bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive review on thermal aspects of nonthermal irreversible electroporation
Authors: Wijayanta Agung Tri , Kurata Kosaku
Published: May 2023

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an innovative cell ablation method based on the concept that the application of excessive electric pulses induces a lethal increase in the permeability of the cell membrane owing to nanoscale defects, resulting in a gentle form of necrotic cell death. Although the mechanism of cell death by IRE is primarily nonthermal, thermal effects are inevitable because electric pulses inherently generate Joule heat. The larger the applied voltage to treat a large target, the greater the Joule heating and the consequent temperature rise. Therefore, the temperature increase due to Joule heating during pulse application should be carefully controlled to minimize thermal damage. Research on IRE is an interdisciplinary endeavor incorporating health science for humanitarian relief and engineering. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive review of the thermal aspects of IRE based on existing in vitro and in vivo experimental and numerical studies. The paper begins with an overview of IRE treatment covering the geometry and arrangement of electrodes, pulse parameters, and cell death mechanisms, followed by sections on thermal damage evaluation that summarize the significant work of experiments, analysis, and comparisons. Finally, thermal mitigation strategies, including electrode modification, lowering the IRE threshold, and modified pulsing protocols, are discussed.
China special issue on gastrointestinal tumors‐Cetuximab retreatment plus camrelizumab and liposomal irinotecan in patients with RAS wild‐type metastatic colorectal cancer: Cohort B of the phase II CRACK study
Authors: Quan Ming , Chen Jingde , Chen Zhiqin , Hai Yannan , Zhou Ying , Chao Qian , Chen Chen , Li Huajun , Wang Mei , Gao Yong
Published: May 2023

Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have poor long‐term survival. Rechallenge with anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (anti‐EGFR) based therapy has shown certain activity as late‐line therapy. To further improve clinical outcomes, we evaluated the antitumor efficacy and safety of cetuximab in combination with camrelizumab and liposomal irinotecan in patients with RASwt mCRC pretreated with anti‐EGFR‐based therapy. Patients with RASwt mCRC who had received at least two prior systemic therapies, including anti‐EGFR‐based treatment in the metastatic or unresectable disease setting, were enrolled in cohort B. Patients were treated with cetuximab (500 mg/m2) and camrelizumab (200 mg) plus liposomal irinotecan (HR070803, 60 mg/m2) intravenously once every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.1. The secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. At the data cutoff (23 November 2022), 19 patients were enrolled in the two stages, and 16 were evaluable for efficacy analyses. The ORR was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.2%‐49.5%), and DCR was 75% (95% CI: 50.5%‐89.8%). The median PFS and OS were 6.9 (95% CI: 2.6‐11.2) and 15.1 (95% CI: 6.1‐24.0) months, respectively. Grade 3 treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 15.8% (3/19) of patients. No grade ≥4 TRAEs were found in the safety population. Our study suggests that anti‐EGFR retreatment therapy with cetuximab plus camrelizumab and liposomal irinotecan (HR070803) is a promising late‐line treatment option with good antitumor activity and well‐tolerated toxicity in RASwt mCRC patients.
Considerations for post‐licensure group B streptococcus vaccine effectiveness studies
Authors: Skirrow Helen , Kajungu Dan , Le Doare Kirsty , Chantler Tracey , Kampmann Beate
Published: May 2023

Synopsis

Post‐licensure studies of a Group B streptococcal vaccines for pregnant women in low and middle‐income countries will require investment in electronic health records.
Bottlenecks and recent advancements in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with HIV
Authors: Lin Zixun , Sun Liqin , Wang Cheng , Wang Fuxiang , Wang Jun , Li Qian , Lu Hongzhou
Published: May 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of deaths among patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. Early diagnosis of TB is essential for administering timely anti‐TB therapy and improving health outcomes, particularly in the people living with HIV. However, conventional techniques used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis have significant drawbacks: for example, sputum smear microscopy has low sensitivity, and liquid culture is time‐consuming in patients with HIV‐TB co‐infection due to low sputum production. In addition, while immunological‐based methods involving tuberculin skin testing and interferon gamma release assays are commonly used for auxiliary TB diagnosis, they are often inaccurate in immunodeficient patients. Molecular techniques such as line probe assays, Xpert MTB, and lipoarabinomannan assay are recommended for early diagnosis by World Health Organization. However, no single technique is sufficicent for diagnosing HIV/TB co‐infection, suggesting that multiple diagnostic tests should be used to detect TB. Here, we summarize the drawbacks and advantages of existing TB‐diagnostic methods, as well as their applications to diagnosing HIV/TB co‐infection. We describe newly emerging technologies such as whole genome sequencing and mass spectrometry, with the aim of providing updated guidelines and alternative strategies for TB diagnosis, and particularly HIV/TB diagnosis.
An evaluation of preference stability within MSWO preference assessments for children with autism
Authors: Melanson Isaac J. , Thomas Alexandria L. , Brodhead Matthew T. , Sipila‐Thomas Emma S. , Miranda David Ray G. , Plavnick Joshua B. , Joy Tiffany A. , Fisher Marisa H. , White‐Cascarilla Allison N.
Published: May 2023

Previous research has commonly evaluated preference stability over time and across multiple preference assessment administrations. No studies have evaluated shifts in preference across consecutive rounds of a single preference assessment, where rounds refer to each time the experimenter resets the stimulus‐presentation array. The purpose of the present study was to examine the stability of stimulus selections across successive rounds of a multiple‐stimulus‐without‐replacement (MSWO) preference assessment with different classes of stimuli for children with autism. The study involved a secondary data analysis and calculation of preference stability across consecutive rounds using Spearman rank‐order correlation coefficients (Spearman's ) for 17 participants across 40 MSWO preference assessments. Patterns of preference stability were observed in 24 out of the 40 assessments (60%) indicating that children's preferences in this study were slightly more likely to be classified as stable than other observed patterns of responding.
Adenylate kinase immobilized on graphene oxide impairs progression of human lung carcinoma epithelial cells through adenosinergic pathway
Authors: Hetmann Anna , Szymczak Bartosz , Czarnecka Joanna , Rusak Tomasz , Wiśniewski Marek , Wujak Magdalena , Roszek Katarzyna
Published: May 2023

Purinergic signaling, the oldest evolutionary transmitter system, has been increasingly studied as a pivotal target for novel anti‐cancer therapies. In the present work, the developed nanobiocatalytic system consisting of adenylate kinase immobilized on graphene oxide (AK‐GO) was characterized in terms of its physicochemical and biochemical properties. We put special emphasis on the AK‐GO influence on purinergic signaling components, that is, ecto‐nucleotides concentration and ecto‐enzymes expression and activity in human lung carcinoma epithelial (A549) cells. The immobilization‐dependent modification of AK kinetic parameters allowed for the removal of ATP excess while maintaining low ATP concentrations, efficient decrease in adenosine concentration, and control of the nucleotide balance in carcinoma cells. The cyto‐ and hemocompatibility of developed AK‐GO nanobiocatalytic system indicates that it can be successfully harnessed for biomedical applications. In A549 cells treated with AK‐GO nanobiocatalytic system, the significantly decreased adenosinergic signaling results in reduction of the proliferation and migration capability of cancer cells. This finding is particularly relevant in regard to AK‐GO prospective anti‐cancer applications.
A native extracellular matrix material for tissue engineering applications: Characterization of pericardial fluid
Authors: Sönmezer Dilek , Latifoğlu Fatma , Toprak Güler , Baran Münevver
Published: May 2023

Tissue engineering applications are widely used to repair and regenerate damaged tissues and organs. A scaffold, which is an important component in tissue engineering, provides a 3D environment for cells. In this study, the usability of PF components for the production of an ideal scaffold was investigated. For this aim, pericardial fluid (PF) was harvested from the bovine heart, then its structure and components were characterized. The results of Raman spectroscopy analysis, histological staining, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the pericardial fluid contains collagen type I and IV, elastin, fibrin, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which are native extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The results demonstrated that (i) PF contains native ECM proteins and GAG such as collagen types I, III, and IV, elastin, and fibrin. (ii) The PF is highly similar to the native ECM structure. (iii) PF can significantly contribute to many tissue engineering studies as a native ECM material to increase the biocompatibility of biomaterials and to several in vitro/in vivo cell culture studies. (iv) PF containing multiple ECM molecules, can be used alone or together with hyaluronic acid, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), alginate, chitosan, matrigel, and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) materials in bioprinting systems for eliminating the disadvantages of these materials.
Quantitative MRI in the Local Staging of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xiao Vieley G. , Kresnanto Jordan , Moses Daniel A. , Pather Nalini
Published: May 2023

Background

Local staging of prostate cancer (PCa) is important for treatment planning. Radiologist interpretation using qualitative criteria is variable with high specificity but low sensitivity. Quantitative methods may be useful in the diagnosis of extracapsular extension (ECE).

Purpose

To assess the performance of quantitative MRI markers for detecting ECE.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Subjects

4800 patients from 28 studies with histopathologically confirmed PCa on radical prostatectomy were pooled for meta‐analysis. Patients from 46 studies were included for systematic review.

Field Strength/Sequence

Diffusion‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI at 1.5 T or 3 T.

Assessment

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify studies on diagnostic test accuracy or association of any quantitative MRI markers with ECE. Results extracted by two independent reviewers for tumor contact length (TCL) and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC‐mean) were pooled for meta‐analysis, but not for other quantitative markers including radiomics due to low number of studies available.

Statistical Tests

Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curves were computed for both TCL and ADC‐mean, but summary operating points were computed for TCL only. Heterogeneity was investigated by meta‐regression. Results were significant if P ≤ 0.05.

Results

At the 10 mm threshold for TCL, summary sensitivity and specificity were 0.76 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–0.81] and 0.68 [95% CI 0.63–0.73], respectively. At the 15 mm threshold, summary sensitivity and specificity were 0.70 [95% CI 0.53–0.83] and 0.74 [95% CI 0.60–0.84] respectively. The area under the HSROC curves for TCL and ADC‐mean were 0.79 and 0.78, respectively. Significant sources of heterogeneity for TCL included timing of MRI relative to biopsy.

Data Conclusion

Both 10 mm and 15 mm thresholds for TCL may be reasonable for clinical use. From comparison of the HSROC curves, ADC‐mean may be superior to TCL at higher sensitivities.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Advances in hybrid format‐based neuro‐transfer function techniques for parametric modeling of microwave components
Authors: Ma Li , Zhang Qi‐Jun , Liu Wei , Zhang Jianan
Published: May 2023

Electromagnetic (EM) parametric modeling has become significant for EM designs of microwave devices. This paper outlines recent advances in hybrid format‐based neuro‐transfer function (TF) techniques for EM parametric modeling of microwave devices. To solve the problem of high‐sensitivity, a novel decomposition approach is discussed to develop a rational‐based neuro‐TF model of EM behavior of microwave devices. To handle the issue of non‐smoothness and discontinuity, a parametric modeling technique incorporating pole‐residue/rational and neural network hybrid transfer function (short for rational/pole‐residue hybrid neuro‐TF) of EM behavior is reviewed. This technique effectively combines rational and residue‐pole formats of the transfer functions. Compared with the residue‐pole‐based neuro‐TF modeling approach and the rational‐based neuro‐TF modeling approach, the rational/pole‐residue hybrid neuro‐TF technique allows for better accuracy in large geometrical changes and high order applications. A parametric modeling method combining neural network and polynomial‐transfer function (neuro‐PTF) is further presented as an advanced version of the rational/pole‐residue hybrid neuro‐TF method. In this approach, the pole–residue‐based transfer function and the polynomial function are used together to describe the EM responses, and can produce more accurate models, especially with large geometrical variables. Following the modeling process, trained models can be used to provide fast and accurate EM response predictions and can subsequently be used for advanced circuit and system design.
Design of outdoor LED ground display system in major scenes
Authors: Yu Chao , Wu Yunpeng , Yang Fan , Wu Jian , Leng Changlin , Song Yang
Published: May 2023

LED ground display system, as an important outdoor display system in major scenes such as some international performance events or interactive display system, has brought spectacular and gorgeous artistic effect to the audience. According to the customized design and the effort we made, this world class super large‐scale outdoor display system has realized successfully at the beginning of the year 2022 in Beijing. This LED ground display system has many innovation in product design, control system design, and field implementation especially for the need of super high reliability, high environmental suitability, convenient installability, 4,500 m2 super large display area, very complex system integration, and long service time. This paper indicates the detail introduction of the ground display system, specially focuses on the high reliability product design, high display performance design, system reliability design, field implementation, and actual verification results of the semi‐circular display area on both sides of the stage. Meanwhile, some simulation technologies are used in this design related to optics, mechanics, and so on. Furthermore, under the special application environment, to ensure the reliability of the outdoor display system, a dynamic screen preheating method according to temperature change is proposed and proved effectively by practice.
Sp1‐mediated miR‐193b suppresses atopic dermatitis by regulating HMGB1
Authors: Liu Ying‐Ke , Liu Lei‐Shan , Zhu Bo‐Chen , Chen Xiu‐Fang , Tian Li‐Hong
Published: May 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease. Keratinocyte dysfunction plays a central role in AD development. MicroRNA is a novel player in many inflammatory and immune skin diseases. In this study, we investigated the potential function and regulatory mechanism of miR‐193b in AD. Inflamed human keratinocytes (HaCaT) were established by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α/interferon (IFN)‐γ stimulation. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay, while the cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry. The cytokine levels were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The interaction between Sp1, miR‐193b, and HMGB1 was analyzed using dual luciferase reporter and/or chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Our results revealed that miR‐193b upregulation enhanced the proliferation of TNF‐α/IFN‐γ‐treated keratinocytes and repressed inflammatory injury. miR‐193b negatively regulated high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression by directly targeting HMGB1. Furthermore, HMGB1 knockdown promoted keratinocyte proliferation and inhibited inflammatory injury by repressing nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) activation. During AD progression, HMGB1 overexpression abrogated increase of keratinocyte proliferation and repression of inflammatory injury caused by miR‐193b overexpression. Moreover, transcription factor Sp1 was identified as the biological partner of the miR‐193b promoter in promoting miR‐193b expression. Therefore, Sp1 upregulation promotes keratinocyte proliferation and represses inflammatory injury during AD development via promoting miR‐193b expression and repressing HMGB1/NF‐κB activation.
Factors Associated With Loss of Follow‐Up in Transgender Patients Receiving Vocal Therapy
Authors: So Raymond J. , Davis Ashley , Akst Lee M. , Hillel Alexander T. , Best Simon R.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Optimal vocal care for transgender patients necessitates regular follow‐up. Factors associated with loss of follow‐up in voice patients have never been investigated. In this study, we report a case series of transgender patients seeking vocal care at our institution and compare those who were and were not lost to follow‐up.

Methods

Charts of transgender patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria who sought vocal care at our institution from January 2018 through May 2022 were reviewed. A chronological timeline of each patient's care at our vocal clinic was recorded. Loss of follow‐up was defined as instances in which patients were not yet satisfied with their vocal outcomes and expressed interest in scheduling a subsequent visit but had not yet done so. Logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with loss of follow‐up.

Results

Of 73 patients identified, 59 (80.8%) were assigned male at birth, and 72 (98.6%) were non‐Hispanic White. Loss of follow‐up occurred in 35 (47.9%) patients. Patients who received vocal surgery were significantly less likely to be lost to follow‐up (OR: 0.16 (0.03, 0.79); p = 0.03). The availability of telemedicine options for vocal care was protective against loss of follow‐up (OR: 0.09 (0.02, 0.44); p = 0.003). Patients who received other non‐voice gender‐affirming treatments concomitant to their vocal care were more likely to be lost to follow‐up (OR: 4.44 (1.35, 14.59); p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Loss of follow‐up in transgender patients receiving vocal care is common. Providing telemedicine options and encouraging patients to complete vocal care prior to or after receiving other non‐voice gender‐affirming treatments may help increase rates of follow‐up.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:3061–3067, 2023
Diversity of soil mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in streamside mountain forests
Authors: Kamczyc Jacek , Skorupski Maciej , Dyderski Marcin K. , Horodecki Paweł , Rawlik Mateusz , Jagodziński Andrzej M.
Published: May 2023

Habitat loss and fragmentation are among the most influential factors responsible for recent biodiversity decline. The key to understanding the changes in ecosystem functioning is the analysis of the relationship between species diversity and environmental gradients such as those found near streamside forests. We used soil mites (Mesostigmata) as model species as they are predators in soil ecosystems, they occur in high relative abundance, their communities are species‐rich and are robust toward sampling and extraction methods. The main goals of this study were to (1) check how the plant community and associated environmental variables (light conditions, litter accumulation, and soil acidity) along mountain streams affect soil Mesostigmata abundance and diversity, and (2) to analyze the distance from mountain streams to which the ecosystem functions (Mesostigmata diversity) are affected, based on a distance gradient. We systematically established 31 study plots (500 m2) every 200 m along the watercourses, representing three habitat types along the stand composition gradient (ash‐sycamore [Fraxinus excelsior–Acer pseudoplatanus], European beech [Fagus sylvatica], and Norway spruce [Picea abies] forests) for measurements of soil litter thickness, soil acidity, and light conditions. We extracted soil Mesostigmata mites from samples in Tullgren funnels and identified them to the species level. We found that Mesostigmata abundance in forests decreased in the following order: Norway spruce forest > European beech forest > ash‐sycamore forest. Additionally, changes in Shannon diversity were associated with light conditions. In conclusion, streamside mountain forests maintained abundant, diverse and species‐rich Mesostigmata communities, which were associated with a plant community‐light condition gradient. Additionally, more abundant mite communities occurred in forests with higher soil pH values, and under higher light conditions.
Linking microbial community structure to function underneath moss‐dominated biocrusts in rare earth elements mine areas under a subtropical climate
Authors: Kong Zhaoyu , Zhong Hui , Jin Xin , Cai Qiying , Zou Zhengwei , Ge Gang , Wu Lan
Published: May 2023

Rare earth elements (REEs) exploitation has caused large‐scale desertification. Biocrusts and their microbial community are crucial for the restoration and revegetation of abandoned mine areas. However, little is known about how microbial communities with biocrusts contribute to the sustainable function of degraded mine lands. Here, we evaluated soil nutrients, microbial community structure, and enzyme activities (involved in C, N, and P cycling) underneath moss biocrusts in REEs mine lands in Jiangxi Province, China. The results showed that the dissimilarities in the diversity, and structure of bacteria/fungi community with and without moss biocrusts were significant. Nevertheless, the effects of moss biocrusts on the abundant fractions of bacterial/fungal communities depend on land use types. Moreover, network hubs affiliated with Gammaproteobacteria (OTU7263) and Geodermatophilus sp. (OTU7087) were identified from moss networks, but no hub was found in bare soil. More importantly, the microbial communities underneath moss biocrusts mainly had direct effects on enzyme activities, while the microbial communities in bare soils had a relatively weak direct influence on enzyme activities, and most effects were indirectly driven via soil abiotic properties. Our results contribute to a better understanding of microbial community and corresponding ecological functions with moss biocrusts in degraded mine lands.
Recent Advances in Organic Photovoltaic Materials Based on Thiazole‐Containing Heterocycles
Authors: Ji Mengwei , Dong Chuanqi , Guo Qing , Du Mengzhen , Guo Qiang , Sun Xiangnan , Wang Ergang , Zhou Erjun
Published: May 2023

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have achieved great progress, driven by the rapid development of wide bandgap electron donors and narrow bandgap non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs). Among a large number of electron‐accepting (A) building blocks, thiazole (Tz) and its derived fused heterocycles have been widely used to construct photovoltaic materials, especially conjugated polymers. Benefiting from the electron deficiency, rigidity, high planarity, and enhanced intra/intermolecular interactions of Tz‐containing heterocycles, some related photovoltaic materials exhibit proper energy levels, optimized molecular aggregation, and active layer morphology, leading to excellent photovoltaic performance. This review focuses on the progress of Tz‐based photovoltaic materials in the field of OSCs. First, the Tz‐based donor and acceptor photovoltaic materials are reviewed. Then, the materials based on promising Tz‐containing heterocycles, mainly including thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole (TzTz), benzo[1,2‐d:4,5‐d’]bis(thiazole) (BBTz), and benzo[d]thiazole (BTz) are summarized and discussed. In addition, the new emerging Tz‐fused structures and their application in OSCs are introduced. Finally, perspectives and outlooks for the further development of Tz‐containing heterocycle‐based photovoltaic materials are proposed.
Poly(Vinyl Ketones): New Directions in Photodegradable Polymers
Authors: Pal Digvijayee , Konar Debabrata , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: May 2023

Poly(vinyl ketones) (PVKs) have received considerable attention over the past few decades due to their unique photochemistry and photodegradation properties under ultraviolet (UV) light. Many PVKs rapidly undergo photodegradation under UV light. The side‐chain carbonyl moieties of PVKs permit photolysis through Norrish type I or Norrish type II reaction mechanisms and can also be readily modified by nucleophilic addition reactions. These unique properties lead to this class of polymers serving as versatile scaffolds for generating functional materials. This review captures the evolution of synthetic routes to access well‐defined PVKs, along with their photochemistry and photo‐degradation pathways, and discusses recent and potential applications of these photodegradable materials.
Drop‐off in axonal regeneration along the length of a cross‐face nerve graft: An experimental study in rats
Authors: Janes Lindsay E. , Kelsey Lauren J. , Sasson Daniel C. , Applebaum Sarah , Ledwon Joanna K. , Gosain Arun K.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The average nerve graft length utilized in cross‐face nerve grafting for reconstruction of facial nerve palsy is 20–22 cm. While the graft length is thought to be one of the greatest determinants of muscle strength, the mechanism through which this happens remains unknown. We studied changes in axonal regeneration along the length of a 2 cm cross‐face nerve graft in a rat model. The hypothesis was that axon count would decrease along the length of the graft.

Methods

A 2 cm nerve graft (sciatic nerve) was used as a cross‐face nerve graft in 16 adult female, 210–250 g, Sprague Dawley rats. Thirteen weeks later, 5 mm nerve biopsies were taken at four sites: the facial nerve trunk (control), proximal graft, midpoint of graft (1 cm distal to coaptation) and distal graft (2 cm distal to coaptation). Retrograde nerve labeling with FluoroGold was performed at the biopsied nerve site and the facial motor nucleus was taken 1 week later. Microscopic imaging and manual counting of axons and labeled motor nuclei was performed.

Results

Retrograde‐labeled motor neuron counts were decreased at the midway point of the graft compared to the facial trunk (1517 ± 335 axons, Δ% = 92.5, p = .01) and even further decreased at the distal end of the graft (269 ± 293 axons, Δ% = 175.5, p = .006). Analysis of the nerve biopsies demonstrated no significant differences in myelinated axon count between the nerve trunk and over the length of the nerve graft (range 6207–7179 axons, Δ% = 14.5, p = .07).

Conclusion

In a rat model, the number of regenerating motor neurons drops off along the length of the graft and axon count is preserved due to axon sprouting. How this pattern correlates to ultimate muscle strength remains unknown, but this study provides insight into why shorter grafts may afford better outcomes.
Technical note: Towards more realistic 4DCT(MRI) numerical lung phantoms
Authors: Jenny Timothy , Duetschler Alisha , Giger Alina , Pusterla Orso , Safai Sairos , Weber Damien C. , Lomax Antony J. , Zhang Ye
Published: May 2023

Background

Numerical 4D phantoms, together with associated ground truth motion, offer a flexible and comprehensive data set for realistic simulations in radiotherapy and radiology in target sites affected by respiratory motion.

Purpose

We present an openly available upgrade to previously reported methods for generating realistic 4DCT lung numerical phantoms, which now incorporate respiratory ribcage motion and improved lung density representation throughout the breathing cycle.

Methods

Density information of reference CTs, toget her with motion from multiple breathing cycle 4DMRIs have been combined to generate synthetic 4DCTs (4DCT(MRI)s). Inter‐subject correspondence between the CT and MRI anatomy was first established via deformable image registration (DIR) of binary masks of the lungs and ribcage. Ribcage and lung motions were extracted independently from the 4DMRIs using DIR and applied to the corresponding locations in the CT after post‐processing to preserve sliding organ motion. In addition, based on the Jacobian determinant of the resulting deformation vector fields, lung densities were scaled on a voxel‐wise basis to more accurately represent changes in local lung density. For validating this process, synthetic 4DCTs, referred to as 4DCT(CT)s, were compared to the originating 4DCTs using motion extracted from the latter, and the dosimetric impact of the new features of ribcage motion and density correction were analyzed using pencil beam scanned proton 4D dose calculations.

Results

Lung density scaling led to a reduction of maximum mean lung Hounsfield units (HU) differences from 45 to 12 HU when comparing simulated 4DCT(CT)s to their originating 4DCTs. Comparing 4D dose distributions calculated on the enhanced 4DCT(CT)s to those on the original 4DCTs yielded 2%/2 mm gamma pass rates above 97% with an average improvement of 1.4% compared to previously reported phantoms.

Conclusions

A previously reported 4DCT(MRI) workflow has been successfully improved and the resulting numerical phantoms exhibit more accurate lung density representations and realistic ribcage motion.
Psychometric testing of the British‐English Long‐Term Conditions Job Strain Scale, Long‐Term Conditions Work Spillover Scale and Work‐Health‐Personal Life Perceptions Scale in four rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions
Authors: Hammond Alison , Tennant Alan , Ching Angela , Parker Jennifer , Prior Yeliz , Gignac Monique A. M. , Verstappen Suzanne M. M. , O’Brien Rachel
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aims were to validate linguistically British‐English versions of the Long‐Term Conditions Job Strain Scale (LTCJSS), Long‐Term Conditions Work Spillover Scale (LTCWSS) and Work‐Health‐Personal Life Perceptions Scale (WHPLPS) in rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods

The three scales were forward translated and reviewed by an expert panel prior to cognitive debriefing interviews. Participants completed a postal questionnaire. Construct validity was assessed using Rasch analysis. Concurrent validity included testing between the three scales and work (e.g., Workplace Activity Limitations Scale [WALS]) and condition‐specific health scales. Two weeks later, participants were mailed a second questionnaire to measure test‐retest reliability.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 831 employed participants: 68% women, 53.5 (SD 8.9) years of age, with condition duration 7.7 (SD 8.0) years. The LTCJSS, LTCWSS and WHPLPS Parts 1 and 2 satisfied Rasch model requirements, but Part 3 did not. A Rasch transformation scale and Reference Metric equating scales with the WALS were created. Concurrent validity was generally good (rs = 0.41–0.85) for the three scales, except the WHPLPS Part 3. Internal consistency (Person Separation Index values) was consistent with group use in all conditions, and individual use except for the LTCWSS and WHPLSP Parts 1 and 2 in FM. Test‐retest reliability was excellent, with intraclass coefficients (2,1) of 0.80–0.96 for the three scales in the four conditions.

Discussion

Reliable, valid versions of the British‐English LTCJSS, LTCWSS and WHPLPS Parts 1 and 2 are now available for use in the UK.
Development of biocide coated polymers and their antimicrobial efficacy
Authors: Watson Rowan , Maxwell Maria , Dunn Sophie , Brooks Alexander , Jiang Long , Hill Harriet J. , Williams Georgia , Kotowska Anna , Nikoi Naa Dei , Stamataki Zania , Banzhaf Manuel , Scurr David , Bryant Jack Alfred , de Cogan Felicity
Published: May 2023

Microbial contamination of plastic surfaces is a significant source of hospital‐acquired infections. To produce antimicrobial surfaces, chlorhexidine was attached to nitrided acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The uniformity of chlorhexidine distribution on the plastic surfaces was revealed by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) imaging. Its antimicrobial efficacy was established against model pathogenic Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The stability of the bonded chlorhexidine was evaluated via a leaching test. The surfaces rapidly killed microbes: no viable colonies of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, or Candida albicans were recoverable after 45 minutes. It was effective against SARS‐COV‐2, with no viable virions found after 30 minutes. Additionally, the surfaces were as effective in killing chlorhexidine‐resistant strains of bacteria as they were in killing naïve strains. The surface was stable; after 2 weeks of leaching, no detectable chlorhexidine was found in the leachate. We believe that the technology is widely applicable to prevent the spread of fomite infection.
Direct jet coaxial electrospinning of axon‐mimicking fibers for diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Hu Chunyan , Grech‐Sollars Matthew , Statton Ben , Li Zhanxiong , Gao Fei , Williams Gareth R. , Parker Geoff J. M. , Zhou Feng‐Lei
Published: May 2023

Hollow polymer microfibers with variable microstructural and hydrophilic properties were proposed as building elements to create axon‐mimicking phantoms for validation of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The axon‐mimicking microfibers were fabricated in a mm‐thick 3D anisotropic fiber strip, by direct jet coaxial electrospinning of PCL/polysiloxane‐based surfactant (PSi) mixture as shell and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as core. Hydrophilic PCL‐PSi fiber strips were first obtained by carefully selecting appropriate solvents for the core and appropriate fiber collector rotating and transverse speeds. The porous cross‐section and anisotropic orientation of axon‐mimicking fibers were then quantitatively evaluated using two ImageJ plugins—nearest distance (ND) and directionality based on their scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Third, axon‐mimicking phantom was constructed from PCL‐PSi fiber strips with variable porous‐section and fiber orientation and tested on a 3T clinical MR scanner. The relationship between DTI measurements (mean diffusivity [MD] and fractional anisotropy [FA]) of phantom samples and their pore size and fiber orientation was investigated. Two key microstructural parameters of axon‐mimicking phantoms including normalized pore distance and dispersion of fiber orientation could well interpret the variations in DTI measurements. Two PCL‐PSi phantom samples made from different regions of the same fiber strips were found to have similar MD and FA values, indicating that the direct jet coaxial electrospun fiber strips had consistent microstructure. More importantly, the MD and FA values of the developed axon‐mimicking phantoms were mostly in the biologically relevant range.
Introduction to data‐driven systems for plastics and composites manufacturing
Authors: Farahani Saeed , Pilla Srikanth , Zhang Yun , Tucci Fausto
Published: May 2023

Applications of high‐performance plastics and composites have widely been expanded to various industries due to their superior properties, such as high strength‐to‐weight ratio, chemical resistance, and thermal/electrical insulation. However, the numerous possible combinations of polymers and reinforcements/fillers, the variability of these materials, and their complex manufacturing processes pose challenges in terms of efficiently developing new plastics and composites, accurately modeling their properties, and effectively monitoring and controlling their manufacturing processes. Integrating data‐driven techniques, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, is a promising pathway to overcome these challenges as it is demonstrated by the state‐of‐the‐art research works presented in this special issue. This article provides background to the readers and introduces the range of topics covered by the articles in this special issue.
The fabrication of flexible and large‐size inverted metamorphic five‐junction solar cells
Authors: Wang Xia , Sun Qiangjian , Long Junhua , Chen Zhitao , Wu Xiaoxu , Li Xuefei , Yu Menglu , Luo Xiaolong , Song Minghui , Lu Shulong
Published: May 2023

The inverted metamorphic AlGaInP/AlGaAs/GaAs/InGaAs/InGaAs five‐junction solar cells with the bandgap energies of 2.0/1.67/1.42/1.18/0.83 eV were grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition on GaAs substrates. The mismatch stress between the two bottom (In0.17Ga0.83As and In0.46Ga0.54As) cells and GaAs substrate was nearly fully relaxed owing to the growth of AlInGaAs compositionally step‐graded buffers. By employing the low‐temperature epilayer transfer technology with only one‐time temporary bonding, the flexible five‐junction solar cells with the size of 12 cm2 were successfully fabricated. The conversion efficiency was 35.1% with the open‐circuit voltage of 4.73 V under AM1.5G spectrum. The excellent performance of the large‐size five‐junction solar cells is attributed to the low amount of mismatch dislocations in the material as well as the simple fabrication process of the flexible device.
Environmentally safe preservation and stabilization of natural rubber latex in an acidic environment
Authors: Rodríguez Urbina J. C. , Osswald T. A. , Estela Garcia J. E. , Román A. J.
Published: May 2023

Natural rubber is an indispensable raw material that supplies about half of the world's rubber consumption. The latex that is extracted from the trees is composed of polyisoprene rubber, proteins, sugars, amino acids, lipids, and minerals. When the liquid latex emanates from the trees, it comes into contact with bacteria that cause it to decompose and coagulate. To hinder the decomposition and destabilization process, ammonia and other environmental and health hazard chemicals are added to the latex. The addition of these chemicals affects the health of plantation and rubber industry workers and results in residues that are contaminated with these chemicals, which require that processing facility effluents undergo costly treatment processes. Here, we present two novel liquid latex preservation and stabilization methods in an acid medium free of ammonia or other dangerous chemicals. The first method uses dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid to both stabilise and preserve the liquid latex, and the second uses ethoxylated tridecyl alcohol to stabilise and hydrofluoric acid to preserve the colloidal suspension. Both formulations result in rubber with superior mechanical properties, that is safe for the rubber plantation and industry workers, and with residues that no longer adversely affect the environment.
The attractive host volatiles can enhance oviposition of Anoplophora glabripennis on a non‐host tree
Authors: Bingjun Yang , Cao Dandan , Su Zhi , Wei Jianrong
Published: May 2023

Background

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis, is a serious wood borer of hardwood trees. Populus deltoides ‘Shalinyang’ (PdS) is attractive to ALB adults for oviposition but highly resistant to their offspring. Investigation of the chemicals regulating ALB oviposition is scarce in previous studies until now. To determine which chemicals emitted by PdS were attractive and induced oviposition behavior by ALB on non‐host poplar tree species, we first: collected and identified the bio‐active volatiles produced by PdS using coupled gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and coupled gas chromatography–electroantennographic detector (GC–EAD); then evaluated which chemicals were attractive in a Y‐tube olfactometer bioassay; and finally screened key compounds affecting ALB oviposition using a ‘chemical‐stimulated oviposition on non‐host tree’ bioassay.

Results

(E)‐2‐Hexenal, hexyl acetate, (Z)‐3‐hexenol acetate, 1‐hexanol, (Z)‐3‐hexenol, β‐caryophyllene, and salicylaldehyde emitted from PdS were attractive to ALB. When (E)‐2‐hexenal, 1‐hexanol, (Z)‐3‐hexenol acetate, and (Z)‐3‐hexenol were applied to the non‐host tree Populus tomentosa, oviposition by ALB females was significantly increased. Furthermore, the mean number of oviposition pits increased as the (Z)‐3‐hexenol concentrations increased. Further tests on synergy between pairs of chemicals showed that (Z)‐3‐hexenol stimulated production of the most oviposition pits, but that the percentage of effective oviposition pits (those containing an egg and larva and not empty) decreased.

Conclusion

(Z)‐3‐Hexenol is the main chemical component inducing ALB oviposition. These results increase understanding about the oviposition behavior of ALB and could help improve management strategies that regulate ALB behavior by planting mixed‐species forests resistant to ALB. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigating the Role of Ag and Ga Content in the Stability of Wide‐Gap (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: Pearson Patrick , Keller Jan , Stolt Lars , Platzer Björkman Charlotte
Published: May 2023

The stability of thin‐film solar cells spanning a wide range of compositions within the (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2material system is evaluated over time, after dry‐heat annealing and after light soaking, and the role of Ag and Ga content is explored. Ag‐free CuInSe2is relatively stable to annealing and storage, while Cu(In,Ga)Se2suffers a degradation of fill factor and carrier collection. High‐Ga (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2suffers degradation of carrier collection after prolonged annealing, reducing the short‐circuit current by ≈12%. Ga‐free (Ag,Cu)InSe2loses up to a third of open‐circuit voltage and a quarter of fill factor after all treatments are applied. All samples suffer voltage losses after light soaking, with the Ga‐free devices losing up to 50 mV and those containing Ga losing up to 90 mV. Ag incorporation leads to a significant reduction in doping, and a significant increase in the response of doping to treatments, with the depletion width of (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2samples expanding from ≈0.1 μm as‐grown to beyond 1.0 μm after all treatments, compared to the Cu(In,Ga)Se2sample variation of ≈0.1–0.3 μm. Connections between Ag content, doping instability, and performance degradation are discussed.
The effects of foreign bank presence on financial development in Africa: The role of institutional quality
Authors: Iddrisu Khadijah , Abor Joshua Yindenaba , Banyen Kannyiri T.
Published: May 2023

Despite the momentous rise in concentration and market share of foreign banks in overall bank assets in Africa, rigorous empirical work(s) examining their effect on financial sector development in Africa is hard to find. In view of this, the study seeks to investigate the moderating role of institutions/governance on the foreign bank presence‐financial development nexus. Employing the two‐step system generalized method of moment for a panel dataset of 28 economies in Africa over the period, 2000–2018, the results show that foreign bank presence has a positive effect on financial development. Also, the study finds evidence that foreign banks in host countries increase financial development in the presence of quality institutions. The study recommends improvement in institutional quality, which will help foreign banks to promote financial development.
Stability analysis of Lure systems under aperiodic sampled‐data control
Authors: Titton Mathias Giordani , Gomes da Silva João Manoel , Valmorbida Giorgio , Jungers Marc
Published: May 2023

This article deals with the stability analysis of Lure type systems through aperiodic sampled‐data control laws, where the nonlinearity is assumed to be both sector and slope restricted. The proposed method is based on the use of a new class of looped‐functionals, which depends on the nonlinearity and its slope, and on a generalized Lure type function, that is quadratic on both the states and the nonlinearity and has a Lure‐Postnikov integral term. On this basis, conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities to certify global or regional asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system are obtained. These conditions are then used in optimization problems for computing the maximum intersampling interval or the maximum sector bounds for which the stability of the sampled‐data closed‐loop system is guaranteed. Numerical examples to illustrate the results are provided.
Obstacle avoidance tracking control with antiswing and tracking errors constraint for underactuated automated lifting robots with load hoisting/lowering
Authors: Tan Zhiwen , Zhang Ke , Shi Huaitao , Chen Lu , Li Guowei
Published: May 2023

The existing automated lifting robot technology focuses merely on motion control and ignores the surrounding environment. In practice, obstacles inevitably exist in the movement path of the automated lifting robot, which affects construction safety. Furthermore, due to the underactuated characteristics of the automated lifting robot, the load can be difficult to control when it swings violently, which undoubtedly poses huge challenges to obstacle avoidance trajectory planning and controller design. In this paper, an obstacle avoidance trajectory and its tracking controller with antiswing and tracking errors constraint are proposed. To ensure accurate load positioning and effective obstacle avoidance, the proposed control method introduces a four‐segment polynomial trajectory interpolation curve to construct an obstacle avoidance trajectory based on analyzing the geometric relationship between variables. To improve the transient coupling control performance of the system, combined with the passive analysis of the automated lifting robot system, this method constructs a potential function that limits the tracking error and a coupling signal that enhances the coupling relationship between the system variables. Barbalat's lemma and Lyapunov techniques are used to analyze the stability of the system. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed control method can significantly suppress or even eliminate load oscillation, accurately locate the load, avoid obstacles, improve the safety and efficiency of the working automated lifting robot, and have strong robustness to changes in system parameters and the addition of external disturbances.