bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zn‐In Alloying Powder Solvent Free Electrode Toward High‐Load Ampere‐Hour Aqueous Zn‐Mn Secondary Batteries
Authors: Wu Jian‐Chun , Shen Xicheng , Zhou Haitao , Li Xiaowei , Gao Hongquan , Ge Jingyi , Xu Teng , Zhou Haiyun
Published: December 2023

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage due to high safety, abundant reserves, low‐cost, and high energy density. However, the reversibility of the metallic Zn anode in the mild electrolyte is still unsatisfactory, due to the Zn dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, and corrosion passivation. Herein, a Zn‐In alloying powder solvent free electrode is proposed to replace the Zn foil in ZIBs. The novel Zn anodes are constructed by a solvent‐free manufacturing process with carbons, forming a 3D Zn deposition network and providing uniformly electric field distribution. The In on the Zn powder surface can increase the overpotential for hydrogen evolution and further improve the morphology of Zn deposition against dendrite growth. The Zn solvent‐free electrodes enable the Zn‐MnO2 batteries with high cathode loading mass of 10–20 mg cm−2 to achieve >380 stable cycles. Furthermore, the assembled soft package batteries of 2.4 Ah (52 Wh kg−2) is evaluated and the capacity retention is maintained at 80% after 200 cycles at a high areal capacity of 5 mAh cm−2 without gas evolution. This work offers a workable strategy to develop a durable Zn anode for the eventually commercial applications of aqueous Zn‐Mn secondary batteries.
3D Printing of Robust High‐Performance Conducting Polymer Hydrogel‐Based Electrical Bioadhesive Interface for Soft Bioelectronics
Authors: Yu Jiawen , Wan Rongtai , Tian Fajuan , Cao Jie , Wang Wen , Liu Qi , Yang Hanjun , Liu Jingcheng , Liu Ximei , Lin Tao , Xu Jingkun , Lu Baoyang
Published: December 2023

Electrical bioadhesive interface (EBI), especially conducting polymer hydrogel (CPH)‐based EBI, exhibits promising potential applications in various fields, including biomedical devices, neural interfaces, and wearable devices. However, current fabrication techniques of CPH‐based EBI mostly focus on conventional methods such as direct casting, injection, and molding, which remains a lingering challenge for further pushing them toward customized practical bioelectronic applications and commercialization. Herein, 3D printable high‐performance CPH‐based EBI precursor inks are developed through composite engineering of PEDOT:PSS and adhesive ionic macromolecular dopants within tough hydrogel matrices (PVA). Such inks allow the facile fabrication of high‐resolution and programmable patterned EBI through 3D printing. Upon successive freeze‐thawing, the as‐printed PEDOT:PSS‐based EBI simultaneously exhibits high conductivity of 1.2 S m−1, low interfacial impedance of 20 Ω, high stretchability of 349%, superior toughness of 109 kJ m−3, and satisfactory adhesion to various materials. Enabled by these advantageous properties and excellent printability, the facile and continuous manufacturing of EBI‐based skin electrodes is further demonstrated via 3D printing, and the fabricated electrodes display excellent ECG and EMG signal recording capability superior to commercial products. This work may provide a new avenue for rational design and fabrication of next‐generation EBI for soft bioelectronics, further advancing seamless human‐machine integration.
N‐Type Small Molecule Electron Transport Layers with Excellent Surface Energy and Moisture Resistance Siloxane for Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yubing , Zhou Dan , Han Liangjing , Quan Jianwei , Wang Fang , Yang Xufang , Hu Lin , Wang Jianru , Xu Haitao , Chen Lie
Published: December 2023

Electron transport layers (ETLs) generally contain polar groups for enhancing performance and reducing the work function. Nevertheless, the polar group with high surface energy may cause inferior interfacial compatibility, which challenges the ETLs to balance stability and performance. Here, two conjugated small molecules of ETLs with low surface energy siloxane, namely PDI‐Si and PDIN‐Si, are synthesized. The siloxane with low surface energy not only enhances the interfacial compatibility between ETLs and active layers but also improves the moisture‐proof stability of the device. Impressively, the amine‐functionalized PDIN‐Si can simultaneously exhibit conspicuous n‐type self‐doping properties and outstanding moisture‐proof stability. The optimization of interfacial contact and morphology enables the PM6:Y6‐based OSC with PDIN‐Si to achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.87%, which is slightly superior to that of classical ETL PDINO devices (15.27%), and when the PDIN‐Si film thickness reaches 28 nm, the PCE remains at 13.19% (≈83%), which indicates that PDIN‐Si has satisfactory thickness insensitivity to facilitate roll‐to‐roll processing. Excitingly, after 120 h of storage in an environment with humidity above 45%, the unencapsulated device with PDIN‐Si as ETL remains at 75% of the initial PCE value, while the device with PDINO as ETL is only 50%.
A comparative analysis of contractual risks in statistical consulting
Authors: Shilane David , Lorenzetti Nicole L. , Kreutter David K.
Published: December 2023

This study enumerates and compares the risks and rewards of different forms of statistical consulting contracts. We assess three different contract models: project‐based fees, hourly fees, and retainer agreements and three different planned durations: project‐based, time‐based, and evergreen contracts. The requirements of time and effort vary considerably for many aspects of consulting work. The risks of statistical consulting contracts include both the general risks of consulting projects along with the specialized risks of statistical investigations. We enumerate a number of general risks in the categories of unanticipated developments, revisions and collaboration, and changing scopes of projects. Meanwhile, the specialized statistical risks include issues of study design, data quality, statistical investigation, and communication of statistical issues. Because of these concerns, the specialized risks of statistical investigations add considerably to the general risks of consulting projects. Moreover, these issues can be exacerbated or mitigated by the form of the consulting agreement. With a greater understanding of the risks and benefits of each type of contract, statistical consultants and clients can negotiate more mutually beneficial contracts for either or both parties. Through this discussion, we hope to raise awareness of these issues and help to create working conditions with a greater likelihood of a successful project for both statistical consultants and their clients.
Baupraktische Bestimmung der Einschraubtiefe von Schrauben
Authors: Hofstetter Rolf
Published: December 2023

Mit dem nachfolgenden Beitrag wird ein Konzept zur baupraktischen Bestimmung der Einschraubtiefe von Schrauben in unterschiedlichen Materialkombinationen vorgestellt. Die rechnerische Ermittlung der Einschraubtiefe erfolgt anhand von bereits existierenden Veröffentlichungen bzw. Richtlinien. Da die bisherige Vorgehensweise sehr komplex ist, wird ein vereinfachtes baupraktisches Konzept erarbeitet und vorgestellt. Die Bestimmung wird für übliche Materialkombinationen (Schraube zu Einschraubuntergrund) im Bauwesen erarbeitet bzw. dargestellt.
Electrochemical C−H/C−C Bond Oxygenation: A Potential Technology for Plastic Depolymerization
Authors: Rani Sadia , Aslam Samina , Lal Kiran , Noreen Sobia , Alsader Khadeeja Ali Mohammed , Hussain Riaz , Shirinfar Bahareh , Ahmed Nisar
Published: December 2023

Herein, we provide eco‐friendly and safely operated electrocatalytic methods for the selective oxidation directly or with water, air, light, metal catalyst or other mediators serving as the only oxygen supply. Heavy metals, stoichiometric chemical oxidants, or harsh conditions were drawbacks of earlier oxidative cleavage techniques. It has recently come to light that a crucial stage in the deconstruction of plastic waste and the utilization of biomass is the selective activation of inert C(sp3)−C/H(sp3) bonds, which continues to be a significant obstacle in the chemical upcycling of resistant polyolefin waste. An appealing alternative to chemical oxidations using oxygen and catalysts is direct or indirect electrochemical conversion. An essential transition in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries is the electrochemical oxidation of C−H/C−C bonds. In this review, we discuss cutting‐edge approaches to chemically recycle commercial plastics and feasible C−C/C−H bonds oxygenation routes for industrial scale‐up.
RETRACTED: Calcitriol combined with high‐calcium and high‐phosphorus diet induces vascular calcification model in chronic kidney disease rats
Authors: Wang Yujing , Han Wenlong , Zhong Yuxiang , Li Wenning , Liu Qiang
Published: December 2023

Background

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant complication arising from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vascular calcification is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Reducing vascular calcification is therefore critical to reducing mortality in CKD patients.

Hypothesis

This study aims to establish a vascular calcification model in rats with CKD by administering subcutaneous injections of calcitriol in combination with a high‐calcium and high‐phosphorus diet.

Methods

The rats were divided into the CKD vascular calcification model group (subtotal nephrectomy+ [SNx+]) and the sham‐operated control group (subtotal nephrectomy− [SNx−]). The rats in the SNx(+) group were administered high‐calcium and high‐phosphorus feeds following a 5/6 nephrectomy. Calcitriol (1 μg/kg, three times a week) was injected subcutaneously at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 after the operation. Measurements of body weight, urine, serum biochemical indicators and vascular calcification level were conducted in rats.

Results

(1) Compared with the SNx(−) group, rats in the SNx(+) group experienced an increase in 24‐h urine output, urinary phosphorus, and urinary microprotein excretion, along with the development of severe anemia. Additionally, there was a notable elevation in serum phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF‐23), and intact parathyroid hormone levels, accompanied by severe hypoproteinemia at week 12. (2) The results of micro‐compuyed tomography (μCT) and alizarin S staining of the thoracic aorta demonstrated an increase in vascular calcification in the SNx(+) group. (3) The expression levels of vascular calcification‐related proteins were increased.

Conclusions

The administration of calcitriol combined with a high‐calcium and high‐phosphorus diet was found to induce vascular calcification in CKD rats, leading to a disturbance in mineral metabolism. Vascular calcification was effectively induced in CKD rats after 12 weeks of modeling, thereby presenting a novel approach for establishing a vascular calcification model in CKD rats, helping to elucidate this clinical condition and its underlying molecular mechanisms.
Neuroprotective effect of ketamine and sevoflurane against TNF‐α induced cognitive impairment
Authors: Wu Yuanshui , Zhang Meilan , Ke Hongyan , Xu Juanjuan , Li Huanhuan , Ni Xiaohong
Published: December 2023

In the present study, neuroprotective effect of sevoflurane in combination with ketamine was investigated on TNF‐α induced necroptosis of neurons and cognitive impairment in the rat model. The results demonstrated that exposure to TNF‐α/z‐VAD led to a significant decrease in viability of HT‐22 neuronal cells. However, incubation of HT‐22 cells with ketamine plus sevoflurane inhibited decrease in viability induced by TNF‐α/z‐VAD exposure. The increase in production of ROS by TNF‐α/z‐VAD exposure in HT‐22 cells was effectively suppressed on pre‐treatment with ketamine plus sevoflurane. Moreover, suppression of TNF‐α/z‐VAD induced ROS production in HT‐22 cells by ketamine plus sevoflurane pretreatment was higher in comparison to ketamine or sevoflurane treatment alone. Treatment of HT‐22 cells with ketamine plus sevoflurane suppressed TNF‐α/z‐VAD induced increase in RIP1 and p‐MLKL protein expression. Ketamine plus sevoflurane treatment effectively reversed decrease in movement speed as well as total distance traveled in TNF‐α injected rats. The number of neurons in rat hippocampus injected with TNF‐α showed a significant decrease more specifically in carbonic anhydrase‐3 region. However, no significant change in the density of neurons was observed in the hippocampus of rats pretreated with ketamine plus sevoflurane by TNF‐α injection. The increase in expression of p‐MLKL and p‐RIP3 by TNF‐α injection was effectively reversed in rats on treatment with ketamine plus sevoflurane. In silico studies revealed that ketamine interacts with p‐MLKL protein in different confirmations with the binding affinities ranging from −9.7 to −8.4 kcal/mol. It was found that ketamine binds to p‐MLKL protein by interacting with alanine (ALA A:295), proline (PRO A:306), glutamine (GLN A: 307) and isoleucine (ILE A:293) amino acid residues. In summary, ketamine plus sevoflurane combination alleviates TNF‐α/z‐VAD induced decrease in viability of HT‐22 cells in vitro and rat hippocampus neurons in vivo. Moreover, ketamine plus sevoflurane combination prevented TNF‐α injection induced cognitive impairment in rats. Therefore, sevoflurane plus ketamine combination can be developed as a potential therapeutic regimen for treatment of isoflurone induced cognitive impairment.
Durum wheat heat tolerance loci defined via a north–south gradient
Authors: Sall Amadou Tidiane , Kabbaj Hafssa , Menoum Sidi ould Ely , Cisse Madiama , Geleta Mulatu , Ortiz Rodomiro , Bassi Filippo M.
Published: December 2023

The global production of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is hindered by a constant rise in the frequency of severe heat stress events. To identify heat‐tolerant germplasm, three different germplasm panels (“discovery,” “investigation,” and “validation”) were studied under a range of heat‐stressed conditions. Grain yield (GY) and its components were recorded at each site and a heat stress susceptibility index was calculated, confirming that each 1°C temperature rise corresponds to a GY reduction in durum wheat of 4.6%–6.3%. A total of 2552 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) defined the diversity of the first panel, while 5642 SNPs were polymorphic in the “investigation panel.” The use of genome‐wide association studies revealed that 36 quantitative trait loci were associated with the target traits in the discovery panel, of which five were confirmed in a “subset” tested imposing heat stress by plastic tunnels, and in the investigation panel. A study of allelic combinations confirmed that Q.icd.Heat.003‐1A, Q.icd.Heat.007‐1B, and Q.icd.Heat.016‐3B are additive in nature and the positive alleles at all three loci resulted in a 16% higher GY under heat stress. The underlying SNPs were converted into kompetitive allele specific PCR markers and tested on the validation panel, confirming that each explained up to 9% of the phenotypic variation for GY under heat stress. These markers can now be used for breeding to improve resilience to climate change and increase productivity in heat‐stressed areas.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is associated with increased risk of later inflammatory bowel disease in a nationwide Swedish population cohort
Authors: Uchida Amiko M. , Garber John J. , Pyne Ashley , Peterson Kathryn , Roelstraete Bjorn , Olén Ola , Halfvarson Jonas , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: December 2023

Background

Earlier studies on the possible association between eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been contradictory.

Methods

Patients with biopsy‐verified EoE diagnosed between 1990 and 2017 in Sweden (n = 1587) were age‐ and sex‐matched with up to five general population reference individuals (n = 7808). EoE was defined using pathology reports from all 28 pathology centers in Sweden (the ESPRESSO study). Multivariate Cox regression then estimated hazard ratios for future IBD. IBD was defined based on the international classification of disease codes and histopathology codes. In secondary analyses, sibling comparators were used to further reduce potential familial confounding. Additionally, we performed logistic regression examining earlier IBD in EoE.

Results

During follow‐up until 2020, 16 (0.01%) EoE patients and 21 (0.003%) general population reference individuals diagnosed with IBD, corresponding to a 3.5‐fold increased risk of future IBD (aHR = 3.56; 95% CI 1.79–7.11). EoE was linked to Crohn's disease (aHR = 3.39 [95% CI 1.02–9.60]) but not to ulcerative colitis (aHR = 1.37; 95% CI 0.38–4.86). Compared to their siblings, patients with EoE were at a 2.48‐fold increased risk of IBD (aHR = 2.48; 95% CI 0.92–6.70). Earlier IBD was 15 times more likely in EoE patients than in matched reference individuals (odds ratio, 15.39; 95% CI 7.68–33.59).

Conclusion

In this nationwide cohort study, EoE was associated with a 3.5‐fold increased risk of later IBD diagnosis. This risk increase may be due to shared genetic or early environmental risk factors, but also surveillance bias could play a role.
The road to success and the fences to be crossed: considering multiple infrastructure in landscape connectivity modelling
Authors: Botting Isla , Ascensão Fernando , Navarro Laetitia M. , Paniw Maria , Tablado Zulima , Román Jacinto , Revilla Eloy , D'Amico Marcello
Published: December 2023

Linear infrastructure represent a barrier to movement for many species, reducing the connectivity of the landscapes in which they reside. Of all linear infrastructure, roads and fences are two of the most ubiquitous, and are understood to reduce landscape connectivity for wildlife. However, what is often neglected consideration is a holistic approach of modelling the effects of multiple types of linear infrastructure simultaneously. Few studies have examined this, typically assessing the impacts of a singular kind of infrastructure on landscape connectivity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to address the relative importance of considering multiple kinds of linear infrastructure in landscape connectivity modelling. We utilised presence data of red deer Cervus elaphus and wild boar Sus scrofa in Doñana Biosphere Reserve (Spain) to generate a sequential approach of scenarios of landscape connectivity; firstly only with environmental variables, secondly with roads as the sole infrastructure, thirdly with the addition of fences, and finally with the further addition of fences and wildlife road‐crossing structures. We found that the connectivity of the landscape was greatly affected by the addition of fences and wildlife road‐crossing structures in both species, with fences in particular causing considerable alterations to estimated movement pathways. Our finding impresses a need to consider multiple different types of linear infrastructure when modelling landscape connectivity to enable a more realistic view of wildlife movement and inform mitigation and conservation measures more accurately.
Integration of Chemicals Market Data with Suspect Screening Using In Silico Tools to Identify Potential New and Emerging Risk Chemicals
Authors: Menger Frank , Andersson Patrik L. , Weiss Jana M.
Published: December 2023

Early identification of new and emerging risk chemicals (NERCs) is critical in protecting human and environmental health while chemical invention and production is growing on a global market. Chemicals market data is information on the production, import, and use of chemicals in materials and products. By integration of chemicals market data with suspect screening strategies NERCs could potentially be detected early. In silico tools play an important role in this integration to identify blind spots in current analytical approaches and in identification of the potentially most hazardous chemicals. This chapter starts with a brief presentation of the term “chemicals market data.” The integrated approach is then presented in three steps: (1) Data collection and curation, (2) Scoring, ranking, and filtering, and (3) Suspect screening. Each step is first presented conceptually and then exemplified with use cases from the authors. The use of chemicals market data provides a solid basis for identification of true NERCs with confidence, and true and false negative findings can more confidently be distinguished. Chemicals market data should be provided to authorities and researchers so that early warning systems for NERCs can be installed and analytical blind spots identified and addressed.
Efficient Mining of Volunteered Trajectory Datasets
Authors: Forsch Axel , Funke Stefan , Haunert Jan-Henrik , Storandt Sabine
Published: December 2023

With the ubiquity of mobile devices that are capable of tracking positions (be it via GPS or Wi-Fi/mobile network localization), there is a continuous stream of location data being generated every second. These location measurements are typically not considered individually but rather as sequences, each of which reflects the movement of one person or vehicle, which we call trajectory. This chapter presents new algorithmic approaches to process and visualize trajectories both in the network-constrained and the unconstrained case.
Two Worlds in One Network: Fusing Deep Learning and Random Forests for Classification and Object Detection
Authors: Reinders Christoph , Yang Michael Ying , Rosenhahn Bodo
Published: December 2023

Neural networks have demonstrated great success; however, large amounts of labeled data are usually required for training the networks. In this work, a framework for analyzing the road and traffic situations for cyclists and pedestrians is presented, which only requires very few labeled examples. We address this problem by combining convolutional neural networks and random forests, transforming the random forest into a neural network, and generating a fully convolutional network for detecting objects. Because existing methods for transforming random forests into neural networks propose a direct mapping and produce inefficient architectures, we present neural random forest imitation—an imitation learning approach by generating training data from a random forest and learning a neural network that imitates its behavior. This implicit transformation creates very efficient neural networks that learn the decision boundaries of a random forest. The generated model is differentiable, can be used as a warm start for fine-tuning, and enables end-to-end optimization. Experiments on several real-world benchmark datasets demonstrate superior performance, especially when training with very few training examples. Compared to state-of-the-art methods, we significantly reduce the number of network parameters while achieving the same or even improved accuracy due to better generalization.
Non Naturally Reductive Einstein Metrics on the Orthogonal Group via Real Flag Manifolds
Authors: Arvanitoyeorgos Andreas , Sakane Yusuke , Statha Marina
Published: December 2023

We obtain new invariant Einstein metrics on the compact Lie groups $${{\,\textrm{SO}\,}}(n)$$

SO

(
n
)

which are not naturally reductive. This is achieved by using the real flag manifolds $${{\,\textrm{SO}\,}}(k_1+\cdots +k_p)/{{\,\textrm{SO}\,}}(k_1)\times \cdots \times {{\,\textrm{SO}\,}}(k_p)$$

SO

(

k
1

+
⋯
+

k
p

)

/

SO

(

k
1

)

×
⋯
×

SO

(

k
p

)

and by imposing certain symmetry assumptions in the set of all left-invariant metrics on $${{\,\textrm{SO}\,}}(n)$$

SO

(
n
)

.
A Functional Approach to Interpreting the Role of the Adjoint Equation in Machine Learning
Authors: Fekete Imre , Molnár András , Simon Péter L.
Published: December 2023

The connection between numerical methods for solving differential equations and machine learning has been revealed recently. Differential equations have been proposed as continuous analogues of deep neural networks, and then used in handling certain tasks, such as image recognition, where the training of a model includes learning the parameters of systems of ODEs from certain points along their trajectories. Treating this inverse problem of determining the parameters of a dynamical system that minimize the difference between data and trajectory by a gradient-based optimization method presents the solution of the adjoint equation as the continuous analogue of backpropagation that yields the appropriate gradients. The paper explores an abstract approach that can be used to construct a family of loss functions with the aim of fitting the solution of an initial value problem to a set of discrete or continuous measurements. It is shown, that an extension of the adjoint equation can be used to derive the gradient of the loss function as a continuous analogue of backpropagation in machine learning. Numerical evidence is presented that under reasonably controlled circumstances the gradients obtained this way can be used in a gradient descent to fit the solution of an initial value problem to a set of continuous noisy measurements, and a set of discrete noisy measurements that are recorded at uncertain times.
The impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on surgical outcomes after surgery for an acute abdominal diagnosis
Authors: Kassahun Woubet Tefera , Babel Jonas , Mehdorn Matthias
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The current study was undertaken to describe the independent contribution of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to the risk of postoperative morbidity and in-hospital mortality among patients undergoing surgery for an acute abdominal diagnosis.

Methods

Patients who underwent emergency abdominal procedures were identified from the electronic database of the Department of Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery of our institution. To evaluate differences in surgical risk associated with COPD, patients with COPD were matched for age, sex, and type of surgery with an equal number of controls who did not have COPD. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the univariate and multivariate associations between the independent variables, including COPD and outcome variables.

Results

Between January 2012 and December 2022, 3519 patients undergoing abdominal emergency surgery were identified in our abdominal surgical department. After removing ineligible cases, 201 COPD cases with an equal number of matched controls remained for analysis. The prevalence of COPD after the exclusion of ineligible cases was 5.7%. There were statistically significant differences in the rate of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs [57.7% vs. 35.8%; P < 0.001]), ventilator dependence (VD [63.2% vs. 46.3%; P < 0.001]), thromboembolic events (TEEs [22.9% vs. 12.9%; P = 0.009]), and in-hospital mortality (41.3% vs. 30.8%; P = 029) for patients with and without COPD. Independent of other covariates, the presence of COPD was not associated with a significantly increased risk of in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.16; 95% CI 0.70–1.97; P = 0.591) but was associated with an increased risk of PPCs (OR, 2.49; 95% CI 1.41–4.14; P = 0.002) and VD (OR, 2.26; 95% CI 1.22–4.17; P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Preexisting COPD may alter a patient’s risk of PPCs and VD. However, it was not associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality.
Elucidating Best Geospatial Estimation Method Applied to Environmental Sciences
Authors: de Lourdes Berrios Cintrón María , Broomandi Parya , Cárdenas-Escudero Jafet , Cáceres Jorge O. , Galán-Madruga David
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is to assess and identify the most suitable geospatial interpolation algorithm for environmental sciences. The research focuses on evaluating six different interpolation methods using annual average PM10 concentrations as a reference dataset. The dataset includes measurements obtained from a target air quality network (scenery 1) and a sub-dataset derived from a partitive clustering technique (scenery 2). By comparing the performance of each interpolation algorithm using various indicators, the study aims to determine the most reliable method. The findings reveal that the kriging method demonstrates the highest performance within environmental sciences, with a spatial similarity of approximately 70% between the two scenery datasets. The performance indicators for the kriging method, including RMSE (root mean square error), MAE (mean absolute error), and MAPE (mean absolute percentage error), are measured at 3.2 µg/m3, 10.2 µg/m3, and 7.3%, respectively.

This study addresses the existing gap in scientific knowledge regarding the comparison of geospatial interpolation techniques. The findings provide valuable insights for environmental managers and decision-makers, enabling them to implement effective control and mitigation strategies based on reliable geospatial information and data. In summary, this research evaluates and identifies the most suitable geospatial interpolation algorithm for environmental sciences, with the kriging method emerging as the most reliable option. The study’s findings contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field and offer practical implications for environmental management and planning.
On the space of null geodesics of a spacetime: the compact case, Engel geometry and retrievability
Authors: Marín-Salvador Adrià , Rubio Roberto
Published: December 2023

We compute the contact manifold of null geodesics of the family of spacetimes $$\left\{ \left( \mathbb {S}^2\times \mathbb {S}^1, g_\circ -\frac{d^2}{c^2}dt^2\right) \right\} _{d,c\in \mathbb {N}^+\text { coprime}}$$

S

2

×

S

1

,

g
∘

-

d
2

c
2

d

t
2

d
,
c
∈

N

+

coprime

, with $$g_\circ $$

g
∘

the round metric on $$\mathbb {S}^2$$

S

2

and t the $$\mathbb {S}^1$$

S

1

-coordinate. We find that these are the lens spaces L(2c, 1) together with the pushforward of the canonical contact structure on $$ST\mathbb {S}^2\cong L(2,1)$$

S
T

S

2

≅
L

(
2
,
1
)

under the natural projection $$L(2,1)\rightarrow L(2c,1)$$

L
(
2
,
1
)
→
L
(
2
c
,
1
)

. We extend this computation to $$Z\times \mathbb {S}^1$$

Z
×

S

1

for Z a Zoll manifold. On the other hand, motivated by these examples, we show how Engel geometry can be used to describe the manifold of null geodesics of a certain class of three-dimensional spacetimes, by considering the Cartan deprolongation of their Lorentz prolongation. We characterize the three-dimensional contact manifolds that are contactomorphic to the space of null geodesics of a spacetime. The characterization consists in the existence of an overlying Engel manifold with a certain foliation and, in this case, we also retrieve the spacetime.
User-friendly platform for analysis of high mass intact proteins and glycopeptides by laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry based on copper oxide particles
Authors: Springer Valeria , Zhou Yuye , Aguilera Ángela Y. , Emmer Åsa
Published: December 2023

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) based on micro/nanostructured materials with different natures has received increasing attention for the analysis of a wide variety of analytes. However, up to now, only a few studies have shown the application of simple platforms in MALDI-MS for the identification of intact proteins. The present work reports on the application of copper oxide particles (Cu2O PS), obtained by a greener route, in combination with low amounts of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as a novel hybrid platform. The combined Cu2O PS@DHB matrix, containing only 2.5 mg mL−1 of particles and 10 mg mL−1 of DHB, was easily applicable in MALDI-MS without surface modification of target plates. Under optimal conditions, the analysis of intact proteins up to 150,000 Da was possible, including immunoglobulin G, bovine serum albumin, and cytochrome C with adequate spot-to-spot signal reproducibility (RSD < 10%). In addition, the analysis of glycopeptides from IgG digests was carried out to prove the multipurpose application of the Cu2O PS@DHB platform in the low m/z range (2500–3000 Da). From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the optical and surface properties of as-synthesized Cu2O PS are likely to be responsible for the superior performance of Cu2O PS@DHB in comparison with conventional matrices. In this sense, the proposed user-friendly methodology opens up the prospect for possible implementation in bioanalysis and diagnostic research.

Graphical Abstract
Longitudinal Strain vs. Conventional Echocardiographic Parameters in the First Week of Life in Healthy Term Newborns
Authors: Peček Jerneja Rešek , Koželj Mirta , Fister Petja
Published: December 2023

The first week of life is characterized by substantial alterations in hemodynamic conditions. Changes in myocardial contractility will reflect these changes. We aimed to assess right and left ventricular function on the third and seventh days of life in 50 healthy term newborns. To assess myocardial function, we used speckle tracking echocardiography. Pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging, M-mode, Doppler and pulsed-wave Doppler were also used to assess ventricular function. We found a significant increase in both right and left longitudinal strain and an increase in systolic and diastolic tissue Doppler velocities, whereas most other parameters remained unchanged. At both time points, the measured parameters were significantly greater for the right ventricle, but the changes with time were similar for both ventricles. We also found an increase in right ventricular outflow tract acceleration time as an indirect sign of decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance and an increase in systolic blood pressure, pointing to increasing systemic vascular resistance. Together with a decreasing proportion of patients with patent ductus arteriosus, the estimated left ventricular cardiac output decreased and right ventricular cardiac output increased but not to a statistically significant degree. In conclusion, the results of our study show how different echocardiographic techniques capture hemodynamic changes and changes in myocardial contractility and compliance. Both longitudinal strain and tissue Doppler imaging parameters seem to offer greater sensitivity in comparison with conventional echocardiographic parameters.
Assessing the efficacy of saline flush in frequency-domain optical coherence tomography for intracoronary imaging
Authors: Kimura Masahiro , Takeda Teruki , Tsujino Yasushi , Matsumoto Yuichi , Yamaji Masayuki , Sakaguchi Tomoko , Maeda Keiko , Mabuchi Hiroshi , Murakami Tomoyuki
Published: December 2023

Background

The increased amount of contrast media in frequency-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) imaging during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has raised potential concerns regarding impairment of renal function.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of heparinized saline flush in FD-OCT-guided PCI and identify clinical factors contributing to optimal image quality.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 100 lesions from 90 consecutive patients, and a total of 200 pullbacks were analyzed for the initial and final evaluation in which saline was used as the flushing medium.

Results

The study population had a mean age of 73, with 52% having chronic kidney disease (CKD). The median amount of contrast used was 28 ml, and no complications were observed associated with saline flush OCT. Imaging quality was then categorized as excellent, good, or unacceptable. Among the total runs, 87% demonstrated clinically acceptable image quality, with 66.5% classified as excellent images and 20.5% classified as good images. Independent predictors of excellent images included lumen area stenosis ≥ 70% (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–5.47, P = 0.044), and the use of intensive flushing (adjusted OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.11–3.86, P = 0.023) defined as a deep engagement of guiding catheter (GC) or a selective insertion of guide extension catheter (GE). Intensive flushing was performed in 60% of the total pullbacks, and it was particularly effective in improving image quality in the left coronary artery (LCA).

Conclusion

The use of saline flush during FD-OCT imaging was safe and feasible, which had a benefit in renal protection with adequate imaging quality.
Diurnal variability of atmospheric water vapour, precipitation and cloud top temperature across the global tropics derived from satellite observations and GNSS technique
Authors: Baldysz Zofia , Nykiel Grzegorz , Baranowski Dariusz B. , Latos Beata , Figurski Mariusz
Published: December 2023

The diurnal cycle of convection plays an important role in clouds and water vapour distribution across the global tropics. In this study, we utilize integrated moisture derived from the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), satellite precipitation estimates from TRMM and merged infrared dataset to investigate links between variability in tropospheric moisture, clouds development and precipitation at a diurnal time scale. Over 16 years of observations were analysed to estimate the diurnal cycles for 42 sites that span across the global tropics and assess the GNSS precipitable water vapour suitability in tropical moisture variability studies. Results show that the GNSS technique can be successfully used for studies related to the high-resolution temporal variability of integrated atmospheric moisture and, thus, in the analysis of multi-scale interactions and clouds development. For most of the analysed cases, GNSS integrated humidity shows one daily maximum (regardless of the season), which is related to the afternoon precipitation and cloud top temperature daily minimum. Although diurnal integrated moisture variations typically do not exceed 2 mm (usually below 5% of the daily mean value), in favourable large-scale conditions such relatively small changes can lead to the development of convective clouds and can affect precipitation distribution. Thus, GNSS technology allows reliable monitoring of tropospheric moisture variability at a diurnal time scale, which can be leveraged for improved monitoring and prediction of high-impact weather.
Sacral Neuromodulation for defecation disorders after non oncologic pelvic surgery
Authors: Martellucci Jacopo , Annicchiarico Alfredo , Scheiterle Maximilian , Trompetto Mario , Prosperi Paolo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Defecation disorders (DD) can sometimes affect the outcomes of pelvic or colorectal surgery. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of constipation and other evacuation disorders after surgery.

Methods

A retrospective analysis in all the consecutive patients that underwent sacral nerve modulation (SNM) for DD arisen or worsened after pelvic or colorectal surgery was performed from January 2010 to December 2020. DD were defined starting from Rome IV Criteria, and according to manometric results, all patients were further divided into the two subgroups: inadequate defecatory propulsion and dyssynergic defecation. Cleveland Clinic Constipations Score (CCCS) and SF-36 have been evaluated in the time.

Results

Thirty-seven patients have been included in the study. Twenty-seven out of thirty-seven (73.3%) patients had experienced sufficient benefits to implant the definitive device, and 22 patients (59.4% of tested and 81.5% of permanently implanted) still had the device functioning after a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. The most represented manometric pattern was inadequate propulsive function (59% of patients). CCCS at preoperative assessment for all patients was 17.5 with a reduction to 10.4 at the first year of follow-up (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

SNM appears to be a feasible, safe, and well-tolerated procedure with durable benefit in the long-term treatment of defecatory dysfunction after pelvic or colorectal surgery for benign diseases.
Associations between healthy food groups and platelet-activating factor, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and C-reactive protein: a cross-sectional study
Authors: English Carolyn J. , Jones Mark , Lohning Anna E. , Mayr Hannah L. , MacLaughlin Helen , Reidlinger Dianne P.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To investigate the association between pro-inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor (PAF), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), hsCRP, and intake of core food groups including fruit, cruciferous and other vegetables, grains, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, nuts and legumes, and dairy.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable cardiovascular disease risk were recruited. Data were collected in 2021 and 2022. Fasting PAF, Lp-PLA2 activity, hsCRP and usual dietary intake (via a validated food frequency questionnaire) were measured. Intake of foods were converted into serves and classified into food groups. Correlations and multiple regressions were performed with adjustment for confounders.

Results

A one-serve increase in cruciferous vegetables per day was associated with 20–24% lower PAF levels. An increase of one serve per day of nuts and legumes was associated with 40% lower hsCRP levels. There were small correlations with PAF and Lp-PLA2 and cheese, however, these were not significant at the Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.005 level.

Conclusion

The lack of associations between PAF and Lp-PLA2 and other healthy foods may be due to confounding by COVID-19 infection and vaccination programs which prevents any firm conclusion on the relationship between PAF, Lp-PLA2 and food groups. Future research should aim to examine the relationship with these novel markers and healthy food groups in a non-pandemic setting.
A new subtype of diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27 and BRAF/FGFR1 co-altered: a clinico-radiological and histomolecular characterisation
Authors: Auffret Lucie , Ajlil Yassine , Tauziède-Espariat Arnault , Kergrohen Thomas , Puiseux Chloé , Riffaud Laurent , Blouin Pascale , Bertozzi Anne-Isabelle , Leblond Pierre , Blomgren Klas , Froelich Sébastien , Picca Alberto , Touat Mehdi , Sanson Marc , Beccaria Kévin , Blauwblomme Thomas , Dangouloff-Ros Volodia , Boddaert Nathalie , Varlet Pascale , Debily Marie-Anne , Grill Jacques , Castel David
Published: December 2023

Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) H3 K27-altered are incurable grade 4 gliomas and represent a major challenge in neuro-oncology. This tumour type is now classified in four subtypes by the 2021 edition of the WHO Classification of the Central Nervous System (CNS) tumours. However, the H3.3-K27M subgroup still appears clinically and molecularly heterogeneous. Recent publications reported that rare patients presenting a co-occurrence of H3.3K27M with BRAF or FGFR1 alterations tended to have a better prognosis. To better study the role of these co-driver alterations, we assembled a large paediatric and adult cohort of 29 tumours H3K27-altered with co-occurring activating mutation in BRAF or FGFR1 as well as 31 previous cases from the literature. We performed a comprehensive histological, radiological, genomic, transcriptomic and DNA methylation analysis. Interestingly, unsupervised t-distributed Stochastic Neighbour Embedding (tSNE) analysis of DNA methylation profiles regrouped BRAFV600E and all but one FGFR1MUT DMG in a unique methylation cluster, distinct from the other DMG subgroups and also from ganglioglioma (GG) or high-grade astrocytoma with piloid features (HGAP). This new DMG subtype harbours atypical radiological and histopathological profiles with calcification and/or a solid tumour component both for BRAFV600E and FGFR1MUT cases. The analyses of a H3.3-K27M BRAFV600E tumour at diagnosis and corresponding in vitro cellular model showed that mutation in H3-3A was the first event in the oncogenesis. Contrary to other DMG, these tumours occur more frequently in the thalamus (70% for BRAFV600E and 58% for FGFR1MUT) and patients have a longer overall survival with a median above three years. In conclusion, DMG, H3 K27 and BRAF/FGFR1 co-altered represent a new subtype of DMG with distinct genotype/phenotype characteristics, which deserve further attention with respect to trial interpretation and patient management.
Does endometriosis inflict harm on embryos? A systematic review of embryo morphokinetics analysed by time lapse monitoring in women with endometriosis
Authors: Cupino-Arcinue Diana , Seeber Beata , Montag Markus , Toth Bettina
Published: December 2023

Endometriosis has been shown to be associated with unfavorable development and maturation of oocytes, as well as aberrancies in embryonal development, including arrest after fertilization, following in vitro fertilization (IVF). Time-lapse monitoring (TLM) enables continuous and non-invasive monitoring of embryo morphokinetics during the IVF process and might be useful in the assessment of embryos from women with endometriosis. In this review, five eligible studies were evaluated to determine if embryo morphokinetics assessed under TLM differ in patients with endometriosis and subsequently predict blastocyst quality, implantation and success of pregnancy. The studies showed overall inferior morphokinetic parameters of embryos from endometriosis patients when compared to controls, independent of the severity of endometriosis. Embryos with optimal early morphokinetic parameters (t2, s2, t5, tSB, tEB) and late developmental events (compaction, morulation, and blastulation) had better implantation rates than those who had suboptimal ranges. However, due to few studies available with mostly retrospective data, the validity of these findings and their generalizability for clinical practice needs to be further assessed. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine whether using TLM for embryo selection in endometriosis improves pregnancy and live birth outcomes.
A clinical approach to the investigation and management of long COVID associated neuropathic pain
Authors: Shil Rajish Sanjit Kumar , Hughes Thomas William , Sargent Brendan Francis , Huang Yun , Tamborska Arina Anna , Frank Bernhard , Ellul Mark Alexander , Michael Benedict Daniel
Published: December 2023

COVID–19 has been associated with a wide range of ongoing symptoms following recovery from the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Around one in three people with COVID-19 develop neurological symptoms with many reporting neuropathic pain and associated symptoms, including paraesthesia, numbness, and dysesthesia. Whilst the pathophysiology of long COVID-19-associated neuropathic pain remains unclear, it is likely to be multifactorial. Early identification, exclusion of common alternative causes, and a biopsychosocial approach to the management of the symptoms can help in relieving the burden of disease and improving the quality of life for patients.