bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significantly Improved High‐Temperature Energy Storage Performance of BOPP Films by Coating Nanoscale Inorganic Layer
Authors: Zhang Tiandong , Yu Hainan , Jung Young Hoon , Zhang Changhai , Feng Yu , Chen Qingguo , Lee Keon Jae , Chi Qingguo
Published: October 2022

Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) is one of the most commonly used commercial capacitor films, but its upper operating temperature is below 105 °C due to the sharply increased electrical conduction loss at high temperature. In this study, growing an inorganic nanoscale coating layer onto the BOPP film's surface is proposed to suppress electrical conduction loss at high temperature, as well as increase its upper operating temperature. Four kinds of inorganic coating layers that have different energy band structure and dielectric property are grown onto the both surface of BOPP films, respectively. The effect of inorganic coating layer on the high‐temperature energy storage performance has been systematically investigated. The favorable coating layer materials and appropriate thickness enable the BOPP films to have a significant improvement in high‐temperature energy storage performance. Specifically, when the aluminum nitride (AlN) acts as a coating layer, the AlN‐BOPP‐AlN sandwich‐structured films possess a discharged energy density of 1.5 J cm−3 with an efficiency of 90% at 125 °C, accompanying an outstandingly cyclic property. Both the discharged energy density and operation temperature are significantly enhanced, indicating that this efficient and facile method provides an important reference to improve the high‐temperature energy storage performance of polymer‐based dielectric films.
Shifts in governance modes and explanatory factors in the NIMBY: Findings from the X waste incineration plant in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Lu Haiyan , Mu Rui , Li Yanwei
Published: October 2022

With increasing numbers of environmental conflicts in recent years, Chinese local governments are changing their modes of governance with the aim of addressing these conflicts satisfactorily. Through a case study, we identified shifts in modes of governance from hierarchical to network and from market to hybrid (characterized by a combination of market and hierarchical) in three arenas. Our findings confirm that initiating actors, stakeholder involvement types, rules of interaction, and implementation strategies are useful indicators of shifts in governance modes. Media, protests and policy entrepreneurs in different arenas are important factors in the shift from hierarchical to network governance, while policy entrepreneurs and higher‐level government intervention are crucial factors in the shift from market to a hybrid governance mode. Policy entrepreneurs play an important role in all three arenas. As for theoretical contribution, our research has provided the evidence for non‐hierarchical governance practices in the NIMBY in China. In the future, local governments in China may learn to consider proper governance mode shifts to deal with the NIMBY conflicts in infrastructure planning and construction.
Oligonucleotide separation techniques for purification and analysis: What can we learn for today's tasks?
Authors: Minkner Robert , Boonyakida Jirayu , Park Enoch Y. , Wätzig Hermann
Published: October 2022

Nucleic acids are the blueprint of life. They are not only the construction plan of the single cell or higher associations of them, but also necessary for function, communication and regulation. Due to the pandemic, the attention shifted in particular to their therapeutic potential as a vaccine. As pharmaceutical oligonucleotides are unique in terms of their stability and application, special delivery systems were also considered. Oligonucleotide production systems can vary and depend on the feasibility, availability, price and intended application. To achieve good purity, reliable results and match the strict specifications in the pharmaceutical industry, the separation of oligonucleotides is always essential. Besides the separation required for production, additional and specifically different separation techniques are needed for analysis to determine if the product complies with the designated specifications. After a short introduction to ribonucleic acids (RNAs), messenger RNA vaccines, and their production and delivery systems, an overview regarding separation techniques will be provided. This not only emphasises electrophoretic separations but also includes spin columns, extractions, precipitations, magnetic nanoparticles and several chromatographic separation principles, such as ion exchange chromatography, ion‐pair reversed‐phase, size exclusion and affinity.
Unveiling real‐time crystallization with nucleators and thickeners for zinc nitrate hexahydrate as a phase change material
Authors: Chakraborty Anirban , Noh Juran , Shamberger Patrick , Yu Choongho
Published: October 2022

The primary challenge of salt hydrates as phase change materials (PCMs) is their high degree of supercooling (∆TSup). Past studies have attempted to alleviate ∆TSupby incorporating nucleators possessing similar lattice structure, without a thorough analysis of the nucleator/PCM interactions. This work presents a novel in‐operando study to visually observe the crystallization process of zinc nitrate hexahydrate (ZNH) in real‐time using suitable nucleators and a thickener. We have introduced a new dataset where zinc acetate dihydrate (ZnAc.2H) has been employed as an additive to ZNH for thermal energy storage (TES). According to our in‐operando study, ZnAc.2H underwent hydrolysis in molten ZNH to precipitate needle‐like ZnO particles, which acted as nucleators for the PCM. In the absence of a thickener, the crystal propagation of ZNH exhibited a preferential directional tendency, whereas incorporation of thickener made the phase change process uniform along all directions. Self‐hydrolysis of ZnAc.2H generated excess water which caused the undesirable effect of broadening the endothermic peak. The addition of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) thickener could restrict the activity of excess water and reduce the broadening of the endothermic peak. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that 5 wt% ZnAc.2H additive and 2 wt% CMC thickener added to ZNH can considerably improve the TES properties of ZNH PCM (∆HFusion125.9 J·g−1, ∆TSup3.0°C, melting point [M.P.] 29.0°C). Our in‐operando studies can unveil real‐time phase change behaviors to better design PCM systems with desired characteristics.
Preventive effect of salmon sperm DNA on acute carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver injury in mice through Nrf2/ARE and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway
Authors: Huang Xinyi , Chu Xu , Tian Yingying , Xue Yuhan , Zhang Lei , Li Jing , Hou Hu , Dong Ping , Wang Jingfeng
Published: October 2022

Liver injury refers to the damage of liver function, which will seriously harm the body’s health if it is not prevented and treated in time. Sporadic researches have reported that ingestion of DNA has a hepatoprotective effect, but its effect and mechanism were not clarified. The purpose of this study was to explore the preventive effect and mechanism of salmon sperm DNA on acute liver injury in mice induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Six‐week‐old ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) male mice were used to establish a liver injury model by injecting with 4% CCl4, silymarin, and three different concentrations of DNA solutions were given to mice by gavage for 14 days. The histological and pathological changes in the liver were observed. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum and the levels of oxidative and antioxidant markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and glutathione (GSH) in liver tissue were determined. The levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and hepatic oxidative stress and apoptosis‐related markers were determined by western blotting. The results showed that compared with the model group, the DNA test group significantly improved the liver pathological changes and the level of liver function, regulated liver oxidative stress, reduced hepatocyte apoptosis, and decreased the levels of inflammatory factors such as TNF‐α and IL‐6. Compared with the silymarin group, the high dose of DNA was even more effective in preventing liver injury. In conclusion, salmon sperm DNA has a potential protective effect against acute liver injury induced by CCl4, which is achieved by regulating the Nrf2/ARE (nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF‐E2)‐related factor 2/antioxidant responsive element) oxidative stress pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
Is microglial dystrophy a form of cellular senescence? An analysis of senescence markers in the aged human brain
Authors: Neumann Pauline , Lenz Dana E. , Streit Wolfgang J. , Bechmann Ingo
Published: October 2022

Aging can cause morphological transformation in human microglia indicative of cell senescence, termed microglial dystrophy. However, cellular senescence is characterized by additional changes, such as an irregular cell cycle arrest, and a variety of metabolic and molecular changes including a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, dysfunction of degradation mechanisms, and altered DNA damage response. Here, we tested whether dystrophic microglia display customary markers of cell senescence by performing double and triple staining in sections of the temporal lobe and brain stem from 14 humans. We found that markers related to oxidative damage, such as upregulation of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and y‐H2AX, as well as inclusion of lipofuscin, do not or only exceptionally colocalize with dystrophic microglia. Further, we did not observe a decline in lamin B1 around nuclear laminae in either dystrophic or ramified microglia within the same microscopic field. Only ferritin expression, which is known to increase with aging in CNS microglia, was frequently observed in dystrophic, but rarely in ramified microglial cells. We conclude that neither dystrophic nor ramified microglia in human brain exhibit significant expression of conventional senescence markers associated with oxidative stress, and that ferritin is the dominant immunophenotypic change related to microglial aging. We suggest that multiple pathogenic mechanisms other than those driving cellular senescence contribute to dystrophic transformation of microglia.
Src family kinase targeting in head and neck tumor cells using SU6656, PP2 and dasatinib
Authors: Vu Anh Thu , Akingunsade Lara , Hoffer Konstantin , Petersen Cordula , Betz Christian Stephan , Rothkamm Kai , Rieckmann Thorsten , Bussmann Lara , Kriegs Malte
Published: October 2022

Background

We have recently shown a frequent upregulation of Src‐family kinases (SFK) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here we tested, if SFK targeting is effective especially in HNSCC cells with upregulated SFK signaling.

Methods

The impact of SFK inhibitors SU6656, PP2 and dasatinib on three HNSCC cell lines with different SFK activity levels was analyzed using proliferation and colony formation assays, Western blot and functional kinomics.

Results

Proliferation was blocked by all inhibitors in a micro‐molar range. With respect to cell kill, dasatinib was most effective, while SU6656 showed moderate and PP2 minor effects. Cellular signaling was affected differently, with PP2 having no effect on SFK signaling while dasatinib probably has non‐SFK specific effects. Only SU6656 showed clear SFK specific effects on signaling.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate potential benefit of SFK inhibition in HNSCC but they also highlight challenges due to non‐specificities of the different drugs.
Thoracic epidural arteriovenous malformation causing rapidly progressive myelopathy and mimicking an acute transverse myelitis: A case report
Authors: Yuan Hao , Pi Yu , Zhou Hong‐Su , Wang Chong , Liu Wei , Niu Yong‐Min , Lan Yang , Chen Dong , Liu Shi‐Ran , Xiao Shun‐Wu
Published: October 2022

Clinical symptoms of spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) combined with acute spontaneous hemorrhage lack specificity, which leads to misdiagnosis and delays treatment. The current study aimed to analyze the causes of misdiagnosis and review the key points of diagnosis and treatment. We presented an extremely rare case of a 25‐year‐old man whose clinical characteristics mimicked acute transverse myelitis, suffering from rapidly and repeatedly progressive myelopathy with a mass. The pathological diagnosis of the mass was AVM; symptom‐based surgical treatment with posterior decompression and the removal of epidural AVMs during the postoperative 12‐month follow‐up period were performed. The manual muscle testing grade score of the proximal and distal muscles in both lower limbs improved from 1 to 5, and the American Spinal Injury Association motor and sensation grade score improved from B to E. In the case of sudden or progressive spinal cord injury of unknown cause and acute spinal cord dysfunction, there might be a misdiagnosis. The key to a differential diagnosis is to take into account AVMs, and spontaneous hemorrhages and hematomas should also be suspected. Angiography and magnetic resonance imaging are very important for the diagnosis of AVM, and we hope to enhance clinicians' understanding of and vigilance for such diseases.
Forkhead box M1 recruits FoxP3+ Treg cells to induce immune escape in hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ma Kai , Sun Zhaowei , Li Xueliang , Guo Jingyun , Wang Qinlei , Teng Mujian
Published: October 2022

Objective

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is a malignancy related to chronic biliary tract inflammation. Tumor immune escape is a necessary process of tumorigenesis. Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) could affect the progression of various carcinomas. This study attempted to elaborate on the mechanism of FoxM1 in HCCA immune escape.

Methods

HCCA cell lines were collected to measure the expression of FoxM1 and FoxP3. CD8+ T cells were extracted to establish the co‐culture system with HCCA cells and Treg cells. pcDNA3.1‐FoxM1 or si‐FoxP3 was transfected into HCCA cells in the co‐culture system. HCCA cell viability, mobility, and invasiveness as well as levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and interleukin (IL)‐6 were evaluated. The binding relation between FoxM1 and FoxP3 promoter was verified. HCCA cells with pcDNA3.1‐FoxM1 were subcutaneously injected into mice to establish the xenograft mouse models.

Results

FoxM1 and FoxP3 were overexpressed in HCCA cells. The co‐culture of CD8+ T and HCCA cells inhibited HCCA cell activity and Treg cells limited CD8+ T killing. FoxM1 overexpression strengthened the inhibiting role of Treg cells in CD8+ T killing, upregulated TGF‐β and IL‐6 levels, and encouraged HCCA immune escape. FoxM1 bound to the FoxP3 promoter region to promote FoxP3 transcription. Silencing of FoxP3 neutralized the promoting role of FoxM1 overexpression in Treg cell immunosuppression and HCCA cell immune escape. FoxM1 aggravated tumor development, upregulated FoxP3 expression, increased Treg cells, and reduced CD8+ T cells.

Conclusion

FoxM1 bound to the FoxP3 promoter region to promote FoxP3 transcription and recruited FoxP3+ Treg cells, thereby inducing HCCA immune escape.
The impact of Epstein‐Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A on the production of B cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF), APRIL and their receptors
Authors: Madayag Kevin , Incrocci Ryan , Swanson‐Mungerson Michelle
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) establishes a lifelong infection in human B cells where the virus consistently expresses Latent Membrane Protein 2A (LMP2A) to promote B cell survival. A prior study indicates that LMP2A may increase the production of the pro‐survival factor, B cell Activating Factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF), which could also indirectly increase B cell survival. The current study sought to extend these findings and determine if LMP2A increased BAFF production and/or the responsiveness of LMP2A‐expressing cells to this cytokine.

Methods

Four independently derived LMP2A‐negative and ‐positive B cell lymphoma cell lines were analyzed for BAFF and APRIL levels by both ELISA and Western Blot analysis. Additionally, flow cytometric analysis measured any LMP2A‐dependent changes in the receptors for BAFF and APRIL (BAFF‐R, transmembrane activator and calcium‐modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor [TACI], B cell maturation antigen [BCMA]) in both LMP2A‐negative and ‐positive B cell lymphoma cell lines.

Results

In contrast to previous reports, our data indicate that LMP2A does not increase the expression of BAFF or APRIL by Western blot analysis or ELISA. Additionally, flow cytometric analysis indicates that LMP2A does not influence the expression of the receptors for BAFF and APRIL: TACI, BAFF‐R, and BCMA.

Conclusion

Therefore, these data suggest that while EBV utilizes other latency proteins to regulate BAFF production, EBV does not appear to use LMP2A to enhance BAFF‐or APRIL‐dependent survival to promote EBV latency.
Discovering glycoRNA: Traditional and Non‐Canonical Approaches to Studying RNA Modifications
Authors: Caldwell Reese M. , Flynn Ryan A.
Published: October 2022

Chemical biology opens the door to understanding biological processes in many areas, but nowhere has it had a greater impact on defining a field than in glycobiology. The Wolf and Nobel Prize‐winning work by Carolyn Bertozzi and coworkers to conceptualize bioorthogonal chemistry, enable it on living cells, deploy it with metabolic chemical reporters (MCRs) such as N‐azidoacetylmannosamine‐tetraacylated (Ac4ManNAz), has allowed researchers to elucidate the structure, functions, and regulation of complex glycans across various domains of life. In this review, we highlight how our work using Ac4ManNAz to discover glycosylated RNA (glycoRNA) shed the traditional paradigms of RNA post‐transcriptional modification discovery. While our understanding of RNA modifications has historically been expanded with unbiased chemical tools, the creative use of Ac4ManNAz for the targeted study of RNA's intersection with glycobiology has advanced Bertozzi's impact into the world of RNA.
Micro‐morphology of the retina of the light‐adapted African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Derbalah Amira , El‐Gendy Samir A. A. , Alsafy Mohamed A. M. , Elghoul Mahmoud
Published: October 2022

The current study aimed to investigate the ultrastructure of the retinal photoreceptors of the African catfish and to demonstrate their adaptation to nocturnal or diurnal visions or by the two ways. The eyes of eight adult catfish were collected during the daytime, and the retinae were separated and examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. The photoreceptors' layer appeared in contact with the retina's pigmented epithelium. Two photoreceptors were detected in cones and hidden rods. Cones predominate in light‐adapted retinae. The outer segments of cones appeared between the retinal pigmented epithelium protrusions, which indicates the movement of melanosomes away from the photoreceptors as a retinomotor response of the catfish. The two types of retinal tapetum were in between cones. The first type, the cored granules, were large, spherical, and had black peripheral parts and central lucent parts, and contained some granules. The second type was Guanine crystallites of tapetum lucidum, which were small electron‐lucent, and their shape varied from spherical to rectangular. Melanosomes vary in shape from spherical to elliptical. The Müller cells were darkly stained elongated cells that measured about 5.5–8.5 μm in length and 2.2–2.5 μm in width, and their microvilli appeared between the inner segments of the rods and cones. Müller cell processes were extended from the photoreceptor layer to the inner limiting membrane. Zonula occludentes appeared between the Müller cell processes and the internal segment of the rods and cones. African catfish have eyes which are adapted not only for nocturnal but also for daytime light.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on TB services at ART programmes in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a multi‐cohort survey
Authors: Marti Mariana , Zürcher Kathrin , Enane Leslie A. , Diero Lameck , Marcy Olivier , Tiendrebeogo Thierry , Yotebieng Marcel , Twizere Christelle , Khusuwan Suwimon , Yunihastuti Evy , Reubenson Gary , Shah N. Sarita , Egger Matthias , Ballif Marie , Fenner Lukas ,   the IeDEA global consortium
Published: October 2022

Introduction

COVID‐19 stretched healthcare systems to their limits, particularly in settings with a pre‐existing high burden of infectious diseases, including HIV and tuberculosis (TB). We studied the impact of COVID‐19 on TB services at antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

We surveyed ART clinics providing TB services in the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium in Africa and the Asia‐Pacific until July 2021 (TB diagnoses until the end of 2021). We collected site‐level data using standardized questionnaires.

Results

Of 46 participating ART clinics, 32 (70%) were in Africa and 14 (30%) in the Asia‐Pacific; 52% provided tertiary care. Most clinics (85%) reported disrupted routine HIV care services during the pandemic, both in Africa (84%) and the Asia‐Pacific (86%). The most frequently reported impacts were on staff (52%) and resource shortages (37%; protective clothing, face masks and disinfectants). Restrictions in TB health services were observed in 12 clinics (26%), mainly reduced access to TB diagnosis and postponed follow‐up visits (6/12, 50% each), and restrictions in TB laboratory services (22%). Restrictions of TB services were addressed by dispensing TB drugs for longer periods than usual (7/12, 58%), providing telehealth services (3/12, 25%) and with changes in directly observed therapy (DOT) (e.g. virtual DOT, 3/12). The number of TB diagnoses at participating clinics decreased by 21% in 2020 compared to 2019; the decline was more pronounced in tertiary than primary/secondary clinics (24% vs. 12%) and in sites from the Asia‐Pacific compared to Africa (46% vs. 14%). In 2021, TB diagnoses continued to decline in Africa (–8%) but not in the Asia‐Pacific (+62%) compared to 2020. During the pandemic, new infection control measures were introduced or intensified at the clinics, including wearing face masks, hand sanitation and patient triage.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to staff shortages, reduced access to TB care and delays in follow‐up visits for people with TB across IeDEA sites in Africa and the Asia‐Pacific. Increased efforts are needed to restore and secure ongoing access to essential TB services in these contexts.
Detection of Cerebral Microbleeds in MR Images Using a Single‐Stage Triplanar Ensemble Detection Network (TPE‐Det)
Authors: Lee Haejoon , Kim Jun‐Ho , Lee Seul , Jung Kyu‐Jin , Kim Woo‐Ram , Noh Young , Kim Eung Yeop , Kang Koung Mi , Sohn Chul‐Ho , Lee Dong Young , Al‐masni Mohammed A. , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: October 2022

Background

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are microscopic brain hemorrhages with implications for various diseases. Automated detection of CMBs is a challenging task due to their wide distribution throughout the brain, small size, and visual similarity to their mimics. For this reason, most of the previously proposed methods have been accomplished through two distinct stages, which may lead to difficulties in integrating them into clinical workflows.

Purpose

To develop a clinically feasible end‐to‐end CMBs detection network with a single‐stage structure utilizing 3D information. This study proposes triplanar ensemble detection network (TPE‐Det), ensembling 2D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) based detection networks on axial, sagittal, and coronal planes.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Two datasets (DS1 and DS2) were used: 1) 116 patients with 367 CMBs and 12 patients without CMBs for training, validation, and testing (70.39 ± 9.30 years, 68 women, 60 men, DS1); 2) 58 subjects with 148 microbleeds and 21 subjects without CMBs only for testing (76.13 ± 7.89 years, 47 women, 32 men, DS2).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T field strength and 3D GRE sequence scan for SWI reconstructions.

Assessment

The sensitivity, FPavg (false‐positive per subject), and precision measures were computed and analyzed with statistical analysis.

Statistical Tests

A paired t‐test was performed to investigate the improvement of detection performance by the suggested ensembling technique in this study. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The proposed TPE‐Det detected CMBs on the DS1 testing set with a sensitivity of 96.05% and an FPavg of 0.88, presenting statistically significant improvement. Even when the testing on DS2 was performed without retraining, the proposed model provided a sensitivity of 85.03% and an FPavg of 0.55. The precision was significantly higher than the other models.

Data Conclusion

The ensembling of multidimensional networks significantly improves precision, suggesting that this new approach could increase the benefits of detecting lesions in the clinic.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Network meta‐interpolation: Effect modification adjustment in network meta‐analysis using subgroup analyses
Authors: Harari Ofir , Soltanifar Mohsen , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Verhoek Andre , Ouwens Mario , Daly Caitlin , Heeg Bart
Published: October 2022

Effect modification (EM) may cause bias in network meta‐analysis (NMA). Existing population adjustment NMA methods use individual patient data to adjust for EM but disregard available subgroup information from aggregated data in the evidence network. Additionally, these methods often rely on the shared effect modification (SEM) assumption. In this paper, we propose Network Meta‐Interpolation (NMI): a method using subgroup analyses to adjust for EM that does not assume SEM. NMI balances effect modifiers across studies by turning treatment effect (TE) estimates at the subgroup‐ and study level into TE and standard errors at EM values common to all studies. In an extensive simulation study, we simulate two evidence networks consisting of four treatments, and assess the impact of departure from the SEM assumption, variable EM correlation across trials, trial sample size and network size. NMI was compared to standard NMA, network meta‐regression (NMR) and Multilevel NMR (ML‐NMR) in terms of estimation accuracy and credible interval (CrI) coverage. In the base case non‐SEM dataset, NMI achieved the highest estimation accuracy with root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.228, followed by standard NMA (0.241), ML‐NMR (0.447) and NMR (0.541). In the SEM dataset, NMI was again the most accurate method with RMSE of 0.222, followed by ML‐NMR (0.255). CrI coverage followed a similar pattern. NMI's dominance in terms of estimation accuracy and CrI coverage appeared to be consistent across all scenarios. NMI represents an effective option for NMA in the presence of study imbalance and available subgroup data.
Impact of myometrium invasion on survival outcomes following cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS‐HIPEC)
Authors: Mangieri Christopher W. , Valenzuela Cristian D. , Solsky Ian B. , Erali Richard A. , Votanopoulos Konstantinos I. , Shen Perry , Levine Edward A.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS‐HIPEC) is an effective surgical intervention for peritoneal surface malignancy. The effect of myometrium invasion on outcomes is unknown.

Methods

Retrospective review of our institutional registry with analysis of CRS‐HIPEC cases involving a hysterectomy. Compared cases with myometrium invasion versus those without invasion. Primary outcome was survival as measured by overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Secondary outcome was the evaluation of risk factors for myometrium invasion based on multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 126 cases of CRS‐HIPEC involving a hysterectomy were identified. Ninety‐seven cases (76.9%) had no myometrium invasion and the remaining 29 cases (23.1%) had malignant invasion. The presence of myometrial invasion was a significant negative survival prognostic factor. The OS was halved with mean survival times of 2.8 (±2.3) versus 5.8 (±4.7) years for cases with and without invasion, respectively (p = 0.002). Five‐year OS rates were also inferior with myometrium invasion at 17.4% versus 53.8% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.181, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.057–0.580, p = 0.002). A similar trend was present with DFS with mean survival times of 1.4 (±0.9) versus 3.7 (±3.9) years for noninvasion and invasion cases (p = 0.009). The 5‐year DFS rates were 0% versus 34.8% (OR = 0.652, 95% CI: 0.549–0.775, p = 0.004). Secondary analysis significantly associated several risk factors with myometrium invasion to include lymph node positivity (OR = 2.539, 95% CI: 1.074–6.003, p = 0.012), colorectal primary tumors (OR = 2.248, 95% CI: 1.094–5.161, p = 0.035), and high‐grade tumors (OR = 2.160, 95% CI: 1.080–4.820, p = 0.038).

Conclusion

Myometrium invasion is a significant negative prognostic factor for survival following CRS‐HIPEC. Several risk factors are potentially predictive of identifying those at high‐risk for myometrium invasion.
Time to Local Recurrence as a Predictor of Survival in Adult Head and Neck Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Jiang Ke , Cai Shao‐Hui , Ou Bi‐Yi , Du Ding‐fu , Guan Yuan‐Xiang , Chen Shu‐Wei , Liang Yao
Published: October 2022

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the impact of the time interval from surgical resection to local recurrence (TTLR) on clinical outcomes in head and neck soft tissue sarcoma (HNSTS).

Methods

A total of 401 patients who underwent R0 resection for primary HNSTS were included in this study. Patients with local recurrence as the first event after their initial resection were divided into early local recurrence (ELR) or late local recurrence (LLR) groups according to TTLR. Multiple survival analyses were performed to identify the independent prognostic predictors of overall survival (OS) and survival after local recurrence (SAR).

Results

Two hundred and nine of the 401 patients (52.1%) developed local recurrence during a median follow‐up period of 134.6 months. Patients in the ELR group had a shorter median OS time (35.0 vs. 120.6, p < 0.001) and lower 5‐year OS rate (47.7% vs. 80.9%, p < 0.001) than those in the LLR group. Moreover, the ELR group exhibited worse SAR (p = 0.001) than the LLR group, and multivariate analyses demonstrated TTLR as an independent prognostic factor for SAR (p = 0.048) and OS (p = 0.004). Additionally, re‐resection significantly prolonged SAR than other salvage interventions or no treatment (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with HNSTS, ELR after R0 resection presents adverse effects on OS and SAR than those with LLR, and TTLR could serve as a promising predictor for survival. Salvage therapies, especially the re‐resection could improve SAR and should be recommended when there are surgical indications after recurrence.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2174–2182, 2023
Further Development of the Short‐Pulse Petawatt Laser: Trends, Technologies, and Bottlenecks
Authors: Li Zhaoyang , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin
Published: October 2022

The petawatt (PW) laser has experienced a rapid development in the past two decades, and tens of giant facilities have been constructed worldwide. After realizing 10–100 PW, it seems to be close to some sort of engineering limit but its focused peak intensity still is much lower than the Schwinger limit, and therefore some technology improvements or innovations become indispensable for further increasing the peak power as well as the focused peak intensity. By quick reviewing the development of the PW laser in history, it is shown that reducing the pulse duration to near a single optical cycle is a feasible (easy and cheap) choice for this purpose. Here, technologies for the optical‐cycle pulse generation, ultrabroadband amplification, and capability boosting that aim to provide possible approaches for optical‐cycle PW lasers are briefly reviewed and discussed. Meanwhile, key bottlenecks that challenge the current as well as the future short‐pulse PW lasers and their possible solutions are summarized and discussed. This technology review aims to provide a possible roadmap for the next‐stage development of the short‐pulse PW laser.
Dynamic Transmissive Metasurface for Broadband Phase‐Only Modulation Based on Phase‐Change Materials
Authors: Zhuo Shaobin , Li Yan , Zhao Annan , Li Yu‐Ru , Yao Shunyu , Zhang Mingjie , Feng Tianhua , Li Zhaohui
Published: October 2022

Dynamic metasurfaces provide exciting opportunities for spatial light modulation with ultra‐compact footprint and high resolution. Designs reported so far typically suffer from efficiency problem due to the strong coupling between amplitude and phase modulation. Huygens metasurface design eliminates the back propagation with interference of dual resonances, offering a potential solution for phase‐only modulation. However, the intrinsic dispersion mismatch between the dual modes restricts this design to a highly limited bandwidth. Here, a dynamic phase‐change metasurface design that enables transmissive phase modulation covering over 240° with high‐level transmisstance maintained over 0.8 and a large operation bandwidth of 80 nm ranging from 1516 to 1596 nm, is presented. To verify the potential usage of this design, a multi‐state phase‐change control scheme that enables quasi‐continuous phase modulation is further provided. The key feature of this design is the leverage of congener Huygens concept. Judicious incorporation of lossless phase‐change material (PCM) with congener Huygens metasurface allows wideband holding of Huygens condition, which provides a perfect platform to simultaneously address the efficiency and bandwidth problems. This novel feature represents a meaningful step forward to integrate spatial light modulation.
Monolithically Integrated Extended Cavity Diode Laser with 32 kHz 3 dB Linewidth Emitting at 1064 nm
Authors: Wenzel Sten , Brox Olaf , Casa Pietro Della , Wenzel Hans , Arar Bassem , Kreutzmann Sabrina , Weyers Markus , Knigge Andrea , Wicht Andreas , Tränkle Günther
Published: October 2022

The spectral linewidth of semiconductor lasers is a crucial performance parameter in a growing number of applications. A common method to improve the coherence of the laser relies on increasing the optical cavity length by an extended section without gain material. Here, this extended cavity diode laser (ECDL) concept is realized in a monolithic device at 1064 nm wavelength. This is accomplished by applying a two‐step epitaxy in the aluminum gallium arsenide material system to selectively remove the active layers in a specific section of the chip. The extended passive section decreases the 3 dB linewidth to 32 kHz at 1 ms integration time. A direct comparison between the performance of the monolithic ECDL and a distributed Bragg reflector laser from the same wafer demonstrates the feasibility of the approach. The results in terms of frequency noise, side mode suppression ratio, injection current threshold, and slope efficiency show that the passive section reduces the laser linewidth while the additional interfaces within the laser cavity created by the manufacturing process do not deteriorate the electro‐optical properties or frequency stability. This opens the possibility for the realization of gallium arsenide based photonic integrated circuits by monolithically combining active and low‐loss passive waveguides.
Evaluating the effects of environmental aging on the pitting corrosion of steam turbine blade steels
Authors: Aldhous Philip , Akid Robert , Leiva‐Garcia Rafael , Zhou Shengqi
Published: October 2022

A flow loop has been setup to allow simulation of operating conditions in a steam turbine during transitions in water chemistry between on‐load (deaerated) and off‐load (aerated) environments. Electrochemical noise measurements were performed to establish the critical chloride concentration for pitting of 403 12Cr stainless steel. The results were confirmed by comparative measurements of corrosion potential and visual observation of pitting. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to quantify changes in the passive film due to transient environmental conditions. The critical chloride concentration for pitting with/without pre‐exposure to on‐load conditions has been measured and the impact of environmental aging is discussed.
Synergistic, Orthogonal, and Antagonistic Photochemistry for Light‐Induced 3D Printing
Authors: Hobich Jan , Blasco Eva , Wegener Martin , Mutlu Hatice , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: October 2022

3D printing techniques are often based on light‐induced chemical reactions, driven by the fascinating and powerful possibilities to control light in space and time. To date, these approaches are usually restricted to a single color of light, which does not do justice to light as an entire spectrum of distinct wavelengths. It is possible to further tap into the vast potential of light‐induced 3D printing by introducing a second color of light. While the complexity of photochemical interactions in two‐color systems is greatly increased, it concomitantly allows for enhanced control over manufacturing speed and resolution. In general, three types of two‐color interactions can be distinguished, i.e., synergistic, orthogonal, and antagonistic. In recent years, intriguing printing techniques with superior potential for the fabrication of 3D structures are emerging that require two colors of light. Their future development potential is vast yet needs to be critically underpinned by an advance in complex tunable photochemical reaction systems. The current perspective will thus explore the potential for using synergistic, orthogonal, and antagonistic photochemistries in 3D printing.
Environmental Impact of Polymer Fiber Manufacture
Authors: Amarakoon Manul , Alenezi Hussain , Homer‐Vanniasinkam Shervanthi , Edirisinghe Mohan
Published: October 2022

This review focuses on the effects on the environment due to the production of polymer‐solvent solutions and the manufacture of polymeric fibers of thicknesses from a nanometer up to a millimeter using these solutions. The most common polymeric fiber manufacture methods are reviewed based on their effects on the environment, particularly from the use of hazardous materials and energy consumption. Published literature is utilized to analyze and quantify energy consumption of the manufacturing methods electrospinning, phase separation, self‐assembly, template synthesis, drawing and pressurized gyration. The results show that during the manufacturing stage of the lifecycle of polymeric fibers, pressurized gyration is more environmentally efficient primarily due to its mass‐producing features and fast processing of polymeric solutions into fibers, it also works best with water‐based solutions. Further green alternatives are described such as the use of sustainable polymers and solvents to enhance the environmental benefit. Overall, it is shown that the most effective method of curbing the environmental impact of manufacturing polymeric fibers is the use of nontoxic, water‐soluble polymers along with the evasion of toxic solvents.
Density of composite places in function fields and applications to real holomorphy rings
Authors: Becker Eberhard , Kuhlmann Franz‐Viktor , Kuhlmann Katarzyna
Published: October 2022

Given an algebraic function field and a place ℘ on K, we prove that the places that are composite with extensions of ℘ to finite extensions of K lie dense in the space of all places of F, in a strong sense. We apply the result to the case of any real closed field and the fixed place on R being its natural (finest) real place. This leads to a new description of the real holomorphy ring of F, which can be seen as an analog to a certain refinement of Artin's solution of Hilbert's 17th problem. We also determine the relation between the topological space of all ‐places of F (places with residue field contained in ), its subspace of all ‐places of F that are composite with the natural ‐place of R, and the topological space of all R‐rational places. Further results about these spaces as well as various classes of relative real holomorphy rings are proven. At the conclusion of the paper, the theory of real spectra of rings will be applied to interpret basic concepts from that angle and to show that the space has only finitely many topological components.
Surface‐Compartmentalized Micelles by Stereocomplex‐Driven Self‐Assembly
Authors: Schaller Roman , Hils Christian , Karg Matthias , Schmalz Holger
Published: October 2022

The unique corona structure of surface‐compartmentalized micelles (Janus micelles, patchy micelles) opens highly relevant applications, e.g. as efficient particulate surfactants for emulsion stabilization or compatibilization of polymer blends. Here, stereocomplex‐driven self‐assembly (SCDSA) as a facile route to micelles with a semicrystalline stereocomplex (SC) core and a patch‐like microphase separated corona, employing diblock copolymers with enantiomeric poly(L‐lactide)/poly(D‐lactide) blocks and highly incompatible corona‐forming blocks (polystyrene (PS), poly(tert‐butyl methacrylate)) is introduced. The spherical patchy SC micelles feature a narrow size distribution and show a compartmentalized, shamrock‐like corona structure. Compared to SC micelles with a homogeneous PS corona the patchy micelles have a significantly higher interfacial activity attributable to the synergistic combination of an amphiphilic corona with the Pickering effect of nanoparticles. The patchy micelles are successfully employed in the stabilization of emulsions, underlining their application potential.
Managing supply chain with green and non‐green products: Channel coordination and information asymmetry
Authors: Singh Gurmeet , Biswas Indranil , Srivastava Samir K
Published: October 2022

We examine a supply chain where a supplier produces partial substitutable green and non‐green products and sell them in a common market through a buyer. We analyse four scenarios: wholesale price and linear two‐part tariff contracts under full and incomplete information about the buyer's unit cost. Our result demonstrates that the value of information and trade cutoff points both increase with consumer greening sensitivity and decrease with greening investment. When green product market share exceeds a certain threshold, demand for the green product would be higher than non‐green product, even when green product is priced higher in the end market.
Evaluation of image registration algorithms for 3D phase‐resolved functional lung ventilation magnetic resonance imaging in healthy volunteers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Klimeš Filip , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Gutberlet Marcel , Grimm Robert , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: October 2022

The purpose of the current study was to assess the influence of the registration algorithms on the repeatability of three‐dimensional (3D) phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) ventilation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty‐three healthy volunteers and 10 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) underwent 3D PREFUL MRI during tidal breathing. The registration of dynamically acquired data to a fixed image was executed using single‐step, stepwise, and group‐oriented registration (GOREG) approaches. Advanced Normalization Tools (ANTs) and the Forsberg image‐registration package were used for the registration. Image registration algorithms were tested for differences and evaluated by the repeatability analysis of ventilation parameters using coefficient of variation (CoV), intraclass‐correlation coefficient, Bland–Altman plots, and correlation to spirometry. Also, the registration time and image quality were computed for all registration approaches. Very strong to strong correlations (r range: 0.917–0.999) were observed between ventilation parameters derived using various registration approaches. Median CoV values of the cross‐correlation (CC) parameter were significantly lower (all p ≤ 0.0054) for ANTs GOREG compared with single‐step and stepwise ANTs registration. The majority of comparisons between COPD patients and age‐matched healthy volunteers showed agreement among the registration approaches. The repeatability of regional ventilation (RVent)‐based ventilation defect percentage (VDPRVent) and VDPCC was significantly higher (both p ≤ 0.0054) for Forsberg GOREG compared with ANTs GOREG. All 3D PREFUL‐derived ventilation parameters correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (all |r| > 0.40, all p < 0.03). The image sharpness of RVent maps was statistically elevated (all p < 0.001) using GOREG compared with single‐step and stepwise registration approaches using ANTs. The best computational performance was achieved with Forsberg GOREG. The GOREG scheme improves the repeatability and image quality of dynamic 3D PREFUL ventilation parameters. Registration time can be ~10‐fold reduced to 9 min using the Forsberg method with equal or even improved repeatability and comparable PREFUL ventilation results compared with the ANTs method.
Relationship between nurses' resilience and depression, anxiety and stress during the 2021 COVID‐19 outbreak in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chiu‐Feng , Liu Tzu‐Hung , Cheng Chu‐Hsuan , Chang Kai‐Yen
Published: October 2022

Aim

The COVID‐19 outbreak in Taiwan had a significant impact on medical services. These changes posed a threat to nurses' mental health. Resilience may protect nurses from the psychological impact of COVID‐19. This study aimed to understand nurses' resilience and its relationship with nurses' characteristics (life and work situations) and mental health (depression, anxiety and stress) during the outbreak.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study surveyed the nurses at a hospital from 9 August 2021, to 20 August 2021. The content of the questionnaire included nurses' characteristics, resilience and mental health.

Results

There was an association between higher resilience and lower mental health problems. We also found that some nurses' characteristics were positively correlated with mental health problems.

Conclusion

Some nurses' life and work situations predicted high levels of mental health problems during the pandemic. Additionally, higher levels of resilience were associated with lower levels of mental health problems.
Self‐management experience of first‐time diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus: A focus group interview
Authors: Su Mei‐Chen , Chang Min‐Yu , Sun Jui‐Chiung
Published: October 2022

Aim

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has become the most common complication in women during pregnancy in Taiwan. Since several clinical trials have demonstrated benefits of aggressive treatment, which rely heavily on self‐management. The present study was conducted to explore the self‐management experience of women with first‐time diagnosed GDM.

Design

A qualitative descriptive approach was applied to conduct this study.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit patients with first‐time diagnosed GDM from the maternity outpatient clinics of medical centre in Taiwan. A total of three focus groups interviews with 22 women were conducted to collect the data. Content analysis was applied to analyse the data.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) unexpectedly having a high‐risk pregnancy, (2) different perceptions for self‐management, (3) implementation predicament of self‐management and (4) maternal duty to ensure the safety of mother and child.