bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replacing nitrogen in mineral fertilizers with nitrogen in maize straw increases soil water-holding capacity
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Tian Le , Wang Tianle , Zhang Enhui
Published: April 2024

Soil water-holding capacity decreases due to long-term mineral fertilizer application. The objective of this study was to determine how replacing mineral fertilizer with maize straw affected the soil water retention curve, soil water content, soil water availability, and soil equivalent pore size. Replacement treatments in which 25% (S25), 50% (S50), 75% (S75), and 100% (S100) of 225 kg ha−1 nitrogen from mineral fertilizer (CK) was replaced with equivalent nitrogen from maize straw were conducted for five years in the Loess Plateau of China. The Gardner model was used to fit the soil water retention curve and calculate the soil water constant and equivalent pore size distribution. The results indicated that the Gardner model fitted well. Replacing nitrogen from mineral fertilizer with nitrogen from straw increased soil specific water capacity, soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, soil capillary porosity, and soil available water porosity over time. S25 increased field capacity and wilting point from the fourth fertilization year. S50 enhanced soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, and soil available water porosity from the fifth fertilization year, whereas S25 and S75 increased these from the third fertilization year or earlier. Soil specific water capacity, soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, soil capillary porosity, and soil available water porosity could better reflect soil water-holding capacity and soil water supply capacity compared with field capacity and wilting point.
Deciphering the heterogeneity dominated by tumor-associated macrophages for survival prognostication and prediction of immunotherapy response in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Jiazheng , Guo Hehua , Nie Yalan , Zhou Sirui , Zeng Yulan , Sun Yalu
Published: April 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a specific subset of macrophages that reside inside the tumor microenvironment. The dynamic interplay between TAMs and tumor cells plays a crucial role in the treatment response and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The study aimed to examine the association between TAMs and LUAD to advance the development of targeted strategies and immunotherapeutic approaches for treating this type of lung cancer. The study employed single-cell mRNA sequencing data to characterize the immune cell composition of LUAD and delineate distinct subpopulations of TAMs. The “BayesPrism” and “Seurat” R packages were employed to examine the association between these subgroups and immunotherapy and clinical features to identify novel immunotherapy biomarkers. Furthermore, a predictive signature was generated to forecast patient prognosis by examining the gene expression profile of immunotherapy-associated TAMs subsets and using 104 machine-learning techniques. A comprehensive investigation has shown the existence of a hitherto unidentified subgroup of TAMs known as RGS1 + TAMs, which has been found to have a strong correlation with the efficacy of immunotherapy and the occurrence of tumor metastasis in LUAD patients. CD83 was identified CD83 as a distinct biomarker for the expression of RGS1 + TAMs, showcasing its potential utility as an indicator for immunotherapeutic interventions. Furthermore, the prognostic capacity of the RTMscore signature, encompassing three specific mRNA (NR4A2, MMP14, and NPC2), demonstrated enhanced robustness when contrasted against the comprehensive collection of 104 features outlined in the published study. CD83 has potential as an immunotherapeutic biomarker. Meanwhile, The RTMscore signature established in the present study might be beneficial for survival prognostication.
Enhanced data-driven monitoring of wastewater treatment plants using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test
Authors: Kini K. Ramakrishna , Harrou Fouzi , Madakyaru Muddu , Sun Ying
Published: April 2024

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are indispensable facilities that play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and supporting economic development by efficiently treating and managing wastewater.
The role of mechanochemical treatment of carbon nanotubes in promoting glycerol etherification
Authors: Ptaszyńska Karolina , Eblagon Katarzyna Morawa , Malaika Anna , Figueiredo José Luís , Kozłowski Mieczysław
Published: April 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were functionalized and compared, for the first time applying various mechanochemical methods to endow their surfaces with strongly acidic features. The as-prepared samples were used as catalysts in glycerol etherification.
N^N^C-Cyclometalated rhodium(iii) complexes with isomeric pyrimidine-based ligands: unveiling the impact of isomerism on structural motifs, luminescence and cytotoxicity
Authors: Vorobyeva Sofia N. , Bautina Sof'ya A. , Shekhovtsov Nikita A. , Nikolaenkova Elena B. , Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Golubeva Yuliya A. , Klyushova Lyubov S. , Krivopalov Viktor P. , Rakhmanova Marianna I. , Gourlaouen Christophe , Bushuev Mark B.
Published: April 2024

The degree of steric bulk in isomeric ligands affects structural motifs, luminescence and cytotoxicity of N^N^C-cyclometallated rhodium(iii) complexes.
Understanding contact electrification via direct covalent bond cleavage of polymer chains for ultrahigh electrostatic charge density
Authors: Fu Haiyan , Gong Jianliang , Cao Junhao , Zhang Zehua , Long Zuchang , Yang Bao , Chen Jianzhuang , Chen Yiwang , Tao Xiaoming
Published: April 2024

This study unveils a direct covalent bond cleavage mode within polymer chains for a unified and enhanced understanding of both electrostatic charges and mechanoradicals generated via contact electrification for ultrahigh charge density.
Electrode binder design for high-power, low-Pt loading and durable high temperature fuel cells
Authors: Li Hui , Zuo Peipei , Wu Wenyi , Tang Gonggen , Fang Junkai , Xu Tongwen , Yang Zhengjin
Published: April 2024

We propose and synthesize a multifunctional pentafluorophenyl phosphonated ionomeric binder of intrinsic microporosity, enabling high-power, low-Pt loading and durable high-temperature fuel cells up to 240 °C.
Dendritic nanoparticles for immune modulation: a potential next-generation nanocarrier for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kim DaWon , Javius-Jones Kaila , Mamidi Narsimha , Hong Seungpyo
Published: April 2024

Dendrimers and dendritic NPs are emerging as potential nanoplatforms for cancer immunotherapy. This minireview provides an updated overview of dendrimer conjugates, dendritic hybrids, and dendron-based copolymers for targeted therapy.
Carrier transport in bulk and two-dimensional Zn2(V,Nb,Ta)N3 ternary nitrides
Authors: Kosarev Igor V. , Kistanov Andrey A.
Published: April 2024

Density functional theory-based simulations are applied to study the electronic structures, carrier masses, carrier mobility and carrier relaxation times in bulk and two-dimensional Zn2(V,Nb,Ta)N3 ternary nitrides.
Redox regulation of Ni hydroxides with controllable phase composition towards biomass-derived polyol electro-refinery
Authors: Gui Zhuxin , Jia Yingshuai , Liao Xianping , Yan Tianlan , Gao Boxu , Zhang Wenbiao , Chen Li , Gao Qingsheng , Zhang Yahong , Tang Yi
Published: April 2024

Efficient electro-refinery of biomass-derived glycerol to formic acid was achieved by controlling the phase composition of Ni(OH)2 to regulate its redox properties. The ‘adsorption–activation’ of ortho-hydroxyl groups in polyols was proposed.
1,5-Hydrogen atom transfer of α-iminyl radical cations: a new platform for relay annulation for pyridine derivatives and axially chiral heterobiaryls
Authors: Zhou Yu-Qiang , He Kui-Cheng , Zheng Wei-Hao , Lv Jing-Fang , He Shi-Mei , Yu Ning , Yang Yun-Bo , Liu Lv-Yan , Jiang Kun , Wei Ye
Published: April 2024

A new 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer mode of α-iminyl radical cations has been explored, which enables the efficient construction of fused pyridine and axially chiral heterobiaryl scaffolds via relay annulations.
Double‐layer Byzantine fault‐tolerant grouping consensus algorithm based on raft
Authors: Yuan Haotian , Li Fei , Diao Renhong , Shu Ting
Published: April 2024

Addressing the scalability issues, excessive communication overhead, and challenges in adapting to large‐scale network node environments faced by the Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) consensus algorithm currently employed in consortium blockchains, this paper proposes a Double Layer Consensus Algorithm Based on RAFT and PBFT Consensus Algorithms (DLCA_R_P). The nodes in the blockchain are initially divided into several groups to form the lower‐layer consensus network. Subsequently, the leaders of these groups constitute the upper‐layer consensus network, creating a dual‐layer consensus network structure. Within the lower‐layer consensus network, the PBFT consensus algorithm is employed for consensus among the groups, while the primary accountants form the upper‐layer RAFT consensus network. The algorithm incorporates a supervision mechanism and a reputation mechanism to enhance the security of the consensus network. Additionally, a grouping mechanism is introduced to transform the consensus network into a dynamic structure. Experimental results analysis demonstrates that compared to traditional PBFT consensus algorithms, DLCA_R_P reduces consensus latency by two orders of magnitude and improves throughput by one order of magnitude in a scenario with 100 nodes. Furthermore, it exhibits significant advantages over other improved algorithms. Thus, the DLCA_R_P consensus algorithm exhibits excellent scalability and can be widely applied in various scenarios within consortium blockchains.
Improving diversity of speech‐driven gesture generation with memory networks as dynamic dictionaries
Authors: Zhao Zeyu , Gao Nan , Zeng Zhi , Zhang Guixuan , Liu Jie , Zhang Shuwu
Published: April 2024

Generating co‐speech gestures for interactive digital humans remains challenging because of the indeterministic nature of the problem. The authors observe that gestures generated from speech audio or text by existing neural methods often contain less movement shift than expected, which can be viewed as slow or dull. Thus, a new generative model coupled with memory networks as dynamic dictionaries for speech‐driven gesture generation with improved diversity is proposed. More specifically, the dictionary network dynamically stores connections between text and pose features in a list of key‐value pairs as the memory for the pose generation network to look up; the pose generation network then merges the matching pose features and input audio features for generating the final pose sequences. To make the improvements more accurately measurable, a new objective evaluation metric for gesture diversity that can remove the influence of low‐quality motions is also proposed and tested. Quantitative and qualitative experiments demonstrate that the proposed architecture succeeds in generating gestures with improved diversity.
Communication‐resilient and convergence‐fast peer‐to‐peer energy trading scheme in a fully decentralized framework
Authors: Feng Changsen , Wu Hang , Yang Jiajia , Li Zhiyi , Zhang Youbing , Wen Fushuan
Published: April 2024

The wide deployment of distributed energy resources, combined with a more proactive demand‐side management, is boosting the emergence of the peer‐to‐peer market. In the present study, an innovative peer‐to‐peer energy trading model is introduced, enabling a group of price‐setting prosumers to engage in direct negotiations via a straightforward best‐response approach. A Nash equilibrium problem (NEP) is initially formulated and a sufficient condition for the unique solution of the NEP is derived. Afterward, an asynchronous and convergence‐fast solving method is employed to determine the trading quantity and price. The efficiency and resilience of the presented method are demonstrated through a comprehensive case study.
Modelling appearance variations in expressive and neutral face image for automatic facial expression recognition
Authors: Kumar H N Naveen , M S Guru Prasad , Asif Shah Mohd , Mahadevaswamy  , B Jagadeesh , K Sudheesh
Published: April 2024

In automatic facial expression recognition (AFER) systems, modelling the spatio‐temporal feature information in a specific manner, coalescing, and its effective utilization is challenging. The state‐of‐the‐art studies have examined integrating multiple features to enhance the recognition rate of AFER systems. However, the feature variations between expressive and neutral face images are not fully explored to identify the expression class. The proposed research presents an innovative approach to AFER by modelling appearance variations in both expressive and neutral face images. The prominent contributions of the work are developing a novel and hybrid feature space by integrating the discriminative feature distribution derived from expressive and neutral face images; preserving the highly discriminative latent feature distribution using autoencoders. Local binary pattern (LBP) and histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) are the feature descriptors employed to derive the discriminative texture and shape information, respectively. The component‐based approach is employed, wherein the features are derived from the salient facial regions instead of the whole face. The three‐stage stacked deep convolutional autoencoder (SDCA) and multi‐class support vector machine (MSVM) are employed to address dimensionality reduction and classification, respectively. The efficacy of the proposed model is substantiated by empirical findings, which establish its superiority in terms of accuracy in AFER tasks on widely recognized benchmark datasets.
Investigations of 4H‐SiC trench MOSFET with integrated high‐K deep trench and gate dielectric
Authors: Yao Jiafei , Liu Yuao , Li Ang , Han Xue , Yao Qing , Yang Kemeng , Li Man , Chen Jing , Zhang Maolin , Zhang Jun , Guo Yufeng
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes and investigates a novel 4H‐SiC trench MOSFET (TMOS) with integrated high‐K deep trench and gate dielectric (INHK‐TMOS). The integrated high‐K (INHK) consists of a high‐K gate dielectric and an extended high‐K deep trench dielectric in the drift region. Firstly, the high‐K gate dielectric together with the metal‐forming high‐K metal gate structure, which increases the gate oxide capacitance (COX), reduces the threshold voltage (VTH) and the specific on‐resistance (Ron,sp). Secondly, the extended high‐K deep trench dielectric not only modulates the electric field in the drift region by introducing a new electric field peak at the bottom of the high‐K deep trench dielectric, thereby enhancing the breakdown voltage (BV), but also improves the doping concentration (ND) of the drift region by the assist depletion effect of the high‐K dielectric, further optimizing the forward conduction characteristics. Simulation results demonstrate that when compared to the conventional TMOS, the INHK‐TMOS using HfO2 exhibits a 52.6% reduction in VTH, a 52.1% reduction in Ron,sp, a 20.3% increasement in BV and a 202.3% improvement in figure of merit.
Vers un diagnostic biologique sanguin de la maladie d’Alzheimer ?
Authors: Delaby Constance , Lehmann Sylvain
Published: April 2024

Le nombre croissant de personnes atteintes de la maladie d’Alzheimer (MA) représente un problème majeur de santé publique. Le diagnostic de la MA est multidisciplinaire et intègre des marqueurs biologiques dosés dans le liquide cérébrospinal1. Les progrès techniques et analytiques récents permettent de disposer désormais de nouveaux biomarqueurs sanguins prometteurs pour la détection précoce et peu invasive de la MA, mais aussi pour le diagnostic différentiel de la démence et pour le suivi des patients. L’objectif de cette synthèse est de fournir une vue d’ensemble des biomarqueurs sanguins actuels et candidats de la MA, de leur valeur informative et de leur potentiel à être intégrés prochainement à la pratique clinique.
Schwere konjunktivale und korneale epitheliale Dysplasie: eine Fallserie
Authors: Jähnig Angelika , Pfau Kristina , Meyer Peter , Gatzioufas Zisis
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund/Ziele Die Gruppe der Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia (OSSN) zählt zu den häufigsten nicht pigmentierten Malignomen der Augenoberfläche. Histologisch zeigt sich dabei eine große Spanne von einer milden epithelialen Dysplasie bis hin zum invasiven Plattenepithelkarzinom. Weiterhin lässt sich zudem zwischen einer reinen Bindehaut- und zusätzlichen Hornhautbeteiligung unterscheiden. Bei Patienten, die sich nicht in regelmäßiger augenärztlicher Behandlung befinden, wird die Diagnose aufgrund von fehlenden Leitsymptomen in Frühstadien meist sehr spät gestellt. Die vorliegende Fallserie mit klinischen und histologischen Daten zum OSSN soll auf mögliche klinische Erscheinungsbilder, relevante Risikofaktoren, histologische und zytologische Besonderheiten sowie Therapieoptionen aufmerksam machen.

Methoden Retrospektive Fallserie von Patienten mit histologisch gesicherter schwerer epithelialer Dysplasie der Bindehaut und Hornhaut im Sinne einer OSSN (Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia) an der Augenklinik des Universitätsspitals Basel. Demografische Daten, Symptome, Diagnostik (Fotodokumentationen, Bürstenbiopsie), Behandlung sowie zytologisches und/oder histologisches Material und Befunde wurden analysiert.

Ergebnisse Wir berichten über 5 Patienten im Alter zwischen 41 und 92 Jahren zum Zeitpunkt der Diagnosestellung. Bei allen Patienten stellt sich im histologischen Befund eine schwere epitheliale Dysplasie dar, die sich in einem heterogenen klinischen Bild präsentiert. Es zeigt sich in allen Fällen eine von der Konjunktiva ausgehende Läsion, jeweils mit Limbusüberschreitung und einhergehender Hornhautbeteiligung. Die jeweilige primäre Behandlung umfasste eine operative Exzision. In einem Fall wurde diese aufgrund von rezidivierenden Metaplasien mehrfach notwendig und durch eine anschließende Mitomycin-C-Therapie ergänzt. Im klinischen Outcome ergaben sich große Unterschiede von einer vollständige Restitutio ad integrum bis hin zur Notwendigkeit einer Enukleation.

Schlussfolgerung Das klinische Bild der OSSN präsentiert sich als sehr heterogen, was die initiale Diagnosestellung erschwert. Offizielle Behandlungsleitlinien bestehen dabei nicht, sodass sich die Therapie der Wahl zwischen den einzelnen Kliniken unterscheidet. Regelmäßige ophthalmologische Nachkontrollen sind auch nach vollständiger chirurgischer Exzision empfohlen. Mögliche relevante Begleiterkrankungen und Risikofaktoren sollten im Vorfeld der Therapie erfasst werden.
Der ängstliche Patient
Authors: Lissner Malte
Published: April 2024

Wie können Patienten, die Angst vor der Narkose und dem operativen Eingriff haben, emotional aufgefangen und anästhesiologisch fachgerecht betreut werden?
Acute Myopic Shift after a Single Dose of Acetazolamide: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kaisari Eirini , Abouzeid Hana , Magnin Laurent , Boeuf Melanie , Gkaragkani Evangelia , Schalenbourg Ann , Wolfensberger Thomas J. , Kaeser Pierre-François
Published: April 2024

We report the case of a 32-year-old male who presented with an acute myopic shift as a result of uveal effusion following a single administration of 250 mg acetazolamide. The drug was discontinued and following cycloplegia and topical steroid therapy, we observed progressive deepening of the anterior chamber, reopening of the iridocorneal angle, and complete resolution of the myopic shift after 5 days. A literature review since 1956 identified 23 cases, including ours, which developed a myopic shift after a median time of 24 h (3 – 24) following a median dose of 500 mg (125 – 1000) acetazolamide, with about a third complicated by angle closure ocular hypertension. This presumed idiosyncratic reaction can occur without prior drug exposure and independent of the phakic status. Treatment options include systematic drug withdrawal associated with cycloplegia, anti-glaucomatous agents, and/or corticosteroids. Full recovery is achieved within about 5 days (2 – 14). Given the
widespread use of acetazolamide, awareness of this idiosyncratic reaction is crucial to avoid complications of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
So weit die Füße tragen?
Authors: Schalk Richard , Nast Angela , Peters Benedict , Nichler Svenja , Puls Jörn
Published: April 2024

Die Fußgesundheit ist eine wichtige Voraussetzung, um die geforderte und gewohnte Arbeitsleistung erbringen zu können. Gerade im OP sind spezifische Belastungen durch langes Stehen oder Gehen besonders ausgeprägt. OP-Schuhe können die Fußgesundheit stark beeinflussen, wenn sie nicht an die Bedürfnisse der Mitarbeiter angepasst werden.
Teilhabe im Kinderkrankenhaus: Formate zur Verwirklichung des Rechts
auf Partizipation von jungen Patientinnen und Patienten
Authors: Voigt-Blaurock Varinka , Jung-Sievers Caroline , Bauer Julia , Clark Holly , Coenen Michaela , Klein Christoph , Rehfuess Eva Annette , Ruther Carolin , Voss Stephan
Published: April 2024

Basierend auf der UN-Kinderrechtskonvention haben Kinder und Jugendliche das
Recht, in allen sie betreffenden Angelegenheiten mitzubestimmen und mitzuwirken.
Dies gilt insbesondere auch dann, wenn sie Patient*innen im Kinderkrankenhaus
sind. Im internationalen Kontext bestehen bereits etablierte Formate zur
Partizipation junger Patient*innen in gesundheitlichen Belangen, z. B. im Rahmen
von „Children’s Councils“ oder „Young Person’s Advisory Groups“. In Deutschland
fehlen solche Ansätze bis dato weitgehend. Es bleibt ein Desiderat, passende
Formate zu entwickeln, die eine sinnvolle und wirksame Partizipation der jungen
Patient*innen im Gesundheitswesen ermöglichen. Diese Formate sind so zu wählen,
dass sie realistisch im klinischen Setting und in der pädiatrischen Forschung
umgesetzt und langfristig aufrechterhalten werden können. Vor dem Hintergrund
der Stärkung der Kinderrechte im Gesundheitswesen sind eine Weiterentwicklung
solch partizipativer Formate ebenso wie deren nachhaltige Implementierung und
Evaluation wünschenswert.
Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen: Implikationen für ein
Wettbewerbsbild im Versicherungs-, Behandlungs- und
Leistungsmarkt
Authors: Zerth Jürgen
Published: April 2024

Mit der Digitalisierung wird die Möglichkeit deutlich, kontextualisierte und
vernetzte Gesundheitsdaten zu nutzen. Durch reduzierte Informationsasymmetrien
soll ein Beitrag zur effektiveren und effizienteren Steuerung von
Gesundheitsressourcen entstehen. Damit entstehen Auswirkungen auf den
institutionalisierten Rahmen im traditionellen Akteursdreieck. Plattformen
verändern und erweitern die Formen der Interaktion darin erheblich. Zwei Formen
der Plattformarchitektur müssen erwähnt werden. Die erste hilft, heterogene
Datenquellen zu kombinieren, um effektivere Gesundheitsinformationen zu
generieren, und die zweite trägt zur Organisation integrierter
Versorgungsmodelle bei. Insbesondere ein erweitertes Datenökosystem, das sich
auf prädiktive Datenmodellierung bezieht, verändert das traditionelle Modell der
Steuerung von Gesundheitsrisiken und der Organisation von
Gesundheitsversorgung.
Krankenkassen als aktive Mitgestalter der
Gesundheitsversorgung
Authors: Jacobs Klaus , Vauth Christoph
Published: April 2024

In diesem Beitrag geht es um die Rolle der Krankenkassen bei der
Versorgungsgestaltung. Zunächst wird am Beispiel der Integrierten Versorgung
gezeigt, dass der vor rund dreißig Jahren eingeführte Kassenwettbewerb diese
Rolle nicht signifikant gestärkt hat, weil die wettbewerblichen
Rahmenbedingungen unvollständig blieben. Anschließend werden drei Beispiele
gegeben, wie die Krankenkassen im Wettbewerb, aber auch gemeinsam, aktiv zur
Verbesserung der ihrer Versicherten beitragen können: mit Patientenlotsen, bei
der Versorgung von Langzeitgepflegten im Heim und im „klassischen“
Vertragswettbewerb. Hierfür muss die Gesundheitspolitik die Voraussetzungen
gezielt verbessern.
Artropatia ocronótica e alcaptonúria (ocronose): Relato de caso
Authors: Ariel de Lima Diego , Bastos Yaly Rebouças Carneiro , Aquino Filho Jailson Castro de , Paiva Danilo Lopes de , Clazzer Renata , Lima Lana Lacerda de
Published: April 2024

A alcaptonúria (alkaptonuria, AKU, em inglês) é uma condição genética rara em que a deficiência da enzima ácido homogentísico oxidase, produzida pelo fígado e pelos rins, interfere no metabolismo dos aminoácidos fenilalanina e tirosina. Embora possa não apresentar sintomas, a AKU pode levar à ocronose, um acúmulo anormal em tecidos do corpo de um pigmento chamado alcaptona. Com o passar do tempo, esse acúmulo de pigmento nas articulações pode levar a uma osteoartrose secundária conhecida como artropatia ocronótica, que é a forma mais incapacitante da doença. Devido à raridade da condição e à falta de conhecimento disseminado quanto a ela, relata-se um caso para descrever um diagnóstico de artropatia ocronótica de joelho que só foi identificado após a cirurgia. Devido à raridade dessa condição, sobretudo no Brasil, a descrição de casos ajudará na compreensão da epidemiologia nacional, assim como na divulgação de mais informações sobre a AKU e suas manifestações clínicas, sobretudo as osteoarticulares.
Comparison of Reconstruction of Maxilloalveolar Resections in Head and Neck Cancers with Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Flap (ALT) versus Standard ALT Flap
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Jaffar Samreen , Mantri Mayur , Bindu Ameya , Mathews Saumya , Jaiswal Dushyant , Shankhdhar Vinay Kant
Published: April 2024

Background Oral malignancy that presents at a locally advanced stage needs complex surgical resections in which the maxillary cavity is usually left open. The constant maxillary secretions lead to problems like poor healing, fistula formation, and flap necrosis, causing longer hospital stays, delayed adjuvant therapy, and additional surgeries. Several methods have been tried to ameliorate this, each faced with its own difficulties. This study describes the use of chimeric free anterolateral thigh (ALT) with vastus lateralis (VL) muscle to tackle this problem.

Materials and Methods With the aim to assess the advantage of reconstruction of maxillo-alveolar resections using chimeric ALT + VL, we analyzed data from 20 cases reconstructed with chimeric free ALT + VL over a year. We compared them with twenty matched controls reconstructed with standard ALT. Analysis was done with respect to intraoperative ease, adequacy of maxillary sinus fill, postoperative secretions, length of hospital stay, duration to adjuvant therapy, and postoperative complications tabulated using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification.

Results It was found that chimeric ALT + VL gave greater freedom of movement to plug the maxillary cavity easily. The chimeric arm patients had fewer complications and a shorter mean hospital stay. Most of them received adjuvant therapy within their optimal time window.

Conclusion Chimeric ALT with vastus lateralis muscle is a reliable option for reconstructing complex defects, especially with dead space cavities like the maxillary sinus. Effective plugging of the maxillary sinus during the primary surgery results in better patient outcomes and must be done routinely.
Mutational Profiling by Next-Generation Sequencing in Patients with Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Our Experience
Authors: Deka Hitesh , Mahanta Neelakshi , Kalita Naba Kumar , Goswami Bibhash Chandra
Published: April 2024

Introduction According to GLOBOCAN 2020, overall lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both sexes (11.4%) accounting for highest cancer-related mortality (18%).1 Adenocarcinoma subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common subtype and is divided into further molecular subtypes based on oncogenic driver mutations. Overall survival in these patients is poor with the use of conventional platinum-based double chemotherapy and various recent studies on targeted therapy studies have showed improved survival. Therefore, broad panel-based testing like next-generation sequencing (NGS) is strongly recommended to identify these targetable driver mutations.

Aims and Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the mutational profile in patients with metastatic NSCLC (mNSCLC) by NGS method.

Materials and Methods A hospital-based prospective observational study done on 88 patients under the Department of Medical Oncology, State Cancer Institute during a period of 1 year. All patients above 18 years of age diagnosed as mNSCLC having Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2 and evaluated for mutational profiling by NGS method were included. Five gene panel tests including endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK), BRAF, mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET), and ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1) were used.

Results and Observations Majority of mNSCLC cases were in the age group of 41 to 50 years (n = 30, 34.1%) with average age at presentation being 53.74 years. Male: female ratio was 1.14:1 and most patients were nonsmokers. Adenocarcinoma subtype of mNSCLC cases had the highest mutational burden (n = 55, 62.5%). EGFR (n = 32, 56.14%) was the most common mutation followed by EML4-ALK (n = 19, 33.33%). Most common EGFR mutation was in Exon 19. Other rare mutations were ROS1 (n = 4), BRAF V600E (n = 1), and MET (n = 1). Skeleton was the most common site of metastasis across all driver mutations.

Conclusion EGFR and EML4-ALK were the commonest targetable mutations detected in the study. As there is very limited data from North Eastern region of India regarding mutational status in mNSCLC, this study opens up possibilities for further studies targeting multiple mutations to give us more comprehensive understanding of the mutational landscape of mNSCLC in this era of precision medicine.
Research on flipped classrooms in foreign language teaching in Chinese higher education
Authors: Kong Wen , Li Di , Guo Quanjiang
Published: April 2024

This review examines 233 articles published in Chinese academic journals between 2011 and 2021, documenting the state of research concerning flipped classrooms (FCs) in foreign language teaching within the context of higher education in China. Employing the methodological approach of a scoping review, the investigation is underpinned by the five-stage framework articulated by Arksey and O’Malley. The results reveal a notable surge in FC-related studies between 2013 and 2017, with a subsequent decline in scholarly attention. The majority of the reviewed studies on FCs focused on English instruction at the college level, with a conspicuous dearth of inquiry into the application of FCs in the teaching of other foreign languages. All studies were categorized as either empirical or non-empirical, and the most frequently used instruments for data collection were surveys and interviews; case studies were underrepresented in the literature. Early studies focused on the introduction of the new model, while more recent investigations focused on the impact of its implementation. The findings of the in-depth content analysis unearthed a prevailing trend of high learner satisfaction with the FC model, along with favorable direct and indirect educational outcomes. Noteworthy factors influencing the efficacy of FCs included learners’ foreign language proficiency and their self-regulation or self-discipline abilities. The paper concludes with a discussion of the challenges in FC implementation and a call for future research on this promising pedagogy.
Exploring layer thinning of exfoliated β-tellurene and room temperature photoluminescence with large exciton binding energy revealed in β-TeO2
Authors: Aljalham Ghadeer , Alsaggaf Sarah , Albawardi Shahad , Tabbakh Thamer , Addamane Sadhvikas J. , DelRio Frank W. , Amer Moh R.
Published: April 2024

Due to its tunable bandgap, anisotropic behavior, and superior thermoelectric properties, device applications using layered tellurene (Te) are becoming more attractive. Here, we report a thinning technique for exfoliated tellurene nanosheets using thermal annealing in an oxygen environment. We characterize different thinning parameters, including temperature and annealing time. Based on our measurements, we show that controlled layer thinning occurs in the narrow temperature range of 325–350 °C. We also show a reliable method to form β-tellurene oxide (β-TeO2), which is an emerging wide bandgap semiconductor with promising electronic and optoelectronic properties. This wide bandgap semiconductor exhibits a broad photoluminescence (PL) spectrum with multiple peaks covering the range of 1.76–2.08 eV. This PL emission, coupled with Raman spectra, is strong evidence of the formation of 2D β-TeO2. We discuss the results obtained and the mechanisms of Te thinning and β-TeO2 formation at different temperature regimes. We also discuss the optical bandgap of β-TeO2 and show the existence of pronounced excitonic effects evident by the large exciton binding energy in this 2D β-TeO2 system that reach 1.54–1.62 eV for bulk and monolayer, respectively. Our work can be utilized to have better control over the Te nanosheet thickness. It also sheds light on the formation of well-controlled β-TeO2 layered semiconductors for electronic and optoelectronic applications.
Evidence of gas phase nucleation of nanodiamond in microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Nikhar Tanvi , Baryshev Sergey V.
Published: April 2024

The mechanism of ballas-like nanodiamond formation still remains elusive, and this work attempts to analyze its formation in the framework of activation energy (Ea) of nanodiamond films grown from a H2/CH4 plasma in a 2.45 GHz chemical vapor deposition system. The Ea was calculated from the Arrhenius equation corresponding to the thickness growth rate using substrate temperature (∼1000−1300 K) in all the calculations. While the calculated values matched with the Ea for nanodiamond formation throughout the literature, these values of ∼10 kcal/mol were lower compared to ∼15–25 kcal/mol for standard single crystal diamond (SCD) formation, concluding thus far that the energetics and processes involved were different. Further, the substrate preparation and sample collection method were modified while keeping the growth parameters constant. Unseeded Si substrate was physically separated from the plasma discharge by a molybdenum disk with a pinhole drilled in it. Small quantity of a sample substance was collected on the substrate. The sample was characterized by electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, confirming it to be nanodiamond, thus suggesting that nanodiamond self-nucleated in the plasma and flowed to the substrate that acted as a mere collection plate. It is hypothesized then, if nanodiamond nucleates in gas phase, gas temperature has to be used in the Arrhenius analysis. The Ea values for all the nanodiamond films were re-calculated using the simulated gas temperature (∼1500−2000 K) obtained from a simple H2/CH4 plasma model, giving new values within the range characteristic to SCD formation. Based on these findings, a unified growth mechanism for nanodiamond and SCD is proposed, concluding that the rate-limiting reactions for nanodiamond and SCD formation are the same.
Influence of magnetic properties on elemental vacancy migration energy in Fe49.5Mn29.4Co10.1Cr10.1C0.9 high-entropy alloy
Authors: Ibrahim Shehu Adam , Shi Tan , Su Zhengxiong , Liu Chenguang , Peng Qing , Lu Chenyang
Published: April 2024

Randomly mixing ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) elements in high-entropy alloys (HEAs) can create fluctuating local magnetic moments that influence the energetics of point defects. In this study, we employed first-principles calculations to investigate the influence of magnetic properties on vacancy migration energy in Fe49.5Mn29.4Co10.1Cr10.1C0.9, alongside equiatomic NiCoFeCrMn alloy. By examining structures with paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, and no spin polarization, our study reveals significant impacts of magnetic interactions on vacancy migration barriers, potentially altering the sequence of elemental migration energies if overlooked. In Fe49.5Mn29.4Co10.1Cr10.1C0.9, the order of vacancy migration barriers is Co > Fe > Mn > Cr across all magnetic states, suggesting the dominant roles of atomic properties and inherent chemical bonding. Conversely, the NiCoFeCrMn HEA exhibits a pronounced magnetic state-dependent elemental migration energy order, indicating that magnetic interactions significantly influence vacancy migration behavior in this alloy. In addition, while FM elements generally exhibit higher migration barriers, AFM elements display lower barriers in the investigated Cantor alloys, with notable variations between the studied compositions. These findings underscore the critical role of magnetism in accurate migration energy calculations, which is important for studying chemically biased diffusion and radiation-induced segregation in HEAs.
A first-principles investigation of BF3 and ClF3 gas sensing on N-defected AlN nanosheets
Authors: Tonny Ishrat Jahan , Khatun Mim , Roy Debashis , Roman Abdullah Al , Ahmed Mohammad Tanvir
Published: April 2024

We conducted theoretical calculations to examine the energetic stability of pristine aluminum nitride (AlN) and N-defected AlN nanosheets, along with their structural, electronic, and optical properties, utilizing density functional theory. Furthermore, we explored the adsorption properties of BF3 and ClF3 toxic gases on both pristine AlN and N-defected AlN nanosheets. Our findings reveal that the N-defect on the AlN nanosheet enhances the gas adsorption energies (−1.354 and −13.263 eV) compared to the pristine AlN nanosheet. Additionally, the absolute value of the bandgap for the N-defected AlN nanosheet increases to 3.032 eV, exceeding the 2.997 eV value of the pristine AlN nanosheet. The gas molecules suffer significant deformation due to their interaction with adsorbents. Upon BF3 gas adsorption, the bandgap of the N-defected AlN nanosheet diminishes to zero. Moreover, the recovery time after gas adsorption on the N-defected AlN nanosheet surpasses that of the pristine AlN nanosheet. Both adsorbents showed a high absorption coefficient of over 104 cm−1 in the UV region. Significant peak shifting in the optical spectra of the N-defected AlN nanosheet was observed due to gas adsorption. The pronounced changes in structural, electronic, and optical properties following toxic gas adsorption suggest that N-defected AlN nanosheets are suitable for the adsorption (dissociation) of BF3 (ClF3) gases.
Developing spatially explicit and stochastic measures of ecological departure
Authors: Provencher Louis , Byer Sarah , Badik Kevin J. , Clifford Michael J.
Published: April 2024

Background Ecological departure is a metric applied to mapped ecological systems measuring dissimilarity between the distributions of observed and expected proportions of non-stochastic reference vegetation classes within an area. Aims We created spatially explicit measures of ecological departure incorporating stochasticity for each ecological system and all ecological systems from a central Nevada, USA, landscape. Methods Spatially explicit ecological departures were estimated from a radius from each pixel governed by a distance-decay function within a moving window. Variability was introduced by simulating replicate climate time series for each spatial reference condition and calculating departure per replicate. Key results Single-system spatial ecological departure was high and extensive, except for one area of low-elevation groundwater-dependent systems. Variance of spatial ecological departure was extensively low, except in areas of lower ecological departure, despite vegetation differences among replicates. The multiple-system ecological departure exhibited lower values. Conclusions Spatial ecological departure is warranted for efficient land management as results were concordant between non-spatial and spatial metrics; however, rapid coding languages will be required. Implications Spatially explicit ecological departure of both single and multiple systems facilitate localised vegetation and wildlife habitat management and land protection decisions.
Koala admissions to a wildlife hospital in coastal New South Wales, Australia, over a nine-year period, 2014–2022
Authors: Dutton-Regester Kate J.
Published: April 2024

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population in Australia has been subjected to numerous threats leading to a significant decline in their numbers. The Port Macquarie region serves as a vital habitat for these iconic marsupials. Analysing records of 1227 koalas admitted to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (2014–2022), this study aimed to understand admission causes, temporal trends, and risk factors. Anthropogenic activities accounted for almost half (49.7%) of all admissions with ‘dangerous area’ and ‘motor vehicle accident’ (MVA) being common aetiologies. Young koalas were more susceptible to ‘dangerous area’, ‘MVA’, and ‘dog attack’ than other age groups. Koalas admitted for suspected chlamydia were also a significant contributing factor for admissions, and was most common in young koalas. Overall, the majority of koalas were candidates for rehabilitation or release (54.3%), but mature and aged koalas had the highest odds for mortality. This study highlights the ongoing impact of anthropogenic activities on koalas, emphasises the need for public education and reporting to mitigate risks, and underscores the importance of addressing diseases like chlamydia. These results contribute to our understanding of the factors influencing koala hospital admissions and can inform conservation and management strategies for this iconic Australian species.
Maximum entropy determination of mammalian proteome dynamics
Authors: Dear Alexander J. , Garcia Gonzalo A. , Meisl Georg , Collins Galen A. , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Goldberg Alfred L.
Published: April 2024

Full understanding of proteostasis and energy utilization in cells will require knowledge of the fraction of cell proteins being degraded with different half-lives and their rates of synthesis. We therefore developed a method to determine such information that combines mathematical analysis of protein degradation kinetics obtained in pulse–chase experiments with Bayesian data fitting using the maximum entropy principle. This approach will enable rapid analyses of whole-cell protein dynamics in different cell types, physiological states, and neurodegenerative disease. Using it, we obtained surprising insights about protein stabilities in cultured cells normally and upon activation of proteolysis by mTOR inhibition and increasing cAMP or cGMP. It revealed that >90% of protein content in dividing mammalian cell lines is long-lived, with half-lives of 24 to 200 h, and therefore comprises much of the proteins in daughter cells. The well-studied short-lived proteins (half-lives < 10 h) together comprise <2% of cell protein mass, but surprisingly account for 10 to 20% of measurable newly synthesized protein mass. Evolution thus appears to have minimized intracellular proteolysis except to rapidly eliminate misfolded and regulatory proteins.
BRG1 programs PRC2-complex repression and controls oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Yang Lijun , Du Yiwen , Wang Jincheng , Weng Qinjie , Liu Xuezhao , Nicholson Eva , Xin Mei , Lu Qing Richard
Published: April 2024

Chromatin-remodeling protein BRG1/SMARCA4 is pivotal for establishing oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage identity. However, its functions for oligodendrocyte-precursor cell (OPC) differentiation within the postnatal brain and during remyelination remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that Brg1 loss profoundly impairs OPC differentiation in the brain with a comparatively lesser effect in the spinal cord. Moreover, BRG1 is critical for OPC remyelination after injury. Integrative transcriptomic/genomic profiling reveals that BRG1 exhibits a dual role by promoting OPC differentiation networks while repressing OL-inhibitory cues and proneuronal programs. Furthermore, we find that BRG1 interacts with EED/PRC2 polycomb-repressive-complexes to enhance H3K27me3-mediated repression at gene loci associated with OL-differentiation inhibition and neurogenesis. Notably, BRG1 depletion decreases H3K27me3 deposition, leading to the upregulation of BMP/WNT signaling and proneurogenic genes, which suppresses OL programs. Thus, our findings reveal a hitherto unexplored spatiotemporal-specific role of BRG1 for OPC differentiation in the developing CNS and underscore a new insight into BRG1/PRC2-mediated epigenetic regulation that promotes and safeguards OL lineage commitment and differentiation.
Photodoping-Modified Charge Density Wave Phase Transition in WS2/1T-TaS2 Heterostructure
Authors: Wang 王 Rui 瑞 , Ding 丁 Jianwei 建伟 , Sun 孙 Fei 飞 , Zhao 赵 Jimin 继民 , Qiu 裘 Xiaohui 晓辉
Published: April 2024

Controlling collective electronic states hold great promise for development of innovative devices. Here, we experimentally detect the modification of the charge density wave (CDW) phase transition within a 1T-TaS2 layer in a WS2/1T-TaS2 heterostructure using time-resolved ultrafast spectroscopy. Laser-induced charge transfer doping strongly suppresses the commensurate CDW phase, which results in a significant decrease in both the phase transition temperature (T
c) and phase transition stiffness. We interpret the phenomenon that photo-induced hole doping, when surpassing a critical threshold value of ∼ 1018 cm−3, sharply decreases the phase transition energy barrier. Our results provide new insights into controlling the CDW phase transition, paving the way for optical-controlled novel devices based on CDW materials.
Prediction of Ground State Configurations and Electrochemical Properties of Li3InCl6 Doped with F, Br, and Ga
Authors: Lu 鲁 Zheng-Yu 征宇 , Chen 陈 Le-Tian 乐添 , Hu 胡 Xu 绪 , Chen 陈 Su-Ya 素雅 , Zhang 张 Xu 旭 , Zhou 周 Zhen 震
Published: April 2024

Compared with conventional solid-state electrolytes, halide solid-state electrolytes have several advantages such as a wider electrochemical window, better compatibility with oxide cathode materials, improved air stability, and easier preparation conditions making them conductive to industrial production. We concentrate on a typical halide solid-state electrolyte, Li3InCl6, predict the most stable structure after doping with Br, F, and Ga by using the Alloy Theoretic Automated Toolkit based on first-principles calculations, and verify the accuracy of the prediction model. To investigate the potential of three equivalently doped ground state configurations of Li3InCl6 as solid-state electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, their specific properties such as crystal structure, band gap, convex packing energy, electrochemical stability window, and lithium-ion conductivity are computationally analyzed using first-principles calculations. After a comprehensive evaluation, it is determined that the F-doped ground state configuration Li3InCl2.5F3.5 exhibits better thermal stability, wider electrochemical stability window, and better lithium ion conductivity (1.80 mS⋅cm−1 at room temperature). Therefore, Li3InCl2.5F3.5 has the potential to be used in the field of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries as a new type of halide electrolyte.