bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified one‐step conservative uterine surgery (MOSCUS) versus cesarean hysterectomy in the management of placenta accreta spectrum: A single‐center retrospective analysis based on 619 Vietnamese pregnant women
Authors: Vuong Anh Dinh Bao , Pham Thanh Hai , Pham Xuan Trang Thi , Truong Diem Phuong , Nguyen Xuan Trang , Trinh Ngoc Bich , Nguyen Dinh Vinh , Nguyen Yen Oanh Ngoc , Nguyen To Nhu Thi Ngo , Ho Quang Nhat , Nguyen Phuc Nhon
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To compare maternal outcome measures in surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS)—the modified one‐step conservative uterine surgery (MOSCUS), a new approach at Tu Du Hospital in Vietnam, versus cesarean hysterectomy, and to identify factors that appear to contribute to the successful outcome of the MOSCUS.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at Tu Du Hospital in southern Vietnam between January 2019 and December 2020. The study enrolled all pregnant women at more than 28 weeks of pregnancy with a diagnosis of PAS who underwent either a cesarean hysterectomy or a uterus‐preserving approach using the MOSCUS method.

Results

The prevalence of PAS at our single tertiary referral hospital was 0.4% (619 PAS cases/132 518 births) in 2 years. Among 296 patients, the surgical time duration, estimated blood loss, and red blood cell transfusion in the MOSCUS group (n = 217) were all significantly less than in the cesarean hysterectomy group (n = 79) (152.72 ± 42.23 vs 185.13 ± 58.22 min, 1000 vs 1500 mL, and 500 vs 710 mL, respectively). Intraoperatively, the rate of visceral injuries in the hysterectomy group was higher than that in the MOSCUS group (P < 0.001). However, the rate of postoperative infection was higher in the MOSCUS group than in the cesarean hysterectomy group (P = 0.012). Of a total of 217 cases managed using the MOSCUS management, 24 required a secondary hysterectomy; the success rate was 88.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.3%–93.1%). Some of the primary factors associated with the success of MOSCUS included maternal age less than 35 years, planned surgery, severity of PAS, and estimated blood loss during surgery (odds ratio [OR] 5.16, 95% CI 1.96–13.59; OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.08–8.62; OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.19–10.98; and OR 49.66, 95% CI 11.16–221.02, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

MOSCUS is an acceptable alternative to cesarean hysterectomy in many patients diagnosed with PAS. This new surgical management of PAS resulted in the preservation of the uterus, and a favorable outcome in nearly 9 out of 10 pregnant women. We believe that MOSCUS can be safely offered for the management of PAS in referral hospital settings.
The effect of body mass index on maternal and perinatal outcomes in COVID‐19 infection during pregnancy and postpartum: Secondary analysis from the REBRACO cohort study
Authors: Sardinha Thais G. , Lajos Giuliane J. , Souza Renato T. , Cecatti Jose G. , Luz Adriana G. , Oppermann Maria Lúcia R. , Pacagnella Rodolfo C. , Ribeiro‐Do‐Valle Carolina C. , Nobrega Guilherme M. , Griggio Thayna B. , Charles Charles M. , Silveira Carla , Miele Maria J. , Tedesco Ricardo P. , Fernandes Karayna G. , Martins‐Costa Sérgio Ha , Peret Frederico Ja , Feitosa Francisco E. , Traina Evelyn , Cunha Filho Edson V. , Vettorazzi Janete , Haddad Samira M. , Candreucci Carla B. , Guida José P. , Correa Junior Mario D. , Dias Marcos Ab , Oliveira Leandro G. , Melo Junior Elias F. , Da Luz Marília Gq , Costa Maria Laura ,   REBRACO Study Group
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To compare maternal and perinatal outcomes among women with obesity, overweight, and normal body mass index, associated with COVID‐19 infection during pregnancy and postpartum.

Method

Prospective Cohort Study, within the REBRACO (Brazilian Network of COVID‐19 in Pregnancy) multicenter initiative. Confirmed positive cases of SARS‐CoV‐2 were included, and women categorized into three groups according to their pre‐pregnancy BMI: obesity (BMI ≥ 30), overweight (BMI <30 but >25), and normal BMI. Sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric characteristics and different maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared, and a multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate factors independently associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Results

Two hundred eighty‐nine women positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were considered, and 202 had available data on maternal BMI for the current analysis. Overall, 72 (35.6%)obese, 68 (33.6%) overweight, and 60 (29.7%) normal BMI. Obesity was associated with increased adverse clinical outcomes including sepsis (P =  0.02), acute respiratory distress syndrome (P = 0.002), and the need for mechanical ventilation (P = 0.044). Considering perinatal outcomes, a multiple regression model confirmed obesity as an independent factor associated with adverse results (adjusted odds ratio 3.73, 95% CI 1.54–9.08).

Conclusion

Obesity and overweight were associated with worse clinical outcomes, severe/critical COVID‐19, and adverse perinatal outcomes.
The impact on pregnancy outcomes of late‐onset gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed during the third trimester: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sgayer Inshirah , Odeh Marwan , Wolf Maya Frank , Kaiyal Raneen Sawaid , Aiob Ala , Lowenstein Lior , Gratacos Eduard
Published: November 2023

Background

Evidence is inconsistent regarding the impact of late gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on perinatal outcomes.

Objectives

To evaluate associations of GDM diagnosed in the third trimester (late GDM) with adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Search Strategy

We searched Embase, Medline, and Web of Science from January 1, 1990 to June 16, 2022, for observational studies.

Selection Criteria

Late GDM was defined as a de novo diagnosis, i.e. after a negative screening for diabetes in the second trimester, and at later than 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Data Collection and Analysis

Each abstract and full‐text article was independently reviewed by the same two authors. Quality was assessed with the use of the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model.

Main Results

Twelve studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria, including 3103 patients (571 with late GDM and 3103 controls). Incidences of shoulder dystocia (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02–2.42, P = 0.040), 5‐minute Apgar score <7 (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.14–2.86, P = 0.024), cesarean delivery (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.51–2.60, P < 0.001), and emergent cesarean delivery (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02–2.40, P = 0.040) were significantly higher among women with late GDM than among the controls. The groups showed similarity in the rates of fetal macrosomia, large‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses, neonatal hypoglycemia, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis showed associations of late GDM with increased adverse perinatal outcomes. Prospective studies should evaluate the impact on perinatal outcomes of repeated third‐trimester screening for late GDM.
Spontaneous abdominal wall blood vessel rupture as a rare complication of severe pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Bin lv , Han Ling
Published: November 2023

Synopsis

This study describes a rare case of a prenatal spontaneous abdominal wall hematoma that occurred in a pregnant woman with severe pre‐eclampsia and upper respiratory tract infection.
Re‐salvage focal low‐dose rate brachytherapy for local recurrence of prostate cancer after salvage focal low‐dose rate brachytherapy
Authors: Nakamoto Takahiro , Yoshida Takashi , Shiga Toshiko , Taguchi Makoto , Mishima Takao , Kawakita Shigenari , Murota Takashi , Kinoshita Hidefumi
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Salvage brachytherapy represents an effective treatment for local recurrence of prostate cancer after prior external beam radiotherapy. However, the optimal therapeutic strategies for local recurrence after salvage brachytherapy have not yet been determined.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 77‐year‐old man who underwent re‐salvage focal low‐dose rate brachytherapy for local recurrence after carbon ion radiotherapy and salvage focal low‐dose rate brachytherapy. We performed re‐salvage focal low‐dose rate brachytherapy for the recurrence with a different type of seed, which resulted in a significant reduction in the prostate‐specific antigen level. During the 35‐month follow‐up after re‐salvage focal low‐dose rate brachytherapy, no recurrence of prostate cancer and no severe radiation‐related toxicities were observed.

Conclusion

Our patient was successfully treated with re‐salvage focal low‐dose rate brachytherapy for local recurrence after salvage focal low‐dose rate brachytherapy. This treatment strategy might be effective for such patients and is not associated with sexual dysfunction or severe adverse events.
Pilot study testing the effects of a multicomponent intervention for increasing moderate‐intensity physical exercise
Authors: Fournier Bryce A. , Andrade Leonardo F.
Published: November 2023

Physical inactivity has been associated with several health problems, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Although many of these health problems are preventable through regular exercise, a small percentage of the adult population engages in the recommended levels. Reinforcement‐based interventions have been implemented successfully to promote physical activity, but studies targeting moderate or vigorous physical exercise using behavior‐analytic interventions are scarce. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the feasibility of a multicomponent intervention that provided monetary incentives for increasing running, jogging, or brisk walking distance for five adults. The intervention lasted 6 weeks and comprised weekly goal setting, feedback, public posting, and group contingencies. The results of the study suggest that the intervention may be feasible and effective at increasing moderate physical activity to levels recommended by the federal guidelines, but further research is warranted.
Ab initio molecular dynamics study of intersystem crossing dynamics for MH2 (M = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) on spin‐pure and spin‐mixed potential energy surfaces
Authors: Wada Satoi , Tsutsumi Takuro , Saita Kenichiro , Taketsugu Tetsuya
Published: November 2023

Recently, surface‐hopping ab initio molecular dynamics (SH‐AIMD) simulations have come to be used to discuss the mechanisms and dynamics of excited‐state chemical reactions, including internal conversion and intersystem crossing. In dynamics simulations involving intersystem crossing, there are two potential energy surfaces (PESs) governing the motion of nuclei: PES in a spin‐pure state and PES in a spin‐mixed state. The former gives wrong results for molecular systems with large spin‐orbit coupling (SOC), while the latter requires a potential gradient that includes a change in SOC at each point, making the computational cost very high. In this study, we systematically investigate the extent to which the magnitude of SOC affects the results of the spin‐pure state‐based dynamics simulations for the hydride MH2 (M = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) by performing SH‐AIMD simulations based on spin‐pure and spin‐mixed states. It is clearly shown that spin‐mixed state PESs are indispensable for the dynamics simulation of intersystem crossing in systems containing elements Sn and Pb from the fifth period onward. Furthermore, in addition to the widely used Tully's fewest switches (TFS) algorithm, the Zhu‐Nakamura (ZN) global switching algorithm, which is computationally less expensive, is applied to SH for comparison. The results from TFS‐ and ZN‐SH‐AIMD methods are in qualitative agreement, suggesting that the less expensive ZN‐SH‐AIMD can be successfully utilized to investigate the dynamics of photochemical reactions based on quantum chemical calculations.
Iron oxide nanoparticles as iron micronutrient fertilizer—Opportunities and limitations
Authors: Shirsat Shraddha , K Suthindhiran
Published: November 2023

Iron (Fe) is necessary for plant growth and development. Iron deficiency disrupts major metabolic and cellular activities such as respiration, DNA synthesis, and chlorophyll synthesis. Iron also activates various metabolic pathways and is vital to numerous enzymes. Iron is widely distributed in soil, but plants do not readily absorb it. In addition to neutral pH, Fe also forms insoluble Fe complexes under alkaline conditions. The fundamental cause of Fe chlorosis is an imbalance between the solubility of Fe in soil and the demand for Fe by plants. Various Fe fertilizers, including organic, chelated, and inorganic, are administered to the soil and leaves to treat Fe deficiency and chlorosis. Currently, used Fe fertilizers are expensive, easily adsorb on soil particles, and cause Fe to leach out of the soil with water, thereby diminishing their efficiency. They also need to be applied repeatedly, resulting in an excessive Fe fertilizer concentration in the soil that can cause harm to the plants. The usage of Fe nanofertilizers in agricultural production has expanded to address the disadvantages of existing Fe fertilizers. The advantages of nanosized Fe fertilizers include their physical and chemical characteristics, such as the high surface area to volume ratio that aids in easy absorption by plants’ roots and leaves. Controlled‐release iron oxide nanofertilizers supply the regulated release of nutrients in a way that is coordinated with the nutritional needs of the crops. This improves the accumulation of nutrients in the plant, filling in the gap of nutrient deficiency and lowering environmental risks due to leaching. The possibility of iron oxide nanoparticles as Fe micronutrient fertilizers, their uptake and mechanism of action, advantages, and limitations are critically highlighted in this review article.
Associations between femoral 3D curvature and sagittal imbalance of spine
Authors: Lo Chien‐Hsiung , Dean Fang Yu‐Hua , Wang Jing‐Yao , Yu Tzu‐Ping , Chuang Hao‐Chun , Liu Yuan‐Fu , Chang Chao‐Jui , Lin Cheng‐Li
Published: November 2023

Background

The sagittal imbalance (SI) of spine triggers compensatory mechanisms (CMs) of lower extremity (LE) to restore trunk balance. These CMs can cause long‐period stress on the femur and may possibly alter the femoral morphology. This cross‐sectional observational study aimed to answer the following questions: (a) Do SI subjects exhibit greater femoral bowing compared to subjects with sagittal balance? (b) Are there associations between femoral bowing and CMs of LE in SI subjects?

Methods

Subjects who underwent biplanar full body radiographs with the EOS imaging system between January 2016 and September 2021 were recruited. Sagittal parameters included T1‐pelvic angle (TPA), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope, lumbar lordosis (LL), PI‐LL, and PT/PI ratio. LE parameters were femoral obliquity angle (FOA), knee flexion angle (KA), and ankle dorsiflexion angle. Femoral bowing was quantified as 3D radius of femoral curvature (RFC). Associations between 3D RFC and the radiographic parameters were analyzed.

Results

A total of 105 subjects were included, classified into balance group (TPA < 14°, n = 40), SI group (TPA ≥ 14° and KA <5°, n = 30), and SI with knee flexion group (TPA ≥ 14° and KA ≥ 5°, n = 35). 3D RFC was significantly lower in SI with knee flexion group compared to the other two groups (both p < 0.001). Stepwise linear regression showed that age, SI and knee flexion, femoral length (FL), FOA, and KA were independent predictors for 3D RFC.

Conclusion

Greater femoral bowing is observed in subjects with SI and knee flexion compared to the balanced population. CM parameters, including KA and FOA, are associated with 3D RFC. Further longitudinal study is needed to investigate the cause‐and‐effect relationship between SI, CMs of LE, and femoral bowing.
Impact of Universal Vasa Previa Screening With Color Doppler During the OB Ultrasound Anatomy Scan
Authors: Bihun Rebekah , Trinidad Marie Charisse , Packard Ann T.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Our institution introduced universal vasa previa (VP) screening utilizing transabdominal ultrasound with color Doppler for all pregnancies at the second trimester anatomy scan. Our study sought to describe the clinical impact of this intervention.

Methods

Radiology records from the 12 months pre‐ and post‐intervention were queried for “vasa previa.” Records included for analysis were those with a first‐time diagnosis or discussion of VP at the anatomy scan. Cases were categorized by outcome: (Group 1) True VP, with subgroups A, unresolved by time of delivery and B, resolved by delivery; (Group 2) False positives; (Group 3) Possible VP without definitive diagnosis; and (Group 4) VP ruled out, for example, “no features of VP.” Group size was expressed as a percentage of total anatomy scans during pre‐ or post‐intervention periods respectively. Absolute and relative percent change were calculated for each group.

Results

In the pre‐intervention period, 1 case (0.36% of total scans) was categorized in Group 1A, 1 case (0.36%) in Group 3, and 7 cases (2.53%) in Group 4. In the post‐intervention period, 2 cases (0.30%) were in Group 1A, 4 cases (0.61%) in Group 1B, 2 cases (0.30%) in Group 2, 1 case (0.15%) in Group 3, and 7 cases (1.06%) in Group 4. There was a +153% relative change in true positives, from 0.36 to 0.91%.

Conclusions

Universal color Doppler screening may have increased detection (sensitivity) while simultaneously increasing false positives (decreased specificity). While decreasing sensitivity is not ideal, this is acceptable given the potential catastrophic outcome of a missed VP.
Manufacturer's online recycling channel intrusion strategies considering digital technology enabling and government subsidies
Authors: Yao Fengmin , Wang Yufei , Yan Yingluo , Liu Shan
Published: November 2023

We constructed closed‐loop supply chain decision‐making models for digital technology empowerment considering government subsidies and analyzed the interaction between subsidy strategies and digital technology empowerment decisions. We found that when manufacturer does not (does) implement online recycling channel intrusion, government subsidies have (have not) a transmission effect. However, when the government subsidizes manufacturer (recycling platform), channel intrusion will increase (decrease) the digital technology empowerment level of recycling platform. Meanwhile, excessive subsidies for recycling platform are not conducive to remanufacturing. In addition, when consumers' digital sensitivity is weak, government subsidies to manufacturer is more conducive to increasing social welfare.
Modelling and inferring fracture curvature from borehole GPR data: A case study from the Bedretto Laboratory, Switzerland
Authors: Escallon Daniel , Shakas Alexis , Maurer Hansruedi
Published: November 2023

Fracture curvature has been observed from the millimetre to the kilometre scales. Nevertheless, characterizing curvature remains challenging due to data sparsity and geometric ambiguities. As a result, most numerical models often assume planar fractures to ease computations. To address this limitation, we present a novel approach for inferring fracture geometry from travel‐time data of electromagnetic or seismic waves. Our model utilizes co‐kriging interpolation of control points in a three‐dimensional surface mesh to simulate fracture curvature effectively, resulting in an unstructured triangular grid. We then refine the fracture surface into a structured grid with equidistant elements so that both small‐scale heterogeneities and large‐scale curvature can be modelled. To constrain the fracture geometry, we perform a deterministic travel‐time inversion to optimally place these control points. We validate our methodology with synthetic data and address its limitations. Finally, we infer the geometry of a large (more than 200 m) fracture observed in single‐hole ground‐penetrating radar field data. The fracture surface closely agrees with borehole televiewer observations and is also constrained far from the boreholes. Our modelling approach can be trivially adapted to multi‐offset ground‐penetrating radar or active seismic data.
Global economic resilience: Analyzing the diverse impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the US, Pakistan, and the world
Authors: Jawad Muhammad , Naz Munazza
Published: November 2023

The economic development of a state can be accurately characterized as the measurable changes in macroeconomic indicators that result in an increase in the overall production or output over a specific timeframe, in comparison to the previous period. Several key macroeconomic factors contribute to the advancement of economic growth. These factors include the industrial production, unemployment rate, business Confidence Index, government budget deficit, and the labor force participation rate. The study employed secondary data from January 2016 to August 2023, with a monthly frequency, to estimate the coefficients. The data encompassed the United States, Pakistan, and the rest of the world. The empirical findings indicate that there exists a negative relationship between equality and economic growth in the United States, Pakistan, and other countries worldwide. The findings demonstrate that the global pandemic has had a notable impact on the industrial production of the World, the United States, and Pakistan, with an initial increase followed by a gradual decline. The unemployment rates in the United States, Pakistan, and the rest of the world have experienced a substantial decline. Simultaneously, the rate of unemployment has witnessed a notable increase, resulting in significant and adverse effects on the respective economies. The decrease in the Business Confidence Index can be attributed to heightened levels of uncertainty, which in turn have had a detrimental impact on the gross domestic product of the United States, Pakistan, and other countries worldwide. The reduction in imports has resulted in a decrease in the government budget deficit, which has had a notable impact on the economy.
Insight into acrolein activation by P/B intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs
Authors: Sinha Swapan , Das Subhra , Giri Santanab
Published: November 2023

The study investigates the reactivity of a cyclic five‐membered intramolecular P/B frustrated Lewis pair towards acrolein through a cycloaddition reaction. Intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) calculations suggest the single‐step mechanism. It has been observed that the cycloaddition reaction occurs through a concerted mechanism in both the presence and absence of the catalyst. Analysis of reaction force and reaction electronic flux provides valuable information about the total work required and electronic activity along the IRC. Additionally, natural bonding orbital (NBO) analyses enrich the understanding of the mechanism in terms of the electron transfer process during the chemical reaction.
Eptinezumab for the prophylaxis of migraine in adults
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: November 2023

Eptinezumab (Vyepti) is a new CGRP monoclonal antibody for migraine prophylaxis that is administered by intravenous infusion. This article discusses its place in therapy, clinical trial efficacy and adverse effects.
First‐Principles Study of the Effects of C/N/S Doping on the Magnetic and Photocatalytic Properties of a Bilayer Anatase TiO2 (001)
Authors: Wang Wenxing , Hou Qingyu
Published: November 2023

Most studies have theoretically and experimentally investigated the effects of single‐element C/N/S doping on the magnetic and photocatalytic properties of three‐dimensional TiO2. However, only a few comparative studies are available on the magnetic and photocatalytic properties of two‐dimensional anatase TiO2 doped with C, N, or S. Based on the density functional theory framework, generalized gradient approximation + U method of the first principles is used to investigate the effects of doping three nonmetallic elements (C/N/S) on the magnetic and photocatalytic properties of bilayer anatase TiO2. The bilayer Ti24O47N (001) is found to have the lowest formation energy, the largest cohesion energy, is relatively stable, and exhibits magnetic property with a magnetic moment of −1.0 . The holes and electrons of Ti24O47N (001) system have longest carrier lifetime. The ratio of their average effective masses is 1.28, and the carrier separation in this system is good. The system is most favorable for the preparation of H2 and O2 from water decomposition. Within the 420–790 nm wavelength range, the Ti24O47N (001) system shows the strongest absorption spectrum intensity, the most prominent redshift, and the best activity. Thus, the bilayer Ti24O47N (001) system is an optimal photocatalyst.
Investigation of a monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to chocolate products as part of wider international outbreak: A matched case–control study, Ireland, 2022
Authors: Nielsen Charlotte Salgaard , Garvey Patricia , Cormican Martin , DeLappe Niall , Lenahan Mary , Moore Orla , Casey Kay , Cotter Suzanne , Gee Sarah , Aniugbo Benjamin , Meagher Gerard , Brabazon Elaine , Quintyne Keith Ian , Breslin Anthony , McBride RoseMary , Burke Eimear , White Margaret , Casey Marie , Evans Leah , Conlon Catherine , Dillon Annette , Kiernan Regina , Kilmartin Donna , Lawlor Cale , McDermott Ruth , McKeown Paul ,   Outbreak Control Team
Published: November 2023

Background

In March 2022, an outbreak investigation was initiated in Ireland after identifying a cluster of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium cases, affecting primarily small children. Microbiological investigations revealed that the cluster was part of a wider international outbreak.

Methods

A total of 18 Irish outbreak cases were identified. We undertook a matched case–control study using the case–case method to determine if exposure to the implicated products was associated with illness.

Results

In univariable analysis, the highest odds of disease due to monophasic S. Typhimurium versus other gastrointestinal disease were obtained for a chocolate Product A of Brand A [matched odds ratio (mOR) = 7.77, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.89–67.20]. When grouping the implicated products in a composite variable, the odds of disease due to monophasic S. Typhimurium versus other gastrointestinal disease were 10.5 times higher with a consumption of at least one of the implicated products [mOR = 10.50, 95% CI: 1.24–88.60, p = 0.031].

Conclusion

This analytical study supported the internationally generated hypothesis which led to the implementation of control measures. Owing to the high levels of chocolate purchasing with Easter approaching, early outbreak identification and involvement in the internationally coordinated investigation was essential to an efficient response and to minimise the risk of further harm to a particularly vulnerable population group.
Theoretical perspective on synthetic man‐made life: Learning from the origin of life
Authors: Peng Lu , Zhang Zecheng , Wang Xianyi , Qiu Weiyi , Zhou Liqian , Xiao Hui , Liu Chunxiuzi , Tang Shaohua , Qin Zhiwei , Jiang Jiakun , Di Zengru , Liu Yu
Published: November 2023

Creating a man‐made life in the laboratory is one of life science’s most intriguing yet challenging problems. Advances in synthetic biology and related theories, particularly those related to the origin of life, have laid the groundwork for further exploration and understanding in this field of artificial life or man‐made life. But there remains a wealth of quantitative mathematical models and tools that have yet to be applied to this area. In this paper, we review the two main approaches often employed in the field of man‐made life: the top‐down approach that reduces the complexity of extant and existing living systems and the bottom‐up approach that integrates well‐defined components, by introducing the theoretical basis, recent advances, and their limitations. We then argue for another possible approach, namely “bottom‐up from the origin of life”: Starting with the establishment of autocatalytic chemical reaction networks that employ physical boundaries as the initial compartments, then designing directed evolutionary systems, with the expectation that independent compartments will eventually emerge so that the system becomes free‐living. This approach is actually analogous to the process of how life originated. With this paper, we aim to stimulate the interest of synthetic biologists and experimentalists to consider a more theoretical perspective, and to promote the communication between the origin of life community and the synthetic man‐made life community.
Conductive proteins‐based extracellular electron transfer of electroactive microorganisms
Authors: Zhang Junqi , You Zixuan , Liu Dingyuan , Tang Rui , Zhao Chao , Cao Yingxiu , Li Feng , Song Hao
Published: November 2023

Electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) could utilize extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways to exchange electrons and energy with their external surroundings. Conductive cytochrome proteins and nanowires play crucial roles in controlling electron transfer rate from cytosol to extracellular electrode. Many previous studies elucidated how the c‐type cytochrome proteins and conductive nanowires are synthesized, assembled, and engineered to manipulate the EET rate, and quantified the kinetic processes of electron generation and EET. Here, we firstly overview the electron transfer pathways of EAMs and quantify the kinetic parameters that dictating intracellular electron production and EET. Secondly, we systematically review the structure, conductivity mechanisms, and engineering strategies to manipulate conductive cytochromes and nanowire in EAMs. Lastly, we outlook potential directions for future research in cytochromes and conductive nanowires for enhanced electron transfer. This article reviews the quantitative kinetics of intracellular electron production and EET, and the contribution of engineered c‐type cytochromes and conductive nanowire in enhancing the EET rate, which lay the foundation for enhancing electron transfer capacity of EAMs.
Did court dismiss Title IX erroneous outcome claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: November 2023

John Doe met Jane Roe while both were students at Syracuse University. At the time, Roe was a leader in a pre‐law fraternity, and Doe was seeking to join the fraternity. Doe reached out to Roe and asked to meet for coffee to see if they could develop a mentoring relationship.
Intentional Transfer: The Four‐Year Institutional Role in Community College Transfer Success
Authors: Grachan Bart
Published: November 2023

Four‐year institutions, as the recipients of community college transfers seeking their baccalaureate degrees, must become more proactive participants in the transfer process and conversation. Currently, enrollment management models and data reporting requirements allow four‐year institutions to take a passive approach to the issue of transfer. As an issue that affects nearly half of the nation's undergraduates, to the detriment of the vast majority of them, and the effects of which are visited disproportionally both on underrepresented minority and on low‐income students, this passivity is increasingly problematic on a national level. A recent study shows that where a specific and intentional program of community college outreach, scholarship support, and advisement are applied at a highly‐selective four‐year institution, there are sharp and significant effects on the enrollment and demographic numbers of transfer students, while maintaining high levels of student success and institutional standards.
Evidence of Organic Polymeric Behavior in the Glass Transition of Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Cornu Ieuan , Bennett Thomas D. , Corcos Charlotte , McHugh Lauren N. , Florian Pierre
Published: November 2023

The origin of the glass transition is still an open debate, especially for the new class of glasses, formed from metal‐organic compounds. High‐temperature in situ 2H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments are performed on deuterated samples of ZIF‐62 (Zn(C3H4N2)2‐x(C7H6N2)x, with x = 0.25 and x = 0.05), the prototypical metal–organic framework glass former. Using lineshape analysis, frequencies and angular amplitudes of oscillations of the imidazolate ring during heating up to the melt progressively increasing from ≈10 to 150 MHz, and from ≈5° to 25° are found. This behavior is compositionally dependent and points to the origin of the glass transition lying in organic linker movement, in a similar vein to that witnessed in some organics and contrary to the purely inorganic‐based view of Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) glasses taken to date. This experimental approach shows the potential to elucidate the melting and/or decomposition process for a wide range of MOFs.
Nitrided Rhodium Nanoclusters with Optimized Water Bonding and Splitting Effects for pH‐Universal H2‐Production
Authors: Zheng Yijuan , Zhang Ben , Ma Tian , Yan Rui , Geng Wei , Zeng Zhiyuan , Zhang Yanning , Li Shuang
Published: November 2023

The nitridation of noble metals‐based catalysts to further enhance their hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics in neutral and alkaline conditions would be an effective strategy for developing high‐performance wide pH HER catalysts. Herein, a facile molten urea method is employed to construct the nitrided Rh nanoclusters (RhxN) supported on N‐doped carbon (RhxN‐NC). The uniformly distributed RhxN clusters exhibited optimized water bonding and splitting effects, therefore resulting in excellent pH‐universal HER performance. The optimized RhxN‐NC catalyst only requires 8, 12, and 109 mV overpotentials to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M H2SO4, 1.0 M KOH, and 1.0 M PBS electrolytes, respectively. The spectroscopic characterizations and theoretical calculation further confirm the vital role of Rh‐N moieties in RhxN clusters in improving the transfer of electrons and facilitating the generation of H2. This work not only provides a suitable nitridation method for noble metal species in mild conditions but also makes a breakthrough in synthesizing noble metal nitrides‐based electrocatalysts to achieve an exceptional wide‐pH HER performance and other catalysis.
Boosting the Electrical Performance of PLA‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Sustainable Power Sources and Self‐Powered Sensing
Authors: Shi Xingxing , Si Wanjie , Zhu Jingyi , Zhang Shuidong
Published: November 2023

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as a promising technology for harvesting mechanical energy from the ambient environment. However, developing tribopositive materials with strong piezoelectric effects and high electron‐donating ability still remains a challenge. Herein, poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (mPEG) to soft poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is adopted, then PLA/mPEG nanofibers are fabricated under electrospinning and used as the tribopositive material for fabricating robust power density TENGs. The crystallinity and dynamic mechanical properties of PLA/mPEG nanofibers are investigated. The results revealed that the incorporation of mPEG provided an effective approach to elevate the electron‐donating ability and charge transfer efficiency in PLA. The PLA/mPEG‐based TENGs achieved a high open‐circuit voltage of 342.8 V, a short‐circuit current of 38.5 µA, and a maximum power density of 116.21 W m−2 over a 2 cm2 contact area at an external load of 106 Ω, respectively. Strikingly, excellent stability and durability are demonstrated after continuous cycles up to 104 cycles. Noteworthy, the TENGs are explored for self‐powered sensing applications, with seven TENG units integrated to act as self‐powered sensors playing music through buzzers when pressed by fingers. Eventually, this work provides new insights into tuning the structures and properties of electrospun polymers to reinforce the TENG output and self‐powered systems.
Platinum Electrocatalyst Promoting Redox Kinetics of Li2S and Regulating Li2S Nucleation for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Han Fengfeng , Fan Liwen , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhang Xitian , Wu Lili
Published: November 2023

The development of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) is impeded by the shuttle effect of polysulfides (LiPSs) and the sluggish nucleation of Li2S. To address these challenges, incorporating electrocatalysts into sulfur host materials represents an effective strategy for promoting polysulfide conversion, in tandem with the rational design of multifunctional sulfur host materials. In this study, Pt nanoparticles are integrated into biomass‐derived carbon materials by solution deposition method. Pt, as an electrocatalyst, not only enhances the electrical conductivity of sulfur cathodes and effectively immobilizes LiPSs but also catalyzes the redox reactions of sulfur species bidirectionally. Additionally, Pt helps regulate the 3D deposition and growth of Li2S while reducing the reaction energy barrier. Consequently, this accelerates the conversion of LiPSs in LSBs. Furthermore, the catalytic ability of Pt for the redox reactions of sulfur species, along with its influence on the 3D deposition and growth of Li2S, is elucidated using electrochemical kinetic analyses and classical models of electrochemical deposition. The cathodes exhibit a high initial specific capacity of 1019.1 mAh g−1 at 1 C and a low decay rate of 0.045% over 1500 cycles. This study presents an effective strategy to regulate Li2S nucleation and enhance the kinetics of polysulfide conversion in LSBs.
Creation of High‐Quality Deep‐Blue AIE Emitter with a Crossed Long‐Short Axis Structure for Efficient and Versatile OLEDs
Authors: Lou Jingli , Li Ganggang , Guo Xuecheng , Li Baoxi , Yang Dezhi , Zhang Han , Wang Zhiming , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: November 2023

Developing deep‐blue emitters for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is critical but challenging, which requires a good balance between light color, exciton utilization, and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of solid film. Herein, a high‐quality deep‐blue emitter, abbreviated 2TriPE‐CzMCN, is designed by introducing an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) group into a crossed long‐short axis (CLSA) skeleton. Theoretical and experimental investigations reveal that the CLSA molecular design can achieve a balance between deep‐blue emission and triplet‐excitons utilization, while the high PLQY of the solid film resulting from the AIE feature helps to improve the performance of OLEDs. Consequently, when 2TriPE‐CzMCN is used as the emitting dopant, the OLED exhibits a deep‐blue emission at 430 nm with a record‐high maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 8.84%. When 2TriPE‐CzMCN serves as the host material, the sensitized monochrome orange and two‐color white OLEDs (WOLEDs) realize high EL performances that exceed the efficiency limit of conventional fluorescent OLEDs. Moreover, high‐performance three‐color WOLEDs with a color rendering index (CRI) exceeding 90 and EQE up to 18.08% are achieved by using 2TriPE‐CzMCN as the blue‐emitting source. This work demonstrates that endowing CLSA molecule with AIE feature is an effective strategy for developing high‐quality deep‐blue emitters, and high‐performance versatile OLEDs can be realized through rational device engineering.
Deep Hierarchical Rear‐Lamp Tracking at Nighttime
Authors: Sun Haitian , Chen Wei , Zhang Chao , Zhang Zhiyi
Published: November 2023

Rear‐lamp tracking at night is a research topic in night vision that is essential for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Most current computer vision‐based methods address this problem using color features because rear lamps are lit during night driving. However, such methods are sufficiently robust in complex environments owing to the lack of feature diversity. On the other hand, as there is no off‐the‐shelf dataset, the application of deep learning to nighttime rear‐lamp tracking has been sparsely explored. To tackle the above issues, in this paper, we propose hierarchical rear‐lamp tracking at nighttime (H‐RTN) and create a novel dataset for rear‐lamp tracking. Specifically, the H‐RTN consists of a rough detection hierarchy (R‐hierarchy), an accurate detection hierarchy (A‐hierarchy), and an optimization hierarchy (O‐hierarchy). The R‐hierarchy determines the region of interest (ROI) containing the target rear lamps, the A‐hierarchy samples the rear‐lamp candidates in the ROI, and the O‐hierarchy selects the best pair of candidates as the final location of the target rear lamps. The experimental results show that H‐RTN outperforms the alternative existing methods. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
p-form electrodynamics as edge modes of a topological field theory
Authors: Fuentealba Oscar , Troncoso Ricardo
Published: November 2023

Abstract

p-form electrodynamics in d ≥ 2 dimensions is shown to emerge as the edge modes of a topological field theory with a precise set of boundary conditions, through the Hamiltonian reduction of its action. Electric and magnetic charges correspond to Noether ones in the topological field theory. For chiral p-forms, the topological action can be consistently truncated, so that the Henneaux-Teitelboim action is recovered from a pure Chern-Simons theory, with a manifestly covariant stress-energy tensor at the boundary. Topologically massive p-form electrodynamics as well as axion couplings are also shown to be described through this mechanism by considering suitable (self-)interaction terms in the topological theory.
Quantum flux operators for Carrollian diffeomorphism in general dimensions
Authors: Li Ang , Liu Wen-Bin , Long Jiang , Yu Run-Ze
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We construct Carrollian scalar field theories in general dimensions, mainly focusing on the boundaries of Minkowski and Rindler spacetime, whose quantum flux operators form a faithful representation of Carrollian diffeomorphism up to a central charge, respectively. At future/past null infinity, the fluxes are physically observable and encode rich information of the radiation. The central charge may be regularized to be finite by the spectral zeta function or heat kernel method on the unit sphere. For the theory at the Rindler horizon, the effective central charge is proportional to the area of the bifurcation surface after regularization. Moreover, the zero mode of supertranslation is identified as the modular Hamiltonian, linking Carrollian diffeomorphism to quantum information theory. Our results may hold for general null hypersurfaces and provide new insight in the study of the Carrollian field theory, asymptotic symmetry group and entanglement entropy.
A generalized 4d Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Schmidtt David M.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

A generalization of the 4d Chern-Simons theory action introduced by Costello and Yamazaki is presented. We apply general arguments from symplectic geometry concerning the Hamiltonian action of a symmetry group on the space of gauge connections defined on a 4d manifold and construct an action functional that is quadratic in the moment map associated to the group action. The generalization relies on the use of contact 1-forms defined on non-trivial circle bundles over Riemann surfaces and mimics closely the approach used by Beasley and Witten to reformulate conventional 3d Chern-Simons theories on Seifert manifolds. We also show that the path integral of the generalized theory associated to integrable field theories of the PCM type, takes the canonical form of a symplectic integral over a subspace of the space of gauge connections, turning it a potential candidate for using the method of non-Abelian localization. Alternatively, this new quadratic completion of the 4d Chern-Simons theory can also be deduced in an intuitive way from manipulations similar to those used in T-duality. Further details on how to recover the original 4d Chern-Simons theory data, from the point of view of the Hamiltonian formalism applied to the generalized theory, are included as well.
IKKT thermodynamics and early universe cosmology
Authors: Laliberte Samuel , Brahma Suddhasattwa
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Matrix theory is a proposed non-perturbative definition of superstring theory in which space is emergent. Recently, it was shown that space-time can emerge with a scale-invariant spectrum of cosmological perturbations which is sourced by thermal fluctuations of the BFSS model at finite temperature. Inspired by these results, we begin a study of the IKKT model at finite temperature. We find that in this model, which is closely related to the BFSS model at finite temperature, thermal fluctuations can also source a scale-invariant spectrum of scalar and tensor fluctuations.
Optimal use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor prophylaxis to improve survival in cancer patients receiving treatment
Authors: Gascón Pere , Awada Ahmad , Karihtala Peeter , Lorenzen Sylvie , Minichsdorfer Christoph
Published: November 2023

Background

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a relatively common complication of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can prevent FN and chemotherapy dose delays and enable the use of the higher dose intensities associated with a survival benefit; however, G‑CSF is not always used optimally.

Five medical oncologists with a special interest in supportive care met to discuss the evidence for prophylaxis with G‑CSF to improve survival in cancer patients, identify reasons why this is not always done, and suggest potential solutions. The dose intensity of chemotherapy is critical for maximizing survival in cancer patients but may be reduced as a result of hematological toxicity, such as FN. Use of G‑CSF has been shown to increase the chances of achieving the planned dose intensity in various cancers, including early-stage breast cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. All physicians treating cancer patients should consider the use of G‑CSF prophylaxis in patients receiving chemotherapy, paying particular attention to patient-related risk factors.

Key messages

Strategies to optimize G‑CSF use include educating medical oncologists and pharmacists on the appropriate use of G‑CSF and informing patients about the efficacy of G‑CSF and its potential adverse effects. It is hoped that the evidence and opinions presented will help to encourage appropriate use of G‑CSF to support cancer patients at risk of FN in achieving the best possible outcomes from chemotherapy.
Age, season and sex influence juvenile dispersal in the Iberian cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus)
Authors: García-Macía Jorge , Álvarez Ernesto , Galán Manuel , Iglesias-Lebrija Juan José , Gálvez Marc , Plana Gerard , Vallverdú Núria , Urios Vicente
Published: November 2023

Many aspects of the spatial ecology of the cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) are still unknown. The Iberian population is thought to be predominantly sedentary, but the spatial patterns of young individuals have been barely studied. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the juvenile dispersal of the Iberian cinereous vultures. To this end, we GPS-tagged 41 Cinereous Vultures and tracked their movements during the period 2002–2021, from the end of parental care to the beginning of reproductive age. We examined the influence of age, season and sex on movement metrics (accumulated distances, distances to nest and home range sizes). During the juvenile dispersal period, cinereous vultures travelled over large areas of the Iberian Peninsula and southern Europe. Despite the high individual variability, we found a negative age-related trend in all movement metrics: the younger individuals (<1 year old) often performed farther movements and occupied larger areas, stabilising their movements during immature (1–3 years) and subadult (4 years) phases. On the other hand, season influenced the accumulated distance within all age classes; warm months positively influenced flight effort. Finally, females flew farther and occupied larger areas than males, consistently within age classes. This study did not take into account many factors which may explain part of the high variability observed: landscape, supplementary feeding sites, dumps, colony size, interspecific interactions, stochastic events, etc. Further studies are needed to investigate the influence of these factors on the dispersal of the species in more detail, but this work provides the first approach to the juvenile dispersal of the cinereous vulture in Iberia.