bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering Adverse Detrapped Hole Transfer in Hot‐Electron Photoelectric Conversion at Infrared Wavelengths
Authors: Yu Yuanfang , Gao Lei , Niu Xianghong , Liu Kaiyang , Li Ruizhi , Yang Dandan , Zeng Haibo , Wang Hui‐Qiong , Ni Zhenhua , Lu Junpeng
Published: February 2023

Hot‐carrier devices are promising alternatives for enabling path breaking photoelectric conversion. However, existing hot‐carrier devices suffer from low efficiencies, particularly in the infrared region, and ambiguous physical mechanisms. In this work, the competitive interfacial transfer mechanisms of detrapped holes and hot electrons in hot‐carrier devices are discovered. Through photocurrent polarity research and optical‐pump–THz‐probe (OPTP) spectroscopy, it is verified that detrapped hole transfer (DHT) and hot‐electron transfer (HET) dominate the low‐ and high‐density excitation responses, respectively. The photocurrent ratio assigned to DHT and HET increases from 6.6% to over 1133.3% as the illumination intensity decreases. DHT induces severe degeneration of the external quantum efficiency (EQE), especially at low illumination intensities. The EQE of a hot‐electron device can theoretically increase by over two orders of magnitude at 10 mW cm−2 through DHT elimination. The OPTP results show that competitive transfer arises from the carrier oscillation type and carrier‐density‐related Coulomb screening. The screening intensity determines the excitation weight and hot‐electron cooling scenes and thereby the transfer dynamics.
Effect of the dietary inflammatory potential on the trajectory of body adiposity in a Brazilian cohort of university students
Authors: de Souza Ana Paula Alves , Paravidino Vitor Barreto , Sichieri Rosely , Pereira Rosângela Alves , da Silva Natália Cardoso , Rodrigues Paulo Rogério Melo , Muraro Ana Paula , Ferreira Márcia Gonçalves
Published: February 2023

Objectives

University students are vulnerable to unhealthy eating habits that characterize a proinflammatory diet. This study aimed to estimate the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and its association with the trajectory of body adiposity markers in university students.

Methods

The study analyzed data from 685 students entering a Brazilian public university in 2016 and 2017 and followed until 2018. DII was estimated from 39 dietary parameters obtained by 24‐h dietary recall. Body adiposity was assessed by anthropometric markers and the percentage of body fat. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to estimate the trajectory of adiposity markers according to DII tertiles.

Results

After adjustment for confounding variables, at baseline, DII showed a positive association with increased percentage of body fat among men (β = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.01; 1.03) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR; β = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.12; 0.18) and among women with all body adiposity markers: BMI (β = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.30; 1.05), percentage of body fat (β = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.74; 2.11), WC (β = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.41; 1.89) and WHtR (β = 0.13; 95% CI:0,10; 0.16). The rate of change of the outcome variables over time was not associated with DII at baseline.

Conclusions

The diet of university students in this Brazilian cohort study was characterized as proinflammatory and it was associated with body adiposity markers.
Interpretable machine learning for dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Martin Sophie A. , Townend Florence J. , Barkhof Frederik , Cole James H.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Machine learning research into automated dementia diagnosis is becoming increasingly popular but so far has had limited clinical impact. A key challenge is building robust and generalizable models that generate decisions that can be reliably explained. Some models are designed to be inherently “interpretable,” whereas post hoc “explainability” methods can be used for other models.

Methods

Here we sought to summarize the state‐of‐the‐art of interpretable machine learning for dementia.

Results

We identified 92 studies using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies demonstrate promising classification performance but vary in their validation procedures and reporting standards and rely heavily on popular data sets.

Discussion

Future work should incorporate clinicians to validate explanation methods and make conclusive inferences about dementia‐related disease pathology. Critically analyzing model explanations also requires an understanding of the interpretability methods itself. Patient‐specific explanations are also required to demonstrate the benefit of interpretable machine learning in clinical practice.
The autonomic nervous system from a morphofunctional perspective: Historical overview and current concepts over the last two centuries highlighting contributions from Eastern Europe
Authors: Timmermans Jean‐Pierre
Published: February 2023

The present contribution comprises both an introductory comment and an overview of the contributions within this special issue on historical and current research on the autonomic nervous system from Eastern European colleagues, particularly focusing on the autonomic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract and of the cardiovascular system. It also gives a selected overview of interesting and seminal papers on these topics that appeared in The Anatomical Record since its foundation in 1906.
In‐silico selection employing rigid docking and molecular dynamic simulation in selecting DNA aptamers against androgen receptor
Authors: Thevendran Ramesh , Tang Thean‐Hock , Citartan Marimuthu
Published: February 2023

Aptamers are a class of single‐stranded (ss) nucleic acid molecules generated through Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) that involves iterations of time‐consuming and tedious selection, amplification, and enrichment steps. To compensate for the drawbacks of conventional SELEX, we have devised an in‐silico methodology that facilitates a cost‐effective and facile manner of aptamer selection. Here, we report the isolation of DNA aptamers against androgen receptors (ARs) using androgen response elements (ARE) that possess natural affinity toward AR. A virtual library of ARE sequences was prepared and subjected to a stringent selection criterion to generate a sequence pool having stable hairpin conformations and high GC content. The 3D‐structures of the selected ss AREs were modeled and screened through rigid docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation to examine their potency as potential AR binders. The predicted sequences were further validated using direct enzyme‐linked aptasorbent assay (ELASA), which includes the measurement of their binding affinity, specificity, and target discrimination properties under complex biological enviroments. A short, 15 nucleotides (nts), ssDNA aptamer, termed ARapt1 with the estimated Kd value of 5.5 ± 3 nm, was chosen as the most prominent aptamer against AR based on the coherence of both the in‐silico and in‐vitro evaluation results. The high target‐binding affinity and selectivity of ARapt1 signify its potential use as a versatile tool in diagnostic applications relevant to prostate cancer and related diseases.
Separation and identification of degradation impurities of esomeprazole sodium
Authors: Xiao Chuan , Yuan Yingying , Li Jianwang , Han Yehua , Shi Jiamin , Zeng Wei , Zu Xiaolong , Jin Huijie , Jiang Ru , Ni Shouhai
Published: February 2023

Drug impurities are important factors that affect drug safety and efficacy. The aim of this study is to separate and confirm the structure of two degradation impurities of esomeprazole sodium, designated X and Y. The impurities X and Y were successfully isolated using preparative HPLC by developing separation methods with the help of ACD/Labs AutoChrom software. There was a steady increase in X and Y impurities in forced esomeprazole sodium degradation. Impurity X was confirmed as 6‐methoxy‐1h‐benzo[d]imidazole‐2‐yl‐4‐amino‐3,5‐dimethylpyridinecarboxylate and impurity Y as 6‐methoxy‐1h‐benzo[d]imidazole‐2‐yl‐4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethylpyridinecarboxylate using nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the impurity profile of esomeprazole sodium because these impurities are reported for the first time. Based on our results, active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers can further control process parameters to reduce impurity generation, and drug production manufacturers can optimize the packaging and storage conditions of esomeprazole sodium.
Preoperative accuracy of diagnostic evaluation of urachal carcinoma
Authors: Ke Chunjin , Hu Zhiquan , Yang Chunguang
Published: February 2023

Background

We analyzed the clinical data of patients with urachal carcinoma (UrC) in order to strengthen urologists' understanding of UrC and improve preoperative diagnosis.

Methods

The clinical data of 37 patients with UrC admitted to our hospital from October 2005 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and 40 patients with urothelial carcinoma (UCa) of bladder were enrolled as the control group. We compared and analyzed the imaging, cystoscopy and immunohistochemistry, serum tumor markers, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of UrC and bladder UCa for early diagnosis and evaluation of diagnostic accuracy.

Results

A total of 37 patients with UrC were enrolled in this study, including 30 males and seven females, with a median age of 52.00 (44.50–63.50) years. Imaging and cystoscopy suggest that UrC grows primarily outside the bladder cavity and is found in the middle line of the dome or anterior wall of the bladder. There was a significant difference in tumor location between the UrC group and the UCa group (10.13 mm vs. −7.06 mm, p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry revealed that CK20 and CDX‐2 were both diffusely and strongly positive. β‐catenin was strongly positive in cytoplasm and membrane, but negative in nuclear staining. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 72‐4 (CA724) expression levels were significantly higher in the UrC group than in the UCa group (p < 0.05). In the diagnosis of UrC, the area under the curve (AUC) of CEA combined with CA724 was the greatest. FISH's sensitivity in diagnosing UrC (5/7, 71.43%) was not significantly different from that of UCa (71.43% vs. 77.50%, p = 0.659). Imaging examination has the highest sensitivity and specificity among the accuracy evaluation of different diagnostic methods.

Conclusions

Imaging and cystoscopy are the powerful diagnostic methods for UrC. Serum tumor markers may assist in diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. Positive urine FISH can easily misdiagnose UrC as UCa
An Overview on Phytotoxic Perspective of Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents: The Role of Chemical Structure in the Phytotoxicity
Authors: Khan Amir Sada , Sakina  , Nasrullah Asma , Ullah Saadat , Ullah Zahoor , Khan Zahid , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Khan Shahan Zeb , Din Israf Ud
Published: February 2023

Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are designable solvents having widespread applications. They have gained tremendous attention in the last few decades due to their inherent physicochemical properties, making them distinctive solvents from technological point of view. There are a large number of research articles published on physicochemical properties and applications of ILs and DESs, however, limited research work is available on the phytotoxic effect of ILs and DESs. They are considered as environmentally friendly greener solvents, however, during experimental work, it has been found that they are not always as green as desired. It has been reported that ILs and DESs have phytotoxic properties and effect both aquatic and terrestrial plants. Here the phototoxic problems of ILs and DESs are reviewed. Similar to the traditional solvents, the aforementioned solvents are not safe, and it is important to determine their phytotoxicity prior to highlighting their potential applications. This review will help researchers to design new eco‐friendly ILs and DESs, which can fulfil the twelve principles of green chemistry.
Definition of Pore Size in 3D‐Printed Porous Implants: A Review
Authors: Liu Hao , Liu Lu‐Lu , Tan Jing‐Hua , Yan Yi‐Guo , Xue Jing‐Bo
Published: February 2023

3D‐printed porous implants have been attracting increased attention. Although pore size is thought to be an important factor affecting the biocompatibility of implants, there is still no accurate conclusion about the optimal pore size of implants. In searching the relevant literature, it was found, that the pore size of implants is not clearly defined in many studies. Additionally, the definition methods are different in a few studies, that have clearly defined the apertures. In the current review, the definitions of pore size in different experiments are summarized and the factors affecting the definitions are analyzed, to provide an important framework for future research and design.
Frosted branch angiitis as an immune recovery response in newly diagnosed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and systemic cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Huynh Elisa , Chronopoulos Argyrios , Schutz James Scott , Claus Bernd , Erwemi Marwa , Krastel Hermann , Hattenbach Lars‐Olof
Published: February 2023

Frosted branch angiitis (FBA) is an uncommon form of severe retinal perivasculitis associated with systemic inflammatory/infectious diseases. In this report, we describe a case of FBA and macular edema as a result of immune recovery response in a patient newly diagnosed with HIV infection and cytomegalovirus viremia.
Spatiotemporal Isolation BasedSuper‐ResolutionMicroscopy†
Authors: Lu Yuxian , Zhao Pinlong , Feng Jiandong
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Super‐resolution microscopy (SRM) is a powerful imaging technique that overcomes the diffraction limit and allows imaging of the object structure in the nanoscale. However, SRM suffers from a tradeoff between spatial and temporal resolution, which prevents further exploration in scientific discoveries. In this review, we mainly focus on the development of improving spatiotemporal resolution of SRM, including 1) SRM based on physical and computational principles, 2) physical and computational factors affecting SRM, from which we conclude some strategies for developing new types of SRM, 3) the summary of the various types of SRM based on physical and computational principles, as well as, the analysis of the ordinary and developing SRM. Both SRMs based on physical principles and computational principles can be realized with spatial isolation and temporal isolation methods. We expect this review will offer some new ideas to improve the spatial and temporal resolution simultaneously, which may lead to more new discoveries in biology, chemistry, and materials science.
Parent‐reported compared with researcher‐measured child height and weight: impact on body mass index classification in Australian pre‐school aged children
Authors: Jackson Jacklyn Kay , Grady Alice , Lecathelinais Christophe , Fielding Alison , Yoong Sze Lin
Published: February 2023

Issue Addressed

Parent‐reported data may provide a practical and cheap way for estimating young children's weight status. This study aims to compare the validity and reliability of parent‐reported height and weight to researcher‐measured data for pre‐school aged children (aged 2‐6 years).

Methods

This was a nested study within a cluster randomised controlled trial (October 2016‐April 2017), conducted within 32 Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services across New South Wales, Australia. Parents of children reported on demographics and child height and weight via a survey. For the same child, height and weight data were objectively collected by trained research staff at the service. We calculated mean differences, intra‐class correlations, Bland‐Altman plots, percentage agreement and Cohen's kappa coefficient (>0.8 = “excellent”; 0.61‐0.8 = “good”; 0.41‐0.60 = “moderate”; 0.21 and 0.4 = “fair [weak]”; <0.2 = “poor”).

Results

Overall, 89 children were included (mean age: 4.7 years; 59.5% female). The mean difference between parent‐reported and researcher‐measured data were small (BMI z‐score: mean difference −0.01 [95% CI: −0.45 to 0.44]). There was “fair/weak” agreement between parent‐categorised child BMI compared with researcher‐measured data (Cohen's Kappa 0.24 [95% CI: 0.06 to 0.42]). Agreement was poor (Cohen's kappa <0.2) for female children, when reported by fathers or by parents with a BMI > 25 kg/m2.

Conclusion

There was “fair/weak” agreement between parent‐reported and measured estimates of child weight status.

So What?

Parent's report of weight and height may be a weak indicator of adiposity at the level of individuals however it may be useful for aggregate estimates.
Frequency and survival of Covid associated mucormycosis patients at tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Irfan Ayesha , Kamran Afshan Hussain , Ammar Muhammad , Rahman Saeed ur
Published: February 2023

Background

Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection associated with uncontrolled diabetes and immunocompromised patients. This angioinvasive infection emerged as a post‐covid complication worldwide especially in developing countries. Due to the common socio‐demographic status of South Asian countries, we expected a surge in mucormycosis cases in Pakistan. This study aims to observe the frequency and survival of Covid associated mucormycosis patients at tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan during the third wave of Covid‐19 in 2021.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, we collected the data of clinically and histopathologically confirmed cases of rhino‐occipito‐cerebral mucormycosis from three tertiary care hospitals of Lahore. These cases were analysed for history of Covid‐19 and other associated comorbidities using SPSS28. History of steroid medication was also taken. Data were retrieved from May to July 2021 after the approval from the ethical review board.

Results

Out of the total 43 reported patients of mucormycosis in the set time frame only 22 cases had a history of Covid‐19. The mean age was 50 ± 13.27 years with slight male predilection (60%). Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity (88.4%) and all the patients with covid associated mucormycosis (CAM) had taken corticosteroid regimen for covid management (p < 0.0001). The survival of the patient was not significantly different between CAM and non‐CAM patients of Mucormycosis (p = 0.747).

Conclusion

Covid‐19 and mucormycosis make a lethal duo against the weakened health system of Pakistan. This problem can be prevented by avoiding nonjudicial use of corticosteroids and proper diabetes control program following Covid‐19 infection. Furthermore, large‐scale epidemiological studies should be carried out to evaluate the true burden of Mucormycosis in the population.
METTL13 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression through regulating the ZEB1/TPT1 axis
Authors: Ni Haifeng , Liang Chengxian , Zhou Zhen , Jiang Bo , Li Yong , Shang Haiqiong , Yu Xiaoyu
Published: February 2023

Background

Globally, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent and deadly malignancy. Despite the role of methyltransferase like 13 (METTL13) having been highlighted in a majority of human cancers, its function and mechanism in NPC is indistinct.

Methods

The expression level of METTL13 in NPC cell lines and normal cells was detected using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Gain‐ and loss‐of function experiments were conducted. Cell counting kit‐8, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine, wound‐healing, Transwell and tube formation assays, respectively, appraised the proliferative, migratory, invasive and angiogenic cellular responses. Corresponding protein expression was measured by western blotting. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was applied to verify the association between ZEB1 and the TPT1 promoter. Eventually, to substantiate the critical role of METTL13 in NPC, the establishment of an in vivo tumorigenesis model was accomplished.

Results

METTL13 possessed fortified expression in NPC cells. METTL13 silencing markedly suppressed NPC cellular phenotypes in vitro, including proliferative, migratory, invasive and angiogenic events, as well as hindered tumorigenesis in vivo. Additionally, METTL13 positively regulated ZEB1, whereas ZEB1 could bind to TPT1 promoter and transcriptionally regulate TPT1. TPT1 was also found to be upregulated in NPC cells. TPT1 silencing suppressed NPC cellular phenotypes in vitro. TPT1 overexpression partly weakened the anti‐tumor effect of METTL13 in NPC.

Conclusions

In summary, METTL13 up‐regulated ZEB1, which facilitated the transcriptional activation of TPT1, ultimately promoting NPC growth and metastasis, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for NPC treatment.
Prevalence of actinic keratosis and skin cancer in a population of Dutch outdoor workers
Authors: Keurentjes Anne J. , Tokez Selin , Kezic Sanja , Hulshof Carel T. J. , Rustemeyer Thomas , Nijsten Tamar , van der Molen Henk F. , Pardo Luba M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Outdoor work is associated with high and chronic exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation which might lead to an increased risk of developing skin (pre)malignancies. Prevalence of actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and cutaneous melanoma (cM) in Dutch outdoor workers (OW) has not previously been investigated.

Objective

This study compares the prevalence of premalignant lesions and skin tumours in OW and matched controls (non‐OW).

Methods

In a population‐based cohort study, prevalence of premalignant lesions and skin tumours was investigated in a group of OW (n = 841) and controls matched 1:1 by age, sex, skin colour and tendency for sunburn. Skin examinations were conducted by physicians and skin cancer history was derived from the nationwide Dutch Pathology Registry. Information on OW was obtained through interviews. Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between OW and BCC, cSCC, cM and (number of) AK.

Results

AK was found in 22.7% of OW and 22.9% of non‐OW, BCC in 14% of OW and 15.7% of non‐OW, cSCC in 4.9% of OW and 3.4% of non‐OW, and cM in 1.9% of OW and 2% of non‐OW. There was no significant association between OW and premalignant lesions and skin tumours, with exception for developing ≥4 AKs (OR 1.3 [95% CI 1.0–1.78]).

Conclusions

This study reveals high prevalence of premalignant lesions and skin tumours in a Dutch population. No association between OW and the occurrence of premalignant lesions and skin tumours was found, however, multiple AKs were more prevalent in OW.
Mutation of FLNA attenuating the migration of abdominal muscles contributed to Melnick–Needles syndrome (MNS) in a family with recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Luo Xin , Yang Zailin , Zeng Jing , Chen Jing , Chen Ningxuan , Jiang Xiaoyan , Wei Qinlv , Yi Ping , Xu Jing
Published: February 2023

Background

Filamin A, encoded by the X‐linked gene FLNA, links the cell membrane with the cytoskeleton and acts as a regulator of the actin cytoskeleton. Mutations in FLNA cause a large spectrum of congenital malformations during embryonic development, including Melnick–Needles syndrome (MNS). However, reports of MNS, especially in males, are rare, and the pathogenesis molecular mechanisms are not well understood.

Methods

We found a family with two consecutive miscarriages of similar fetuses with multiple malformations. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and tissues, and whole exome sequencing was performed for genetic analysis. Then, we created a C57BL/6 mouse with a point mutation by CRISPR/Cas‐mediated genome engineering. The migration of primary abdominal muscle cell was detected by wound healing assay.

Results

The first fetus showed congenital hygroma colli and omphalocele identified by ultrasound at 12 wks; the second fetus showed hygroma colli and thoraco abdominoschisis at 12 wks, with a new hemizygous mutation c.4420G>A in exon 26 of the FLNA gene, which is predicted to cause an amino acid substitution (p.Asp1474Asn). The mother and grandmother were both present in the c.4420G>A heterozygous state, and the mother's healthy brother had wild‐type FLNA. These FLNA‐mutated mice exhibited a broader central gap between the rectus abdominis than the wild type (WT), similar to the midline structure dysplasia of the abdominal wall in the two fetuses. Wound healing assays showed the attenuated migration capacity of abdominal muscle cells in mice with mutated FLNA. Finally, we summarized the cases of MNS with FLNA mutation from the accessible published literature thus far.

Conclusion

Our research revealed a mutation site of the FLNA for MNS and explored the mechanism of midline structure dysplasia in the abdominal wall of male patients, which could provide more evidence for the clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling of families with these disorders.
Relationship between filial obligation and caregiver depression among adult children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pan Yuqin , Chen Ruyi , Yang Dongliang
Published: February 2023

Aim

To explore the relationship between filial obligation and caregiver depression across cultures.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Twelve databases were reviewed for dissertations and peer‐reviewed articles on filial obligation and caregiver depression among adult children, published before January 2020. In total, 476 titles and abstracts were retrieved. Final analysis included six studies; of these, four were included in the meta‐analysis.

Results

Fixed‐effects model indicated that a stronger perception of filial obligation was associated with increased depressive symptoms among caregivers across cultures (β = 0.14, 95% CI [0.04, 0.24], p < 0.01, N = 394). However, a non‐significant effect size in the correlation between these two variables was found in samples predominated by Caucasian and mixed‐blood caregivers (r = 0.03, 95% CI [−0.03, 0.10], p > 0.05, N = 880). Therefore, caregivers' perceptions of filial obligation should be clinically assessed and normalised to reduce their depressive symptoms.
Numerical solutions of the time‐dependent Schrödinger equation with position‐dependent effective mass
Authors: Gao Yijin , Mayfield Jay , Luo Songting
Published: February 2023

Numerical solution of the time‐dependent Schrödinger equation with a position‐dependent effective mass is challenging to compute due to the presence of the non‐constant effective mass. To tackle the problem we present operator splitting‐based numerical methods. The wavefunction will be propagated either by the Krylov subspace method‐based exponential integration or by an asymptotic Green's function‐based time propagator. For the former, the wavefunction is given by a matrix exponential whose associated matrix–vector product can be approximated by the Krylov subspace method; and for the latter, the wavefunction is propagated by an integral with retarded Green's function that is approximated asymptotically. The methods have complexity per step with appropriate algebraic manipulations and fast Fourier transform, where is the number of spatial points. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and stability of the methods.
Classification of the Vacua of the Dimensionally Reduced Low‐Energy Limit of the Heterotic String Over Nearly‐Kähler Manifolds
Authors: Manolakos G. , Patellis G. , Zoupanos G.
Published: February 2023

We examine the vacua of the scalar potential of the effective 4‐d action, obtained after the dimensional reduction of the 10‐d heterotic supergravity coupled to an Yang‐Mills sector. The (Coset Space) dimensional reduction takes place over the three 6‐d nearly‐Kähler manifolds, namely the homogeneous 6‐d non‐symmetric coset spaces, , and . The current work consists a complete catalogue of the kinds of vacua of theories obtained after the reduction of the heterotic string over the 6‐d non‐symmetric coset spaces and, moreover, a contribution to the dialogue of the possibility to result with non‐AdS vacua in the framework of string theories.
Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple ascending Oral doses of DA‐8010 in healthy subjects: First‐in‐human phase I study
Authors: Lee Dae Young , Lee Min Jung , Ryu Chaelim , Lee Heewon , Brooks Ashley
Published: February 2023

This study assessed the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple oral doses of DA‐8010, a muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist, in healthy subjects. This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, ascending single (Part A: 1, 2.5, 5, 20, and 40 mg QD fasted and 10 mg QD fasted and fed) and multiple doses (Part B: 5, 10, and 20 mg QD from Days 1 to 7 fasted), sequential‐group study. Safety data were analyzed descriptively, time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax) nonparametrically, and pharmacokinetic parameters using power and mixed models and ANOVA. Of 109 subjects randomized (Part A = 69 and Part B = 40; each part consisted a female group), 31 (44.9%) in Part A and 29 (72.5%) in Part B experienced treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in a dose‐related manner. Common drug‐related TEAEs in Part A and B were dizziness (8.7% and 15.0%), headache (5.8% and 12.5%) and blurred vision (8.7% and 20%). One male (20 mg) and one female (10 mg) from Part B discontinued the study due to a confusional state, and nausea and vomiting. Irrespective of sex, DA‐8010 was steadily absorbed following single and multiple doses in the fasted state with increased systemic exposure in a dose‐proportional manner with maximum plasma concentration occurring at a median tmax between 4.0 and 6.0 h. A high‐fat meal increased systemic exposure. DA‐8010 was safe, well tolerated, and well absorbed at lower doses and moderately tolerated at higher doses without any notable effects of food and sex.
Molecularly Hybridized Conduction in DPP‐Based Donor–Acceptor Copolymers toward High‐Performance Iono‐Electronics
Authors: Samal Sanket , Roh Heejung , Cunin Camille E. , Yang Geon Gug , Gumyusenge Aristide
Published: February 2023

Iono‐electronics, that is, transducing devices able to translate ionic injection into electrical output, continue to demand a variety of mixed ionic–electronic conductors (MIECs). Though polar sidechains are widely used in designing novel polymer MIECs, it remains unclear to chemists how much balance is needed between the two antagonistic modes of transport (ion permeability and electronic charge transport) to yield high‐performance materials. Here, the impact of molecularly hybridizing ion permeability and charge mobility in semiconducting polymers on their performance in electrochemical and synaptic transistors is investigated. A series of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐based copolymers are employed to demonstrate the multifunctionality attained by controlling the density of polar sidechains along the backbone. Notably, efficient electrochemical signal transduction and reliable synaptic plasticity are demonstrated via controlled ion insertion and retention. The newly designed DPP‐based copolymers further demonstrate unprecedented thermal tolerance among organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors, a key property in the manufacturing of organic electronics.
Generalized Encapsulations of ZIF‐Based Fe–N–C Catalysts with Controllable Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon for Significantly‐Improved Stability Toward Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wu Yongkang , Li Xiaoke , Hua Kang , Duan Xiao , Ding Rui , Rui Zhiyan , Cao Feng , Yuan Mengchen , Li Jia , Liu Jianguo
Published: February 2023

The vigorous development of efficient platinum group metal‐free catalysts is considerably important to facilitate the universal application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Although nitrogen‐coordinated atomic iron intercalated in carbon matrix (Fe–N–C) catalysts exhibit promising catalytic activity, the performance in fuel cells, especially the short lifetime, remains an obstacle. Herein, a highly‐active Fe–N–C catalyst with a power density of >1 w cm‐2 and prolonged discharge stability with a current density of 357 mA cm‐2 after 40 h of constant voltage discharge at 0.7 V in H2–O2 fuel cells using a controllable and efficient N–C coating strategy is developed. It is clarified that a thicker N–C coating may be more favorable to enhance the stability of Fe–N–C catalysts at the expense of their catalytic activity. The stability enhancement mechanism of the N–C coating strategy is proven to be the synergistic effect of reduced carbon corrosion and iron loss. It is believed that these findings can contribute to the development of Fe–N–C catalysts with high activity and long lifetimes.
Self‐Boosting Vaccination Based on Pulsatile Antigen Release from Core–Shell Microparticles
Authors: Di Jinwei , Wang Jinyue , Wang Shan , Ma Ming , Zhang Hui , Liu Nan , Zheng Aiping , Gao Xiang , Liu Bo , Gao Jing
Published: February 2023

Vaccination is among the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. Subunit vaccines are safe but usually require multiple booster shots, which may lead to immunity loss and economic consume. In this study, a self‐boosting vaccine is developed based on the pulsatile release of antigen from the core–shell microparticle after single‐injection immunization. Self‐healing technology applied to form an “antigen core” can avoid organic solvents from destroying the spatial structure of the antigen. The “antigen shell” is built‐up by self‐assemble of the antigen with the opposite charged polypeptide. Primary immunization occurs with the self‐assembled film disintegration, and the booster comes with the microparticle degradation. The changing of antigen‐specific antibodies after immunization with the core–shell microparticle vaccine is consistent with that caused by the two shots of immunization. The immune effect and safety evaluation results support the translational potential of this self‐boosting core–shell microparticle vaccine.
In Situ Adjustable Nanogaps and In‐Plane Break Junctions
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , Zhang Xubin , Yin Kaikai , Zhang Surong , Zhao Zhikai , Tan Min , Xu Xiaona , Zhao Zhibin , Wang Maoning , Xu Bingqian , Lee Takhee , Scheer Elke , Xiang Dong
Published: February 2023

The ability to precisely regulate the size of a nanogap is essential for establishing high‐yield molecular junctions, and it is crucial for the control of optical signals in extreme optics. Although remarkable strategies for the fabrication of nanogaps are proposed, wafer‐compatible nanogaps with freely adjustable gap sizes are not yet available. Herein, two approaches for constructing in situ adjustable metal gaps are proposed which allow Ångstrom modulation resolution by employing either a lateral expandable piezoelectric sheet or a stretchable membrane. These in situ adjustable nanogaps are further developed into in‐plane molecular break junctions, in which the gaps can be repeatedly closed and opened thousands of times with self‐assembled molecules. The conductance of the single 1,4‐benzenediamine (BDA) and the BDA molecular dimer is successfully determined using the proposed strategy. The measured conductance agreeing well with the data by employing another well‐established scanning tunneling microscopy break junction technique provides insight into the formation of molecule dimer via hydrogen bond at single molecule level. The wafer‐compatible nanogaps and in‐plane dynamical break‐junctions provide a potential approach to fabricate highly compacted devices using a single molecule as a building block and supply a promising in‐plane technique to address the dynamical properties of single molecules.
Lobbying update: CCTV in slaughterhouses
Authors: Knowles‐Bacon Megan
Published: February 2023

Megan Knowles‐Bacon, BVA policy officer, gives an update on BVA's response to a Welsh consultation on CCTV in slaughterhouses.
A hard‐won success – but the work continues
Authors: Little Mark
Published: February 2023

BVA NI Branch senior vice president Mark Little reflects on two years of work to save access to vet medicines in Northern Ireland.
An ambition for anaesthesia makes for a knockout nursing career
Authors: Scales Courtney
Published: February 2023

Courtney Scales combined her two passions of anaesthesia and training RVNs to mould a fulfilling career as a clinical educator, albeit with a few faints and squiggles along the way.
Large N partition functions of the ABJM theory
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Hong Junho , Reys Valentin
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We study the large N limit of some supersymmetric partition functions of the U(N)k × U(N)−k ABJM theory computed by supersymmetric localization. We conjecture an explicit expression, valid to all orders in the large N limit, for the partition function on the U(1) × U(1) invariant squashed sphere in the presence of real masses in terms of an Airy function. Several non-trivial tests of this conjecture are presented. In addition, we derive an explicit compact expression for the topologically twisted index of the ABJM theory valid at fixed k to all orders in the 1/N expansion. We use these results to derive the topologically twisted index and the sphere partition function in the ’t Hooft limit which correspond to genus g type IIA string theory free energies to all orders in the α′ expansion. We discuss the implications of our results for holography and the physics of AdS4 black holes.
Escaping the interiors of pure boundary-state black holes
Authors: Almheiri Ahmed , Mousatov Alexandros , Shyani Milind
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We consider a class of pure black hole microstates and demonstrate that they can be made escapable by turning on certain double trace deformations in the CFT. These microstates are dual to BCFT states prepared via a Euclidean path integral starting from a boundary in Euclidean time. These states are dual to black holes in the bulk with an End-of-the-World brane; a codimension one timelike boundary of the spacetime behind the horizon. We show that by tuning the sign of the coupling of the double trace operator to the boundary conditions on the brane the deformation injects negative energy into the black hole causing a time advance for signals behind the horizon. We demonstrate how the property of escapability in the considered microstates follows immediately from the traversability of deformed wormholes. We briefly comment on reconstruction of the black hole interior and state dependence.
Systematic identification of disturbance factors on electric characteristics of mechanical gearboxes
Authors: Becker-Dombrowsky Florian Michael , Hausmann Maximilian , Welzbacher Peter , Harder André , Kirchner Eckhard
Published: February 2023

Failures of machine elements can cause critical machine breakdowns, e.g. bearing damage accounts for almost 20% of all machine failures. Hence, monitoring machine elements is of particular importance for condition monitoring of gearboxes. Therefore, new approaches based on electrical impedance analysis are proposed in literature, e.g. for the measurement of rolling bearing load or damage condition with so-called sensory utilizable machine elements (SuME). For this approach, an electrical signal is transmitted through the structure to be observed and the resulting impedance is measured. With this technique it is possible to detect loads and damages not only for bearings, but also for the entire gearbox. Another application of this method can be the transmission of electrical signals through machine elements and the gearbox themselves. However, uncertainty arises with regard to the distinct signal transmission in these processes, mainly due to parasitic capacitances. In this contribution, the disturbing factors on the measured impedance of a gearbox at different working points are investigated. For this purpose, disturbance factors are systematically identified and used as basis for a full factorial experimental design for screening the operational characteristics of a gearbox. The data obtained from the tests is analyzed to identify correlations between the disturbance factors and parasitic capacitances. The experiments show a speed- and torque-dependent behavior of the parasitic capacitances in a gearbox. These results can be used for further research of SuME and structure-integrated energy supply and signal paths as well as the evaluation of related measurement data by reducing the associated uncertainty.
Combining sensitivity and uncertainty analysis to efficiently quantify parametric uncertainties in NVH system simulation models
Authors: Wischmann Stefan , Drichel Pascal , Jacobs Georg , Berges Julius , Berroth Joerg
Published: February 2023

The acoustic and structural dynamic properties of vehicles—often referred to as Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH)—form a crucial criterion during product development. To reduce iterations with physical prototypes, NVH simulation models are well established. In early development phases, many parameters of NVH models, such as material and contact properties, are either assumed based on empirical values or have to be measured. In both cases, the value of these parameters is uncertain. Thus, the output of NVH system simulation models such as structure borne or air borne sound is also uncertain and must be quantified. However, applying state-of-the-art uncertainty analysis methods to NVH simulation models considering all uncertain input parameters is inefficient due to their high computation time. Therefore, this paper presents a method of coupled sensitivity (SA) and uncertainty analysis (UA), which enables the efficient uncertainty calculation for NVH simulations. In this method, firstly the most influential parameters are determined using a SA to reduce the number of input parameters. Depending on the number of parameters and the computation time of the NVH simulation model, either the Morris SA or an EFAST SA is chosen. Finally, a fuzzy UA is performed, which quantifies the uncertainty of the output of the NVH simulation and provides its possible ranges. The procedure is applied to the NVH model for predicting air borne sound of an electric drive with 53 uncertain input parameters.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of selective internal radiotherapy and sorafenib alone or combined for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Hao , Zhou Chengyuan , Chen Xiaojing , Hu Lanxin , Su Ke , Guo Lu , Han Yunwei
Published: February 2023

Background

Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is a developing technique and its efficacy and modality of application in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still controversial. This network meta-analysis aims to determine whether the efficacy and safety of SIRT alone and in combination are superior to that of sorafenib.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched before August 2022. Cochrane Randomized Trial Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale were used to assess the quality. The outcomes of interest included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs).

Results

A total of 9 eligible trials involving 1954 patients were included, and SIRT ranked first among the three treatment modalities in terms of both OS (probability, 52.3%) and PFS (probability, 68.6%). The combination of SIRT and sorafenib did not improve OS or PFS in patients with HCC. Although the combination of SIRT and sorafenib did not raise the risk of grade 3 or higher AEs, it may have introduced more AEs than either alone.

Conclusions

SIRT alone was found to be superior to sorafenib and the combination of the two in improving OS or PFS in patients with non-surgical HCC, especially in patients with combined portal vein tumor thrombus. The AEs induced by SIRT were different from those of sorafenib, but the overall toxicity was manageable, the combination of the two may cause an increase in the types of AEs that occur.
Recordkeeping, logistics, and translation: a study of homeless services systems as infrastructure
Authors: Tracey Pelle , Garcia Patricia , Punzalan Ricardo
Published: February 2023

Homeless services systems provide unhoused individuals access to emergency shelter, subsidized housing, and other life-sustaining resources. In this paper, we present a qualitative study that draws on the experiences of fifteen social service workers to examine how recordkeeping practices sustain homeless services systems and unite a tangled web of institutions and actors, including public housing systems, nonprofit agencies, and local governments. We address the following research questions: How is the infrastructure of homeless services sustained by recordkeeping? How are social service workers affected by increasing recordkeeping demands? In what ways do social service workers work against or ‘find the play’ in this system? To address these questions, we collected interviews and conducted artifact walkthroughs with our study participants. We analyzed the data using an infrastructural lens and found that current recordkeeping practices within homeless services systems comprise an "infrastructure of last resort" that functions logistically, prioritizing efficiency and speed. We also found that social service workers “speak back” to logistification by making the homeless services infrastructure more legible to their unhoused clients through mediation and acts of translation that help to produce better resource outcomes. Our findings show how structuring recordkeeping in ways that privilege efficiency and speed disrupts social service work and interferes with social service workers’ ability to provide care for vulnerable individuals facing life-altering and life-threatening hardships.
The Structure of Compulsive Sexual Behavior: A Network Analysis Study
Authors: Marchetti Igor
Published: February 2023

Compulsive sexual behavior is a phenomenon characterized by a persistent failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges, resulting in repetitive sexual behavior that causes marked distress or impairment in personal, familial, social, educational, or occupational areas of functioning. Despite its major impact on mental health and quality of life, little is known about its internal structure and whether this phenomenon differs across genders, age groups, and risk status. By considering a large online sample (n = 3186; 68.3% males), ranging from 14 to 64 years old, compulsive sexual behavior was explored by means of network analysis. State-of-the-art analytical techniques were adopted to investigate the pattern of association among the different elements of compulsive sexual behavior, identify possible communities of nodes, pinpoint the most central nodes, and detect differences between males and females, among different age groups, as well as between individuals at low and high risk of developing a full-blown disorder. The analyses revealed that the network was characterized by three communities, namely Consequence, Preoccupation, and Perceived Dyscontrol, and that the most central node was related to (perceived) impulse dyscontrol. No substantial differences were found between males and females and across age. Failing to meet one’s own commitments and responsibilities was more central in individuals at high risk of developing a full-blown disorder than in those at low risk.