bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electric Utility Opportunities in the Growing Public Transit Electrification Push
Authors: Aweh Amanda , Maronati Giovanni , Simović Uroš
Published: September 2023

Transportation electrification had a transformative year in 2023, bolstered by federal funding, higher than expected gasoline and diesel prices, and landmark state policies to ban the sale of gas‐powered cars by 2035. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector is the leading source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting for 28 percent of GHG emissions in the United States. Converting from internal combustion engines to electric‐powered vehicles can significantly reduce transportation emissions, improve air quality and public health, and help accomplish federal, state, and local climate goals.
A Streamlined, Safe and Sustainable Process for Gemlapodect
Authors: Fantasia Serena , Bartels Björn , Bliss Fritz , Koch Fritz , Scalone Michelangelo , Spiess Daniel , Steiner Markus , Wang Shaoning , Püntener Kurt
Published: September 2023

The research efforts to attain a suitable process for the timely delivery of Gemlapodect for initial toxicological and phase 1/2 clinical studies are described. The original discovery chemistry route was hampered by considerable safety issues and low overall yield. The safety issues were solved by the introduction of a copper‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization while a novel process for the synthesis of the pyrazole building block as well as the implementation of a palladium‐catalyzed coupling between the pyrazole amide and the bromo‐triazolopyridine scaffolds contributed to improve the route efficiency. Overall, a safe and sustainable process was attained that allowed the production of up to 19.2 kg of drug substance with a reduced number of steps and an increased overall yield.
The cancer burden in the oldest‐old: Increasing numbers and disparities—A nationwide study in the Netherlands, 1990 to 2019
Authors: Schuurman Melinda S. , Lemmens Valery E. P. P. , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , van der Aa Maaike A. , Visser Otto , Dinmohamed Avinash G.
Published: September 2023

Adults aged ≥80 years (the oldest‐old) comprise the fastest growing age group in Western populations. Yet little is known about their cancer burden. In this nationwide study, we assessed their trends in incidence, treatment and survival over a 30‐year period, and predicted their future cancer incidence. All 2 468 695 incident cancer cases during 1990 to 2019 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, of whom 386 611 were diagnosed in the oldest‐old (16%). The incidence of the oldest‐old was predicted until 2032. Net and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Patients were divided into four age groups (<80, 80‐84, 85‐89 and ≥90 years). The incidence of the oldest‐old doubled between 1990 and 2019 and is expected to grow annually with 5% up to 2032. In virtually all cancers the share of oldest‐old patients grew, but declined for prostate cancer (25% in 1990‐1994 vs 13% in 2015‐2019). The proportion of undetermined disease stage increased with age in most cancers. The application of systemic therapy increased, albeit less pronounced in the oldest‐old than their younger counterparts (1990 vs 2019: 12%‐34%, 3%‐15%, 2%‐7% and 1%‐3% in <80, 80‐84, 85‐89 and ≥90 years old). Five‐year OS of the oldest‐old patients increased by 7 percentage points (to 26%) between 1990 to 1994 and 2015 to 2019 compared to 19 percentage points (to 63%) in <80 years old. The oldest‐old cancer patients are a rapidly growing group who benefitted less from improvements in cancer treatment than younger patients, reflecting the multiple challenges faced in the care of the oldest‐old.
Feasibility of opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of a vNOTES hysterectomy: A retrospective cohort
Authors: Anderson Dylan , Garcia Katerina , Fang Wei , Dueñas‐Garcia Omar
Published: September 2023

Synopsis

The vNOTES approach has a high feasibility of performing a salpingectomy at the time of a hysterectomy.
A case of one‐stage laparoscopic drainage and ureterocystoneostomy for iatrogenic ureteral injury associated with infected urinoma
Authors: Takahashi Toshifumi , Maruno Kouhei , Hazama Tatsuya , Ota Hideto , Yamada Yuya , Nakashima Masakazu , Kikkawa Kazuro , Tamaki Masahiro , Ito Noriyuki
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Iatrogenic ureteral injury is a rare but often encountered complication of abdominal and gynecological surgery. This is a case of iatrogenic ureteral injury with infected urinoma treated with one‐stage laparoscopic drainage and ureterocystoneostomy.

Case presentation

An 80‐year‐old man with rectal cancer had robot‐assisted low anterior rectum resection and left lateral lymph node dissection after colostomy and preoperative chemoradiotherapy. On the 14th postoperative day, he had a fever, and a noncontrast‐enhanced computed tomography scan revealed a low‐density polycystic area in the left pelvic cavity. Retrograde pyelography revealed contrast medium leaking from the left lower ureter, preventing ureteral stent placement. We identified it as a delayed ureteral injury with infected urinoma and performed laparoscopic one‐stage drainage and ureterocystoneostomy.

Conclusion

This study reported a case of one‐stage laparoscopic drainage and ureterocystoneostomy for iatrogenic ureteral injury with infected urinoma.
Standards of practice for clinical pharmacists
Authors:   American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Published: September 2023

This document sets forth ACCP's expectations for clinical pharmacists within the United States and countries around the world where clinical pharmacy is emerging or already well established. It is also intended to serve as a reference for those designing and assessing clinical pharmacy education and training programs. In addition to articulating the clinical pharmacist's process of care, the eight standards described within address the clinical pharmacist's involvement in collaborative team‐based, patient‐centered care; credentialing and privileging; professional development and maintenance of competence; professionalism and ethics; research and scholarship; and other professional responsibilities. The standards define for the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers what they can and should expect of clinical pharmacists.
Climate action now: How to fuel a social movement
Authors: Lteif Lama , Nardini Gia , Rank‐Christman Tracy , Block Lauren , Bublitz Melissa G. , Catlin Jesse R. , Cross Samantha N. N. , Hamby Anne , Peracchio Laura A.
Published: September 2023

Our research develops a framework that explores how to fuel the climate movement by accelerating grassroots, community‐based climate action. Drawing on insights from consumer psychology, our framework identifies the psychological mechanisms that encourage and motivate people, both individually and collectively, to take climate action, thereby contributing to our understanding of how to advance social action and propel a social movement. Our climate action framework builds on: (1) individuals we describe as climate upstanders who rise up to take climate action with like‐minded others, and (2) communities of climate upstanders who engage in collective action aimed at addressing the climate crisis. Our framework expands the field of consumer psychology by redefining the role of consumers to include the practice of social action and broadening the study of consumers to include collective, community‐based action. We call on consumer psychologists to research individual and collective consumer practices related to social action and contribute to making social good central to the study of consumer psychology.
Epidemiology of pediatric hospitalizations at general hospitals and freestanding children's hospitals in the United States: 2019 update
Authors: Freyleue Seneca D. , Arakelyan Mary , Leyenaar JoAnna K.
Published: September 2023

Background

General hospitals (GH) provide inpatient care for the majority of hospitalized children in the United States, yet the majority of hospital pediatrics research is conducted at freestanding children's hospitals.

Objective

Updating a prior 2012 analysis, this study used 2019 data to describe characteristics of pediatric hospitalizations at general and freestanding hospitals in the United States and identify the most common and costly reasons for hospitalization in these settings.

Designs, Setting, and Participants

This study examined hospitalizations in children <18 years using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's 2019 Kids' Inpatient Database, stratifying neonatal and nonneonatal hospital stays.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome and Measures

Sociodemographic and clinical differences between hospitalizations at general and freestanding children's hospitals were examined, applying survey weights to generate national estimates.

Results

There were an estimated 5,263,218 pediatric hospitalizations in 2019, including 3,757,601 neonatal and 1,505,617 nonneonatal hospital stays. Overall, 88.6% (n = 4,661,288) of hospitalizations occurred at GH, including 97.6% of neonatal hospitalizations and 65.9% of nonneonatal hospitalizations. 11.4% (n = 601,930) of hospitalizations occurred at freestanding children's hospitals, including 2.4% (n = 88,313) of neonatal hospitalizations and 34.1% (n = 513,616) of nonneonatal hospitalizations. In total, 98.9% of complicated birth hospitalizations and 66.0% of neonatal nonbirth hospitalizations occurred at GH. Among nonneonatal stays, 85.2% of mental health hospitalizations, 63.5% of medical hospitalizations, and 61.3% of surgical hospitalizations occurred at GH.
持続的血液透析から緩徐低効率血液透析への変更が有効と考えられた重篤な急性メトホルミン中毒の1例(Effectiveness of converting a continuous renal replacement therapy to a sustained low–efficiency dialysis for life–threatening metformin–associated lactic acidosis: a case report)
Authors: 康次郎 田中 , 美智子 藤澤 , 哲洋 武居 , 直樹 米澤 , 馨 杉木 , 貴之 甲斐 , 進輔 唐津
Published: September 2023

メトホルミン関連乳酸アシドーシスは致死率の高い病態であり，乳酸と薬物クリアランスの高い間欠的腎代替療法が治療の第一選択とされる。血行動態の不安定な場合には持続的腎代替療法（continuous renal replacement therapy: CRRT）が選択肢とされるが，両者の中間的位置づけの緩徐低効率血液透析（sustained low efficiency dialysis: SLED）の有効性は不明である。CRRTが奏功せずSLEDへの変更が有効と考えられた重篤なメトホルミン関連乳酸アシドーシスの1例を報告する。38歳の女性，メトホルミン27.5gを過量服用後に救急搬送され，入院後にpH 6.83，乳酸24.0mmol/L，血圧85/50mmHgと高度な乳酸アシドーシスとショックを呈した。アドレナリンを含む高用量の循環作動薬投与下のためCRRTを選択したが，8時間経過後も乳酸やpHの改善に乏しいためSLEDへの変更を試みた。CRRT中の乳酸とpHの平均変化率は−0.12mmol/L/hr，0.002/hrであったのに対し，SLED中は一時的に循環作動薬の増量を要したものの，−0.85mmol/L/hr，0.05/hrと著明に改善した。重篤なショックを伴うメトホルミン関連乳酸アシドーシスには，一時的に循環補助の強化を要したとしてもSLEDが治療の選択肢となりうる。
Studies of hydrogen isotope scrambling during the dehalogenation of aromatic chloro‐compounds with deuterium gas over palladium catalysts
Authors: Lockley William J.S. , Venanzi Niccolò A. E. , Crane Georgie J.
Published: September 2023

Catalytic dehalogenation of aromatic halides using isotopic hydrogen gas is an important strategy for labelling pharmaceuticals, biochemicals, environmental agents and so forth. To extend, improve and further understand this process, studies have been carried out on the scrambling of deuterium isotope with protium during the catalytic deuterodehalogenation of model aryl chlorides using deuterium gas and a palladium on carbon catalyst in tetrahydrofuran solution. The degree of scrambling was greatest with electron‐rich chloroarene rings. The tetrahydrofuran solvent and the triethylamine base were not the source of the undesired protium; instead, it arose, substantially, from the water content of the catalyst, though other sources of protium may also be present on the catalyst. Replacement of the Pd/C catalyst with one preparedin situby reduction of palladium trifluoroacetate with deuterium gas and dispersed upon micronised polytetrafluoroethylene led to much reduced scrambling (typically 0–6% compared with up to 40% for palladium on carbon) and to high atom% abundance, regiospecific labelling. The improved catalytic system now enables efficient polydeuteration via the dehalogenation of polyhalogenated precursors, making the procedure viable for the preparation of MS internal standards and, potentially, for high specific activity tritium labelling.
Applicability of purge and trap gas chromatography‐ mass spectrometry method for sensitive analytical detection of naphthalene and its derivatives in waters
Authors: Güzel Barış , Canlı Oltan
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, a wide variety of chemicals has emerged because of increasing industrial and human activities. Thus, environmental chemistry laboratories performing analytical measurements need rapid and sensitive methods more than ever to get reliable quantitative data. For this purpose, a purge and trap gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) method was developed and validated for the rapid, simple, and sensitive determination of the presence of naphthalene and its derivatives in waters. The method validation was based on specificity, calibration curve linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy (recovery), precision, matrix effects (MEs), and measurement uncertainty. This method showed excellent linearity from 1.00 to 40.00 μg/L except naphthalene (0.50–40.00 μg/L) because the correlation coefficients were higher than 0.997 for all analytes. The LOQ values varied from 0.312 to 0.746 μg/L, and the LOD values changed from 0.094 to 0.224 μg/L with relative standard deviations (RSDs) for all compounds below 10% (3.12–7.46), respectively. Recoveries ranged from 81.9% to 95.6%, and repeatability and reproducibility (in terms of RSD for six measurements) were lower than 10% in all cases. F test was subjected on the related data at 95% confidence level, and no statistically significant difference was observed. There was no critical ME (recovery varied from 80% to 110% in all matrices). In measurement uncertainty, the expanded uncertainties of each analyte were changed in the range of 0.39–0.52 μg/L, and the calibration curve and repeatability had dominant effects on the combined uncertainty. The application to real samples was successfully assessed by the developed method. These results indicate that the developed method is suitable for the determination of naphthalene and its derivatives in waters.
Hypoxia and hypoxia‐inducible factors in Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus infection and disease pathogenesis
Authors: Davis David A. , Shrestha Prabha , Yarchoan Robert
Published: September 2023

Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of Kaposi sarcoma and several other tumors and hyperproliferative diseases seen predominantly in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected and other immunocompromised persons. There is an increasing body of evidence showing that hypoxia and hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) play important roles in the biology of KSHV and in the pathogenesis of KSHV‐induced diseases. Hypoxia and HIFs can induce lytic activation of KSHV and KSHV can in turn lead to a hypoxic‐like state in infected cells. In this review, we describe the complex interactions between KSHV biology, the cellular responses to hypoxia, and the pathogenesis of KSHV‐induced diseases. We also describe how interference with HIFs can lead to decreased tumor growth and/or death of infected cells and KSHV‐induced tumors. Finally, we show how these observations may lead to novel strategies for the treatment of KSHV‐induced diseases.
Genetic and structural analyses reveal the low potential of the SARS‐CoV‐2 EG.5 variant
Authors: Scarpa Fabio , Pascarella Stefano , Ciccozzi Alessandra , Giovanetti Marta , Azzena Ilenia , Locci Chiara , Casu Marco , Fiori Pier Luigi , Quaranta Miriana , Cella Eleonora , Sanna Daria , Ciccozzi Massimo
Published: September 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 EG.5 lineage is the latest variant under monitoring, and it is generating significant concern due to its recent upward trend in prevalence. Our aim was to gain insights into this emerging lineage and offer insights into its actual level of threat. Both genetic and structural data indicate that this novel variant presently lacks substantial evidence of having a high capacity for widespread transmission. Their viral population sizes expanded following a very mild curve and peaked several months after the earliest detected sample. Currently, neither the viral population size of EG.5 nor that of its first descendant is increasing. The genetic variability appear to be flattened, as evidenced by its relatively modest evolutionary rate (9.05 × 10−4 subs/site/year). As has been observed with numerous prior variants, attributes that might theoretically provide advantages seem to stem from genetic drift, enabling the virus to continually adjust to its host, albeit without a clear association with enhanced dangerousness. These findings further underscore the necessity for ongoing genome‐based monitoring, ensuring preparedness and a well‐documented understanding of the unfolding situation.
Development and evaluation of earth air heat exchanger cum evaporative cool system as an energy‐efficient method for storage of tomatoes
Authors: Nishad Praween , Mangaraj Shukadev
Published: September 2023

Background

The lack of adequate on‐farm storage facilities is one of the leading causes of enormous postharvest losses of fresh commodities, negatively affecting farmers' livelihoods and the sector's economic contribution. The aim of the current study was to develop and evaluate a solar‐powered earth air heat exchanger cum evaporative cooling (EAHE‐EC) system as an energy‐efficient method for the storage of fresh produce for smallholders.

Results

The postharvest quality parameters of tomatoes stored under ambient storage (AS) and in an EAHE‐EC system were assessed at regular time intervals during storage. These include weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, fruit firmness, color, pH, ascorbic acid, lycopene content, total phenolic acid, and antioxidant activity. The average temperature and relative humidity inside the EAHE‐EC system varied from 20.59 to 22.61 °C and 82.60% to 89.43%, respectively, in comparison with AS (26.39–39.21 °C and 22.09–43.58%). Storage methods and time had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on tomato quality. Based on the retention of the overall quality until the end of the storage period, the shelf life of tomatoes was recorded as 21 days in the EAHE‐EC system, which was 1.5 times more than AS (14 days).

Conclusions

The extra shelf‐life gained by tomatoes in the EAHE‐EC system may provide a sufficient buffer period for smallholders for retailing and marketing. This suggests that the developed system can maintain postharvest quality and increase the shelf life of tomatoes. It therefore has potential as an energy‐efficient system for the storage of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Life Without Smell: Olfactory Function in People Working in Odorless Rooms
Authors: Chen B. , Boesen A. , Olesch F. T. , Hummel T.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Odorous stimulation helps to maintain or to improve olfactory function. In contrast, odor deprivation has been suggested to facilitate olfactory impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of odor deprivation in people working in an odorless environment.

Methods

Fifty people working in an odorless environment for extended periods of time and 50 people not working in such environments were recruited. The participants were examined for olfactory function (using Sniffin’ Sticks), nasal airflow (using peak nasal inspiratory flowmetry), self‐rated olfactory function, self‐rated nasal airflow, and well‐being. Correlation analyses were used to explore the associations between the duration of working in odorless environment and olfaction, nasal airflow, and well‐being.

Results

The cleanroom workers exhibited slightly, but significantly reduced olfactory scores (sensitivity 7.0 ± 2.5, discrimination 11.4 ± 1.8) compared with controls (sensitivity 8.9 ± 2.5, F = 4.33, p = 0.03; discrimination 12.7 ± 1.6. F = 5.50, p = 0.001), even when controlling for age and rated nasal patency, with their self‐rated olfactory function being not affected. The years of working in cleanrooms were negatively associated with olfactory function (r = 0.35, p = 0.013). No significant correlations were observed between scores of olfactory function, nasal patency, and well‐being.

Conclusion

Compared with controls cleanroom workers exhibited slightly, but significantly lower olfactory scores, nasal peak flow, and well‐being. Their decreased odor sensitivity was found to be associated with the number of years they had worked in the cleanroom. Overall, these results may suggest that odorous stimulation supports olfactory functioning.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:382–387, 2024
Vegetation restoration in dryland with shrub serves as a carbon sink: Evidence from a 13‐year observation at the Tengger Desert of Northern China
Authors: Gao Yanhong , Liu Lichao , Ma Shaoxiu , Zhou Yuanyuan , Jia Rongliang , Li Xinrong , Yang Haotian , Wang Bingyao
Published: September 2023

Dryland area accounts for approximately 40% of worldwide land area, which plays a significant role in regulating the carbon sequestration capacity of land. Vegetation restoration in drylands adopted to prevent land degradation, and may also serve as a carbon sink in the earlier stage. However, the persistence of the carbon sink for the revegetated ecosystem in drylands is still unknown. Can the well‐established restoration vegetation in dryland areas serve as a carbon sink in long‐run? To address this question, we investigated the carbon sequestration capacity of planted vegetation in dryland areas with 13 years of observation (2009–2021) for established vegetation restoration, which began in 1989. We found that the revegetation area serves as a carbon sink in all years. The mean annual net ecosystem productivity (NEP) is 91.61 ± 36.17 gC m−2 yr−1 (mean ± standard deviation). Annual NEP showed a significant increasing trend over the study period with a rate of 5.65 gC m−2 yr−1 yr−1 (p < 0.05). The increase in spring temperature, the earlier start of net carbon uptake and the longer duration of net carbon uptake contribute to the gradual trend of NEP. The amount of annual NEP is predominantly determined by summer precipitation. Meanwhile, our results revealed that the increase in net carbon uptake by revegetation did not lead to excessive consumption of water resources. Our results have suggested that appropriate vegetation restoration in arid areas can increase ecosystem carbon sequestration over longer timescales and mitigate climate change, with relatively low environmental consequences and risks. Considering the vast area of degraded land in the global drylands, the carbon sequestration effect of this model should be given more attention.
Enhanced recovery after surgery, current, and future considerations in head and neck cancer
Authors: List Marna A. , Knackstedt Mark , Liu Lucy , Kasabali Ahmad , Mansour Jobran , Pang John , Asarkar Ameya A. , Nathan Cherie‐Ann
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Review of the current and relevant literature to develop a list of evidence‐based recommendations that can be implemented in head and neck surgical practices. To provide rationale for the multiple aspects of comprehensive care for head and neck surgical patients. To improve postsurgical outcomes for head and neck surgical patients.

Methods

Extensive review of the medical literature was performed and relevant studies in both the head and neck surgery and other surgical specialties were considered for inclusion.

Results

A total of 18 aspects of perioperative care were included in this review. The literature search included 276 publications considered to be the most relevant and up to date evidence. Each topic is concluded with recommendation grade and quality of evidence for the recommendation.

Conclusion

Since it's conception, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have continued to push for comprehensive and evidence based postsurgical care to improve patient outcomes. Head and neck oncology is one of the newest fields to develop a protocol. Due to the complexity of this patient population and their postsurgical needs, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to facilitate recovery while minimizing complications. Current and future advances in head and neck cancer research will serve to strengthen and add new principles to a comprehensive ERAS protocol.

Level of Evidence

2a.
Multi‐Wavelength Quantum Light Sources on Silicon Nitride Micro‐Ring Chip
Authors: Fan Yun‐Ru , Lyu Chen , Yuan Chen‐Zhi , Deng Guang‐Wei , Zhou Zhi‐Yuan , Geng Yong , Song Hai‐Zhi , Wang You , Zhang Yan‐Feng , Jin Rui‐Bo , Zhou Heng , You Li‐Xing , Wang Zhen , Guo Guang‐Can , Zhou Qiang
Published: September 2023

Multi‐wavelength quantum light sources are extremely desired in establishing communication links among multiple users for realizing quantum networks. Despite recent impressive advances, developing such a quantum light source with high quality remains challenging. Here a multi‐wavelength quantum light source using a silicon nitride micro‐ring with a free spectral range of 200 GHz is demonstrated. The generation of eight‐wavelength‐paired photon pairs is ensured in a wavelength range of 25.6 nm. With device optimization and noise‐rejecting filters, this source enables the generation of heralded single‐photons at a rate of 62 kHz with and the generation of energy‐time entangled photons with a visibility of in the Franson interferometer. These results, at room temperature and telecom wavelength, in a CMOS‐compatible platform, represent an important step toward integrated quantum photonic devices, which pave the way for realizing a large‐scale quantum network.
Metamaterial‐enabled Fully On‐Chip Polarization‐Handling Devices
Authors: Zhao Yaotian , Xiang Jinlong , He An , He Yu , Guo Xuhan , Su Yikai
Published: September 2023

Polarization manipulation is essential in photonic integrated circuits and has numerous applications in various fields, such as optical communication, nonlinear optics, and quantum optics. Advances in nanofabrication have enabled the integration of subwavelength‐structured metamaterials on optical waveguides, providing unprecedented optical manipulation capabilities beyond classical waveguide‐based architectures. In this paper, the polarization space is demonstrated to be fully manipulated by a dielectric metamaterial composed of nanoholes and nanoslots. This approach offers competitive performances for key polarization components, including the polarizer, polarization beam splitter, and polarization‐splitter‐rotator, while maintaining ultra‐compact coupling regions of 18×1 µm2, 16×1.1 µm2, and 13×1 µm2 respectively. The devices are designed by manipulating the phase and amplitude of all possible eigenmodes supported in the waveguide, which is inherently scalable and versatile for on‐chip mode and wavefront manipulation. The unique properties of metamaterials provide powerful tools for on‐chip polarization manipulation and offer new possibilities for the development of compact and high‐performance photonic integrated circuits.
Enhanced Asymmetric Light‐Plasmon Coupling in Graphene Nanoribbons for High‐Efficiency Transmissive Infrared Modulation
Authors: Lan Guilian , Tang Linlong , Dong Jiduo , Nong Jinpeng , Luo Peng , Li Xin , Li Zhancheng , Zhang Yongna , Dai Yujie , Wang Wei , Shi Haofei , Wei Wei
Published: September 2023

Graphene plasmonic modulators can manipulate the mid‐infrared light in transmission mode, which is currently challenging for traditional liquid crystal and digital micromirror devices, opening up a new avenue for infrared scene projection, infrared optical communication, and hyper spectra imaging. Nevertheless, their efficiencies are not high enough due to the single‐layer atomic thickness and low free carrier density of graphene. Here, it is demonstrated that the modulation efficiency can be significantly improved by enhancing the asymmetric light‐plasmon coupling. A general theoretical model is established to describe the modulation behaviors of the modulator, revealing the critical role of the asymmetric coupling rate. By using dielectric environment engineering and graphene structure design experimentally to enhance the asymmetric coupling rate from 0.45×1012 to 7.05×1012 s−1, the modulation efficiency has been improved from 4% to 41% at 1530 cm−1, while maintaining the bandwidth as large as 230 cm−1. The modulator outperforms previous transmission‐type graphene plasmonic modulators in both efficiency and bandwidth, presenting great potential in next‐generation infrared integrated photonics platforms.
W‐band ×8 frequency multiplier in 65 nm CMOS with 25% bandwidth and 4.63 dBm output power
Authors: Song Zelin , Yu Yiming , Zhao Chenxi , Liu Huihua , Kang Kai
Published: September 2023

This letter presents an ×8 frequency multiplier for the W‐band wireless satellite communication in the 65 nm complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor process. To reduce the power consumption, the proposed frequency multiplier employs only one driven amplifier and three stages of doublers. All doublers adopt balanced structures to increase their robustness. The output buffer is introduced to ameliorate the impedance matching of output port so that the output power of the proposed ×8 frequency multiplier can achieve 4.63 dBm. Through the special design of the interstage impedance matching circuit, the relative 3‐dB bandwidth of the proposed frequency multiplier is over 25% (from 74.8 to 96.2 GHz). The chip also has a small size and low power consumption, which is 1.37 × 0.51 mm2 and 125 mW, respectively.
Observer preference of artificial intelligence‐generated versus clinical prostate contours for ultrasound‐based high dose rate brachytherapy
Authors: King Martin T. , Kehayias Christopher E. , Chaunzwa Tafadzwa , Rosen Daniel B. , Mahal Amandeep R. , Wallburn Tyler D. , Milligan Michael G. , Dyer M. Aiven , Nguyen Paul L. , Orio Peter F. , Harris Thomas C. , Buzurovic Ivan , Guthier Christian V.
Published: September 2023

Background

For trans‐rectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐based high dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy, prostate contouring can be challenging due to artifacts from implanted needles, bleeding, and calcifications.

Purpose

To evaluate the geometric accuracy and observer preference of an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for generating prostate contours on TRUS images with implanted needles.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 150 patients, who underwent HDR brachytherapy. These patients were randomly divided into training (104), validation (26) and testing (20) sets. An AI algorithm was trained/validated utilizing the TRUS image and reference (clinical) contours. The algorithm then provided contours for the test set. For evaluation, we calculated the Dice coefficient between AI and reference prostate contours. We then presented AI and reference contours to eight clinician observers, and asked observers to select their preference. Observers were blinded to the source of contours. We calculated the percentage of cases in which observers preferred AI contours. Lastly, we evaluate whether the presence of AI contours improved the geometric accuracy of prostate contours provided by five resident observers for a 10‐patient subset.

Results

The median Dice coefficient between AI and reference contours was 0.92 (IQR: 0.90–0.94). Observers preferred AI contours for a median of 57.5% (IQR: 47.5, 65.0) of the test cases. For resident observers, the presence of AI contours was associated with a 0.107 (95% CI: 0.086, 0.128; p < 0.001) improvement in Dice coefficient for the 10‐patient subset.

Conclusion

The AI algorithm provided high‐quality prostate contours on TRUS with implanted needles. Further prospective study is needed to better understand how to incorporate AI prostate contours into the TRUS‐based HDR brachytherapy workflow.
Semi‐automatic fine delineation scheme for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhan Weizong , Yang Qiuxia , Chen Shuchao , Liu Shanshan , Liu Yifei , Li Haojiang , Li Shuqi , Gong Qiong , Liu Lizhi , Chen Hongbo
Published: September 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer fine delineation in medical images by physicians is a major challenge due to the vast volume of medical images and the variability of patients.

Purpose

A semi‐automatic fine delineation scheme was designed to assist doctors in accurately and quickly delineating the cancer target region to improve the delineation accuracy of pancreatic cancer in computed tomography (CT) images and effectively reduce the workload of doctors.

Methods

A target delineation scheme in image blocks was also designed to provide more information for the deep learning delineation model. The start and end slices of the image block were manually delineated by physicians, and the cancer in the middle slices were accurately segmented using a three‐dimensional Res U‐Net model. Specifically, the input of the network is the CT image of the image block and the delineation of the cancer in the start and end slices, while the output of the network is the cancer area in the middle slices of the image block. Meanwhile, the model performance of pancreatic cancer delineation and the workload of doctors in different image block sizes were studied.

Results

We used 37 3D CT volumes for training, 11 volumes for validating and 11 volumes for testing. The influence of different image block sizes on doctors' workload was compared quantitatively. Experimental results showed that the physician's workload was minimal when the image block size was 5, and all cancer could be accurately delineated. The Dice similarity coefficient was 0.894 ± 0.029, the 95% Hausdorff distance was 3.465 ± 0.710 mm, the normalized surface Dice was 0.969 ± 0.019. By completing the accurate delineation of all the CT images, the speed of the new method is 2.16 times faster than that of manual sketching.

Conclusion

Our proposed 3D semi‐automatic delineative method based on the idea of block prediction could accurately delineate CT images of pancreatic cancer and effectively deal with the challenges of class imbalance, background distractions, and non‐rigid geometrical features. This study had a significant advantage in reducing doctors' workload, and was expected to help doctors improve their work efficiency in clinical application.
Investigating cerebral perfusion with high resolution hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI
Authors: Hu Jasmine Y. , Vaziri Sana , Bøgh Nikolaj , Kim Yaewon , Autry Adam W. , Bok Robert A. , Li Yan , Laustsen Christoffer , Xu Duan , Larson Peder E. Z. , Chang Susan , Vigneron Daniel B. , Gordon Jeremy W.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To investigate high‐resolution hyperpolarized (HP) 13C pyruvate MRI for measuring cerebral perfusion in the human brain.

Methods

HP [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI was acquired in five healthy volunteers with a multi‐resolution EPI sequence with 7.5 × 7.5 mm2 resolution for pyruvate. Perfusion parameters were calculated from pyruvate MRI using block‐circulant singular value decomposition and compared to relative cerebral blood flow calculated from arterial spin labeling (ASL). To examine regional perfusion patterns, correlations between pyruvate and ASL perfusion were performed for whole brain, gray matter, and white matter voxels.

Results

High resolution 7.5 × 7.5 mm2 pyruvate images were used to obtain relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) values that were significantly positively correlated with ASL rCBF values (r = 0.48, 0.20, 0.28 for whole brain, gray matter, and white matter voxels respectively). Whole brain voxels exhibited the highest correlation between pyruvate and ASL perfusion, and there were distinct regional patterns of relatively high ASL and low pyruvate normalized rCBF found across subjects.

Conclusion

Acquiring HP 13C pyruvate metabolic images at higher resolution allows for finer spatial delineation of brain structures and can be used to obtain cerebral perfusion parameters. Pyruvate perfusion parameters were positively correlated to proton ASL perfusion values, indicating a relationship between the two perfusion measures. This HP 13C study demonstrated that hyperpolarized pyruvate MRI can assess cerebral metabolism and perfusion within the same study.
The diurnal pattern of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity and obesity: a cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Ma Tongyu , Bennett Thomas , Lee Chong‐Do , Wicklow Mairead
Published: September 2023

Objective

Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is obesity‐protective. However, the optimal time of the day to engage in MVPA for weight management is controversial. This study is designed to investigate the influence of the diurnal pattern of MVPA on the association between MVPA and obesity.

Methods

A total of 5285 participants in the 2003 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were cross‐sectionally analyzed. The diurnal pattern of objectively measured MVPA was classified into three clusters by K‐means clustering analysis: morning (n = 642); midday (n = 2456); and evening (n = 2187). The associations of MVPA level and the diurnal pattern with obesity were tested.

Results

A strong linear association between MVPA and obesity was found in the morning group, whereas a weaker curvilinear association between MVPA and obesity was observed in the midday and evening groups, respectively. Among those who met the physical activity guidelines, the adjusted means for BMI were 25.9 (95% CI: 25.2–26.6), 27.6 (95% CI: 27.1–28.1), and 27.2 (95% CI: 26.8–27.7) kg/m2 in the morning, midday, and evening groups, respectively, and for waist circumference were 91.5 (95% CI: 89.4–93.6), 95.8 (95% CI: 94.7–96.9), and 95.0 (95% CI: 93.9–96.1) cm, respectively.

Conclusions

The diurnal pattern of MVPA influences the association between MVPA and obesity. The promising role of morning MVPA for weight management warrants further investigation.
Birth weight, childhood obesity, adulthood obesity and body composition, and gastrointestinal diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Ruan Xixian , Sun Yuhao , Fu Tian , Zhao Jianhui , Deng Minzi , Chen Jie , Li Xue , Larsson Susanna C.
Published: September 2023

Objective

This Mendelian randomization study aimed to investigate the associations of birth weight, childhood BMI, and adulthood BMI, waist‐hip ratio, and body composition with the risk of 24 gastrointestinal diseases.

Methods

Independent genetic instruments associated with the exposures at the genome‐wide significance level (p < 5 × 10−8) were selected from corresponding large‐scale genome‐wide association studies. Summary‐level data for gastrointestinal diseases were obtained from the UK Biobank, the FinnGen study, and large consortia of European ancestry.

Results

Genetically predicted higher levels of birth weight were associated with a lower risk of gastroesophageal reflux. Genetically predicted higher childhood BMI was associated with an increased risk of duodenal ulcer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cholelithiasis. However, the associations did not persist after adjusting for genetically predicted adulthood BMI. Genetically predicted higher adulthood BMI and waist‐hip ratio were associated with 19 and 17 gastrointestinal diseases, respectively. Genetically predicted greater visceral adiposity was associated with an increased risk of 17 gastrointestinal diseases. There were no strong associations among genetically predicted whole‐body fat and fat‐free mass indices with gastrointestinal diseases.

Conclusions

This study suggests that greater adulthood adiposity, measured as either BMI, waist‐hip ratio, or visceral adipose tissue, is causally associated with an increased risk of a broad range of gastrointestinal diseases in the European population.
Hydrogen Iodide Energy Cycle to Repeat Solar Hydrogen Generation and Battery Power Generation Using Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ishii Yosuke , Umakoshi Midori , Kobayashi Kenta , Kato Runa , Al-zubaidi Ayar , Kawasaki Shinji
Published: September 2023

Herein, a new energy cycle called the “hydrogen iodide (HI) cycle” is proposed that involves the repeated generation of solar hydrogen and battery power. Solar hydrogen generation using an HI solution allows for the use of a narrow‐bandgap photocatalyst. It is demonstrated that the addition of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) effectively enhances solar hydrogen generation from HI solution with methylammonium lead iodide. Electron microscopy observations and spectroscopic experiments reveal that SWCNTs improve hydrogen generation by adsorbing byproduct iodine molecules. Additionally, a zinc‐iodine battery, utilizing paper I@SWCNTs recovered from the photocatalyst test cell and zinc metal, operates efficiently with an initial cell voltage of approximately 1.2 V. The battery's capacity, corresponding to the amount of encapsulated iodine molecules, indicates that SWCNTs can effectively adsorb the byproduct iodine molecules within the photocatalyst test cell. It is also discussed that the electrolyte solution after the discharge experiment should include iodide ions, indicating that the solution after battery discharge returns to the starting point of the “HI cycle.” Raman measurements reveal that I@SWCNTs are transformed back into empty tubes during the discharge experiment. Therefore, SWCNTs can be repeatedly used in the new cyclic energy scheme referred to as the “HI cycle.”
The life cycle of the heatwave boundary layer identified from commercial aircraft observations at Melbourne Airport (Australia)
Authors: Huang Qinuo , Reeder Michael J. , Jakob Christian , King Malcolm J. , Su Chun‐Hsu
Published: September 2023

Although undoubtedly important to the dynamics of heatwaves, the role of the boundary layer has received relatively little attention. Here, a 16‐year (2003–2018) record of commercial aircraft observations centred on Melbourne Airport (37.7°S, 144.8°E) is used to investigate the structure and evolution of the boundary layer during summertime heatwaves in Victoria. Composite means show that the daytime boundary layer is deeper during heatwaves than at other times, whereas the heatwave boundary layer during the night and early morning is shallower and more stable. A strong northerly nocturnal jet forms slightly below the top of the inversion, presumably transporting hotter air above the boundary layer overnight. A deep mixed layer develops rapidly after sunrise, mixing downward high‐momentum air from the nocturnal jet. For heatwaves lasting for 3 days, the nocturnal jet progressively strengthens each night. Heatwaves end in the afternoon or evening following the passage of a strong coastal front and the beginning of postfrontal cold air advection.
Seasonal prediction of UK mean and extreme winds
Authors: Lockwood Julia F. , Stringer Nicky , Hodge Katie R. , Bett Philip E. , Knight Jeff , Smith Doug , Scaife Adam A. , Patterson Matthew , Dunstone Nick , Thornton Hazel E.
Published: September 2023

Recent studies have shown that seasonal forecasting systems have significant skill in predicting northern European winds and storms in winter, but other seasons have not been so extensively analysed. Given this fact, and coupled with requests from users of the Met Office 3‐month outlook for the United Kingdom (UK), we have investigated the skill in predicting seasonal (3‐month) mean UK wind speed and storms (extreme winds) with a one‐month lead‐time, throughout the year, using a large ensemble from the Met Office's seasonal prediction system, GloSea. We find that seasonal UK storms and mean wind speeds are well correlated, and therefore a single prediction of UK mean wind speed will give an indication of predicted storm counts. Skill for these predictions is highest in winter (December–February), related to predictability of the North Atlantic Oscillation. In contrast, summer (June–August) UK wind skill is not significant and furthermore appears to be negative. We find evidence, in both observations and model members, for a Rossby wave from the tropics influencing UK summer winds and forming a significant predictable component in the model ensemble mean. However, the model predictable signal appears to be out of phase with that observed leading to the negative correlation. Further investigation into summer Rossby wave generation and propagation is necessary to understand whether summer predictions could be improved.
Improved regional forecasting of an extreme Arctic cyclone in August 2016 with WRF MRI‐4DVAR
Authors: Ban Junmei , Liu Zhiquan , Bromwich David H. , Bai Lesheng
Published: September 2023

Cycling data assimilation and forecast experiments in August 2016 together with a case study of an intense Arctic cyclone (AC16) are performed. Initial conditions from newly developed Multi‐Resolution Incremental Four‐Dimensional Variational (MRI‐4DVAR) and Three‐Dimensional Variational (3DVAR) data assimilation along with forecasts from the polar version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (Polar WRF) model, mimicking operational configurations, are applied. The tasks are to evaluate MRI‐4DVAR performance during a 20‐day cycling run, to investigate the impacts of initial conditions on the forecast skill of AC16, and to identify the factors impacting AC16's predictability. The results from the 20‐day cycling period demonstrate the robustness and reliability of MRI‐4DVAR for data assimilation and subsequent forecast skill. Multiple processes, including mergers of Arctic cyclones, mergers of vortices, vertical coupling between low‐level and upper‐level circulations, baroclinic processes and jet stream forcing, contributed to the generation and development of AC16. Compared to the initial conditions from 4DVAR, 3DVAR produced amplified polar vortices, stronger baroclinic instability, intensified upper‐level jet streams and a stronger low‐level frontal zone, causing the overdevelopment of AC16 in 3DVAR‐based forecasts. For MRI‐4DVAR, the accurate prediction of AC16 5–7 days ahead is likely due primarily to the more accurate representation of upper‐level atmospheric fields, that was facilitated by better satellite radiance assimilation with MRI‐4DVAR that also produced a balanced initial model state. It is concluded that the high‐resolution Polar WRF which is optimized for Arctic conditions combined with 4DVAR facilitated the improved prediction of AC16 compared to the Global Forecast System (GFS) operational deterministic global forecast.
An economical assimilation scheme for radar reflectivity in non‐convective region to suppress spurious precipitation
Authors: Gan Ruhui , Yang Yi , Li Hong , Guo Shuchang , Xie Qian , Liu Peng
Published: September 2023

Increasing convection information in initial field and weakening spurious convection information are hot topics in numerical weather prediction. How to economically assimilate radar reflectivity in the non‐convective region (NCR) is the focus of this study. This study proposes a new assimilation scheme for the two‐dimensional (2D) composite reflectivity in NCR through the ensemble square‐root filter method. A single‐column observation test and two convective cases are studied to verify the assimilation effect. Three experiments are designed for each test, including a control experiment (Exp_CTL) that only assimilates convective reflectivity and two assimilation experiments that assimilate reflectivity in NCR (one assimilates 3D weak reflectivity [Exp_RF] and the other assimilates 2D composite reflectivity [Exp_CRF]) based on the Exp_CTL. The results of real‐case studies show that the new scheme has two clear advantages. One is that it can save approximately three quarters of the assimilation workload. The other is that the new scheme has the most significant effect on weakening spurious convection and decreasing the false alarm ratios of precipitation and reflectivity.