bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion Mobility in Crystalline Battery Materials
Authors: Sotoudeh Mohsen , Baumgart Sebastian , Dillenz Manuel , Döhn Johannes , Forster‐Tonigold Katrin , Helmbrecht Katharina , Stottmeister Daniel , Groß Axel
Published: November 2023

Ion mobility in electrolytes and electrodes is an important performance parameter in electrochemical devices, particularly in batteries. In this review, the authors concentrate on the charge carrier mobility in crystalline battery materials where the diffusion basically corresponds to hopping processes between lattice sites. However, in spite of the seeming simplicity of the migration process in crystalline materials, the factors governing mobility in these materials are still debated. There are well‐accepted factors contributing to the ion mobility such as the size and the charge of the ions, but they are not sufficient to yield a complete picture of ion mobility. In this review, possible factors influencing ion mobility in crystalline battery materials are critically discussed. To gain insights into these factors, chemical trends in batteries, both as far as the charge carriers as well as the host materials are concerned, are discussed. Furthermore, fundamental questions, for example, about the nature of the migrating charge carriers, are also addressed.
Brain versus bot: Distinguishing letters of recommendation authored by humans compared with artificial intelligence
Authors: Preiksaitis Carl , Nash Christopher , Gottlieb Michael , Chan Teresa M. , Alvarez Al'ai , Landry Adaira
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Letters of recommendation (LORs) are essential within academic medicine, affecting a number of important decisions regarding advancement, yet these letters take significant amounts of time and labor to prepare. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, are gaining popularity for a variety of academic writing tasks and offer an innovative solution to relieve the burden of letter writing. It is yet to be determined if ChatGPT could aid in crafting LORs, particularly in high‐stakes contexts like faculty promotion. To determine the feasibility of this process and whether there is a significant difference between AI and human‐authored letters, we conducted a study aimed at determining whether academic physicians can distinguish between the two.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental study was conducted using a single‐blind design. Academic physicians with experience in reviewing LORs were presented with LORs for promotion to associate professor, written by either humans or AI. Participants reviewed LORs and identified the authorship. Statistical analysis was performed to determine accuracy in distinguishing between human and AI‐authored LORs. Additionally, the perceived quality and persuasiveness of the LORs were compared based on suspected and actual authorship.

Results

A total of 32 participants completed letter review. The mean accuracy of distinguishing between human‐ versus AI‐authored LORs was 59.4%. The reviewer's certainty and time spent deliberating did not significantly impact accuracy. LORs suspected to be human‐authored were rated more favorably in terms of quality and persuasiveness. A difference in gender‐biased language was observed in our letters: human‐authored letters contained significantly more female‐associated words, while the majority of AI‐authored letters tended to use more male‐associated words.

Conclusions

Participants were unable to reliably differentiate between human‐ and AI‐authored LORs for promotion. AI may be able to generate LORs and relieve the burden of letter writing for academicians. New strategies, policies, and guidelines are needed to balance the benefits of AI while preserving integrity and fairness in academic promotion decisions.
Gain Assisted Raman Induced Classical and Quantum Talbot Imaging
Authors: Abbas Muqaddar , Wenzhang Liu , Zhang Yong‐Chang , Cong Nan , Zhang Pei
Published: November 2023

2D Raman generated classical and quantum Talbot imaging is proposed in a three‐level gain assisted system. First, a 2D Raman induced grating (RIG) will be constructed by modulating transmission function in the weak probe channel using a strong control standing wave field. Furthermore, RIG will diffract a probe field, by shining a probing light beam on an optically generated lattice within a rubidium vapor cell. This study uses gain assisted Raman medium [Nature 406, 277 (2000)] to examine classical and quantum Talbot imaging. In the case of Raman‐induced classical imaging, the diffraction pattern repeats itself at planes with integer multiple Talbot lengths. Additionally, by taking into account entangled photon pairs, the scenario of Raman‐induced quantum imaging is investigated. This study also looks at the RIG's amplitude and phase information with adjustable image size variation. As a result of the gain feature and zero absorption, this system is anticipated to be more suitable from the perspective of application. This analysis may pave the way for further research into the Talbot effect's nonlinear and quantum dynamical properties. Also, it provide a non‐destructive, lensless method for imaging very cold atoms or molecules.
Emmy Noether and Her Theorems
Authors: Rowe David E.
Published: November 2023

Today Noether's principal theorem occupies a prominent place in theoretical physics, though for a long time its significance was largely overlooked. Even now, relatively few physicists realize that Emmy Noether's original paper from 1918 contains two fundamental theorems. Moreover, both theorems are essential for understanding her original motivation, namely to distinguish between proper and improper conservation laws in physics.
Review of the cellulose acetate peel method and the physical and digital curation of coal balls
Authors: Lakeram Scott R. , Elrick Scott , Punyasena Surangi W.
Published: November 2023

Coal balls, in which fossil plants are preserved in permineralized peat deposits, have widely been described from coal deposits representing the tropical forest of the Carboniferous. Coal ball preparation techniques have evolved over the past century, with the cellulose acetate peel method becoming the standard in the 1950s. While coal ball research is not as active as it has been in the past, large collections of coal balls and their respective peels still form a large part of many museum and university collections. This contribution aims to review coal ball preparation methods, curation, and the digital archiving of peels to create a cohesive guide for researchers working with coal balls and other petrified plant material. The physical and digital curation of cellulose acetate peels and other types of coal ball specimens is critical for long‐term preservation and accessibility. Physical curation involves embedding coal balls in media to slow pyrite deterioration. Digital curation creates high‐resolution scans of peels, which can be shared and accessed online. Cellulose acetate peels and their digital curation are a valuable and accessible technique for the analysis of coal balls, and physical and digital curation ensures long‐term preservation.
Does camouflaging predict age at autism diagnosis?Acomparison of autistic men and women
Authors: Milner Victoria , Colvert Emma , Hull Laura , Cook Julia , Ali Dorota , Mandy William , Happé Francesca
Published: November 2023

It is frequently reported that females are likely to receive an autism diagnosis at a later age than their male counterparts, despite similar levels of autistic traits. It has been suggested that this delay in diagnosis may in part reflect the propensity of females, more than males, to engage in camouflaging behaviors that reduce the appearance of autism‐related traits. This article presents two studies which examined the relationship between gender/sex, camouflaging, and age at diagnosis in two samples of (cis‐gender) autistic adults. Study 1 included data from three online samples including 242 autistic men and 570 autistic women aged 18–75 years. Study 2 included data from a longitudinal population‐based sample including 24 autistic men and 35 autistic women aged 20–24 years. Camouflaging was measured with the self‐report Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT‐Q). Overall, the results showed that, on average, females were diagnosed later than males. There was a stronger relationship between camouflaging and age at autism diagnosis (AaD) for females, compared with males. Within sample one, there was a significant camouflaging‐by‐sex interaction; high‐camouflaging females had a later AaD. The role of autistic traits and changes in attitudes towards female autism and camouflaging need further exploration. These findings highlight the need for greater clinician and key stakeholder awareness and understanding of camouflaging behavior, particularly for females, during the diagnostic process.
De novo Semi‐Synthetic Platform for Monitoring Protein degradation in Live Cells
Authors: Hasan Mahdi , Panda Deepanjan , Mann Guy , Brik Ashraf
Published: November 2023

We designed a platform for monitoring the degradation of exogenous proteins in live cells. We engineered a semi‐synthetic platform, which consists of Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein tagged with SpyCatcher to enable its conjugation to a SpyTag peptide bearing a Von Hippel–Lindau E3 ligand, which was delivered to live cells to promote its degradation. This platform lays the ground for studying the degradation of endogenous proteins equipped with SpyTag and for tracking the degradation of post‐translationally modified proteins in live cells.
Low Ti Additions to Stabilize Ru‐Ir Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lahn Leopold , Mingers Andrea M. , Savan Alan , Ludwig Alfred , Kasian Olga
Published: November 2023

Anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) challenges large scale application of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) due to sluggish kinetics, high overpotential and extremely corrosive environment. While Ir oxides currently provide the best balance between activity and stability, the scarcity of Ir and corresponding high market price lead to poor cost‐benefit factors. Mixing Ir with more stable non‐precious Ti reduces the noble metal loading and may implicate stabilization, while addition of more catalytically active Ru ensures a high reaction rate. Here, we examine the activity‐stability behavior of Ru‐Ir‐Ti thin film material libraries with low Ti‐content under the OER conditions. The high sensitivity to the dissolution of the individual alloy components was achieved by using online and off‐line inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) analysis. Our data reveal that even low Ti additions improve the stability of Ru‐Ir catalysts without sacrificing activity. In particular, 5 at. % of Ti enable stability increase of Ir in the Ru‐Ir catalyst by a factor of 3. Moreover, this catalyst exhibits higher activity compared to the Ti‐free Ru‐Ir alloys with similar Ir content. Observed activity‐stability trends are discussed in light of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data.
Diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis in an unruptured hepatocellular carcinoma on ascitic fluid cytology: A rare scenario with brief review of literature
Authors: Salman Syed Saad , Thirunavukkarasu Balamurugan , Yadav Rajni , Chauhan Vishal Singh , Peddinti Raja Shekar , Shalimar  , Gamanagatti Shivanand
Published: November 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy in adults occurring in a background of cirrhosis. Peritoneal dissemination of HCC is an unusual presentation with an incidence of 2%–16%. Peritoneal metastasis of an unruptured HCC is extremely uncommon. Despite low yield, ascitic fluid cytology serves as a valuable tool for diagnostic evaluation in a patient of cirrhosis with suspicion of malignant transformation. We present a rare case scenario in an elderly female with cirrhosis where the diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis was established on ascitic fluid cytology and confirmed by immunocytochemistry. This report illustrates the unique clinical presentation of an unruptured HCC with its cytological features and a brief review of literature.
Identity, positioning, and platforms: A case study of an older job seeker in a community technology center
Authors: Kobrin Jennifer D'haem
Published: November 2023

Requests by education and workforce‐related technologies to reveal intimate aspects of adult learners' identities have become a common practice in a platform society, where personal information is monetized for “free” products and services. This article uses a sociomaterial lens to investigate how an older job seeker in a community technology center positioned her identity in and through a variety of literacy practices as she engaged with technology platforms in her job search. Drawing from data gathered over a 5‐month period with this job seeker as part of a larger ethnographic case study, this article shows the centrality of identity production in navigating and making sense of technologies, which entails negotiating one's sense of self across both front‐end user interfaces and back‐end infrastructures. Practical implications include creating space for students' critical agency of platforms, which can lead to meaningful change in policies related to data collection.
An experimental examination of the dry drilling machinability features of cellular glass‐filled new‐generation metallic composite foams
Authors: Bolat C. , Ergene B. , Akgun I. C. , Karakilinc U. , Goksenli A.
Published: November 2023

On the way to the real industrial applications of the metal matrix composite foams, the machining issue is highly critical in terms of dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and design diversity. Therefore, especially for lightweight automotive and aerospace components, the drilling machinability properties of cellular glass‐added aluminum composite foams were examined in this paper, and this is the first initiative in the literature specific to millimeter‐scale glass and aluminum‐zinc matrix combination. To comprehend the drilling properties, the outputs of thrust force, cylindricity, material removal rate, specific cutting coefficient, circularity error, damage factor, surface roughness, and chip formation were measured elaboratively. The results showed that cylindricity and damage factor of foams elevated with the increased feed rates (from 0.05 mm×rev−1 to 0.2 mm×rev−1) and cutting speeds (from 25 m×min−1 to 100 m×min−1). Maximum thrust force value reached up to 150 N for 0.2 mm×rev−1 feed and 25 m×min−1 cutting speed. Besides, specific cutting coefficient values ranged between 360 MPa and 114 MPa. The highest surface roughness of 58.3 μm was obtained with the lowest cutting speed of 25 m×min−1, and the long/continuous chip structure converted into a separate/short structure based on rising feed and cutting speeds.
Theoretical analysis of various permeation models for gas transport through a covalent organic framework (COF) mixed matrix membrane
Authors: Bin Mahfouz A. S. , Nasir R. , Mannan H. A. , Abdulrahman A. , Bt Mohshim D. F.
Published: November 2023

Modeling and theoretical description of gas transport through mixed matrix membranes synthesized by including a covalent organic framework are essential for the efficient design of these membranes. This paper reports a theoretical analysis of various permeation models for gas transport through covalent organic framework‐based mixed matrix membranes. The existing models, such as Bruggeman, Maxwell, and Lewis Nielson, were analyzed. The Maxwell model calculated the permeation through voids and filler by considering interfacial defects in the covalent organic framework mixed matrix membrane's structure. Hence, dual Maxwell model was used to estimate gas transport through mixed matrix membranes. The percentage absolute average relative error of the dual Maxwell model was found to be less than 4 %. The results suggest that the dual Maxwell model effectively describes gas transport through a covalent organic framework mixed matrix membrane.
Finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamic study of hybrid composite‐based offshore wind turbines
Authors: Appadurai M. , Irudaya Raj E. Fantin , Thanu M. Chithambara , Pushparaj T. Lurthu
Published: November 2023

Offshore wind turbines are utilized for wind power harvesting through wind farms installed in bodies of water, normally at sea. The blades of the wind turbine resist the airflow and rotate and generate useful mechanical energy. Most of these wind blades are made of synthetic glass and carbon fibers. Synthetic fiber has higher mechanical strength but is non‐biodegradable in nature. The hybrid synthetic and natural composite materials overcome the non‐biodegradable issues to a certain extent and exhibit higher mechanical strength. In this prelude, the present work utilizes sisal, jute and rubber with epoxy‐based hybrid material used for wind blade manufacturing. The hybrid composite materials used in the present work have the volume fraction of synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and resin as 40 %, and 30 %, respectively. CATIA modelling software package is utilized to design the three‐dimensional model of the wind blade and is imported into the ANSYS Workbench. The structural, harmonic, and modal analyses are carried out, and the performance of the wind blades made of different hybrid composite materials is compared. Further, the computational fluid dynamic study is carried out to visualize the proposed composite offshore wind turbine's flow distribution. The results revealed that the proposed hybrid glass/jute/epoxy composite material yields better results and is more suited for offshore wind blade manufacturing.
The unmet rehabilitation needs of colorectal cancer survivors after surgery: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Yi Yingying , Yang Yinhao , Shi Xixi , Yang Xueqin
Published: November 2023

Aim

To systematically review and synthesize the findings of qualitative research on the unmet rehabilitation needs of colorectal cancer survivors (CRC) after surgery.

Design

A qualitative meta‐synthesis registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022368837).

Methods

CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Medline, PsychINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched for qualitative studies on the rehabilitation needs of CRC survivors after surgery from the inception of each database to September 2022.

Results

A total of 917 relevant reports were initially collected and 14 studies were finally included. A total of 49 needs were extracted and divided into 15 categories in 6 integrated findings: (1) the need to adopt healthy eating habits; (2) the need for exercise motivation and exercise guidance; (3) the conflicting needs to return to work; (4) unaddressed physiological needs; (5) spiritual needs; (6) the need for multi‐dimensional social support.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable.
Importance of early weight loss and other predictors of lower weight loss in a commercial program: A secondary data analysis
Authors: Coleman Christopher D. , Kiel Jessica R. , Guarneiri Liana L. , Bell Marjorie , Wilcox Meredith L. , Maki Kevin C. , Unick Jessica L. , Jonnalagadda Satya S.
Published: November 2023

Objective

There is substantial inter‐individual variability in response to weight loss interventions and emerging evidence suggests that weight loss during the early weeks of an intervention may be predictive of longer‐term weight loss. This secondary analysis of data from a commercial program therefore examined 1) the associations between early weight loss (i.e., week 4) with final visit weight loss and duration on the program, and 2) other predictors of lower weight loss at final visit.

Methods

Client charts of adults with overweight or obesity (N = 748) were analyzed. Clients were stratified into categories of weight loss at the week 4 (< and ≥2%, 3% and 4%) and final visits (< and ≥5% and 10%). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess predictors of <5% and <10% final visit weight loss.

Results

The odds ratios for losing <5% or <10% of weight at the final visit were higher (49.0 (95% CI: 13.84, 173.63) and 20.1 (95% CI: 6.96, 58.06)) for clients who lost <2% or <3% compared to those who lost ≥2% or ≥3% at week 4. Other predictors of not losing a clinically relevant amount of weight included female sex, use of higher calorie meal plans and shorter time in the program, among others. Those who lost ≥2% at week 4 also had a significantly greater percent program completion (109.2 ± 75.2% vs. 82.3 ± 82.4, p < 0.01) compared with those who did not meet the 2% threshold.

Conclusions

Lower 4‐week weight loss was identified as a strong predictor of not losing a clinically relevant amount of weight. These results may be useful for the early identification of individuals who can be targeted for additional counseling and support to aid in attaining weight loss goals.
Teaching Tracheostomy Tube Changes: Comparison of Operant Learning Versus Traditional Demonstration
Authors: Schiff Elliot , Ma Anthony , Cheung Tracy , Tawfik Marc‐Mina , Ference Ryan S. , Weinstock Michael S. , Martin Levy I. , Yang Christina J.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Tracheostomy tube change is a multistep skill that must be performed rapidly and precisely. Despite the critical importance of this skill, there is wide variation in teaching protocols.

Methods

An innovative operant conditioning teaching methodology was employed and compared to traditional educational techniques. Medical student volunteers at a tertiary care academic institution (Albert Einstein College of Medicine) were recruited and randomly distributed into 2 groups: operant vs traditional (control). Following the educational session, each group was provided with practice time and then asked to perform 10 tracheostomy tube changes. Performance was recorded and scored by blinded raters using deidentified video recordings.

Results

The operant learning group (OLG) demonstrated greater accuracy in performing a tracheostomy tube change than the traditional demonstration group. Twelve of 13 operant learners performed the skill accurately each time compared to 3 of 13 in the traditional group (P = 0.002). The median lesson time was longer for the OLG (535 seconds) than for the traditional group, (200 seconds P < 0.001). The average time per tracheostomy change was not significantly different between the 2 groups (operant learners mean 7.1 seconds, traditional learners mean 7.5 seconds, P = 0.427).

Discussion

Although the operant conditioning methodology necessarily requires a greater time to teach, the results support this methodology over traditional learning modalities as it enhances accuracy in the acquired skill. Operant learning methodology is under consideration for other skills and education sessions in our program. Future steps include the application and adaptation of this education model to students and residents in other settings and fields.

Implications for Practice

Operant learning is effective for teaching multistep skills such as tracheostomy tube changes with decreased error rates.
Blockchain + Radiotherapy: The Scenarios of the 5G‐Enabled Smart Radiotherapy Era
Authors: Zhu Jian , Yu Jinming
Published: November 2023

In cancer radiotherapy (RT), each step can be digitalized, from CT simulation, planning, dose verification, and image guidance to treatment delivery. Therefore, RT may be the most digitized discipline in the field of internal medicine. Then, questions arise. What potential development opportunities does the development of network transmission technologies, such as blockchain and 5G, provide to promote the progress of tumor RT? What will the future of smart RT (SART) look like? The purpose of this article is to introduce briefly the main characteristics of blockchain and 5G transmission technologies and share ideas to imagine the “tomorrow” of smart RT, hoping to provide a more accurate, safe, and comfortable RT experience for patients in the future.
Ethical considerations of using system dynamics in participatory settings: a social‐ecological‐systems perspective
Authors: Amorocho‐Daza Henry , van der Zaag Pieter , Sušnik Janez
Published: November 2023

The social‐ecological systems (SES) approach elicits a broad understanding of some of the most pressing socionatural challenges (e.g. resource scarcity, biodiversity loss, and climate change) and the responsibility that humans have in addressing them. System dynamics has proven a powerful paradigm for dealing with complex SES‐related issues. Here we discuss some ethical considerations of using system dynamics (SD) to model SES, something that is often either overlooked or discussed as an isolated issue. Sustainable development and human rights are used as ethical standpoints across the modelling cycle, opening the discussion around guiding principles that need to be considered when modelling SES. Based on these, a set of guiding ethical questions are identified and classified across a participatory SD modelling cycle. This structured approach is a simple yet potentially useful tool for SD practitioners to examine the ethical implications of their modelling endeavours in the context of grand societal challenges. © 2023 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Silicon Radical‐Induced CH4 Dissociation for Uniform Graphene Coating on Silica Surface
Authors: Pirabul Kritin , Zhao Qi , Pan Zheng‐Ze , Liu Hongyu , Itoh Mutsuhiro , Izawa Kenichi , Kawai Makoto , Crespo‐Otero Rachel , Di Tommaso Devis , Nishihara Hirotomo
Published: November 2023

Due to the manufacturability of highly well‐defined structures and wide‐range versatility in its microstructure, SiO2 is an attractive template for synthesizing graphene frameworks with the desired pore structure. However, its intrinsic inertness constrains the graphene formation via methane chemical vapor deposition. This work overcomes this challenge by successfully achieving uniform graphene coating on a trimethylsilyl‐modified SiO2 (denote TMS‐MPS). Remarkably, the onset temperature for graphene growth dropped to 720 °C for the TMS‐MPS, as compared to the 885 °C of the pristine SiO2. This is found to be mainly from the Si radicals formed from the decomposition of the surface TMS groups. Both experimental and computational results suggest a strong catalytic effect of the Si radicals on the CH4 dissociation. The surface engineering of SiO2 templates facilitates the synthesis of high‐quality graphene sheets. As a result, the graphene‐coated SiO2 composite exhibits a high electrical conductivity of 0.25 S cm−1. Moreover, the removal of the TMP‐MPS template has released a graphene framework that replicates the parental TMS‐MPS template on both micro‐ and nano‐ scales. This study provides tremendous insights into graphene growth chemistries as well as establishes a promising methodology for synthesizing graphene‐based materials with pre‐designed microstructures and porosity.
Heterostructured MoO3 Anchored Defect‐Rich NiFe‐LDH/NF as a Robust Self‐Supporting Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Jiang Hualin , Yu Yunjie , Duan Xueqing , Chen Pinghua , Wang Shuai , Qiu Xianhua , Ye Long , Tu Xinman
Published: November 2023

The rational design of inexpensive metal electrocatalysts with exciting catalytic activity for overall water splitting (OWS) remains a significant challenge. Heterostructures of NiFe layered double hydroxides (NiFe‐LDHs) with abundant oxygen defects and tunable electronic properties have garnered considerable attention. Here, a self‐supporting heterostructured catalyst (named MoO3/NiFe‐NF) is synthesized via a hydrothermal method to grow NiFe‐LDH with oxygen vacancies (OV) in situ on inexpensive nickel foam (NF). Subsequently, MoO3 is anchored and grown on the surface of NiFe‐LDH by electrodeposition. The obtained catalysts achieved outstanding oxygen/hydrogen evolution reaction (OER/HER, 212 mV/85 mV@10 mA cm−2) performance in 1 m KOH. Additionally, when MoO3/NiFe‐NF is utilized as the cathode and anode in OWS, a current density of 10 mA cm−2 can be obtained as an ultralow battery voltage of 1.43 V, a significantly lower value compared to the commercial electrolyzer incorporating Pt/C and IrO2 electrode materials. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and advanced spectroscopy technology are conducted to reveal the effects of heterojunctions and OV on the internal electronic structure of the electrical catalysts. Mainly, the present study provides a novel tactic for the rational design of remarkable, low‐cost NiFe‐LDH electrocatalysts with heterostructures for OWS.
Fetal premature atrial contractions: natural course, risk factors and adverse outcome
Authors: Bet B. B. , Eijsbroek F. C. , van Leeuwen E. , Linskens I. H. , Knobbe I. , Clur S. A. , Pajkrt E.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Fetal premature atrial contractions (PAC) are usually benign but may be associated with congenital heart defect (CHD) and tachyarrhythmia, which in turn carry a risk of cardiac failure and fetal death. We aimed to explore the frequency of adverse outcome and to identify risk factors for tachyarrhythmia in pregnancies complicated by fetal PAC.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of fetuses diagnosed with PAC at two academic centers in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, between 2007 and 2022. Cases with a congenital anomaly and those with a prior diagnosis of CHD or other arrhythmias were excluded. M‐mode and Doppler tracings were reanalyzed and the frequency of PAC was recorded. The incidence of the following adverse outcomes was examined: underlying CHD not identified at the 20‐week fetal anomaly scan, tachyarrhythmia, other arrhythmia, administration of antiarrhythmic therapy and death. Risk factors for tachyarrhythmia were analyzed using odds ratios (OR).

Results

In 24.1% of 1439 referred cases, PAC resolved before confirmation at the fetal medicine unit (FMU). Of the 939 included cases with confirmed PAC, the total incidence of adverse outcome was 6.8% (64/939). CHD was diagnosed in 14 (1.5% (95% CI, 0.9–2.5%)) cases, of which eight were diagnosed prenatally and six postnatally. Compared with baseline, the incidence of CHD was higher in the presence of fetal PAC (OR, 1.8 (95% CI, 1.0–3.3); P = 0.034). Tachyarrhythmia occurred prenatally and/or postnatally in 32 (3.4%) cases, of which eight (25.0%) showed signs of cardiac failure, and in 23 (71.9%) cases, antiarrhythmic therapy was required. No cases of tachyarrhythmia led to fetal or infant death. Risk factors for tachyarrhythmia were PAC with short runs of supraventricular tachycardia (OR, 98.7), blocked PAC (OR, 30.3), PAC in bigeminy (OR, 21.8), frequent PAC (one per 5–10 beats) (OR, 6.9), signs of cardiac failure (OR, 14.2) and the presence of a foramen ovale aneurysm (OR, 5.0).

Conclusions

PAC are generally benign and often resolve spontaneously. However, fetuses with an irregular heart rhythm should be referred for advanced ultrasonography, which should focus on classifying the type of PAC and risk of adverse outcome. When risk factors for tachyarrhythmia are identified, weekly fetal heart‐rate monitoring is advised until resolution of the PAC. In the absence of risk factors, standard obstetric care may be sufficient, with additional instructions to report reduced fetal movements. Should tachyarrhythmia or cardiac failure develop, referral back to the FMU is indicated. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Model building by coset space dimensional reduction scheme using eight-dimensional coset spaces
Authors: Asai Kento , Sato Joe , Suda Ryosuke , Takanishi Yasutaka , Yang Masaki J. S.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We investigate the twelve-dimensional gauge-Higgs unification models with an eight- dimensional coset space as the extra space. For each model, we apply the coset space dimensional reduction procedure and examine the particle contents of the resulting four-dimensional theory. All combinations of inputs to the procedure are exhaustively analyzed under several assumptions. As a result, some twelve-dimensional SO(18) gauge theories lead to models of the SO(10) × U(1) grand unified theory in four dimensions, where fermions of the Standard Model appear in multiple generations along with scalars that may break the electroweak symmetry. The representations of the obtained scalars and fermions are summarized.
Phylogeographic analysis points toward invasion of the Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote; Canary Islands) by a translocated native plant (Rumex lunaria)
Authors: González Carracedo Mario A. , Hernández Ferrer Mariano , Cabrera Raimundo , Bernardos María , Pérez Pérez José A.
Published: November 2023

Rumex lunaria is an endemic shrub of the Canary Islands, which is colonizing the Timanfaya National Park (TNP) in Lanzarote. Whether the arrival of R. lunaria to Lanzarote has been natural or by human intervention is still a matter of debate. To address this question, 100 specimens of R. lunaria were collected from the seven main Canary Islands, and genetic analysis of four chloroplast DNA loci were performed, covering a total length of 4809 nucleotide positions. Multiple alignments revealed 49 nucleotide substitutions, which define 30 different haplotypes. Island-specific haplotypes were found in Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and Gran Canaria, with the greatest diversity found in the first island. Interestingly, the unique haplotype detected in El Hierro is shared with almost all plants from Lanzarote (95%), including all individuals sampled in the TNP. The most frequent haplotype present in Gran Canaria was detected in only one sample from Lanzarote (5%). These results were corroborated by a robust phylogenetic analysis, which supports the hypothesis of a common origin of R. lunaria populations from El Hierro and the vast majority of those from Lanzarote. In addition, this study rules out the genetic singularity of the R. lunaria specimens that are colonizing the TNP.
Role of the hydrolytic-acidogenic phase on the removal of bisphenol A and sildenafil during anaerobic treatment
Authors: Arcila-Saenz Jennifer , Hincapié-Mejía Gina , Londoño-Cañas Yudy Andrea , Peñuela Gustavo A.
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the main results of the removal of two pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), bisphenol A (BPA) and sildenafil (SDF), by applying anaerobic biological batch tests. The biomass used was previously acclimatized and the experiment lasted 28 days. The effect of factors such as compound (BPA and SDF), concentration and type of inoculum was assessed, considering the factorial experimental design. The results indicated that evaluated factors did not significantly affect the PPCPs elimination in the evaluated range with a confidence level of 95%. On the other hand, the removal percentages obtained with BPA were mainly related to mechanisms, such as sorption and abiotic reactions. Regarding SDF, biodegradation was the predominant mechanism of removal under the experimental conditions of this study; however, the degradation of SDF was partial, with percentages lower than 43% in the tests with hydrolytic/acidogenic inoculum (H/A) and lower than 41% in the tests with methanogenic inoculum (MET). Finally, these findings indicated that hydrolysis/acidogenesis phase is a main contributor to SDF biodegradation in anaerobic digestion. The study provides a starting point for future research that seeks to improve treatment systems to optimize the removal of pollutants from different water sources.
Students’ Acceptance of ChatGPT in Higher Education: An Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology
Authors: Strzelecki Artur
Published: November 2023

AI-powered chat technology is an emerging topic worldwide, particularly in areas such as education, research, writing, publishing, and authorship. This study aims to explore the factors driving students' acceptance of ChatGPT in higher education. The study employs the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) theoretical model, with an extension of Personal innovativeness, to verify the Behavioral intention and Use behavior of ChatGPT by students. The study uses data from a sample of 503 Polish state university students. The PLS-SEM method is utilized to test the model. Results indicate that Habit has the most significant impact (0.339) on Behavioral intention, followed by Performance expectancy (0.260), and Hedonic motivation (0.187). Behavioral intention has the most significant effect (0.424) on Use behavior, followed by Habit (0.255) and Facilitating conditions (0.188). The model explains 72.8% of the Behavioral intention and 54.7% of the Use behavior variance. While the study is limited by the sample size and selection, it is expected to be a starting point for more research on ChatGPT-like technology in university education, given that this is a recently introduced technology.
The Shaman and Schizophrenia, Revisited
Authors: Luhrmann Tanya Marie , Dulin John , Dzokoto Vivian
Published: November 2023

This paper presents evidence that some—but not all—religious experts in a particular faith may have a schizophrenia-like psychotic process which is managed or mitigated by their religious practice, in that they are able to function effectively and are not identified by their community as ill. We conducted careful phenomenological interviews, in conjunction with a novel probe, with okomfo, priests of the traditional religion in Ghana who speak with their gods. They shared common understandings of how priests hear gods speak. Despite this, participants described quite varied personal experiences of the god’s voice. Some reported voices which were auditory and more negative; some seemed to describe trance-like states, sometimes associated with trauma and violence; some seemed to be described sleep-related events; and some seemed to be interpreting ordinary inner speech. These differences in description were supported by the way participants responded to an auditory clip made to simulate the voice-hearing experiences of psychosis and which had been translated into the local language. We suggest that for some individuals, the apprenticeship trained practice of talking with the gods, in conjunction with a non-stigmatizing identity, may shape the content and emotional tone of voices associated with a psychotic process.
Treatment of very elderly glioblastoma patients ≥ 75 years of age: whom to treat
Authors: Baumgarten Peter , Prange Georg , Kamp Marcel A. , Monden Daniel , Neef Vanessa , Schwarzer Franziska , Dubinski Daniel , Dinc Nazife , Weber Katharina J. , Czabanka Markus , Hattingen Elke , Ronellenfitsch Michael W. , Steinbach Joachim P. , Senft Christian
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The prognosis of patients ≥ 75 years suffering from glioblastoma is poor. Novel therapies are usually reserved for patients ≤ 70 years. In an aging population, treatment of very elderly patients remains a challenge.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2018, a total of 977 glioblastoma patients were treated at our institution. Of these, 143 patients were ≥ 75 years at diagnosis. Primary procedure was surgical resection or biopsy followed by adjuvant treatment, whenever possible. We retrospectively investigated overall survival (OS) and potential prognostic factors influencing survival, including Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), surgical therapy, adjuvant therapy as well as MGMT promotor status.

Results

In very elderly patients, median age was 79 years (range: 75–110). Biopsy only was performed in 104 patients; resection was performed in 39 patients. Median OS for the entire cohort was 5.9 months. Univariate analysis showed that KPS at presentation (≥ 70 vs. ≤60), surgery vs. biopsy, adjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy were significantly associated with OS (6 vs. 3, p < 0.0111; 12 vs. 4, p = 0.0011; 11 vs. 4, p = 0.0003 and 10 vs. 1.5 months, p < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed adjuvant radiotherapy (p < 0.0001) and chemotherapy (p = 0.0002) as independent factors influencing OS.

Conclusion

For very elderly patients, the natural course of disease without treatment is devastating. These patients benefit from multimodal treatment including adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A beneficial effect of resection has not been demonstrated. Treatment options and outcomes should be thoughtfully discussed before treatment decisions are made.
Delivery of Neuropsychological Interventions for Adult and Older Adult Clinical Populations: An Australian Expert Working Group Clinical Guidance Paper
Authors: Wong Dana , Pike Kerryn , Stolwyk Rene , Allott Kelly , Ponsford Jennie , McKay Adam , Longley Wendy , Bosboom Pascalle , Hodge Antoinette , Kinsella Glynda , Mowszowski Loren
Published: November 2023

Delivery of neuropsychological interventions addressing the cognitive, psychological, and behavioural consequences of brain conditions is increasingly recognised as an important, if not essential, skill set for clinical neuropsychologists. It has the potential to add substantial value and impact to our role across clinical settings. However, there are numerous approaches to neuropsychological intervention, requiring different sets of skills, and with varying levels of supporting evidence across different diagnostic groups. This clinical guidance paper provides an overview of considerations and recommendations to help guide selection, delivery, and implementation of neuropsychological interventions for adults and older adults. We aimed to provide a useful source of information and guidance for clinicians, health service managers, policy-makers, educators, and researchers regarding the value and impact of such interventions. Considerations and recommendations were developed by an expert working group of neuropsychologists in Australia, based on relevant evidence and consensus opinion in consultation with members of a national clinical neuropsychology body. While the considerations and recommendations sit within the Australian context, many have international relevance. We include (i) principles important for neuropsychological intervention delivery (e.g. being based on biopsychosocial case formulation and person-centred goals); (ii) a description of clinical competencies important for effective intervention delivery; (iii) a summary of relevant evidence in three key cohorts: acquired brain injury, psychiatric disorders, and older adults, focusing on interventions with sound evidence for improving activity and participation outcomes; (iv) an overview of considerations for sustainable implementation of neuropsychological interventions as ‘core business’; and finally, (v) a call to action.
How Does Downstream Firms’ Efficiency Affect Exclusive Supply Agreements?
Authors: Kitamura Hiroshi , Matsushima Noriaki , Sato Misato
Published: November 2023

We develop a bilateral monopoly model with a downstream entrant to examine anticompetitive exclusive supply contracts that prevent the upstream supplier from selling inputs to the downstream entrant. When the entrant is more efficient and needs a lesser amount of the input that is produced by the supplier than does the incumbent, the input demand may not increase significantly following the entry. Therefore, the socially efficient entry does not increase the supplier’s profits significantly, which allows the downstream incumbent to deter socially efficient entry through an exclusive supply contract. This result holds even in the simplest framework, which is composed of a single seller, buyer, and entrant.
Metals at the nexus: renewable vs. nuclear energy systems, metal import requirements, and energy security in the European Union
Authors: Qu Chunzi , Bang Rasmus Noss
Published: November 2023

This study examines the compatibility of the EU’s current 2050 clean energy transition plan, aiming to increase the share of renewable power generation to 80%, with mineral and energy security in the EU, acknowledging the interplay between these security aspects when dealing with metal-intensive energy systems. It also explores the potential advantages of an alternative electricity mix that combines the existing renewable generation share with expanded nuclear energy capacity. The results demonstrate that the planned renewable-intensive electricity mix requires substantially higher quantities of metals to increase and sustain electricity production capacity than the alternative nuclear-intensive system. This is not only the case in terms of volume requirements, which is already evident from the existing literature, but also in terms of value and import requirements. Further, our results reveal that the bottleneck risks in the planned renewable-intensive system are primarily associated with insufficient mining of essential metals inside the EU. In contrast, the bottleneck risks in the nuclear-intensive system are primarily associated with lack of processing inside the EU. Based on the assumption that acquiring relevant mineral reserves and mining capabilities may be more challenging than acquiring new processing capacities, this suggests that the planned renewable-intensive system may come with more serious bottleneck risks than an alternative nuclear-intensive system. Overall, this study leads to the conclusion that a nuclear-intensive electricity mix could offer greater metal-related energy security than the planned renewable-intensive system.
Mechanistic insights to sorptive removal of four sulfonamide antibiotics from water using magnetite-functionalized biochar
Authors: Bai Shanshan , Zhou Yaolu , Qian Mingrong , Xia Jun , Sun Zhiqiang , Wang Yujiao , Huang Xiaochen , Zhu Shishu
Published: November 2023

Magnetite-functionalized biochar (MBC) is a promising engineered material for remediation of antibiotic-contaminated fields. However, sorption mechanisms of ionizable organic compounds such as sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) on MBC are still unclear. This study employed four representative SAs including sulfamethazine (SMT), sulfamerazine (SMR), sulfadiazine (SDZ), and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), to compare the difference in sorption on MBC. Results showed that the sorption capacities and affinities of the four SAs varied with their substituents, hydrophobic properties, and dissociation constants (pKa). Synergistic effect during co-pyrolysis with Fe3+ enhanced the sorption performance of MBC towards SAs compared to original BC. Spectral methods confirmed structural changes of MBC such as the variance in oxygen-containing groups and defective/graphitized phases. Results of modeling pH-dependent sorption revealed that H-bonding or π-bond assisted H-bonding determined the sorption affinities and capacities of SAs. In particular, the SAs with lower pKa were thermodynamically favorable to form H-bonding with MBC via proton exchange with water molecules. Quantum calculation results quantified the contributions of H-bonding strengths and found that the energies of H-bonding were correlated with affinities of SAs. Moreover, contributions of oxygen-containing groups instead of minerals dominated the H-bonding energies. Mechanistic insights from this study can be valuable in exploring engineered BC composites for practical application in field remediation.

Graphical Abstract