bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress of Polymer Electrolytes Worked in Solid‐State Lithium Batteries for Wide‐Temperature Application
Authors: Hu Long , Gao Xue , Wang Hui , Song Yun , Zhu Yongli , Tao Zhijun , Yuan Bin , Hu Renzong
Published: March 2024

Solid‐state Li‐ion batteries have emerged as the most promising next‐generation energy storage systems, offering theoretical advantages such as superior safety and higher energy density. However, polymer‐based solid‐state Li‐ion batteries face challenges across wide temperature ranges. The primary issue lies in the fact that most polymer electrolytes exhibit relatively low ionic conductivity at or below room temperature. This sensitivity to temperature variations poses challenges in operating solid‐state lithium batteries at sub‐zero temperatures. Moreover, elevated working temperatures lead to polymer shrinkage and deformation, ultimately resulting in battery failure. To address this challenge of polymer‐based solid‐state batteries, this review presents an overview of various promising polymer electrolyte systems. The review provides insights into the temperature‐dependent physical and electrochemical properties of polymers, aiming to expand the temperature range of operation. The review also further summarizes modification strategies for polymer electrolytes suited to diverse temperatures. The final section summarizes the performance of various polymer‐based solid‐state batteries at different temperatures. Valuable insights and potential future research directions for designing wide‐temperature polymer electrolytes are presented based on the differences in battery performance. This information is intended to inspire practical applications of wide‐temperature polymer‐based solid‐state batteries.
Power Scavenging Microsystem for Smart Contact Lenses
Authors: Pourshaban Erfan , Karkhanis Mohit U. , Deshpande Adwait , Banerjee Aishwaryadev , Hasan Md Rabiul , Nikeghbal Amirali , Ghosh Chayanjit , Kim Hanseup , Mastrangelo Carlos H.
Published: March 2024

On‐the‐eye microsystems such as smart contacts for vision correction, health monitoring, drug delivery, and displaying information represent a new emerging class of low‐profile (≤ 1 mm) wireless microsystems that conform to the curvature of the eyeball surface. The implementation of suitable low‐profile power sources for eye‐based microsystems on curved substrates is a major technical challenge addressed in this paper. The fabrication and characterization of a hybrid energy generation unit composed of a flexible silicon solar cell and eye‐blinking activated Mg–O2 metal–air harvester capable of sustainably supplying electrical power to smart ocular devices are reported. The encapsulated photovoltaic device provides a DC output with a power density of 42.4 µW cm−2 and 2.5 mW cm−2 under indoor and outdoor lighting conditions, respectively. The eye‐blinking activated Mg–air harvester delivers pulsed power output with a maximum power density of 1.3 mW cm−2. A power management circuit with an integrated 11 mF supercapacitor is used to convert the harvesters’ pulsed voltages to DC, boost up the voltages, and continuously deliver ≈150 µW at a stable 3.3 V DC output. Uniquely, in contrast to wireless power transfer, the power pack continuously generates electric power and does not require any type of external accessories for operation.
Hierarchical PtCuMnP Nanoalloy for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution and Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Basumatary Padmini , Choi Ji‐Hyeok , Konwar Dimpul , Ramchiary Anjalu , Han Byungchan , Yoon Young Soo
Published: March 2024

The higher amount of Pt usage and its poisoning in methanol oxidation reaction in acidic media is a major setback for methanol fuel cells. Herein, a promising dual application high‐performance electrocatalyst has been developed for hydrogen evolution and methanol oxidation. A low Pt‐content nanoalloy co‐doped with Cu, Mn, and P is synthesized using a modified solvothermal process. Initially, ultrasmall ≈2.9 nm PtCuMnP nanoalloy is prepared on N‐doped graphene‐oxide support and subsequently, it is characterized using several analytical techniques and examined through electrochemical tests. Electrochemical results show that PtCuMnP/N‐rGO has a low overpotential of 6.5 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 0.3 m H2SO4 and high mass activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction. For the methanol oxidation reaction, the PtCuMnP/N‐rGO electrocatalyst exhibits robust performance. The mass activity of PtCuMnP/N‐rGO is 6.790 mA mg−1Pt, which is 7.43 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C (20% Pt). Moreover, in the chronoamperometry test, PtCuMnP/N‐rGO shows exceptionally good stability and retains 72% of the initial current density even after 20,000 cycles. Furthermore, the PtCuMnP/N‐rGO electrocatalyst exhibits outstanding performance for hydrogen evolution and methanol oxidation along with excellent anti‐poisoning ability. Hence, the developed bifunctional electrocatalyst can be used efficiently for hydrogen evolution and methanol oxidation.
Polymorphism and Structural Variety in Sn(II) Carboxylate Coordination Polymers Revealed from Structure Solution of Microcrystals
Authors: Ramana Avneet K. , Tidey Jeremiah P. , de Lima Geraldo M. , Walton Richard I.
Published: March 2024

The crystal structures of four coordination polymers constructed from Sn(II) and polydentate carboxylate ligands are reported. All are prepared under hydrothermal conditions in KOH or LiOH solutions (either water or methanol–water) at 130−180 °C and crystallize as small crystals, microns or less in size. Single‐crystal structure solution and refinement are performed using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction for two materials and using 3D electron diffraction (3DED) for the others. Sn2(1,3,5‐BTC)(OH), where 1,3,5‐BTC is benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate, is a new polymorph of this composition and has a three‐dimensionally connected structure with potential for porosity. Sn(H‐1,3,5‐BTC) retains a partially protonated ligand and has a 1D chain structure bound by hydrogen bonding via ─COOH groups. Sn(H‐1,2,4‐BTC) contains an isomeric ligand, benzene‐1,2,4‐tricarboxylate, and contains inorganic chains in a layered structure held by hydrogen bonding. Sn2(DOBDC), where DOBDC is 2,5‐dioxido‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate, is a new polymorph for this composition and has a three‐dimensionally connected structure where both carboxylate and oxido groups bind to the tin centers to create a dense network with dimers of tin. In all materials, the Sn centers are found in highly asymmetric coordination, as expected for Sn(II). For all materials phase purity of the bulk is confirmed using powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy.
Regulating The Electronic Configuration of Low‐Dimensional Hybrid Perovskites via Organic Cations for Self‐Powered Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Liu Zhirong , Zhang Zhiguo , Yu Haixuan , Zhang Zheng , Li Xiongjie , Sun Qiang , Dong Hongliang , Liang Wenxi , Shen Yan , Ahmad Shahzada , Wang Mingkui
Published: March 2024

Ultraviolet photodetectors (UPDs) based on low‐dimensional halide perovskites have undergone rapid development. Here, regulation of the electronic configuration of low‐dimensional hybrid perovskites are reported via organic cations for self‐powered UPDs. For the first time, it is determine that the rational design of organic cation phenyl alkylammonium can effectively prevent phonon scattering thus increasing charge carrier extraction in low dimensional lead chlorine perovskite thin‐films. As a result, the exciton‐binding energy can be reduced to 62.91 meV in (PMA)2PbCl4 perovskite films with a charge‐carrier mobility of 0.335 cm2 V−1 s−1. The fabricated (PMA)2PbCl4‐based self‐powered UPDs has achieved a high detectivity of 6.32 × 1013 jones with a low noise current of 0.35 pA Hz−1/2 under zero bias. A further demonstration of images with high UV to visible light rejection ratio under weak‐light illumination of 70 nW cm−2 highlights the feasible potential application of low‐dimensional perovskite.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Performance of Graphdiyne‐Alkyne Phosphating Mo–Metal‐Organic Frameworks Heterojunction
Authors: Ding Meijuan , Li Mei , Wang Jingzhi , Jin Zhiliang
Published: March 2024

Herein, the application of graphdiyne (GDY) in photocatalytic splitting of water and hydrogen evolution is explored. In this article, GDY is prepared by ball milling using calcium carbide as raw material, and it is compounded with phosphating Mo–metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), to explore the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance and hydrogen evolution mechanism of composite catalysts. In the results, it is shown that the P–Mo–MOFs (PMF)/G‐25 composite photocatalyst has the best hydrogen evolution activity, and the hydrogen evolution rate is highest at pH = 9, reaching 1668.5 μmol g−1 h−1. Through the four‐cycle hydrogen evolution cycle stability test, the PMF/G‐25 composites still has good hydrogen evolution stability. It is shown that the combination of phosphating Mo–MOFs and GDY can enhance the hydrogen evolution activity and has excellent hydrogen evolution performance. In the Mott–Schottky test, it is found that PMF and GDY are n‐type semiconductors. The conduction and valence values are −0.56 and 1.10 eV for GDY, and −0.68 and 0.97 eV for PMF, respectively. The mechanism of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is analyzed, and it is speculated that S‐Scheme heterojunction is formed between PMF and GDY to further promote photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Steel Ladle Slag Zone Lining Optimization Considering Irreversible Material Behavior
Authors: Klopf Maximilian , Hou Aidong , Jin Shengli , Gruber Dietmar
Published: March 2024

The optimization of refractory linings is a complex task due to the many factors that influence the thermomechanical behavior. This study applies the multiparameter optimization method technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution to a commercially used slag zone lining of a secondary metallurgical steel ladle, considering the influence of different material models in a finite element (FE) simulation. The dataset is acquired by varying the working lining brick shape, initial expansion allowance (IEA), and isolation layer thickness. The maximum irreversible strain, joint opening at the hot face, and steel shell temperature are determined from the FE simulation results and used as the input values for the optimization. A larger circumferential brick dimension combined with low IEA is favorable for the von Mises creep model. The main contribution is from the IEA (98.53%). The optimized lining for the Drucker–Prager criterion has a brick with a small circumferential dimension and larger IEA. The main influencing factor is the brick shape (85.06%). The differences in the optimization results and factor contributions can be explained by the contribution of the constitutive models to the simulation results before and after the thermal shock.
A new validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of regorafenib in rat plasma: Application for pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Aydoğmuş Zeynep , Yılmaz Ece Merve , Öztürk Seyhan Narin , Okyar Alper
Published: March 2024

This study reports a rapid and sensitive reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection for the determination of regorafenib (REG) in rat plasma. For the extraction of REG from plasma and the precipitation of plasma proteins, a rapid one‐step precipitation method was performed with methanol. The separation was performed in a methanol‐water mixture (80:20, v:v) mobile phase system with a C18 column and monitored at a wavelength of 258 nm. Nilotinib was used as an internal standard. The linear dynamic range of REG was determined between 5 and 500 ng/mL in standard solution and plasma. The limit of detection of REG from the standard solution was found to be 1.23 ng/mL and the limit of quantitation was 3.73 ng/mL. The limit of detection of REG from plasma was found to be 1.55 ng/mL and the limit of quantitation was 4.70 ng/mL. Regorafenib was administered at 5 mg/kg to 10 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats, and pharmacokinetic results were evaluated. It exhibited a high recovery of 93.82% in plasma. Due to ease of sample preparation, high susceptibility, specificity, and certainty, the described method can be used successfully in the quantification of REG in in‐vivo plasma and in routine analyses in clinical laboratories.
Experiments on shear behavior of reinforced concrete continuous beams strengthened by C‐FRCM
Authors: Feng Ran , Tang Jing‐Pu , Wang Fangying , Wang Sen , Zeng Jun‐Jie , Zhu Ji‐Hua
Published: March 2024

The dual‐function retrofitting system that uses the carbon‐fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (C‐FRCM) as both the anode of impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system and the structural strengthening (SS) material, that is, an ICCP‐SS system, is investigated. The experimental program mainly focused on the shear behavior of C‐FRCM strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) continuous beam under the dual‐function retrofitting system. The influence of anode polarization on the shear strengthening of RC continuous beams is analyzed. Shear tests were conducted on a total of 14 corroded RC continuous beams to investigate the influence of key parameters, including anode polarization degree of prefabricated C‐FRCM plate, layer of carbon fiber mesh and side‐wrapping. The failure modes, shear capacities, and load‐deflection curves of the shear‐strengthened RC continuous beams are reported. Based on the test results, the applicability of relevant design codes was evaluated and found to provide rather conservative predictions for the shear capacity of the examined C‐FRCM strengthened RC continuous beams.
The importance of independence in unmarked spatial capture–recapture analysis
Authors: Sun Catherine , Cole Burton A.
Published: March 2024

Wildlife populations can be unmarked, meaning individuals lack distinguishing features for individual identification. Populations may also exhibit non‐independent movements, meaning individuals move together. For populations of either unmarked or non‐independent individuals, models based on spatial capture–recapture (SCR) approaches can be used to estimate abundance, density, and other parameters critical for monitoring, management, and conservation. However, when individuals are both unmarked and non‐independent, few model options are available. One approach has been to apply unmarked models and not address the non‐independence despite unquantified impacts on bias, precision, and the ability to make robust ecological inferences. We conducted a simulation study to quantify the impact of non‐independence on the performance of spatial count (SC) and spatial partial identity models (SPIM) – two SCR‐based unmarked modeling approaches – and used the performance of fully marked and independent SCR as a reference. We varied the levels of non‐independence (aggregation and cohesion), detection probability, and the number of partial identity covariates used to resolve identities in SPIM estimation. We expected abundance estimates to be increasingly biased and precise as aggregation and cohesion increased. Results showed that models indeed became less robust to increasing non‐independence, but importantly suggested that only SPIM could be reliably applied under low levels of cohesion when sufficient partial identity covariates are available. SC yielded consistently biased estimates with poor precision. SCR was consistently robust across combinations of aggregation and cohesion, as expected. We therefore advise against the use of SC models for estimating population parameters when individuals are known to be non‐independent, caution that SPIM may be used under narrow ecological conditions, and encourage continued investigations into sampling design and methods development for estimating populations of unmarked and non‐independent individuals.
Time dependent magnetic field effects on the MHD flow and heat transfer in a rectangular duct
Authors: Tezer‐Sezgin Münevver , Türk Önder
Published: March 2024

We consider the effect of time dependent magnetic field on the natural convection magnetohydrodynamic flow in a rectangular duct. The flow is two‐dimensional, unsteady, laminar and the fluid is electrically conducting and incompressible. The heat transfer is taken into account using the Boussinesq approximation and the buoyancy force is included in the momentum equations for the thermal coupling. The flow is considered at low magnetic Reynolds number setting and hence, the induced magnetic field is neglected. The proposed model in which the governing equations are given in terms of stream function, vorticity and temperature, is approximated by using a Chebyshev spectral collocation method for the spatial discretisation coupled with a backward difference scheme that is unconditionally stable for the temporal integration. The flow and heat transfer characteristic are analysed for several definitions of applied time varying magnetic field. Increase of the Hartmann number and the time variation of the applied magnetic field, changes the flow behaviour, especially at transient time levels and at the steady‐state.
Violence-Inducing Behavior Prevention in Social-Cyber Space
Authors: Senarath Yasas , Purohit Hemant , Akerkar Rajendra
Published: March 2024

Hate speech, radicalization, and polarization in online social environments are some of the leading global societal challenges today. How to respond to online hate speech leading to violence and social threats is a question troubling many democracies – including Norway. Such malicious online behaviors not only impede the universal right to a free and peaceful existence, they also negatively affect response efforts of both public and official agencies during disasters, and thus, local community services require tools to monitor risks to community resilience from the social environment. In this paper, we will elaborate on our ongoing research project “SOCYTI” about developing methods and tools to timely inform local community services for proactive interventions at scale regarding violence-inducing social behaviors by individuals online.
Digital and AI Maturity of Enterprises in Sogn Og Fjordane, a Rural Region of Norway
Authors: Waage Malin , Weinbach Bjørn Christian , Larsen Øyvind Heimset
Published: March 2024

This paper, which is based on results of a questionnaire sent out to employees, aims to evaluate the level of digital and artificial intelligence (AI) maturity among businesses in a rural Norwegian region (Sogn og Fjordane), identify challenges, and recommend potential opportunities within important regional sectors. Western Norway’s Sogn og Fjordane is significantly dependent on its small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Despite the fact that many businesses in the area are aware of the benefits of using data and AI, implementing these technologies into their daily operations seems to present a number of difficulties. Companies that are gathering large enough data-sources, may encounter challenges in effectively leveraging data-driven technology due to a lack of long-term strategies, knowledge, skills, and finance. Recommended tactics to adopt AI-techniques or implement specialized AI solutions and enhance internal skills can rely on training in specific abilities, knowledge exchange across disciplines or industries, and through research collaborations. According to the study results, the maturity is comparable to the larger area of western Norway; hence, the region’s rurality and SME dominance might not prevent AI adaptation.
Extreme and Sustainable Graph Processing for Green Finance Investment and Trading
Authors: Vasiliu Laurenţiu , Roman Dumitru , Prodan Radu
Published: March 2024

The Graph-Massivizer project, funded by the Horizon Europe research and innovation program, aims to create a high-performance and sustainable platform for extreme data processing. This paper focuses on one use case that addresses the limitations of financial market data for green and sustainable investments. The project allows for the fast, semi-automated creation of realistic and affordable synthetic (extreme) financial datasets of any size for testing and improving AI-enhanced financial algorithms for green investment and trading. Synthetic data usage removes biases, ensures data affordability and completeness, consolidates financial algorithms, and provides a statistically relevant sample size for advanced back-testing.
Advanced Mathematical Science for Mobility Society
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiumi , Makino Kazuhisa , Yamashita Nobuo
Published: March 2024

The automotive industry has made steady progress in technological innovations under the names of Connected-Autonomous/Automated-Shared-Electric (CASE) and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). Needless to say, mathematics and informatics are important to support such innovations. As the concept of cars and movement itself is diversifying, they are indispensable for grasping the essence of the future mobility society and building the foundation for the next generation. Based on this idea, research unit named “Advanced Mathematical Science for Mobility Society” was established at Kyoto University as a base for envisioning a future mobility society in collaboration with researchers led by Toyota Motor Corporation and Kyoto University. In this chapter, we briefly discuss the motivation of the project as well as its research directions.
Intersektoralität im Fokus – Strategien und aktuelle Forschungsprojekte zur Versorgung geriatrischer Personen
Authors: Unterkofler Jenny , Hertwig Miriam , Bollheimer Leo Cornelius , Brokmann Jörg Christian
Published: March 2024

In Anbetracht des demografischen Wandels wurde bereits die Notwendigkeit zur intersektoralen Versorgung der alternden Bevölkerung identifiziert. Die Strategien zur Umsetzung sind vielfältig und setzen an verschiedenen Hebeln an, die jeweils unterschiedliche Sektorenüberschneidungen voraussetzen. Der Artikel bietet einen Überblick über bereits abgeschlossene und noch laufende Projekte zur Versorgung geriatrischer Patienten. Dabei wird deutlich: Der Aufbau von Netzwerken als unverzichtbare Basis für Intersektoralität kann nicht in direkten Interventionseffekten messbar gemacht werden und erschwert somit den Kosten-Nutzen-Nachweis. Ebenso zeigt sich, dass einige Forschungsprojekte bei der Überführung in die Regelversorgung durch finanzielle und personelle Engpässe scheitern.

Brauchen wir in Deutschland ein Umdenken oder weniger innovationsbezogene Förderlinien zur besseren Implementierung und Erforschung bereits existierender Konzepte? Internationale Vorbilder wie Japan machen klar: Die Kostenreduktion bei der Versorgung der alternden Bevölkerung sollte langfristig betrachtet werden und bedarf kurzfristig erhöhter Finanzvolumina. Für eine nachhaltige Implementierung von sektorenübergreifenden Ansätzen im Alltag sollte deshalb die Versorgungsforschung fest(gefahren)e Strukturen, Abläufe und Finanzierungen neu ordnen. Durch Verknüpfung der unzähligen Projekte und Ideen verschiedener Bereiche könnte in Zukunft eine Realisierung des Anspruchs der intersektoralen Versorgung geriatrischer Patienten erreicht werden.
One-bound core games
Authors: Gong Doudou , Dietzenbacher Bas , Peters Hans
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces the new class of one-bound core games, where the core can be described by either a lower bound or an upper bound on the payoffs of the players, named lower bound core games and upper bound core games, respectively. We study the relation of the class of one-bound core games with several other classes of games and characterize the new class by the structure of the core and in terms of Davis-Maschler reduced games. We also provide explicit expressions and axiomatic characterizations of the nucleolus for one-bound core games, and show that the nucleolus coincides with the Shapley value and the $$\tau$$
τ
-value when these games are convex.
$$G_2$$-instantons on Resolutions of $$G_2$$-orbifolds
Authors: Platt Daniel
Published: March 2024

We explain a construction of$$G_2$$G2-instantons on manifolds obtained by resolving$$G_2$$G2-orbifolds. This includes the case of$$G_2$$G2-instantons on resolutions of$$T^7/\Gamma $$T7/Γas a special case. The ingredients needed are a$$G_2$$G2-instanton on the orbifold and a Fueter section over the singular set of the orbifold which are used in a gluing construction. In the general case, we make the very restrictive assumption that the Fueter section is pointwise rigid. In the special case of resolutions of$$T^7/\Gamma $$T7/Γ, improved control over the torsion-free$$G_2$$G2-structure allows to remove this assumption. As an application, we construct a large number of$$G_2$$G2-instantons on the simplest example of a resolution of$$T^7/\Gamma $$T7/Γ. We also construct one new example of a$$G_2$$G2-instanton on the resolution of$$(T^3 \times \text {K3})/\mathbb {Z}^2_2$$(T3×K3)/Z22.
Poisson commutative subalgebras associated with a Cartan subalgebra
Authors: Yakimova Oksana S.
Published: March 2024

Let $${\mathfrak g}$$
g
be a reductive Lie algebra and $$\mathfrak t\subset \mathfrak g$$

t
⊂
g

a Cartan subalgebra. The $$\mathfrak t$$
t
-stable decomposition $${\mathfrak g}=\mathfrak t\oplus {\mathfrak m}$$

g
=
t
⊕
m

yields a bi-grading of the symmetric algebra $${\mathcal {S}}({\mathfrak g})$$

S
(
g
)

. The subalgebra $${\mathcal {Z}}_{({\mathfrak g},\mathfrak t)}$$

Z

(
g
,
t
)

generated by the bi-homogenous components of the symmetric invariants $$F\in {\mathcal {S}}({\mathfrak g})^{\mathfrak g}$$

F
∈
S

(
g
)

g

is known to be Poisson commutative. Furthermore the algebra $${\tilde{{\mathcal {Z}}}}=\textsf{alg}\langle {\mathcal {Z}}_{({\mathfrak g},{\mathfrak t})},{\mathfrak t}\rangle $$

Z
~

=
alg

⟨

Z

(
g
,
t
)

,
t
⟩

is also Poisson commutative. We investigate relations between $${\tilde{{\mathcal {Z}}}}$$

Z
~

and Mishchenko–Fomenko subalgebras. In type , we construct a quantisation of $${\tilde{{\mathcal {Z}}}}$$

Z
~

making use of quantum Mishchenko–Fomenko algebras.
Phase 2 study of glucarpidase in patients with delayed methotrexate elimination after high-dose methotrexate therapy
Authors: Ogawa Atsushi , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Hara Junichi , Kikuta Atsushi , Ogawa Chitose , Hiraga Hiroaki , Yoshimura Kenichi , Miyairi Kazunari , Omori Reiko , Ro Tokihiro , Kamei Yuna , Kimura Toshimi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

High-dose methotrexate therapy (HD-MTX) is a standard treatment for various malignant tumors, but approximately 1–10% of patients experience delayed MTX elimination (DME) that can induce organ damage. Glucarpidase can hydrolyze MTX and thereby lower the level of active MTX in the blood. A multicenter, open-label, phase II investigator-initiated trial (CPG2-PII study) was conducted to evaluate glucarpidase rescue therapy in Japanese patients who showed DME after HD-MTX treatment. To confirm the robustness of this therapy, further corporate-sponsored clinical trial (OP-07-001 study) was conducted.

Methods

The primary endpoint in the CPG2-PII study was to evaluate the proportion of patients of the percentage clinical important reduction (CIR) as an indicator of MTX concentration, which can be managed with leucovorin and supportive care. The primary endpoint of the OP-07-001 study was to evaluate the decreasing rate of plasma MTX concentration at 20 min after glucarpidase administration from the baseline for four patients. Glucarpidase was administered at a dose of 50 U/kg for 15 and 4 patients, respectively in the two studies, and safety was analyzed for each of them.

Results

The rate of CIR was 76.9% (95% confidence interval, 46.2–95.0%) in the CPG2-PII study. The median reduction rate of plasma MTX was 98.83% in the OP-07-001 study. Hypersensitivity, blood bilirubin increased, and headache for each patient were the only study drug-related events.

Conclusion

Glucarpidase showed an effect of reducing plasma MTX concentration in Japanese patients with DME as that observed in a previous US study, confirming its favorable safety and tolerability.
Long-term results following off-pump coronary-artery bypass grafting in left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Ikeda Masahiro , Niinami Hiroshi , Morita Kozo , Saito Satoshi , Yoshitake Akihiro
Published: March 2024

Severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is an independent risk factor for early and long-term mortality after coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG). Off-pump CABG (OPCAB) significantly reduces the early incidence of major complications in high-risk patients. Moreover, bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting after CABG is associated with improved long-term outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the impact of multivessel OPCAB with BITA grafting for complete revascularization on postoperative and long-term outcomes in patients with low LV ejection fraction (EF). We included 121 patients with EF ≤ 30.0% who underwent isolated multivessel OPCAB (average LVEF, 24.8%) between April 2007 and December 2019. Sixty-six patients received BITA grafts, while 55 had single internal thoracic artery (SITA) grafts. We conducted multivariate analyses to examine the correlation between perioperative data and late mortality rate. The early mortality rate was 1.65%. After excluding in-hospital mortality cases, we performed long-term follow-up of 119 patients. Early postoperative echocardiography showed significant LVEF improvement in 89 (75.2%) patients. However, LVEF remained ≤ 30.0% in 30 (24.8%) patients. We recorded 15 and 30 cases of cardiac death and cardiac events, respectively, during the long-term follow-up period. Postoperative LVEF ≤ 30.0% (P < 0.01) and no use of BITA grafting (P = 0.03) were significant predictors of cardiac death and events; moreover, hemodialysis was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality rather than cardiac death. Multivessel OPCAB in patients with severe LV dysfunction was associated with acceptable in-hospital mortality and early postoperative improvement in LV function. Additionally, OPCAB with BITA grafting may provide long-term benefits with respect to cardiac death and events. However, the long-term benefits were significantly limited in patients without early postoperative improvement in LV function and patients with chronic hemodialysis.

Clinical registration number: 5590 (14/5/2020 Tokyo Women’s Medical University).
Demographic, biochemical, clinical, and cognitive symptom differences between smokers and non-smokers in Chinese older male patients with chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Li Wei , Yue Ling , Xiao Shifu
Published: March 2024

Background

Several studies have suggested that smoking may impair cognitive function and worsen psychiatric symptoms in people with schizophrenia, but the results have not been consistent. There have been few studies to date that have examined the effects of smoking in older men with chronic schizophrenia.

Methods

The participants in our study consisted of 167 order Chinese males with chronic schizophrenia and 359 normal control subjects. We split them into smoking and non-smoking groups based on whether or not they smoked. Second, we compared their differences in terms of general demographic characteristics (such as age, education, body mass index, age of illness onset, and course of disease), disease information (such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia), lifestyle factors (such as physical exercise and lunch break), blood biochemical indicators (such as albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and fasting blood glucose), and medication usage (such as clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and chlorpromazine). Lastly, a neuropsychological test battery was used to assess their psychiatric and cognitive symptoms, for example, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess their overall cognitive functioning. Their depressive symptoms were assessed by the geriatric depression scale (GDS). Activities of daily living (ADL) were used to assess their ability to lead a daily life, while the positive and negative syndrome scales (PANSS) were used to assess their psychiatric symptoms.

Results

Smokers who develop schizophrenia at older ages had a higher body mass index than non-smokers. We also found that plasma albumin, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and fasting blood glucose concentrations were significantly higher in smokers. In contrast, smokers with schizophrenia also had lower PANSS total scores, negative symptom scores, and general psychopathology scores. A forward stepwise binary logistics regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between negative symptom scores and smoking status (B = 0.112, p < 0.001, OR = 1.119, 95% confidence interval: 1.059–1.181). Correlation analysis was carried out and it was found that the amount of cigarette consumption per day had a negative correlation with plasma albumin level(r = − 0.290, p = 0.004). However, no such association was found in normal controls.

Conclusions

Elderly Chinese men with schizophrenia have a higher percentage of smokers, and although smoking can reduce their plasma albumin levels, it does contribute to the prevention of negative symptoms.
What can we learn from geothermobarometry at the dacitic Doña Juana Volcanic Complex (Colombia)? Implications for understanding Pleistocene crystal mushes and pre-eruptive storage conditions in the Northern Andes
Authors: Bucheli César , Pardo Natalia , Larrea Patricia , de Ignacio Cristina , Correa-Tamayo Ana María , Arnosio Marcelo , Pulgarín Bernardo A.
Published: March 2024

We present a reconstruction of the physicochemical conditions of melts in the Pleistocene storage and plumbing system of the Doña Juana Volcanic Complex (SW Colombia): a poorly known, potentially active polygenetic volcano of dacitic composition comprising four major edifices and showing periods of long quiescence. Compositional data for plagioclase, amphibole, pyroxene, and Fe-Ti oxides were combined with new and existing whole-rock data from representative eruptive products, allowing for the implementation of equilibrium tests and geothermobarometry calculations within an established stratigraphic, petrographic, and geochronological framework. Textural and geochemical variabilities of all mineral phases suggest the existence of a trans-crustal magmatic system feeding the Pleistocene eruptions of Doña Juana, and cyclic rejuvenation of a crystal mush following each volcano edifice collapse. The assemblage of different crystal cargos before magma recharge and final eruption is attested by (i) the coexistence of equilibrium and disequilibrium textures and variable compositions in crystals of all studied species, (ii) felsic cores in antecrysts, (iii) mafic overgrowth rims, and (iv) significantly less differentiated microcrysts relative to the composition of meso- and macrocrysts. By integrating multiple mineral-only and mineral-liquid geothermobarometers, after careful textural analyses, we estimate the intensive parameters of the mush–melt interaction zone of the plumbing system in the middle crust, providing a preliminary view of the architecture of a trans-crustal magmatic system in a complex tectonic setting at a previously understudied area of the north-Andean volcanic zone.
Effects of occupational exposure to metal fume PM2.5 on lung function and biomarkers among shipyard workers: a 3-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Tran Huan Minh , Lai Ching-Huang , Chen Wei-Liang , Wang Chung Ching , Liang Che-Wei , Chien Chi-Yu , Pan Chih-Hong , Chuang Kai-Jen , Chuang Hsiao-Chi
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study investigates the associations of α1-antitrypsin, inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain (ITIH4), and 8-isoprostane with lung function in shipyard workers exposed to occupational metal fume fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is known to be associated with adverse respiratory outcomes.

Methods

A 3-year follow-up study was conducted on 180 shipyard workers with 262 measurements. Personal exposure to welding fume PM2.5 was collected for an 8-h working day. Pre-exposure, post-exposure, and delta (∆) levels of α1-antitrypsin, ITIH4, and 8-isoprostane were determined in urine using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Post-exposure urinary metals were sampled at the beginning of the next working day and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Lung function measurements were also conducted the next working day for post-exposure.

Results

An IQR increase in PM2.5 was associated with decreases of 2.157% in FEV1, 2.806% in PEF, 4.328% in FEF25%, 5.047% in FEF50%, and 7.205% in FEF75%. An IQR increase in PM2.5 led to increases of 42.155 µg/g in ∆α1-antitrypsin and 16.273 µg/g in ∆ITIH4. Notably, IQR increases in various urinary metals were associated with increases in specific biomarkers, such as post-urinary α1-antitrypsin and ITIH4. Moreover, increases in ∆ α1-antitrypsin and ∆ITIH4 were associated with decreases in FEV1/FVC by 0.008% and 0.020%, respectively, and an increase in ∆8-isoprostane resulted in a 1.538% decline in FVC.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that urinary α1-antitrypsin and ITIH4 could indicate early lung function decline in shipyard workers exposed to metal fume PM2.5, underscoring the need for better safety and health monitoring to reduce respiratory risks.

Graphical abstract
Evaluating the quality of visual explanations on chest X-ray images for thorax diseases classification
Authors: Rahimiaghdam Shakiba , Alemdar Hande
Published: March 2024

Deep learning models are extensively used but often lack transparency due to their complex internal mechanics. To bridge this gap, the field of explainable AI (XAI) strives to make these models more interpretable. However, a significant obstacle in XAI is the absence of quantifiable metrics for evaluating explanation quality. Existing techniques, reliant on manual assessment or inadequate metrics, face limitations in scalability, reproducibility, and trustworthiness. Recognizing these issues, the current study specifically addresses the quality assessment of visual explanations in medical imaging, where interpretability profoundly influences diagnostic accuracy and trust in AI-assisted decisions. Introducing novel criteria such as informativeness, localization, coverage, multi-target capturing, and proportionality, this work presents a comprehensive method for the objective assessment of various explainability algorithms. These newly introduced criteria aid in identifying optimal evaluation metrics. The study expands the domain’s analytical toolkit by examining existing metrics, which have been prevalent in recent works for similar applications, and proposing new ones. Rigorous analysis led to selecting Jensen–Shannon divergence (JS_DIV) as the most effective metric for visual explanation quality. Applied to the multi-label, multi-class diagnosis of thoracic diseases using a trained classifier on the CheXpert dataset, local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) with diverse segmentation strategies interpret the classifier’s decisions. A qualitative analysis on an unseen subset of the VinDr-CXR dataset evaluates these metrics, confirming JS_DIV’s superiority. The subsequent quantitative analysis optimizes LIME’s hyper-parameters and benchmarks its performance across various segmentation algorithms, underscoring the utility of an objective assessment metric in practical applications.
Dynamic Pulverization of Rock Under Triaxial Static-Stress and High-Rate Shearing
Authors: Liu Kai , Hu Wanrui , Zhao Jian
Published: March 2024

A long-term opening problem in geophysics and engineering is the generation mechanism of rock pulverization (e.g., fault gouge) within the shear zone when subjected to triaxial stress environment and dynamic loads. A novel triaxial Hopkinson bar is developed to apply quasi-static triaxial confinement and dynamic loads onto the testing rocks and to measure the energy release from the shearing zone. The results elucidate shear strain-rate threshold (i.e., over 125 s−1) for granite at the triaxial prestress of (10, 10, 10) MPa is required for fine fragments/gouge generation. The effects of shear and normal pre-stresses on dynamic shear strength and surface energy for rock pulverization are investigated, which will help explain fine fragments formed during the high-rate loading events. It is suggested that, except for the quasi-static cumulative slip attrition and multiple dynamic events, rock pulverization or fault gouge could be generated at relatively shallow depths (low geo-stress) in a single dynamic earthquake processes.
It’s only a mirage: Tahar Djaout’s critique of logocentrism in L’Invention du désert
Authors: Aoudjit Abdelkader
Published: March 2024

Set in Algeria, France, and the Arabian Peninsula in the early twelfth and the late twentieth centuries, L’Invention du désert is about an author who reexamines his life and his craft while writing a history of the Almoravid dynasty that ruled Andalusia and a large portion of the Maghreb from 1056 to 1152 CE. Accordingly, the novel is made of two basic narrative strands. The first focuses on the private musings and reminiscences of the narrator, moving forwards and backwards in space and time and going all the way to his childhood. The second narrative strand recounts the life, rise to power, and downfall of Mohamed ibn Toumert, the religious scholar and zealot whose followers brought down the Almoravids and founded the Almohad dynasty that lasted from 1152 to 1269 CE. The two major story-lines that constitute the novel are brought together by the narrator’s reflection on history and archiving for the purpose of problematizing the way Algerian history is conceived and used to address two major social and political concerns confronting Algerians: religious fundamentalism and national identity. The purpose of this article is to examine how Djaout uses the desert both as a topography and a metaphor to challenge the logocentrism of religious fundamentalism and narrow and essentialist definitions of Algerianess. The paper at the same time shows how the understanding and critique of historical logocentrism that are advanced in L’Invention du désert parallel Jacques Derrida’s philosophy put forward in Of Grammatology (Derrida in Of grammatology, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1976) and other early works. Because the manuscripts, critical of Islam as practiced under Almoravid rule, Ibn Toumert carries with him function as archives, the paper also engages with some of the themes Derrida developed later in Archive Fever: A Freudian Impression (Derrida in Archive fever: a Freudian impression, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1996).
The mitochondrial UPR induced by ATF5 attenuates intervertebral disc degeneration via cooperating with mitophagy
Authors: Xu Wen-Ning , Zheng Huo-Liang , Yang Run-Ze , Sun Yuan-Fang , Peng Bi-Rong , Liu Chun , Song Jian , Jiang Sheng-Dan , Zhu Li-Xin
Published: March 2024

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is an aging disease that results in a low quality of life and heavy socioeconomic burden. The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) take part in various aging-related diseases. Our research intents to explore the role and underlying mechanism of UPRmt in IVDD. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were exposed to IL-1β and nicotinamide riboside (NR) served as UPRmt inducer to treat NP cells. Detection of ATP, NAD + and NADH were used to determine the function of mitochondria. MRI, Safranin O-fast green and Immunohistochemical examination were used to determine the degree of IVDD in vivo. In this study, we discovered that UPRmt was increased markedly in the NP cells of human IVDD tissues than in healthy controls. In vitro, UPRmt and mitophagy levels were promoted in NP cells treated with IL-1β. Upregulation of UPRmt by NR and Atf5 overexpression inhibited NP cell apoptosis and further improved mitophagy. Silencing of Pink1 reversed the protective effects of NR and inhibited mitophagy induced by the UPRmt. In vivo, NR might attenuate the degree of IDD by activating the UPRmt in rats. In summary, the UPRmt was involved in IVDD by regulating Pink1-induced mitophagy. Mitophagy induced by the UPRmt might be a latent treated target for IVDD.

Graphical Abstract

• UPRmt was upregulated in the NP cells of degenerative intervertebral disc.

• UPRmt regulated by Atf5 could activate mitophagy to protect NP cells from apoptosis.

• Nicotinamide riboside as UPRmt inducer reduced NP cells apoptosis, thereby delaying the process of IVDD.
Women marching for solidarity: 5 years of Aurat March in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Authors: Kelso Erin
Published: March 2024

In this paper, I argue that the Aurat March (Urdu: Woman March) in Pakistan has developed from a one-off event to a social movement that operates according to a populist logic as articulated by Ernesto Laclau (2018). I demonstrate how a diverse array of women’s demands is linked by a chain of equivalence to create solidarity between disparate communities of women. Here, all protestors define themselves in opposition to a common enemy, the patriarchy, allowing for a wide array of marginalized ethnic, religious and gender identities to be subsumed under the Aurat March banner. The sloganmera jism meri marzi(Urdu: my body, my choice) acts as a signifier that becomes increasingly empty, allowing a variety of demands to be projected upon it. I analyze conservative discourses around the Aurat March to demonstrate how right-wing detractors attempt to fill the empty signifier with morally charged content that disrupts the solidaric bonds holding together the Aurat March coalition. Finally, I explain how Aurat March organizers attempt to restore the openness of their signifier and the solidarity at the heart of their movement.
Estimation and usefulness of measurement uncertainty from sampling at different spatial scales: microns to kilometres
Authors: Ramsey Michael H.
Published: March 2024

Uncertainty of measurement values (MU) is crucial to their reliable geochemical interpretation. MU can be estimated using the Duplicate Method, which requires the taking of a small proportion of duplicated samples, and can be applied at any spatial scale. The distance between the duplicated samples is selected to reflect the effect of analyte heterogeneity on the measurement result (i.e. estimated concentration) within each sampling target, at the particular scale of investigation. Three published case studies, at different spatial scales, are used to explain how the Duplicate Method can be applied to estimate MU. They also illustrate how MU can be used to improve geochemical interpretation and validate measurement procedures (that include sampling) by judging their fitness for purpose. At the kilometre scale, measurements from the GEMAS survey of agricultural soils across Europe are used to estimate their MU for the first time. The MU for 53 elements range from an uncertainty factor of 1.01 to over 10. The MU contributes more that 20% to the total variance for 8 of the 53 elements, showing that the measurement procedure was not fit for purpose in those cases. At the micron scale, measurements of oxygen isotopes in candidate quartz reference materials had MU that was dominated by its sampling component, caused by sometimes unacceptable heterogeneity. A third case study of Pb in soils at 12 UK sites showed that the Duplicate Method can also be used to quantify the heterogeneity (as factor 1.03 to 2.4), and that it can indicate different possible sources of an element.