bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piezo‐Activated Atomic‐Thin Molybdenum Disulfide/MXene Nanoenzyme for Integrated and Efficient Tumor Therapy via Ultrasound‐Triggered Schottky Electric Field
Authors: Wu Yizhang , Song Xueru , Zhou Xiaoyu , Song Renjie , Tang Wenchao , Yang Dingyi , Wang Yong , Lv Zhongyang , Zhong Wei , Cai Hong‐Ling , Zhang Aimei , Wei Jia , Wu X. S.
Published: December 2022

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoenzymes exhibit a piezoelectric polarization, which generates reactive oxygen species to inactivate tumors under ultrasonic strain. However, its therapeutic efficiency is far away from satisfactory, due to stackable MoS2, quenching of piezo‐generated charges, and monotherapy. Herein, chitosan‐exfoliated monolayer MoS2 (Ch‐MS) is composited with atomic‐thin MXene, Ti3C2 (TC), to self‐assemble a multimodal nanoplatform, Ti3C2‐Chitosan‐MoS2 (TC@Ch‐MS), for tumor inactivation. TC@Ch‐MS not only inherits piezoelectricity from monolayer MoS2, but also maintains remarkable stability. Intrinsic metallic MXene combines with MoS2 to construct an interfacial Schottky heterojunction, facilitating the separation of electron–hole pairs and endowing TC@Ch‐MS increase‐sensitivity magnetic resonance imaging responding. Schottky interface also leads to peroxidase mimetics with excellent catalytic performance toward H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment under mechanical vibration. TC@Ch‐MS possesses the superior photothermal conversion efficiency than pristine TC under near‐infrared ray illumination, attributed to its enhanced interlaminar conductivity. Meanwhile, TC@Ch‐MS realizes optimized efficiency on tumor apoptosis with immunotherapy. Therefore, TC@Ch‐MS achieves an integrated diagnosis and multimodal treatment nanoplatform, whereas the toxicity to normal tissue cells is negligible. This work may shed fresh light on optimizing the piezoelectric materials in biological applications, and also give prominence to the significance of intrinsic metallicity in MXene.
Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Covalent Organic Frameworks Enabled by Polymerization‐Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Zhu Lin , Su Yajiao , Liu Zhongshan , Fang Yu
Published: December 2022

The shape and morphology modulations of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are both difficult, but are of significance to tackle to realize high‐performance and practical applications. Here, a two‐step method is reported that separates the phase separation and crystallization processes for the shape‐controlled synthesis of COFs. The insight into the polymerization‐induced phase separation (PIPS) allows for the flexible shaping of COFs into column, rod, film and others, as well as for constructing hierarchically porous structure. The as‐synthesized COF monoliths are crack‐free, no powder detaching, and show 214 MPa of compressive modulus. The resulting good permeability and mechanical flexibility enable COF films to apply for flow‐through adsorption and extraction of pollutants at high flow rates. This work successfully resolves the contradiction between PIPS and crystallization, offering a general approach for scalable production of COFs with desired shapes, sizes, and morphologies.
Recent Development Strategies for Bismuth‐Driven Materials in Sustainable Energy Systems and Environmental Restoration
Authors: Adhikari Sangeeta , Mandal Sandip , Kim Do‐Heyoung
Published: December 2022

Bismuth(Bi)‐based materials have gained considerable attention in recent decades for use in a diverse range of sustainable energy and environmental applications due to their low toxicity and eco‐friendliness. Bi materials are widely employed in electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices, exhibiting excellent catalytic and non‐catalytic performance, as well as CO2/N2 reduction and water treatment systems. A variety of Bi materials, including its oxides, chalcogenides, oxyhalides, bismuthates, and other composites, have been developed for understanding their physicochemical properties. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the properties of individual Bi material systems and their use in a range of applications is provided. This review highlights the implementation of novel strategies to modify Bi materials based on morphological and facet control, doping/defect inclusion, and composite/heterojunction formation. The factors affecting the development of different classes of Bi materials and how their control differs between individual Bi compounds are also described. In particular, the development process for these material systems, their mass production, and related challenges are considered. Thus, the key components in Bi compounds are compared in terms of their properties, design, and applications. Finally, the future potential and challenges associated with Bi complexes are presented as a pathway for new innovations.
Self‐Repairable Silicon Anodes Using a Multifunctional Binder for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Malik Yoga Trianzar , Shin Seo‐Yeon , Jang Jin Il , Kim Hyung Min , Cho Sangho , Do Young Rag , Jeon Ju‐Won
Published: December 2022

Despite of extremely high theoretical capacity of Si (3579 mAh g−1), Si anodes suffer from pulverization and delamination of the electrodes induced by large volume change during charge/discharge cycles. To address those issues, herein, self‐healable and highly stretchable multifunctional binders, polydioxythiophene:polyacrylic acid:phytic acid (PEDOT:PAA: PA, PDPP) that provide Si anodes with self‐healability and excellent structural integrity is designed. By utilizing the self‐healing binder, Si anodes self‐repair cracks and damages of Si anodes generated during cycling. For the first time, it is demonstrated that Si anodes autonomously self‐heal artificially created cracks in electrolytes under practical battery operating conditions. Consequently, this self‐healable Si anode can still deliver a reversible capacity of 2312 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles with remarkable initial Coulombic efficiency of 94%, which is superior to other reported Si anodes. Moreover, the self‐healing binder possesses enhanced Li‐ion diffusivity with additional electronic conductivity, providing excellent rate capability with a capacity of 2084 mAh g−1 at a very high C‐rate of 5 C.
One‐way flexural shear tests on wide reinforced concrete slab segments with simple and intermediate supports
Authors: Adam Viviane , Schmidt Maximilian , Hegger Josef
Published: December 2022

Flexural shear behavior, which mainly concerns reinforced concrete (RC) slabs without shear reinforcement, is usually investigated by means of simply supported, beam‐shaped specimens. Only few tests are available where the cross‐section properties correspond to a slab (b ≫ h) or the support conditions lead to moment and shear force distributions of multi‐span slab systems. The moment distribution in the vicinity of inner supports can decrease shear slenderness and, hence, increase shear strength. An increase in member width is also often associated with a beneficial effect on load bearing behavior. Firstly, the course of the shear crack changes along the width which, both, increases the crack face area, and potentially allows for an increased interlocking effect of the two crack faces. Secondly, a (wide) slab's ability to redistribute inner stresses in lateral direction can compensate inner irregularities. However, the likelihood of irregularities to occur after all, increases with increasing concrete volume, so larger member widths. A comparison of existing investigations shows that the findings are partly inconclusive. Also, no studies addressing the influence of the member width exist with tests in the vicinity of intermediate supports despite being the typical shear‐critical section in actual members. To address related open questions, an experimental campaign comprising 20 shear tests on slab segments without shear reinforcement was conducted. Essentially, member width (b = 0.3 or 2.4 m) and support conditions were varied within the test program. Main goal of the experimental campaign was finding answers to the question whether one‐way flexural shear strength is influenced by the member's width. This has been addressed by generating results from pairs of tests which differed only in their width while having otherwise equal properties (b/h ≈ 1.0 and b/h ≈ 8.5). Eight such pairs were tested featuring different shear span lengths, rotational restrains at the support and longitudinal reinforcement ratios. In contrast to other experimental campaigns, shear tests near inner supports were incorporated in the experimental program. On average, the gain in shear capacity of the wide members compared to the reference linear member was proportional to the increase in width. It can thus be concluded that linear (beam‐shaped) specimens are suitable for representing one‐way shear capacity of RC slabs. Enhanced shear response of actual slabs can rather be ascribed to beneficial effects from loading and support conditions which enable to partially activate two‐way stress distribution or compressive membrane action. Additionally, rare occurrence of damages in RC slabs is not only to be attributed to an underestimation of capacity but probably also to an overestimation of design load.
Camera trapping as a method for estimating abundance of Mexican wolves
Authors: Russo Brianna M. , Jones Andrew S. , Clement Matthew J. , Fyffe Nathan , Mesler Jacob I. , Rubin Esther S.
Published: December 2022

Estimating wildlife abundance, particularly for rare and elusive species, is challenging because of time, cost, and methodological constraints. The Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), a federally‐listed endangered subspecies of gray wolf, is currently monitored using ground and aerial methods to obtain a minimum known population count. As the Mexican wolf population has grown and expanded, the time and cost required to monitor the subspecies has increased. We investigated the efficacy of camera trapping for estimating Mexican wolf abundance by comparing the accuracy, precision, and cost of camera trapping to those obtained with current monitoring techniques. Between 1 November 2019 and 31 July 2020, we collected 13,317 photos of wolves from 124 camera traps in Arizona where Mexican wolves were known to occur, excluding tribal lands. We used a spatial mark‐resight analysis to estimate abundance for both winter (November 2019 through February 2020) and summer (April through July 2020) seasons, with and without the assistance of global positioning system (GPS) telemetry data to identify individual wolves. Combined with GPS data, camera trapping provided a summer abundance estimate ( = 50, 95% CI = 37–64) that was 14% lower than the 2019 minimum known population count (N = 59), but included the minimum known population count in the 95% confidence interval. The summer no telemetry abundance estimate was 27% below the minimum known population count ( = 43, 95% CI = 30–56). During winter, abundance estimates obtained from camera trapping (no telemetry:  = 33, 95% CI = 15–52; telemetry:  = 45, 95% CI = 28–62), were much lower than the 2019 Mexican wolf minimum known population count (winter:N = 62), but included the minimum known population count in the 95% confidence interval for the winter telemetry dataset. A cost comparison indicated that the first‐year camera trapping equipment expenses were 1.7 times the equipment cost of the current method and that camera trapping equipment expenses in subsequent years were equivalent to the equipment cost of the current method, and required at least 1.4 times the labor hours. We provide recommendations to potentially improve Mexican wolf abundance estimates and minimize camera trapping expenses. The results of our project may help managers make appropriate decisions for their population monitoring needs, while considering budget, staffing capabilities, precision, and accuracy.
[K([2.2.2]‐crypt)]K[Pt3(μ2‐CO)3(PPh3)3] ⋅ 3NH3 – A New Chini‐Type Platinum Carbonyl Complex
Authors: Tiefenthaler Susanne M. , Korber Nikolaus
Published: December 2022

The titular compound [K([2.2.2]‐crypt)]K[Pt3(μ2‐CO)3(PPh3)3] ⋅ 3NH3 (1) ([2.2.2]‐crypt=4,7,13,16,21,24‐Hexaoxa‐1,10‐diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane) contains a triangular platinum complex, the approximate D3 symmetry of which is only broken by the phenyl substituents of the PPh3 ligands.. The dianionic complex represents only the second triangular carbonyl platinate characterized via single crystal X‐ray diffraction in monomeric form. The compound crystallizes in the space group P
with the unit cell parameters a=13.8826 Å, b=14.2899 Å and c=21.3254 Å. For the formation of the platinate, liquid ammonia seems to play a crucial role as a solvent for the polygermanide used for the reduction as well as for the stabilization of the dianion.
Exploring extended Higgs sectors via pair production at the LHC
Authors: Cacciapaglia G. , Flacke T. , Kunkel M. , Porod W. , Schwarze L.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Higgs sectors extended by electroweakly charged scalars can be explored by scalar pair production at the LHC. We consider a fermiophobic scenario, with decays into a pair of gauge bosons, and a fermiophilic one, with decays into top and bottom quarks. After establishing the current bounds on simplified models, we focus on an SU(5)/SO(5) composite Higgs model. This first exploration demonstrates the need for dedicated searches at current and future colliders.
Nonperturbative bounds on scattering of massive scalar particles in d ≥ 2
Authors: Chen Hongbin , Fitzpatrick A. Liam , Karateev Denis
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We study two-to-two scattering amplitudes of a scalar particle of mass m. For simplicity, we assume the presence of ℤ2 symmetry and that the particle is ℤ2 odd. We consider two classes of amplitudes: the fully nonperturbative ones and effective field theory (EFT) ones with a cut-off scale M. Using the primal numerical method which allows us to impose full non-linear unitarity, we construct novel bounds on various observables in 2 ≤ d ≤ 4 space-time dimensions for both classes of amplitudes. We show that our bounds are much stronger than the ones obtained by using linearized unitarity or positivity only. We discuss applications of our bounds to constraining EFTs. Finally, we compare our bounds to the amplitude in ϕ4 theory computed perturbatively at weak coupling, and find that they saturate the bounds.
Holography of information in AdS/CFT
Authors: de Mello Koch Robert , Kemp Garreth
Published: December 2022

Abstract

The principle of the holography of information states that in a theory of quantum gravity a copy of all the information available on a Cauchy slice is also available near the boundary of the Cauchy slice. This redundancy in the theory is already present at low energy. In the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence, this principle can be translated into a statement about the dual conformal field theory. We carry out this translation and demonstrate that the principle of the holography of information holds in bilocal holography.
Quadratic Coefficients of Goulden–Rattan Character Polynomials
Authors: Marciniak Mikołaj
Published: December 2022

Goulden–Rattan polynomials give the exact value of the subdominant part of the normalized characters of the symmetric groups in terms of certain quantities $$(C_i)$$

(

C
i

)

which describe the macroscopic shape of the Young diagram. The Goulden–Rattan positivity conjecture states that the coefficients of these polynomials are positive rational numbers with small denominators. We prove a special case of this conjecture for the coefficient of the quadratic term $$C_2^2$$

C
2
2

by applying certain bijections involving maps (i.e., graphs drawn on surfaces).
The Merino–Welsh Conjecture for Split Matroids
Authors: Ferroni Luis , Schröter Benjamin
Published: December 2022

In 1999, Merino and Welsh conjectured that evaluations of the Tutte polynomial of a graph satisfy an inequality. In this short article, we show that the conjecture generalized to matroids holds for the large class of all split matroids by exploiting the structure of their lattice of cyclic flats. This class of matroids strictly contains all paving and copaving matroids.
Comorbidities, injury severity and complications predict mortality in thoracic trauma
Authors: Fokkema Anne T. , Johannesdottir Bergros K. , Wendt Klaus , Haaverstad Rune , Reininga Inge H. F. , Geisner Thomas
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Thoracic trauma accounts for 25–50% of posttraumatic mortality. Data on epidemiology of thoracic trauma in Scandinavia and risk factors for mortality are scarce. This study aims to provide an overview of epidemiology, clinical events and risk factors for mortality of patients with severe thoracic injuries.

Methods

A retrospective study including adult thoracic trauma patients with abbreviated injury scale ≥ 3, between 2009 and 2018 at Haukeland University Hospital was performed. Subgroup analyses were performed for specific patient groups: (1) isolated thoracic trauma, (2) polytrauma without Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and (3) polytrauma with TBI. Logistic regression analyses were applied to find risk factors for 30-days mortality. Age, sex, comorbidity polypharmacy score (CPS), trauma and injury severity score (TRISS) and comprehensive complication index (CI) were included in the final model.

Results

Data of 514 patients were analyzed, of which 60 (12%) patients died. Median (IQR) injury severity score (ISS) was 17 (13–27). Data of 463 patients, of which 39 patients died (8%), were included in multivariate analyses. Female sex odds ratio (OR) (2.7, p = 0.04), CPS > 9 (OR 4.8; p = 0.01), TRISS ≤ 50% (OR 44; p < 0.001) and CI ≥ 30 (OR 12.5, p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for mortality. Subgroup analyses did not demonstrate other risk factors.

Conclusion

Comorbidities and associated pharmacotherapies, TRISS, female sex, and complications during admission predict in-hospital mortality after thoracic trauma. Current findings might help to recognize patients at risk of an adverse outcome, and thereby prevent complications.

Trial registration: retrospectively registered

The regional committees for medical and health research ethics file number is 2017/293.
The use of the sodium fluorescein and YELLOW 560 nm filter for the resection of pediatric posterior fossa lesions
Authors: Ott Christian , Proescholdt Martin , Friedrich Monika , Hoehne Julius , Rosengarth Katharina , Schmidt Nils-Ole , Schebesch Karl-Michael
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to verify the feasibility, safety, and benefit of using fluorescein sodium (FL) and a YELLOW 560 nm filter in posterior fossa tumors in children.

Methods

All cases of pediatric posterior fossa tumors that have undergone surgery using fluorescein (2018–2022) have been included and were examined retrospectively. In those cases where resection of the tumor was planned, a blinded neuroradiologist distinguished gross total resection and subtotal resection according to the postoperative MRI findings. The surgical report and medical files were reviewed regarding the intraoperative staining grade and adverse events. The grade of fluorescent staining of the targeted lesion was assessed as described in the surgical reports. The screening was conducted for any reference to the degree of fluorescent staining: “intense,” “medium,” “slight,” and “no staining.”

Results

19 cases have been included. In 14 cases, a complete resection was initially intended. In 11 of these cases, a gross total resection could be achieved (78.6%). Staining was described as intense in most cases (58.8%). Except for yellow-colored urine, no side effects obviously related to FL were found throughout the observation period.

Conclusion

In combination with a specific filter, FL is a reliable, safe, and feasible tool in posterior fossa surgery in children.
Individual differences in resilience to stress are associated with affective flexibility
Authors: Rademacher Lena , Kraft Dominik , Eckart Cindy , Fiebach Christian J.
Published: December 2022

Cognitive flexibility is frequently linked to resilience because of its important contribution to stress regulation. In this context, particularly affective flexibility, defined as the ability to flexibly attend and disengage from affective information, may play a significant role. In the present study, the relationship of cognitive and affective flexibility and resilience was examined in 100 healthy participants. Resilience was measured with three self-report questionnaires, two defining resilience as a personality trait and one focusing on resilience as an outcome in the sense of stress coping abilities. Cognitive and affective flexibility were assessed in two experimental task switching paradigms with non-affective and affective materials and tasks, respectively. The cognitive flexibility paradigm additionally included measures of cognitive stability and spontaneous switching in ambiguous situations. In the affective flexibility paradigm, we explicitly considered the affective valence of the stimuli. Response time switch costs in the affective flexibility paradigm were significantly correlated to all three measures of resilience. The correlation was not specific for particular valences of the stimuli before or during switching. For cognitive (non-affective) flexibility, a significant correlation of response time switch costs was found with only one resilience measure. A regression analysis including both affective and cognitive switch costs as predictors of resilience indicated that only affective, but not cognitive switch costs, explained unique variance components. Furthermore, the experimental measures of cognitive stability and the rate of spontaneous switching in ambiguous situations did not correlate with resilience scores. These findings suggest that specifically the efficiency of flexibly switching between affective and non-affective information is related to resilience.
Psychosocial distress in young adults surviving hematological malignancies: a pilot study
Authors: Wittwer Andreas , Sponholz Kristin , Frietsch Jochen J. , Linke Paul , Kropp Peter , Hochhaus Andreas , Hilgendorf Inken
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Survivors of cancer during young adulthood face multiple psychosocial challenges following treatment. This study explores psychosocial distress and unmet needs among young adult survivors treated of hematological malignancies.

Methods

A total of 85 young adults aged between 18 and 39 years at time of diagnosis, were invited to join the survey after the completion of treatment with curative intent. Sociodemographic data and the need for advice were gathered with a self-report questionnaire. A set of standardized questionnaires for quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), psychosocial stressors (PHQ-S), fear of progression (PA-F-KF), cancer-related fatigue (EORTC QLQ-FA12), and symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7) or depression (PHQ-9) was employed. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were conducted.

Results

Forty-seven young adult cancer survivors responded. A quarter of patients (26%) reported depressive symptoms, 15% suffered from anxiety, 36% from fear of progression, and 21% reported increased psychosocial stressors. They had a lower QoL than the general population and reported poorer outcomes on all single-item and multi-symptom scales. Employment was significantly associated with lower levels of psychosocial distress, anxiety, fatigue, and better QoL.

Conclusion

Young adult cancer survivors exhibited a high disposition for psychosocial distress. They reported excessive demands in everyday life and resumption of work. However, a longitudinal study of young adult cancer survivors is needed to confirm the results of this pilot study. In future, psycho-oncological and social support need to become an inherent part of the aftercare of survivors of young adult cancer survivors.
Treatment with head-lift exercise in head and neck cancer patients with dysphagia: results from a randomized, controlled trial with flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
Authors: Dotevall Hans , Tuomi Lisa , Petersson Kerstin , Löfhede Helena , Bergquist Henrik , Finizia Caterina
Published: December 2022

Background

This randomized study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Shaker head-lift exercise (HLE) to improve dysphagia following oncologic treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

Patients with dysphagia following oncologic treatment for HNC were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 23) or control (standard dysphagia management, n = 24) groups. Swallowing was evaluated at baseline and at 8-week follow-up using flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and self-perceived swallowing with the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Analysis was performed regarding secretion, initiation of swallow, residue after swallowing, and penetration/aspiration.

Results

Few statistically significant differences were found in the FEES analysis. Some improvement of self-perceived swallowing function was found in both groups. Adherence to training was high.

Conclusions

This randomized study regarding the effect of the HLE demonstrated that swallowing outcome measures used in assessment of FEES did not improve in patients treated with radiotherapy for patients with dysphagia following HNC.
Postural instability-induced compensative movements in virtual reality
Authors: Kállai János , Zsidó András Norbert , Tamás István , Topa Kristóf , Kállai Kata M. , Páll Tamás
Published: December 2022

During virtual reality usage, two egocentric mental representations are constructed simultaneously. The first representation is rooted in the physical reality in which VR is set up, and the second originates from the mental construction of a computer-generated virtual environment. In both cases, participants configure their posture based on multimodal stimuli while responding to environmental cues. In most cases, the postural cues provided by the digital and real environment may be conflicting. In this study, 50 right-handed volunteers were enrolled. In a pre-test session, attentional focus-related personality bias (perspective-taking) was assessed, and afterward, postural movements and presence experiences were measured while the participants performed a spatial orientation task in VR. Participants were placed in an upright position with their right hands positioned in front of a physically real point on the laboratory wall. Afterward, participants were exposed to a VR environment in which they performed a room-tilting task. Participants with higher hand-related presence scores showed decreased compensatory hand drift in the VR environment. The rate of contralateral hand drift showed a reversed association with the intensity of the perspective-taking trait. VR-induced postural instability can be attenuated by the compensative hand drift that alleviates the conflicts between the two rival inner VR and outer VR environments that compete for attention and provide different reference cues.
High performance of the automated ADVIA Centaur Systems SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Assay in nasopharyngeal samples with high viral load
Authors: Ríos Esther , Medrano Sara , Alvarez Mar , Valderrama María José , Vallejo Luis , Delgado-Iribarren Alberto , Culebras Esther
Published: December 2022

ADVIA Centaur SARS-CoV-2 Antigen (COV2Ag) Assay (Siemens Healthineers) was evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 detection. A total of 141 nasopharyngeal samples were analyzed by this technique and results were compared with those obtained by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The overall sensitivity and specificity of the test were 68.70% and 70%, respectively. Regarding cycle threshold (Ct) values, the COV2Ag test showed a sensitivity of 93.75% and 100% for nasopharyngeal samples with Ct < 25 and < 20, respectively. ADVIA Centaur COV2Ag Assay is a useful, automated, and rapid technique for early SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and isolation of the infected individuals, avoiding its transmission.
Comparing magnetic resonance liver fat fraction measurements with histology in fibrosis: the difference between proton density fat fraction and tissue mass fat fraction
Authors: Bawden Stephen James , Hoad Caroline , Kaye Philip , Stephenson Mary , Dolman Grace , James Martin W. , Wilkes Emilie , Austin Andrew , Guha Indra Neil , Francis Susan , Gowland Penny , Aithal Guruprasad P.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides a powerful method of measuring fat fraction. However, previous studies have shown that MRS results give lower values compared with visual estimates from biopsies in fibrotic livers. This study investigated these discrepancies and considered whether a tissue water content correction, as assessed by MRI relaxometry, could provide better agreement.

Materials and methods

110 patients were scanned in a 1.5 T Philips scanner and biopsies were obtained. Multiple echo MRS (30 × 30 ×  30 mm volume) was used to determine Proton Density Fat Fraction (PDFF). Biopsies were assessed by visual assessment for fibrosis and steatosis grading. Digital image analysis (DIA) was also used to quantify fat fraction within tissue samples. T1 relaxation times were then used to estimate tissue water content to correct PDFF for confounding factors.

Results

PDFF values across the four visually assessed steatosis grades were significantly less in the higher fibrosis group (F3–F4) compared to the lower fibrosis group (F0–F2). The slope of the linear regression of PDFF vs DIA fat fraction was ~ 1 in the low fibrosis group and 0.77 in the high fibrosis group. Correcting for water content based on T1 increased the gradient but it did not reach unity.

Discussion

In fibrotic livers, PDFF underestimated fat fraction compared to DIA methods. Values were improved by applying a water content correction, but fat fractions were still underestimated.
Cognitive science meets the mark of the cognitive: putting the horse before the cart
Authors: Gough Joe
Published: December 2022

Among those living systems, which are cognizers? Among the behaviours of, and causes of behaviour in, living systems, which are cognitive? Such questions sit at the heart of a sophisticated, ongoing debate, of which the recent papers by Corcoran et al. (2020) and Sims and Kiverstein (2021) serve as excellent examples. I argue that despite their virtues, both papers suffer from flawed conceptions of the point of the debate. This leaves their proposals ill-motivated—good answers to the wrong question. Additionally, their proposals are unfit to serve the legitimate roles for characterizations of cognition.
Support Theorem for Lévy-driven Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Kulyk Oleksii
Published: December 2022

We provide a support theorem for the law of the solution to a stochastic differential equation (SDE) with jump noise. This theorem applies to quite general Lévy-driven SDEs and is illustrated by examples with rather degenerate jump noises, where the theorem leads to an informative description of the support.
A paradigm-based explanation of trust
Authors: Bieber Friedemann , Viehoff Juri
Published: December 2022

This article offers a functionalist account of trust. It argues that a particular form of trust—Communicated Interpersonal Trust—is paradigmatic and lays out how trust as a social practice in this form helps to satisfy fundamental practical, deliberative, and relational human needs in mutually reinforcing ways. We then argue that derivative (non-paradigmatic) forms of trust connect to the paradigm by generating a positive dynamic between trustor and trustee that is geared towards the realization of these functions. We call this trust’s proleptic potential. Our functionalist approach does not only provide important insights into the practice of trust and its place in the broader web of social life, but also illuminates existing philosophical debates. First, pointing out how opposing theoretical accounts of trust each capitalise on only one of its functions, our paradigm-based approach reveals why they each contain a kernel of truth but are also deficient: the optimal realization of each function is tied to the existence of the other functions as well. Second, we show how a functionalist re-orientation can illuminate two recent disputes regarding (i) the question whether trust is explanatorily two- or three-place and (ii) whether (and to what extent) we can decide to trust others.
Armut, Hunger, Hilfe
Authors: Schoneville Holger
Published: December 2022

Vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Steigerungen der Kosten des alltäglichen Lebens, insbesondere auch im Bereich der Ernährung, beschäftigt sich der Beitrag mit Fragen von Armut und Essen im Kontext der Sozialen Arbeit. Dabei wird der Versuch einer Einordnung und Diskussion von Hilfsangeboten im Feld der Sozialen Arbeit vorgenommen, die als Ernährungshilfen verstanden werden können. Der Beitrag zielt auf eine Einordnung des Feldes sowie kritische Diskussion der Armutshilfen und ringt dabei um eine professionspolitische Positionierung.
Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Originating From Urachal Carcinoma: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Van Breusegem Paulien , Verswijvel Geert , Fransis Sabine , Van der Speeten Kurt
Published: December 2022

Urachal carcinoma (UC) is a rare and aggressive tumor arising from the urachal remnants, with the potential for peritoneal dissemination. Patients diagnosed with UC often have a poor prognosis. To date, there is no standardized treatment. Our objective is to present two cases of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) secondary to an UC, who were treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic peroperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). A review of the literature on CRS and HIPEC in UC suggests CRS and HIPEC to be a safe and viable treatment option. Two patients with PC of UC underwent CRS and HIPEC in our institution. All available data were gathered and reported on. A literary search was carried out to find all available cases of patients with PC secondary to UC treated with CRS and HIPEC. Both patients underwent CRS and HIPEC and are currently free of recurrence. Literature research revealed nine other publications adding up to a total of 68 additional cases. CRS and HIPEC can provide satisfactory long-term oncological outcome with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates in patients with PC of urachal origin. It should be considered as a safe and feasible treatment option with curative potential.
Mechanical Hamiltonian systems with respect to linear Poisson structures and Jacobi–Reeb dynamics
Authors: Iglesias Ponte D. , Marrero J. C. , Padrón E.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present a relation between Jacobi–Reeb dynamics and the dynamics associated with a mechanical Hamiltonian system with respect to a linear Poisson structure on a vector bundle. For this purpose, we will use the so-called Jacobi bundle metrics induced by the mechanical Hamiltonian system. These constructions extend classical results on the relation between standard mechanical Hamiltonian systems on cotangent bundles and Reeb dynamics.
New possibilities for engaging school teachers in widening participation: professional development to support student aspirations
Authors: Prieto Elena , Sincock Kristina , Patfield Sally , Fray Leanne , Gore Jennifer
Published: December 2022

Access to higher education remains elusive for many young people despite substantial investment in outreach interventions, most of which target students in underrepresented equity groups. This paper explores an alternative approach to widening participation in Australia that focuses on teacher professional development to support student aspirations. We examine school teachers’ responses to a course designed to develop their conceptual understanding of aspirations and provide a framework for developing aspirations-related initiatives with their students and colleagues. The course pilot was evaluated drawing on surveys (N = 49) and interviews (N = 21). Teachers reported that they gained the following: (1) access to robust evidence of factors affecting aspirations; (2) relevant theoretical perspectives to conceptualise aspirations in new ways; and (3) insights on practical strategies with which they might nurture student pathways to higher education. To support widening participation in higher education, we argue that the scope of current outreach initiatives offered by universities must broaden to capitalise on the untapped potential of teachers.
Experimental investigation and development of a deep learning framework to predict process-induced surface roughness in additively manufactured aluminum alloys
Authors: Muhammad Waqas , Kang Jidong , Ibragimova Olga , Inal Kaan
Published: December 2022

A deep learning framework is developed to predict the process-induced surface roughness of AlSi10Mg aluminum alloy fabricated using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The framework involves the fabrication of round bar AlSi10Mg specimens, surface topography measurement using 3D laser scanning profilometry, extraction, coupling, and streamlining of roughness and LPBF processing data, feature engineering to select the relevant feature set and the development, validation, and evaluation of a deep neural network model. A mix of core and contour-border scanning strategies are employed to fabricate four sets of specimens with different surface roughness conditions. The effects of different scanning strategies, linear energy density (LED), and specimen location on the build plate on the resulting surface roughness are discussed. The inputs to the deep neural network model are the AM process parameters (i.e., laser power, scanning speed, layer thickness, specimen location on the build plate, and the x,y grid location for surface topography measurements), and the output is the surface profile height measurements. The proposed deep learning framework successfully predicts the surface topography and related surface roughness parameters for all printed specimens. The predicted surface roughness ($${S}_{a}$$

S
a

) measurements are well within 5% of experimental error for the majority of the cases. Moreover, the intensity and location of the surface peaks and valleys as well as their shapes are well predicted, as demonstrated by comparing roughness line scan results with corresponding experimental data. The successful implementation of the current framework encourages further applications of such machine learning-based methods toward AM material development and process optimization.
eImmunonkologie: Development and Launch of a Virtual Education Platform for the Immunotherapy of Cutaneous Neoplasms
Authors: Kaufmann Matthias D. , Steeb Theresa , Wessely Anja , Meyerolbersleben Marion , French Lars E. , Berking Carola , Heppt Markus V.
Published: December 2022

The use of immunotherapies in clinical practice has significantly expanded treatment options and improved the prognosis of patients with advanced cancers over the past decade. We have developed a virtual teaching module entitled “eImmunonkologie” which is the first interdisciplinary virtual course on immuno-oncology for medical students in German-speaking countries.
Pilot-Scale Test of Flue Gas Recirculation for The Silicon Process
Authors: Andersen Vegar , Solheim Ingeborg , Gaertner Heiko , Sægrov-Sorte Bendik , Einarsrud Kristian Etienne , Tranell Gabriella
Published: December 2022

Flue gas recirculation (FGR) for the silicon process may facilitate increasing the CO2 concentration in the off-gas, which will be beneficial for potential future carbon capture. Lower oxygen concentration in the combustion gas will also reduce NOX emissions. An existing 400 kVA Submerged Arc Furnace (SAF) pilot setup was modified to be able to recirculate flue gas and equipped with gas analysis to monitor both the flue gas and the mixed combustion gas entering the furnace. Over a running period of 80 h, including 32 h of startup, twelve different combinations of FGR ratios and flow rates were tested using typical industrial raw materials. Increased CO2 flue gas concentrations were successfully demonstrated with concentrations over 20 vol % CO2. Emissions of NOX were shown to be reduced when isolating stable comparable periods within each tapping cycle.

Graphical Abstract
Identifying key sectors in the regional economy: a network analysis approach using input–output data
Authors: DePaolis Fernando , Murphy Phil , De Paolis Kaluza M. Clara
Published: December 2022

By applying network analysis techniques to large input–output system, we identify key sectors in the local/regional economy. We overcome the limitations of traditional measures of centrality by using random-walk based measures, as an extension of Blöchl et al. (Phys Rev E 83(4):046127, 2011). These are more appropriate to analyze very dense networks, i.e. those in which most nodes are connected to all other nodes. These measures also allow for the presence of recursive ties (loops), since these are common in economic systems (depending to the level of aggregation, most firms buy from and sell to other firms in the same industrial sector). The centrality measures we present are well suited for capturing sectoral effects missing from the usual output and employment multipliers. We also develop and make available an R implementation for computing the newly developed measures.
Designs and methodologies to recreate in vitro human gut microbiota models
Authors: Biagini Francesco , Daddi Costanza , Calvigioni Marco , De Maria Carmelo , Zhang Yu Shrike , Ghelardi Emilia , Vozzi Giovanni
Published: December 2022

The human gut microbiota is widely considered to be a metabolic organ hidden within our bodies, playing a crucial role in the host’s physiology. Several factors affect its composition, so a wide variety of microbes residing in the gut are present in the world population. Individual excessive imbalances in microbial composition are often associated with human disorders and pathologies, and new investigative strategies to gain insight into these pathologies and define pharmaceutical therapies for their treatment are needed. In vitro models of the human gut microbiota are commonly used to study microbial fermentation patterns, community composition, and host-microbe interactions. Bioreactors and microfluidic devices have been designed to culture microorganisms from the human gut microbiota in a dynamic environment in the presence or absence of eukaryotic cells to interact with. In this review, we will describe the overall elements required to create a functioning, reproducible, and accurate in vitro culture of the human gut microbiota. In addition, we will analyze some of the devices currently used to study fermentation processes and relationships between the human gut microbiota and host eukaryotic cells.

Graphic abstract
Changes in the Review Period of Drug Application and a Drug Lag from the FDA and the EMA: An Industry Survey in South Korea Between 2011 and 2020
Authors: Choi Hyeyoung , Lee Hyesung , Park Bojung , Kim Chorong , Lee Jaehyun
Published: December 2022

Background

The Korean regulatory authority has enacted legislation to expedite the new drug approval (NDA) process. However, the effectiveness of such efforts in reducing review time and drug approval delays between Korea and the USA/EU remains to be evaluated.

Methods

We investigated NDA trends in Korea from 2011 to 2020 using approval information from pharmaceutical companies. We compared the changes in the actual review duration according to active ingredient (chemical vs. biological), orphan status, therapeutic class, and NDA review process. We estimated the submission and approval gaps of new drugs between Korea and the US and EU across the study period.

Results

For 235 new drugs, the median NDA review time was 315 days, with a significant increase in the delay (average 15.4 days) over time. Biological drugs had a 43.2-day delay for approval than the time taken for approving chemical drugs. The median NDA review time for orphan drugs was 130.4 days faster than that for others, although the difference diminished after 2016. Good manufacturing practice reviews played a crucial role in delaying review time. The median submission and approval gaps in Korea were 493 and 551 days, respectively, compared to those of the US and EU.

Conclusions

Despite recent legislative initiatives, the delay in the NDA review timeline has steadily increased over 10 years in Korea. Delays in orphan drugs reviews increased after the enactment of the ‘Rare Disease Management Act’ in 2016. Careful enforcement of relevant laws and supplementary actions is required to increase new drug accessibility.
CSR–brand relationship, brand positioning, and investment risks driven towards climate change mitigation and next perspectives emerging from: “Litigation, projections, pathway, and models”
Authors: Adewole Olukorede
Published: December 2022

This study delineates the relationship between CSR and brands, unveiling pragmatic steps towards achieving the sustainable business environment, while unveiling its potential towards climate changes mitigation cognizant of investment risks, leading to an action plan-framework for proffering practical solutions coupled with establishing future paths and projection towards addressing climatic changes consequences, risen incidences in litigation trends and environmental issues. Trends manifesting in risen litigation incidences linked to industrial and economic activities that adversely impact the climate, environment and society makes it imperative to look extensively beyond prediction models while establishing and building on brand relationship with CSR, while strategically establishing a practically realistic business model for translating this relationship to value-creation and applied in abating climate change, addressing all environmental concerns, redressing litigation incidences, among other issues resulting from impacts of business and socio-economic pursuits of humans. The twenty-first century realities towards a green planet demands doing business strategically, optimize resources by imbibing investment risks as a trend and organizational culture—strategic fit, adopting brand as a potential tool for addressing climate change and environmentally related activities and adversaries from business activities and negligent practices from such, while achieving climate change mitigation as outlined and extensively inundated.
Decarbonization path of China’s public building sector from bottom to top
Authors: Peng Chenwei , Wei Qingpeng , Wei Wengang
Published: December 2022

The building sector is one of the three major energy consumption areas and one of the main areas responsible for carbon emissions. In 2019, carbon emissions related to construction and building operations in China accounted for 38% of the total social carbon emissions, of which construction accounted for 16% and operations accounted for 22%. Due to its large volume and high energy consumption per unit area, public buildings account for 38% of the operating energy consumption of all buildings, that is, 8% of the total national energy consumption. At this time, the building industry must take decarbonization actions to avoid a delay in realizing carbon neutrality and an emission peak. We need to form a unified process for the implementation boundary, implementation path, and index system to build a zero-carbon implementation plan for China’s public building sector. Based on bottom-up practical cases, this paper proposes the KAYA model, which is applicable to different scales and different types of public buildings/communities, and proposes specific and feasible plans. Through the implementation of demand reduction, energy efficiency improvement, and the fully-use of renewable energy in all five clear steps, this paper promotes the implementation of decarbonization in China’s building industry.
Machado de Assis
Authors: Higa Mario
Published: December 2022

A lively and accessible introduction to Machado de Assis and his work.
Literatures of Alchemy in Medieval and Early Modern England
Authors: Bentick Eoin
Published: December 2022

Explores the myriad ways in which alchemy was conceptualised by adepts and sceptics alike, from those with recourse to a fully functioning laboratory to those who did not know their pelican from their athanor.