bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Clinical Report on the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease with Fetal Midbrain Precursor Cells
Authors: Kim Joopyoung , Inbo Han , Kim Hyun Sook , Kim WonChan , Jang Su Jin , Min Kyunghoon , Kim Sang Heum , Bae Sang‐Hun , Jeong Yun‐Hwa , Kim Borah , Kim Chul , Schwarz Sigrid C. , Schwarz Johannes , Cho Kyung Gi , Chung Sang‐Sup , Moon Jisook
Published: January 2023

Background

Because human fetal ventral mesencephalic tissue grafts provide promising results in ameliorating Parkinson's disease–implicated motor dysfunctions, human fetal midbrain‐derived dopamine neuronal precursor cells are considered good candidates for cell‐based therapy for Parkinson's disease in that large quantities of cells can be supplied through a good manufacturing practice–compliant system.

Objective

We conducted a prospective, phase I/IIa, dose‐escalation, open‐label “first‐in‐human” clinical trial with fetal neural precursor cells to assess their safety and therapeutic efficacy in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Methods

Fifteen patients were assigned to receive three different doses of cells (4 × 106, 12 × 106, and 40 × 106 cells) and completed a 12‐month follow‐up. The primary outcome was safety, by measuring the presence of grade 3 or higher cells according to National Cancer Institute guidelines and any contaminated cells. Secondary outcomes assessed motor and neurocognitive function, as well as the level of dopamine transporters, by positron emission tomography–computed tomography.

Results

Although a pronation‐supination and hand/arm movement performance was remarkably enhanced in all three groups (all P < 0.05), the medium‐ and high‐dose‐treated groups exhibited significant improvement in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III only up to 26.16% and 40%, respectively, at 12 months after transplantation without any serious clinical complications or graft‐induced dyskinesia in all patients. However, the motor improvements did not correlate with increase in the dopamine transporter on positron emission tomography images.

Conclusions

Our results primarily demonstrate the safety and plausible dose‐dependent efficacy of human fetal midbrain‐derived dopamine neuronal precursor cells for idiopathic Parkinson's disease. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A novel mathematical model to generate semi‐automated optimal IMRT treatment plan based on predicted 3D dose distribution and prescribed dose
Authors: Yousefi Ali , Ketabi Saeedeh , Abedi Iraj
Published: January 2023

Background

In recent years, with the development of artificial intelligence and deep learning techniques, it has become possible to predict the three‐dimensional distribution dose (3D3) of a new patient based on the treatment plans of similar recent patients. Therefore, some new questions have arisen for the above issue: how to make use of the predicted 3D3 obtained from deep learning, to facilitate treatment planning? How to convert the predicted 3D3 to a clinical deliverable Pareto optimal plan? Little research has been done and limited software has been developed in this regard.

Purpose

In the current research, an attempt was made to contribute the knowledge‐based planning by presenting a new mathematical model, and to take a novel step towards optimizing the treatment plan derived from both predicted 3D3 as well as dose prescription to generate a semi‐automated clinically applicable optimal IMRT treatment plan.

Methods

The presented model has benefited from both prescribed dose as well as predicted dose and its objective function includes both quadratic and linear phrases, so it was called the QuadLin model. The model has been run on the data of 30 patients with head and neck cancer randomly selected from the Open‐KBP dataset. There are 19 sets of dose prediction data for each patient in this database. Therefore, a total of 570 problems have been solved in the CVX framework with commercial solver Mosek and the results have been evaluated by two plan quality approaches (1) DVH points differences, and (2) satisfied clinical criteria.

Results

The results of the current study indicate a strong significant improvement in almost all plan evaluation indicators compared to the reference plan of the dataset, 3D3 predictions, as well as the results of previous research, based on the Wilcoxon signed ranks test with a significance level of 0.01. Accordingly, for all regions of interest (ROIs) (or structures) of all 570 problems total clinical indicators have improved by more than 21%, 15%, and at least13%, on average, compared to the predicted dose, the reference plan, and previous research, respectively, with 341 s as the average of solving time.

Conclusions

Evaluation of the research results indicates the significant effect of the QuadLin model on improving the dose delivery to the target volumes while reducing the dose and preserving organs at risk. Based on the literature, the proposed model has generated the best‐known treatment plan from the predicted 3D3 so far.
Weakly supervised perivascular spaces segmentation with salient guidance of Frangi filter
Authors: Lan Haoyu , Lynch Kirsten M. , Custer Rachel , Shih Nien‐Chu , Sherlock Patrick , Toga Arthur W. , Sepehrband Farshid , Choupan Jeiran
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To develop a weakly supervised 3D perivascular spaces (PVS) segmentation model that combines the filter‐based image processing algorithm and the convolutional neural network.

Methods

We present a weakly supervised learning method for PVS segmentation by combing a rule‐based image processing approach Frangi filter with a canonical deep learning algorithm Unet using conditional random field theory. The weighted cross entropy loss function and the training patch selection were implemented for the optimization and to alleviate the class imbalance issue. The performance of the model was evaluated on the Human Connectome Project data.

Results

The proposed method increases the true positive rate compared to the rule‐based method and reduces the false positive rate by 36% in the weakly supervised training experiment and 39.4% in the supervised training experiment compared to Unet, which results in superior overall performance. In addition, by training the model on manually quality controlled and annotated data which includes the subjects with the presence of white matter hyperintensities, the proposed method differentiates between PVS and white matter hyperintensities, which reduces the false positive rate by 78.5% compared to weakly supervised trained model.

Conclusions

Combing the filter‐based image processing algorithm and the convolutional neural network algorithm could improve the model's segmentation accuracy, while reducing the training dependence on the large scale annotated PVS mask data by the trained physician. Compared to the filter‐based image processing algorithm, the data driven PVS segmentation model using quality‐controlled data as the training target could differentiate the white matter hyperintensity from PVS resulting low false positive rate.
Quantifying and Improving the Performance of Speech Recognition Systems on Dysphonic Speech
Authors: Hidalgo Lopez Julio C. , Sandeep Shelly , Wright MaKayla , Wandell Grace M. , Law Anthony B.
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study seeks to quantify how current speech recognition systems perform on dysphonic input and if they can be improved.

Study Design

Experimental machine learning methods based on a retrospective database.

Setting

Single academic voice center.

Methods

A database of dysphonic speech recordings was created and tested against 3 speech recognition platforms. Platform performance on dysphonic voice input was compared to platform performance on normal voice input. A custom speech recognition model was trained on voice from patients with spasmodic dysphonia or vocal cord paralysis. Custom model performance was compared to base model performance.

Results

All platforms performed well on normal voice, and 2 platforms performed significantly worse on dysphonic speech. Accuracy metrics on dysphonic speech returned values of 84.55%, 88.57%, and 93.56% for International Business Machines (IBM) Watson, Amazon Transcribe, and Microsoft Azure, respectively. The secondary analysis demonstrated that the lower performance of IBM Watson and Amazon Transcribe was driven by performance on spasmodic dysphonia and vocal fold paralysis. Thus, a custom model was built to increase the accuracy of these pathologies on the Microsoft platform. Overall, the performance of the custom model on dysphonic voices was 96.43% and on normal voices was 97.62%.

Conclusion

Current speech recognition systems generally perform worse on dysphonic speech than on normal speech. We theorize that poor performance is a consequence of a lack of dysphonic voices in each platform's original training dataset. We address this limitation with transfer learning used to increase the performance of these systems on all dysphonic speech.
A fatal case of fulminant neuroleptic malignant syndrome: A case report
Authors: Komoriya Hitomi , Nomura Konoka , Shirata Toshinori , Kobayashi Tadahiro , Nakane Masaki , Noto Keisuke , Kobayashi Ryota , Suzuki Akihito
Published: January 2023

Background

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but potentially life‐threatening adverse reaction to treatment with antipsychotic drugs, is characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, impaired consciousness, and autonomic disturbances. Some reports have described rapidly progressing cases of NMS resulting in death within several days. This report describes a clinical course of fatal and fulminant NMS in a patient with schizoaffective disorder.

Case Presentation

A 67‐year‐old man had long been in a stable condition under antipsychotic pharmacotherapy. At 3 days before admission to our hospital, he complained of diarrhea, fatigue, and reduced appetite. On admission to our hospital, he showed fever, mild muscle rigidity at the four extremities, elevated heart rate, hypertension, excessive diaphoresis, and decreased percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2). He was diagnosed as having NMS. Within 3 days after the onset of NMS, he displayed severe hyperthermia up to 41.4°C and severe autonomic disturbances, including elevated heart rate and hypertension. Despite treatments with dantrolene and bromocriptine, he went into shock and died on the fourth day after admission.

Conclusion

The present case suggests that severe hyperthermia and severe autonomic disturbances at the early stage of the onset might be signs of fatal and fulminant NMS. It may be recommended that clinicians consider electro‐convulsive therapy when treating fulminant NMS with these symptoms.
Outpatient fluoroquinolone use in relation to European Medicines Agency's recommendation: An Estonian nationwide drug utilization study
Authors: Kurvits Katrin , Uusküla Maia , Vestman Helve , Laius Ott
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To determine possible changes in prescribing of fluoroquinolones in relation to the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) recommendation in October 2018.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide time‐series study on outpatient use of fluoroquinolones during January 2016–June 2021 in Estonia. Joinpoint regression was used to identify change points over time. Several subgroup analyses by prescriber specialty, indication group, risk factors for tendon injury, aortic aneurysm/dissection or heart valve regurgitation/incompetence and the prescribing of other antibiotics were performed.

Results

During the study period 236 989 prescriptions of fluoroquinolones were dispensed to 142 659 persons. The number of episodes per month declined from 3780 (2.9/1000 inhabitants) to 2570 (1.9/1000 inhabitants). We identified three change points with four different trend segments: from January 2016 to November 2018 monthly percent change (MPC) −0.4%, from November 2018 to June 2019 MPC −2.5%, from June 2019 to July 2020 MPC 1.7% and from July 2020 to June 2021 MPC −3.3%. Prescribing for indications which were removed or restricted by EMA's recommendation comprised a small proportion of all fluoroquinolone episodes −2.8% and 6.3%, respectively. The risk factors for tendon injury and for cardiac disorders (aortic aneurysm/dissection or heart valve regurgitation/incompetence) were present in 46.4% and 57.8% episodes of fluoroquinolone users, respectively. No changes in the trend of prescribing to users with risk factors was detected.

Conclusions

The EMA's recommendation may have contributed to the greater decline in the use of fluoroquinolones. However, there is still a high proportion of users with predisposing factors for tendon injury and serious cardiac disorders.
Liquid crystal epoxy composites based on functionalized boron nitride: Synthesis and thermal properties
Authors: Feng Zhiqiang , Liu Xiaohong , Liu Jiaming , Chen Xi , Chen Bifang , Liang Liyan
Published: January 2023

A composite was prepared by in‐situ polymerization of liquid crystal epoxy (LCE4) with a low dielectric and high thermal conductivity boron nitride (BN) filler, which the filler (f‐BN) was surface‐functionalized by γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) and aminopropylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (NH2‐POSS). The surface‐functionalized BN was more uniformly dispersed in LCE4, which improved the interfacial compatibility between inorganic and organic phases. Compared with pure LCE4, KH560, and NH2‐POSS modified f‐BN/LCE4 composites exhibited a higher glass transition temperature, better thermal stability, and higher thermal conductivity. For example, when the f‐BN content reached 30 wt%, the energy storage modulus of the composite increased to 2580 MPa, and the glass transition temperature was 103°C. The thermal conductivity of this 30 wt% f‐BN composite was 0.48 W m−1 K−1, 128.6% higher than that of pure LCE4. In addition, thermal stability, low hygroscopicity, and dielectric properties of the composites were characterized and analyzed to explore the application prospects of f‐BN/LCE4 composites in electronic packaging and in high‐performance microelectronic devices.
Strategic cost and sustainability analyses of injection molding and material extrusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Kazmer David , Peterson Amy M. , Masato Davide , Colon Austin R. , Krantz Joshua
Published: January 2023

Economic and environmental costs are assessed for four different plastics manufacturing processes, including cold and hot runner molding as well as stock and upgraded material extrusion three dimensional (3D) printers. A larger stock 3D printer was found to provide a melting capacity of 14.4 ml/h, while a smaller printer with an upgraded extruder had a melting capacity of 36 ml/h. 3D printing at these maximum melting capacities resulted in specific energy consumption (SEC) of 16.5 and 5.28 kWh/kg, respectively, with the latter value being less than 50% of the lowest values reported in the literature. Even so, analysis of these respective processes found them to be only 2.9% and 3.8% efficient relative to their theoretical minimum energy requirements. By comparison, cold and hot runner molding with an all‐electric machine had SEC of 1.28 and 0.929 kWh/kg, respectively, with efficiencies of 9.9% and 13.6% relative to the theoretical minima. Breakeven analysis considering the cost and carbon footprint of mold tooling found injection molding was preferable at a production quantity of around 70,000 units. Parametric analysis of model inputs indicates that the breakeven quantities are robust with respect to carbon tax incentives but highly dependent on mold costs, labor costs, and part size. Dimensional and mechanical properties of the molded and 3D printed specimens are also characterized and discussed.
Preparation of oriented poly(lactic acid) thin films by a combination of high temperature rubbing and thermal annealing: Impact of annealing parameters on structure, polymorphism and morphology
Authors: Brosset Marion , Herrmann Laurent , Falher Thierry , Brinkmann Martin
Published: January 2023

High temperature rubbing is a fast and low‐cost method to prepare highly oriented films of polymers. This contribution describes the fabrication of smooth and pin‐hole‐free poly(lactic acid) (PLA) thin films of controlled structure and morphology using a combination of rubbing at moderate temperature (T ≤ 100°C) and thermal annealing. We investigate the impact of annealing temperature and duration on the structure of rubbed PLLA and stereo‐complex (SC) thin films. The importance of annealing parameters on polymorphism, crystallinity, crystal dimensions and in‐plane orientation are analyzed using Transmission Electron Microscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and FTIR spectroscopy. Regarding SC PLA films, the conditions are identified to fully transform the equimolar PLLA‐PDLA blend films into pure oriented SC films without presence of homocrystals.
Swing‐out opening of stromal interaction molecule 1
Authors: Horvath Ferdinand , Berlansky Sascha , Maltan Lena , Grabmayr Herwig , Fahrner Marc , Derler Isabella , Romanin Christoph , Renger Thomas , Krobath Heinrich
Published: January 2023

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and senses luminal calcium (Ca2+) concentration. STIM1 activation involves a large‐scale conformational transition that exposes a STIM1 domain termed “CAD/SOAR”, ‐ which is required for activation of the calcium channel Orai. Under resting cell conditions, STIM1 assumes a quiescent state where CAD/SOAR is suspended in an intramolecular clamp formed by the coiled‐coil 1 domain (CC1) and CAD/SOAR. Here, we present a structural model of the cytosolic part of the STIM1 resting state using molecular docking simulations that take into account previously reported interaction sites between the CC1α1 and CAD/SOAR domains. We corroborate and refine previously reported interdomain coiled‐coil contacts. Based on our model, we provide a detailed analysis of the CC1‐CAD/SOAR binding interface using molecular dynamics simulations. We find a very similar binding interface for a proposed domain‐swapped configuration of STIM1, where the CAD/SOAR domain of one monomer interacts with the CC1α1 domain of another monomer of STIM1. The rich structural and dynamical information obtained from our simulations reveals novel interaction sites such as M244, I409, or E370, which are crucial for STIM1 quiescent state stability. We tested our predictions by electrophysiological and Förster resonance energy transfer experiments on corresponding single‐point mutants. These experiments provide compelling support for the structural model of the STIM1 quiescent state reported here. Based on transitions observed in enhanced‐sampling simulations paired with an analysis of the quiescent STIM1 conformational dynamics, our work offers a first atomistic model for CC1α1‐CAD/SOAR detachment.
Transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional consequences of codon usage bias in human cells during heterologous gene expression
Authors: Picard Marion A. L. , Leblay Fiona , Cassan Cécile , Willemsen Anouk , Daron Josquin , Bauffe Frédérique , Decourcelle Mathilde , Demange Antonin , Bravo Ignacio G.
Published: January 2023

Differences in codon frequency between genomes, genes, or positions along a gene, modulate transcription and translation efficiency, leading to phenotypic and functional differences. Here, we present a multiscale analysis of the effects of synonymous codon recoding during heterologous gene expression in human cells, quantifying the phenotypic consequences of codon usage bias at different molecular and cellular levels, with an emphasis on translation elongation. Six synonymous versions of an antibiotic resistance gene were generated, fused to a fluorescent reporter, and independently expressed in HEK293 cells. Multiscale phenotype was analyzed by means of quantitative transcriptome and proteome assessment, as proxies for gene expression; cellular fluorescence, as a proxy for single‐cell level expression; and real‐time cell proliferation in absence or presence of antibiotic, as a proxy for the cell fitness. We show that differences in codon usage bias strongly impact the molecular and cellular phenotype: (i) they result in large differences in mRNA levels and protein levels, leading to differences of over 15 times in translation efficiency; (ii) they introduce unpredicted splicing events; (iii) they lead to reproducible phenotypic heterogeneity; and (iv) they lead to a trade‐off between the benefit of antibiotic resistance and the burden of heterologous expression. In human cells in culture, codon usage bias modulates gene expression by modifying mRNA availability and suitability for translation, leading to differences in protein levels and eventually eliciting functional phenotypic changes.
Possible Half‐Metallic Ferromagnetism in Rare‐Earth Metals Based Ruthenate Double Perovskites: Ba2RERuO6 (RE = Dy, Tm)
Authors: Kazim Muhammad Zafarullah , Ishfaq Mudassir , Aldaghfag Shatha A. , Yaseen Muhammad , Hegazy Hosameldin Helmy
Published: January 2023

Herein, a systematic mechanism behind long‐range ferromagnetic (FM) ground state is described based on 4d–4f interactions demonstrated in strongly correlated Ba2DyRuO6 and Ba2TmRuO6 double‐perovskite (DP) systems. Density functional theory (DFT) + U based possible half‐metallic FM nature of the considered DPs is realized along with integer values of spin magnetic moments (8.0 and 3.0 μB f.u.−1, respectively). This robust FM configuration is mainly dependent on Ru5+ and rare‐earth (RE3+) elements highlighting the importance of B‐site cationic ordering approach used in present study. The optical response of considered rare‐earth ruthenate DPs is also scrutinized, implying their potential usage in optical filter devices. The DFT + U based results are validated via comparing with existing experimental literature. This study suggests Ba2DyRuO6 and Ba2TmRuO6 as a novel addition to the family of half metals and will surely pave the way for materialists to experimentally explore their physical features for spintronic usage.
Two‐phase designs with current status data
Authors: Mao Fangya , Cook Richard J.
Published: January 2023

We consider the design and analysis of two‐phase studies aiming to assess the relation between a fixed (eg, genetic) marker and an event time under current status observation. We consider a common setting in which a phase I sample is comprised of a large cohort of individuals with outcome (ie, current status) data and a vector of inexpensive covariates. Stored biospecimens for individuals in the phase I sample can be assayed to record the marker of interest for individuals selected in a phase II sub‐sample. The design challenge is then to select the phase II sub‐sample in order to maximize the precision of the marker effect on the time of interest under a proportional hazards model. This problem has not been examined before for current status data and the role of the assessment time is highlighted. Inference based on likelihood and inverse probability weighted estimating functions are considered, with designs centered on score‐based residuals, extreme current status observations, or stratified sampling schemes. Data from a registry of patients with psoriatic arthritis is used in an illustration where we study the risk of diabetes as a comorbidity.
Investigation on Phyto‐active Constituent ofClerodendrum paniculatumas Therapeutic Agent against Viral Diseases
Authors: Prathima T. S. , Ahmad Md. Gulzar , Karuppasamy Ramanathan , Chanda Kaushik , Balamurali M. M.
Published: January 2023

The ability of alcohol extracted constituents from the leaves ofClerodendrum paniculatumto inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2 was investigated through various computational methods like docking, molecular dynamic simulations and pharmacokinetic predictions. Of the various active constituents, quercetin was identified as a potent inhibitor that can bind strongly to the active site of main protease (Mpro) and spike protein of the virus with respective binding free energy of −41.07 and −40.76 kcal mol−1. Molecular dynamic simulations also supported the binding interactions by the presence of strong hydrogen bonding interactions with the key residues in the binding pocket of the target protein. The results were ascertained experimentally by evaluating the inhibition potential of the extract against spike and Mproproteins of SARS‐CoV‐2.
PEGylated Redox/pH Dual‐Responsive Dendritic Prodrugs Based on Boltorn® H40 for Tumor Triggered Paclitaxel Delivery
Authors: Mohammadi Elham , Jamal Tabatabaei Rezaei Seyed , Nedaei Keivan , Ramazani Ali , Ramazani Ali
Published: January 2023

A new PEGylated redox/pH dual‐responsive dendritic prodrug (H40‐SS‐PTX/PEG) based on commercially available dendritic polyester, boltorn® H40 (H40), as starting core template was developed and characterized for tumor triggered paclitaxel delivery. The size of the nanocarrier was determined 100 nm by TEM. The results of in vitro drug release study showed that the designed prodrugs exhibit quite intelligent behavior. Thus, under normal physiological conditions (pH=7.4), a very small amount of the drug was released, while in the case of tumor tissue (pH=5.5 and 10 mM DTT) a significant percentage of the drug was released in a same time. Also, the study of the effectiveness of the prodrugs under in vitro condition showed very good results on human breast adenocarcinoma cells. These results suggest that H40‐SS‐PTX/PEG could be a promising multifunctional nanocarrier with excellent stability for safely delivering and releasing of the drug molecules inside the cancerous cells.
DMSO/PhPOCl2Mediated Direct Methanethiolation of Uracils
Authors: Liu An‐Di , Liu Li , Cheng Liang
Published: January 2023

An efficient method for the direct methanethiolation of uracil and its derivatives was explored. Commercially available dimethyl sulfoxide was used as the methylthio source. A group of substituted uracils were successfully obtained in moderate to excellent yields when the combination of dimethyl sulfoxide and phenylphosphonic dichloride was used.
Pentagonal Bipyramidal 3 d‐Metal Complexes Derived from a Dimethylcarbamoyl‐Substituted Pentadentate‐[N3O2] Ligand: Aiming for Increased Solubility
Authors: Jubault Valentin , Genevois François , Pradines Barthélémy , Cahier Benjamin , Jbeli Wejden , Suaud Nicolas , Guihéry Nathalie , Duhayon Carine , Pichon Céline , Sutter Jean‐Pascal
Published: January 2023

A pentadentate‐[N3O2] ligand, H2LNMe2, formed by condensation of diacetyl pyridine and dimethylcarbamoyl hydrazide (i. e. Me2NCONHNH2), is reported to yield mononuclear pentagonal bipyramidal (PBP) metal complexes with CrIII, MnII, FeII, CoII, and NiII, that exhibit good solubility in a wide range of solvents as compared to the classically used H2LR ligands. With CuII, dinuclear complexes were obtained. The potassium salt of the deprotonated ligand, K2LNMe2, was also characterized. The reported complexes consist of [CrH2LNMe2Cl2] ⋅ Cl; Cat[CrLNMe2(CN)2] (Cat=K+ or PNP+); [MH2LNMe2(H2O)2] ⋅ (ClO4)2 with M=MnII, CoII, or NiII; [FeH2LNMe2(MeCN)2] ⋅ (PF6)2 ⋅ MeCN; [FeH2LNMe2(MeOH)X] ⋅ X (X=Br or I); [{CuH2LNMe2}2(MeOH)(ClO4)] ⋅ (ClO4)3 ⋅ 1H2O⋅1.75H2O; [CuHLNMe2]2 ⋅ (ClO4)2 ⋅ H2O; and [CuH2LNMe2(H2O)]2 ⋅ (ClO4)4 ⋅ 5H2O. The magnetic behaviors of the PBP derivatives were assessed, especially the zero‐field splitting (ZFS) characteristics for the CrIII, FeII, CoII, and NiII derivatives. The ZFS characteristics were also determined from ab initio theoretical calculations. The obtained values confirm those extracted from magnetic measurements.
A stretchable and reconfigurable synaptic transistor
Authors: Zhu Dongyang , Ji Deyang
Published: January 2023

Stretchable and reconfigurable artificial synaptic devices with both excitatory and inhibitory properties have a wide range of applications and requirements in high‐performance neuromorphic computing and wearable electronics. Shim et al. have realized reconfigurable synaptic transistors with excitatory and inhibitory properties in the stretched state through elastic bilayer semiconductors, demonstrating great potential for neuromorphic computing.
Photovoltaic Devices Using Sublimed Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskites: Long‐Term Reproducible Processing
Authors: Zanoni Kassio P. S. , Martínez-Goyeneche Lucia , Dreessen Chris , Sessolo Michele , Bolink Henk J.
Published: January 2023

Fully evaporated solar cells using methylammonium iodide (MAI)‐based perovskites can reach power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. An important point to advance perovskite photovoltaics is to ensure reproducibility from batch to batch. Sublimation control of organic ammonium halides is critical in achieving this for evaporated perovskite solar cells. Herein, a reproducible procedure for the coevaporation of PbI2 and MAI based on an evaporator chamber setup with only two quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs) is described. One QCM monitors exclusively the PbI2 precursor (PbI2‐QCM) and the second QCM monitors the total amount of MAPbI3 mass reaching the substrates (MAPbI3‐QCM). It is shown that the MAI evaporation can be reliably monitored, indirectly, through the MAPbI3‐QCM. In this way, the fluctuating sublimation rates usually observed due to variations of MAI purity are avoided. This allows one to obtain consistently high‐performing solar cells over a period of one and a half years.
Advances in Encapsulations for Perovskite Solar Cells: From Materials to Applications
Authors: Shi Yating , Zhang Fei
Published: January 2023

The poor stability hampers the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Many methods have recently been reported to enhance their stability, among which encapsulation is one of the most effective methods to improve the stability of PSCs. Herein, a summary of the factors influencing the stability of PSCs is provided and the commonly used encapsulation technologies and different types of encapsulation materials in detail are introduced. Then, the characterization technologies of encapsulation and stability tests of encapsulated PSCs are proposed. Finally, current issues and chances for encapsulating material development are considered.
Werkstoffeigenschaften höchstfesten Baustahls S960QL im Brandfall
Authors: Uszball Sara , Knobloch Markus
Published: January 2023

In Hoch‐ und Industriebauten werden aufgrund ihres guten Festigkeit‐zu‐Gewicht‐Verhältnisses zunehmend hoch‐ und höchstfeste Baustähle in Form von Blechen, Rohren und Profilstahl eingesetzt. Für Bauwerke mit Brandschutzanforderungen wird der Einsatz hochfester Baustähle derzeit jedoch durch fehlende Kenntnisse zum temperatur‐ und ratenabhängigen Werkstoffverhalten gehemmt. Für eine realitätsnahe Modellierung des Tragverhaltens von Stahlstrukturen stellen umfassende Kenntnisse zum Werkstoffverhalten eine essenzielle Grundlage dar. Im Rahmen des FOSTA‐Forschungsvorhabens P 1502 werden systematische Untersuchungen zu den Werkstoffeigenschaften von höchstfesten Baustählen in Form eines umfangreichen Zugversuchsprogramms durchgeführt. Ziel ist es, das strukturelle Werkstoffverhalten während aller Phasen eines Brands, einschließlich der Abkühlphase, zu charakterisieren. Der vorliegende Beitrag thematisiert das Werkstoffverhalten von vergütetem Baustahl S960QL im Brandfall. Es werden Versuchsergebnisse stationärer sowie instationärer Warmzugversuche zur Charakterisierung des Werkstoffverhaltens während der Heizphase vorgestellt, bewertet und mit bekannten Werkstoffmodellen verglichen. Ergänzend werden die Ergebnisse von Naturbrandversuchen zur Untersuchung des Werkstoffverhaltens in der Abkühlphase von Bränden sowie der Resttragfähigkeit präsentiert.
Bilateral ultrasound‐guided lateral quadratus lumborum block in a minipig undergoing ovariectomy
Authors: Klonner Moriz Ettore , Verdier Natali , Otero Pablo E.
Published: January 2023

A 2‐year‐old Göttingen miniature pig was presented for elective ovariectomy. After premedication with ketamine 15 mg/kg and azaperone 2 mg/kg intramuscularly, general anaesthesia was induced with propofol 1.5 mg/kg intravenously. With the animal in sternal recumbency, a 15 × 15 cm area on the dorsolateral aspect of the flank at the level of the second lumbar vertebra (L2) was clipped and aseptically prepared. Using a linear transducer, the epaxial musculature as well as the quadratus lumborum and abdominal wall muscles were identified. Then, 0.6 ml/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine was injected bilaterally at the level of L2 using a ventral‐to‐dorsal in‐plane approach under ultrasound guidance. Anaesthesia was stable and uneventful. Predefined thresholds for nociception were not exceeded at any time. After recovery, regular pain evaluation using the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)‐Botucatu pig composite acute pain scale did not indicate the need for rescue analgesia up to 4 h after the block was performed.
Variability and long‐term change in Australian monsoon rainfall: A review
Authors: Heidemann Hanna , Cowan Tim , Henley Benjamin J. , Ribbe Joachim , Freund Mandy , Power Scott
Published: January 2023

The Australian monsoon delivers seasonal rain across a vast area of the continent stretching from the far northern tropics to the semi‐arid regions. This article provides a review of advances in Australian monsoon rainfall (AUMR) research and a supporting analysis of AUMR variability, observed trends, and future projections. AUMR displays a high degree of interannual variability with a standard deviation of approximately 34% of the mean. AUMR variability is mostly driven by the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), although sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean and north of Australia also play a role. Decadal AUMR variability is strongly linked to the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), partially through the IPO's impact on the strength and position of the Pacific Walker Circulation and the South Pacific Convergence Zone. AUMR exhibits a century‐long positive trend, which is large (approximately 20 mm per decade) and statistically significant over northwest Australia. The cause of the observed trend is still debated. Future changes in AUMR over the next century remain uncertain due to low climate model agreement on the sign of change. Recommendations to improve the understanding of AUMR and confidence in AUMR projections are provided. This includes improving the representation of atmospheric convective processes in models, further explaining the mechanisms responsible for AUMR variability and change. Clarifying the mechanisms of AUMR variability and change would aid with creating more sustainable future agricultural systems by increasing the reliability of predictions and projections.

This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Modern Climate Change
Is carbon removal delaying emission reductions?
Authors: Carton Wim , Hougaard Inge‐Merete , Markusson Nils , Lund Jens Friis
Published: January 2023

Carbon dioxide removal is rapidly becoming a key focus in climate research and politics. This is raising concerns of “moral hazard” or “mitigation deterrence,” that is, the risk that promises of and/or efforts to pursue carbon removal end up reducing or delaying near‐term mitigation efforts. Some, however, contest this risk, arguing that it is overstated or lacking evidence. In this review, we explore the reasons behind the disagreement in the literature. We unpack the different ways in which moral hazard/mitigation deterrence (MH/MD) is conceptualized and examine how these conceptualizations inform assessments of MH/MD risks. We find that MH/MD is a commonly recognized feature of modeled mitigation pathways but that conclusions as to the real‐world existence of MH/MD diverge on individualistic versus structural approaches to examining it. Individualistic approaches favor narrow conceptualizations of MH/MD, which tend to exclude the wider political‐economic contexts in which carbon removal emerges. This exclusion limits the value and relevance of such approaches. We argue for a broader understanding of what counts as evidence of delaying practices and propose a research agenda that complements theoretical accounts of MH/MD with empirical studies of the political‐economic structures that may drive mitigation deterrence dynamics.

This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Benefits of Mitigation

The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Inequalities in cancer mortality trends in people with type 2 diabetes: 20 year population-based study in England
Authors: Ling Suping , Zaccardi Francesco , Issa Eyad , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh , Brown Karen
Published: January 2023

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this study was to describe the long-term trends in cancer mortality rates in people with type 2 diabetes based on subgroups defined by sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors.

Methods

We defined a cohort of individuals aged ≥35 years who had newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 1 January 1998 and 30 November 2018. We assessed trends in all-cause, all-cancer and cancer-specific mortality rates by age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, obesity and smoking status. We used Poisson regression to calculate age- and calendar year-specific mortality rates and Joinpoint regression to assess trends for each outcome. We estimated standardised mortality ratios comparing mortality rates in people with type 2 diabetes with those in the general population.

Results

Among 137,804 individuals, during a median follow-up of 8.4 years, all-cause mortality rates decreased at all ages between 1998 and 2018; cancer mortality rates also decreased for 55- and 65-year-olds but increased for 75- and 85-year-olds, with average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) of –1.4% (95% CI –1.5, –1.3), –0.2% (–0.3, –0.1), 1.2% (0.8, 1.6) and 1.6% (1.5, 1.7), respectively. Higher AAPCs were observed in women than men (1.5% vs 0.5%), in the least deprived than the most deprived (1.5% vs 1.0%) and in people with morbid obesity than those with normal body weight (5.8% vs 0.7%), although all these stratified subgroups showed upward trends in cancer mortality rates. Increasing cancer mortality rates were also observed in people of White ethnicity and former/current smokers, but downward trends were observed in other ethnic groups and non-smokers. These results have led to persistent inequalities by gender and deprivation but widening disparities by smoking status. Constant upward trends in mortality rates were also observed for pancreatic, liver and lung cancer at all ages, colorectal cancer at most ages, breast cancer at younger ages, and prostate and endometrial cancer at older ages. Compared with the general population, people with type 2 diabetes had a more than 1.5-fold increased risk of colorectal, pancreatic, liver and endometrial cancer mortality during the whole study period.

Conclusions/interpretation

In contrast to the declines in all-cause mortality rates at all ages, the cancer burden has increased in older people with type 2 diabetes, especially for colorectal, pancreatic, liver and endometrial cancer. Tailored cancer prevention and early detection strategies are needed to address persistent inequalities in the older population, the most deprived and smokers.

Graphical abstract
Strenuous physical activity, exercise, and pelvic organ prolapse: a narrative scoping review
Authors: Bø Kari , Anglès-Acedo Sònia , Batra Achla , Brækken Ingeborg H. , Chan Yi Ling , Jorge Cristine Homsi , Kruger Jennifer , Yadav Manisha , Dumoulin Chantale
Published: January 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

High-intensity physical activity and exercise have been listed as possible risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The aim of the present study is to conduct a literature review on the prevalence and incidence of POP in women who engage in regular physical activity. In addition, we review the effects of a single exercise or a single session of exercise on pelvic floor support. Finally, the effect of exercises on POP in the early postpartum period is reviewed.

Methods

This is a narrative scoping review. We searched PubMed and Ovid Medline, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up to May 2022 with the following MeSH terms: “physical activity” AND “exercise” AND “pelvic floor” AND “pelvic organ prolapse”.

Results

Eight prevalence studies were retrieved. Prevalence rates of symptomatic POP varied between 0 (small study within different sports) and 23% (Olympic weightlifters and power lifters). Parity was the only factor associated with POP in most studies. Three studies evaluated the pelvic floor after a single exercise or one session of exercise and found increased vaginal descent or increased POP symptoms. One prospective cohort study reported the development of POP after 6 weeks of military parashot training, and one randomized trial reported increased POP symptoms after transverse abdominal training. There is scant knowledge on exercise and POP in the postpartum period.

Conclusions

Prevalence of POP in sports varies widely. Experimental and prospective studies indicate that strenuous exercise increased POP symptoms and reduced pelvic floor support.
Robotik und Sensortechnik
Authors: Ruckelshausen Arno
Published: January 2023

Sensorsysteme und Feldrobotik sind sowohl wichtige Hilfsmittel als auch Innovationstreiber zur Gestaltung einer nachhaltigeren Landwirtschaft. Insbesondere der Einsatz bildgebender Sensoren mit räumlicher und zeitlicher Auflösung hat in Verbindung mit dem landwirtschaftlichen Wissen das Potenzial, ökologische und ökonomische Zielkonflikte aufzulösen. Die Feldrobotik hat aktuell eine hohe Dynamik im Bereich innovativer Lösungsansätze und erster im Markt befindlicher Produkte. Im Bereich der Systemintegration in den landwirtschaftlichen Betrieb sowie in der Weiterbildung und im Service besteht noch erheblicher Handlungsbedarf für die Feldrobotik, auch ist eine stärkere Fokussierung auf den Nutzen der Systeme für signifikante Marktanteile erforderlich.
Assessment of association between lower ureteric excision technique and oncological outcomes for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: retrospective analysis from the Scottish Renal Cancer Consortium
Authors: Blackmur James Peter , Chew Etienne , Trail Matthew , Brodie Katie , Santoni Nicola , Rodger Flora , Hamilton David , Gaba Fortis , Randall Sophie , Nalagatla Sarika , Little Brian , Janjua Khalid , Sweeney Clare , Martindale Andrew , Qureshi Khaver , Riddick Antony , O’Connor Kevin , McNeill S. Alan , Phipps Simon , Cutress Mark L. , Mains Edward A. A. , Dunn Ian , Reid Sarah , Stewart Grant D. , Lamb Gavin , Aslam Muhammad Zeeshan , Leung Steve , Clark Ross , Wilson Ian , Oades Grenville , Chapman Alexander , Laird Alexander
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Nephroureterectomy(NU) remains the gold-standard surgical option for the management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma(UTUC). Controversy exists regarding the optimal excision technique of the lower ureter. We sought to compare post-UTUC bladder tumour recurrence across the Scottish Renal Cancer Consortium(SRCC).

Methods

Patients who underwent NU for UTUC across the SRCC 2012–2019 were identified. The impact of lower-end surgical technique along with T-stage, N-stage, tumour location and focality, positive surgical margin, pre-NU ureteroscopy, upper-end technique and adjuvant mitomycin C administration were assessed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox-regression. The primary outcome was intra-vesical recurrence-free survival (B-RFS).

Results

In 402 patients, the median follow-up was 29 months. The lower ureter was managed by open transvesical excision in 90 individuals, transurethral and laparoscopic dissection in 76, laparoscopic or open extra-vesical excision in 31 and 42 respectively, and transurethral dissection and pluck in 163. 114(28.4%) patients had a bladder recurrence during follow-up. There was no difference in B-RFS between lower-end techniques by Kaplan–Meier (p = 0.94). When all factors were taken into account by adjusted Cox-regression, preceding ureteroscopy (HR 2.65, p = 0.001), lower ureteric tumour location (HR 2.16, p = 0.02), previous bladder cancer (HR 1.75, p = 0.01) and male gender (HR 1.61, p = 0.03) were associated with B-RFS.

Conclusion

These data suggest in appropriately selected patients, lower ureteric management technique does not affect B-RFS. Along with lower ureteric tumour location, male gender and previous bladder cancer, preceding ureteroscopy was associated with a higher recurrence rate following NU, and the indication for this should be carefully considered.
New method to separate turbulence statistics of fan rotor wakes from background flow
Authors: Caldas Luciano , Meyer Robert
Published: January 2023

The separation of turbulence parameters such as turbulence intensity and integral length scale of fan rotor wakes from background flow from unsteady velocity data is a challenge. The two processes are overlapped, and typically, very few samples of the data are taken inside the rotor wakes, making it hard to perform any spectral analysis. This work proposes a new time domain approach to separate the two processes by using two suitable data tapers. The unsteady velocity cyclic variance distribution is used as reference to establish the border between the blade wakes and the background flow. Results indicate an increase in wake turbulence levels and a slight increase in background turbulence levels with the increase in fan blade loading. The integral length scale of the rotor wakes did not change considerably among the different fan loading analyzed. This contrasts with the values observed for the background flow, which decreased with increasing of fan loading. The rotor wakes seem to be anisotropic, regardless of the fan operating point.

Graphical abstract