bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning the Optical and Photoelectrochemical Properties of Epitaxial BiVO4 by Lattice Strain
Authors: Fernandez Erwin N. , van de Krol Roel , Abdi Fatwa F.
Published: May 2024

State‐of‐the‐art photoelectrodes in highly efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems often comprise multilayer architectures where lattice mismatch‐imposed strain at the interfaces can perturb the material's crystalline lattice and electronic structure. Despite its inevitable presence, understanding of strain effects in semiconductor photoelectrodes is lacking, preventing rational exploitation of strain engineering to improve photoelectrode performance. In this work, we combine X‐ray structural characterization with strain tensor decomposition analysis as well as optical/photocurrent spectroscopic methods to demonstrate how volumetric lattice deformations caused by substrate‐imposed hydrostatic strain impact the optoelectronic and PEC properties of BiVO4. Utilizing single‐crystalline, epitaxial BiVO4/indium tin oxide (ITO)/yttrium‐stabilized zirconia (YSZx, x = 8% and 13% mol Y2O3) photoelectrodes as a model platform, we find that tensile hydrostatic strain that causes volumetric lattice dilation in BiVO4 results in slightly enhanced optical absorption, but it is detrimental to the internal quantum efficiencies in BiVO4. We attribute this to localization of photogenerated charge carriers, thereby leading to poor charge separation in the bulk of BiVO4 and increased recombination losses. Finally, we highlight the beneficial effects of compressive hydrostatic strain on enhancing the internal quantum efficiencies in BiVO4. Our results provide a basis for exploiting epitaxial strain engineering to optimize the performance of multilayer photoelectrodes in PEC systems.
Do good: Strategies for leading an inclusive data science or statistics consulting team
Authors: Maimone Christina , Sharp Julia L. , Schwartz‐Soicher Ofira , Oliver Jeffrey C. , Beltran Lencia
Published: May 2024

Leading a data science or statistical consulting team in an academic environment can have many challenges, including institutional infrastructure, funding and technical expertise. Even in the most challenging environment, however, leading such a team with inclusive practices can be rewarding for the leader, the team members and collaborators. We describe nine leadership and management practices that are especially relevant to the dynamics of data science or statistics consulting teams and an academic environment: ensuring people get credit, making tacit knowledge explicit, establishing clear performance review processes, championing career development, empowering team members to work autonomously, learning from diverse experiences, supporting team members in navigating power dynamics, having difficult conversations and developing foundational management skills. Active engagement in these areas will help those who lead data science or statistics consulting groups – whether faculty or staff, regardless of title – create and support inclusive teams.
High‐dimensional differential networks with sparsity and reduced‐rank
Authors: Wang Yao , Wang Cheng , Jiang Binyan
Published: May 2024

Differential network analysis plays a crucial role in capturing nuanced changes in conditional correlations between two samples. Under the high‐dimensional setting, the differential network, that is, the difference between the two precision matrices are usually stylized with sparse signals and some low‐rank latent factors. Recognizing the distinctions inherent in the precision matrices of such networks, we introduce a novel approach, termed ‘SR‐Network’ for the estimation of sparse and reduced‐rank differential networks. This method directly assesses the differential network by formulating a convex empirical loss function with ‐norm and nuclear norm penalties. The study establishes finite‐sample error bounds for parameter estimation and highlights the superior performance of the proposed method through extensive simulations and real data studies. This research significantly contributes to the advancement of methodologies for accurate analysis of differential networks, particularly in the context of structures characterized by sparsity and low‐rank features.
A novel model combining genes associated with disulfidptosis and glycolysis to predict breast cancer prognosis, molecular subtypes, and treatment response
Authors: Wang Mei‐Huan , Gao Yue‐Hua , Zhao Zhen‐Dan , Zhang Hua‐Wei
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous malignancy with a dismal prognosis. Disulfidptosis is a novel type of regulated cell death that happens in the presence of glucose deficiency and is linked to the metabolic process of glycolysis. However, the mechanism of action of disulfidptosis and glycolysis‐related genes (DGRG) in BC, as well as their prognostic value in BC patients, remain unknown. After identifying the differentially expressed DGRG in normal and BC tissues, a number of machine learning algorithms were utilized to select essential prognostic genes to develop a model, including SLC7A11, CACNA1H, SDC1, CHST1, and TFF3. The expression characteristics of these genes were then examined using single‐cell RNA sequencing, and BC was classified into three clusters using “ConsensusClusterPlus” based on these genes. The DGRG model's median risk score can categorize BC patients into high‐risk and low‐risk groups. Furthermore, we investigated variations in clinical landscape, immunoinvasion analysis, tumor immune dysfunction and rejection (TIDE), and medication sensitivity in patients in the DGRG model's high‐ and low‐risk groups. Patients in the low‐risk group performed better on immunological and chemotherapeutic therapies and had lower TIDE scores. In conclusion, the DGRG model we developed has significant clinical application potential because it can accurately predict the prognosis of BC, TME, and pharmacological treatment responses.
Artificial intelligence and health care
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: May 2024

In this editorial, Professor Roger Kirby, Editor‐in‐Chief of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, considers the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on health care – a change warranting both optimism and caution.
Adverse events with endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastroenterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Giri Suprabhat , Harindranath Sidharth , Mohan Babu P. , Jearth Vaneet , Varghese Jijo , Kozyk Marko , Kale Aditya , Sundaram Sridhar
Published: May 2024

Background

The technical and clinical effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided gastroenterostomy (GE) has been reported by several meta‐analyses, but few of them have addressed the adverse events (AE). The goal of the current meta‐analysis was to analyze the AEs associated with various types of EUS‐GE.

Methods

All relevant studies reporting the AEs with EUS‐GE were searched from 2000 to 31st March 2023 in MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus. The event rates were pooled using a random effects model.

Results

A total of 36 studies (n = 1846) were included in the meta‐analysis. The present meta‐analysis reports a pooled technical success rate of 96.9% (95.9–98.0; I2 = 29.3%) with a pooled clinical success rate of 90.6% (88.5–92.7; I2 = 60.9%). The pooled incidence of overall AEs with EUS‐GE was 13.0% (10.3–15.7; I2 = 69.7%), with the commonest being maldeployment of the stent, seen in 4.6% (3.2–6.0; I2 = 50.6%). The pooled incidences of serious AE and procedure‐related mortality were 1.2% (0.7–1.8; I2 = 1.9%) and 0.3% (0.0–0.7; I2 = 0.0%), respectively. Subgroup analysis of studies using only the free‐hand technique showed a significantly lower overall AE and maldeployment but not serious AE and other individual AEs. The pooled incidences of delayed stent migration and stent occlusion were 0.5% (0.0–1.1; I2 = 0.0%) and 0.8% (0.2–1.3; I2 = 0.0%), respectively.

Conclusion

Despite a technical and clinical success rate of >90%, AEs are seen in around one‐seventh of the cases of EUS‐GE, maldeployment being the commonest. However, the pooled incidence of serious AE and mortality remains low, which is reassuring.
Life cycle assessment of rice straw for energy valorization: A comprehensive review of methodological trends and future outlooks
Authors: Firdaus Rihana , Harun Siti Norliyana , Hanafiah Marlia M. , Mat Deli Mazzlida , Adhikary Sajal Kumar
Published: May 2024

In response to the growing awareness of environmental preservation, there has been a surge in studies employing the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach which helps to identify and minimize environmental impacts associated with rice straw recovery processes. However, there is lack of comprehensive and trend analysis related to the development of critical methodological steps of LCA within this field. To fill the gap, this review examines 43 primary LCA studies from 2004 to 2023 period concerning the use of rice straw for bioenergy production and categorized into two groups: the “first‐year group” covering 2004–2013 and the “second‐year group” spanning from 2014 to 2023. This categorization serves to facilitate the examination of trends and patterns within each decade, offering insights into the evolution of research objectives, methodological advancements, and changes in research outcomes over time. The analysis reveals a shift from studying individual technologies to comparing various technologies, includes scenarios development and consideration of economic and social aspects. Furthermore, the “second‐year group” (2014–2023) exhibits a notable uptick in the exploration of gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and fermentation, whereas combustion technologies have experienced a slight decrease in the number of studies. Challenges in LCA studies arise from nonstandardized methodologies, introducing bias and uncertainty. To enhance the reliability and comparability of environmental assessments, it is recommended to establish standardized guidelines, improve transparency, and update databases. Overall, this review provides a foundational resource for future waste‐to‐energy studies and recommends steps to enhance the applicability and validity of LCA in forthcoming research.

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Energy > Bioenergy

Climate and Environment > Pollution Prevention

Climate and Environment > Circular Economy
Resource‐driven changes in wild boar movement and their consequences for the spread of African Swine Fever in the Russian Far East
Authors: Waller Scott J. , Morelle Kevin , Seryodkin Ivan V. , Rybin Alexander N. , Soutyrina Svetlana V. , Licoppe Alain , Hebblewhite Mark , Miquelle Dale G.
Published: May 2024

Knowledge of animal movement patterns is invaluable to understanding the spread of diseases among wildlife populations. One example is the recent African swine fever (ASF) outbreak among wild boar Sus scrofa populations across East Asia, where there is a lack of information on movements of this species. During a wild boar tracking project to inform abundance estimation methods in the Russian Far East's Sikhote‐Alin Biosphere Zapovednik, the combination of high variability in pulsed resources of acorns and pine nuts between fall 2019 and fall 2020, and the outbreak of ASF during the latter year, offered the unique opportunity to investigate the relationship between wild boar movements to exploit pulsed resources and the potential for disease spread. We analyzed relocation data from GPS‐collared wild boar in fall 2019 and 2020 and compared them to reference data in Belgium, representative of western Europe. We found remarkable differences in movement patterns, with Far East wild boar travelling large distances in fall 2020 (maximum observed of 77 km in four days) when the availability of acorns was low. In our resource selection analysis, we found clear selection for mast‐producing forest types that corresponded with the species of greater mast production (oak or pine) for that year. Comparing the displacement of individual wild boar along a moving window of 1–7 days (time between infection and the onset ASF symptoms) highlighted the potential of rapid ASF spread over long distances when wild boar are in search of pulsed resources. This work demonstrates the capacity of wild boar to move long distances to exploit resources and emphasizes the need to consider resource availability when predicting the speed and extent to which diseases such as ASF can spread.
The Groningen Gas Field: The Role of Science in a Slow-Onset Disaster
Authors: Postmes Tom , Busscher Nienke , Hupkes Sanne , De Julio Agustín , Vojvodic Ena
Published: May 2024

This chapter presents a case study of the Groningen gas field. We study the role of science and knowledge in the assessment, monitoring and management of escalating earthquake risks. The case is relevant to climate change in several ways. Around 2006, gas extraction from Groningen was increased with the narrative that gas was the “ideal energy transition fuel”. Gas is more climate-friendly than burning coal or oil, and gas-fueled power plants combine well with renewables (Heath et al. in Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 111(31):E3167–E3176, 2014). Much less attention was devoted to known risks: subsidence, pollution and earthquakes. The latter caused a slow-onset disaster in Groningen. Lessons from this case are relevant to renewable energy initiatives such as hydrogen storage and geothermal energy, as well as to the future exploitations of gas fields, made more likely by the Ukraine war. At the end of the chapter, we reflect on governance of big industrial risks amid climate change.
Water Linking to Food and Energy
Authors: Tian Zhan , Wang Kai , Meng Ying , Fan Yidan , Zhang Zongyong , Gong Guoqing
Published: May 2024

Water, food, and energy resources are critical concerns to achieve the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, achieving food, energy, and water security is under increasing pressure due to population and economic growth as well as climate change. Climate change affects the regional precipitation and discharge in both time and space scales. Rice consumption increased about 5 times during 1961–2017, and energy requirements increased with an annual growth rate of 5–6% between 1990 and 2010 at the global scale. This chapter studies the linkage of water-food and water-energy sectors as well as the nexus relationship in the Langcang-Mekong River Basin (LMR B). Agriculture is the main water consumer in LMRB, and expansion of irrigated cropland and agricultural intensification has significantly increased the irrigation water demand. The basin is an ideal location for developing and utilizing hydropower resources, and the hydropower potential is estimated at around 60,000 MW. Future climate change might decrease the regional hydropower potential, especially around the mainstream. Water demand for thermal power generation and fossil fuel extraction is increasing due to population growth and socio-economic development. Furthermore, biofuel production and crop planting areas both increased sharply in the Lower Mekong countries, especially in Vietnam and Thailand. Water, food, and energy resources are strongly connected in the Mekong River Delta. A nexus case study in the Mekong River Delta showed a strong connection among food, energy, and water systems. Rice yields will be vulnerable to extreme climate events, and the development of the energy sector will affect regional sustainability through nexus significantly. Specifically, the average total water withdrawal in 2050 was estimated to increase by 40% compared to that in the 2016 drought year and will be more than 3 times higher than the average withdrawal of 1995–2010.
Water Hazards: Drought and Flood
Authors: Tang Qiuhong , Yun Xiaobo , Wang Jie , Deng Haoxin , Liu Binxiao , Tran Thuy Chi , Han Dongmei , Fang Haiyan , Shi Xiaogang , Pokhrel Yadu , Gaffney Paul P. J.
Published: May 2024

Droughts and floods are the main threats to the Lancang-Mekong River Basin (LMRB). Drought mainly occurs during the dry season, especially in March and April, in the LMRB. The “dry gets drier” paradigm performs well in the LMRB, specifically in the Mekong Delta. Further, flood frequency and magnitude, which are determined by heavy rain, are also increasing in the LMRB. Droughts and floods show obvious seasonal and regional characteristics in the LMRB. The LMRB is a well-known rainstorm-flood basin. Floods in the LMRB are mainly caused by heavy rain. The LMRB is dominated by regional floods, and basin-wide floods rarely occur. From upstream to downstream, the flood peak and flood volume have shown increasing trends. Meanwhile, moving further downstream, the flood season ends later. In the upstream areas, floods are mainly concentrated in the period from July to October, with the highest probability of floods occurring in August. For the downstream areas, the flood season is from August to October. Climate change is one of the major factors affecting the LMRB’s droughts and floods. Global warming is an indisputable fact. Under global warming, extreme hydrological events show a tendency to increase. Climate models have suggested a future potential for increased flood frequency, magnitude, and inundation in the LMRB by 10–140%, 5–44% and 19–43%, respectively. Although the severity and duration of droughts are also increasing, the differences in drought indicators projected by different climate models are significant. Hydropower development was another major factor affecting droughts and floods in the LMRB. Large-scale hydropower development has drastically changed streamflow characteristics since 2009, causing increased dry season flow (+150%) and decreased wet season flow (−25%), as well as reduced flood magnitude (−2.3  to  −29.7%) and frequency (−8.2 to −74.1%). Large-scale reservoirs will have a profound impact on hydrological characteristics, droughts and floods, agriculture, fisheries, energy supply, and environmental protection in the LMRB. Coupling climate models and hydrological models is the main way to study the impact of climate change and reservoir operation in the LMRB. Climate change indirectly affects hydrological characteristics by affecting meteorological parameters, while reservoirs can directly change the propagation from meteorological extreme events to hydrological extreme events by releasing/storing water in different situations. Hydrological models are the link connecting and quantifying the coupled effects of climate change and reservoirs. More studies are needed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the future impacts of climate change and reservoir operation on extreme events in the LMRB, as well as adaptation and mitigation measures.
A global analysis of the SMEFT under the minimal MFV assumption
Authors: Bartocci Riccardo , Biekötter Anke , Hurth Tobias
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We present comprehensive global fits of the SMEFT under the minimal minimal flavour violation (MFV) hypothesis, i.e. assuming that only the flavour-symmetric and CP-invariant operators are relevant at the high scale. The considered operator set is determined by this flavour assumption rather than the used datasets. We establish global limits on these Wilson coefficients using leading order and next-to-leading order SMEFT predictions for electroweak precision observables, Higgs, top, flavour and dijet data as well as measurements from parity violation experiments and lepton scattering. Our investigations reveal an intriguing crosstalk among different observables, underscoring the importance of combining diverse observables from various energy scales in global SMEFT analyses.
Classical observables using exponentiated spin factors: electromagnetic scattering
Authors: Akhtar Samim , Manna Arkajyoti , Manu Akavoor
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In [1], the authors argued that the Newman-Janis algorithm on the space of classical solutions in general relativity and electromagnetism could be used in the space of scattering amplitudes to map an amplitude with external scalar states to an amplitude associated to the scattering of “infinite spin particles”. The minimal coupling of these particles to the gravitational or Maxwell field is equivalent to the classical coupling of the Kerr blackhole with linearized gravity or the so-called $$ \sqrt{\textrm{Kerr}} $$

Kerr

charged state with the electromagnetic field. The action of the Newman-Janis mapping on scattering amplitudes was then used to compute the linear impulse at first post-Minkowskian (1PM) order, via the Kosower, Maybee, O’Connell (KMOC) formalism. In this paper, we continue with the idea of using the Newman-Janis mapping on the space of scalar QED amplitudes to compute classical observables such as the radiative gauge field and the angular impulse. We show that for tree-level amplitudes, the Newman-Janis action can be reinterpreted as a dressing of the photon propagator. This turns out to be an efficient way to compute these classical observables. Along the way, we highlight a subtlety that arises in proving the conservation of angular momentum for scalar $$ -\sqrt{\textrm{Kerr}} $$
−

Kerr

scattering.
Affine symmetries for ABJM partition function and its generalization
Authors: Moriyama Sanefumi , Nosaka Tomoki
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Partially motivated by the fact that the grand partition function of the ABJM theory or its generalization is expressed by a spectral operator enjoying symmetries of the Weyl group, it was found that the grand partition function satisfies the q-Painlevé equation, which is constructed from the affine Weyl group. In this paper we clarify the affine symmetries of the grand partition function. With the affine symmetries, we find that the grand partition function extends naturally outside the fundamental domain of duality cascades and once the Painlevé equation holds in the fundamental domain, so does it outside.
The θ-dependence of the Yang-Mills spectrum from analytic continuation
Authors: Bonanno Claudio , Bonati Claudio , Papace Mario , Vadacchino Davide
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We study the θ-dependence of the string tension and of the lightest glueball mass in four-dimensional SU(N) Yang-Mills theories. More precisely, we focus on the coefficients parametrizing the $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\theta}^2\right) $$
O

θ
2

dependence of these quantities, which we investigate by means of numerical simulations of the lattice-discretized theory, carried out using imaginary values of the θ parameter. Topological freezing at large N is avoided using the Parallel Tempering on Boundary Conditions algorithm. We provide controlled continuum extrapolations of such coefficients in the N = 3 case, and we report the results obtained on two fairly fine lattice spacings for N = 6.
Deconfinement, center symmetry and the ghost propagator in Landau gauge pure SU(3) Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Paiva Vítor , Silva Paulo J. , Oliveira Orlando
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The temperature dependence of the Landau gauge ghost propagator is investigated in pure SU(3) Yang-Mills theory with lattice QCD simulations. Its behavior around the confined-deconfined phase transition temperature, Tc ∼ 270 MeV, is investigated. The simulations show that in the deconfined phase, the ghost propagator is enhanced for small momenta, ≲ 1 GeV. Furthermore, the analysis of the spontaneous breaking of center symmetry on the ghost propagator is studied. Similarly as observed for the gluon propagator, the simulations result in a decoupling of the sectors where the phase of the Polyakov loop is either 0 or ±2π/3 sectors, with the latter remaining indistinguishable. The results point to the possible use of the ghost propagator as an “order parameter” for the confined-deconfined phase transition.
Electroweak precision measurements of a nearly-degenerate Z′-Z system
Authors: Qiu Dayun , Tang Yi-Lei
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the possibility to probe a nearly-degenerate Z′-Z system by analyzing the Z-lineshape at an electron-positron collider. Compared with the usual Z′ in the literature well separated with the standard model (SM) Z boson in mass, the nearly-degenerate Z′-Z mixing affects the observed effective “oblique parameters” $$\widetilde{S}$$, $$\widetilde{T}$$, $$\widetilde{U}$$, and the effective deviation of “number of neutrino species” $$\delta {\widetilde{N}}_{\nu }$$ in a more complicated way and cannot be simply computed perturbatively up to a particular order. Aiming at solving this problem, we write down a general simplified effective Lagrangian and enumerate some parameter spaces corresponding to some typical models, and suggest a method to extract the constraints by looking into the line-shape of the Z-like resonance at an electron-positron collider.
Mixed NNLO QCD × electroweak corrections to single-Z production in pole approximation: differential distributions and forward-backward asymmetry
Authors: Dittmaier Stefan , Huss Alexander , Schwarz Jan
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Radiative corrections in pole approximation, which are based on the leading contribution in a systematic expansion of amplitudes about resonance poles, naturally decompose into factorizable corrections attributed to the production or decay of the resonance and non-factorizable corrections induced by soft photon (or gluon) exchange between those subprocesses. In this paper we complete an earlier calculation of mixed QCD × electroweak corrections of $$\mathcal{O}\left({\alpha }_{{\text{s}}}\alpha \right)$$ to the neutral-current Drell-Yan cross section in pole approximation by including the previously neglected corrections that are solely related to the Z-boson production process. We present numerical results both for differential distributions and for the forward-backward asymmetry differential in the lepton-pair invariant mass, which is the key observable in the measurement of the effective weak mixing angle at the LHC. Carefully disentangling the various types of factorizable and non-factorizable corrections, we find (as expected in our earlier work) that the by far most important contribution at $$\mathcal{O}\left({\alpha }_{{\text{s}}}\alpha \right)$$ originates from the interplay of initial-state QCD corrections and electroweak final-state corrections.
Strong Duality Data of Type A and Extended T-Systems
Authors: Naoi Katsuyuki
Published: May 2024

The extended T-systems are a number of relations in the Grothendieck ring of the category of finite-dimensional modules over the quantum affine algebras of types $$A_n^{(1)}$$

A
n

(
1
)

and $$B_n^{(1)}$$

B
n

(
1
)

, introduced by Mukhin and Young as a generalization of the T-systems. In this paper we establish the extended T-systems for more general modules, which are constructed from an arbitrary strong duality datum of type A. Our approach does not use the theory of q-characters, and so also provides a new proof to the original Mukhin–Young’s extended T-systems.
Reproductive inefficiency and increased behavioral variation are associated with large group size in the orchid bee, Euglossa dilemma
Authors: Saleh N. W. , Delva J. , Ramírez S. R. , Kapheim K. M. , Chouvenc T.
Published: May 2024

Orchid bees are the only corbiculate bee lineage that is not obligately eusocial. However, multiple species of orchid bee show facultative sociality, with reproductive division of labor and a social hierarchy effectively enforced by oophagy. Orchid bee species differ in the degree of reproductive skew in social groups, as well as the rigidity of social roles. In the orchid bee Euglossa dilemma, previous observation of social groups of two or three individuals found that reproductive skew was complete, with one clear dominant individual that ate and replaced each subordinate laid egg. Here, we compare patterns of egg laying and egg-replacement between typical social nests of 2–3 individuals and larger social nests of 4–5 individuals. We find a striking difference in the reproductive behavior of colonies of varying group size; larger nests exhibit more reproductive inefficiency and conflict over the dominant social position, characterized by repeated oophagy and slower egg replacement. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that group size in E. dilemma may be limited by the ability of dominant bees to keep up with egg replacement. We discuss the possible causes and consequences of observed behavioral variation and its implications for understanding social behavior in orchid bees.
The modified Hardinge approach is not inferior to trochanteric flip osteotomy for Pipkin type IV femoral head fractures: a comparative study in 40 patients
Authors: Chen I-Jung , Chou Ying-Chao , Lai Po-Ju , Hsu Yung-Heng , Yu Yi-Hsun
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To compare the modified Hardinge approach and trochanteric flip osteotomy for the treatment of Pipkin type IV femoral head fractures.

Methods

 This retrospective study included 40 patients who underwent surgical treatment for Pipkin type IV femoral head fractures between 2011 and 2020 and completed at least 1 year of follow-up. The clinical outcome of the Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score and radiological outcomes, including the quality of the fracture reduction, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and heterotopic ossification, were compared between the two groups. Conversion to total hip replacement was recorded as the main outcome measure, analyzed by Kaplan–Meier curve and log-rank test.

Results

Nineteen and 21 patients were treated using the modified Hardinge approach (Group A) and trochanteric flip osteotomy (Group B), respectively. The estimated surgical blood loss was significantly higher in Group B (500.00 ± 315.44 mL vs. 246.32 ± 141.35 mL; P = 0.002). Two patients in Group B complained of discomfort caused by the trochanteric screws and requested implant removal. Radiographic outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. Clinical outcomes assessed using the Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score 1 year after injury were nearly identical (P = 0.836). Four (21.1%) patients in Group A and three (14.3%) patients in Group B underwent conversion to total hip replacement during the follow-up period; the log-rank test showed no significant difference (P = 0.796).

Conclusions

The modified Hardinge approach resulted in reduced blood loss, with clinical and radiological outcomes similar to those of trochanteric osteotomy; thus, it is an acceptable alternative to trochanteric flip osteotomy.
Entropy and Thermodynamic Temperature in Nonequilibrium Classical Thermodynamics as Immediate Consequences of the Hahn–Banach Theorem: I. Existence
Authors: Feinberg Martin , Lavine Richard B.
Published: May 2024

The Kelvin–Planck statement of the second law of thermodynamics is a stricture on the nature of heat receipt by any body suffering a cyclic process. It makes no mention of temperature or of entropy. Beginning with a Kelvin–Planck statement of the Second Law, we show that entropy and temperature—in particular, existence of functions that relate the local specific entropy and thermodynamic temperature to the local state in a material body—emerge immediately and simultaneously as consequences of the Hahn–Banach theorem. The existence of such functions of state requires no stipulation that their domains be restricted to equilibrium states. Further properties, including uniqueness, are addressed in a companion paper.
Right ventricular to pulmonary artery coupling in patients with different types of aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI
Authors: Steffen Julius , Lux Melanie , Stocker Thomas J. , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Löw Kornelia , Doldi Philipp M. , Haum Magda , Fischer Julius , Stolz Lukas , Theiss Hans , Rizas Konstantinos , Braun Daniel , Orban Martin , Peterß Sven , Hausleiter Jörg , Massberg Steffen , Deseive Simon
Published: May 2024

Background

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis (AS) has long been disregarded. We aimed to assess the predictive value of RV to pulmonary artery coupling (RV/PAc), defined as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to systolic pulmonary artery pressure, on mortality in different flow types of AS after TAVI.

Methods

All patients undergoing TAVI for AS at our centre between 2018 and 2020 were assessed; 862 patients were analysed. The cohort was dichotomized using a ROC analysis (cut-off 0.512 mm/mmHg), into 429 patients with preserved and 433 patients with reduced RV/PAc.

Results

Reduced RV/PAc was associated with male sex and a higher rate of comorbidities. Short-term VARC-3 endpoints and NYHA classes at follow-up were comparable. Reduced RV/PAc was associated with higher 2-year all-cause mortality (35.0% [30.3–39.3%] vs. 15.4% [11.9–18.7%], hazard ratio 2.5 [1.9–3.4], p < 0.001). Cardiovascular mortality was almost tripled. Results were consistent after statistical adjustment and in a multivariate model.

Sub-analyses of AS flow types revealed lower RV/PAc in classical and paradoxical low-flow low-gradient AS, with the majority having reduced RV/PAc (74% and 59%). RV/PAc retained its predictive value in these subgroups.

Conclusions

RV dysfunction defined by low RV/PAc is a strong mortality predictor after TAVI independent of flow group. It should be incorporated in future TAVI risk assessment.

Graphical abstract
From rare events to systematic data collection: the RESCUED registry for sudden cardiac death in the young in Germany
Authors: Barkauskas Renaldas , Jenewein Tina , Scheiper-Welling Stefanie , Wilmes Verena , Niess Constanze , Petzel-Witt Silvana , Reitz Alexandra , Gradhand Elise , Falagkari Anastasia , Papathanasiou Maria , Wakili Reza , Leistner David M. , Vasseur Jessica , Göbel Jens , Storf Holger , Toennes Stefan W. , Kettner Matthias , Verhoff Marcel A. , Beckmann Britt-Maria , Kauferstein Silke , Corvest Eva
Published: May 2024

Background

Approximately one-third of sudden cardiac deaths in the young (SCDY) occur due to a structural cardiac disease. Forty to fifty percent of SCDY cases remain unexplained after autopsy (including microscopic and forensic-toxicological analyses), suggesting arrhythmia syndromes as a possible cause of death. Due to the possible inheritability of these diseases, blood relatives of the deceased may equally be carriers of the causative genetic variations and therefore may have an increased cardiac risk profile. A better understanding of the forensic, clinical, and genetic data might help identify a subset of the general population that is at increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

Study design

The German registry RESCUED (REgistry for Sudden Cardiac and UnExpected Death) comprises information about SCDY fatalities and clinical and genetic data of both the deceased and their biological relatives. The datasets collected in the RESCUED registry will allow for the identification of leading causes of SCDY in Germany and offer unique possibilities of scientific analyses with the aim of detecting unrecognized trends, risk factors, and clinical warning signs of SCDY. In a pilot phase of 24 months, approximately 180 SCDY cases (< 50 years of age) and 500 family members and clinical patients will be included.

Conclusion

RESCUED is the first registry in Germany collecting comprehensive data of SCDY cases and clinical data of the biological relatives reviewed by cardiac experts. RESCUED aims to improve individual risk assessment and public health approaches by directing resources towards early diagnosis and evidence-based, personalized therapy and prevention in affected families.

Trial registration number (TRN): DRKS00033543.

Graphical abstract
Elektrodenplatzierung in der kardialen Devicetherapie
Authors: Wörmann Jonas , Duncker David , Althoff Till , Heeger Christian , Tilz Roland , Estner Heidi , Rillig Andreas , Sommer Philipp , Iden Leon , Johnson Victoria , Chun K. R. Julian , Jansen Henning , Maurer Tilman , Busch Sonia , Steven Daniel
Published: May 2024

Die Implantation von Elektroden aktiver Herzrhythmusimplantate („cardiac implantable electronic devices“, CIED) erfordert tiefgehendes technisches Verständnis und eine präzise Ausführung. Die Platzierung der Elektroden im rechten Ventrikel und Vorhof hat signifikante Auswirkungen auf die Patientensicherheit und die Effektivität der CIED-Therapie. Insbesondere bei der ventrikulären Platzierung wird dabei der Fokus auf die Unterscheidung zwischen apikaler und septaler Stimulation gelegt. Basierend auf der aktuellen Datenlage, stellt dieser Artikel eine praxisorientierte Anleitung dar, die Implantierende durch die einzelnen Schritte der Elektrodenplatzierung führt. Die Implantation von Elektroden zur physiologischen Stimulation („cardiac resynchronization therapy“, CRT und „conduction system pacing“, CSP) werden an anderer Stelle adressiert und sind nicht Gegenstand dieses Artikels.
The Concise Language Paradigm (CLaP), a framework for studying the intersection of comprehension and production: electrophysiological properties
Authors: Roos Natascha Marie , Chauvet Julia , Piai Vitória
Published: May 2024

Studies investigating language commonly isolate one modality or process, focusing on comprehension or production. Here, we present a framework for a paradigm that combines both: the Concise Language Paradigm (CLaP), tapping into comprehension and production within one trial. The trial structure is identical across conditions, presenting a sentence followed by a picture to be named. We tested 21 healthy speakers with EEG to examine three time periods during a trial (sentence, pre-picture interval, picture onset), yielding contrasts of sentence comprehension, contextually and visually guided word retrieval, object recognition, and naming. In the CLaP, sentences are presented auditorily (constrained, unconstrained, reversed), and pictures appear as normal (constrained, unconstrained, bare) or scrambled objects. Imaging results revealed different evoked responses after sentence onset for normal and time-reversed speech. Further, we replicated the context effect of alpha-beta power decreases before picture onset for constrained relative to unconstrained sentences, and could clarify that this effect arises from power decreases following constrained sentences. Brain responses locked to picture-onset differed as a function of sentence context and picture type (normal vs. scrambled), and naming times were fastest for pictures in constrained sentences, followed by scrambled picture naming, and equally fast for bare and unconstrained picture naming. Finally, we also discuss the potential of the CLaP to be adapted to different focuses, using different versions of the linguistic content and tasks, in combination with electrophysiology or other imaging methods. These first results of the CLaP indicate that this paradigm offers a promising framework to investigate the language system.
A meta-analysis of MRI radiomics-based diagnosis for BI-RADS 4 breast lesions
Authors: Lin Jie , Zheng Hao , Jia Qiyu , Shi Jingjing , Wang Shiwei , Wang Junna , Ge Min
Published: May 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4 benign and malignant breast lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics.

Methods

A systematic search identified relevant studies. Eligible studies were screened, assessed for quality, and analyzed for diagnostic accuracy. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses explored heterogeneity, while publication bias, clinical relevance and threshold effect were evaluated.

Results

This study analyzed a total of 11 studies involving 1,915 lesions in 1,893 patients with BI-RADS 4 classification. The results showed that the combined sensitivity and specificity of MRI radiomics for diagnosing BI-RADS 4 lesions were 0.88 (95% CI 0.83–0.92) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.72–0.84). The positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were 4.2 (95% CI 3.1–5.7), 0.15 (95% CI: 0.10–0.22), and 29.0 (95% CI 15–55). The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90 (95% CI 0.87–0.92), indicating good diagnostic performance. The study found no significant threshold effect or publication bias, and heterogeneity among studies was attributed to various factors like feature selection algorithm, radiomics algorithms, etc. Overall, the results suggest that MRI radiomics has the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy of BI-RADS 4 lesions and enhance patient outcomes.

Conclusion

MRI-based radiomics is highly effective in diagnosing BI-RADS 4 benign and malignant breast lesions, enabling improving patients’ medical outcomes and quality of life.
Development of branchial ionocytes in embryonic and larval stages of cloudy catshark, Scyliorhinus torazame
Authors: Inokuchi Mayu , Someya Yumiko , Endo Keitaro , Kamioka Katsunori , Katano Wataru , Takagi Wataru , Honda Yuki , Ogawa Nobuhiro , Koshiba-Takeuchi Kazuko , Ohtani-Kaneko Ritsuko , Hyodo Susumu
Published: May 2024

In teleost fish, branchial ionocytes are important sites for osmoregulation and acid-base regulation by maintaining ionic balance in the body fluid. During the early developmental stages before the formation of the gills, teleost ionocytes are localized in the yolk-sac membrane and body skin. By comparing with teleost fish, much less is known about ionocytes in developing embryos of elasmobranch fish. The present study investigated the development of ionocytes in the embryo and larva of cloudy catshark, Scyliorhinus torazame. We first observed ionocyte distribution by immunohistochemical staining with anti-Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) and anti-vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) antibodies. The NKA- and V-ATPase-rich ionocytes appeared as single cells in the gill filaments from stage 31, the stage of pre-hatching, while the ionocytes on the body skin and yolk-sac membrane were also observed. From stage 32, in addition to single ionocytes on the gill filaments, some outstanding follicular structures of NKA-immunoreactive cells were developed to fill the inter-filament region of the gill septa. The follicular ionocytes possess NKA in the basolateral membrane and Na+/H+ exchanger 3 in the apical membrane, indicating that they are involved in acid-base regulation like single NKA-rich ionocytes. Three-dimensional analysis and whole-mount immunohistochemistry revealed that the distribution of follicular ionocytes was limited to the rostral side of gill septum. The rostral sides of gill septum might be exposed to faster water flow than caudal side because the gills of sharks gently curved backward. This dissymmetric distribution of follicular ionocytes is considered to facilitate efficient body-fluid homeostasis of catshark embryo.
A Comprehensive Study on Methane Adsorption Capacities and Pore Characteristics of Coal Seams: Implications for Efficient Coalbed Methane Development in the Soma Basin, Türkiye
Authors: Esen Olgun , Fişne Abdullah
Published: May 2024

This study represents a comprehensive assessment of methane adsorption capacity and pore characteristics for the coal seams of the Soma Basin in Western Türkiye, with a focus on their implications for coalbed methane potential. Twenty-one exploration wells were utilized to obtain coal samples from the kP1 and kM2 coal seams in the Kınık coalfield of the Soma Basin. High-pressure methane adsorption experiments using the indirect gravimetric method were conducted to quantify the storage capacities of these coal seams. Results revealed a wide range of methane adsorption capacities, ranging from 10.5 to 28.3 m3/t (air-dry basis), indicating significant methane storage potential for the kP1 and kM2 coal seams. The gas contents, ranging from 1.1 to 4.3 m3/t (as-received basis), suggested that the coal seams were undersaturated. Low-pressure N2/CO2 adsorption tests, along with standard proximate and gross calorific value analyses, were performed to investigate the influence of coal quality and pore characteristics on methane adsorption capacities. The findings demonstrated correlations between coal quality parameters and adsorption capacity, with ash yield showing a moderately negative correlation and fixed carbon content and gross calorific values exhibiting moderately positive correlations. Microporosity was identified as the critical factor governing methane adsorption, with a strong positive correlation observed between micropore surface areas and volumes and adsorption capacity. These results highlight the significant methane storage capacities of the coal seams in the Soma Basin and underscore the importance of micropores in determining methane adsorption capacity. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing methane extraction and utilization in the region and offer important considerations for reservoir characterization and development strategies in similar low-rank coal deposits.

Highlights

Extensive evaluation of methane adsorption and pore characteristics in Soma Basin coals, uncovering substantial potential for coalbed methane.

The study reveals a diverse range of methane adsorption capacities, indicating highly promising methane storage capabilities.

Correlation between coal quality parameters and methane adsorption, offering valuable insights into gas storage influenced by coal composition.

Emphasis on the crucial role of micropores in methane storage, underscoring their significance as primary adsorption sites.

Practical implications for optimizing methane extraction and utilization, guiding reservoir development in low-rank coal deposits like Soma Basin.
Intracellular cytokines in peritoneal leukocytes relate to lifespan in aging and long-lived female mice
Authors: Martínez de Toda Irene , Félix Judith , Díaz-Del Cerro Estefanía , De la Fuente Mónica
Published: May 2024

Peritoneal immune cell function is a reliable indicator of aging and longevity in mice and inflammaging is associated with a shorter lifespan. Nevertheless, it is unknown if the content of cytokines in these immune cells is linked to individual differences in lifespan. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate different peritoneal leukocyte populations and their content in intracellular pro-inflammatory (TNF and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines by flow cytometry in adult (10 months-old, n = 8) and old (18 months-old, n = 20) female Swiss/ICR mice. In addition, old mice were monitored longitudinally throughout their aging process, and the same markers were analyzed at the very old (24 months-old, n = 8) and long-lived (30 months-old, n = 4) ages. The longitudinal follow-up allowed us to relate the investigated parameters to individual lifespans. The results show that long-lived female mice exhibit an adult-like profile in most parameters investigated but also display specific immune adaptations, such as increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cells containing the pro-inflammatory TNF cytokine and CD4+ T cells and macrophages containing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These adaptations may underlie their exceptional longevity. In addition, a negative correlation was obtained between the percentage of cytotoxic T cells, KLRG-1/CD4, large peritoneal macrophages, and the percentage of CD4+ T cells containing IL-6 and macrophages containing IL-10 in old age and lifespan, whereas a positive correlation was found between the CD4/CD8 ratio and the longevity of the animals at the same age. These results highlight the crucial role of peritoneal leukocytes in inflammaging and longevity.