bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solving the mystery of the FMC63-CD19 affinity
Authors: Seigner Jacqueline , Zajc Charlotte U. , Dötsch Sarah , Eigner Caroline , Laurent Elisabeth , Busch Dirk H. , Lehner Manfred , Traxlmayr Michael W.
Published: December 2023

The majority of approved CAR T cell products are based on the FMC63-scFv directed against CD19. Surprisingly, although antigen binding affinity is a major determinant for CAR function, the affinity of the benchmark FMC63-scFv has not been unambiguously determined. That is, a wide range of affinities have been reported in literature, differing by more than 100-fold. Using a range of techniques, we demonstrate that suboptimal experimental designs can cause artefacts that lead to over- or underestimation of the affinity. To minimize these artefacts, we performed SPR with strictly monomeric and correctly folded soluble CD19, yielding an FMC63-scFv affinity of 2–6 nM. Together, apart from analyzing the FMC63-scFv affinity under optimized conditions, we also provide potential explanations for the wide range of published affinities. We expect that this study will be highly valuable for interpretations of CAR affinity-function relationships, as well as for the design of future CAR T cell generations.
Effect of surface morphology on optical properties of two multilayer structures CuO/ZnO/SiC and Al2O3/ZnO/SiC
Authors: El-Fattah H. Abd
Published: December 2023

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Silicon carbide (SiC) thin films demonstrate unique properties such as high electron mobility, thermal stability, good chemical resistance, and low cost made them good candidates for optical applications. Moreover, semiconductors absorb short wavelengths of light due to the presence of a band gap. This work’s purpose is to study the effect of deposited ZnO and SiC thin films by physical vapor deposition (PVD) above two different oxides and substrates. Copper (Cu) with copper oxide (CuO) and aluminum (Al) with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) were the used substrates and oxides. After deposition of thin films, two different multilayer structures were resulted, which are CuO/ZnO/SiC and Al2O3/ZnO/SiC. Microstructure and morphology were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Structure and phases identification were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Optical properties (absorbance and emittance) before and after depositions of thin films were measured by spectrophotometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the CuO/ZnO/SiC structure (85%) had higher absorbance than Al2O3/ZnO/SiC structure, however Al2O3/ZnO/SiC showed higher selectivity (absorbance/emittance (α/ε)) of about 0.65/0.15, compared to 0.85/0.5 for CuO/ZnO/SiC multilayer structure. The effect of surface topography and roughness on the efficiency of each multilayer structure has been studied.
Fetal brain response to worsening acidosis: an experimental study in a fetal sheep model of umbilical cord occlusions
Authors: Lacan Laure , Garabedian Charles , De Jonckheere Julien , Ghesquiere Louise , Storme Laurent , Sharma Dyuti , Nguyen The Tich Sylvie
Published: December 2023

Perinatal anoxia remains an important public health problem as it can lead to hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and cause significant neonatal mortality and morbidity. The mechanisms of the fetal brain’s response to hypoxia are still unclear and current methods of in utero HIE prediction are not reliable. In this study, we directly analysed the brain response to hypoxia in fetal sheep using in utero EEG. Near-term fetal sheep were subjected to progressive hypoxia induced by repeated umbilical cord occlusions (UCO) at increasing frequency. EEG changes during and between UCO were analysed visually and quantitatively, and related with gasometric and haemodynamic data. EEG signal was suppressed during occlusions and progressively slowed between occlusions with the increasing severity of the occlusions. Per-occlusion EEG suppression correlated with per-occlusion bradycardia and increased blood pressure, whereas EEG slowing and amplitude decreases correlated with arterial hypotension and respiratory acidosis. The suppression of the EEG signal during cord occlusion, in parallel with cardiovascular adaptation could correspond to a rapid cerebral adaptation mechanism that may have a neuroprotective role. The progressive alteration of the signal with the severity of the occlusions would rather reflect the cerebral hypoperfusion due to the failure of the cardiovascular adaptation mechanisms.
Creep characteristics and damage model of coal–rock combinations with different height ratios
Authors: Wang Junguang , Yang Song , Qi Yanming , Cong Yiran
Published: December 2023

Numerous coal pillars are left after the coal mining process. The composite structure comprising a roof and coal pillar has prominent creep characteristics, which threaten safe underground mining. Therefore, the creep characteristics of coal-rock combinations should be studied to ensure the safety of quarry and surface. Uniaxial creep tests under static load axial pressure and different height ratios were performed using a self-designed rock creep disturbance test device to determine the effect of height ratio and axial pressure on the creep characteristics of coal–rock combinations. From the test results, a creep damage model for coal–rock combinations was established by combining the elastomer, fractional Kelvin body, plastic body, Abel dashpot, and modified nonlinear viscoplastic body; introducing damage variables D related to stress, height ratio, and time; and deriving a one-dimensional creep equation. An improved nonlinear least squares method based on pattern search was utilized to invert the creep parameters. The results of the creep equation calculation were fitted with the experimental results with good results. The creep curve with a height ratio of 2:1 was predicted with good results. The research results provide theoretical references for long-term stability analysis of rock engineering.
On the interpretability of part-prototype based classifiers: a human centric analysis
Authors: Davoodi Omid , Mohammadizadehsamakosh Shayan , Komeili Majid
Published: December 2023

Part-prototype networks have recently become methods of interest as an interpretable alternative to many of the current black-box image classifiers. However, the interpretability of these methods from the perspective of human users has not been sufficiently explored. In addition, previous works have had major issues with following proper experiment design and task representation that limit their reliability and validity. In this work, we have devised a framework for evaluating the interpretability of part-prototype-based models from a human perspective that solves these issues. The proposed framework consists of three actionable metrics and experiments. The results of these experiments will reveal important and reliable interpretability related properties of such models. To demonstrate the usefulness of our framework, we performed an extensive set of experiments using Amazon Mechanical Turk. They not only show the capability of our framework in assessing the interpretability of various part-prototype-based models, but they also are, to the best of our knowledge, the most comprehensive work on evaluating such methods in a unified framework.
Improving bridge effect to overcome interspecific hybrid sterility by pyramiding hybrid sterile loci from Oryza glaberrima
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Jiawu , Xu Peng , Yang Ying , Deng Xianneng , Deng Wei , Zhang Yu , Lv Yonggang , Pu Qiuhong , Tao Dayun
Published: December 2023

In order to evaluate the genetic effect caused by hybrid sterile loci, NILs with O. glaberrima fragment at six hybrid sterile loci under O. sativa genetic background (single-locus-NILs) were developed; two lines harboring two hybrid sterile loci, one line harboring three hybrid sterile loci were further developed. A total of nine NILs were used to test cross with O. sativa recurrent parent, and O. glaberrima accessions respectively. The results showed that the sterility of pollen grains in F1 hybrids deepened with the increase of the number of hybrid sterile loci, when the nine lines test crossed with O. sativa recurrent parent. The F1 hybrids were almost completely sterile when three hybrid sterile loci were heterozygeous. On the other hand, the single-locus-NILs had limited bridge effect on improving pollen grain fertility of interspecific hybrids. Compared single-locus-NILs, the multiple-loci-NILs showed increasing effect on pollen fertility when test crossing with O. glaberrima accessions. Further backcrossing can improve the fertility of pollen grain and spikelet of interspecific hybrids. The optimal solution to improve the fertility of interspecific hybrid can be utilization of pyramiding bridge parent plus backcrossing. This report has potential for understanding the nature of interspecific hybrid sterility, and overcoming the interspecific hybrid F1 pollen grain sterility between O. sativa and O. glaberrima.
A validated LC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of key glucocorticoids in animal hair for applications in conservation biology
Authors: Sadok Ilona , Ożga Kinga , Klich Daniel , Olech Wanda , Krauze-Gryz Dagny , Beliniak Agata , Łopucki Rafał
Published: December 2023

A new method for the determination of main glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone, and corticosterone) in hair by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed. Glucocorticoids were extracted from hair shafts using methanol followed by solid-phase extraction. A validation test was performed using hair from three species of wild mammals with different body size (0.2–800 kg), lifestyle (terrestrial, burrowing and arboreal species), social organization (living in herds or solitary), and different predicted type of hair glucocorticoids: European bison (Bison bonasus), European hamster (Cricetus cricetus), and Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). Regardless of the species evaluated, the method shows good linearity for all analytes accompanied by satisfactory accuracy (91–114%) and precision (RSD < 13%). Depending on the analyte and hair origin, the calculated limits of quantification were between 0.05 and 1.19 ng/mL, which corresponds to 1.28–31.51 pg/mg. Using cortisol and cortisone as examples, we have demonstrated that measuring multiple glucocorticoids simultaneously provides more comprehensive information than solely concentrating on one, thereby contributing to a more balanced and reliable interpretation of the acquired results. However, the utility of cortisol metabolites as markers of stress response in keratinized tissues should be substantiated by additional experimental studies on targeted animals. We posit that this paper could serve as a crucial catalyst to prompt such experiments.
Multimedia-based hormone therapy information program for patients with prostate cancer: the result of a randomized pilot study
Authors: Chien Ching-Hui , Liu Kuan-Lin , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Wu Chun-Te , Chang Ying-Hsu , Yu Kai-Jie
Published: December 2023

Few studies have explored the feasibility and efficacy of a multimedia information intervention for patients with prostate cancer who are undergoing hormone therapy. Thus, the purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and the preliminary results of a multimedia-based hormone therapy information program (HTIP) on positive thinking and quality of life (QOL; primary outcomes) as well as social support and self-efficacy (secondary outcomes) of patients with prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer who were receiving hormone therapy were recruited from hospitals. After completing the pre-test questionnaire, patients were randomly divided into the multimedia information group (MIG; n = 40) and the control group (CG; n = 40). Patients in the MIG received a multimedia-based HTIP once a week for 6 weeks. Data were collected at 8 and 12 weeks after the pre-test. Measurement variables included positive thinking, QOL, social support, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with the program. The recruitment rate and retention rate were calculated for assessment of feasibility. The study had a 96.3% retention rate, and patients in the MIG were satisfied with the program. Preliminary results showed that, compared with those in the CG, patients in the MIG tended to exhibit higher positive thinking, prostate cancer-specific QOL, and social support at 8 weeks and 12 weeks after pre-test; however, the effect did not reach a statistically significant level. A multimedia-based HTIP is considered feasible and acceptable in patients with prostate cancer who underwent hormone therapy. Further research with a larger sample size, patients with high homogeneity in early-stage disease and long-term follow-up is needed to assess the efficacy of the intervention program.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04693910); Registered 05/01/2021.
Effects of variable-temperature heat reservoirs on performance of irreversible Carnot refrigerator with heat recovery
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Su Huan , Dai Guoqiang , Li Xiaohua , Zeng Liping
Published: December 2023

The outlet temperature of the heat recovery reservoir is an important parameter in the design of refrigeration with heat recovery systems. In this paper the second law of thermodynamics has been applied to an irreversible Carnot refrigerator with heat recovery (CRHR) coupled to variable-temperature heat reservoirs. The refrigerating rate, input power, refrigeration coefficient, heat recovery coefficient, comprehensive coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency are chosen as the objective functions. The design rule chosen for this study is that the heat transfer area should be constrained. The mathematical expressions for assessing performance parameters with respect to area ratio, were derived for this study. These expressions are transcendental equations. The numerical solution method was employed to calculate the approximate solutions of the optimum performance parameters in a numerical example. The results indicate that the increase in the outlet temperature of heat recovery reservoir could lead to a rise in the maximum value of refrigerating rate and minimum value of input power; also it will lead to the decline in the maximum value of refrigeration coefficient, heat recovery coefficient, comprehensive coefficient and the exergy efficiency. When the ratio of heat recovery heat exchanger area to the summation of high temperature heat exchanger area and the heat recovery heat exchanger area is 1.0, the performance coefficients would attain their limit values and all of the condensing heat could be recycled. Our findings are helpful to the design and optimization to inform preparation of standard relating to the development of refrigerator with heat recovery.
Cattle manure application for 12 and 17 years enhanced depth distribution of soil organic carbon and X-ray computed tomography-derived pore characteristics
Authors: Sangotayo Anuoluwa Ojonoka , Chakraborty Poulamee , Xu Sutie , Kumar Sandeep , Kovacs Peter
Published: December 2023

Long-term fertilizer application in row crops may influence soil pore characteristics, thereby impacting soil aggregation and structure. Therefore, understanding the influences on soil pore characteristics is useful for adopting suitable conservation practices. However, the impact of cattle manure and inorganic fertilizer application at varied rates on soil pore characteristics in the soil profile at a microscale level remains limited. This study quantifies the impacts of manure and inorganic fertilizer amendments under a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.)-spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) rotation system on soil pore characteristics using the X-ray computed tomography (XCT). Treatments included: low manure (LM; 4.4 and 3.3 Mg ha−1), medium manure (MM; 27.4 and 18.7 Mg ha−1), high manure (HM; 54.8 and 37.4 Mg ha−1), medium fertilizer (MF; 136 kg N ha−1, 49 kg P2O5 ha−1, and 91.5 kg K2O ha−1), high fertilizer (HF; 204 kg N ha−1, 73.5 kg P2O5 ha−1, and 137.3 kg K2O ha−1), and control (CK), respectively, at Brookings (initiated in 2008) and Beresford (2003) in South Dakota. Four intact soil cores were collected from each treatment at 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm depths. Results showed that the HM treatment increased the SOC by 8–68% compared to the CK and MF at 0–20 cm at the study sites. Both HM and MM treatments increased the macroporosity and mesoporosity in 0–20 cm soil depths at both study sites. Treatment did not always improve soil pore characteristics below 20 cm soil depth. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the XCT-derived macroporosity, total number of macropores, and SOC for all the treatments. Therefore, this study encourages the adoption of the XCT technique in quantifying soil pore characteristics and suggests that long-term medium manure application enhances soil structure as compared to an equivalent inorganic fertilizer application.
Effects of multiple factors on particle size selectivity under artificial extreme rainfall events on simulated Gobi surface
Authors: Sun Liying , Dai Qingyuan , Feng Ziheng
Published: December 2023

Understanding multiple-factor effects on particle size selectivity by extreme rainfall events in Ala-Shan Gobi desert is of great significance for better estimation of potential Asian dust emission sources. Artificial rainfall simulation experiments were used to investigate the particle size selectivity characteristics by extreme rainfall events under different rainfall intensities (20 mm h−1 and 40 mm h−1), slope gradients (3° and 15°) and gravel coverages (0, 30%, and 60%). Moreover, the relations of clay content (Clc), silt content (Sic), fine particle (< 50 μm) content (Fic) and enrichment ratio of fine particles (ER<50) with multiple factors were regressed and validated. Results show that rainfall intensity significantly (P < 0.05) affect runoff and sediment yield processes, but slope gradient was a dominant factor that changed particle size distribution (PSD). The selectivity of fine particles was higher at low rainfall intensity (20 mm h−1), gentle slope (3°) and moderate gravel coverage (30%), with ER<50 reaching 6.14, which dominate the potential Asian dust emission sources. The interaction were discussed and classified into ‘Synergy’ and ‘Trade-off’. Clc and Fic showed negative exponential relationship with rainfall intensity and slope gradient, but positive exponential relationship with gravel coverage. While Sic and ER<50 showed negative power function relationship with rainfall intensity, slope gradient and gravel coverage. These findings could help to understand the effects of multiple factors on potential sources of Asian dust emission under extreme rainfall events in Gobi region of northwestern China and provide basic science reference for the prediction of dust emission in this region.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Watanabe Kenta , Mori Kosuke , Sato Kosuke , Abe Takeru , Imaki Shouhei , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: December 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had severe impact on the outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients and the possibility of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Previous studies focused only on the short periods of the pandemic and reported a significant increase in the number of infections. In a retrospective cohort study we aimed to compare the outcomes of OHCA patients 1 year before and 1 year after the onset of COVID-19. Data of 519 OHCA patients during the pre-pandemic (January–December 2019; 262 patients) and intra-pandemic (April 2020–March 2021; 257 patients) periods in Yokohama Municipal Hospital, Japan were collected and analysed retrospectively. The study outcomes were the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), admission to hospital, survival to discharge, and cerebral performance category at discharge. The intra-pandemic period was associated with decreased bystander CPR (P = 0.004), prolonged transport time (P < 0.001), delayed first adrenaline administration (P < 0.001), and decrease in ROSC (P = 0.023). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the following factors were significantly associated with ROSC: “pandemic”, “shockable initial waveform”, and “witness presence”.
Multi-silicone bilateral soft physical twin as an alternative to traditional user interfaces for remote palpation: a comparative study
Authors: Costi Leone , Iida Fumiya
Published: December 2023

Teleoperated medical technologies are a fundamental part of the healthcare system. From telemedicine to remote surgery, they allow remote diagnosis and treatment. However, the absence of any interface able to effectively reproduce the sense of touch and interaction with the patient prevents the implementation of teleoperated systems for primary care examinations, such as palpation. In this paper, we propose the first reported case of a soft robotic bilateral physical twin for remote palpation. By creating an entirely soft interface that can be used both to control the robot and receive feedback, the proposed device allows the user to achieve remote palpation by simply palpating the soft physical twin. This is achieved through a compact design showcasing 9 pneumatic chambers and exploiting multi-silicone casting to minimize cross-noise and allow teleoperation. A comparative study has been run against a traditional setup, and both the control and feedback of the physical twin are carefully analyzed. Despite distributed tactile feedback not achieving the same performance as the visual map, the soft control and visual feedback combination showcases a 5.1% higher accuracy. Moreover, the bilateral soft physical twin results always in a less invasive procedure, with 41% lower mechanical work exchanged with the remote phantom.
Sex-dimorphism in human serum endocannabinoid and n-acyl ethanolamine concentrations across the lifespan
Authors: Amir Hamzah Khalisa , Toms Leisa-Maree , Kucharski Nathaniel , Orr Julia , Turner Natalie P. , Hobson Peter , Nichols David S. , Ney Luke J.
Published: December 2023

The endocannabinoid (ECB) system has recently been considered a potential treatment target for various clinical disorders. However, research around age- and sex-related changes within the ECB system is relatively limited. To improve our understanding of these changes, the current study measured arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), oleoylethanolamine (OEA), palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), arachidonic acid (AA), cortisol, and progesterone in pooled serum samples stratified by sex (male and female) and age groups (5–15; 15–30; 30–45; 45–60; 60–75; 85+), using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Serum progesterone levels significantly increased in females of the 15–30 and 30–45 age groups, before declining. Significantly higher cortisol, AEA, 2-AG, OEA, and PEA were found in males and in older age, while significantly higher AA was found in females. Our results indicate that ECBs and related hormones exhibit sexual dimorphism in the age ranges that correspond with female pregnancy, menopause, and post menopause. Male testosterone levels most likely influences male ECB changes throughout the lifespan. Future research could capitalise on these findings by performing repeated measurements in individuals in a longitudinal style, to further refine the temporal profile of age-specific changes to the ECB system identified here.
Modelling the upwelling radiance detected in a seawater column for oil-in-water emulsion tracking
Authors: Lednicka Barbara , Otremba Zbigniew , Piskozub Jacek
Published: December 2023

This study concerns changes in the solar light transfer in seawater as a result of the appearance of oil substances in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The expected effect of the studies is to gather knowledge that would be useful in designing an optical sensor for monitoring oil substances penetrating the seawater column. The paper presents the process of the Monte Carlo modelling of the upwelling radiance detected by a virtual underwater sensor. Moreover, this article discusses the predicted difference between the intensity of the signal from the upwelling radiance meter and the signal from the downwelling radiance meter. The modelling results suggest that in order to obtain a strong signal indicating the presence of oil substances, the radiance meter should receive light running upwards in the sea depth.
Shedding light on cellular dynamics: the progress in developing photoactivated fluorophores
Authors: Wei Huihui , Xie Mingli , Chen Min , Jiang Qinhong , Wang Tenghui , Xing Panfei
Published: December 2023

Photoactivated fluorophores (PAFs) are highly effective imaging tools that exhibit a removal of caging groups upon light excitation, resulting in the restoration of their bright fluorescence.
Design of a sulfur host with CuCo2O4 supported on carbon cloth for lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Yinuo , Liu Dan , Tian Yuan , Wang Cheng
Published: December 2023

A sulfur host with CuCo2O4 cubes supported on carbon cloth is synthesized using an aging followed by calcination technology, which boosts the charge transport, inhibits the “shuttle effect” and accelerates redox kinetics in lithium sulfur batteries.
Hydration effects on thermal transitions and molecular mobility in Xanthan gum polysaccharides
Authors: Tegopoulos Sokratis N. , Papagiannopoulos Aristeidis , Kyritsis Apostolos
Published: December 2023

In this work, the xanthan gum (XG) polysaccharide is studied over a wide range of temperatures and water fractions 0 ≤ hw ≤ 0.70 (on a wet basis) by employing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS).
Terminal crystalline solid solutions, solubility enhancements and T–X phase diagram of salicylic acid – 4-hydroxybenzoic acid
Authors: Wang Yongjian , Ricci Francesco , Linehan Brian , Nordstrom Fredrik L
Published: December 2023

T–X phase diagram of salicylic acid – 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with terminal crystalline solid solutions that enhance the solubilities in ACN and 40% MeOH in water by up to 66% over just 0.2% purity change.
Tunable valley polarization effect and second-order topological state in monolayer FeClSH
Authors: Chen Mengteng , Kong Xiangru , Xie Xiao , Liu Xiaobiao , Li Jia , Peeters François M. , Li Linyang
Published: December 2023

In monolayer FeClSH with a spontaneous large valley polarization, the band inversions at K′ and K result in topological phase transitions, leading to the appearances of topological states (SOTI state and Chern insulator state) and NI state.
Rapid cell isolation in breastmilk in a non-clinical setting by a deterministic lateral displacement device and selective water and fat absorption
Authors: Hawkins Jamar , Browne Eva P. , Arcaro Kathleen F. , Sun Yubing
Published: December 2023

We developed a workflow to concentrate rare breast cells from breastmilk by deterministic lateral displacement devices and water/oil absorbing beads.
Ultra-high resistive switching current ratio and improved ferroelectricity and dielectric tunability performance in a BaTiO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3heterostructure by inserting a SrCoO2.5layer
Authors: Zhang Xi , Chen Xin , Cao J. P. , Wang H. W. , Deng W. Y. , Yang L. H. , Lin K. , Li Q. , Li Q. H. , Cao Y. L. , Deng J. X. , Miao Jun
Published: December 2023

Resistive switching performances of Pt/BTO/LSMO can be improved by introducing SCO intercalation.
An in situ growth route towards anti-perovskite Ni3InN nanoparticles embedded within amorphous silicon nitride
Authors: Tada Shotaro , Takazawa Sakurako , Asakuma Norifumi , Cheype Maxime , Honda Sawao , Kumar Ravi , Bernard Samuel , Iwamoto Yuji
Published: December 2023

Herein, we report a new approach toward the design of anti-perovskite nitrides at the nanoscale.
Descriptors for phase prediction of high entropy alloys using interpretable machine learning
Authors: Zhao Shang , Yuan Ruihao , Liao Weijie , Zhao Yatong , Wang Jun , Li Jinshan , Lookman Turab
Published: December 2023

The new descriptors obtain greater accuracy compared to commonly used empirical descriptors in the phase prediction of high entropy alloys, and the generalization ability of these new descriptors has been verified by experiments.
Combination of float charging and occasional discharging to cause serious LIB degradation analyzed by operando neutron diffraction
Authors: Omiya Tetsuya , Ikezawa Atsunori , Takahashi Keita , Saito Keiichi , Yonemura Masao , Saito Takashi , Kamiyama Takashi , Arai Hajime
Published: December 2023

Negative synergistic effect of a combination of float charging and occasional discharging.
Adaptive edge detection of rebar thread head image based on improved Canny operator
Authors: Liu Li , Liu Zijin , Hou Aishan , Qian Xuefei , Wang Hui
Published: December 2023

The quality of the rebar thread head is crucial for the connection between the rebars, thereby affecting the public safety of the building. The edge extraction of the thread image is the most important step in obtaining the accurate size parameters, which helps to complete online inspection of quality. Here, an edge detection method based on improved Canny operator is proposed to solve the problems on sensitivity to noise, existence of false edges, and lack of self‐adaptability. Firstly, an improved adaptive median filtering algorithm is used to denoise the image. Then replace Sobel with Scharr to enhance the gap between pixel values, add 45° and 135° directional templates to prevent edge information loss as well. Besides, introduce a scale factor to improve the interpolation method for non‐maximum suppression and reduce false edges. Finally, use Ostu operator to achieve adaptive extraction of high and low thresholds to complete adaptive edge detection. The qualitative analysis and quantitative results show that the improved algorithm can not only have a good visual effect, have good robustness and feasibility, but also be faster than other algorithms, which provide a basic guarantee for real‐time online quality detection of the thread head.
Thoracoscopic Stage Internal Traction Repair Reduces Time to Achieve Esophageal Continuity in Long Gap Esophageal Atresia
Authors: Borselle Dominika , Davidson Joseph , Loukogeorgakis Stavros , De Coppi Paolo , Patkowski Dariusz
Published: December 2023

Objective Management of long gap esophageal atresia (LGOA) is controversial. This study aims at comparing the management of LGOA between two high-volume centers.

Methods We included patients with LGOA (type A and B) between 2008 and 2022. Demographics, surgical methods, and outcomes were collected and compared.

Results The study population involved 28 patients in center A and 24 patients in center B. A surgical approach was thoracoscopic in center A, only for one patient was open for final procedure. In center B, 3 patients were treated only thoracoscopically, 2 converted to open, and 19 as open surgery. In center A primary esophageal anastomosis concerned 1 case, two-staged esophageal lengthening using external traction 1 patient, and 26 were treated with the multistaged internal traction technique. In 24 patients a full anastomosis was achieved: in 23 patients only the internal traction technique was used, while 1 patient required open Collis–Nissen procedure as final management. In center B primary anastomosis was performed in 7 patients, delayed esophageal anastomosis in 8 patients, esophageal lengthening using external traction in 1 case, and 9 infants required esophageal replacement with gastric tube. Analyzed postoperative complications included: early mortality, 2/28 due to accompanied malformations (center A) and 0/24 (center B); anastomotic leakage, 4/26 (center A) treated conservatively—all patients had a contrast study—and 0/24 (center B), 1 case of pleural effusion, but no routine contrast study; recurrent strictures, 13/26 (center A) and 7/15 (center B); and need for fundoplication, 5/26 (center A) and 2/15 (center B). Age at esophageal continuity was as a median of 31 days in center A and 110 days in center B. Median time between initial procedure and esophageal anastomosis was 11 days in center A and 92 days in center B.

Conclusion Thoracoscopic internal traction technique reduces time to achieve esophageal continuity and the need for esophageal substitution while maintaining a similar early complication rate.
Current Status of Cardiac Xenotransplantation: Report of a Workshop of the German Heart Transplant Centers, Martinsried, March 3, 2023
Authors: Schmoeckel Michael , Längin Matthias , Reichart Bruno , Abicht Jan-Michael , Bender Martin , Michel Sebastian , Kamla Christine-Elena , Denner Joachim , Tönjes Ralf Reinhard , Schwinzer Reinhard , Marckmann Georg , Wolf Eckhard , Brenner Paolo , Hagl Christian
Published: December 2023

This report comprises the contents of the presentations and following discussions of a workshop of the German Heart Transplant Centers in Martinsried, Germany on cardiac xenotransplantation. The production and current availability of genetically modified donor pigs, preservation techniques during organ harvesting, and immunosuppressive regimens in the recipient are described. Selection criteria for suitable patients and possible solutions to the problem of overgrowth of the xenotransplant are discussed. Obviously microbiological safety for the recipient and close contacts is essential, and ethical considerations to gain public acceptance for clinical applications are addressed. The first clinical trial will be regulated and supervised by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute as the National Competent Authority for Germany, and the German Heart Transplant Centers agreed to cooperatively select the first patients for cardiac xenotransplantation.
Synthesis of a Propellane-Type 5/5/6-Tricyclic System by Tandem-Metathesis: A New Approach to a Quadranoid Skeleton
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Keesari Ramakrishna Reddy
Published: December 2023

We disclose a useful synthetic method for preparing the propellane-type 5/5/6-tricyclic system that is present in diquinane-based natural products such as quadrone, terrecyclic acid A, or terrecyclol. The method involves an LDA-mediated regio- and stereoselective allylation and a tandem metathesis as key steps. The target molecules were assembled in just two steps starting from a readily available building block, a 3β-vinyl tricyclic ketone prepared from endo-dicyclopentadiene-1-one. All the compounds prepared were characterized by NMR analyses and/or chemical methods. The synthetic methods demonstrated here are useful in syntheses of quadranoid-type natural products.
Regiocontrolled Halogen Dance and In Situ Transmetalation of Pyrroles Directed by the α-Substituent
Authors: Okano Kentaro , Matsuyama Daichi , Okumi Tatsuki , Mori Atsunori
Published: December 2023

Multiply substituted pyrroles are found in medicines, natural products, and functional materials. A general method for introducing functionality on the pyrrole ring is thus required. Herein, a regiocontrolled halogen dance reaction and an in situ transmetalation of α-functionalized bromopyrroles are reported. Selective generation of the isomeric pyrrolylmetal species was achieved by using an ethyl ester or a phenyl group at the α-position of the pyrrole and by switching between the halogen dance reaction and in situ transmetalation. These reactions proceeded smoothly when an N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl group was attached to the pyrrole nitrogen atom, providing the corresponding products in 68% to quantitative yields on 1-mmol scale. This method was applicable to the formal synthesis of Kendine 91.
Clinical Outcomes of Crizotinib Readministration in Patients with Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer with Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Rearrangement: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Parida Prasant Kumar
Published: December 2023

Recent studies have demonstrated promising outcomes of the first-line anaplastic lymphoma kinase-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ALK-TKI) “crizotinib” in patients with locally advanced and metastatic lung cancers with high expression of the fusion protein “EML4-ALK.” High drug resistance, however, restricts the therapeutic advantages of ALK-TKIs in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The contemporary literature documents limited treatment approaches for patients with NSCLC relapse or nonresponsiveness to second-/third-generation ALK-TKIs. We hereby provide a descriptive analysis of five NSCLC cases treated with crizotinib, ceritinib, and alectinib for a median duration of 54 months. The outcomes indicate a profound therapeutic response in patients receiving 4th and subsequent line of treatment with crizotinib. The crizotinib retreatment actively reduced patient resistance to the ALK-TKIs by reversing the mesenchymal epithelial transition amplification. The results from this case series also emphasize the possible role of next-generation sequencing in determining therapeutic resistance and transforming the treatment paradigm for NSCLC. Partial response was observed in the patients after 6 months of crizotinib readministration. This is possibly the first case series reporting crizotinib rechallenge in patients of ALK positive NSCLC who failed on subsequent ALK-TKIs and multiple lines of chemotherapies.
Management of Acute Hemorrhoidal Crisis: Evaluation, Treatment, and Special Considerations
Authors: Khan Ayman , Kanters Arielle E.
Published: December 2023

Hemorrhoidal disease is one of most common pathologies seen by colorectal and general surgeons. Although hemorrhoids themselves are a normal anatomic occurrence, development of symptomatic disease, usually due to bleeding, prolapse, or thrombosis, can cause significant patient distress. Acute presentation related to significant thrombosis or bleeding is referred to as acute hemorrhoidal crisis. Management of this pathology varies from nonoperative intervention for symptom control to definitive incisional or excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Here we will explore the approach to evaluating and treating acute hemorrhoidal crises.
Artificial Intelligence in Colonoscopic Polyp Detection and Characterization: Merging Computer Technology and Endoscopic Skill for Better Patient Care
Authors: Ghoshal Uday C. , Chakrabarti Saikat , Goenka Mahesh K.
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a computer technology for mathematical modeling that uses nonlinear statistical analysis. While multilayer perceptron network is used for prediction of clinical outcome, convolutional neural network is used for detection of lesion in an image and its classification. In this issue of the journal, an article reviewed the impact of AI in colorectal polyp detection and characterization. This is an upcoming area of gastroenterology, which has already reached the doorstep of practicing clinicians and in the near future, it may bring a paradigm shift in clinical practice. It is expected that this thought-provoking review will stimulate endoscopists to take up research in this important field of application of an AI-based computer technology for endoscopic detection of gastrointestinal lesions.
The Impact of Long-Term Finance on Job Quality, Investments and Firm Performance: Cross-Country Evidence
Authors: Sommer Christoph
Published: December 2023

Despite its importance for development, long-term finance is particularly scarce in countries with lower income levels. This not only results in unrealized growth and employment creation, but may also undermine a broader shift towards better jobs. After all, many long-term investments comprise investments in labor that have the potential to contribute to improvements in job quality. This paper uses more than 17,000 firm-level observations from 73 mostly low- and middle-income countries to provide first empirical evidence of the extent to which LTF affects the quality of jobs. Additionally, it looks into effects on investments and firm performance. The findings, based on inverse probability weighted regression adjustment, indicate that long-term finance increases the likelihood of formal training by 4.4 to 4.8 percentage points, raises average wage by 4.1 percentage points and the share of permanent employees by 1.3 percentage points. Effects are also significant for investments in fixed assets and process innovation as well as for employment and sales growth. The fact that the positive effects on job quality increase with loan maturities underlines the importance of longer-term finance for better jobs. Despite several robustness checks, it cannot be ruled out completely that unobservable variables affect the estimation of effect sizes.
On renormalization and the local gap method for proving frustration-free local spin chains are gapped
Authors: Mizel Ari , Molino Van
Published: December 2023

Key properties of a physical system depend on whether it is gapped, i.e., whether its spectral gap has a positive lower bound that is independent of system size. Here, we provide a prescription for renormalizing a spin chain Hamiltonian in such a way that the renormalized Hamiltonian is gapped if and only if the original Hamiltonian is gapped. Then, we articulate a set of conditions that guarantees the renormalized Hamiltonian is gapped. These conditions are built on a certain strong notion of decaying correlations involving an operator norm of non-commuting terms in the renormalized Hamiltonian. We apply the method to show that two interesting models, with forms motivated by quantum circuits, are gapped. We also confirm the generality of the method by successfully applying it to a somewhat different case, the well-known Affleck-Kennedy-Lieb-Tasaki (AKLT) model.
Inhibitory effects and mechanisms of low-temperature plasma on hypertrophic scar
Authors: Nie Lanlan , Wang Yali , Chen Xi , Lu Xinpei , Gan Lu , Liu Dongrong , Shi Jun
Published: December 2023

Recent advancements in comprehending the properties of low-temperature plasmas (LTPs) have spurred the creation of plasma medicine. Nonetheless, there exists limited scientific evidence concerning its mechanism of impeding proliferative scarring. This study aims to investigate the role of LTPs in hypertrophic scar (HS) formation. Establishing rabbit ear scar models, two groups were individually treated with salvianolic acid B (SAB) gel and low-temperature plasmas for six weeks, while the control group was not treated. The expression levels of cytokines, including TGF-β1, p-Smad3, and MMP-2, in rabbit serum were assessed using ELISA in this study. Additionally, hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson’s trichrome staining were conducted on proliferative scar tissue to observe the arrangement of collagen fibers and determine the density of fibroblasts. Immunohistochemical analysis was also performed to obtain the percentage of type I collagen and α-SMA positive expression area. The findings indicated that the scars in both the SAB and LTP groups were narrower than those in the model group. The scar tissues treated with LTP or SAB showed a lower level of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3. In addition, α-SMA was significantly reduced in the LTP-treated group. Furthermore, the type I collagen expression was lower in the LTP group. These results suggest that LTP could have a comparable effect to SAB in hindering the development of HSs. It could potentially enhance skin scarring by impeding collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation in HSs via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. This investigation may provide a new perspective on HS treatment.
Bright and dark plasmon resonance of Ag nanorod dimers
Authors: Liu Menghan , Chen Shilin
Published: December 2023

In this paper, plasmon resonances arising from the interaction between two closely spaced nanoparticles have been investigated by the finite difference time domain method. We report that the plane wave directly excites the bright mode and dark mode in the symmetric Ag nanorod dimers. We study the spectral properties of plasmonic nanorod systems by selectively tailoring the nanorod geometry parameters and interparticle gap distance. We also study the modulation of the geometry parameters and gap distances of nanorods on the charge density and electric field distributions of both the resonance modes. We believe that unlocking these properties will inspire further exciting developments in quantum mechanical effects and sub-nanometer scale photonics.
Methane hydrate phase equilibrium considering dissolved methane concentrations and interfacial geometries from molecular simulations
Authors: Li Kehan , Chen Bingbing , Yang Mingjun , Song Yongchen , Sum Amadeu K.
Published: December 2023

Natural gas hydrates, mainly existing in permafrost and on the seabed, are expected to be a new energy source with great potential. The exploitation technology of natural gas hydrates is one of the main focuses of hydrate-related studies. In this study, a large-size liquid aqueous solution wrapping a methane hydrate system was established and molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the phase equilibrium conditions of methane hydrate at different methane concentrations and interfacial geometries. It is found that the methane concentration of a solution significantly affects the phase equilibrium of methane hydrates. Different methane concentrations at the same temperature and pressure can lead to hydrate formation or decomposition. At the same temperature and pressure, in a system reaching equilibrium, the size of spherical hydrate clusters is coupled to the solution concentration, which is proportional to the Laplace pressure at the solid–liquid interface. Lower solution concentrations reduce the phase equilibrium temperature of methane hydrates at the same pressure; as the concentration increases, the phase equilibrium temperature gradually approaches the actual phase equilibrium temperature. In addition, the interfacial geometry of hydrates affects the thermodynamic stability of hydrates. The spherical hydrate particles have the highest stability for the same volume. Through this study, we provide a stronger foundation to understand the principles driving hydrate formation/dissociation relevant to the exploitation of methane hydrates.
Aeroelastic response of a thin panel excited by a separated shock–boundary layer interaction
Authors: Brouwer Kirk R. , Perez Ricardo A. , Beberniss Timothy J. , Spottswood S. Michael
Published: December 2023

Wind-tunnel experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of a separated shock–boundary layer interaction on the aeroelastic behavior of a thin panel in turbulent flow. A suite of traditional sensors and non-contact measurement techniques, including stereo digital image correlation (DIC), were used to characterize the operating conditions and structural response. The impact of the temperature differential between the panel and frame as well as cavity pressure on the panel response were explored. For a majority of the operating conditions, measured time histories of the panel dynamics revealed small-amplitude, forced oscillations about a stationary deformation. These deformations were due to the pressure fluctuations from the turbulent boundary layer and separated shock/boundary layer interaction. However, for a cavity pressure of 83 kPa and temperature differentials of [15, 17.2] K, the response transitioned to bi-stable, cross-well oscillations that were captured for the first time using DIC. The dynamic response was centered about the panel midpoint, coincident with the location of the shock-induced separation on the panel. Using several indirect tests, the intermittent, cross-well oscillations were characterized as potentially chaotic. As the temperature differential continued to decrease, the snap-through motions subsided and the panel response resumed a stationary behavior, albeit at a different deformation shape.