bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TD‐DFT study of BIPS spiropyran: Effects of functionals and high‐polarity solvent on CspiroO bond dissociation and recovery
Authors: Dobrovolskiy Ivan N. , Kostjukov Victor V.
Published: June 2023

We performed a theoretical analysis of the BIPS photochemical cycle using an extensive set of forty hybrid functionals and taking into account a highly polar solvent (methanol). The functionals with a small fraction of the exact Hartree‐Fock exchange (%HF) showed the predominant S0 → S2 transition with the strengthening of the CspiroO bond. At the same time, functionals with medium and high %HF (including those with long‐range correction) gave a dominant S0 → S1 transition with weakening or breaking of the CspiroO bond, which corresponds to the experimental results. The influence of a highly polar solvent on the photochemical electrocyclic transformations of BIPS turned out to be significant. The number of functionals causing dissociation of the CspiroO bond decreased from 10 to 7 compared to the gas phase. The magnitude of the oscillator strength has increased by approximately one and a half times. Structural distortions of the BIPS molecule during excitation (both with and without CspiroO bond cleavage) significantly decreased in methanol compared to the gas phase. The two strong hydrogen bonds of methanol molecules with the oxygen and nitrogen atoms of spiropyran also have a significant effect on its excitation. They lead to a change in the predominant transition from S0 → S2 to S0 → S1 for five functionals. The number of functionals giving dissociation of the CspiroO bond decreased from seven to four (M08HX, M052X, CAM‐B3LYP, and M11). After the opening of the excited BIPS molecule, both of its strong H‐bonds with methanol are preserved. Of this set of four functionals, only M052X and CAM‐B3LYP exhibited the dominant HOMO‐1 → LUMO configuration observed in high‐level computations by other authors. Therefore, both of these functionals are recommended for modeling the photochemical cycle of this spiropyran. The photochemical cycle of BIPS was theoretically analyzed. The redistribution of the electron density in this cycle was quantitatively described using the differences in NPA of the atomic charges. The most important result of this analysis was the electrostatic mechanism of the approach of Cspiro and oxygen atoms at the fourth stage, which causes further reduction of the CspiroO bond.
Bystander intervention to prevent firearm injury: A qualitative study of 4‐H shooting sports participants
Authors: Trinka Teresa , Oesterle Daniel W. , Silverman Amira C. , Vriniotis Mary G. , Orchowski Lindsay M. , Beidas Rinad S. , Betz Marian E. , Hudson Craven , Kesner Todd , Ranney Megan L.
Published: June 2023

This qualitative study examines how youth and adult members of 4‐H Shooting Sports clubs perceive firearm injury risk and risk reduction, and the applicability of a bystander intervention (BI) risk reduction framework in this community. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 youth and 13 adult members of 4‐H Shooting Sports clubs across nine US states from March to December of 2021 until thematic saturation was reached. Deductive and inductive thematic qualitative analyses were performed. Six overarching themes emerged: (1) The tendency to view firearm injury as predominantly unintentional in nature; (2) Acknowledgment of a wide array of risks for firearm injury; (3) Perceived barriers to bystander action to prevent firearm injury including knowledge, confidence, and consequences of action; (4) Facilitators of bystander action including a sense of civic responsibility; (5) Direct and indirect strategies to address potential risks for firearm injury; and (6) Belief that BI skills training would be useful for 4‐H Shooting Sports. Findings lay the groundwork for applying BI skills training as an approach to firearm injury prevention in 4‐H Shooting Sports, similar to how BI has been applied to other types of injury (i.e., sexual assault). 4‐H Shooting Sports club members' sense of civic responsibility is a key facilitator. Prevention efforts should attend to the broad array of ways in which firearm injury occurs, including suicide, mass shootings, homicide, and intimate partner violence, as well as unintentional injury.
Land registry in Syria after a decade of conflict: A tale of three cities
Authors: Alsamar Ammar , Korabi Ahmad , Jalabi Sultan , Khan Imtiaz , te Lintelo Dolf
Published: June 2023

This study offers an original analysis into the nature of the governance of the land registry system in three Syrian cities controlled by armed non‐state actors during the civil war. It adopts aqualitative methodology to compare Douma, al Raqqa and Idlib. The management of the land registry has witnessed both localised transformations and significant resilience. As state institutions collapsed and new non‐state governing actors emerged, the old land registry system has fallen apart, and pre‐existing gaps between official records and realestate ownership have deepened, with significant implications for the possibility of sustainable peace in the country.
Giant cell‐rich osteosarcoma: A match pair analysis of 11 new cases and literature review of 56 patients
Authors: Karczewski Daniel , Gonzalez Marcos R. , Bedi Angad , Ready John E. , Anderson Megan E. , Lozano‐Calderon Santiago A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Limited remains known on giant cell‐rich osteosarcoma (GCRO) with current studies being case reports or smaller series. This investigation compared GCRO and conventional osteoblastic osteosarcoma (OOS) with regard to demographics and survival.

Methods

An institutional tumor registry was used to identify 11 patients (six males) treated for GCRO. Mean age was 43 years. Staging showed American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages IIA in four and IIB in seven patients. Mean follow‐up was 14 years. Study initiatives were: (1) Comparison of demographics between GCRO and 167 OOS from our institutional registry, (2) Differences in survival between GCRO and 33 OOS case controls (based on sex and AJCC stage), as well as 10 OOS using an age‐based propensity match, and (3) Summary of all GCRO cases reported in the literature.

Results

(1) Sex (p = 0.53), grading (p = 0.56), AJCC stage (p = 0.42), and chemotherapeutic response rate (p = 0.67) did not differ between groups. Age was significantly increased in GCRO (p = 0.001). (2) Case–control and propensity‐matched groups revealed no difference in disease‐free survival, local recurrence, and distant disease‐free survival at 2 years (p > 0.05). (3) Mean age of 56 patients (50% males) reported in the literature was 26 years. After merging with our 11 cases, the 2‐year disease‐free survival was 66%.

Conclusions

GCRO remains a rare disease with high short‐term mortality. Although affecting older patients more than conventional osteosarcoma, GCRO should not be viewed as a predictor of survival compared to OOS.
Surface Eroding Methacrylic Anhydride Copolymers and Model Drug Release
Authors: Santefort Arielle L. , Appolon Alayna C. , Cowart Luke J. , Shipp Devon A.
Published: June 2023

Methacrylic anhydride (MAA)‐based copolymers are synthesized to probe how comonomer composition and type affect the erosion profiles. Anhydrides readily undergo hydrolysis, which when combined with high crosslink density and hydrophobicity tend to exhibit an ideal surface erosion mechanism for drug delivery, tissue adhesives, and biocement applications. The cylindrical (10 mm diameter × 5 mm height) polyanhydrides are degraded under pseudo‐physiological conditions and surface erosion is qualitatively observed via photographs. The non‐anhydride comonomer can be utilized to tune erosion profiles while retaining degradability and product solubility. The comonomer can accelerate or slow the degradation process to a greater extent at low MAA concentrations. Drug release is conducted using purpurin to model hydrophobic drugs. Purpurin concentration is quantified using UV–visible spectral analysis. Purpurin extends the degradation profile due to a combination of local pH changes, hydrophobicity, and molecular diffusion. Linear purpurin release is observed as a function of polymer erosion (0.9897 R2) thus confirming a surface erosion‐mediated drug release mechanism.
Curvature loci of 3‐manifolds
Authors: Benedini Riul Pedro , Oset Sinha Raúl , Ruas Maria Aparecida Soares
Published: June 2023

We refine the affine classification of real nets of quadrics in order to obtain generic curvature loci of regular 3‐manifolds in and singular corank one 3‐manifolds in . For this, we characterize the type of the curvature locus by the number and type of solutions of a system of equations given by four ternary cubics (which is a determinantal variety in some cases). We also study how singularities of the curvature locus of a regular 3‐manifold can go to infinity when the manifold is projected orthogonally in a tangent direction.
IL‐17 induces non‐small cell lung cancer metastasis via GCN5‐dependent SOX4 acetylation enhancing MMP9 gene transcription and expression
Authors: Ge Wen , Gong Yajuan , Li Ya , Wu Ningxia , Ruan Yuting , Xu Tongpeng , Shu Yongqian , Qiu Wen , Wang Yingwei , Zhao Chenhui
Published: June 2023

Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), a potent proinflammatory cytokine, can trigger the metastasis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the underlying mechanism involved in IL‐17‐induced NSCLC cell metastasis remains unclear. In this study, we found that not only the expression of IL‐17, IL‐17RA, and/or general control nonrepressed protein 5 (GCN5), SRY‐related HMG‐BOX gene 4 (SOX4), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) was increased in the NSCLC tissues and in the IL‐17‐stimulated NSCLC cells, but also IL‐17 treatment could enhance NSCLC cell migration and invasion. Further mechanism exploration revealed that IL‐17‐upregulated GCN5 and SOX4 could bind to the same region (−915 to −712 nt) of downstream MMP9 gene promoter driving its gene transcription. In the process, GCN5 could mediate SOX4 acetylation at lysine 118 (K118, a newly identified site) boosting MMP9 gene expression as well as cell migration and invasion. Moreover, the SOX4 acetylation or MMP9 induction and metastatic nodule number in the lung tissues of the BALB/c nude mice inoculated with the NSCLC cells stably infected by corresponding LV‐shGCN5 or LV‐shSOX4, LV‐shMMP9 plus IL‐17 incubation were markedly reduced. Overall, our findings implicate that NSCLC metastasis is closely associated with IL‐17‐GCN5‐SOX4‐MMP9 axis.
On reservation prices in the all‐pay contest with correlated information
Authors: Tang Beiyu , Fu Hongpeng , Wu Ying Cheng
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the effects of reservation prices in all‐pay auctions based on the Bayesian Nash equilibrium of symmetric distributions with binary and correlated types. Our study finds that reservation prices affect players' behavior in two ways. Given the reservation price, some give up the original strategy of offering a bid lower than such minimum requirement. Therefore, the reservation prices may discourage the effort supply of weaker players. However, stronger innovators do not modify their strategies: They will start giving bids above the reservation price. Hence, setting a quality standard is effective in boosting effort supply. Our study contributes to the function of this particular pattern in the contests, thereby gaining more insight into designing and assessing such competition under different circumstances.
A 34.16–39.6 GHz low phase noise VCO for frequency‐modulated continuous‐wave radar in a 28‐nm CMOS
Authors: Fu Haipeng , Yuan Fenglin , Ma Kaixue
Published: June 2023

A dual‐core voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) using harmonic resonance is presented in this letter. Without an additional switch capacitor bank, harmonic resonance implemented in VCO is realized by only a single control voltage, satisfying the requirement of frequency‐modulated continuous‐wave radar. Two pairs of varactors are added to the transformer‐based tank, which ensures a constant ratio between the two resonant frequencies of the tank in the entire tuning range. Robustly single‐frequency oscillation is obtained by increasing the coupling coefficient of the transformer and the coupling capacitor's capacitance. Implemented in a 28‐nm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor, the VCO shows a 14.75% frequency tuning range covering 34.16–39.6 GHz. The measured results show it exhibits −102.13 dBc/Hz phase noise at a 1 MHz offset from the 34.16 GHz. The oscillator core draws 21–28 mA from a 0.9 V supply.
A digital score of peri‐epithelial lymphocytic activity predicts malignant transformation in oral epithelial dysplasia
Authors: Bashir Raja Muhammad Saad , Shephard Adam J , Mahmood Hanya , Azarmehr Neda , Raza Shan E Ahmed , Khurram Syed Ali , Rajpoot Nasir M
Published: June 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is amongst the most common cancers, with more than 377,000 new cases worldwide each year. OSCC prognosis remains poor, related to cancer presentation at a late stage, indicating the need for early detection to improve patient prognosis. OSCC is often preceded by a premalignant state known as oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), which is diagnosed and graded using subjective histological criteria leading to variability and prognostic unreliability. In this work, we propose a deep learning approach for the development of prognostic models for malignant transformation and their association with clinical outcomes in histology whole slide images (WSIs) of OED tissue sections. We train a weakly supervised method on OED cases (n = 137) with malignant transformation (n = 50) and mean malignant transformation time of 6.51 years (±5.35 SD). Stratified five‐fold cross‐validation achieved an average area under the receiver‐operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.78 for predicting malignant transformation in OED. Hotspot analysis revealed various features of nuclei in the epithelium and peri‐epithelial tissue to be significant prognostic factors for malignant transformation, including the count of peri‐epithelial lymphocytes (PELs) (p < 0.05), epithelial layer nuclei count (NC) (p < 0.05), and basal layer NC (p < 0.05). Progression‐free survival (PFS) using the epithelial layer NC (p < 0.05, C‐index = 0.73), basal layer NC (p < 0.05, C‐index = 0.70), and PELs count (p < 0.05, C‐index = 0.73) all showed association of these features with a high risk of malignant transformation in our univariate analysis. Our work shows the application of deep learning for the prognostication and prediction of PFS of OED for the first time and offers potential to aid patient management. Further evaluation and testing on multi‐centre data is required for validation and translation to clinical practice. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon/epoxy composites laminates toughened by short carbon fiber
Authors: Wang Yongan , Shen Wei , Chen Lifeng , Zhu Lvtao , Natsuki Toshiaki
Published: June 2023

In this paper, short carbon fiber (SCF) interlaminar toughened carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin (CF/EP) composite laminates were prepared. The effect of SCF content on the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (GIIC) and flexural properties of CF/EP composites was investigated. It was shown that the addition of SCF between the plies had an effect on the GIIC of the composites. When the SCF content was 10 g/m2, the GIIC increased from 1506.62 J/m2 to 1995.6 J/m2, which improved by about 32.46%. When the content of SCF was 5 g/m2, the flexural strength and flexural modulus increased by 36.92% and 98.48%, respectively, showing the best performance. The toughening mechanism of SCF was observed by SEM images as SCF debonding and pulling out from the resin and SCF fracture. The present study was also compared with our previous study on short aramid fiber interlaminar toughened CF/EP composites, and the test data and SEM images of the two experiments were compared to analyze the effect of different short fibers on the interlaminar toughening effect, which provides some reference for the selection of interlaminar toughening materials.
Effectiveness of psychological first aid in infectious disease pandemics: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Koda Masahide , Horinouchi Toru , Oya Nozomu , Aki Morio , Iriki Akihisa , Yoshida Kazufumi , Ogawa Yusuke , Kuga Hironori , Nakao Tomohiro
Published: June 2023

There is insufficient research on the usefulness of psychological interventions, such as psychological first aid (PFA), during outbreaks. We searched for and critically appraised systematic reviews that examined the effectiveness of PFA during infectious disease outbreaks, such as the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Systematic reviews that examined the efficacy of PFA in the severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Ebola virus disease, and COVID‐19 outbreaks were searched through PubMed on February 19, 2021. The three included systematic reviews were critically appraised and assessed using AMSTAR‐2. One review's overall confidence in its findings was evaluated as “high,” which suggested that PFA training had a favorable effect on healthcare personnel. Furthermore, the review also demonstrated that PFA was commonly used during outbreaks and could be delivered through multiple methods, such as a phone or video call. Although it was anticipated that PFA would improve subjective well‐being, reports showed no evidence of reduced depression or insomnia. Future studies should examine additional numbers of PFA recipients and conduct quasi‐experimental studies to better understand the effectiveness of PFA. Evidence on its effectiveness in infectious disease outbreaks is still lacking, along with research and evaluation methods. Quasi‐experimental studies, such as comparisons with other psychological interventions, are required to better understand the effectiveness of PFA.
Registration of HA‐DM12, HA‐DM13, and HA‐DM14 oilseed sunflower germplasms with resistance to sunflower downy mildew and rust
Authors: Qi Lili , Ma Guojia , Seiler Gerald
Published: June 2023

Downy mildew (DM) and rust are two major global sunflower (Helianthin annuus L.) diseases causing significant yield losses and reducing seed quality. Host plant resistance mediated by dominant race‐specific genes has been extensively used in sunflower production to control these diseases. However, the considerable variability of the DM and rust pathogens caused by mutation or recombination has changed the dynamics of the diseases, significantly increasing their incidence in recent years. This necessitates the development and release of sunflower germplasm with enhanced levels of disease resistance. Germplasm lines HA‐DM12 (Reg. no. GP‐382, PI 700006), HA‐DM13 (Reg. no. GP‐383, PI 700007), and HA‐DM14 (Reg. no. GP‐384, PI 700008), all with multiple DM and rust resistance, were developed using phenotypic evaluation and marker‐assisted selection. The three lines share a common DM gene (PlArg) and a rust gene (R12) and a combination of different DM genes (Pl8, Pl17, and Pl18, respectively). The triple‐gene pyramids—HA‐DM12 (Pl8Pl8/PlArgPlArg/R12R12), HA‐DM13 (Pl17Pl17/PlArgPlArg/R12R12), and HA‐DM14 (Pl18Pl18/PlArgPlArg/R12R12)—confer comprehensive resistance to all races of DM and rust identified so far and can be used in sunflower breeding programs to develop hybrids with durable resistance to DM and rust.
Validation of the Patient Health Questionnaire‐4 for longitudinal mental health evaluation in elite Para athletes
Authors: Meidl Verena , Dallmann Petra , Leonhart Rainer , Bretthauer Berit , Busch Aglaja , Kubosch Eva Johanna , Wrobel Nina , Hirschmüller Anja
Published: June 2023

Background

Despite the increasing amount of research regarding mental health in elite athletes in recent years, athletes with impairments are hardly represented. Due to this lack of data and the significant need of athlete‐specific mental health screening tools, a continuous mental health monitoring program for elite Para athletes was implemented.

Objective

Validation of the Patient Health Questionnaire‐4 (PHQ‐4) as a suitable tool for continuous mental health evaluation in elite Para athletes.

Design

A 43‐week prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Online questionnaire, provided weekly via web browser and mobile app.

Participants

Seventy‐eight Para athletes preparing for Paralympic Summer and Winter Games.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Weekly PHQ‐4 scores, stress level, and mood.

Results

With a mean weekly response rate of 82.7% (SD = 8.0), 2149 PHQ‐4, 2159 stress level and 2153 mood assessments were completed. Mean PHQ‐4 score among all participating athletes was 1.2 (SD = 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], [1.1–1.3]). Individual weekly scores ranged from 0 to 12 and showed significant floor effects, with 54% of the scores being zero. PHQ‐4 scores were significantly higher among female athletes and team sport members (p < .001). Internal consistency of the PHQ‐4 was satisfying, Cronbach's α being 0.839. There were significant cross‐sectional as well as longitudinal correlations of PHQ‐4 and stress level as well as mood values (p < .001). 39.7% of all athletes (n = 31) had at least one positive screen for mental health symptoms.

Conclusions

The PHQ‐4 was shown to be a valid tool for mental health surveillance in elite Para athletes. Significant correlations of the PHQ‐4 and stress level as well as mood were shown. High weekly response rates among participating athletes indicated good acceptance of the program. The weekly monitoring allowed for the identification of individual fluctuations and could identify potential athletes at risk for mental health problems when combined with clinical follow‐up.
Theoretical study on luminescence properties of a series of iridium complexes with high spin orbit coupling coefficients
Authors: Qin Zheng‐Kun , Yang Jia‐Yu , Guo Xi‐Lian , Ji Ye , Zhang Yun‐Kai , Pan Zi‐Cong , Wang Mei‐Qi , Song Ming‐Xing
Published: June 2023

In this paper, several Ir (III) complexes with transition metal as the central atom formed by the corresponding combination of two main ligands and three auxiliary ligands have been studied theoretically. The electronic structure, frontier molecular orbital, and spin orbit coupling data are used to analyze its application value in light emitting devices. The density functional theory is used to study (tbi)2Ir(bpp), (tbi‐c)2Ir(bpp), (tbi)2Ir(dbm), (tbi‐c)2Ir(dbm), (tbi)2Ir(pic), and (tbi‐c)2Ir(pic). bpp = (2Z)‐3‐hydroxy‐13‐diphenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one; dbm = 1,3‐di‐phenyl‐1, 3‐propanedione; pic = picolinate.
Alcohol and opiate misuse in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Richards Christopher J. , Friedman Deborah , Pinsky Hanna , Gootkind Elizabeth , Lee Hang , Yonker Lael , Georgiopoulos Anna M.
Published: June 2023

Background

International consensus statements on depression and anxiety in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis (awCF) recommend assessment for comorbid substance misuse. However, at CF centers, the frequency and impact of substance misuse have not been well characterized, and best practices for prevention, identification, and evidence‐based treatment have not been routinely implemented.

Methods

Medical records of 148 awCF over 3 years were reviewed to determine the prevalence of substance misuse (alcohol or opiates) and its relationship with clinical variables and healthcare utilization. Independent sample t test for continuous outcomes and χ2 test for binary outcomes were used to compare groups with and without substance misuse.

Results

Substance misuse was documented in 28 (19%) awCF, equally distributed between alcohol (n = 13) and opiates (n = 15). Adults with substance misuse were more likely to be male. The prevalence of diagnosed anxiety and depression did not differ significantly between groups, but those with substance misuse had more severe anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 Item [GAD‐7]: 10.0 ± 6.1 vs. 3.3 ± 4.4; p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9: 10.4 ± 6.5 vs. 4.0 ± 4.8; p < 0.001). Adults with substance misuse had higher annual rates of missed outpatient CF visits, more frequent “sick” visits, more frequent and longer hospitalizations, and a higher mortality rate.

Conclusions

In awCF, substance misuse is common and associated with adverse indicators of emotional and physical health, including via proxy of service utilization, suggesting that systematic approaches to addressing substance misuse in CF clinics should be considered. Prospective, longitudinal study is warranted to elucidate the complex relationships between depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and health outcomes in individuals with CF.
PSMA guided approach for bIoCHEmical relapse after prostatectomy‐ (PSICHE) trial (NCT05022914). Detection rate and treatment decision after 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT within a prospective study
Authors: Francolini Giulio , Banini Marco , Di Cataldo Vanessa , Detti Beatrice , Caini Saverio , Loi Mauro , Simontacchi Gabriele , Desideri Isacco , Greto Daniela , Valzano Marianna , Roghi Manuele , Serni Sergio , Vaggelli Luca , Salvestrini Viola , Visani Luca , Becherini Carlotta , Olmetto Emanuela , Franzese Ciro , Baldaccini Davide , Scorsetti Marta , Sollini Martina , Chiti Arturo , Meattini Icro , Valicenti Richard K. , Livi Lorenzo
Published: June 2023

Background

Ultrasensitive imaging has been demonstrated to influence biochemical relapse treatment. PSICHE is a multicentric prospective study, aimed at exploring detection rate with 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and outcomes with a predefined treatment algorithm tailored to the imaging.

Methods

Patients affected by biochemical recurrence after surgery (prostate specific antigen [PSA] > 0.2 < 1 ng/mL) underwent staging with 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT. Management followed this treatment algorithm accordingly with PSMA results: prostate bed salvage radiotherapy (SRT) if negative or positive within prostate bed, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) if pelvic nodal recurrences or oligometastatic disease, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) if nonoligometastatic disease. Chi‐square test was used to evaluate the relationship between baseline features and rate of positive PSMA PET/CT.

Results

One hundred patients were enrolled. PSMA results were negative/positive in the prostate bed in 72 patients, pelvic nodal or extrapelvic metastatic disease were detected in 23 and 5 patients. Twenty‐one patients underwent observation because of prior postoperative radiotherapy (RT)/treatment refusal. Fifty patients were treated with prostate bed SRT, 23 patients underwent SBRT to pelvic nodal disease, five patients were treated with SBRT to oligometastatic disease. One patient underwent ADT. NCCN high‐risk features, stage > pT3 and ISUP score >3 reported a significantly higher rate of positive PSMA PET/CT after restaging (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, and p = 0.002). By quartiles of PSA, rate of positive PSMA PET/CT was 26.9% (>0.2; <0.29 ng/mL), 24% (>0.3; <0.37 ng/mL), 26.9% (>0.38; <0.51 ng/mL), and 34.7% (>0. 52; <0.98 ng/mL).

Conclusions

PSICHE trial constitute a useful platform to collect data within a clinical framework where modern imaging and metastasis‐directed therapy are integrated.
Investigation of Benzene 1,4‐Dicarboxylic Acid MOF Linker Encapped Zinc Phosphate @ rGO‐Based Binder‐Free Electrode for Hybrid Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Ravi Vinoth Kumar , Vickraman Palanisamy , Raja T. Arul
Published: June 2023

The present investigation is dealt with benzene 1,4‐dicarboxylic acid (BDC) encapped MOF zinc phosphate (ZP) wrapping up with rGO @ four mass variates (MOFZP@rGOx,x = 25, 50, 75, 100 mg) synthesized by microwave technique by advocating XRD, Raman, SEM, and electrochemical studies (cyclic voltammetry, GCD, and EIS). The XRD reveals MOF with ZP exists in the orthorhombic phase. The Raman deconvolution profile identifies the amorphous/crystallinity of rGO through theID/IGratio which is found maximum for 50 mg rGO wrapped MOFZP@rGO2 (0.99). The SEM shows projected homogeneity contour surface morphology for optimal rGO within the MOFZP@rGO2. The electrochemical studies identify MOFZP@rGO2 only showed higher specific capacitance 644 F g−1@ 1 A g−1than the other variates. The XPS confirms elemental composition and the corresponding oxidation states of MOFZP@rGO2 (porosity 12.65 nm by BET). The full‐cell device is fabricated using MOFZP@rGO2 without binder, first time and rGO negative electrode, in 3 mH2SO4and its obtained specific capacitance 130 F g−1@ 1 A g−1(power density 450 W kg−1@ 1 A g−1; energy density 58.4 Wh kg−1@ 1 A g−1) suitable towards supercapacitor applications is recommended.
Memoryless Quantum Repeaters Based on Cavity‐QED and Coherent States
Authors: Li Pei‐Zhe , van Loock Peter
Published: June 2023

A quantum repeater scheme based on cavity‐quantum electrodynamics (QED) and quantum error correction of channel loss via rotation‐symmetric bosonic codes (RSBCs) is proposed to distribute atomic entangled states over long distances without memories and at high clock rates. In this scheme, controlled rotation gates, i.e., phase shifts of the propagating light modes conditioned upon the state of an atom placed in a cavity, provide a mechanism both for the entangled‐state preparations and for the error syndrome identifications. In order to assess the performance of this repeater protocol, an explicit instance of RSBCs—multicomponent cat codes—are studied quantitatively. It is found that the total fidelity and the success probability for quantum communication over a long distance (such as 1000 km) both can almost approach unity provided a small enough elementary distance between stations (smaller than 0.1 or 0.01 km) and rather low local losses (up to 0.1%) are considered. In a quantum key distribution application, secret key rates can become correspondingly high, both per channel use, beating the repeaterless bound, and per second thanks to the relatively high clock rates of the memoryless scheme. Based upon the cavity‐QED setting, this scheme can be realized at room temperature and at optical frequencies.
Mediastinal hematoma following thrombolysis for acute pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Veluthat Chitra , Krishnaswamy Uma Maheswari , Venkatnarayan Kavitha , Ramachandran Priya , Devaraj Uma
Published: June 2023

Massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is a cardiorespiratory emergency and can be fatal if left untreated. The recommended treatment for PE in the presence of right ventricular dysfunction and hemodynamic instability is thrombolysis. However, the latter is a double‐edged sword as life‐threatening bleeding manifestations can occur post‐thrombolysis. Timely identification and management of these complications can prevent a catastrophic outcome. We report a case of mediastinal hematoma with new onset hemodynamic compromise following thrombolysis for acute massive pulmonary embolism. Clinico‐radiological features and Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) findings helped in the identification of the bleeding site in our case. Despite early diagnosis and timely intervention, the patient succumbed to secondary complications.
Biodegradable Polymers for Micro Elastofluidics
Authors: Tran Du Tuan , Yadav Ajeet Singh , Nguyen Nhat‐Khuong , Singha Pradip , Ooi Chin Hong , Nguyen Nam‐Trung
Published: June 2023

Micro elastofluidics is an emerging research field that encompasses characteristics of conventional microfluidics and fluid‐structure interactions. Micro elastofluidics is expected to enable practical applications, for instance, where direct contact between biological samples and fluid handling systems is required. Besides design optimization, choosing a proper material is critical to the practical use of micro elastofluidics upon interaction with biological interface and after its functional lifetime. Biodegradable polymers are one of the most studied materials for this purpose. Micro elastofluidic devices made of biodegradable polymers possess exceptional mechanical elasticity, excellent bio compatibility, and structural degradability into non‐toxic products. This article provides an insightful and systematic review of the utilization of biodegradable polymers in digital and continuous‐flow micro elastofluidics.
Forming Stable van der Waals Contacts between Metals and 2D Semiconductors
Authors: Kwon Gihyeon , Kim Hyeon‐Sik , Jeong Kwangsik , Kim Myeongjin , Nam Gi Hwan , Park Hyunjun , Yoo Kyunghwa , Cho Mann‐Ho
Published: June 2023

High‐performing 2D electrical and optical devices can be realized by forming an ideal van der Waals (vdW) metal contact with weak interactions and stable interface states. However, the methods for applying metal contacts while avoiding damage from metal deposition present challenges in realizing a uniform, stable vdW interface. To overcome this problem, this study develops a method for forming vdW contacts using a sacrificial Se buffer layer. This study explores this method by investigating the difference in the Schottky barrier height between the vdW metal contact deposited using a buffer layer, a transferred metal contact, and a conventional directly deposited metal contact using rectification and photovoltaic characteristics of a Schottky diode structure with graphite. Evidently, the Se buffer layer method forms the most stable and ideal vdW contact while preventing Fermi‐level pinning. A tungsten diselenide Schottky diode fabricated using these vdW contacts with Au and graphite as the top and bottom electrodes, respectively, exhibits excellent operation with an ideality factor of ≈1, an on/off ratio of > 107, and coherent properties. Additionally, when using only the vdW Au contact, the electrical and optical properties of the device can be minutely modulated by changing the structure of the Schottky diode.
Magnetic Field‐Enhanced Performance of Superparamagnetic LiMn2O4‐Based Composite Slurry Electrode for Semisolid Flow Battery
Authors: Bai Xiaojie , Wang Junhui , Hao Huiying , Xing Jie , Dong Jingjing , Liu Hao , Liao Libing
Published: June 2023

Semisolid flow batteries are expected to be applied to large‐scale energy storage fields due to the combination of the high energy density of rechargeable batteries and the flexible design of flow batteries. However, electronic conductivity, specific capacity, and viscosity of slurry electrodes are generally mutually restrictive. Here, a new concept of semisolid flow batteries based on magnetic modification slurry electrode is proposed and the electrochemical performance of the semisolid electrode is expected to be improved by close contact and enhanced electronic conductivity between the active particles with the aid of external magnetic field. This concept is further demonstrated using superparamagnetic LiMn2O4‐Fe3O4‐carbon nanotube composite as semisolid cathode. It achieves a capacity of 113.7 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2 with the aid of external magnetic field (about 0.4 T), which is about 21% higher than that without external magnetic field. Simulation study also reveals this improvement mainly resulted from the increase of the conductive paths of electrons after the rearrangement of the active particles under the external magnetic field. It is believed that this strategy gives a new and effective method for controlling the viscosity and electronic conductivity of the slurry electrodes and related flowable electrochemical energy storage systems.
Organocatalytic (1+4)‐Annulations of MBH Adducts with Electron‐Deficient Systems
Authors: Chen Xuling , Li Pengfei
Published: June 2023

Benefited from the rapid development of MBH reaction, the reaction of MBH adducts have been established as the most synthetically useful transformations. However, compared with the well‐established allylic alkylations and (3+2)‐annulations, the (1+4)‐annulations of MBH adducts have not developed rapidly until recently. As a helpful complement to the (3+2)‐annulations of MBH adducts, the (1+4)‐annulations of MBH adducts opens a robust access to structurally diverse five‐membered carbo‐ and heterocycles. This paper summarizes recent advances in organocatalytic (1+4)‐annulations using MBH adducts as 1 C‐synthons for the construction of functionalized five‐membered carbo‐ and heterocycles.
The Space of Equidistant Phylogenetic Cactuses
Authors: Huber Katharina T. , Moulton Vincent , Owen Megan , Spillner Andreas , St. John Katherine
Published: June 2023

An equidistantX-cactus is a type of rooted, arc-weighted, directed acyclic graph with leaf set X, that is used in biology to represent the evolutionary history of a set $$X$$
X
of species. In this paper, we introduce and investigate the space of equidistant X-cactuses. This space contains, as a subset, the space of ultrametric trees on X that was introduced by Gavryushkin and Drummond. We show that equidistant-cactus space is a CAT(0)-metric space which implies, for example, that there are unique geodesic paths between points. As a key step to proving this, we present a combinatorial result concerning ranked rooted X-cactuses. In particular, we show that such graphs can be encoded in terms of a pairwise compatibility condition arising from a poset of collections of pairs of subsets of $$X$$
X
that satisfy certain set-theoretic properties. As a corollary, we also obtain an encoding of ranked, rooted X-trees in terms of partitions of X, which provides an alternative proof that the space of ultrametric trees on X is CAT(0). We expect that our results will provide the basis for novel ways to perform statistical analyses on collections of equidistant X-cactuses, as well as new directions for defining and understanding spaces of more general, arc-weighted phylogenetic networks.
The number of arthroscopies performed by trainees does not deduce the level of their arthroscopic proficiency
Authors: Anetzberger Hermann , Kugler Andreas , John Dominik , Kopf Sebastian , Becker Roland , Reppenhagen Stephan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

It is reasonable to question whether the case volume is a suitable proxy for the manual competence of an arthroscopic surgeon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the number of arthroscopies previously performed and the arthroscopic skills acquired using a standardized simulator test.

Methods

A total of 97 resident and early orthopaedic surgeons who participated in arthroscopic simulator training courses were divided into five groups based on their self‐reported number of arthroscopic surgeries: (1) none, (2) < 10, (3) 10 to 19, (4) 20 to 39 and (5) 40 to 100. Arthroscopic manual skills were evaluated with a simulator by means of the diagnostic arthroscopy skill score (DASS) before and after training. Seventy‐five points out of 100 must be achieved to pass the test.

Results

In the pretest, only three trainees in group 5 passed the arthroscopic skill test, and all other participants failed. Group 5 (57 ± 17 points; n = 17) scored significantly higher than the other groups (group 1: 30 ± 14, n = 20; group 2: 35 ± 14, n = 24; group 3: 35 ± 18, n = 23; and group 4: 33 ± 17, n = 13). After a two‐day simulator training, trainees showed a significant increase in performance. In group 5, participants scored 81 ± 17 points, which was significantly higher than the other groups (group 1: 75 ± 16; group 2: 75 ± 14; group 3: 69 ± 15; and group 4: 73 ± 13). While self‐reported arthroscopic procedures were n.s. associated with higher log odds of passing the test (p = 0.423), the points scored in the pretest were found to be a good predictor of whether a trainee would pass the test (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between the points scored in the pretest and the posttest (p < 0.05, r = 0.59, r2 = 0.34).

Conclusions

The number of previously performed arthroscopies is not a reliable indicator of the skills level of orthopaedic residents. A reasonable alternative in the future would be to verify arthroscopic proficiency on the simulator by means of a score as a pass–fail examination.

Level of evidence

III.
Molecular properties of TCNQ and anions
Authors: Andersson Kerstin
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the work is to calculate accurate values of molecular properties of tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and anions using the complete active space self-consistent field and complete active space second-order perturbation theory methods. The accuracy has been evaluated using several basis sets and active spaces. The calculated properties have, in many cases, been confirmed by experimental data (within parentheses), e.g., 9.54 eV (9.61 eV) and 3.36 eV (3.38 eV) for the ionization potential and electron affinity, respectively, of TCNQ; 3.12 eV (3.01 eV) and 3.54 eV (3.42 or 3.60 eV) for transition energies to the two lowest-lying excited singlet states of TCNQ; − 0.03, 0.46 and 1.44 eV (0, 0.5 and 1.4 eV) for electronic energies in electron attachment of TCNQ forming $$\hbox {TCNQ}^-$$

TCNQ
-

; and 3.88 eV (3.71 eV) for the transition energy to the second lowest-lying excited singlet state of $$\hbox {TCNQ}^{2-}$$

TCNQ

2
-

. Further, the calculations have brought insight into some experimental observations, e.g., the shape of the fluorescence spectrum of TCNQ at 3–4 eV.
A Convergent Inflation Hierarchy for Quantum Causal Structures
Authors: Ligthart Laurens T. , Gachechiladze Mariami , Gross David
Published: June 2023

A causal structure is a description of the functional dependencies between random variables. A distribution is compatible with a given causal structure if it can be realized by a process respecting these dependencies. Deciding whether a distribution is compatible with a structure is a practically and fundamentally relevant, yet very difficult problem. Only recently has a general class of algorithms been proposed: These so-called inflation techniques associate to any causal structure a hierarchy of increasingly strict compatibility tests, where each test can be formulated as a computationally efficient convex optimization problem. Remarkably, it has been shown that in the classical case, this hierarchy is complete in the sense that each non-compatible distribution will be detected at some level of the hierarchy. An inflation hierarchy has also been formulated for causal structures that allow for the observed classical random variables to arise from measurements on quantum states—however, no proof of completeness of this quantum inflation hierarchy has been supplied. In this paper, we construct a first version of the quantum inflation hierarchy that is provably convergent. It takes an additional parameter, r, which can be interpreted as an upper bound on the Schmidt rank of the observables involved. For each r, it provides a family of increasingly strict and ultimately complete compatibility tests for correlations that are compatible with a given causal structure under this Schmidt rank constraint. From a technical point of view, convergence proofs are built on de Finetti theorems, which show that certain symmetries (which can be imposed in convex optimization problems) imply independence of random variables (which is not directly a convex constraint). A main technical ingredient to our proof is a Quantum de Finetti Theorem that holds for general tensor products of $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras, generalizing previous work that was restricted to minimal tensor products.
Sensitive peripheral nerve repair during COVID-19 emergency: does the outpatient surgical setting work as well as the operating theater?
Authors: Garutti Leonardo , Tamborini Federico , Fagetti Alessandro , Baroni Tommaso , Bascialla Elisa , Minini Andrea , Cherubino Mario , Valdatta Luigi
Published: June 2023

Background

Nerve injuries are a common occurrence among hand injuries, which at the time of the COVID-19 emergency, did not appear to have reduced their incidence. The treatment of these injuries is urgent, but the pandemic has led to a reduction in the availability of resources and a consequent reorganization of activities. Principles about Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) in hand surgery expressed by LaLonde helped hand surgeons to adapt to this new condition by demonstrating a possible outpatient pathway for the treatment of hand traumatic conditions. In the present study, we bring our experience in nerve repair at time of COVID-19 emergency.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled in this study all patients surgically treated for a peripheral nerve injury (PNI) during the COVID-19 emergency period from March 2020 to March 2022. Demographical, anamnestic, surgical, and postoperative data were recorded and analyzed. Persisting Tinel was set as the primary outcome, while hypoesthesia and other complications as secondary outcomes.

Results

Thirty-six patients have been enrolled. Despite some difference in group homogeneity in term of hypertension and multi-digital involvement, we registered no difference in term of outcomes (P > 0.05) between patient operated in surgical theater and in outpatient clinic and between the various techniques of nerve repair employed (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Nerve repair on an outpatient facility is technically feasible and was found in this study to be safe and effective. Compared to hospitalization, the outpatient setting has a more “agile” organization and lower costs, making it preferable in selected cases.

Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic.
Evolution Equations with Sectorial Operator on Fractional Power Scales
Authors: Czaja Radosław , Dłotko Tomasz
Published: June 2023

Originating with the famous monograph by Dan Henry, the semigroup approach to evolution problems having a positive sectorial operator in the main part allows us to settle them at various levels of the fractional power scale associated with the main linear operator. This translates into different regularity properties of local solutions to such equations. Specific applications of the abstract results to the 2D surface quasi-geostrophic equation or the fractional chemotaxis system are presented.
Clinical value of cholinesterase in patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract carcinoma
Authors: von Deimling Markus , D’Andrea David , Pradere Benjamin , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Yanagisawa Takafumi , Kawada Tatsushi , Majdoub Muhammad , Rajwa Pawel , Pallauf Maximilian , Singla Nirmish , Soria Francesco , Margulis Vitaly , Chlosta Piotr , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Roupret Morgan , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Fisch Margit , Rink Michael , Moschini Marco , Lotan Yair , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic value and the clinical impact of preoperative serum cholinesterase (ChoE) levels on decision-making in patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for clinically non-metastatic upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC).

Methods

A retrospective review of an established multi-institutional UTUC database was performed. We evaluated preoperative ChoE as a continuous and dichotomized variable using a visual assessment of the functional form of the association of ChoE with cancer-specific survival (CSS). We used univariable and multivariable Cox regression models to establish its association with recurrence-free survival (RFS), CSS, and overall survival (OS). Discrimination was evaluated using Harrell’s concordance index. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess the impact on clinical decision-making of preoperative ChoE.

Results

A total of 748 patients were available for analysis. Within a median follow-up of 34 months (IQR 15–64), 191 patients experienced disease recurrence, and 257 died, with 165 dying of UTUC. The optimal ChoE cutoff identified was 5.8 U/l. ChoE as continuous variable was significantly associated with RFS (p < 0.001), OS (p < 0.001), and CSS (p < 0.001) on univariable and multivariable analyses. The concordance index improved by 8%, 4.4%, and 7% for RFS, OS, and CSS, respectively. On DCA, including ChoE did not improve the net benefit of standard prognostic models.

Conclusion

Despite its independent association with RFS, OS, and CSS, preoperative serum ChoE has no impact on clinical decision-making. In future studies, ChoE should be investigated as part of the tumor microenvironment and assessed as part of predictive and prognostic models, specifically in the setting of immune checkpoint-inhibitor therapy.