bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self–Zincophilic Dual Protection Host of 3D ZnO/Zn⊂CF to Enhance Zn Anode Cyclability
Authors: Lu Huibing , Hua Weimin , Zhang Zhengchunyu , An Xuguang , Feng Jinkui , Xi Baojuan , Xiong Shenglin
Published: March 2024

Zn dendrite growth and side reactions restrict the practical use of Zn anode. Herein, the design of a novel 3D hierarchical structure is demonstrated with self–zincophilic dual–protection constructed by ZnO and Zn nanoparticles immobilized on carbon fibers (ZnO/Zn⊂CF) as a versatile host on the Zn surface. The unique 3D frameworks with abundant zinc nucleation storage sites can alleviate the structural stress during the plating/stripping process and overpower Zn dendrite growth by moderating Zn2+ flux. Moreover, given the dual protection design, it can reduce the contact area between active zinc and electrolyte, inhibiting hydrogen evolution reactions. Importantly, density functional theory calculations and experimental results confirm that the introduced O atoms in ZnO/Zn⊂CF enhance the interaction between Zn2+ and the host and reduce Zn nucleation overpotential. As expected, the ZnO/Zn⊂CF–Zn electrode exhibits stable Zn plating/stripping with low polarization for 4200 h at 0.2 mA cm−2 and 0.2 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the symmetrical cell displays a significantly long cycling life of over 1800 h, even at 30 mA cm−2. The fabricated full cells also show impressive cycling performance when coupled with V2O3 cathodes.
Controlled Self‐Assembly of Vesicles by Electrospray Deposition
Authors: Osaki Toshihisa , Kamiya Koki , Kawano Ryuji , Kuribayashi‐Shigetomi Kaori , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: March 2024

The self‐assembly of amphiphilic molecules produces structures of diverse dimensions, encompassing micelles, tubules, lamellae, and vesicles. This study focuses on elucidating the controllability of amphiphilic lipid molecule self‐assembly in size and uniformity to facilitate our understanding of the molecular characteristics that correlate with the functions and attributes of the assembled structures. Electrospray deposition allows micropatterning of lipid molecules in conjunction with a conductive–nonconductive patterned substrate. The solvent in the sprayed mist undergoes evaporation during flight, leading to the deposition of dry lipids exclusively on the conductive regions of the substrate. This process enables homogeneous lipid micropatterning, effectively circumventing the coffee‐ring effect. Subsequent hydration of the lipid pattern triggers the spontaneous formation of a size‐controlled, unilamellar vesicle array on the substrate, spanning an area of a few square millimeters. The vesicles exhibits monodispersity, with a coefficient of variation below 8% for sizes ranging from 5 to 20 μm. The size‐controlled self‐assembly process is adaptable to various lipid compositions, thereby demonstrating that the molecular characteristics manifest in the morphological features appear as phase separation, budding, and curvature of vesicle membranes. The approach further validates its suitability for conducting time‐resolved analyses of molecular transport and ligand binding on the monodispersed vesicle array.
Multiobjective‐Optimization MoS2/Cd‐ZnIn2S4/CdS Composites Prepared by In Situ Structure‐Tailored Technique for High‐Efficiency Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Zhao Wenxue , Yan Aihua , Su Zigao , Huang Fei , Wang Quande , Li Shihang , Lu Shijian , Wang Chuanjian , Zhang Tongyang , Zhang Jixu , Gao Ye , Yuan Huaqi
Published: March 2024

Photocatalytic water splitting into hydrogen production provides a new avenue to produce clean chemical fuels. However, developing high‐efficiency photocatalytic materials still remains a challenge till now. Herein, multiobjective‐optimization MoS2/Cd‐ZnIn2S4/CdS (MS/CZIS/CS) composites are successfully constructed by an in situ structure‐tailored technique. Benefiting from the synergistic feature integrating sulfur vacancy, II‐type CZIS/CS heterojunction and Schottky‐type MS/CS heterojunction, such composites not only effectively steer photogenerated carrier transfer but also markedly expedite surface reaction kinetics for hydrogen reduction reaction. As a result, an optimal hydrogen evolution rate of 11.49 mmol g−1 h−1 is achieved over the MS/CZIS/CS catalysts, which is approximately 4.79 times higher than that of pristine ZIS (2.40 mmol g−1 h−1). This work provides some new inspirations for the steering of carrier transfer and the design of multiobjective‐optimization photocatalysts with high efficiency.
The Phase Control of Transition Metallic Elements via Facile Chemical and Physical Syntheses
Authors: Liu Yuhan , Qin Ying , Gao Junyun , Huang Bo
Published: March 2024

The crystal phases of metals are important factors to tune the properties of metals, and therefore received extensive attention. Traditionally, phase control is performed within limited numbers of elements by harsh conditions, such as face‐centered cubic Fe by high temperature. This review summarizes most reports in metal phase control area, including elements of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Pd, Rh, Os and Au. For every metallic element, the facile phase control methods are systematically introduced, such as epitaxial growth, ball milling, chemical reduction, etc. Their corresponding applications and the mechanisms for phase control are thoroughly discussed.
Managing information and infodemics for patients
Authors: Woodhouse Christopher
Published: March 2024

Information overload is a symptom of the modern world. In medicine the problem can lead to stress and anxiety. Patients need help to navigate the sea of information they face when trying to make decisions about their own health and treatment.
Effect of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans spores on induced allergic contact dermatitis in dogs
Authors: Khosravi Mohammad , Avizeh Reza , Zayerzadeh Akram , Gharibi Darioush , Razijalali Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Background

Probiotic strains have the potential to modulate immune responses, reduce intestinal inflammation, normalize intestinal mucosal function and decrease allergic reactions.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of oral probiotic supplements containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans spores on clinical symptoms, haematological factors and immune responses to allergic contact dermatitis in dogs induced by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB).

Methods

DNCB was injected subcutaneously into the scapular region of 20 healthy adult dogs of both sexes, divided into four groups, to induce experimental allergic contact dermatitis. Dogs in Group 1 received food without probiotics or medication. Oral prednisolone was administered to Group 2 for 30 days at a dosage of 0.25 mg/kg every other day. The dogs in Group 3 were treated with a combination of oral prednisolone and probiotics. The dogs in Group 4 were fed daily with a mixture of 109 B. subtilis and B. coagulans bacteria for 30 days. The immune system responses and related gene expression were analysed in the treated animals.

Results

The administration of probiotics for 30 days resulted in a reduction in clinical symptoms and duration of wound repair. The probiotics treatment also significantly increased the serum bactericidal effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It enhanced both the classic and alternative activity of the complement, as well as lysozyme activity. Additionally, the probiotics led to higher total immunoglobulin levels and significant reductions in anti‐trypsin and C‐reactive protein levels. Furthermore, the expression of IgE, induction of interferon‐gamma and IL‐4 genes were also reduced.

Conclusions

According to the results, B. subtilis and B. coagulans can be further investigated as a viable alternative to corticosteroids in treating allergic contact dermatitis in dogs.
Inferior vena cava reconstruction with non‐fascial autologous peritoneum: Retrospective study and literature review
Authors: Delcarro Alessandro , Coubeau Laurent
Published: March 2024

Background

Inferior vena cava (IVC) resection is essential for complete (R0) excision of some malignancies. However, the optimal material for IVC reconstruction remains unclear. Our objective is to demonstrate the efficacy, safety, and advantages of using Non‐Fascial Autologous Peritoneum (NFAP) for IVC reconstruction. To conduct a literature review of surgical strategies for tumors involving the IVC.

Methods

We reviewed all IVC reconstructions performed at our institution between 2015 and 2023. Preoperative, operative, postoperative, and follow‐up data were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 33 consecutive IVC reconstructions were identified: seven direct sutures, eight venous homografts (VH), and 18 NFAP. With regard to NFAP, eight tubular (mean length, 12.5 cm) and 10 patch (mean length, 7.9 cm) IVC reconstructions were performed. Resection was R0 in 89% of the cases. Two patients had Clavien–Dindo grade I complications, 2 grade II, 2 grade III and 2 grade V complications. The only graft‐related complication was a case of early partial thrombosis, which was conservatively treated. At a mean follow‐up of 25.9 months, graft patency was 100%. There were seven recurrences and six deaths. Mean overall survival (OS) was 23.4 months and mean disease‐free survival (DFS) was 14.4 months. According to our results, no statistically significant differences were found between NFAP and VH.

Conclusions

NFAP is a safe and effective alternative for partial or complete IVC reconstruction and has many advantages over other techniques, including its lack of cost, wide and ready availability, extreme handiness, and versatility. Further comparative studies are required to determine the optimal technique for IVC reconstruction.
Reconciling Deep Learning and Control Theory: Recurrent Neural Networks for Indirect Data-Driven Control
Authors: Bonassi Fabio
Published: March 2024

This Brief aims to discuss the potential of Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) for indirect data-driven control. Indeed, while RNNs have long been known to be universal approximators of dynamical systems, their adoption for system identification and control has been limited by the lack of solid theoretical foundations. We here intend to summarize a novel approach to address this gap, which is structured in two contributions. First, a framework for learning safe and robust RNN models is devised, relying on the Incremental Input-to-State Stability ($$\delta $$
δ
ISS) notion. Then, after a $$\delta $$
δ
ISS black-box model of the plant is identified, its use for the design of model-based control laws (such as Nonlinear MPC) with closed-loop performance guarantees is illustrated. Finally, the main open problems and future research directions are outlined.
The minimal massive Majoron Seesaw Model
Authors: de Giorgi Arturo , Merlo Luca , Díaz Xavier Ponce , Rigolin Stefano
Published: March 2024

Abstract

A convincing explanation of the smallness of neutrino masses is represented by the Type-I Seesaw mechanism, where the two measured neutrino mass differences can be generated by introducing at least two right-handed neutrinos. In an ultraviolet complete model, it is possible to dynamically generate the heavy Majorana scale through the spontaneous symmetry breaking of a global Abelian symmetry and the most economical realisation consists in coupling the two exotic neutral leptons to a singlet complex scalar field. The associated Goldstone boson is often dubbed as Majoron, which may achieve a non-vanishing mass by means of a small term that explicitly breaks the Abelian symmetry. In a generic model, the neutrino and Majoron mass generation mechanisms are completely uncorrelated. In this paper, instead, we reduce the landscape of possible models proposing a unique, minimal and predictive framework in which these two types of masses are strictly tied and arise from the same source. Bounds from various terrestrial and astrophysical experiments are discussed.
Single-cell analysis of age-related changes in leukocytes of diabetic mouse hindpaws
Authors: Nichols James M. , Pham Hoang Vu , Lee Eric F. , Mahalingam Rajasekaran , Shepherd Andrew J.
Published: March 2024

Complications associated with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers, are a growing health-care concern. In addition, this concern increases as diabetic patients age due to their increased susceptibility to complications. To address this growing problem, it is important to understand fluctuations in physiology which lead to pathological changes associated with the metabolic disturbances of diabetes. Our study explores dysregulation of immune cell populations in the hindpaws of healthy and diabetic mice at 12 and 21 weeks of age using single-cell RNA sequencing to provide insight into immune disruptions occurring in the distal limb during chronic diabetes. In 21-week-old Leprdb/db mice, increases were seen in mast cells/basophils, dermal γδ T cells, heterogeneous T cells, and Type 2 innate lymphoid cells. In addition, macrophages represented the largest cluster of immune cells and showed the greatest increase in genes associated with immune-specific pathways. Sub-clustering of macrophages revealed a bias toward angiogenic Lyve1+MHCIIlo macrophages in the hindpaws of 21-week-old diabetic mice, which corresponded to an increase in Lyve1+ macrophages in the hindpaws of 21-week-old diabetic mice on histology. Our results show that in Type 2 diabetes, the immunological function and phenotype of multiple immune cell types shift not only with metabolic disturbance, but also with duration of disease, which may explain the increased susceptibility to pathologies of the distal limb in patients with more chronic diabetes.
An image quality assessment method based on edge extraction and singular value for blurriness
Authors: Zhou Lei , Liu Chuanlin , Yadav Amit , Azam Sami , Karim Asif
Published: March 2024

The automatic assessment of perceived image quality is crucial in the field of image processing. To achieve this idea, we propose an image quality assessment (IQA) method for blurriness. The features of gradient and singular value were extracted in this method instead of the single feature in the traditional IQA algorithms. According to the insufficient size of existing public image quality assessment datasets to support deep learning, machine learning was introduced to fuse the features of multiple domains, and a new no-reference (NR) IQA method for blurriness denoted Feature fusion IQA(Ffu-IQA) was proposed. The Ffu-IQA uses a probabilistic model to estimate the probability of each edge detection blur in the image, and then uses machine learning to aggregate the probability information to obtain the edge quality score. After that uses the singular value obtained by singular value decomposition of the image matrix to calculate the singular value score. Finally, machine learning pooling is used to obtain the true quality score. Ffu-IQA achieves PLCC scores of 0.9570 and 0.9616 on CSIQ and TID2013, respectively, and SROCC scores of 0.9380 and 0.9531, which are better than most traditional image quality assessment methods for blurriness.
Corrosion characteristics of high-entropy alloys prepared by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Ujah Chika Oliver , Kallon Daramy V. V. , Aigbodion Victor Sunday
Published: March 2024

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are special type of alloy suitably developed for use in petroleum exploration, energy storage devices, medical implants, etc. This is because they possess excellent corrosion, thermal, and mechanical properties. Corrosion characteristic of HEAs prepared via spark plasma sintering is a top notch as the technique generates corrosion resistant phases and homogenous microstructure. This study was aimed at reviewing recent publications on corrosion characteristics of HEAs processed by SPS in order to develop ways of improving their anti-corrosion properties. The resource materials were obtained from Scopus-indexed journals and Google Scholar websites of peer-reviewed articles published within the last 5 years. From the study, it was revealed that incorporation of some elements (Al, Cr, Ti) into HEAs can improve their corrosion resistance, while addition of some others can reduce their brittleness and enhance their stability and formability. It was recommended that optimization of SPS parameters was one of the strategies of generating better corrosion characteristics in HEAs.
Indirect estimation of the monthly transport turnover indicator in Italy
Authors: Guardabascio Barbara , Moauro Filippo , Mosley Luke
Published: March 2024

The paper discusses the results of a selection of a set of monthly indicators to be used as predictors of the quarterly index of Italian service turnover. A mixed frequency approach based on sparse temporal disaggregation is used, which outperforms the classical methods of the Chow and Lin family, allowing both a high number of regressors by the LASSO method and stable estimates. The application refers to the turnover in transport, a sector strongly affected in 2020 by the dramatic movements due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resurgence of inflation at the end of 2021. The monthly indicators are selected from 143 time series: 56 series of business surveys in transport about both the climate and frequency of the answers; 18 series from Assaeroporti about both passengers and cargo flights split by national and international routes; 69 series of monthly turnover in industry split by both sector of economic activity and reference market. The sample spans the months from January 2010 to December 2021 for both seasonally adjusted and unadjusted data. Several aspects of the estimation are considered: the stability of selected indicators over the quarters 2017–2021; their forecasting performance; the reliability of the estimates in terms of their monthly pattern.
Bi-Lipschitz embeddings of the space of unordered $$m$$-tuples with a partial transportation metric
Authors: Bate David , Garcia Pulido Ana Lucía
Published: March 2024

Let $$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

Ω
⊂

R

n

be non-empty, open and proper. This paper is concerned with $$Wb_p(\Omega )$$

W

b
p

(
Ω
)

, the space of p-integrable Borel measures on $$\Omega $$
Ω
equipped with the partial transportation metric introduced by Figalli and Gigli that allows the creation and destruction of mass on $$\partial \Omega $$

∂
Ω

. Alternatively, we show that $$Wb_p(\Omega )$$

W

b
p

(
Ω
)

is isometric to a subset of Borel measures with the ordinary Wasserstein distance, on the one point completion of $$\Omega $$
Ω
equipped with the shortcut metric $$\begin{aligned} \delta (x,y)= \min \{\Vert x-y\Vert , {\text {dist}}(x,\partial \Omega )+{\text {dist}}(y,\partial \Omega )\}. \end{aligned}$$

δ
(
x
,
y
)
=
min
{
‖
x
-
y
‖
,
dist
(
x
,
∂
Ω
)
+
dist
(
y
,
∂
Ω
)
}
.

In this article we construct bi-Lipschitz embeddings of the set of unordered m-tuples in $$Wb_p(\Omega )$$

W

b
p

(
Ω
)

into Hilbert space. This generalises Almgren’s bi-Lipschitz embedding theorem to the setting of optimal partial transport.
Imaging features of intra-abdominal and intra-pelvic causes of hirsutism
Authors: Li Arleen , Bloomgarden Noah , Friedman Shari , Flusberg Milana , Chernyak Victoria , Berkenblit Robert
Published: March 2024

Hirsutism is a relatively common disorder which affects approximately 5% to 15% of women. It is defined by excessive growth of terminal hair in women, which primarily affects areas dependent on androgens, such as the face, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Hirsutism can be caused by a variety of etiologies, which are most often not lifethreatening. However, in some cases, hirsutism can be an indicator of more serious underlying pathology, such as a neoplasm, which may require further elucidation with imaging. Within the abdomen and pelvis, adrenal and ovarian pathologies are the primary consideration. The goal of this manuscript is to review the etiologies and imaging features of various intra-abdominal and intra-pelvic causes of hirsutism.
Novel magnetic poly(allyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) Fe3O4 nanoparticles: synthesis and evaluation as adsorbents for heavy metals
Authors: Erduran Nuran , Işılar Özer
Published: March 2024

Magnetic nanoparticles have gained significant attention as versatile adsorbents in various studies due to their easy application, simple synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and reusability. In this study, we synthesized magnetic poly(AMA-co-GMA) nanoparticles (MAG) and modified them using allyl methacrylate (AMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The epoxy groups on the nanoparticles were opened to introduce –OH, –NH2, and –SH functional groups. The structural properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, their morphology by SEM–EDS, TEM, BET, and XRD, their magnetic properties by VSM, and the thermal properties by the TGA analysis. MAG and the modified nanoparticles (MAG-OH, MAG-NH2, and MAG-SH) were then employed in batch adsorption experiments for heavy metal ions, including Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+. The effect of pH, contact time, ion concentration, and temperature on adsorption was investigated, and kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic parameters were determined. Pb2+ and Hg2+ exhibited higher adsorption capacities among the tested heavy metal ions, prompting further investigation with MAG and MAG-SH nanoparticles. The experimental data suggested that the adsorption followed the second order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. Overall, the results highlight the excellent potential of the synthesized magnetic nanoparticles for effectively removing heavy metal ions from wastewater.
A hitchhiker’s guide: estimates of microbial biomass and microbial gene abundance in soil
Authors: Joergensen Rainer Georg , Hemkemeyer Michael , Beule Lukas , Iskakova Janyl , Oskonbaeva Zhyldyz , Rummel Pauline Sophie , Schwalb Sanja Annabell , Wichern Florian
Published: March 2024

Information on microbial biomass carbon (MBC) is crucial to assess their stocks and role for plant nutrient release in soil. Next to fumigation-extraction, molecular methods are routinely used to estimate the contribution of fungi, bacteria, and archaea to the soil microbial community. However, more information on the links between these different indices would deepen the understanding of microbial processes. The current study is based on 11 datasets, which contain MBC and MBN data obtained by fumigation-extraction and information on bacterial, archaeal, and fungal gene abundance, totalling 765 data points from agricultural, forest, and rangeland soils. Some of these datasets additionally provide information on double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) and fungal ergosterol. MBC varied around the median of 206 µg g−1 soil. MBN followed with a median MB-C/N ratio of 4.1. Median microbial gene abundance declined from bacteria (96 × 108) to archaea (4.4 × 108) to fungi (1.8 × 108). The median ratio of MBC/dsDNA was 15.8 and that of bacteria/dsDNA was 5.8 × 108 µg−1. The relationships between MBC and dsDNA as well as between bacterial gene abundance and dsDNA were both negatively affected by soil pH and positively by clay content. The median ergosterol/MBC and fungi/ergosterol ratios were 0.20% and 4.7 (n × 108 µg−1), respectively. The relationship between fungal gene abundance and ergosterol was negatively affected by soil pH and clay content. Our study suggests that combining fumigation-extraction with molecular tools allows more precise insights on the physiological interactions of soil microorganisms with their surrounding environment.
Pediatric kidney transplantation: is it safe to perform during night-time or day-off?
Authors: Ghidini Filippo , Andreetta Marina , De Corti Federica , Benetti Elisa , Vidal Enrico , Gamba Piergiorgio , Fascetti Leon Francesco
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To investigate the impact of after-hours surgery on the outcomes of pediatric kidney transplantation (KT).

Methods

Medical records of pediatric KTs performed at a single institution between 2013 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The population was split into three groups according to the incision time and calendar: ordinary day (8.00 AM – 6.30 PM), day-off, and night-time (6.30 PM – 8.00 AM). The following endpoints were compared: ischemia times, length of surgery, complications, delayed graft function (DGF), primary graft non-function (PGNF), and eGFR at three-month follow-up.

Results

Ninety-six non-living donor KTs were performed, median age 11 (IQR 4.3–14) years and median body weight 26 (IQR 13–50) kg. Forty-one (43%) were performed during night-time and 28 (29%) during day-off. Ischemia times were similar (p = 0.769, p = 0.536). Day-off KTs presented an extended length of surgery (p = 0.011). Thirty-two complications were reported in 31 KTs. No difference in the overall rate of complications, DGF, PNGF, and three-month eGFR was found (p = 0.669, p = 0.383, p = 0.949, p = 0.093). Post-operative bleedings were more common in days-off (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

The number of pediatric KTs performed during after-hours was considerable. Even though similar outcomes were reported, more caution should be focused on the KTs performed in days-off to avoid severe complications.
Post-COVID breathlessness: a mathematical model of respiratory processing in the brain
Authors: von Werder Dina , Regnath Franziska , Schäfer Daniel , Jörres Rudolf , Lehnen Nadine , Glasauer Stefan
Published: March 2024

Breathlessness is among the most common post-COVID symptoms. In a considerable number of patients, severe breathlessness cannot be explained by peripheral organ impairment. Recent concepts have described how such persistent breathlessness could arise from dysfunctional processing of respiratory information in the brain. In this paper, we present a first quantitative and testable mathematical model of how processing of respiratory-related signals could lead to breathlessness perception. The model is based on recent theories that the brain holds an adaptive and dynamic internal representation of a respiratory state that is based on previous experiences and comprises gas exchange between environment, lung and tissue cells. Perceived breathlessness reflects the brain’s estimate of this respiratory state signaling a potentially hazardous disequilibrium in gas exchange. The internal respiratory state evolves from the respiratory state of the last breath, is updated by a sensory measurement of CO2 concentration, and is dependent on the current activity context. To evaluate our model and thus test the assumed mechanism, we used data from an ongoing rebreathing experiment investigating breathlessness in patients with post-COVID without peripheral organ dysfunction (N = 5) and healthy control participants without complaints after COVID-19 (N = 5). Although the observed breathlessness patterns varied extensively between individual participants in the rebreathing experiment, our model shows good performance in replicating these individual, heterogeneous time courses. The model assumes the same underlying processes in the central nervous system in all individuals, i.e., also between patients and healthy control participants, and we hypothesize that differences in breathlessness are explained by different weighting and thus influence of these processes on the final percept. Our model could thus be applied in future studies to provide insight into where in the processing cascade of respiratory signals a deficit is located that leads to (post-COVID) breathlessness. A potential clinical application could be, e.g., the monitoring of effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on respiratory processing in the brain to improve the therapeutic strategies.
Breast tissue imaging atlas using ultra-fast confocal microscopy to identify cancer lesions
Authors: Mathieu Marie-Christine , Ragazzi Moira , Ferchiou Malek , van Diest Paul J. , Casiraghi Odile , Lakhdar Aicha Ben , Labaied Nizar , Conversano Angelica , Abbaci Muriel
Published: March 2024

New generation ultra-fast fluorescence confocal microscopy (UFCM) allows to image histological architecture of fresh breast tissue and may be used for ex vivo intraoperative analysis for margin status. The criteria to identify breast tumoral and non-tumoral tissues in UFCM images are still objects of investigation. The objective of the study was to create an atlas of ex vivo UFCM images of breast tissues and breast carcinomas based on the first extensive collection of large field-of-view UFCM breast images. One hundred sixty patients who underwent conserving surgery for breast cancer were included. Their fresh surgical specimens were sliced, stained with acridine orange, and imaged at high resolution with large-field-of-view UFCM. The resulting images were digitally false colored to resemble frozen sections. Each UFCM image was correlated with the corresponding definitive histology. Representative images of normal tissue, inflammation, benign lesions, invasive carcinoma (IC), and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were collected. A total of 320 large-field images were recorded from 58 IC of no special type, 44 invasive lobular carcinomas, 1 invasive mucinous carcinoma, 47 DCIS, 2 lobular carcinomas in situ, and 8 specimens without cancer. Representative images of the main components of the normal breast and the main types of ICs and DCIS were annotated to establish an UFCM atlas. UFCM enables the imaging of the fresh breast tissue sections. Main morphological criteria defined in traditional histopathology such as tissue architecture and cell features can be applied to describe UFCM images content. The generated atlas of the main normal or tumoral tissue features will support the adoption of this optical technology for the intraoperative examination of breast specimens in clinical practice as it can be used to train physicians on UFCM images and develop artificial intelligence algorithms. Further studies are needed to document rare breast lesions.
Aspiration removal of orbitofrontal cortex disrupts cholinergic fibers of passage to anterior cingulate cortex in rhesus macaques
Authors: Eldridge M. A. G. , Mohanty A. , Hines B. E. , Kaskan P. M. , Murray E. A.
Published: March 2024

The study of anthropoid nonhuman primates has provided valuable insights into frontal cortex function in humans, as these primates share similar frontal anatomical subdivisions (Murray et al. 2011). Causal manipulation studies have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of this area. One puzzling finding is that macaques with bilateral aspiration removals of orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are impaired on tests of cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation, whereas those with bilateral excitotoxic lesions of OFC are not (Rudebeck et al. 2013). This discrepancy is attributed to the inadvertent disruption of fibers of passage by aspiration lesions but not by excitotoxic lesions. Which fibers of passage are responsible for the impairments observed? One candidate is cholinergic fibers originating in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) and passing nearby or through OFC on their way to other frontal cortex regions (Kitt et al. 1987). To investigate this possibility, we performed unilateral aspiration lesions of OFC in three macaques, and then compared cholinergic innervation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) between hemispheres. Histological assessment revealed diminished cholinergic innervation in the ACC of hemispheres with OFC lesions relative to intact hemispheres. This finding indicates that aspiration lesions of the OFC disrupt cholinergic fibers of passage, and suggests the possibility that loss of cholinergic inputs to ACC contributes to the impairments in cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation observed after aspiration but not excitotoxic lesions of OFC.
Piloting a language translation device for Mandarin-speaking patients presenting for radiotherapy treatment—assessing patient and radiation therapist perspectives
Authors: Hunter Darren , Anderson Nigel , Oates Richard , Kok David , Sapkaroski Daniel , Treffry Nicola , Wright Caroline
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) cancer patients report unmet informational and emotional needs when receiving radiotherapy (RT). This feasibility study aimed to evaluate the clinical use of an instant translation device (ITD) to facilitate communication between Mandarin-speaking patients and radiation therapists (RTTs) within the Australian public RT setting. The primary aim was to assess the ability to convey information relating to daily patient care and build rapport using the device.

Methods

A single-arm prospective interventional trial was employed with patient and RTT participants. Eligible patient participants were aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with cancer, referred for RT with self-reported Mandarin as the primary language spoken at home. Patients who had previously received RT were excluded. Consenting patient participants completed a baseline assessment of health literacy (REALM-SF) and English proficiency (LexTALE). Surveys were administered to patients and consenting RTTs at the cessation of treatment, forming two distinct participant groups. Descriptive statistics were used to compare participant groups.

Results

Eleven patients and 36 RTTs were recruited to the study. Descriptive statistics demonstrated participant group agreement in conveying treatment instructions, though differing experiences were reported against general conversation. Although the reporting of technical difficulties was inconsistent, both groups recommended the application of the ITD within the RT domain.

Conclusion

This feasibility study demonstrated encouraging accounts of patients and RTTs with regard to ITD use in the context of RT treatment. Expanded, multi-institutional recruitment is required to yield statistical significance, inform the impact of the device, and determine requisite training requirements.

Trial registration

HREC reference number: LNR/18/PMCC/115 (18/100L). HREC approval date: 10 July 2018.
Identification of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves during open inguinal hernia repair: a nationwide register-based study
Authors: Moseholm V. B. , Baker J. J. , Rosenberg J.
Published: March 2024

Background

Chronic pain remains prevalent after open inguinal hernia repair and nerve-handling strategies are debated. Some guidelines suggest sparing nerves that are encountered; however, the nerve identification rates are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the nerve identification rates in a register-based nationwide cohort.

Methods

This study was reported according to the RECORD guideline and used prospective, routinely collected data from the Danish Hernia Database, which was linked with the National Patient Registry. We included patients ≥ 18 years old, undergoing Lichtenstein hernia repair with information on nerve handling of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves.

Results

We included 30,911 open hernia repairs performed between 2012 and 2022. The ilioinguinal nerve was identified in 73% of the repairs and the iliohypogastric nerve in 66% of repairs. Both nerves were spared in more than 94% of cases where they were identified. Female patient sex, emergency and recurrence surgery, general anesthesia, medial and saddle hernias, and large defect size all result in lower nerve identification rates for both nerves.

Conclusion

The Ilioinguinal nerve was recognized in 73% of cases, while the iliohypogastric nerve was recognized in 66% with almost all identified nerves being spared during surgery. Several pre- and intraoperative factors influenced identification rates of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve.
Exchanging information in cooperative software validation
Authors: Haltermann Jan , Wehrheim Heike
Published: March 2024

Cooperative software validation aims at having verification and/or testing tools cooperate on the task of correctness checking. Cooperation involves the exchange of information about currently achieved results in the form of (verification) artifacts. These artifacts are typically specialized to the type of analysis performed by the tool, e.g., bounded model checking, abstract interpretation or symbolic execution, and hence require the definition of a new artifact for every new cooperation to be built. In this article, we introduce a unified artifact (called Generalized Information Exchange Automaton, short GIA) supporting the cooperation of over-approximating with under-approximating analyses. It provides information gathered by an analysis to its partner in a cooperation, independent of the type of analysis and usage context within software validation. We provide a formal definition of this artifact in the form of an automaton together with two operators on GIAs. The first operation reduces a program by excluding these parts, where the information that they are already processed is encoded in the GIA. The second operation combines partial results from two GIAs into a single on. We show that computed analysis results are never lost when connecting tools via these operations. To experimentally demonstrate the feasibility, we have implemented two such cooperation: one for verification and one for testing. The obtained results show the feasibility of our novel artifact in different contexts of cooperative software validation, in particular how the new artifact is able to overcome some drawbacks of existing artifacts.
Do the rain calls of Chaffinches indicate rain?
Authors: de Framond Léna , Müller Rebecca , Feuerriegel Luca , Brumm Henrik
Published: March 2024

For more than 300 years, the rain call of the Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) has been thought to herald rain—hence the name. However, the biological function of this vocalisation still remains unknown. Because rain calls are produced only by males during the breeding season, it has been suggested that the call serves a territorial function and that it may replace song in adverse situations, such as bad weather. However, it is unclear whether rain calls are linked to precipitation at all. Here, we explored the relationship between the occurrence of rain calls and the weather, based on the hypothesis that rain calls are produced instead of song during rainfall. For that purpose, we conducted three studies on different geographical and temporal scales: a large-scale analysis across Europe (relating 242 audio recordings from the Xeno-Canto archive to weather data) and two observational studies in Germany (one cross-sectional study surveying 509 Chaffinches and one longitudinal study on 49 selected males over a period of two weeks). We found no association between rain calls and rainfall in any of the three datasets (but males tended to produce more rain calls with increasing cloud cover and wind force). However, the occurrence of rain calls varied markedly with the social context, as males were more likely to rain–call in the presence of a female, suggesting a function within the pair bond. Overall, we press for more studies on bird calls, and the rain call (although inappropriately named) appears to be a particularly interesting candidate.
On the Foundations of Computing. Computing as the Fourth Great Domain of Science
Authors: Dodig-Crnkovic Gordana
Published: March 2024

This review essay analyzes the book by Giuseppe Primiero, On the foundations of computing. Oxford: Oxford University Press (ISBN 978-0-19-883564-6/hbk; 978-0-19-883565-3/pbk). xix, 296 p. (2020). It gives a critical view from the perspective of physical computing as a foundation of computing and argues that the neglected pillar of material computation (Stepney) should be brought centerstage and computing recognized as the fourth great domain of science (Denning).
Monthly variation of fatty acids, lipid quality index and metal content of Pontastacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823) in Atikhisar Dam Lake (Çanakkale, Türkiye)
Authors: Berber Selçuk , Acarlı Sefa , Bayraklı Barış , Kale Semih , Kızılkaya Bayram , Vural Pervin , Acarlı Deniz
Published: March 2024

This study aims to investigate the metal content, fatty acid composition, lipid quality, and potential health risks of Pontastacus leptodactylus crayfish inhabiting Atikhisar Dam Lake. The research covers a 12-month period and includes both male and female individuals. The study investigated the metal content of crayfish specimens. In female individuals, the metal concentrations were ranked as Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Mn > Se > As > Hg > Cd > Pb, while in male individuals, the ranking was Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Mn > Se > As > Hg > Pb > Cd. The results demonstrate that Atherogenicity Index (AI) values for both genders range between 0.21 and 0.31, and Thrombogenicity Index (TI) values fall within 0.14 and 0.20. This indicates that crayfish meat is composed of healthy and high-quality fatty acids. In male individuals, omega-3 values range from 25.28 ± 0.380% to 28.34 ± 0.430%, and in female individuals, they vary from 22.98 ± 0.195% to 28.73 ± 0.871%. These findings underscore the absence of significant health risks associated with mercury levels in crayfish meat. Monthly meal calculations reveal that consuming female crayfish at an average of 4.35 servings per month for adults and 2.24 servings per month for children presents no health hazards. Similarly, the consumption of crayfish meat at an average of 5.29 servings per month for adult males and 2.72 servings per month for male children is deemed safe for health. Based on these results, the lipid quality of both male and female individuals from this species is found to be beneficial, as confirmed by risk–benefit assessments.
Adapted generative latent diffusion models for accurate pathological analysis in chest X-ray images
Authors: Morís Daniel I. , Moura Joaquim de , Novo Jorge , Ortega Marcos
Published: March 2024

Respiratory diseases have a significant global impact, and assessing these conditions is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Chest X-ray is widely used for diagnosis, but expert evaluation can be challenging. Automatic computer-aided diagnosis methods can provide support for clinicians in these tasks. Deep learning has emerged as a set of algorithms with exceptional potential in such tasks. However, these algorithms require a vast amount of data, often scarce in medical imaging domains. In this work, a new data augmentation methodology based on adapted generative latent diffusion models is proposed to improve the performance of an automatic pathological screening in two high-impact scenarios: tuberculosis and lung nodules. The methodology is evaluated using three publicly available datasets, representative of real-world settings. An ablation study obtained the highest-performing image generation model configuration regarding the number of training steps. The results demonstrate that the novel set of generated images can improve the performance of the screening of these two highly relevant pathologies, obtaining an accuracy of 97.09%, 92.14% in each dataset of tuberculosis screening, respectively, and 82.19% in lung nodules. The proposal notably improves on previous image generation methods for data augmentation, highlighting the importance of the contribution in these critical public health challenges.

Graphical abstract
The effect of social proximity, attribution, and guilt on accepting dysfunctional customer behavior
Authors: Tomazelli Joana Boesche , Rohden Simoni F. , Espartel Lélis Balestrin
Published: March 2024

This study examines how construal levels affect the acceptability of dysfunctional customer behavior following service failure in restaurants. Across three experimental studies with online panel respondents (n = 555), we found that consumers feeling psychologically close to service providers are less likely to deem deviant actions acceptable. This stems from the trust they place in socially close service providers and their perceptions of failure controllability. Additionally, anticipated guilt plays a pivotal role in reducing the acceptability of dysfunctional behavior, particularly when seen as opportunistic. Our findings have implications for both academics and managers in understanding and addressing customer behavior post-service failures.
Room temperature oxidation of gaseous formaldehyde over silver-doped manganese oxide catalyst
Authors: Badshah Munzar , Mehdi Shozab , Alam Kamran , Khan Khurram Imran , Abbas Imran , Iezzi Lorenzo , Segneri Valentina , Stoller Marco
Published: March 2024

A wide amount of existing building materials and consumables contains formaldehyde (HCHO) that may be released as a gas even after installation. The produced gas may concentrate in housing and offices, leading to a long-term exposure of the occupants. Living in such an environment, even at low concentrations less than 0.5 ppm, may lead to carcinogenic effects and damages of the human central nervous system. As a consequence, the development of methods that oxidize and neutralize the formaldehyde at ambient temperature is welcome. The catalytic oxidation method at ambient temperature is preferred over other available techniques due to its ease of operation and high efficiency. In this work, different weight percentages, ranging from 1 up to 5%, of silver-doped manganese oxides (Ag/MnOx) were synthesized by a co-precipitation process followed by a calcination at 450 °C for 4 h. The XRD and BET analysis results show that the sample at 4% wt of Ag doped in the MnOx matrix exhibit highest crystallinity, surface area and highest dispersion values, very near to theoretical ones. The removal performance of HCHO was tested in a silicon wool bed continuous flow reactor characterized by an inner diameter of 4 mm and a length of 12.5 cm. At ambient temperature a removal efficiency and an amount of produced CO2 of 94% and 66%, respectively.
Critical care management of acute intoxications, dynamics and changes over time: a cohort study
Authors: Reisinger Alexander Christian , Schneider Nikolaus , Schreiber Nikolaus , Janisch Martina , Rauch Ines , Kaufmann Peter , Wünsch Gerrit , Eller Philipp , Hackl Gerald
Published: March 2024

Acute intoxications and poisonings are a relevant cause for ICU admission of critically ill patients. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of intoxicated patients in a tertiary center medical ICU in Austria over time and to investigate parameters associated with ICU mortality. This study was a retrospective data analysis including adult ICU patients from the years 2007 to 2021. In addition to ICU documentation, pre-hospital, and emergency department documents as well as autopsy reports were utilized. In an exploratory subanalysis, we compared these findings to a historical dataset from our facility from 1992 to 1996. We identified 581 cases admitted to the medical ICU because of acute poisoning (2007–2021), of which 45% were female and 46.6% were mixed intoxications. Suicidal intent was the primary cause of intoxication (48.2%) and ICU length of stay was median 1.2 days. The majority of deceased patients received pre-hospital mechanical CPR. Primary and secondary poison/toxin removal modalities were used in 29.9% and 11.7% of cases, whereas antidotes were administered in 54.4%. Comparing the data with a historical cohort (n = 168), we found a shift in primary detoxification away from gastric lavage and an increase in alternative secondary poison/toxin removal techniques. The ICU mortality was 4.1% and 4.2% in the present and historic cohort, respectively. Pre-existing psychiatric illnesses increased from 49% in the historic to 69% in the present cohort. Psychiatric illness predisposes patients to severe intoxications necessitating ICU care, thus increasing prevention measures seems warranted. Females did present with a different spectrum of intoxications compared to males. ICU mortality remained low over time and most deceased patients had a grim prognosis already on ICU arrival.