bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Strengthening of Dislocation and Heterodeformation Induced in Gradient Nanograined Copper Film: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Qiang Wanzhi , Wu Qi , Long Lianchun
Published: January 2023

Unlike conventional homogeneous nanograined (NG) materials, gradient structured materials combine high strength and ductility. The gradient nanograined (GNG) structures are divided into three zones by grain size: the small‐grained zone, the transition‐grained zone, and the large‐grained zone. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is performed to investigate the effect of the widths of zones on the strength of GNG structures with different grain sizes. The simulation results reveal the strengthening mechanism of GNG structures from the perspective of microstructure evolution. With the change in grain size, the dominant deformation mode changes from grain boundary (GB) activities in the mall‐grained zone to dislocation slip in the large one. The inverse Hall–Petch phenomenon is observed during plastic deformation. Synergistic strengthening of dislocation and heterodeformation induced (HDI) can be achieved in the structure by regulating the widths of zones with different grain sizes.
Endothelial IK and SK channel activation decreases pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Daneva Zdravka , Chen Yen‐Lin , Ta Huy Q. , Manchikalapudi Vamsi , Bazaz Abhishek , Laubach Victor E. , Sonkusare Swapnil K.
Published: January 2023

Endothelial cells (ECs) from small pulmonary arteries (PAs) release nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin, which lower pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). In pulmonary hypertension (PH), the levels of endothelium‐derived NO and prostacyclin are reduced, contributing to elevated PAP. Small‐and intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (IK and SK)—additional crucial endothelial mediators of vasodilation—are also present in small PAs, but their function has not been investigated in PH. We hypothesized that endothelial IK and SK channels can be targeted to lower PAP in PH. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp experiments showed functional IK and SK channels in ECs, but not smooth muscle cells, from small PAs. Using a SU5416 plus chronic hypoxia (Su + CH) mouse model of PH, we found that currents through EC IK and SK channels were unchanged compared with those from normal mice. Moreover, IK/SK channel‐mediated dilation of small PAs was preserved in Su + CH mice. Consistent with previous reports, endothelial NO levels and NO‐mediated dilation were reduced in small PAs from Su + CH mice. Notably, acute treatment with IK/SK channel activators decreased PAP in Su + CH mice but not in normal mice. Further, chronic activation of IK/SK channels decreased PA remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy, which are pathological hallmarks of PH, in Su + CH mice. Collectively, our data provide the first evidence that, unlike endothelial NO release, IK/SK channel activity is not altered in PH. Our results also demonstrate proof of principle that IK/SK channel activation can be used as a strategy for lowering PAP in PH.
Anakinra was not associated with lower mortality in hospitalised COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shang Wenli , Zhang Yingying , Wang Guizuo , Han Dong
Published: January 2023

The Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic continues, and the death toll continues to surge. This meta‐analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of anakinra on mortality in patients with COVID‐19. A systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials on treatment of COVID‐19 with anakinra, compared with placebo or blank, were reviewed. Studies were pooled to risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Five Randomized controlled trials (enrolling 1859 participants) met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in 14‐day mortality (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.43–1.39; P = 0.40), 28‐day mortality (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.89–1.26; P = 0.51), and 90‐day mortality (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.73–1.39; P = 0.97) between the two groups. Sensitivity analyses further confirmed these results. Anakinra was not associated with reduced mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID‐19. Anakinra probably should not be used routinely in COVID‐19 patients.
Reliable Monte Carlo localization for mobile robots
Authors: Akai Naoki
Published: January 2023

Reliability is a key factor for realizing safety guarantee of fully autonomous robot systems. In this paper, we focus on reliability in mobile robot localization. Monte Carlo localization (MCL) is widely used for mobile robot localization. However, it is still difficult to guarantee its safety because there are no methods determining reliability for MCL estimate. This paper presents a novel localization framework that enables robust localization, reliability estimation, and quick relocalization, simultaneously. The presented method can be implemented using a similar estimation manner to that of MCL. The method can increase localization robustness to environment changes by estimating known and unknown obstacles while performing localization; however, localization failure of course occurs by unanticipated errors. The method also includes a reliability estimation function that enables a robot to know whether localization has failed. Additionally, the method can seamlessly integrate a global localization method via importance sampling. Consequently, quick relocalization from a failure state can be realized while mitigating noisy influence of global localization. We conduct three types of experiments using wheeled mobile robots equipped with a two‐dimensional LiDAR. Results show that reliable MCL that performs robust localization, self‐failure detection, and quick failure recovery can be realized.
Covariate‐specific evaluation of continuous biomarker
Authors: Li Ziyi , Huang Yijian , Patil Dattatraya , Rubin Mark , Sanda Martin G.
Published: January 2023

Diagnostic tests usually need to operate at a high sensitivity or specificity level in practice. Accordingly, specificity at the controlled sensitivity, or vice versa, is a clinically sensible performance metric for evaluating continuous biomarkers. Meanwhile, the performance of a biomarker may vary across sub‐populations as defined by covariates, and covariate‐specific evaluation can be informative. In this article, we develop a novel modeling and estimation method for covariate‐specific specificity at a controlled sensitivity level. Unlike existing methods which typically adopt elaborate models of covariate effects over the entire biomarker distribution, our approach models covariate effects locally at a specific sensitivity level of interest. We also extend our proposed model to handle the whole continuum of sensitivities via dynamic regression and derive covariate‐specific ROC curves. We provide the variance estimation through bootstrapping. The asymptotic properties are established. We conduct extensive simulation studies to evaluate the performance of our proposed methods in comparison with existing methods, and further illustrate the applications in two clinical studies for aggressive prostate cancer.
Construction of Shape‐Controlled MgO Microstructures by Natural Bischofite for Cost‐Efficient Dye Adsorption
Authors: He Xinrui , Ma Cunhua , Wang Zhenbin , Zhang Mingjin
Published: January 2023

In this work, Magnesium oxide (MgO) adsorbents were synthesized by coprecipitation method via natural bischofite (MgCl2 ⋅ 6H2O, ≥96 wt %) as magnesium source, two different morphologies of MgO nanomaterials, flower‐spheres‐like (MgO−S1) and lamellas‐like (MgO−L1), were successfully synthesized by control of synthesis conditions. The adsorption experimental results showed on Congo Red (CR) dye that both MgO−S1 and MgO−L1 exhibit outstanding adsorption performance with a high adsorption quantity (about 2000 mg ⋅ g−1). Langmuir was the most suitable model to describe the adsorption isotherm. The adsorption kinetics of CR are in accord with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics (PSO). As a control, flower‐spheres‐like (MgO−S2) and lamellas‐like (MgO−L2) were synthesized by commercial MgCl2 ⋅ 6H2O, and their adsorbing performance on CR dye in wastewater was studied. The results show that MgOs prepared by different Mg resources took on exactly the same shape and nearly the same adsorption properties.
Formal Alkenylation and Amination of 2‐Nitrobenzofurans with Fumaric Acid Amide Ester under Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Ananda Rao Gunda , Jamwal Paru , Gurubrahamam Ramani , Chen Kwunmin
Published: January 2023

An inorganic base promoted metal‐free formal alkenylation and amination of 2‐nitrobenzofurans is established with fumaric acid amide ester derivatives. The cascade strategy provides the 2‐alkenyl and 3‐amino substituted benzofuransviaMichael addition/cyclization/nitrous acid elimination/N‐demethoxylation/C−N bond cleavage and isomerization sequence. The desired 2‐(3‐aminobenzofuran‐2‐yl)malonate derivatives are obtained in moderate‐to‐good yields with high stereoselectivity under mild reaction conditions (up to 71 % yield and >20 : 1Z : E). The structure of the products is assigned from the single crystal x‐ray structural analysis.
Are seed accelerators status springboards for startups? Or sand traps?
Authors: Hallen Benjamin L. , Cohen Susan L. , Park Sung Ho
Published: January 2023

Research Summary

Recent research finds participating in seed accelerators can improve startups' access to growth and funding, but effects are highly heterogeneous. Less understood is whether accelerator participation can also help startups obtain higher‐status early partners. On one hand, participation may improve startups' quality and signal quality to desirable partners. Yet research suggests reasons any signaling effects might be quite small or even negative, since accelerators might be perceived as a “market for lemons.” Using two complementary and proprietary datasets of U.S. startups, we find many seed accelerators are indeed springboards—associated with startups raising from higher‐status investors—but that others have very limited and some slight negative effects. We examine contingencies and mechanisms, and conclude with contributions to literatures on accelerators and organizational status.

Managerial Summary

Recent research has found that some seed accelerators help startups' grow and raise funds. In this research, we examine whether accelerators also help startups gain higher‐status investors, which are desirable for the advice, signals, and networks they offer. Yet there are conflicting reasons why accelerators may help or hurt startups in obtaining higher‐status investors. Using two proprietary datasets of U.S. startups, our results suggest many accelerators like Techstars and Y Combinator have notable benefits in helping startups raise from higher‐status investors. Yet we also see substantial differences across accelerators. Interestingly, effects do not appear sensitive to regional entrepreneurial activity. We conclude with implications for entrepreneurs, accelerators, and policy makers.
Pt Nanoparticle Assisted Homogeneous Surface Engineering of Polymer‐Based Bulk‐Heterojunction Photocathodes for Efficient Charge Extraction and Catalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wu Yanling , Liu Deyu , Le Jiabo , Zhuang Huanglong , Kuang Yongbo
Published: January 2023

To fabricate a high‐efficiency bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ)‐based photocathode, introducing suitable interfacial modification layer(s) is a crucial strategy. Surface engineering is especially important for achieving high‐performance photocathodes because the photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactions at the photocathode/electrolyte interface are the rate‐limiting process. Despite its importance, the influence of interfacial layer morphology regulation on PEC activity has attracted insufficient attention. In this work, RuO2, with excellent conductivity, capacity and catalytic properties, is utilized as an interfacial layer to modify the BHJ layer. However, the homogeneous coverage of hydrophilic RuO2 on the hydrophobic BHJ surface is challenging. To address this issue, a Pt nanoparticle‐assisted homogeneous RuO2 layer deposition method is developed and successfully applied to several BHJ‐based photocathodes, achieving superior PEC performance compared to those prepared by conventional interface engineering strategies. Among them, the fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/J71:N2200(Pt)/RuO2 photocathode generates the best photocurrent density of −9.0 mA cm−2 at 0 V with an onset potential of up to 1.0 V under AM1.5 irradiation.
Synergistically Designed Dual Interfaces to Enhance the Electrochemical Performance of MoO2/MoS2 in Na‐ and Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Wang Ran , Wu Qing , Yu Yonghao , Gao Tangling , Yao Tai , Wang Xianjie , Han Jiecai , Song Bo
Published: January 2023

It is indispensable to develop and design high capacity, high rate performance, long cycling life, and low‐cost electrodes materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, MoO2/MoS2/C, with dual heterogeneous interfaces, is designed to induce a built‐in electric field, which has been proved by experiments and theoretical calculation can accelerate electrochemical reaction kinetics and generate interfacial interactions to strengthen structural stability. The carbon foam serves as a conductive frame to assist the movement of electrons/ions, as well as forms heterogeneous interfaces with MoO2/MoS2 through CS and CO bonds, maintaining structural integrity and enhancing electronic transport. Thanks to these unique characteristics, the MoO2/MoS2/C renders a significantly enhanced electrochemical performance (324 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1000 cycles for SIB and 500 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 500 cycles for LIBs). The current work presents a simple, useful and cost‐effective route to design high‐quality electrodes via interfacial engineering.
Versatile Processability by Breaking the Symmetrical Chemical Structure of Nonfullerene Acceptors
Authors: Kim Do Hui , Choi Huijeong , Gopikrishna Peddaboodi , Lee Dongchan , Kim BongSoo , Cho Shinuk
Published: January 2023

Despite the outstanding photovoltaic performance of symmetrical Y6, its use is limited in that only chloroform (CF), a highly volatile processing solvent, can induce favorable morphology. This dependence on a particular solvent poses an obstacle to mass production. Here, we investigate the effect of symmetry‐breaking of nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) on device performance and processability by employing chlorobenzene (CB) or CF processing solvents. In organic solar cells (OSCs) based on a symmetrical Y6 acceptor, a significant difference in the power conversion efficiency occurs between the OSCs fabricated using CB and those fabricated using CF. However, in OSCs based on IPC‐BEH‐IC2F with asymmetrical structure, no difference in photovoltaic performance occurs between the two OSCs. Grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements indicate that IPC‐BEH‐IC2F exhibits nearly identical diffraction features in both the CB‐ and CF‐processed photoactive films, whereas Y6 shows markedly different stacking structures. Because of these morphological features, OSCs based on Y6 are associated with a relatively large energy loss difference in CB and CF, whereas OSCs based on IPC‐BEH‐IC2F show no significant difference in energy loss. The introduction of an asymmetrical structure can therefore be an important strategy to enhance the versatile processability of OSCs based on NFAs for future mass production.
Highly Efficient Bilayer Polymer Solar Cells Using the Method of Sequential Processing with Additive Bilayer
Authors: Lee Jihoon , Jang Soyeong , Tamilavan Vellaiappillai , Li Ning , Wang Rong , Lüer Larry , Lee Dalyong , Yoon Jung Won , Lee Bo Ram , Choi Hyosung , Park Sung Heum , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: January 2023

Despite the research value of bilayer organic solar cells (OSCs) for commercialization in the future, the bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) structure dominates the fabrication of OSCs because of its higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared with bilayer OSCs. Herein, four different types of bilayer OSC structures using sequential processing (SP) with an additive bilayer are investigated and considerably enhanced device performance is demonstrated. The performance of our bilayer devices based on a wide bandgap (PBDT‐DPPD‐TPD; P2) polymer and [6,6]‐phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) is improved from 2.88% for the conventional bilayer structure to 6.62%. More importantly, remarkable PCEs of 8.78% and 15.16% for PTB7‐Th/PCBM and PM6/Y6 bilayer OSCs, respectively, using the SP with additive bilayer method are achieved and the inhomogeneity issues of the BHJ structure are successfully addressed. Herein, a novel way to overcome the low efficiency of bilayer OSCs is suggested and an unprecedented possibility of renovation, breaking the standardization of OSC research, is presented.
1,8,9‐Trihydroxyanthracene as a Green Solid Additive for Operational Stability in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Kang Hui , Jing Yanan , Zhang Yingyu , Li Yanxun , Zhang Hong , Zhou Huiqiong , Zhang Yuan
Published: January 2023

A novel green solid additive, 1,8,9‐Trihydroxyanthracene (TOHA), is demonstrated to effectively improve both efficiency and stability of a highly efficient organic solar cell (OSC), comprising D18‐Cl as polymer donor and N3 as small‐molecule acceptor. The D18‐Cl:N3 device achieves an elevated power conversion efficiency of 17.91%, compared to 17.15% of that processed without TOHA. The enhanced performance is attributed to the addition of TOHA, leading to more refined phase separation and stronger molecular packing in D18‐Cl:N3 blend films, and improves the charge generation, exciton dissociation, charge transport, and collection, which contribute to higher photocurrent and fill factor for D18‐Cl:N3 OSCs. Meanwhile, TOHA‐treated D18‐Cl:N3 induces lower ΔEloss. Remarkably, it can simultaneously enhance the operational stability, with the TOHA‐treated OSC maintaining 68% of the initial efficiency after 1400 h operation. Morphology measurement (atomic force microscopy, 2D grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and time‐of‐flight–secondary‐ion mass spectrometry) also illustrates that TOHA improves the stability of the film with smaller Urban energy value of device after aging. TOHA‐treated D18‐Cl:N3 cell after aging shows smaller reduction on exciton dissociation, charge transport, charge collection, and nonradiative recombination. This work demonstrates the significance of processing condition‐controlled additive pathways for the realization of stability, leading to superior OSC devices.
Optimizing Heterointerface of Co2P–CoxOy Nanoparticles within a Porous Carbon Network for Deciphering Superior Water Splitting
Authors: Huang Guo , Hu Miao , Xu Xingtao , Alothman Asma A. , Mushab Mohammed Sheikh Saleh , Ma Shaojian , Shen Pei Kang , Zhu Jinliang , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: January 2023

It is of great significance to design a bifunctional electrocatalyst for promoting hydrogen (HER) and oxygen (OER) evolution reactions simultaneously. Herein, inspired by the appropriate H atom binding energy on cobalt phosphides and excellent oxygen evolution kinetics on cobalt oxides, the regulative synthesis of a Co2P–Co
x
O
y
(Co
x
O
y
 = CoO or Co3O4) heterogeneous nanoparticle‐anchored porous carbon network electrocatalyst via one‐pot heat treatment is reported. The as‐synthesized Co2P–Co3O4/C exhibits superior electrochemical activity with low overpotentials of 86 mV for HER and 246 mV for OER at 10 mA cm−2 in an alkaline electrolyte. Moreover, compared to the commercial Pt/C || RuO2/C system, the Co2P–Co3O4/C || Co2P–Co3O4/C system presents outstanding activity toward overall water splitting (1.55 V@10 mA cm−2), which is well maintained over long‐term (120 h) electrocatalysis. Density functional theory calculations show that the rich interfaces between Co2P and Co3O4 offer a synergistic effect, which enables Co2P–Co3O4/C as an excellent electrocatalyst toward both HER and OER.
Comparing RNA‐sequencing datasets from astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia in multiple sclerosis identifies novel dysregulated genes relevant to inflammation and myelination
Authors: Drake Sienna S. , Zaman Aliyah , Simas Tristan , Fournier Alyson E.
Published: January 2023

Central nervous system (CNS) inflammation is a key factor in multiple sclerosis (MS). Invasion of peripheral immune cells into the CNS resulting from an unknown signal or combination of signals results in activation of resident immune cells and the hallmark feature of the disease: demyelinating lesions. These lesion sites are an amalgam of reactive peripheral and central immune cells, astrocytes, damaged and dying oligodendrocytes, and injured neurons and axons. Sustained inflammation affects cells directly located within the lesion site and further abnormalities are apparent diffusely throughout normal‐appearing white matter and grey matter. It is only relatively recently, using animal models, new tissue sampling techniques, and next‐generation sequencing, that molecular changes occurring in CNS resident cells have been broadly captured. Advances in cell isolation through Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and laser‐capture microdissection together with the emergence of single‐cell sequencing have enabled researchers to investigate changes in gene expression in astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes derived from animal models of MS as well as from primary patient tissue. The contribution of some dysregulated pathways has been followed up in individual studies; however, corroborating results often go unreported between sequencing studies. To this end, we have consolidated results from numerous RNA‐sequencing studies to identify and review novel patterns of differentially regulated genes and pathways occurring within CNS glial cells in MS.

This article is categorized under:

Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Total marrow irradiation versus total body irradiation using intensity-modulated helical tomotherapy
Authors: Köksal Mümtaz , Kersting Laura , Schoroth Felix , Garbe Stephan , Koch David , Scafa Davide , Sarria Gustavo R. , Leitzen Christina , Heine Annkristin , Holderried Tobias , Brossart Peter , Zoga Eleni , Attenberger Ulrike , Schmeel Leonard C.
Published: January 2023

Background

Total body irradiation (TBI) is often a component of the conditioning regimen prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with hematological malignancies. However, total marrow irradiation (TMI) could be an alternative method for reducing radiation therapy-associated toxicity, as it specifically targets the skeleton and thus could better protect organs at risk. Here, we compared dosimetric changes in irradiation received by the target volume and organs at risk between TBI and TMI plans.

Materials and methods

Theoretical TMI plans were calculated for 35 patients with various hematological malignancies who had already received TBI in our clinic. We then statistically compared irradiation doses between the new TMI plans and existing TBI plans. We examined whether TMI provides greater protection of organs at risk while maintaining the prescribed dose in the targeted skeletal area. We also compared beam-on times between TBI and TMI.

Results

TMI planning achieved significant reductions in the mean, minimum, and maximum irradiation doses in the lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, and body (i.e., remaining tissue except organs and skeleton). In particular, the mean dose was reduced by 49% in the liver and spleen and by 55–59% in the kidneys. Moreover, TMI planning reduced the corpus beam-on time by an average of 217 s.

Conclusion

TMI planning achieved significant dose reduction in organs at risk while still achieving the prescribed dose in the target volume. Additionally, TMI planning reduced the beam-on time for corpus plans despite a high modulation factor.

Graphical abstract
Inflammatory brain lesions preceding primary central nervous system lymphoma: a case report and genetic analysis
Authors: XiaoHong Zheng , Shuo Yin , GeHong Dong , AnChao Yang , Ce Wang , YunYun Duan , Can Wang , SiJie Huang , Feng Chen , WenBin Li
Published: January 2023

Background

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive extranodal lymphoma exclusively occurring within the central nervous system. Inflammatory brain lesions as “sentinel lesions” of PCNSL are very rare. We present a rare case of PCNSL with preceding inflammatory lesions in an immunocompetent patient who underwent two biopsies, one craniotomy and two genetic testing.

Case report

A 66-year-old male patient presented with left limb weakness and ataxia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a contrast-enhancing lesion with perifocal brain edema in the near midline of right frontal lobe. Histological examination of a brain biopsy specimen revealed inflammatory lesion characteristics with infiltration of T-cell dominant lymphocytes and few B-cell. Given that the patient developed cerebral hematoma after biopsy, lesion resection by craniotomy was performed. An excised sample demonstrated mixed T-cell and B-cell infiltrating inflammatory lesions. Four months after total resection of the right frontal lobe lesion, another lesion appeared in the left frontal parietal lobe, which was diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by biopsy. In addition, genetic testing of the lesions at two different locations was performed, and the results showed that the inflammatory lesions had the same three gene (RELN, PCLO, and CREBBP) mutations as PCNSL. Interestingly, the three mutated genes are associated with tumor.

Conclusion

Our present case is the first to demonstrate inflammatory brain lesions heralding PCNSL from genetic and pathological perspectives. This may help clinicians to select new auxiliary diagnostic methods for timely diagnosis of patients with suspected PCNSL.
On a simple estimation of the proportional odds model under right truncation
Authors: Liu Peng , Chan Kwun Chuen Gary , Chen Ying Qing
Published: January 2023

Retrospective sampling can be useful in epidemiological research for its convenience to explore an etiological association. One particular retrospective sampling is that disease outcomes of the time-to-event type are collected subject to right truncation, along with other covariates of interest. For regression analysis of the right-truncated time-to-event data, the so-called proportional reverse-time hazards model has been proposed, but the interpretation of its regression parameters tends to be cumbersome, which has greatly hampered its application in practice. In this paper, we instead consider the proportional odds model, an appealing alternative to the popular proportional hazards model. Under the proportional odds model, there is an embedded relationship between the reverse-time hazard function and the usual hazard function. Building on this relationship, we provide a simple procedure to estimate the regression parameters in the proportional odds model for the right truncated data. Weighted estimations are also studied.
A survey exploring factors affecting employment of physician associates in Ireland
Authors: Joyce Pauline , Alexander Lisa
Published: January 2023

Background

In the Republic of Ireland, the employment of physician associates (PAs) is growing. Following a pilot project in a hospital setting, PAs are now employed across primary and secondary care in public and private sectors. Most of the Irish PA graduates are working in hospital settings.

Aims

The aim of the study was to explore factors which supported or inhibited the employment of PAs in Irish hospital settings and the perceived supports or challenges for potential employers in recruiting PAs.

Methods

An online survey gathered data via human resources departments of public and private hospitals, with a 25% response rate.

Results

Similar to previous studies, the barriers included the lack of recognition and regulation of the role and the small number of PAs to fill available posts. Enablers, which influenced the employment of PAs, included improving workflow, continuity of care and helping to address junior doctors’ working hours.

Conclusions

Our data suggests that there is a keen interest and willingness to employ PAs and there is great potential to expand the role in Irish healthcare. However, there are some key issues around funding and recognition to be addressed at government level for this profession to highlight its worth.
CHEOPS trial: a GINECO group randomized phase II assessing addition of a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor to oral vinorelbine in pre-treated metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Bailleux Caroline , Arnaud Antoine , Frenel Jean-Sébastien , Chabaud Sylvie , Bachelot Thomas , You Benoît , Stefani Laëtitia , Tixidre Claire Garnier , Simon Hélène , Beal-Ardisson Dominique , Jacquin Jean-Philippe , Del Piano Francesco , Lortholary Alain , Cornea Claudiu , Greilsamer Charlotte , Largillier Rémy , Brocard Fabien , Legouffe Eric , Atlassi Mustapha , Hardy-Bessard Anne-Claire , Heudel Pierre-Etienne
Published: January 2023

Background

The objective of the CHEOPS trial was to assess the benefit of adding aromatase inhibitor (AI) to metronomic chemotherapy, oral vinorelbine, 50 mg, three times a week for pre-treated, HR + /HER2- metastatic breast cancer patients.

Methods

In this multicentric phase II study, patients had to have progressed on AI and one or two lines of chemotherapy. They were randomized between oral vinorelbine (Arm A) and oral vinorelbine with non-steroidal AI (Arm B).

Results

121 patients were included, 61 patients in Arm A and 60 patients in Arm B. The median age was 68 years. 109 patients had visceral metastases. They all had previously received an AI. The study had been prematurely stopped following the third death due to febrile neutropenia. Median PFS trend was found to be different with 2.3 months and 3.7 months in Arm A and Arm B, respectively (HR 0.73, 95%CI 0.50–1.06, p value = 0.0929). No statistical difference was shown in OS and better tumor response. 56 serious adverse events corresponding to 25 patients (21%) were reported (respectively, 12 (20%) versus 13 (22%) for arms A and B) (NS).

Conclusion

The addition of AI to oral vinorelbine over oral vinorelbine alone in aromatase inhibitor-resistant metastatic breast cancer was associated with a non-significant improvement of PFS. Several unexpected serious adverse events were reported. Metronomic oral vinorelbine schedule, at 50 mg three times a week, requires close biological monitoring. The question of hormonal treatment and chemotherapy combination remains open.
Nutrients and trace elements of semi-arid dwarf and fully developed mangrove soils, northwestern Venezuela
Authors: Romero-Mujalli Gibran , Melendez Williams
Published: January 2023

Mangrove forests are characterized by a high carbon storage capacity. Anthropogenic activities and the climate change are threatening the stability of these ecosystems, specially those that are surviving on extreme environmental conditions, representing the most susceptible groups. This study aims to understand the geochemical differences of soils of mangrove forest with diverse degree of development of Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans, located in two semi-arid regions from the Falcon state, Venezuela. The soil samples were collected in Punta Caimán region (dwarf mangroves of less than 2 meters height) and Boca de caño lagoon (fully developed mangroves of up to 8 meters height). The trace elements and macronutrients were determined in two sequential extraction, first with 1M HCl followed by an extraction with ultrapure grade $$HNO_{3}$$

H
N

O
3

. Results showed that, in general, dwarf mangroves have limited capability to accumulate organic matter in the soil (average TOC of $$0.6 \pm 0.2\%$$

0.6
±
0.2
%

) and that the sampled surface soils from the dwarf mangrove region had no differences with deeper material. On the other hand, the TOC of soils dominated by developed mangroves is $$6 \pm 2 \%$$

6
±
2
%

, representative of semi-arid conditions. Moreover, the soils dominated by dwarf mangroves are characterized high concentrations of trace elements related to the chalcophile group. The difference in soil chemistry between Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans becomes significant when mangroves are fully developed. Finally, soils of dwarf mangrove forests presented a greater concentration of trace elements than soils of fully developed mangroves, which might be due to a different sediment source, to an anthropogenic influence or to the difference in organic matter.
Computational model to estimate new energy solutions in existing buildings
Authors: Korpela A. , Kallioharju K. , Mäkinen A. , Salo T. , Uusitalo S. , Virta A. , Schweigler C. , Barton M. , Korth T.
Published: January 2023

Mainly due to actions that aim to decelerate climate change, existing buildings are actively updated with new energy solutions. These typically aim to increase energy efficiency and to enhance the utilization of renewables. When the possibilities to produce, to consume and to store energy are manifold, and when the topical themes of peak shaving and demand response are taken into account, we a dealing with a complex field and vast number of variables in building’s energy management. To find optimal solutions for these situations, Smart Case NZEB (Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings) was initiated. Smart Case NZEB is a Finnish-German joint-project, which aimed to find optimized energy solutions for modern buildings. The project was carried out in collaboration between Universities of Applied Sciences in Tampere (Finland) and in Munich (Germany), several companies were also involved. The development of the model presented in this paper bases on the simulation requirements set by the project. In order to support detailed and quite complicated IDA ICE modelling, we needed a simple and reliable model to simulate the effects of new energy solutions in existing buildings. Such solutions include, for example, electric and thermal energy storages for peak shaving of grid power and district heating. Reliable operation of simple computational model is based on calibration with measured data, after which the model can be used to estimate the effects of new energy solutions. In this paper we present the principle of the model and simulation results of the target building used in the project.
Stress evolution and fracture propagation of infill well after production and injection of parent well in a tight oil reservoir
Authors: Shi Shanzhi , Shi Can , Tian Gang , Lin Botao , Yu Huiyong , Wei Shiming , Wang Zejia
Published: January 2023

Stimulation of unconventional tight oil formations via horizontal wells has seen increasing cases of fracturing infill wells in recent years. The effectiveness of such a strategy is mainly dependent on the proper characterization of the stress evolution and an accurate forecast of the subsequent fracture propagation in the region neighboring the infill wells after considering the production performance and the injection schemes of the parent wells. In this respect, a comprehensive approach was proposed to simulate the stress evolution caused by the production and injection of the parent wells. The approach can also predict the upcoming fracture propagation behavior of the infill well. It was found that depletion in the parent wells can result in dramatic changes of the stress field, highlighted by apparent decreases in the magnitude of the minimum horizontal stress and changes in its orientation. Controlled injection in the parent wells can reproduce the original stress field, which favors the transverse extension of the fracture network in the infill well. In contrast, soaking well alone has little effect on improving the stress field. Therefore, this study suggests optimal injection schemes for parent wells and provides insights for fracture cluster designs in an infill well, eventually leading to maximized productivity of the infill well.
Time-efficient simulations of fighter aircraft weapon bay
Authors: Rajkumar Karthick , Tangermann Eike , Klein Markus , Ketterl Sebastian , Winkler Andreas
Published: January 2023

A cavity flow exhibits aero-acoustic coupling between the separated shear layer and reflecting waves within the walls of the cavity, which leads to emergence of dominant modes. It is of primary importance that this flow mechanism inside the cavity is understood to provide insights and control the relevant parameters and that it can be properly predicted using state-of-the-art CFD tools. In this study, an open-cavity configuration with doors attached on the sides and a length-to-depth ratio of $$\mathbf{5}.7 $$

5
.
7

have been studied numerically using the TAU code developed by the German Aerospace Center for transonic flows with three simulation methods such as DES with wall functions and SST-SAS with resolved wall flow or wall function techniques. The free-stream conditions investigated are Mach number (Ma) $$\mathbf{0}.8 $$

0
.
8

with Reynolds number (Re) $$\mathbf{12} \times \mathbf{10} ^\mathbf{6 }$$

12
×

10

6

. The Rossiter modes occurring in the cavity due to the acoustic feedback mechanism have been numerically computed and validated. The SST-SAS model is around 90% more computationally efficient compared to the hybrid RANS-LES model providing excellent accuracy in predicting the Rossiter modes. The SST-SAS model with wall functions is 50% more computationally efficient than wall-resolving SAS simulations showing good behaviour in predicting modal frequencies and shapes, with further scope for improvement in the spectral magnitude levels.
Eigenvalues of the Laplacian on balls with spherically symmetric metrics
Authors: Berge Stine Marie
Published: January 2023

In this article we will explore Dirichlet Laplace eigenvalues of balls with spherically symmetric metrics. We will compare any Dirichlet Laplace eigenvalue with the corresponding Dirichlet Laplace eigenvalue on balls in Euclidean space with the same radii. As a special case we shall show that the Dirichlet Laplace eigenvalues of balls with small radii on the sphere are smaller than the corresponding eigenvalues of the Euclidean balls with the same radii. The opposite correspondence is true for the Dirichlet Laplace eigenvalues of hyperbolic spaces.
The Heston stochastic volatility model has a boundary trace at zero volatility
Authors: Alziary Bénédicte , Takáč Peter
Published: January 2023

We establish boundary regularity results in Hölder spaces for the degenerate parabolic problem obtained from the Heston stochastic volatility model in Mathematical Finance set up in the spatial domain (upper half-plane) $$\mathbb {H} = \mathbb {R}\times (0,\infty )\subset \mathbb {R}^2$$

H
=
R
×

(
0
,
∞
)

⊂

R

2

. Starting with nonsmooth initial data $$u_0\in H$$

u
0

∈
H

, we take advantage of smoothing properties of the parabolic semigroup $$\textrm{e}^{-t{\mathcal {A}}}:\,H\rightarrow H$$

e

-
t
A

:

H
→
H

, $$t\in \mathbb {R}_+$$

t
∈

R
+

, generated by the Heston model, to derive the smoothness of the solution $$u(t) = \textrm{e}^{-t{\mathcal {A}}} u_0$$

u

(
t
)

=

e

-
t
A

u
0

for all $$t>0$$

t
>
0

. The existence and uniqueness of a weak solution is obtained in a Hilbert space $$H = L^2(\mathbb {H};\mathfrak {w})$$

H
=

L
2

(
H
;
w
)

with very weak growth restrictions at infinity and on the boundary $$\partial \mathbb {H}= \mathbb {R}\times \{ 0\}\subset \mathbb {R}^2$$

∂
H
=
R
×

{
0
}

⊂

R

2

of the half-plane $$\mathbb {H}$$
H
. We investigate the influence of the boundary behavior of the initial data $$u_0\in H$$

u
0

∈
H

on the boundary behavior of u(t) for $$t>0$$

t
>
0

.
Still No Evidence for a Jewish Group Evolutionary Strategy
Authors: Cofnas Nathan
Published: January 2023

I recently criticized some key tenets of what I called the “anti-Jewish narrative,” particularly as defended by Kevin MacDonald. According to MacDonald, Judaism is a “group evolutionary strategy” that led Jews to impose liberal multiculturalism on the West in order to advance their evolutionary interests at the expense of gentiles. In light of MacDonald’s reply, in this paper, I refine my previous arguments, address some popular misunderstandings, and discuss the root causes and consequences of anti-Semitism. I conclude that, contra the anti-Jewish narrative, Jews are not particularly ethnocentric, Jewish intellectuals do not typically advocate liberal multiculturalism for gentiles but not for Jews, Jews did not orchestrate the rise of liberalism or blank-slatism in the West, and anti-Semitism is not primarily a response to actual Jewish wrongdoing.
Knowledge inheritance and performance of spinouts
Authors: Costa Carla , Baptista Rui
Published: January 2023

We investigate the impact of knowledge inheritance by vertical spinouts originating from user and supplier industries on performance. We test whether spinouts from a supplier or user industry perform better than focal industry spinouts and de novo entrants. Using longitudinal micro data for the Portuguese molds and plastics industries we find that vertical user and supplier spinouts perform better in terms of survival (but not in terms of early sales) than focal industry spinouts, and all types of spinouts perform better than de novo entrants. The results suggest that vertical spinouts possess specific knowledge that might be more valuable than that of focal industry spinouts, while spinouts originating from suppliers underperform those originating from users.
Questioning Customs and Traditions in Culinary Ethics: the Case of Cruel and Environmentally Damaging Food Practices
Authors: Letourneau Lyne , Pigeon Louis-Etienne
Published: January 2023

Culinary traditions and food practices are at the center of our daily lives and therefore constitute an important part of culture. Whether they are part of significant rituals or simply routinely enacted, they tell us something about the way we relate to each other and to the non-human world. In other words, food practices have an ethical dimension. Our paper focuses on the possibility to make objective ethical assessments of problematic cultural practices rooted in culinary traditions as a reply to arguments associated with an ethical relativism according to which cultures produce ethical systems that are self-validating and therefore that cannot be criticized objectively. Drawing from examples involving animal cruelty and production methods harmful to the environment, we argue that it is possible to judge ethically questionable food practices from an objectivist standpoint inspired by moral progress, in contrario to a relativist point of view. Following a short discussion of ethical relativism, we present the outline of an acceptability test for questionable food practices and use it to analyse the case of the dog meat industry in South Korea.
Royal Heirs
Authors: Müller Frank Lorenz
Published: January 2023

Against the odds, monarchies flourished in nineteenth-century Europe. In an era marked by dramatic change and revolutionary upheaval, Europe's monarchies experienced an unexpected late flowering. Royal Heirs focuses on the roles and personalities of the heirs to the throne from more than a dozen different dynasties that ruled the continent between the French Revolution and the end of the First World War. The book explores how these individuals contributed to the remarkable survival of the crowns they were born to wear. Constitutions, family relationships, education, politics, the media, the need to generate 'soft power' and the militarisation of monarchy all shaped the lives of princes and princesses while they were playing their part to embody and secure the future of monarchy. Ranging from Norway to Spain and from Greece to Britain, Royal Heirs not only paints a vivid picture of a monarchical age, but also explores how such disparate monarchies succeeded in adapting to change and defending their position.
Measuring pragmatic competence of discourse output among Chinese-speaking individuals with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Kong Anthony Pak-Hin , Lau Dustin Kai-Yan , Lai Daisy Ho-Ying
Published: January 2023

Objective:

Discourse analysis is one of the clinical methods commonly used to assess the language ability of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the majority of published analytic frameworks are not geared for highlighting the pragmatic aspect of discourse deficits in acquired language disorders, except for those designed for quantifying conversational samples. This study aimed to examine how pragmatic competence is impaired and reflected in spoken monologues in Chinese speakers with TBI.

Methods:

Discourse samples of five tasks (personal narrative, storytelling, procedural, single- and sequential picture description) were elicited from ten TBI survivors and their controls. Each discourse sample was measured using 16 indices (e.g., number of informative words, percentage of local/global coherence errors, repeated words or phrases) that corresponded to the four Gricean maxims. Twenty-five naïve Chinese speakers were also recruited to perform perceptual rating of the quality of all 50 TBI audio files (five discourse samples per TBI participant), in terms of erroneous/inaccurate information, adequacy of amount of information given, as well as degree of organization and clarity.

Results:

The maxim of quantity best predicted TBI’s pragmatic impairments. Naïve listeners’ perception of pragmatics deficits correlated to measures on total and informative words, as well as number and length of terminable units. Clinically, personal narrative and storytelling tasks could better elicit violations in pragmatics.

Conclusion:

Applying Gricean maxims in monologic oral narratives could capture the hallmark underlying pragmatic problems in TBI. This may help provide an additional approach of clinically assessing social communications in and subsequent management of TBI.
The Rossy Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Centre: Creation and Initial Experience
Authors: Couto Blas , Fox Susan , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Rogaeva Ekaterina , Antwi Jeffrey , Bhakta Puja , Kovacs Gabor G. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: January 2023

Objective:

To describe the development and initial experience of a clinical research program in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) in Canada: The Rossy PSP Centre, to share the data acquisition tools adopted, and to report preliminary results.

Methods:

Extensive demographic and longitudinal clinical information is collected every 6 months using standardized forms. Biofluids are collected for biobanking and genetic analysis, and many patients are enrolled in neuroimaging research protocols. Brain donation is an important component of the program, and standardized processing protocols have been established, including very short death to autopsy times in patients undergoing medical assistance in dying.

Results:

Between Oct 2019 and Dec 2021, 132 patients were screened, 91 fulfilling criteria for PSP and 19 for CBS; age 71 years; 41% female; duration 5 years, age-of-onset 66 years. The most common symptoms at onset were postural instability and falls (45%), cognitive-behavioral changes (22%), and Parkinsonism (9%). The predominant clinical phenotype was Richardson syndrome (82%). Levodopa and amantadine resulted in partial and short-lasting benefit.

Conclusions:

The Rossy PSP Centre has been established to advance clinical and basic research in PSP and related tauopathies. The extent of the clinical data collected permits deep phenotyping of patients and allows for future clinical and basic research. Preliminary results showed expected distribution of phenotypes, demographics, and response to symptomatic treatments in our cohort. Longitudinal data will provide insight into the early diagnosis and management of PSP. Future steps include enrollment of patients in earlier stages, development of biomarkers, and fast-tracking well-characterized patients into clinical trials.