bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The combined evaluation of fibrinogen and D‐dimer levels are a helpful tool to exclude periprosthetic knee infection
Authors: Balato Giovanni , Ascione Tiziana , Festa Enrico , De Vecchi Elena , Pagliano Pasquale , Pellegrini Antonio , Pandolfo Giuseppe , Siciliano Roberta , Logoluso Nicola
Published: January 2023

This retrospective study was undertaken to (i) define the most appropriate thresholds for serum d‐dimer and fibrinogen for differentiating aseptic failure from periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and (ii) evaluate the predictive value of our d‐dimer and fibrinogen threshold compared to previously proposed thresholds. This observational cohort study included consecutive patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revision between January 2019 and December 2020. International Consensus Meeting diagnostic criteria were used to identify patients affected by the prosthetic infection. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses assessed the predictive value of the parameters, and the areas under the curves were evaluated. We included 125 patients with a median age of 69 years (53–82) affected by painful TKA. Fifty‐seven patients (47%) had PJI. Patients with PJI had higher median d‐dimer, fibrinogen, ESR, and CRP when compared to patients believed to be free of PJI. The best threshold values for d‐dimer and fibrinogen were 1063 ng/ml (sensitivity 0.72, specificity 0.74) and 420 mg/dl (sensitivity 0.67 and specificity 0.82), respectively. A d‐dimer level >1063 ng/ml combined with a fibrinogen level >420 mg/dl had a sensitivity of 0.52, and a specificity of 0.90. We found that an increased d‐dimer beyond 1063 ng/ml showed a better predictive value than the previously proposed threshold. The combined determination of d‐dimer and fibrinogen displayed high specificity and should be considered an excellent tool to rule out an infection. The accuracy of the proposed cutoffs is more effective than previously reported.
Critical shoot phosphorus concentrations for changes in root morphology to improve phosphorus uptake in cotton
Authors: Chen Bolang , Feng Lin , Gu Huimin , Zhang Man , Chai Zhongpin , Feng Gu
Published: January 2023

Background

In recent years, the response of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) root morphology and rhizosphere processes to phosphorus (P) deficiency have attracted extensive attention. However, the dynamics of root morphology and physiology to shoot P concentration (SPC) under various P conditions remain unclear.

Aim

We aimed to determine the changes in root morphology and physiology and their relationships with SPC under different levels of P supply.

Method

The cotton cultivars XLZ13 and XLZ19 were grown in a hydroponic experiment with seven rates of P supply (0–2.0 mM P L−1) and in a root box experiment with seven P levels (0–400 mg P kg−1). Root morphological and physiological parameters were determined 60 days after planting (hydroponic experiment) and 75 days after transplanting (root box experiment).

Results

Cotton plant growth, P uptake, and root morphology differed significantly between the two genotypes and among the P levels. Cotton plants had the maximum shoot biomass when the SPC of XLZ13 and XLZ19 were 4.6–5.9 mg g−1 and 3.9‐5.0 mg g−1, respectively. Total and specific root lengths initially increased with increasing SPC and peaked at an SPC of XLZ13 and XLZ19 about 6.0–7.0 mg g−1 and 4.0‐5.0 mg g−1, respectively. Root physiological responses (rhizosphere acidification, acid phosphatase [Apase] activity) decreased as the SPC increased.

Conclusions

The critical SPC for optimal root morphology were 5–6 mg g−1. P deficiency did not induce rhizosphere acidification but promoted root and rhizosphere APase activity.
Dietary rutin improves breast meat quality in heat‐stressed broilers and protects mitochondria from oxidative attack via the AMPK/PINK1–Parkin pathway
Authors: Chen Shun , Liu HuiJuan , Zhang JiaQi , Zhou BinBin , He XiaoFang , Wang Tian , Wang Chao
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary rutin on the meat quality, antioxidant status and mitochondrial structure and function in the breast muscle of heat‐stressed broilers. A total of 192 male broilers were randomly assigned into three groups and treated with normal control (CON), heat stress (34 °C, HS), and HS with 500 mg kg−1 rutin supplementation (HS + Rutin), respectively.

RESULTS

Dietary rutin significantly reversed HS‐induced decrease in body weight, average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency. Rutin supplementation attenuated HS‐induced impaired meat quality by decreasing the lightness, drip loss at 24 and 48 h, the peak time of free water (T22) and the peak area ratio of free water (P22), and increasing the pH24h and peak area ratio of immobilized water (P21). Rutin supplementation promoted superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities and total antioxidant capacity, and decreased malondialdehyde levels compared with the HS group. Moreover, rutin attenuated HS‐induced mitochondrial damage by increasing the mitochondrial DNA copy number and improving mitochondrial morphology. Dietary rutin significantly increased mitochondrial biogenesis‐related mRNA (proliferator‐activated γ receptor coactivator‐1α [PGC‐1α], nuclear respiratory factor 1 [NRF1], and mitochondrial transcription factor A [TFAM]) expression via the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. HS significantly increased mitophagy‐related genes and proteins (Parkin, PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1 [PINK1], microtubule associated protein light chain 3‐II [LC3‐II]) expression, and dietary rutin significantly reversed these alterations.

CONCLUSION

Dietary rutin attenuated the HS‐induced decline in meat quality and antioxidant capacity of broilers, which may be related to inhibition of the AMPK/PINK1–Parkin signaling pathway to attenuate mitochondrial damage. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Polarization‐Multiplexing Bessel Vortex Beams for Polarization Detection of Continuous Terahertz Waves
Authors: Jiang Zhao , Lu Jinhui , Fan Jiayu , Liang Jiaxuan , Zhang Min , Su Hong , Zhang Lei , Liang Huawei
Published: January 2023

Determination of polarization states of electromagnetic waves plays a crucial role in photonic applications. However, it is very challenging to determine the polarization state of continuous terahertz (THz) waves. Here, a metasurface‐like metallic waveguide array (MWA) is proposed to address this by measuring both the phase difference and amplitude ratio of its two orthogonal components based on generation and interference of polarization‐multiplexing vortex beams. When a full‐polarized THz wave passes through the MWA, its two orthogonal components will be converted into +1st‐ and −1st‐order Bessel vortex beams, respectively. Their projection components in a proper polarized direction can interfere with each other, and their initial phase difference can be measured in real‐time owing to its linear relationship with the azimuth of the dark fringe in interference patterns. The two Bessel beams can be further collected separately using a linear polarizer to obtain their amplitude ratio. Therefore, the polarization state of incident waves can be determined with both the phase difference and amplitude ratio. The proposed method enables a convenient polarization determination of continuous THz waves and has great potential for developing polarization‐dependent investigations and applications in THz detection, communication, and sensing.
Excitation of Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Mode in Optical Fiber
Authors: Yang Jingyi , Minn Khant , Anopchenko Aleksei , Gurung Sudip , Lee Ho Wai Howard
Published: January 2023

Experimental excitation of a highly confined epsilon‐near‐zero (ENZ) mode in a side‐polished optical fiber coated with a deep subwavelength thick layer of aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) is reported. The uniform AZO layer on the fiber is fabricated by atomic layer deposition technique and optimized to exhibit close‐to‐zero permittivity at the near‐infrared wavelength. Highly polarization‐ and wavelength‐dependent transmission with strong resonance strength up to 25 dB is observed in a 30‐nm ENZ‐coated fiber that is 17 mm long. Different from the excitation of the ENZ mode in a planar conducting oxide thin film, the hybrid ENZ mode can be excited via direct phase matching between the fundamental mode of the fiber and the ENZ mode supported by the AZO thin film. The hybrid ENZ mode in the fiber exhibits a relatively long propagation/light–matter interaction length which is a few orders of magnitude longer than those on the planar ENZ substrates. It is further shown that the hybrid resonance in the ENZ fiber can be actively tuned through the refractive index of surrounding medium and the large ENZ's nonlinearity. These ENZ‐optical fibers serve as emerging in‐fiber optical devices, such as advanced in‐fiber ultrafast optical switches/modulators, mode‐locked fiber lasers, and in‐fiber optical gas/biomolecule sensors.
A Polymer Lost in the Shuffle: The Perspective of Poly(para)phenylenes
Authors: Kleybolte Moritz E. , Vagin Sergei I. , Rieger Bernhard
Published: January 2023

During 1990s, poly(para)phenylenes (PPPs) are one of the most prominent and hyped classes of conjugated polymers. Even though they have been heavily investigated for different applications, they are now eking out a rather niche existence. It is believed that this decline of interest partly has come from the early obstacle of synthesizing high‐molecular weight, processable, and defect‐free PPPs. Early examples of PPPs are not only rather oligomers than polymers but also contain many regiochemical and structural defects. Furthermore, early unsubstituted materials are infusible and insoluble, which have made their practical application almost impossible. Another reason for the decline of research interest in PPPs may be their underperformance in early applications, particularly in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), which ultimately lead to a lack of follow‐up publications. However, over the last two decades not only more precise and advanced synthesis methods have arisen but also a more profound understanding of those applications has been achieved within which new technological approaches have emerged. It is believed that PPPs would benefit from this development. Accordingly, in this perspective, the synthesis, structures, properties, and applications of PPPs reported so far as well as their potential in future technologies are discussed.
Simple structured ultranarrow‐band metamaterial perfect absorber with dielectric‐dielectric‐metal configuration
Authors: Yin Zhe , Ming Mei , Chen Liang , Song Jianhui , Lin Sen , Gao Hongwei , Liu Jun
Published: January 2023

A simple structured ultranarrow‐band metamaterial perfect absorber (MPA) with dielectric‐dielectric‐metal configuration is studied both theoretically and experimentally. By optimizing the dielectric connectivity layer and metal substrate, the optimized simple structured ultranarrow‐band MPA is obtained. Theoretical simulation results show that the MPA exhibits single ultranarrow absorption peak at normal incidence and double ultranarrow absorption peaks at oblique incidence. The heat power density distributions of the optimized MPA are also calculated to depict the absorption mechanism. At last, we fabricate a MPA sample and measure its absorption spectra to make a further comparison. The experimental data are consistent with the theoretical ones. This novel method might be helpful to reduce the manufacture difficulty and cost of the ultranarrow‐band MPAs, and also to promote the development of applications of the ultranarrow‐band MPAs.
Validation of an EGSnrc‐based Monte Carlo model for a complex 2D‐array for technical QA measurements of a linear accelerator
Authors: Czarnecki Damian , Zink Klemens , Alissa Mohamad , Flatten Veronika , Espelage Teresa , Schoenfeld Andreas A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Multi‐axis ionization chamber arrays can be used for quality assurance (QA) and measurement of linear accelerator (linac) specific data. In this work, the ability of the IC Profiler (Sun Nuclear Corp., Melbourne, Florida) detector array to measure the photon beam quality specifier %dd(10) and TPR20, 10 was investigated. To investigate the method for beam energy QA using a two‐dimensional detector array, a Monte Carlo‐based model of the detector array was developed and validated.

Methods

A Monte Carlo‐based model of the IC Profiler detector array with Quad Wedge accessories was developed in detail from drawings provided by the manufacturer using the egs++ class library from the EGSnrc code system. Monte Carlo simulations were used to calculate the absorbed dose in the 251 ionization chambers of the IC profiler in the 6 MV Elekta Precise radiation field. To validate the results from the Monte Caro simulations, measurements were performed on clinical 6 MV linacs. To vary the photon beam quality of the Elekta 6 MV linac, the current of the bending magnet was varied. Furthermore, the area ratio was calculated from IC Profiler measurements with the Quad Wedge accessories.

Results

Measurements as well as Monte Carlo simulations confirmed the linear relationship between the area ratio and the investigated photon beam quality specifier %dd(10) and TPR20, 10 for the investigated radiation source. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo‐simulated data were within the 95% confidence interval of the linear fit to the measured data. This enabled the Monte Carlo‐based IC Profiler model to be used for further investigations. The values were calculated for various electron beam sizes and the angle of incidence on the target of the linac.

Conclusions

A Monte‐Carlo‐based model of the detector array was developed, which could successfully reproduce measurements, demonstrating that even very complex geometries can be modeled in EGSnrc. Moreover, the study showed that the validated Monte Carlo model has the potential to investigate variations in beam parameters and their effects on AR ratios and %dd(10) that may not be investigated experimentally. While these findings may help users gain a deeper understanding of the QA method, the Monte Carlo model enables other complex investigations, such as the simulation of measurements in the presence of magnetic fields, or the simulation of measurements on novel treatment delivery techniques and devices.
A review on epoxy granite reinforced polymer composites in machine tool structures – Static, dynamic and thermal characteristics
Authors: Mula Venkata Ramana , Ramachandran ArunRamnath , Pudukarai Ramasamy Thyla
Published: January 2023

Machine tool structures produced with Epoxy Granite reinforced polymer composites (EGPCs) have gained prominence in recent years and have replaced conventional cast iron materials and other metals due to its remarkable damping characteristics. However, machine tool structures manufactured with EGPCs tends to exhibit limited strength, stiffness and stability. Such challenges in EGPCs are resolved by incorporation of steel as additional reinforcement and enhanced mechanical properties are observed in these hybrid machine‐tool structures. Hybrid epoxy granite machine tool structures with enhanced mechanical performance are prone to thermal errors resulting in machining inaccuracies and limited performance. Thermal errors induced in machine tool structures could be attributed due to effect of temperature distribution and displacements at the Tool Center Point (TCP). This review work carried out focuses predominantly on design methods adopted in resolving the challenges identified in development of machine tool structures and further analyses results of several polymer concrete‐based machine tool structures with regard to static, dynamic and thermal characteristics. Several review works conducted earlier have discussed the results of static and dynamic characteristics, whereas this review work provides additional information on thermal based errors induced and discusses the methods adopted in compensation of thermal errors. In this review paper, research studies pertaining to static and dynamic characteristics of different machine tool structures performed in last three decades have been discussed and a wholistic information is provided in relation with static, dynamic and thermal characteristics and properties toward developing a machine tool structure with a novel, newer class or alternative materials.
Degradation prediction of mode I cohesive laws of hygrothermally aged CFRP adhesive joint using a direct method and accelerated aging
Authors: Tauheed Mohd , Datla Naresh V.
Published: January 2023

A framework has been proposed to predict the mode I cohesive law parameters of degraded composite adhesive joint using direct method and accelerated aging tests. Double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens made with CFRP and epoxy were used to study mode I fracture. Accelerated and uniform aging was achieved using open‐faced specimens aged at 40°C and 82% relative humidity. Fracture testing of aged open‐faced specimens along with crack‐tip images were used to determine the degradation in traction‐separation law (TSL) with an aging. These correlations with bilinear TSL with aging were then used to develop a 3D finite element model of a closed DCB specimen that captures the nonuniform degradation across the specimen width. The TSL parameters degraded significantly at the edges compared with width center for closed DCB specimens. Reasonable agreement was observed between the predictions and the maximum load response of the closed joint.
Validity and reliability of a computerized cognitive function evaluation battery (CogEvo) as a screening tool
Authors: Sawada Yoichi , Satoh Toru , Saba Hideaki , Kitamoto Hiroshi , Kato Yoshiki , Shiozuka Yoshiko , Kuwada Tomoko , Murakami Kana , Sasaki Megumi , Abe Yudai , Harano Kaori
Published: January 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of cognitive function evaluation battery, CogEvo, a recently developed computerized cognitive function evaluation battery, as a screening tool for decreased cognitive function.

Methods

The study sample comprised 123 (age: 57–97 years) community‐dwelling elderly people. They were required to perform five CogEvo tasks and complete two questions‐based neuropsychological tests, including the Mini‐Mental State Examination, so that the correlations could be analyzed. The validity and reliability of CogEvo were examined using factor analysis, MacDonald's omega reliability coefficient, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed the orientation/spatial cognitive function (orientation and spatial cognition) and attention/executive function (attention, memory, and execution) factors. Structural validity was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. All two‐factor‐based subtasks showed adequate internal consistency (MacDonald's omega ≥0.6). The total CogEvo score and two‐factor scores were significantly correlated with neuropsychological test results. Based on the total CogEvo score, the cognitively normal and cognitive decline groups were identified by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis with a moderate predictive performance. The cognitive decline group was well identified using the orientation/spatial cognitive function factor.

Conclusions

CogEvo is a valid and reliable screening tool for cognitive function evaluation. It proved useful in the early identification of cognitive decline in our study sample.
Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Auxetic Metamaterials by Incorporating Nonrectangular Cross Sections into Their Component Rods: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Kavakli Humeyra Sevval , Ali Daver
Published: January 2023

Herein, four prevalent architectures of metamaterials, namely, the arc‐star, star, reentrant, and antichiral models, are examined to study the effects of the cross‐sectional shapes of component rods on the stiffness and Poisson's ratios of the materials. Four differently sized cross sections of rods are designed, and two types of cross‐sectional geometries—square and I‐shaped—are adopted. Aspect ratios of 0.5, 0.75, and 1 are considered for the I‐shaped cross‐sectional models. A total of 64 metamaterial models are analyzed. The results show that the stiffness and negative Poisson's ratios of the metamaterials depend primarily on their architectures. For example, the antichiral model exhibits approximately 13 times more stiffness than its arc‐star counterpart. The cross‐sectional geometries of the component rods also play an essential role in the mechanical behaviors of the metamaterials. For instance, the antichiral architecture, which consists of bars with an I‐shaped section that has a width‐to‐height ratio of 0.5, has an elastic modulus 9 times greater than that of the model composed of bars with a square cross section. This study shows that it is possible to design metamaterials several times stronger simply by changing the shape of the cross section of their constituent elements without compromising on their lightweight property.
Altering Ligand Microenvironment of Atomically Dispersed CrN4 by Axial Ligand Sulfur for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline and Acidic Medium
Authors: Guo Yingying , Yin Hengbo , Cheng Feifei , Li Minhan , Zhang Shouren , Wu Donghai , Wang Kaixi , Wu Yunhan , Yang Baocheng , Zhang Jia‐Nan
Published: January 2023

Because of the instability and Fenton reactivity of non‐precious metal nitrogen‐carbon based catalyst when processing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), seeking for electrocatalysts with highly efficient performance becomes very highly desired to speed up the commercialization of fuel cell. Herein, chromium (Cr)‐N4 electrocatalyst containing extraterrestrial S formed axial S1‐Cr1N4 bonds (S1Cr1N4C) is achieved via an assembly polymerization and confined pyrolysis strategy. Benefiting from the adjusting  coordination configuration and electronic structure of the metal center through axial coordination, S1Cr1N4C exhibits enhanced the intrinsic activity (half‐wave potential (E1/2) is 0.90 V versus reversable hydrogen electrode, RHE) compared with that of CrN4C and Pt/C catalysts. More notably, the catalyst is almost inert in catalyzing the Fenton reaction, and thus shows the high stability. Density functional theory (DFT) results further reveal that the existence of axial S atoms in S1Cr1N4C moiety has the better ORR activity than Cr1N4C moieties. The axial S ligand in S1Cr1N4C moiety can break the electron localization around the planar Cr1N4 active center, which facilitated the rate‐limiting reductive release of OH* and accelerated overall ORR process. The present work opens up a new avenue to modulate the axial ligand type of the single‐atoms (SAs) active center to enhance intrinsic SAs performances.
Activating RuOCo Interaction on thea‐Co(OH)2@Ru Interface for Accelerating the Volmer Step of Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Jun , Wang Jiajun , Zheng Xuerong , Wang Haozhi , Zhang Jinfeng , Ding Jia , Han Xiaopeng , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin
Published: January 2023

The state‐of‐the‐art active hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts in acid electrolytes generally lose considerable catalytic performance in alkaline electrolytes mainly due to the additional water dissociation step. Designing composite materials is an effective strategy to accelerate alkaline water electrolysis by optimizing the electronic structure of materials. Here, different phases of Co(OH)2‐supported Ru clusters (α/β‐Co(OH)2@Ru) are prepared for enabling a highly efficient electrocatalytic HER performance in alkaline solution. The prepared α‐Co(OH)2nanosheets facilitate the loading of uniform and high‐density Ru clusters and the formed highly active RuOCo bonds at the interface. The synergistic interaction endows the hybrid catalyst with low overpotential of 33 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Moreover, the homemade anion exchange membrane water electrolysis cell based on α‐Co(OH)2@Ru affords a cell voltage of 2 V to drive a current density of 270 mA cm−2and performs stably during continuous operation for over 100 h. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that active RuOCo bonds in α‐Co(OH)2@Ru optimize the energy barriers for H2O dissociation and OH−desorption to facilitate the Volmer reaction step. This work offers a strategy for designing interfacial chemical bonds for high electrocatalytic activity.
After Shleifer, who needs Mises?
Authors: Faria Anna B. , Subrick John Robert
Published: January 2023

The demise of socialism in Eastern Europe and the transition to a market economy in China and India marked the end of traditional comparative economics as a field. The debate between capitalism and socialism was settled. The economic calculation argument of Ludwig von Mises seemed no longer relevant. In its place, the new comparative economics (NCE) arose. The NCE focuses on the institutional differences that affect the protection of contract and property rights. The research program of Andrei Shleifer has provided numerous insights into how markets operate. This paper examines the Shleifer‐inspired program in comparative economics in light of the economic calculation argument Mises made. Although the recent developments in comparative economics have extended and complemented the contributions of Mises, it has not displaced them. An account of the economic calculation problem is still missing in the new comparative economics.
Constitutive Model and Cellular Automaton Simulation of the Dynamic Recrystallization of Railway EA4T‐Grade Steel
Authors: Ren Xu , Huo Yuan-Ming , He Tao , Hosseini Seyed Reza Elmi , Bian Zhi-Yuan , Bai Jie , Du Xiang-Yang
Published: January 2023

Herein, isothermal compression experiments are conducted on EA4T steel at 970–1170 °C, with strain rates of 0.01–1.0 s−1 and a strain of 0.2–0.8 s−1. Based on the experimental data, a high‐temperature constitutive model is developed for EA4T steel. The activation energy of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) is calculated to be 383 666 J mol−1, and the correlation coefficient and root mean square error between the results of the constitutive model and experimental results are 0.9943 and 4.6823, respectively. The average grain size for each deformation condition is determined using the linear‐intercept method. The grain growth model widely used in cellular automaton (CA) simulations is found unsuitable for EA4T steel. Therefore, a modified CA model of DRX behavior suitable for EA4T steel is developed. The nucleation rates and solute drag effect coefficients under different deformation conditions are determined. Furthermore, simulations are performed under other deformation conditions using the CA model. The simulated results for the average grain size, microstructure morphology, and DRX fraction agree well with the experimental results. The reason for the deviation between the observed and simulated DRX fractions is also explored.
Three‐Dimensional Manganese Oxide@Carbon Networks as Free‐Standing, High‐Loading Cathodes for High‐Performance Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gao Xuan , Zhang Chengyi , Dai Yuhang , Zhao Siyu , Hu Xueying , Zhao Fangjia , Zhang Wei , Chen Ruwei , Zong Wei , Du Zijuan , Dong Haobo , Liu Yiyang , He Hongzhen , Li Jianwei , Parkin Ivan P. , He Guanjie , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: January 2023

Zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), which are inexpensive and environmentally friendly, have a lot of potential for use in grid‐scale energy storage systems, but their use is constrained by the availability of suitable cathode materials. MnO2‐based cathodes are emerging as a promising contenders, due to the great availability and safety, as well as the device's stable output voltage platform (1.5 V). Improving the slow kinetics of MnO2‐based cathodes caused by low electrical conductivity and mass diffusion rate is a challenge for their future use in next‐generation rapid charging devices. Herein, the aforementioned challenges are overcome by proposing a sodium‐intercalated manganese oxide (NMO) with 3D varying thinness carbon nanotubes (VTCNTs) networks as appropriate free‐standing, binder‐free cathodes (NMO/VTCNTs) without any heat treatment. A network construction strategy based on CNTs of different diameters is proposed for the first time to provide high specific capacity while achieving high mass loading. The specific capacity of as‐prepared cathodes is significantly increased. The resulting free‐standing binder‐free cathodes achieve excellent capacity (329 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 and 225 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 1 A g−1) and long‐term cycling stability (158 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 1000 cycles).
Genome‐wide identification of HD‐ZIP gene family and screening of genes related to prickle development in Zanthoxylum armatum
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Chen Zexiong , Wang Caini , Zhou Xian , Tang Ning , Zhang Weiwei , Xu Feng , Yang Zhiwu , Luo Chengrong , Liao Yongling , Ye Jiabao
Published: January 2023

Zanthoxylum armatum is an important cash crop for medicinal and food purposes in Asia. However, its stems and leaves are covered with a large number of prickles, which cause many problems in the production process. The homeodomain leucine zipper (HD‐ZIP) gene family is a class of transcription factors unique to plants that play an important role in biological processes such as morphogenesis, signal transduction, and secondary metabolite synthesis. However, little is known about HD‐ZIP gene information that may be involved in prickle development of Z. armatum. Here, we identified 76 ZaHDZ genes from the Z. armatum genome and classified them into four subfamilies (I–IV) based on phylogenetic analysis, a classification further supported by gene structure and conserved motif analysis. Seventy‐six ZaHDZ genes were unevenly distributed on chromosomes. Evolutionary analysis revealed that the expansion of ZaHDZ genes mainly were due to whole‐genome duplication (WGD) or segmental duplication, and they experienced strong purifying selection pressure in the process of evolution. A total of 47 cis‐elements were identified in the promoter region of ZaHDZ genes. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed on subfamily IV ZaHDZ gene expression levels in five tissues and under four hormone treatments. Finally, ZaHDZ16 was predicted to be the candidate gene most likely to be involved in prickle development of Z. armatum. These results contribute to a better understanding of the characteristics of HD‐ZIP gene family and lay a foundation for further study on the function of genes related to prickle development of Z. armatum.
Introduction: Technology Assessment Beyond National Boundaries
Authors: Hennen Leonhard , Peissl Walter , Hahn Julia , Ladikas Miltos , van Est Rinie , Lindner Ralf
Published: January 2023

Modern societies are immensely permeated by technologies and thus also dependent on them. Increasingly, this is also true for countries in the global South. As a result, questions about the interdependencies of technology and society, the possible mutual influences and the social governance of technology are becoming a global challenge.
Global Systems Resilience and Pandemic Disease—A Challenge for S&T Governance
Authors: Monteiro Marko , Roth Florian , Shelley-Egan Clare
Published: January 2023

This chapter examines the governance of health technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects on three interrelated challenges that need to be addressed in future assessment approaches for achieving systemic resilience: problems of scale, trust and politics. The chapter focuses on digital surveillance technologies and vaccines, two cornerstones in the efforts to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 around the globe. Tracing apps were introduced in many countries, but their effectiveness has been constrained by issues of data privacy, insufficient interoperability and digital inequalities. In parallel, a global research race enabled the development of different vaccines with unprecedented speed, building on innovative biotechnologies. However, vaccination worldwide was marked by disparities in access and controversy. We conclude that governance and assessment should be built around strong international coordination and cooperation, without limiting local experimental learning and innovation. Further, public trust should be considered as a necessary condition for the success of any technological innovation in the health context. As trust in policymakers, academia and industry is strongly context-specific, global governance should also be sensitive to the diversity of social and cultural contexts. Finally, to improve overall systemic resilience, global power imbalances should be addressed in all phases of the innovation process.
Globalisation as Reflexive Modernisation—Implications for S&T Governance
Authors: Hennen Leonhard , van Est Rinie
Published: January 2023

The chapter explores the dimensions and problems of globalisation, as discussed in the scholarly literature of the last decades, to provide a general reflection on the meaning of globalisation in the field of science and technology governance and identify the challenges of transferring TA activities to the global level. Globalisation is understood as an articulation of “reflexive modernisation”, and thus features to a high extent “reflexive” problems of governance-making, such as systematic uncertainties of knowledge and cultural diversity of relevant values and norms. Great economic interdependencies as well as inequalities, together with the fact that technological and environmental risks are largely of global character and transcend the reach of national policymaking bodies, make up the challenges of globalisation. TA is presented as an instrument tailor-made for reflexive governance, and thus as a natural support for politics under the conditions of globalisation, if it manages to strengthen its global character.
Climate Change—Does the IPCC Model Provide the Foundation for a Potential Global Technology Assessment Framework?
Authors: Ashworth Peta , Clarke Elliot
Published: January 2023

This chapter explores the structure, practises and methods of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a legitimate scientific institution and its interplay with the global political decision-making forum of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). By examining the successes and shortfalls of the IPCC process and comparing these with Technology Assessment (TA) theory and practice, we investigate whether such an institutionalised process of co-design between governments and researchers could serve as a potential global TA model. We identified four central challenges including: (a) a lack of impact through initiating action based on current government commitments, (b) the pursuit of consensus-based and situated knowledge, (c) reporting inaccuracies leading to mistrust, and (d) accessibility of information across different scales. We suggest there is potential for each of these deficiencies to be addressed using existing analytical and impact TA frameworks, resulting in more authentic and accepted outcomes from a global governance perspective. Highlighting that this may also help to build trust in science advice at the country and community level. By applying a critical lens to the IPCC process as one potential global TA model, we argue that with the addition of grassroots participatory TA, alongside traditional governance and reporting frameworks, there is potential to deliver holistic solutions on a range of global challenges.
Predictors of outcomes in patients with repeat surgery for obstetric fistula: a retrospective review
Authors: Maljaars Lennart P. , Hesham Helai , Huisman Hiske , Nundwe William , Roovers Jan-Paul W. R. , Pope Rachel J.
Published: January 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

Predictors of surgical outcomes in patients with an obstetric fistula who have been operated before should be identified in order to guide surgical strategy and optimize counseling of the patient.

Methods

This retrospective study is aimed at identifying predictors of outcomes for repeat surgery in 346 patients who had been operated on before for an obstetrics fistula at the Fistula Care Center (FCC) in Lilongwe, Malawi. Repeat cases were only undertaken by advanced and expert surgeons. The primary outcome was successful anatomical closure, based on a negative postoperative dye test. The secondary outcomes involved urinary continence, based on a patient-reported questionnaire and an objective 1-h pad weight test. Logistic regression models were used to test the predictors for statistical significance.

Results

Successful fistula closure was achieved in 288 (83%) patients and continence was achieved in 185 (64%) patients after the first repeat attempt at the FCC. Lack of urethral involvement (Goh classification: proximity to the urethra) was shown to be a good predictor of the outcomes: fistula closure and subjective and objective continence.

Conclusions

Absence of urethral involvement is an independent predictor for successful outcomes in repeat surgery for obstetric fistulas. Even in the hands of an expert surgeon, the risk of another failure in achieving anatomical closure or subjective or objective continence is between 4 and 5 times higher than when the urethra is not involved.
Thiol-ene-based microfluidic chips for glycopeptide enrichment and online digestion of inflammation-related proteins osteopontin and immunoglobulin G
Authors: Zhou Yuye , Jönsson Alexander , Sticker Drago , Zhou Guojun , Yuan Zishuo , Kutter Jörg P. , Emmer Åsa
Published: January 2023

Proteins, and more specifically glycoproteins, have been widely used as biomarkers, e.g., to monitor disease states. Bottom-up approaches based on mass spectrometry (MS) are techniques commonly utilized in glycoproteomics, involving protein digestion and glycopeptide enrichment. Here, a dual function polymeric thiol-ene-based microfluidic chip (TE microchip) was applied for the analysis of the proteins osteopontin (OPN) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), which have important roles in autoimmune diseases, in inflammatory diseases, and in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). TE microchips with larger internal surface features immobilized with trypsin were successfully utilized for OPN digestion, providing rapid and efficient digestion with a residence time of a few seconds. Furthermore, TE microchips surface-modified with ascorbic acid linker (TEA microchip) have been successfully utilized for IgG glycopeptide enrichment. To illustrate the use of the chips for more complex samples, they were applied to enrich IgG glycopeptides from human serum samples with antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The dual functional TE microchips could provide high throughput for online protein digestion and glycopeptide enrichment, showing great promise for future extended applications in proteomics and the study of related diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Severity of post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass dumping syndrome and weight loss outcomes: is there any correlation?
Authors: Kermansaravi Mohammad , ShahabiShahmiri Shahab , Vilallonga Ramon , Gholizadeh Barmak , DavarpanahJazi Amir Hossein , Farsi Yeganeh , Valizadeh Rohollah , Rezvani Masoud
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The present research was conducted to evaluate the effect of the severity of dumping syndrome (DS) on weight loss outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in patients with class III obesity.

Methods

The present retrospective cohort study used the dumping symptom rating scale (DSRS) to evaluate the severity of DS and its correlation with weight loss outcomes in 207 patients 1 year after their RYGB. The patients were assigned to group A with mild-to-moderate DS or group B with severe DS.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 42.18 ± 10.46 years and their mean preoperative BMI 42.74 ± 5.59 kg/m2. The total weight loss percentage (%TWL) in group B was insignificantly higher than that in group A, but besides that was not significantly different in the two groups.

Conclusion

The present findings suggested insignificant relationships between the presence and severity of DS after RYGB and adequate postoperative weight loss.
Transanal full-thickness excision for rectal neoplasm: is it advisable to leave the defect open?
Authors: Gracia J. A. , Elia M. , Cordoba E. , Gonzalo A. , Ramirez J. M.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

After a full-thickness total wall excision of a rectal tumor, suturing the defect is generally recommended. Recently, due to various contradictory studies, there is a trend to leave the defects open. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether leaving the defect open is an adequate management strategy compared with suturing it closed based on postoperative outcomes and recurrences.

Methods

A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database was conducted. Adult patients who underwent transanal surgery for rectal neoplasm in our institution from 1997 to 2019 were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: sutured (group A) or unsutured (group B) rectal defect. The primary outcomes were morbidity (early and late) and recurrence.

Results

In total, 404 (239 men) patients were analyzed, 143 (35.4%) from group A and 261 (64.6%) from group B. No differences were observed in tumor size, distance from the anal verge or operation time. The overall incidence of complications was significantly higher in patients from group B, which nearly double the rate of group A. With a mean follow-up of 58 (range, 12–96) months, seven patients presented with a rectal stricture, all of them from group B.

Conclusions

We acknowledge the occasional impossibility of closing the defect in patients who undergo local excision; however, when it is possible, the present data suggest that there may be advantages to suturing the defect closed.
The role of early functional neuroimaging in predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonatal encephalopathy
Authors: Pinto Carla R. , Duarte João V. , Marques Carla , Vicente Inês N. , Paiva Catarina , Éloi João , Pereira Daniela J. , Correia Bárbara R. , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Oliveira Guiomar
Published: January 2023

Reliably assessing the early neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is of utmost importance to advise parents and implement early and personalized interventions. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of neuroimaging modalities, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in NE. Eighteen newborns with NE due to presumed perinatal asphyxia (PA) were included in the study, 16 of whom underwent therapeutic hypothermia. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fMRI during passive visual, auditory, and sensorimotor stimulation were acquired between the 10th and 14th day of age. Clinical follow-up protocol included visual and auditory evoked potentials and a detailed neurodevelopmental evaluation at 12 and 18 months of age. Infants were divided according to sensory and neurodevelopmental outcome: severe, moderate disability, or normal. Structural MRI findings were the best predictor of severe disability with an AUC close to 1.0. There were no good predictors to discriminate between moderate disability versus normal outcome. Nevertheless, structural MRI measures showed a significant correlation with the scores of neurodevelopmental assessments. During sensorimotor stimulation, the fMRI signal in the right hemisphere had an AUC of 0.9 to predict absence of cerebral palsy (CP). fMRI measures during auditory and visual stimulation did not predict sensorineural hearing loss or cerebral visual impairment.

Conclusion: In addition to structural MRI, fMRI with sensorimotor stimulation may open the gate to improve the knowledge of neurodevelopmental/motor prognosis if proven in a larger cohort of newborns with NE.

What is Known:

• Establishing an early, accurate neurodevelopmental prognosis in neonatal encephalopathy remains challenging.

• Although structural MRI has a central role in neonatal encephalopathy, advanced MRI modalities are gradually being explored to optimize
neurodevelopmental outcome knowledge.

What is New:

• Newborns who later developed cerebral palsy had a trend towards lower fMRI measures in the right sensorimotor area during sensorimotor stimulation.

• These preliminary fMRI results may improve future early delineation of motor prognosis in neonatal encephalopathy.
Immunological effects and activity of multiple doses of zolbetuximab in combination with zoledronic acid and interleukin-2 in a phase 1 study in patients with advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer
Authors: Lordick Florian , Thuss-Patience Peter , Bitzer Michael , Maurus Daniel , Sahin Ugur , Türeci Özlem
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Zolbetuximab (IMAB362) is engineered to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. We evaluated ADCC activity and the impact of the immune-modulating drugs zoledronic acid (ZA) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) as co-treatment with zolbetuximab on relevant immune cell populations and ADCC lysis activity.

Methods

This phase 1, multicenter, open-label study investigated the immunological effects and activity, safety, tolerability, and antitumor activity of multiple doses of zolbetuximab alone (n = 5) or in combination with ZA (n = 7) or with ZA plus two different dose levels of IL-2 (low dose: 1 million international units [mIU] [n = 9]; intermediate dose: 3 mIU [n = 7]) in pretreated patients with advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma.

Results

Twenty-eight patients with previously treated advanced G/GEJ adenocarcinoma that was CLDN18.2-expressing were enrolled into four treatment arms. Treatment with zolbetuximab + ZA + IL-2 induced short-lived expansion and activation of ADCC-mediating cell populations, namely γ9δ2 T cells and natural killer cells, within 2 days after administration; this effect was more pronounced with intermediate-dose IL-2. Expansion and activation of regulatory T cells treated with either IL2 dose was moderate and short-lived. Strong ADCC activity was observed with zolbetuximab alone. Short-lived ADCC activity was observed in several patients treated with ZA + intermediate-dose IL-2, but not lower-dose IL-2. In the clinical efficacy population, the best confirmed response was stable disease (n = 11/19; 58%).

Conclusions

Zolbetuximab mediates proficient ADCC in patients with pretreated advanced G/GEJ cancers. Co-treatment with ZA + IL-2 did not further improve this effect.

Trial registration: NCT01671774
Resource-dependent foraging behaviour of grazers enhances effects of nutrient enrichment on algal biomass
Authors: Iannino Alessandra , Fink Patrick , Vosshage Alexander Tim Ludwig , Weitere Markus
Published: January 2023

Both the quantity and nutritional quality of food resources can strongly influence the foraging movements of herbivores, which in turn determine the strength of top-down control on primary producer biomass. Nutrient enrichment can alter the biomass and nutritional quality of primary producers, but the consequences for the foraging of herbivores and hence for top-down control are still poorly understood. In this study, we combined a two-factorial experiment (two nutrient levels × grazing by the freshwater gastropod Ancylus fluviatilis) with video analyses tracking grazers’ movements to investigate nutrient enrichment effects on spatial ranges of grazing activity and algal biomass removal. Natural stream biofilms were grown in phosphorus-enriched (P+) and phosphorus-poor flumes (P−) for two weeks before A. fluviatilis were added to the flumes and allowed to graze on biofilm for an additional 2 weeks. Total periphyton biomass was enhanced by P+ and reduced by grazer presence. However, the total grazer effect depended on the nutrient level: at the end of the experiment, on average 95% of algal cover were removed by grazing in the P− flumes versus 26% in the P+ flumes. Fast movements of A. fluviatilis were detected significantly more often in the P− treatment, whereas grazers were detected resting more often in the P+ treatment. Our results demonstrate that nutrient enrichment can increase primary producer biomass both directly and indirectly by limiting the foraging ranges of herbivores. The resulting feedback loop between reduced grazing activity and increased plant biomass might in turn exacerbate eutrophication effects on habitat structure.