organs (ED Organs) are within the recommended safe limit of ICRP. The testes and the bone marrow are the most sensitive to radiation with the percentage distribution of 18.0% and 16.0%. Since the Annual effective dose, absorbed dose, and excess lifetime cancer risk are higher than the world standard, the chances of contracting cancer related illnesses are significant. It is recommended that monitoring of the exposure rate to ionizing radiation within the environment should be carried out. Also, individuals should on regular basis request for specific organ dose test.
Utility of Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica by J. T. Kent (Kent’s Repertory) in the treatment of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Salodiya Sapna , Srivastava B. P. , Naaz Ayesha
Published: April 2023

Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media is a long standing infection of middle ear with intermittent or persistent otorrhoea through perforated tympanic membrane for more than 6 weeks duration. It is more prevalent in developing nation than developed countries. In India the overall prevalence rate of CSOM was found to be 6%. In present scenario indiscriminate, haphazard use of antibiotics and the poor follow up of the patients have resulted in the persistence of low grade infections in middle ear and development of multiple resistant strain of bacteria. Homoeopathy can offers an alternative option for treatment of CSOM. So the aim of this study was to find out the efficacy of homoeopathic constitutional medicine in the management of CSOM with the help of Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica by J. T. Kent.

Methods: A prospective, single-arm, non-randomised, open-label, observational study was conducted on 30 patients diagnosed with CSOM at the Outpatient Department of National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata. The Chronic Otitis Media Outcome Test (COMOT 15) score was the primary outcome measure. The outcome measure was obtained at baseline and 6 months after treatment. The intention to treat population was statistically analysed in the end.

Results: The maximum number of patients belonged to age group of 11 to 20 years (n = 8; 27%) and 41–50 years (n = 8; 27%). Male: female ratio was 1:2. Compared to baseline, COMOT 15 scores have been reduced significantly over 6 months (51.2 ± 6.42 vs. 26.93 ± 13.24; mean difference: 24.27±12.95 [95% confidence interval (CI): 19.54, 28.99]; t = 10.26; P < 0.0001; Student’s t-test. The most frequently indicated medicines were Pulsatilla nigricans (n= 5; 16.66%) and Mercurius solubilis (n= 5; 16.66%).

Conclusion: Homoeopathic medicines seemed to have a potential effect in the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media with the help of Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica by J. T. Kent. To generalized the result more studies like randomised controlled trials should be undertaken.
Factors Associated With Variability in the Performance of a Proprietary Sepsis Prediction Model Across 9 Networked Hospitals in the US
Authors: Lyons Patrick G. , Hofford Mackenzie R. , Yu Sean C. , Michelson Andrew P. , Payne Philip R. O. , Hough Catherine L. , Singh Karandeep
Published: April 2023

This cohort study uses data from electronic health records to assess variability in a sepsis prediction model across 9 hospitals.
Photocatalytic Dry Reforming of Methane Enhanced by “Dual‐Path” Strategy with Excellent Low‐Temperature Catalytic Performance
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wang Bing‐Hao , Tang Long , Chen Lang , Guo Jun‐Kang , Pan Jin‐Bo , Lei Ben , Hu Biao , Bai Zhang‐Jun , Tulu Mengistu , Li Zong‐Xu , Wang Xiong , Au Chak‐Tong , Yin Shuang‐Feng
Published: April 2023

Dry reforming of methane (DRM), which involves the activation of inert CH bonds and CO bonds, at mild conditions is a tremendous challenge. The sluggish mobility of oxygen during the reaction is known as a key issue causing low activity and poor stability of catalysts by the coke formation. Herein, a novel Cu‐CNN/Pd‐BDCNN photocatalyst that is made up of “Cu‐nanoparticle‐loaded g‐C3N4 nanosheets” and “Pd‐nanoparticle‐loaded boron‐doped nitrogen‐deficient g‐C3N4 nanosheets” is reported. The existing dual‐reaction‐sites benefit the reactive oxygen intermediates participate in the reaction directly without distant migration. The in situ characterizations and density functional theory calculations reveal a newly dual reaction pathway through simultaneous dehydrogenation of methoxy and methyl intermediates, and demonstrate the importance of metal loading, which promote the CO2 and CH4 activation from both aspects of thermodynamics and kinetics. The optimized Cu‐CNN/Pd‐BDCNN photocatalyst displays an excellent syngas formation rate of over 800 µmol g−1 h−1 with H2/CO = 1 and splendid stability in continuous flow reaction under 300 mW cm−2 xenon lamp irradiation at room temperature. The “dual‐site” and “dual‐path” strategy shed light on the design of effective photocatalysts for methane dry reforming.
Oxidization‐Temperature‐Triggered Rapid Preparation of Large‐Area Single‐Crystal Cu(111) Foil
Authors: Chen Heng , Liu Xiaoting , Huang Yongfeng , Li Guangliang , Yu Feng , Xiong Feng , Zhang Mengqi , Sun Luzhao , Yang Qian , Jia Kaicheng , Zou Ruqiang , Li Huanxin , Meng Sheng , Lin Li , Zhang Jincan , Peng Hailin , Liu Zhongfan
Published: April 2023

The controlled preparation of single‐crystal Cu(111) is intensively investigated owing to the superior properties of Cu(111) and its advantages in synthesizing high‐quality 2D materials, especially graphene. However, the accessibility of large‐area single‐crystal Cu(111) is still hindered by time‐consuming, complicated, and high‐cost preparation methods. Here, the oxidization‐temperature‐triggered rapid preparation of large‐area single‐crystal Cu(111) in which an area up to 320 cm2 is prepared within 60 min, and where low‐temperature oxidization of polycrystalline Cu foil surface plays a vital role, is reported. A mechanism is proposed, by which the thin CuxO layer transforms to a Cu(111) seed layer on the surface of Cu to induce the formation of a large‐area Cu(111) foil, which is supported by both experimental data and molecular dynamics simulation results. In addition, a large‐size high‐quality graphene film is synthesized on the single‐crystal Cu(111) foil surface and the graphene/Cu(111) composites exhibit enhanced thermal conductivity and ductility compared to their polycrystalline counterpart. This work, therefore, not only provides a new avenue toward the monocrystallinity of Cu with specific planes but also contributes to improving the mass production of high‐quality 2D materials.
Hydrogel‐Based Growth Factor Delivery Platforms: Strategies and Recent Advances
Authors: Shan Bai‐Hui , Wu Fu‐Gen
Published: April 2023

Growth factors play a crucial role in regulating a broad variety of biological processes and are regarded as powerful therapeutic agents in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in the past decades. However, their application is limited by their short half‐lives and potential side effects in physiological environments. Hydrogels are identified as having the promising potential to prolong the half‐lives of growth factors and mitigate their adverse effects by restricting them within the matrix to reduce their rapid proteolysis, burst release, and unwanted diffusion. This review discusses recent progress in the development of growth factor‐containing hydrogels for various biomedical applications, including wound healing, brain tissue repair, cartilage and bone regeneration, and spinal cord injury repair. In addition, the review introduces strategies for optimizing growth factor release including affinity‐based delivery, carrier‐assisted delivery, stimuli‐responsive delivery, spatial structure‐based delivery, and cellular system‐based delivery. Finally, the review presents current limitations and future research directions for growth factor‐delivering hydrogels.
Extraordinary Ionic Conductivity Excited by Hierarchical Ion‐Transport Pathways in MOF‐Based Quasi‐Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Liu Huiling , Pan Hongge , Yan Mi , Zhang Xuan , Jiang Yinzhu
Published: April 2023

Liquid‐electrolyte‐laden metal–organic frameworks (LE‐laden MOFs) are promising quasi‐solid electrolytes (QSEs) for metal‐anode batteries. To achieve a high ionic conductivity, considerable efforts have been devoted to designing continuous and compact LE‐laden MOF layers. Surprisingly, in this work, an extraordinarily high ionic conductivity (1.02 mS cm−1) is observed in an LE‐laden MOF electrolyte with abundant interstices and cracks. Herein, various macroscopic and mesoscopic pore structures of Li‐LE‐laden HKUST‐1 QSEs are prepared via morphology control and different cold‐pressing procedures. Thereinto, Li‐LE‐laden cuboctahedron HKUST‐1 prepared under 150 MPa cold‐pressing with an optimal hierarchical pore structure (Li‐Cuboct‐H) exhibits the highest ambient ionic conductivity (1.02 mS cm−1). It is found that interstices and cracks in electrolytes construct a set of interconnected Li‐LE networks with innate MOF channels and facilitate Li+ transfer in the hybrid ion‐transport pathways. The Li/LiFePO4 cells based on Li‐Cuboct‐H deliver a splendid capacity retention of 93% over 210 cycles at 1 C. Meanwhile, the high ionic conductivities (higher than 10−4 S cm−1) can be achieved in different ion conductor systems (Na, Mg, and Al) under the same guideline. This work redefines the understanding of ion transport in MOF‐based QSEs and breaks the bottleneck of MOF‐based QSEs.
3D Printed Polyimide Nanocomposite Aerogels for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Thermal Management
Authors: Wu Tingting , Ganobjak Michal , Siqueira Gilberto , Zeng Zhihui , Li Mengmeng , Filimonova Ekaterina , Saghamanesh Somayeh , Bonnin Anne , Sivaraman Deeptanshu , Yip Joshua , Li Lei , Wu Hui , Nyström Gustav , Malfait Wim J. , Zhao Shanyu
Published: April 2023

Aerogels were listed among the top ten emerging technologies in chemistry by IUPAC in 2022. Their record‐breaking properties sparked the emergence of a thriving insulation market, but solutions are sought to promote additional applications. A 3D assembly process based on direct ink writing of “aerogel‐in‐aerogel” nanocomposites is presented. The printed polyimide‐silica aerogels are non‐brittle (E = 6.7 MPa) with a super‐insulating thermal conductivity (20.3 mW m−1 K−1) and high thermal stability (T5wt% 447 °C). In addition, they display excellent low‐loss dielectric properties and microwave transmission over all relevant communication bands and can be functionalized for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The high shape‐fidelity printing, combined with laser‐induced etching of thermally conductive graphene layers, enable precise thermal management for portable electronics or maintain an extreme temperature gradient (−40 to +50°C) across a millimeter‐scale partition.
Computer‐assisted synthetic planning considering reaction kinetics based on transition state automated generation method
Authors: Liu Qilei , Tang Kun , Zhang Lei , Du Jian , Meng Qingwei
Published: April 2023

Organic synthesis facilitates the conversion of raw materials into high‐value chemicals. Computer‐assisted synthetic planning plays a vital role in designing synthetic pathways, which are usually evaluated by the reaction probability using deep learning models. However, this criterion is generally hard to describe real reaction behaviors such as reaction kinetics. Therefore, this article aims to establish a reaction kinetics‐based retrosynthesis planning framework to design synthetic pathways with well‐performed reaction kinetics. The key contribution of this work is developing a method for the GENeration of initial guesses of Transition States based on Reactive Sites (GENiniTS‐RS) to automatically and fast generate the initial guesses of transition states for the transition state theory‐based reaction kinetic model without sampling the minimum energy path from reactants to products. Finally, two case studies involving the design of synthetic pathways for aspirin and ibuprofen are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Tattooing as a phenotypic gambit
Authors: Lynn Christopher D. , Howells Michaela E. , Muehlenbein Michael P. , Nowak Tomasz , Gassen Jeffrey , Henderson Alexandria
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Tattooing is not an evolved behavior, but it may be a phenotypic gambit to highlight immunological health. Phenotypic gambits are traits or behaviors that appear costly but occur at high rates as a honing process of natural selection not constrained by genetics. Tattooing is an ancient practice that is increasing in popularity worldwide, but it involves wounding the body, which seems counterintuitive because it challenges the immune system and makes one more susceptible to infection. But tattooing may represent a costly honest signal of fitness by “upping the ante” in an era of hygiene or a means to stimulate the immune system in a way that improves and highlights underlying fitness.

Materials and Methods

We investigated this hypothesis by assessing bacteria killing activity (BKA) in saliva samples collected during two studies of tattooing (N = 40). We compared previous tattoo experience (extent of body tattooed and hours spent being tattooed) to BKA before and after getting a new tattoo.

Results

Tattoo experience positively predicts post‐tattoo BKA (β = 0.48, p = 0.01), suggesting that people with more tattoo experience have a relatively more immediate and active immune response than those with less tattoo experience.

Discussion

Tattoo experience may elevate innate immunological vigilance, which could aid in protecting against future dermal insults.
Neanderthal child's maxilla from Baume Moula‐Guercy (Soyons, Ardèche, France)
Authors: Richards Gary D. , Jabbour Rebecca S. , Guipert Gaspard , Defleur Alban
Published: April 2023

This article provides an ontogenetically‐based comparative description of the Guercy 3 partial child's maxilla with Rdm2–RM1 and unerupted RI2–RP4 from Baume Moula‐Guercy (MIS 5e) and examines its affinities to European and Middle Eastern Middle‐to‐Late Pleistocene (≈MIS 14–MIS 1) Homo. Description of the Guercy 3 maxilla and dentition (7.0 year ± 0.9 month) is based on observations of original fossils, casts, CT scans, literature descriptions, and virtual reconstructions. Our ontogenetic sample comprises a Preneanderthal—Neanderthal group and a Homo sapiens group. These groups are subdivided into (1) Preneanderthals (≈MIS 14–9), Early Neanderthals (MIS 7‐5e), and Late Neanderthals (MIS 5d‐3), and (2) Middle (MIS 5), Upper (MIS 3–2), and Late Upper Paleolithic (≈MIS 1), and recent H. sapiens. Standard techniques were employed for measurements and developmental age determinations.The Guercy 3 maxilla lacks changes found in Late Neanderthals, including the positioning of the root of the zygomatic process, infraorbital and nasal plates, premaxilla, buccal and labial alveolus, maxillary sinus, nasal cavity, and verticality of anterior tooth implantation. The morphology of the Guercy 3 maxilla more closely approximates that of Sima de los Huesos Preneanderthals, while the dentition more closely approximates the Early–Late Neanderthal condition. Maxillary remains of children and juveniles between MIS 14–MIS 5e are rare, and the available sample is fragmentary and distorted. Although fragmentary, the Guercy 3 maxilla is undistorted and provides new insights into the evolution of the midface in Neanderthals.
Assessment of cyanobacteria and their taste and odorous metabolites in the lower River Murray: 2000–2022
Authors: Choo Florence , Sawade Emma , Cook David
Published: April 2023

Cyanobacteria continue to contribute to the taste and odor issues (T&O) in the lower River Murray. A review on the cyanobacteria and T&O data collected in the last 22 years showed that there has been a shift in cyanobacterial community and subsequent T&O profiles. The increased numbers and changes in cyanobacteria occurrence have likely influenced the resultant T&O profiles. T&O challenges started occurring more frequently post‐2015. Although the river has historically been affected by geosmin challenges, up to 999 ng/L of geosmin and 155 ng/L of 2‐methylisoborneol (MIB) concentrations that have been detected along the river. Findings from this study showed that of the 22 water treatment plants investigated, the more advanced ultrafiltration membrane and granular activated carbon system treatment plants were able to mitigate most of the T&O challenges whereas the conventional water treatment plants were more likely to have T&O breakthrough instead.
Tumor microenvironment signaling and therapeutics in cancer progression
Authors: Goenka Anshika , Khan Fatima , Verma Bhupender , Sinha Priyanka , Dmello Crismita C. , Jogalekar Manasi P. , Gangadaran Prakash , Ahn Byeong‐Cheol
Published: April 2023

Tumor development and metastasis are facilitated by the complex interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment, which comprises stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, among other factors. Stromal cells can adopt new phenotypes to promote tumor cell invasion. A deep understanding of the signaling pathways involved in cell‐to‐cell and cell‐to‐ECM interactions is needed to design effective intervention strategies that might interrupt these interactions. In this review, we describe the tumor microenvironment (TME) components and associated therapeutics. We discuss the clinical advances in the prevalent and newly discovered signaling pathways in the TME, the immune checkpoints and immunosuppressive chemokines, and currently used inhibitors targeting these pathways. These include both intrinsic and non‐autonomous tumor cell signaling pathways in the TME: protein kinase C (PKC) signaling, Notch, and transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) signaling, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress response, lactate signaling, Metabolic reprogramming, cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and Siglec signaling pathways. We also discuss the recent advances in Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD‐1), Cytotoxic T‐Lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA4), T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3 (TIM‐3) and Lymphocyte Activating Gene 3 (LAG3) immune checkpoint inhibitors along with the C‐C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4)‐ C‐C class chemokines 22 (CCL22)/ and 17 (CCL17), C‐C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2)‐ chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), C‐C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5)‐ chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) chemokine signaling axis in the TME. In addition, this review provides a holistic understanding of the TME as we discuss the three‐dimensional and microfluidic models of the TME, which are believed to recapitulate the original characteristics of the patient tumor and hence may be used as a platform to study new mechanisms and screen for various anti‐cancer therapies. We further discuss the systemic influences of gut microbiota in TME reprogramming and treatment response. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the diverse and most critical signaling pathways in the TME, highlighting the associated newest and critical preclinical and clinical studies along with their underlying biology. We highlight the importance of the most recent technologies of microfluidics and lab‐on‐chip models for TME research and also present an overview of extrinsic factors, such as the inhabitant human microbiome, which have the potential to modulate TME biology and drug responses.
Silica‐Supported 1st Row Transition Metal (Nano)Catalysts: Synthetic and Catalytic Insight
Authors: Reina Antonio , Carmona‐Chávez Rodrigo , Pulido‐Díaz Israel T. , Martínez Draco , Salas‐Martin Karla P. , Guerrero‐Ríos Itzel
Published: April 2023

The combination of first‐row transition compounds or nanoparticles with silica‐based supports offers a great possibility for catalyst design. In particular, iron, cobalt and nickel‐based materials rise in attention due to their availability, low cost and interesting reactivity, enabling transformations that are not possible with noble metals. Different support strategies exist where mesoporous silica‐based supports are of particular interest due to their morphology and stability. Their high surface area, tunable pore size and volume and both, thermal and chemical stability, are of great interest in terms of catalyst adsorption and reactants diffusion. The state of the art on the catalyzed transformations to attain fine chemicals is nowadays explored from a sustainable point of view. However, up to now, it is difficult to predict or understand the key features in silica supported first‐row transition metals‐based catalyst, despite the fact that there are widely applied. The rational tailoring of nanosized materials immobilized on silica‐based supports and their application in catalysis requires to be reviewed.
Mathematical modelling of coalescence of viscous particles: An overview
Authors: Polychronopoulos Nickolas D. , Benos Lefteris , Vlachopoulos John
Published: April 2023

Viscous particles of polymer melts and glasses coalesce under the action of surface tension. Resistance is due to viscosity, while inertia is not a contributing factor, with the Ohnesorge number being very high. Russian physicist Yakov Frenkel developed a model for neck growth during the initial stage of the merging process of two spherical particles, assuming uniform biaxial extensional flow. Frenkel's model was extended for prediction of neck size as a function of time to the completion of coalescence, expressed by an ordinary differential equation. The time t is expressed in dimensionless form as (tγ/ηR), where η, γ, and R denote the viscosity, surface tension, and particle radius, respectively. Models were also developed for viscoelastic effects, non‐isothermal conditions, and unequal diameter particles. For the coalescence of infinitely long cylinders, planar extensional flow is assumed. Other investigators presented numerical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations, which include shear flow components, but the predictions of neck growth are not much different from those of the Frenkel‐based models. Comparisons to experiments are also discussed, involving polymers, glasses, animal tissue cells, and biomacromolecules. The models are also used in additive manufacturing applications for the determination of bonding and pore shrinkage.
PROTOCOL: Language of instruction in schools in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Nakamura Pooja , Leyew Zelealem , Molotsky Adria , Ranjit Varsha , Kamto Kevin
Published: April 2023

To address the evidence gap in making effective language of instruction (LOI) decisions, we propose a systematic review of the role of LOI choices in education programs and policies on literacy outcomes in multilingual educational contexts in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Grounded in a multidisciplinary theory of change (ToC) describing what factors link LOI choices and literacy outcomes, we will gather, organize, and synthesize the evidence on the specific role of the three LOI choices described in the ToC (teaching in mother tongue [MT] with later transition, teaching in a non‐MT language, or teaching in two or more languages at one time) and its impact on literacy and biliteracy outcomes. We will focus our systematic review and meta‐analysis only on quantitative and qualitative intervention studies from LMICs as these have the highest relevance for decision making in multilingual LMIC contexts. We will also only include languages that are relevant and commonly spoken in LMICs. For example, we will likely include studies that examine Arabic to English transfer, but not Arabic to Swedish transfer.
Will the real units of Q please stand up?
Authors: Fairman Hugh S.
Published: April 2023

There exists a general misunderstanding among colorists as to the units involved in the equation for tristimulus integration. The investigator of the color‐matching functions chooses four cardinal stimuli which, along with his choice to cause the three primaries to have equal coloration power to each other, causes him to assign units to the color‐matching functions in order that these units may be carried to the equation for tristimulus integration. This note discusses the development of these units using the 1931 RGB experiment and subsequent algebraic processing as an example. It develops exactly what these units are and concludes that they are consistent.
Modification of ATP hydrolysis by Strong Coupling with O−H Stretching Vibration
Authors: Gao Feng , Guo Jun , Si Qiankang , Wang Liping , Zhang Feng , Yang Fan
Published: April 2023

The Front Cover image is provided by the quantum biophotonics group, a collaborative effort between Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Wenzhou Institute of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and University of Shanghai for Science and Technology. The image shows that the hydrolysis of ATP can be accelerated approximately 10‐fold due to the hybrid energy states, as the optical mode of a Fabry–Pérot cavity is strongly resonant to the O‐H stretching vibration. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cptc.202200330.
SDH deficiency is very common in carotid body paragangliomas: Genetic counseling and testing should be offered to all patients
Authors: Sarkis Leba Michael , Clifton‐Bligh Rory , Veivers David , Gill Anthony James
Published: April 2023

Background

Collectively, germline pathogenic variants in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) genes are the most common cause of hereditary paragangliomas. Loss of immunohistochemical expression of SDHB protein (termed SDH deficiency) occurs whenever there is biallelic inactivation of any SDH gene. We sought to estimate the prevalence of SDH deficiency in patients with carotid body paragangliomas.

Methods

We identified all carotid body paragangliomas that had undergone surgical excision at our institution over the last 30 years. If SDHB immunohistochemistry was not performed at the time of excision, it was performed on archived material.

Results

There were 64 carotid body paragangliomas identified in the 62 patients. Two‐thirds of the patients were female, and 43 (67%) were SDH‐deficient.

Conclusion

Up to two‐thirds of all carotid body paragangliomas are associated with SDH deficiency. Therefore, genetic testing and counseling should be offered to all patients with carotid body paragangliomas, regardless of age or family history.
Agreement and reliability of hepatic transient elastography in patients with chronic hepatitis C: A cross‐sectional test–retest study
Authors: Ljungquist Oskar , Olinder Jon , Tverring Jonas , Kjölvmark Charlott , Torisson Gustav
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Transient elastography (TE) has largely replaced liver biopsy to evaluate fibrosis stage and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis C. Previous studies have reported excellent reliability of TE but agreement metrics have not been reported. This study aimed to assess interrater agreement and reliability of repeated TE measurements.

Methods

Two operators performed TE independently, directly after each other. The primary outcome was disagreement, defined as a difference in TE results between operators of ≥33%, as well as the smallest detectable change, SDC95 (i.e., the difference between measurements needed to state with 95% certainty that there is a difference in underlying stiffness). Secondary outcomes included reliability, measured as intraclass correlation (ICC), and patient and examination characteristics associated with the agreement.

Results

In total, 65 patients were included, with a mean liver stiffness of 9.7 kPa. Of these, 21 (32%) had a disagreement in TE results of ≥33% between the two operators. The SDC95 on the log scale was 1.97, indicating that an almost twofold increase or decrease in liver stiffness would be required to confidently represent a change in the underlying fibrosis. Reliability, estimated using the ICC, was acceptable at 0.86. In a post hoc analysis, fasting less than 5 h before TE was associated with a higher degree of disagreement (48% vs. 19%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

In our clinical setting, interrater agreement in directly repeated TE measurements was surprisingly low. It is essential to further investigate the reliability and agreement of TE to determine its validity and usefulness.
Single versus dual microgel species for forming guest‐host microporous annealed particlePEG‐MALhydrogel
Authors: Widener Adrienne E. , Roberts Abilene , Phelps Edward A.
Published: April 2023

Inter‐particle secondary crosslinks allow microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels to be formed. Methods to introduce secondary crosslinking networks in MAP hydrogels include particle jamming, annealing with covalent bonds, and reversible noncovalent interactions. Here, we investigate the effect of two different approaches to secondary crosslinking of polyethylene glycol (PEG) microgels via reversible guest‐host interactions. We generated a dual‐particle MAP‐PEG hydrogel using two species of PEG microgels, one functionalized with the guest molecule, adamantane, and the other with the host molecule, β‐cyclodextrin (Inter‐MAP‐PEG). In a different approach, a mono‐particle MAP‐PEG hydrogel was generated using one species of microgel functionalized with both guest and host molecules (Intra‐MAP‐PEG). The Intra‐MAP‐PEG formed a homogenous distribution due to the single type of microgels used. We then compared the mechanical properties of these two types of MAP‐PEG hydrogels and found that Intra‐MAP‐PEG resulted in significantly softer gels with lower yield stress. We investigated the effect of intra‐particle guest‐host interactions through titrated weight percentage and the concentration of functional groups added to the hydrogel. We found that there was an ideal concentration of guest‐host molecules that enables intra‐ and inter‐particle guest‐host interactions with sufficient covalent crosslinking. Based on these studies, Intra‐MAP‐PEG provides a homogeneous guest‐host hydrogel that is shear‐thinning with reversible secondary crosslinking.
Combination of Ultrasound and Molecular Markers in Evaluating Isolated Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis in Lower Limbs
Authors: Zong Xiao‐Jian , Liu Lei , Wu Jie , Yuan Ping , Cao Jian , Li Jing‐Jing , Yu Xiao‐Kun
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate the risk factors of isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (IDDVT) in the lower limbs by using a combination of Doppler ultrasound and thrombus molecular markers.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was used. We selected 145 patients with deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs. They were divided into the IDDVT group and the non‐IDDVT group. We compared the differences in Doppler ultrasound and biochemical indexes between the two groups. The independent influencing factors of IDDVT were analyzed using logistic regression, and we plotted the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

We compared 47 IDDVT cases diagnosed by DSA with 47 non‐IDDVT cases selected at random. The diameter of the common femoral vein (CFV) of the affected side, deep femoral vein, and the great saphenous vein, thickness of subcutaneous tissue, and serum D‐dimer (D‐D) and thrombin–antithrombin III complexes (TAT) were significantly higher in the IDDVT group than the non‐IDDVT group (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis showed that CFV diameter, subcutaneous tissue thickening, D‐D, and TAT were all independent risk factors for IDDVT (P < .05). The combined predictor had higher predictive sensitivity, specificity, and Youden's index (93.6, 87.2, and 0.808, respectively) than using thrombus molecular markers alone or Doppler ultrasound alone.

Conclusion

D‐D and TAT, the thrombosis molecular markers, CFV diameter, and thickening of subcutaneous tissue, as well as the Doppler ultrasound, all have their own independent effects on IDDVT. When Thrombosis molecular markers and Doppler ultrasound are used in combination, they can predict which patients are at high risk of IDDVT and help doctors in making clinical decisions pertaining to prevention and treatment.
Terahertz Metasurface Modulators Based on Photosensitive Silicon
Authors: Zhou Qiangguo , Li Yongzhen , Wu Tuntan , Qiu Qinxi , Duan Jiaxin , Jiang Lin , Mao Wangchen , Yao Niangjuan , Huang Zhiming
Published: April 2023

Metasurfaces solve the lack of materials in the terahertz (THz) band and control precisely the amplitude, phase, polarization, and transmission characteristics of THz waves, providing an effective way to realize THz functional devices. This article focuses on the design of THz metasurface modulators with a unit structure consisting of metal square rings, including resonance frequency, phase, and amplitude modulators. By embedding photosensitive semiconductor silicon (Si) in the unit structure, the unit structure is built from meta‐atom to molecularization model under the optical pumping condition, and the resonance frequencies are switched between high and low frequencies. The resonance frequency switchable characteristic is demonstrated using the equivalent LC oscillation circuit model, and the theoretical calculation results agree well with the simulations. Through theoretical calculations, the modulators achieve ultrafast switching times of less than 0.141 ps by the optical pumps, which have significant advantages in ultrafast THz modulators. By continuing to change the embedded position of the silicon in the unit structure, not only is a wide range of THz phase modulation achieved, but also multilevel modulation of the phase is realized. It is found that there is a strong relationship between the modulation depth and phase variation of THz waves, and a reasonable analysis is given. Further the amplitude modulator with a larger modulation depth (MD) is developed, and when the conductivity of photosensitive semiconductor silicon (σSi) reaches 2.5 × 106 S m−1, return loss (RL) is ≈0 dB, and the maximum MD reaches ≈100%; in order to gain insight into the nature of modulation, the modulation mechanism of THz waves under optical pumping conditions is analyzed. In addition, graphene‐based THz metasurface amplitude modulators are designed. When the depth of amplitude modulation is achieved by bias voltage modulation of the Fermi energy level of graphene, the maximum modulation amplitude is 23.42 dB, with a minimal modulation accuracy of 0.05 THz eV−1. In the article, the designed modulators have extremely excellent modulation performance. It has great potential applications in silicon‐based THz photonic devices, ultrahigh frequency electronic devices, high sensitivity sensors, and high‐precision imaging.
Anti‐HIV drugs reduce risk of prediabetes and progression to type 2 diabetes in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Magagnoli Joseph , Pereira Felipe , Narendran Siddharth , Huang Peirong , Cummings Tammy , Hardin James W. , Nguyen Joseph , Sutton S. Scott , Ambati Jayakrishna
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) impacts the incidence of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or the progression from prediabetes to T2DM in people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the US Veterans Health Administration database among adult patients with an HIV diagnosis from the year 2000 until 2021 to determine the incidence of prediabetes and further progression to T2DM among NRTI exposed and unexposed patients. A multistate model was used to evaluate progression from normoglycemia to prediabetes and then to T2DM, and covariate adjustment with the Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs). Among 32,240 veterans diagnosed with HIV, prediabetes and T2DM were observed among 20.2% and 20.7% of patients, respectively. Among those diagnosed with prediabetes, 31.8% progressed to T2DM. Patients exposed to NRTIs at any time (86.6%), had a reduced risk of prediabetes [HR: 0.50 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.47–0.53)] and among prediabetics, a lower risk of progression to T2DM [HR: 0.73 (95% CI: 0.63–0.85)] when compared to patients who never used NRTIs. In summary, NRTIs may reduce the risk of developing prediabetes and the progression from prediabetes to T2DM in PLWH.
A multiple‐relaxation‐time lattice Boltzmann model for Burgers equation
Authors: Yu Xiaomei , Zhang Ling , Hu Beibei , Hu Ye
Published: April 2023

A multiple‐relaxation‐time (MRT) lattice Boltzmann (LB) model is developed to solve Burgers equation. The general MRT‐LB model can be thought as a three‐level nonlinear finite difference scheme. Maximum value principle has been proved, and the existence, uniqueness, and stability parameters are discussed for the three‐level finite difference scheme of MRT‐LB model. Numerical stability analysis shows that the MRT‐LB model is not only a three‐level nonlinear finite difference one but also has the good numerical stability. Numerical solutions have been compared with the exact solutions and other LB models reported in previous studies. The experiments results show that the scheme is accurate and effective for Burgers equation.
Highly accelerated intracranial time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography using wave‐encoding
Authors: Ji Yang , Wu Wenchuan , de Buck Matthijs H. S. , Okell Thomas , Jezzard Peter
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To develop an accelerated 3D intracranial time‐of‐flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) sequence with wave‐encoding (referred to as 3D wave‐TOF) and to evaluate two variants: wave–controlled aliasing in parallel imaging (CAIPI) and compressed‐sensing wave (CS‐wave).

Methods

A wave‐TOF sequence was implemented on a 3 T clinical scanner. Wave‐encoded and Cartesian k‐space datasets from six healthy volunteers were retrospectively and prospectively undersampled with 2D‐CAIPI sampling and variable‐density Poisson disk sampling. 2D‐CAIPI, wave‐CAIPI, standard CS, and CS‐wave schemes were compared at various acceleration factors. Flow‐related artifacts in wave‐TOF were investigated, and a set of practicable wave parameters was developed. Quantitative analysis of wave‐TOF and traditional Cartesian TOF MRA was performed by comparing the contrast‐to‐background ratio between the vessel and background tissue in source images, and the structural similarity index measure (SSIM) between the maximum intensity projection images from accelerated acquisitions and their respective fully sampled references.

Results

Flow‐related artifacts caused by the wave‐encoding gradients in wave‐TOF were eliminated by properly chosen parameters. Images from wave‐CAIPI and CS‐wave acquisitions had a higher SNR and better‐preserved contrast than traditional parallel imaging (PI) and CS methods. Maximum intensity projection images from wave‐CAIPI and CS‐wave acquisitions had a cleaner background, with vessels that were better depicted. Quantitative analyses indicated that wave‐CAIPI had the highest contrast‐to‐background ratio, SSIM, and vessel‐masked SSIM among the sampling schemes studied, followed by the CS‐wave acquisition.

Conclusion

3D wave‐TOF improves the capability of accelerated MRA and provides better image quality at higher acceleration factors compared to traditional PI‐ or CS‐accelerated TOF, suggesting the potential use of wave‐TOF in cerebrovascular disease.
Parallel imaging reconstruction using spatial nulling maps
Authors: Hu Jiahao , Yi Zheyuan , Zhao Yujiao , Zhang Junhao , Xiao Linfang , Man Christopher , Lau Vick , Leong Alex T. L. , Chen Fei , Wu Ed X.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To develop a robust parallel imaging reconstruction method using spatial nulling maps (SNMs).

Methods

Parallel reconstruction using null operations (PRUNO) is a k‐space reconstruction method where a k‐space nulling system is derived using null‐subspace bases of the calibration matrix. ESPIRiT reconstruction extends the PRUNO subspace concept by exploiting the linear relationship between signal‐subspace bases and spatial coil sensitivity characteristics, yielding a hybrid‐domain approach. Yet it requires empirical eigenvalue thresholding to mask the coil sensitivity information and is sensitive to signal‐ and null‐subspace division. In this study, we combine the concepts of null‐subspace PRUNO and hybrid‐domain ESPIRiT to provide a more robust reconstruction method that extracts null‐subspace bases of calibration matrix to calculate image‐domain SNMs. Multi‐channel images are reconstructed by solving an image‐domain nulling system formed by SNMs that contain both coil sensitivity and finite image support information, therefore, circumventing the masking‐related procedure. The proposed method was evaluated with multi‐channel 2D brain and knee data and compared to ESPIRiT.

Results

The proposed hybrid‐domain method produced quality reconstruction highly comparable to ESPIRiT with optimal manual masking. It involved no masking‐related manual procedure and was tolerant of the actual division of null‐ and signal‐subspace. Spatial regularization could be also readily incorporated to reduce noise amplification as in ESPIRiT.

Conclusion

We provide an efficient hybrid‐domain reconstruction method using multi‐channel SNMs that are calculated from coil calibration data. It eliminates the need for coil sensitivity masking and is relatively insensitive to subspace separation, therefore, presenting a robust parallel imaging reconstruction procedure in practice.
High Shear Thin Film Synthesis of Partially Oxidized Gallium and Indium Composite 2D Sheets
Authors: Gardner Zoe , Rahpeima Soraya , Sun Qiang , Zou Jin , Darwish Nadim , Vimalanathan Kasturi , Raston Colin L.
Published: April 2023

Reducing resistance in silicon‐based devices is important as they get miniaturized further. 2D materials offer an opportunity to increase conductivity whilst reducing size. A scalable, environmentally benign method is developed for preparing partially oxidized gallium/indium sheets down to 10 nm thick from a eutectic melt of the two metals. Exfoliation of the planar/corrugated oxide skin of the melt is achieved using the vortex fluidic device with a variation in composition across the sheets determined using Auger spectroscopy. From an application perspective, the oxidized gallium indium sheets reduce the contact resistance between metals such as platinum and silicon (Si) as a semiconductor. Current‒voltage measurements between a platinum atomic force microscopy tip and a Si−H substrate show that the current switches from being a rectifier to a highly conducting ohmic contact. These characteristics offer new opportunities for controlling Si surface properties at the nanoscale and enable the integration of new materials with Si platforms.
A Mechanistic Overview of the Current Status and Future Challenges in Air Cathode for Aluminum Air Batteries
Authors: Islam Santa , Nayem S. M. Abu , Anjum Ahtisham , Shaheen Shah Syed , Ahammad A. J. Saleh , Aziz Md. Abdul
Published: April 2023

Aluminum air batteries (AABs) are a desirable option for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs) due to their high theoretical energy density (8100 Wh K−1), low cost, and high safety compared to state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, numerous unresolved technological and scientific issues are preventing AABs from expanding further. One of the key issues is the catalytic reaction kinetics of the air cathode as the fuel (oxygen) for AAB is reduced there. Additionally, the performance and price of an AAB are directly influenced by an air electrode integrated with an oxygen electrocatalyst, which is thought to be the most crucial element. In this study, we covered the oxygen chemistry of the air cathode as well as a brief discussion of the mechanistic insights of active catalysts and how they catalyze and enhance oxygen chemistry reactions. There is also extensive discussion of research into electrocatalytic materials that outperform Pt/C such as nonprecious metal catalysts, metal oxide, perovskites, metal‐organic framework, carbonaceous materials, and their composites. Finally, we provide an overview of the present state, and possible future direction for air cathodes in AABs.
Swiss Equity Markets
Authors: Meier Henri B. , Marthinsen John E. , Gantenbein Pascal A. , Weber Samuel S.
Published: April 2023

Since around 1990, the Swiss stock market has faced global competition, deregulation, automation, and enormous growth of structured products and exchange-traded funds. Driven by increased capital mobility, the market has become highly correlated with other well-developed stock markets, reducing diversification benefits for investors. Despite massive market capitalization growth, the stock market has returned more capital to investors than it has raised. During the same period, the number of listed foreign securities decreased. Today, Switzerland exhibits one of the world’s highest stock-market-capitalization-to-GDP ratios, which shows the importance of a well-functioning financial market for the country’s economy. Unlike the impact of the US-subprime mortgage crisis in 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic had no lasting effect on the Swiss stock market.
„Must Writers Be Moral?“*: Interdisziplinäre Perspektiven auf Morality Clauses im Literaturbetrieb
Authors: Koegler Caroline , Norrick-Rühl Corinna , Pohlmann Petra , Sieg Gernot
Published: April 2023

Inwieweit sind Verlage gegenüber ihren Autor*innen verpflichtet, den Verlagsvertrag und die darin enthaltenen Vereinbarungen zu erfüllen, wenn gegen Autor*innen schwere Vorwürfe erhoben werden? Menschen, die im Rampenlicht stehen – und dazu gehören auch Autor*innen – werden genau beobachtet, und Nachrichten (aber auch Gerüchte) verbreiten sich heute schneller denn je. Insbesondere in den USA steigen die Anforderungen an moralisches Handeln der Unternehmen; zudem wird durch das Internet und vor allem die sozialen Netzwerke nahezu jegliches außerberufliche Verhalten „unter das Mikroskop“ gelegt. Damit zusammenhängend werden morality clauses (auch morals clauses, zu Deutsch: Moralklauseln) im Literaturbetrieb, besonders im angloamerikanischen Raum, derzeit virulent diskutiert. Morality clauses in Verlagsverträgen sollen Verlage vor moralischen oder rechtlichen Fehltritten ihrer Autor*innen schützen, die die Verkäuflichkeit eines Werkes beeinträchtigen und/oder die Verlagsmarke beschädigen könnten. Sie geben Verlagen bei unmoralischem oder rechtswidrigem Verhalten der Autor*innen verschiedene Rechte, vor allem das Recht zur Kündigung des Vertrages.
Zur Einführung: Was ist ‚der Pitaval‘
Authors: Löhr Kathrin
Published: April 2023

Wie wird Literatur in Recht materialisiert und wie Recht in Literatur? Um diese Frage geht es in den folgenden Beiträgen. François Gayot de PitavalsCauses célèbres et intéressantes, avec les jugements qui les ont décidées begründen die Gattung der Pitaval-Literatur, die sich gerade dadurch auszeichnet, dass sie Recht zum Gegenstand der Literatur macht. Gayot zielt mit seiner literarisierten Sammlung von Gerichtsprozessen sowohl auf ein juristisch gebildetes als auch auf ein Laienpublikum ab. Er wird zum Namensgeber einer ganzen Gattung der Prozessliteratur; gleichzeitig steht er am Anfang einer neuen Form von Literatur an der Grenze von Unterhaltung und juristischer Aufklärung.