bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clustered cases of human adenovirus types 4, 7, and 14 infections in US Department of Defense Beneficiaries during the 2018–2019 season
Authors: Pollio Adam R. , Fries Anthony C. , Yang Yu , Hughes Jerry J. , Fung Christian K. , Conte Matthew A. , Kuschner Robert A. , Collins Natalie D. , Macias Elizabeth A. , Hang Jun
Published: February 2023

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) are genetically diverse and can infect a number of tissues with severities varied from mild to fatal. HAdV types 3, 4, 7, 11, 14, 21, and 55 were associated with acute respiratory illnesses outbreaks in the United States and in other countries. The risk of outbreaks can be effectively controlled by HAdV vaccination or mitigated by screening and preventive measures. During the influenza season 2018–2019, the DoD Global Respiratory Pathogen Surveillance Program (DoDGRS) received 24 300 respiratory specimens. HAdV samples that produced positive cytopathic effects in viral cultivation were subjected to next‐generation sequencing for genome sequence assembly, genome typing, whole genome phylogeny, and sequence comparative analyses. A variety of HAdV types were identified in this study, including HAdV types 1–7, 14, 55, and 56. HAdV types 4, 7, and 14 were found in clustered cases in Colorado, Florida, New York, and South Carolina. Comparative sequence analyses of these isolates revealed the emergence of novel genetic mutations despite the stability of adenovirus genomes. Genomic surveillance of HAdV suggested possible undetected outbreaks and shed light on prevalence, genetic divergence, and viral evolution of HAdV. Continued surveillance will inform risk assessment and countermeasures.
mRNA vaccines: The future of prevention of viral infections?
Authors: Rzymski Piotr , Szuster‐Ciesielska Agnieszka , Dzieciątkowski Tomasz , Gwenzi Willis , Fal Andrzej
Published: February 2023

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against COVID‐19 are the first authorized biological preparations developed using this platform. During the pandemic, their administration has been proven to be a life‐saving intervention. Here, we review the main advantages of using mRNA vaccines, identify further technological challenges to be met during the development of the mRNA platform, and provide an update on the clinical progress on leading mRNA vaccine candidates against different viruses that include influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency virus 1, respiratory syncytial virus, Nipah virus, Zika virus, human cytomegalovirus, and Epstein‐Barr virus. The prospects and challenges of manufacturing mRNA vaccines in low‐income countries are also discussed. The ongoing interest and research in mRNA technology are likely to overcome some existing challenges for this technology (e.g., related to storage conditions and immunogenicity of some components of lipid nanoparticles) and enhance the portfolio of vaccines against diseases for which classical formulations are already authorized. It may also open novel pathways of protection against infections and their consequences for which no safe and efficient immunization methods are currently available.
Evaluation and projections of extreme precipitation using a spatial extremes framework
Authors: Yang Lichao , Franzke Christian L. E. , Duan Wansuo
Published: February 2023

Extreme precipitation events are a major natural hazard and cause significant socio‐economic damages. Precipitation events are spatially extended and, thus, can cause large water accumulations, which can lead to flooding events. In order to help design flood protection infrastructure, a detailed investigation of the temporal and spatial dependencies of extreme precipitation is essential. Here, we use a statistical spatial extremes framework to systematically study the historical and projected spatial–temporal characteristics of extreme precipitation in Germany. For this purpose, we use data from 10 high‐resolution global climate model‐regional climate model (GCM‐RCM) combinations from the EURO‐CORDEX initiative and derive a statistical spatial extremes precipitation model. Our results show that there are large spreads in reproducing the temporal–spatial characters of extreme precipitation. Few climate simulations can well present the temporal clustering of observed extreme precipitation in both summer and winter. In reproducing the spatial dependencies of the observations, most GCM‐RCM combinations behave well in summer, while in winter most RCMs produce too many spatially localized extreme precipitation events. The derived statistical model, which accounts for both the spatial and temporal variability, performs well in representing the spatial dependency and intensity characteristics in summer. Furthermore, global warming will have a significant impact on the temporal and spatial dependencies of extreme precipitation in Germany. There will be more temporal‐dependent and homogeneous extreme precipitation in summer; and more temporal‐independent and localized extreme precipitation in winter. The intensity quantified by the 25‐year return level of the 10 GCM‐RCM combinations is increasing; with relative changes ranging from 5.33% to 53.24% in summer and from −15.38% to 32.33% in winter under RCP8.5. A future projection by our statistical spatial extremes model using projected temperature from GCM‐RCM combinations as a covariate shows that the 25‐year return level will increase by 3.02% under RCP2.6 and 4.16% under RCP8.5 in winter.
Low‐cost technologies in a rich ecological context: Hotel California open‐air site at Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain
Authors: Santamaría Marta , Navazo Marta , Arnold Lee J. , Benito‐Calvo Alfonso , Demuro Martina , Carbonell Eudald
Published: February 2023

Hotel California is part of a network of open‐air Neanderthal sites located in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain). In this study, we examine the technology of the lithic assemblages recovered from this site's archaeological levels 3 to 7, which are characterised by the use of local raw materials, non‐hierarchical centripetal exploitation systems, systematic production of flakes and few retouched items. This type of expedient technology is repeated throughout the entire sequence, which spans Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 3 to 4. Through a comparison with the technocomplexes and occupation histories of surrounding sites – including a re‐evaluation of the published chronology for the nearby site of Fuente Mudarra, which is now dated exclusively to MIS 5 – we examine whether the detected pattern is applicable to the rest of the Atapuerca Mousterian record and if this expedient behaviour has equivalents in other sites in the region. Our findings show that the lithic procurement, exploitation and configuration strategies employed at the Sierra de Atapuerca open‐air sites were constant over broad time periods spanning MIS 5 to 3, in contrast to the technological sequences observed at other nearby sites on the Northern Iberian Plateau. The recurrent settlement of these open‐air Neanderthal sites over tens of thousands of years and the consistent use of expedient technologies during different occupation periods is likely attributable to the rich ecological context of the Sierra de Atapuerca environs.
Newborn Hearing Screening Results in Patients with Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct
Authors: Perry Julia , Sher Erica , Kawai Kosuke , Redfield Shelby , Sun Tieqi , Kenna Margaret
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is the most common anatomic abnormality contributing to permanent hearing loss (HL) in children. Although the association between EVA and HL is well‐documented, the pass rate for the newborn hearing screening (NBHS) for patients with EVA‐related HL is not. Our objective was to investigate the association between NBHS results and audiologic and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of pediatric patients with EVA.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of patients seen in the Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement with confirmed HL, known NBHS results, and confirmed EVA. Demographic, clinical, audiologic, and imaging data were collected from the medical record. Frequency‐specific data points from pure‐tone audiograms and/or automated auditory brainstem response tests were recorded, and four‐frequency pure tone average was calculated using air conduction thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz.

Results

Of the 183 patients included in the study, 84 (45.9%) passed their NBHS, whereas 99 (54.1%) did not pass. Compared with patients who did not pass, patients who passed were more likely to have unilateral EVA and unilateral HL, whereas they were less likely to undergo cochlear implantation and to have causative SLC26A4 variants.

Conclusions

EVA‐associated HL may be identified at birth or during childhood, with nearly half the patients in this cohort passing their NBHS. Our results provide prognostic information for patients with EVA who pass their NBHS and highlight the importance of regular hearing monitoring for children not initially suspected of having HL.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2786–2791, 2023
Why we like to touch: Consumers' tactile esthetic appreciation explained by a balanced combination of unity and variety in product designs
Authors: Post Ruben A. G. , Blijlevens Janneke , Hekkert Paul , Saakes Daniel , Arango Luis
Published: February 2023

Tactile experiences are a pivotal part of consumer behavior and choice. However, very little is known about why consumers esthetically appreciate touching products. The principle of Unity‐in‐Variety, stating that consumers like to perceive variety but only when this variety is presented as a coherent whole, has been shown to partly explain consumers' esthetic appreciation in the visual domain. We theorize that the psychological mechanisms underlying the esthetic principle of Unity‐in‐Variety are modality‐independent, and therefore that this principle also applies to consumers' tactile esthetic appreciation. Across three studies, using existing products and novel 3D printed product designs systematically manipulated along the perceptual dimensions of unity and variety, we show that both unity and variety independently contribute to tactile esthetic appreciation. Furthermore, because unity and variety are inherently partial opposites, esthetic appreciation of products is highest when both unity and variety are simultaneously maximized.
The Power of Collective Action
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: February 2023

Recently in New York City, a nurses’ union walked out on strike at two major hospitals. Given the significance of the event, the strike was covered by mainstream media, particularly the preparations made by the hospitals in advance of the strike. Stories of newborn babies being transferred out of neonatal intensive care units to other hospitals lest they risk a lack of health care during a strike were reported. The union's varied demands included increased compensation and nurse‐to‐patient staffing ratios.
Verification of operational numerical weather prediction model forecasts of precipitation using satellite rainfall estimates over Africa
Authors: Wang Yan , Gueye Moussa , Greybush Steven J. , Greatrex Helen , Whalen Andrew J. , Ssentongo Paddy , Zhang Fuqing , Jenkins Gregory S. , Schiff Steven J.
Published: February 2023

Rainfall is an important variable to be able to monitor and forecast across Africa, due to its impact on agriculture, food security, climate‐related diseases and public health. Numerical weather models (NWMs) are an important component of this work, due to their complete spatial coverage, high resolution and ability to forecast into the future. In this study, the spatio‐temporal skill of short‐term forecasts of rainfall across Africa from 2016 through 2018 is evaluated. Specifically, the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction‐Global Forecast System (NCEP‐GFS) forecast models are verified by Rainfall Estimates 2.0 (RFE2) and African Rainfall Climatology Version 2 (ARC2), which are fused products of satellite and in situ observations and are commonly used in analysis of African rainfall. Model rainfall forecasts show good consistency with the satellite rainfall observations in spatial distribution over Africa on the seasonal timescale. Evaluation metrics of daily and weekly forecasts show high spatial and seasonal variations over the African continent, including a strong link to the location of the inter‐tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and topographically enhanced precipitation. The rainfall forecasts at 1 week aggregation time are improved against daily forecasts.
Evaluation of NMR predictors for accuracy and ability to reveal trends in 1H NMR spectra of fatty acids
Authors: Chhaganlal Milan N. , Underhaug Jarl , Mjøs Svein A.
Published: February 2023

Four different nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) predictors have been evaluated for their ability to predict 600‐MHz 1H spectra of free fatty acids and fatty acid methyl esters of 20 common fatty acids. The predictors were evaluated on two main criteria: (1) their accuracy in direct prediction of the spectra (absolute accuracy) and (2) the ability to reveal trends or predict the change that occurs in the spectra as a result of a change in the fatty acid carbon chain, or by esterification of the free fatty acids to methyl esters (relative accuracy). The absolute accuracy in chemical shift prediction for fatty acids was good, compared with previous reports on a broader range of compounds. All four predictors had median prediction errors for chemical shifts of the signals in fatty acid methyl esters well below 0.1 ppm and as low as 0.015 ppm for one of the predictors. However, all predictors also had outliers with errors far above the upper interquartile range. In general, they also fail to reproduce trends of diagnostic value that were observed in the experimental data or properly predict the result of a minor change in molecular structure. All four predictors depend on experimental data from different origins. This may be a limiting factor for the relative accuracy of the predictors.
Optimization of Grade Transitions in Bulk Poly(propylene) Polymerizations
Authors: Silva Jonildo S. , Melo Príamo A. , Pinto José Carlos
Published: February 2023

In the present paper, a dynamic optimization problem regarding grade transitions in bulk poly(propylene) polymerization processes is formulated and solved for the first time. Initially, a detailed dynamic process model is presented and implemented, comprising mass and energy balances, some of the polymer properties (such as the melting flow index and the xylene solubles) and regulatory control loops. Additionally, the effects of cocatalyst and electron donor on the propagation rate constant are taken into account. Then, the dynamic optimization problem is formulated and an evolutionary algorithm is used to solve the resulting nonlinear programming problem. It is shown that there is significant coupling among the manipulated variables and the controlled performance and polymer property variables, which adds complexity to the grade transition problem and demands the simultaneous manipulation of multiple variables during transitions. Despite the inherent open‐loop unstable nature of the analyzed process, it is shown that smooth grade transition trajectories can be accomplished through proper adjustment of the objective function weights. Finally, it is shown that the obtained optimum trajectories can significantly diminish the transition time, which can be of paramount importance for the plant economics.
An energy stable, conservative and bounds‐preserving numerical method for thermodynamically consistent modeling of incompressible two‐phase flow in porous media with rock compressibility
Authors: Kou Jisheng , Wang Xiuhua , Chen Huangxin , Sun Shuyu
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we consider modeling and numerical simulation of incompressible and immiscible two‐phase flow in porous media with rock compressibility. Using the second law of thermodynamics, we rigorously derive a thermodynamically consistent mathematical model, which characterizes the two‐phase capillarity and rock compressibility through free energies, thereby following an energy dissipation law. We also derive a general and thermodynamically consistent formulation for the effective pore fluid pressure acting on rocks, which is a fundamental problem for two‐phase flow with rock compressibility. To solve the model effectively, we propose an energy stable numerical method, which can preserve multiple physical properties, including the energy dissipation law, full conservation law for both fluids and pore volumes, and positivity of porosity and saturations. Benefiting from the newly‐developed energy factorization approach and careful treatments for the effective pressure and porosity, the proposed scheme can inherit the energy dissipation law at the discrete level. The fully discrete scheme is constructed using a locally conservative cell‐centered finite difference method. The implicit strategy is applied to treat the upwind phase mobilities and porosity in the phase mass conservation equations and the porosity equation so as to conserve the mass of each phase as well as pore volumes. The positivity of porosity and saturations is proved without any restrictions on time step and mesh sizes. An efficient sequential iterative method is also developed to solve the nonlinear system resulting from the scheme. Finally, numerical results are given to verify the features of the proposed method.
Prognostic Significance of a Model Based on Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Genetic Polymorphisms in Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Ye Yuchu , Wu Taowei , Liang Faya , Fan Jianming , Song Pan , Li Yixin , Xie Wenqian , Huang Xiaoming , Han Ping
Published: February 2023

Objective

Because of the high costs associated with early‐stage laryngeal carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis prediction, this study attempts to find valuable targets to establish a novel predictive model by focusing on the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genotype and other peripheral blood markers.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary comprehensive hospital.

Methods

From January 2011 to January 2021, 362 cases of laryngeal carcinoma were included and divided into 2 groups in this retrospective analysis. Information on medical history, alcohol, and tobacco consumption habits, ALDH2 genotypes, and other peripheral blood markers was collected. Endpoints of the current study included disease‐free survival and overall survival. A nomogram model for overall survival was established and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

A total of 236 patients were included in the training cohort, and the other 126 were included in the validation cohort. The median follow‐up of the patients was 9.6 years (interquartile range: 7.5‐12.5 years). Peripheral fibrinogen, hemoglobin, and ALDH2 genotypes were significantly associated with an increase in laryngeal carcinoma mortality rate on Kaplan‐Meier curves. The ROC curve showed that the effectiveness of overall survival prediction by the nomogram model was better than that of traditional clinical staging.

Conclusion

A prognostic nomogram of laryngeal carcinoma patients involving ALDH2 and peripheral blood markers and T and N stages was constructed and validated.
Machine Learning Prediction of Objective Hearing Loss With Demographics, Clinical Factors, and Subjective Hearing Status
Authors: Gathman Tyler J. , Choi Janet S. , Vasdev Ranveer M.S. , Schoephoerster Jamee A. , Adams Meredith E.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Hearing loss (HL) is highly prevalent, yet underrecognized and underdiagnosed. Lack of standardized screening, awareness, cost, and access to hearing testing present barriers to HL identification. To facilitate prescreening and selection of patients who warrant audiometric evaluation, we developed a machine learning (ML) model to predict speech‐frequency pure‐tone average (PTA).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

The cohort included 8918 adults (≥20 years) who completed audiometric testing with NHANES (2012‐2018). The primary outcome measure was the prediction of better hearing ear speech‐frequency PTA. Relevant predictors included demographics, medical conditions, and subjective assessment of hearing. Supervised ML with a tree‐based architecture was used. Regression performance was determined by the mean absolute error (MAE) with binary classification assessed with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

Using the full set of predictors, the test set MAE between the ML‐predicted and actual PTA was 5.29 dB HL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.97‐5.61). The 5 most influential predictors of higher PTA were increased age, worse subjective hearing, male gender, increased body mass index, and history of smoking. The 5‐factor abbreviated model performed comparably to the extended feature set with MAE 5.36 (95% CI: 5.03‐5.69) and AUC for PTA > 25 dB HL of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.90‐0.94).

Conclusion

The ML model was able to predict PTA with patient demographics, clinical factors, and subjective hearing status. ML‐based prediction may be used to identify individuals who could benefit most from audiometric evaluation.
Comparing Linear and Volumetric Tumor Measurements During Observation of Growing Sporadic Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Killeen Daniel E. , Marinelli John P. , Lohse Christine M. , Lees Katherine A. , Link Michael J. , Carlson Matthew L. , Hunter Jacob B.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To assess the correlation between linear and volumetric changes in vestibular schwannomas (VS).

Study Design

Retrospective imaging review was performed on patients diagnosed with sporadic VS from 2000 to 2019 who demonstrated linear growth on observation with serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Setting

Two large tertiary care centers.

Methods

Changes in diameter on serial MRI scans, measured by 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery guidelines, were compared to changes in volume, calculated by segmentation.

Results

Ninety‐two patients had VS confined to the internal auditory canal (IAC) with 236 MRIs analyzed, and 108 patients had VS involving the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) with 193 MRIs analyzed. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients between changes in diameter and volume for IAC and CPA tumors were 0.43 (p < .001) and 0.65 (p < .001), respectively. Linear diameter increases of 1 to <2 mm corresponded to a median volume change of 32% (interquartile range [IQR]: 6%‐86%) for IAC tumors, compared to 23% (IQR: 13%‐40%) for CPA tumors. Linear diameter increases of 2 to <3 mm (ie, the minimum linear diameter change classically considered “true growth”) corresponded to a median volume change of 42% (IQR: 23%‐100%) and 47% (IQR: 26%‐69%) for IAC and CPA tumors, respectively.

Conclusion

Changes in linear diameter significantly correlated with changes in volume for IAC and CPA tumors, although diameter changes that did not meet the definition of linear growth (<2 mm) had corresponding median volume changes in excess of 20% for both IAC and CPA tumors.
Fruiting phenology matters
Authors: Mendes Sara Beatriz , Olesen Jens M. , Timóteo Sérgio , Heleno Ruben
Published: February 2023

Social Impact Statement

In the face of the unprecedented rate of climate change, understanding whether plant species can track favourable climatic conditions is an urgent challenge. Recent independent studies suggest that the timing of fruiting (fruiting phenology) can strongly affect future vegetation dynamics and composition via direct seed dispersal. With comprehensive datasets on fruiting phenology, researchers may predict the impact of climate on the future of forests. Nevertheless, long‐term, broad‐scale, and taxonomically comprehensive datasets of fruiting phenology are still lacking, leaving us unprepared to understand the consequences of climate change on entire floras. We urge stronger collaboration networks to assemble broader, longer, and more comprehensive fruiting phenology datasets.

Climate change is altering species phenology but still with underrated consequences to their ecology and conservation. For example, the production of ripe fruits and the dispersal of their seeds by frugivores are likely critical for their ability to track suitable growing conditions under global warming. Specifically, recent independent studies suggested that migrant birds and mammals are important to facilitate plant spread towards higher (i.e., cooler) latitudes and higher elevations. Interestingly, these studies coincide that spring‐fruiting species will likely be particularly favoured, whereas autumn‐fruiting species might be largely dispersed to undesirable (i.e., even hotter) areas. These studies show that the timing of fruit production can have a critical impact on future forest composition as plant communities adapt to warmer, more extreme, and unpredictable climates. Unfortunately, comprehensive datasets on fruiting times are very scarce and often temporary, spatially, and taxonomically restricted (particularly when compared with flowering datasets), strongly hampering our capacity to predict the real impact of climate change on long‐term vegetation dynamics. Thus, we advocate for an urgent need for long‐term, broad‐scale, and taxonomically comprehensive datasets of fruiting phenology, and we point out some potential concrete steps towards this goal.
An analysis of the perceived societal benefits of and threats from trees for the delivery of livelihoods and community development
Authors: Tsvuura Susan , Mudhara Maxwell , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: February 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Understanding the perceptions of benefits and threats from trees is important for the livelihoods of communities. The study used focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a questionnaire survey of 226 households in the province of KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. The findings showed that household socio‐economic factors such as gender and land tenure influenced perceptions of tree growing, and households that were involved in a tree restoration project viewed trees as contributing toward their livelihoods by reducing hunger. Hence there is a need to design strategies that promote socio‐economic inclusivity of all households and genders and promote programs that increase awareness of ecosystem services within communities.

Understanding the socio‐economic factors that shape the way households value and utilize natural resources is critical in developing nature‐based solutions. The study was aimed at understanding how the socio‐economic circumstances of households determined their perceptions of the role of trees in livelihood delivery.

A case study of Buffelsdraai and Osindisweni communities was used; these sites are adjacent to a municipal landfill where a tree restoration project intended to mitigate the effects of climate change is being implemented, and some of the households are involved in this project. The study used focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a questionnaire survey of 226 households. It explored gender perspectives on the perceived benefits and threats of tree restoration. It analyzed the influence of households' economic characteristics and spatial configuration (the subdivisions of the landscape) to assess the impact of land tenure.

The findings showed that gender influenced the perceptions that economic benefits can be derived from participating in the project. Households involved in the tree restoration project viewed trees as contributing to their livelihoods by reducing hunger. Households in peri‐urban settlements, permanently resident in the area, showed greater reliance on natural resources than those in informal settlements and rural areas. Such differences can be attributed to differences in land tenure.

Hence, there is a need to design strategies and operations that promote socio‐economic inclusivity of all households and genders and reduce inequality. These findings are important for informing scaling to yield better climate change considerations and policies.
Detection of intraductal carcinoma in prostate cancer patients with small tumor volume
Authors: Takeshita Nobushige , Sakamoto Shinichi , Yamada Yasutaka , Sazuka Tomokazu , Imamura Yusuke , Komiya Akira , Akakura Koichiro , Sato Nobuo , Nakatsu Hiroomi , Kato Takuma , Sugimoto Mikio , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (intraductal carcinoma) and significant cancer (SC) in patients with small tumor volume (<0.5 cm3) in prostatectomy specimens.

Methods

Data from 639 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy between April 2006 and December 2017 at Chiba University Hospital and 2 affiliated institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor volume in prostatectomy specimens was measured, and with a tumor volume of less than 0.5 cm3, the presence of intraductal carcinoma and SC was examined. SC was defined as one that did not meet the definition of pathological insignificant cancer (organ‐confined cancer, Grade Group 1, tumor volume < 0.5 cm3). The number of patients who met four active surveillance (AS) protocols was also examined.

Results

A total of 83 patients with tumor volume < 0.5 cm3 were identified in this study population (SC: 43 patients [52%], intraductal carcinoma: 5 patients [6%]). The median follow‐up was 34.6 months (range: 18–57 months). Four (5%) developed biochemical recurrence. The number of positive biopsy cores ≥ 2 was an independent predictor of SC in patients with tumor volume < 0.5 cm3 (hazard ratio: 4.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.67–11.56; p = 0.003). In tumor volume < 0.5 cm3, tumor volume was significantly correlated with the International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group (1 vs. 4–5, p = 0.002) and the presence of intraductal carcinoma (p = 0.004). In intraductal carcinoma‐positive cases, four of five patients (80%) had the predictor of SC, which was two or more positive biopsy cores. Of the four AS protocols, the criteria for Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance were met most frequently in 46 cases (55%) of tumor volume less than 0.5 cm3 if targeted biopsy by magnetic resonance imaging was available.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that intraductal carcinoma was present even in cases with small tumor volumes. Grade Group and intraductal carcinoma showed a positive correlation with tumor volume.
Excellent Sensitive Temperature Sensing Performance Based on Fluorescence Intensity Ratio Technique of Yb3+/Er3+ Codoped Gd2(WO4)3
Authors: Wu Guangdong , Xue Juanqin , Li Xiangyi , Ren Kang , Leng Zhihua , Bi Qiang , Tang Changbin
Published: February 2023

The efficient upconversion (UC) particles based on fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique are developed for application in novel temperature sensors. Herein, Yb3+/Er3+‐codoped Gd2(WO4)3 particles are prepared by coprecipitation method and subsequent calcination. The phase structure and surface morphology of the particles are systematically analyzed. The UC emission spectrum of Gd2(WO4)3:Yb3+/Er3+ particles are mainly composed of two strong emission bands centered at 530 and 551 nm, respectively. Moreover, the optimum doping concentration of Yb3+ and Er3+ is fixed at 10% and 2%, respectively. UC emission mechanism based on two‐photon process is investigated by studying the pump power excitation dependence and fluorescence decay behavior of Gd2(WO4)3:10%Yb3+/2%Er3+ particles. The excellent temperature sensing capability of Gd2(WO4)3:10%Yb3+/2%Er3+ particles is implemented from thermally coupled levels (TCLs) of Er3+. Notably, the maximum absolute sensitivity (S
a) and relative sensitivity (S
r) based on TCLs by 2H11/2/4S3/2 levels are 1.39 %K−1 (at 518 K) and 1.18 %K−1 (at 293 K), respectively. As a result, Gd2(WO4)3:10%Yb3+/2%Er3+ particles have a great potential for application in noncontact temperature sensors.
Black Phosphorus Nanosheets in Field Effect Transistors with Ni and NiCr Contacts
Authors: Viscardi Loredana , Intonti Kimberly , Kumar Arun , Faella Enver , Pelella Aniello , Giubileo Filippo , Sleziona Stephan , Kharsah Osamah , Schleberger Marika , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: February 2023

Herein, the fabrication and electrical characterization of multilayer black phosphorus (BP)‐based field effect transistors with Ni or NiCr alloy contacts are reported. The devices show p‐type conduction and hysteresis in the transfer characteristics that enable their use as nonvolatile memories. The differences between Ni and NiCr contacts are investigated and the Y‐function method is applied to extract the channel mobility up to 112 cm2 V−1 s−1 and the contact resistances. Ni contacts present specific contact resistance of 6.3 k Ω μm that increases to 18.1 k Ω μm for NiCr. These findings are important for the technological exploitation of multilayer BP in a new class of electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Molecular Dynamics Studies of Primary Irradiation Damage in α‐Type Ti35 Alloy
Authors: Ma Longjingrui , Liu Taotao , Cai Bin , Liu Zhongxia , Zhang Guopeng , Li Juntao , Li Huan , Huang Hai
Published: February 2023

α‐type Ti35 alloy (Ti‐6 wt%Ta) has been recommended as one of the candidate materials for advanced nuclear reactors due to its excellent overall performance. Nonetheless, irradiation effects on the alloy remain scarcely understood by far. Herein, the primary irradiation damage of Ti35 alloy is investigated from multiple perspectives using atomistic simulations. Results show that with the increasing energy of the primary knock‐on atom (2 keV ≤ E
PKA ≤ 10 keV), the number of Frenkel pairs (N
FP) gradually increases independent of the incident direction of PKA (IDPKA) and the ambient temperature (100 K ≤ T ≤ 700 K), while it exhibits a downtrend at each IDPKA as the T elevates. The magnitude of E
PKA can affect the anisotropy of IDPKA on irradiation damage. Unrelated to E
PKA, IDPKA, and T, di‐interstitial clusters and N
vacancy > 3 clusters respectively account for the largest proportion of their categories, highlighting their stability. In any case, vacancies are more prone to cluster than interstitials. The increase of E
PKA has a greater effect on vacancy clustering than interstitial clustering but can promote the increase in both the clustering fractions. An important insight into the understanding of the irradiation damage behaviors for the alloy has been provided.
Origins of Electrical Compensation in Si‐Doped HVPE GaN
Authors: Prozheev Igor , Iwinska Malgorzata , Sochacki Tomasz , Bockowski Michal , Bès René , Tuomisto Filip
Published: February 2023

Herein, the results of positron lifetime and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy obtained in Si‐doped GaN crystals, grown by the hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE), are reported. Pushing the Si doping to high concentrations leads to surprisingly strong compensation effects. Positron experiments show that the concentrations of Ga vacancies are not high enough to be efficient compensation centers. Other acceptor‐like impurities are present in concentrations orders of magnitude lower than the Si content in the samples. X‐ray absorption shows that the local environment of Si dopants in compensated samples is different from the fully activated case. Simulated spectra of X‐ray absorption near edge structure strongly suggest that in compensated spectra Si is likely to have more Si atoms in the nearest local environment. Hence, autocompensation of Si dopants appears as a likely compensation mechanism at high Si contents GaN samples grown by HVPE.
Selective IgG2‐deficiency in yellow nail syndrome
Authors: Tessier Steven , Longo Santo , Ido Firas
Published: February 2023

Key message

IgG2‐deficiency increases susceptibility to recurrent pulmonary infections and the risk for bronchiectasis. Isolated IgG2‐deficiency has not been previously described in Yellow Nail Syndrome (YNS).
Implantable Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self‐Powered Cardiovascular Healthcare
Authors: Che Ziyuan , O'Donovan Sarah , Xiao Xiao , Wan Xiao , Chen Guorui , Zhao Xun , Zhou Yihao , Yin Junyi , Chen Jun
Published: February 2023

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have gained significant traction in recent years in the bioengineering community. With the potential for expansive applications for biomedical use, many individuals and research groups have furthered their studies on the topic, in order to gain an understanding of how TENGs can contribute to healthcare. More specifically, there have been a number of recent studies focusing on implantable triboelectric nanogenerators (I‐TENGs) toward self‐powered cardiac systems healthcare. In this review, the progression of implantable TENGs for self‐powered cardiovascular healthcare, including self‐powered cardiac monitoring devices, self‐powered therapeutic devices, and power sources for cardiac pacemakers, will be systematically reviewed. Long‐term expectations of these implantable TENG devices through their biocompatibility and other utilization strategies will also be discussed.
Failure mechanisms of TWCFS members considering various eccentricities
Authors: Ungureanu Viorel , Kotełko Maria , Bodea Florin , Both Ioan , Czechowski Leszek
Published: February 2023

Thin‐walled cold‐formed steel elements represent an attractive structural solution due to the fast manufacturing and erection time on‐site. Their small thickness leads to imperfection and sensitivities to eccentricities. An experimental programme was performed on short members with lipped channel cross section, subjected to eccentric compression about the minor and major axes, in a large range of eccentricities. The specimens were manufactured on a folding machine. Before testing, the dimensions of all specimens were measured. Shortening of all specimens was measured in two ways, i.e., 1) using the displacement gauge integrated with the machine crosshead beam and 2) from deformation fields obtained using digital image correlation (DIC) system. The quantitative results, presented as the ultimate loads versus the eccentricity curve, emphasise the influence of the eccentric load on the capacity of the element. Finite element (FE) analyses were performed to simulate the behaviour of short members in eccentric compression using the commercial FE software ABAQUS/CAE and ANSYS. Static non‐linear analyses were conducted in displacement control. Both geometrical and material nonlinearities were included. An isotropic linearly elastic‐perfectly plastic constitutive model was considered, with von Mises yielding the criterion and associated flow rule. Failure modes were identified due to numerical and experimental tests. Plastic mechanism models were derived, resulting in the derivation of post‐ultimate, rigid‐plastic curves, characterising a post‐ultimate structural behaviour.
Patch loading resistance of slender plate girders with multiple longitudinal stiffeners
Authors: Kövesdi Balázs , Dunai László
Published: February 2023

There is currently no reliable and simple design method available in international literature for the determination of the patch loading resistance of slender plate girders having multiple longitudinal stiffeners. The current research focuses on the patch loading resistance of girders having multiple longitudinal stiffeners. An advanced numerical model is developed and verified by own laboratory test results. A numerical parametric study is executed to investigate the load‐carrying capacity of girders having typical bridge geometries. Analysing the numerical simulation results, the structural behaviour obtained is classified based on the stiffener stiffness. Effect of the different geometrical parameters on the patch loading resistance is evaluated with special focus on the stiffener stiffness and distance between the longitudinal stiffeners. The failure modes depending on stiffener stiffness are investigated and the local buckling type failure is characterised by minimum stiffness. For this specific failure mode, an improved design method is developed, giving reliable resistance within the analysed parameter range. The presented resistance model is consistent with the design philosophy of EN 1993‐1‐5. The applicability of the improved design equation has been investigated for multiple stiffener places in unequal distances, which is the common case in praxis, and for bending and transverse force (M–F) interaction.
C−F Transformations of Benzotrifluorides by the Activation of Ortho‐Hydrosilyl Group
Authors: Yoshida Suguru
Published: February 2023

Single C−F transformations of aromatic trifluoromethyl compounds are challenging issues due to the strong C−F bond. We have recently developed selective methods for single C−F transformations such as allylation of o‐hydrosilyl‐substituted benzotrifluorides through the hydride abstraction with trityl cations. Single C−F thiolation and azidation of o‐(hydrosilyl)benzotrifluorides were achieved using trityl sulfides and trityl azide catalyzed by Yb(OTf)3. Treatment of o‐(hydrosilyl)benzotrifluorides with trityl chloride resulted in single C−F chlorination. The resulting fluorosilyl group served in further transformations including protonation, halogenation, and Hiyama cross‐coupling with C−Si cleavage. We also synthesized benzyl fluorides by LiAlH4‐reduction of the resulting fluorosilanes and further C−F transformations. These methods enabled us to prepare a broad range of organofluorines from simple benzotrifluorides through C−F and C−Si transformations.
Entropy generation and thermal analyses of a Cross fluid flow through an inclined microchannel with non‐linear mixed convection
Authors: Srinivas Reddy Cherlacola , Mahanthesh Basavarajappa , Rana Puneet , Muhammad Taseer
Published: February 2023

The temperature difference of the various applications such as microchannel heat exchangers, microelectronics, solar collectors, automotive systems, micro fuel cells, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is relatively large. The buoyancy force (mixed convection) modeled by the conventional Boussinesq approximation is inadequate since the density of the operating fluids fluctuates non‐linearly with the temperature difference. Therefore, the mixed non‐linear convective transport of the flow of Cross fluid through three different geometric aspects (horizontal, vertical, and inclined) of the microchannel under the non‐linear Boussinesq (NBA) approximation is investigated. Mechanisms of internal heat source, Rosseland radiative heat flux, and frictional heating are incorporated into the thermal analysis. The mathematical construction is proposed using the Cross fluid model for a steady‐state, and subsequent non‐linear differential equations are deciphered by the spectral quasi‐linearization method (SQLM). Graphical sketches were constructed and displayed that explore the stimulus of various key parameters on Bejan number, velocity, temperature, and entropy generation. It is found that the Bejan number and entropy production improved due to the non‐linear density temperature variation. The convective heating boundary conditions augment the entropy production. The pressure gradient accelerates the transport of fluid in a microchannel. Furthermore, among three different geometries, the velocity, entropy production, and temperature are the highest for the vertical microchannel.
Anomalous and axial Z′ contributions to g−2
Authors: Anastasopoulos Pascal , Kaneta Kunio , Kiritsis Elias , Mambrini Yann
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We study the effects of an anomalous Z′ boson on the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon (g – 2), and especially the impact of its axial coupling. We mainly evaluate the negative contribution to (g – 2) of such couplings at one-loop and look at the anomalous couplings generated at two loops. We find areas of the parameter space, where the anomalous contribution becomes comparable and even dominant compared to the one-loop contribution. We show that in such cases, the cutoff of the theory is sufficiently low, so that new charged fermions can be found in the next round of collider experiments. We comment on the realization of such a context in string theory orientifolds.
On sum rules for double and triple parton distribution functions and Pythia’s model of multiple parton interactions
Authors: Fedkevych Oleh , Gaunt Jonathan R.
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Multi-parton distributions in a proton, the nonperturbative quantities needed to make predictions for multiple scattering rates, are poorly constrained from theory and data and must be modelled. All Monte Carlo event generators that simulate multiple parton interactions (e.g. Pythia) contain such a model of multi-parton PDFs. One important theoretical constraint for the case of double parton distributions is provided by the so-called number and momentum sum rules. In this paper we investigate to what extent the double parton distribution functions used in the Pythia event generator obey these sum rules. We also derive the number and momentum sum rules for the triple parton distribution functions and discuss how one can use the Pythia code to construct triple parton distribution functions which approximately satisfy these sum rules.
Boosted displaced decay of right-handed neutrinos at CMS, ATLAS and MATHUSLA
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Priyotosh , Chun Eung Jin , Sen Chandrima
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We investigate boosted displaced signatures in the Type-I seesaw mechanism associated with the B − L gauge symmetry. Such events arise from decays of right-handed neutrinos depending on their Yukawa couplings and masses. Considering two scenarios: (a) three degenerate right-handed neutrinos whose Yukawa couplings are reconstructed from the observed neutrino masses and mixing; (b) only one right-handed neutrino which decouples from the observed neutrino mass generation and thus its coupling can be arbitrarily small, a detailed PYTHIA based simulation is performed to determine the parameter regions of the B − L gauge boson mass, the neutrino Yukawa couplings, and the right-handed neutrino mass sensitive to CMS, ATLAS, proposed FCC-hh detector and MATHUSLA at the centre of mass energies of 14, 27 and 100 TeV via displaced signatures. We also show in detail how the boost effect enhances the displaced decay lengths, especially for the longitudinal ones, and hinders the probe of Majorana nature of neutrinos.
Scattering amplitudes and N-body post-Minkowskian Hamiltonians in general relativity and beyond
Authors: Jones Callum R. T. , Solon Mikhail
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We present a general framework for calculating post-Minskowskian, classical, conservative Hamiltonians for N non-spinning bodies in general relativity from relativistic scattering amplitudes. Novel features for N > 2 are described including the subtraction of tree-like iteration contributions and the calculation of non-trivial many-body Fourier transform integrals needed to construct position space potentials. A new approach to calculating these integrals as an expansion in the hierarchical limit is described based on the method of regions. As an explicit example, we present the $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(G2) 3-body momentum space potential in general relativity as well as for charged bodies in Einstein-Maxwell. The result is shown to be in perfect agreement with previous post-Newtonian calculations in general relativity up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(G2v4). Furthermore, in appropriate limits the result is shown to agree perfectly with relativistic probe scattering in multi-center extremal black hole backgrounds and with the scattering of slowly-moving extremal black holes in the moduli space approximation.