bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Survival of Advanced‐Stage Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer With Systemic Therapy
Authors: Evans Lauran K. , Chen Haidee , Taki Labib Manwel , Cronkite D. Alexander , Yu Alice C. , Ashendouek Maya , Elashoff David , Chai‐Ho Wanxing , Wong Deborah J. , St. John Maie
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive and fatal thyroid malignancy. Currently, there still exists a paucity of literature studying the relationship between available ATC‐targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and survival. We aim to investigate how systemic therapies affect survival outcomes in ATC.

Methods

A single‐tertiary‐institution chart review of patients diagnosed with advanced‐stage ATC, and who underwent surgery as part of their treatment, was performed between 2000 and 2023, with 41 patients included. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and survival data were collected and analyzed via Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Results

54% of patients were female, and average age was 67.4 years old. The most common mutations identified were BRAF (15 patients), p53 (9 patients), and p63 (2 patients). A total of 18 patients utilized targeted or immunotherapy, with Trametinib and Dabrafenib (9 patients) as the most common agents used. Two‐year overall survival was 24%, and 5‐year overall survival was 23%, with median survival time of 7.6 months. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated improved survival in patients who received chemotherapy (p = 0.048). Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that patients treated with immunotherapy or targeted therapy had a statistically significant increase in survival compared with patients who did not receive these therapies (p = 0.016). Additionally, females and those with a p63 mutation demonstrated improved survival outcomes (p = 0.010, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy use should be strongly considered when treating patients with ATC. Further studies into novel drugs targeting immune checkpoints and combination therapy are needed to better optimize treatment of patients with ATC.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Non‐Hermitian Skin Effect in Non‐Hermitian Optical Systems
Authors: Zhang Yingqiu , Wei Zhongchao
Published: August 2024

The development of non‐Hermitian (NH) physics in nonconservative systems has led to various interesting wave phenomena, including the emergence of the non‐Hermitian skin effect (NHSE). NHSE is a topological effect caused by the nontrivial winding number of the energy spectrum, which results in many bulk eigenmodes localized on low‐dimensional boundaries under open boundary conditions. Although this phenomenon is striking, the flexible and dynamic tuning of NHSE has not been reviewed in optics systems. As an ideal NH platform, an optical system can introduce artificially constructed gains and losses and flexibly design optical structures to control the transmission and regulation of light. This exploration based on NH optical systems deepens the understanding of NHSE and facilitates technological breakthroughs in high‐energy directional localized optics applications. In this review, the focus is on the latest progress and applications of NHSE in NH optical systems, including the basic theory and local property modulation methods. Finally, possible future research directions for NHSE based on NH optical systems are discussed.
Can industrial robot utilization drive the total factor productivity of enterprises?
Authors: Qin Tianru , Liang Lin , Liang Peng , Liang Wenqun
Published: August 2024

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the impact and mechanism of industrial robot utilization on total factor productivity (TFP) using panel data from A‐share listed companies in China's manufacturing industry. Our findings reveal the significant contribution of industrial robots to enhancing TFP in microenterprises, with this influence persisting over time. Mechanism tests demonstrate that industrial robot utilization effectively reduces labor costs, mitigates financing constraints, and enhances innovation capabilities, thereby improving enterprises' TFP. Additionally, a heterogeneity analysis indicates a more pronounced impact of industrial robot utilization on TFP in labor‐intensive, non‐high‐tech enterprises, as well as in enterprises operating in highly competitive markets. This study deepens our understanding of industrial robot utilization and TFP, which broadens the scope of this field. This has significant practical implications for transforming traditional factors, integrating new technologies, and facilitating digital and intelligent transformations of manufacturing enterprises in emerging economies.
Orthogonal polynomial bases in the mixed virtual element method
Authors: Berrone Stefano , Scialò Stefano , Teora Gioana
Published: August 2024

The use of orthonormal polynomial bases has been found to be efficient in preventing ill‐conditioning of the system matrix in the primal formulation of Virtual Element Methods (VEM) for high values of polynomial degree and in presence of badly‐shaped polygons. However, we show that using the natural extension of a orthogonal polynomial basis built for the primal formulation is not sufficient to cure ill‐conditioning in the mixed case. Thus, in the present work, we introduce an orthogonal vector‐polynomial basis which is built ad hoc for being used in the mixed formulation of VEM and which leads to very high‐quality solution in each tested case. Furthermore, a numerical experiment related to simulations in Discrete Fracture Networks (DFN), which are often characterised by very badly‐shaped elements, is proposed to validate our procedures.
Total Synthesis of Cyclosenegalin A
Authors: Aloanis Anderson Arnold , Herlina Tati , Hardianto Ari , Maharani Rani
Published: August 2024

A Pro‐Gly‐typed cyclopeptide, cyclosenegalin A, was firstly isolated from Annona senegalensis and Annona scleroderma. In this study, we reported synthesis the cycloheptapeptide with a combination of solid‐ and solution‐phase synthetic methods. This study also compared the effectiveness of β‐turn inducer type I and II in cyclosenegalin A to facilitate the cyclization process. The synthesis of cyclosenegalin A were prepared using two different sequences of linear peptides for cyclization. First sequence employed β‐turn type I inducer (Ser‐Ala‐Val‐Thr) as turning point and second sequence employed β‐turn type II inducer (Thr‐Pro‐Gly‐Leu). The successful cyclization was obtained using the linear sequence of NH2‐Ala‐Val‐Thr‐Pro‐Gly‐Leu‐Ser‐OH with β‐turn type II. The final product was obtained in 8.2 % yield with PyBOP/DIEA act as coupling agent. The synthetic cyclosenegalin A were characterized with HR‐ToFMS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, TOCSY, and ROESY. The synthetic product was also evaluated for its antimicrobial activity.
Synergetic control of multi‐level interface structure of basalt fibers by plasma and chemical functionalization to enhance the mechanical, thermal and interfacial performances of PBZ composites
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Aiping , Li Xinkang , Lin Hai Lan , Ni Keyang , Bian Jun , Jing Siyi , Yang Ke Cheng , Yang Shangke , Liu Cuihua , Chen Daiqiang
Published: August 2024

The composites of polybenzoxazine (PBZ) containing functionalized plasma treatment basalt fibers (fP‐BFs) were fabricated through in‐situ polymerization‐mixing technique. fP‐BFs is an effective reinforcement material that can improve the mechanical, thermal, and interfacial properties of composites. Surface activation of fP‐BFs can be enhanced through plasma modification, which improves the interaction between fP‐BFs and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. A systematic study on fP‐BFs/PBZ composite showed that a processing power of 300 W, a processing time of 5 min, and a fiber content of 9% can achieve good comprehensive mechanical properties. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that fP‐BFs‐7/PBZ has the highest thermal stability, and its carbon residue rate, decomposition temperature and thermal decomposition activation energy are 36.80%, 452.2 °C and 133.56 kJ/mol, respectively. The dynamic mechanical analysis experiment showed that the addition of fP‐BFs improved the Tg of the composites. Among them, fP‐BFs‐5/PBZ showed the highest Tg, reaching 233.2 °C.

Highlights

Plasma treatment produced multi‐level structure of basalt fibers (fP‐BFs).

Polybenzoxazine (PBZ)/fP‐BFs composites showed excellent performance.

Interfacial bonding mechanism between fP‐BFs and PBZ was elucidated.

Interfacial interactions between BFs and PBZ contributed to property enhancement.

This work provided a green fabrication strategy of PBZ composites.
Comprehensive performance evaluation of HGM hybrid modified resins: Excellent high resistivity terahertz shielding and impact energy absorption properties
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Ruizhi , Gao Guowen , Wang Zijian , Peng Hui , Cao Hongxiang , He Liping , Tang Enling
Published: August 2024

The development of electronic fuze has placed higher demands on encapsulation resins, which are required to provide not only insulation and protection, but also higher impact resistance and good electromagnetic shielding performance. A new composite material consisting of hollow glass microspheres (HGM) and modified epoxy resin was developed. This material exhibits significant electromagnetic shielding capabilities for terahertz (THz) waves, as well as superior impact energy absorption properties. Bisphenol A‐type epoxy resin (E‐44) was modified using Al(OH)3, red phosphorus, carbon black, and SiO2, and the material properties were optimized by adjusting the HGM content. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and impact energy absorption of the composite material in the THz band were comprehensively tested using THz time‐domain spectroscopy and split Hopkinson pressure bar testing systems. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical and dielectric properties, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability of the material was conducted. The results showed that the electromagnetic shielding effect of 60 vol.% HGM hybrid‐modified resins was the best, reaching 43.78 dB. The 20 vol.% HGM hybrid‐modified resins not only has a specific absorption energy of 18.51 J/cm3, but also has the best overall performance. This work has advanced the design and development of multifunctional and impact‐resistant potting epoxy resins.
Impact of seasonality and forest stand age on ion deposition in rehabilitated forests
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamad Hilmi , Jaafar Salwana , Yamashita Naoyuki , Sase Hiroyuki
Published: August 2024

This study examines the critical interaction between seasonal precipitation variability and forest maturity in determining ion deposition patterns in rehabilitated forest ecosystems. This research was conducted in rehabilitated forest sites in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia that had ecologically similar plant distribution, species, and age in each planting area. This facilitated the standardization of rainfall deposition in the different study plots which streamlined the study of these specific facets of ecosystem dynamics. The goal is to understand how seasonal changes and the age of the forest influence the chemical composition of the flux that relates to the movement and deposition of nutrients through the forest ecosystem. This flux is a key factor in the health of the forest ecosystem and nutrient cycling. Using ion exchange resin (IER) samplers, we accurately measured and compared the deposition of different ions (Ca2+, Na+, Fe2+, Cu2+, NO3−, NH4+ and SO42−) across different seasons and forest ages. The deposition of Ca2+ and NH₄+ was significantly lower in the low‐precipitation season than in the high‐precipitation season in all forest stands, regardless of the year they were established (1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2009). In contrast, ions such as Na+, Fe2+, Cu2+, NO3− and SO42− showed no clear seasonal fluctuations. In addition, the study shows that through‐fall in forest stands from 2002, 2005 and 2009 had higher concentrations of Ca2+ in both seasons than in 1996 and 1999. Interestingly, forest stands from 2009 and 2002 had elevated levels of Na+ and SO₄2− in seasons with low precipitation, while stands from 1996 had higher levels in seasons with high precipitation. Our results emphasize the crucial role of precipitation amount and canopy age in determining ion deposition in forest ecosystems. By demonstrating the significant influence of precipitation seasonality and forest maturity on the chemical composition of throughfall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of nutrient dynamics in developing forest landscapes and provides valuable insights for ecological restoration measures.
Strain rate and temperature‐dependent shear fracture mechanism of high‐energy propellant/liner interface zone
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Wang Guijun , Wu Yanqing , Liu Xiangyang , Sang Lipeng , Hou Xiao
Published: August 2024

The shear fracture of the high‐energy propellant/liner interface zone occurs in many application cases of solid rocket motors (SRMs). The shear fracture experiment development is thus a crucial issue. Here we aim to study the shear fracture mechanism of the interface zone under varying strain rates and temperatures. Shear experiments are carried out using self‐made specimens containing prefabricated cracks. Force‐displacement curves, experimental images, and fracture surface topographies are obtained at different strain rates and temperatures. The strain field of the specimen surface is analyzed using the digital image correlation (DIC) method. Additionally, the fracture surface topographies are analyzed using ImageJ software. The results show that the shear mechanical properties of the interface zone are strongly dependent on strain rates and temperatures. Specifically, the shear fracture strength and failure displacement exhibit a decrease with increasing temperature and an increase with increasing strain rate. The DIC analysis shows that the fracture strain of the interface zone typically ranges from 0.4 to 0.6. The analysis of the fracture surface topographies reveals that the shear fracture modes are predominantly mixed fractures, including propellant/liner interface fractures and propellant cohesive fractures. Since the propellant/liner interface is more sensitive to strain rate and the propellant is more sensitive to temperature, the propellant/liner interface fracture ratio increases from 1.99 % to 60.26 % with decreasing strain rate and temperature. The results show that the experimental method can effectively be used to study the shear fracture mechanism of the high‐energy propellant/liner interface zone.
Time‐varying group formation tracking control for multi‐agent systems using distributed multi‐sensor multi‐target filtering with intermittent observations
Authors: Qi Jialin , Zhang Zheng , Yu Jianglong , Dong Xiwang , Li Qingdong , Jiang Hong , Ren Zhang
Published: August 2024

Time‐varying group formation tracking control problems for multi‐agent systems are investigated based on distributed multi‐sensor multi‐target filtering with intermittent observations. First, in order to estimate the states of multiple targets under the phenomenon of intermittent observations accurately, a distributed multi‐sensor multi‐target filtering algorithm is proposed based on cubature Kalman filtering. Second, a time‐varying group formation tracking protocol is designed for multi‐agent systems by using the state estimations obtained from the filtering algorithm and the neighboring interaction. The protocol enables multi‐agent systems to form time‐varying subformations and track multiple targets in the same subgroups, respectively. Third, the boundedness of the error covariance matrices is proved under the condition that the observation probability is higher than the minimum threshold. Then the estimation errors of the filtering algorithm are proved to be stochastically bounded by introducing a stochastic process. Furthermore, the boundedness of the group formation tracking errors is proved. Finally, a numerical example is used to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm and protocol.
Synthesis of Ultrathin FeS Nanosheets via Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Lv Lu , Dong Weikang , Li Dian , Liang Qingrong , Wang Ping , Zhao Chunyu , Luo Zhaokai , Zhang Chengyu , Huang Xiangwei , Zheng Shoujun , Cui Yuanyuan , Zhou Jiadong , Gao Yanfeng
Published: August 2024

Fe‐based 2D materials exhibit rich chemical compositions and structures, which may imply many unique physical properties and promising applications. However, achieving controllable preparation of ultrathin non‐layered FeS crystal on SiO2/Si substrate remains a challenge. Herein, the influence of temperature and molecular sieves is reported on the synthesis of ultrathin FeS nanosheets with a thickness as low as 2.3 nm by molecular sieves‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The grown FeS nanosheets exhibit a non‐layered hexagonal NiAs structure and belong to the P63/mmc space group. The inverted symmetry broken structure is confirmed by the angle‐resolved second harmonic generation (SHG) test. In particular, the 2D FeS nanosheets exhibit exceptional metallic behavior, with conductivity up to 1.63 × 106 S m−1 at 300 K for an 8 nm thick sample, which is higher than that of reported 2D metallic materials. This work provides a significant contribution to the synthesis and characterization of 2D non‐layered Fe‐based materials.
DNA Origami – Lipid Membrane Interactions Controlled by Nanoscale Sterics
Authors: Georgiou Elena , Cabello‐Garcia Javier , Xing Yongzheng , Howorka Stefan
Published: August 2024

DNA nanostructures designed to interact with bilayer membranes are of fundamental interest as they mimic biological cytoskeletons and other membrane‐associated proteins for applications in synthetic biology, biosensing, and biological research. Yet, there is limited insight into how the binary interactions are influenced by steric effects produced by 3D geometries of DNA structures and membranes. This work uses a 3D DNA nanostructure with membrane anchors in four different steric environments to elucidate the interaction with membrane vesicles of varying sizes and different local bilayer morphology. It is found that interactions are significantly affected by the steric environments of the anchors ‐often against predicted accessibility‐ as well as local nanoscale morphology of bilayers rather than on the usually considered global vesicle size. Furthermore, anchor‐mediated bilayer interactions are co‐controlled by weak contacts with non‐lipidated DNA regions, as showcased by pioneering size discrimination between 50 and 200 nm vesicles. This study extends DNA nanotechnology to controlled bilayer interactions and can facilitate the design of nanodevices for vesicle‐based diagnostics, biosensing, and protocells.
Thiophene Oligomers with Low Cost and Easy Synthesis for Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Mu Qiyang , Feng Luxin , Li Zhe , Fan Kexin , Li Qingyang , Wei Zhengrong , Cheng Yuan , Xu Bowei
Published: August 2024

Hole‐transporting layer (HTL) materials with sufficient hole collection ability, noncorrosive nature, and easy preparation are strongly desired for the field of organic solar cells (OSCs). The development of new materials and synthetic methods has been proved to be the essential approach to improve the HTL performances. Herein, a series of thiophene oligomers TO‐P1, TO‐P2, and TO‐P3 are designed and synthesized through coupling reaction by using the polyoxometalates as the oxidizing reagents. The thiophene oligomers can be readily synthesized under ambient condition with high yield. Among the as‐prepared thiophene oligomers, TO‐P2 exhibits neutral pH, sufficient work function, and high conductivity, endowing the HTL with excellent hole collection ability. Also, TO‐P2 possesses good chemical stability and satisfied solution processability, which is important for practical use. By using TO‐P2 as HTL, OSC shows a photovoltaic efficiency of 17.25%. Furthermore, TO‐P2 is a universal HTL that can be used to fabricate efficient OSCs with various active layers. More importantly, TO‐P2 shows good compatibility with large‐area processing technique. A 1 cm2 OSC is fabricated by using a blade‐coated TO‐P2 HTL, exhibiting a power conversion efficiency of 15.0%. The easy preparation and noncorrosive nature endow TO‐P2 with great potential application in OSCs.
Enhancing Inclusive Finance in Sub‐Saharan Africa: The Collaborative Role of Economic Freedom and Innovative Facilities
Authors: Nutassey Victoria Abena , Nomlala Bomi Cyril , Sibanda Mabutho
Published: August 2024

This paper gives insight into innovative facilities' role in the effect of economic freedom on inclusive finance in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) using data from 2008 to 2020. After using the generalized method of moment for the analysis, the study concluded that improving economic freedom promotes financial inclusion while expanding innovative facilities in SSA inhibits inclusive finance. The study also discovered that innovative facilities improve the impact of economic freedom on inclusive finance in SSA and subsequently diminish the effect of economic freedom on inclusive finance after certain thresholds (mobile usage 100.75, internet usage 34.1064, fixed broadband usage not applicable, telephone usage 13.3494, and innovative facility index 1.5619). Hence, policymakers are advised to increase freedom in SSA economies to boost financial inclusion by ensuring the bureaucracy for establishing financial institutions is minimized and institutions that ensure property rights and free will are instituted to encourage people to participate in financial services. When it comes to using innovative facilities to enhance freedom‐induced inclusivity in finance, technical and financial knowledge should be enhanced in addition to lowering the cost of using innovative facilities to access financial services in order to eliminate the threshold levels at which innovative facilities reduce inclusive finance SSA.
Value of hepatic artery digital subtraction angiography in the detection of small hepatocellular carcinoma lesions
Authors: Bai Tao , Lu Shaolong , Chen Jie , Ye Jiazhou , Wang Xiaobo , Tang Zhihong , Fu Hongyuan , Li Lequn , Wu Feixiang
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare the detection rates of hepatic artery digital subtraction angiography (HA‐DSA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (MRI‐Gd‐DTPA) and MRI gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA) for small (diameter ≤2 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions.

Methods

A prospective analysis of patients admitted to the Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between January 1, 2015, and December 30, 2016, was conducted. The detection rates of the three methods were analyzed. The diameter of small HCC lesions detected using HA‐DSA and MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA were evaluated. The diagnostic value of HCC Barcelona staging for HA‐DSA was analyzed.

Results

For 107 small lesions detected in 57 patients, the detection rates of HA‐DSA and MRI‐Gd‐DTPA were 86.0% (92/107) and 71.0% (76/107), respectively (p < .05). Of 77 small lesions detected in 42 patients using MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA and HA‐DSA, 67 were detected using HA‐DSA, all of which had a rich blood supply, and 72 were detected using MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA. The minimum diameter of lesions detected using MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA was approximately 0.4 cm, whereas that of lesions detected using HA‐DSA was approximately 0.5 cm. After HA‐DSA, a change in the Barcelona staging occurred in 33.3% (62/186) of cases but not after MRI‐Gd‐DTPA; HA‐DSA was significantly better than MRI‐Gd‐DTPA for staging (p = .03).

Conclusion

HA‐DSA and MRI‐Gd‐EOB‐DTPA have high diagnostic values for the detection of small HCC lesions, which is helpful for accurate staging of HCC and provides the most valuable information for patient treatment and prognosis.
Modeling soil water dynamics of an intensively cultivated histosol
Authors: Ahmad Farhan , Madramootoo Chandra
Published: August 2024

Understanding soil–water dynamics in cultivated organic soils (histosols) is crucial for sustainable agriculture, ecosystem preservation, and climate change mitigation. Data on the soil water retention curves (SWRCs) of these histosols in Canada are not readily available in the literature. The Hydrus‐1D model was used to predict SWRCs for a cultivated organic soil in Quebec. The model was validated with matric potential measured in a soil column at 10, 26, and 48 cm. The optimized hydraulic parameters in the Hydrus model resulted in field capacity moisture contents of 0.6, 0.696, and 0.49 cm3 cm−3 at the three depths, respectively. Wilting point moisture contents of 0.165, 0.107, and 0.14 cm3 cm−3 were obtained at the same depths. Model accuracy was confirmed with a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.76, 0.91, and 0.78 for the three depths, respectively. These findings can inform decisions regarding water management practices such as irrigation and drainage requirements for intensively cultivated organic soils.
Sr4Os3O12 – A Layered Osmate(V,VI) that is Magnetic Close to Room Temperature
Authors: Thakur Gohil S. , Hübner Julia‐Maria , Finzel Kati , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael
Published: August 2024

Black crystals of the mixed‐valence osmate(V,VI) Sr4Os3O12 were grown via a gas phase reaction in an evacuated silica tube. The material is attracted to a permanent magnet at room temperature (295±5 K) but loses this property when heated or cooled. In this temperature interval, soft magnetic behavior with vanishing coercivity is observed, but the saturation magnetization is only 0.05 μB per formula unit. Resistivity measurements show that Sr4Os3O12 is a semiconductor with a small band gap of about 0.26 eV at room temperature. X‐ray diffraction on a single‐crystal revealed a rhombohedral structure with the space group R
m and lattice parameters ar=554.64(2) pm and cr=2700.1(1) pm at 300(1) K. The compound crystallizes in the La4Ti3O12 structure type and is isostructural to Sr4CoRe2O12. The structure is a rhombohedral stack of layered blocks, each of which can be considered as a section of three layers of the cubic perovskite structure cut perpendicular to one of its threefold axes. The Os–O−Os bond angle of about 175° favors superexchange that leads to antiferromagnetic coupling between the osmium atoms with 5d3 and 5d2 configurations. Sr4Os3O12 exhibits strong lattice dynamics. One aspect is the antiferro‐rotative lattice modes of the corner‐sharing [OsO6] octahedra, which freeze upon cooling. At 100 K, an ordered, yet twinned triclinic superstructure is formed. Strong spin‐orbit coupling and other effects cause deformations of the [OsO6] octahedra that differ significantly at 300 K and 100 K, suggesting a change in the electronic configuration. Competing ground states could also explain the temperature‐dependent band gap and the magnetic fluctuations manifested in the magnetization peak at room temperature.
The Space Economy: Review of the Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Punnala Mikko , Punnala Santeri , Ojala Arto , Kuusniemi Heidi
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the evolution of the space economy from government-led institutional exploration to a more market-driven, vital part of global infrastructure. Our findings highlight its growing importance in modern life and the need for sustainable and responsible utilization of space in the future, as well as the need to understand the economic implications and linkages of the space domain specifically. We have conducted a systematic literature review of publications from 2018 to 2022 across various databases to explore the economic activities within the space sector and to gain a better understanding of the macro-level linkages between the different segments of the space economy and their relevance to the broader, global economy. We approach this question through OECD’s classification of space activities, incorporating three additional segments such legal aspects, to offer a more nuanced understanding of the space economy, differentiating the economic activities happening in space on a suitable level of granularity. Ultimately, we wish to contribute by creating a structured framework for policymakers and stakeholders to better understand the nuances of the space economy, enhancing informed decision-making for responsible management and sustainable growth in the space sector.
An Emerging Innovation Ecosystem for New Space—Kvarken Space Center in Finland
Authors: Punnala Mikko , Ratilainen Jari
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores the burgeoning innovation ecosystem in the New Space sector, with a specific focus on the Kvarken Space Center in Finland. It delves into the center’s role in catalyzing the regional space economy, highlighting key development opportunities and challenges identified from the industry needs. The overarching aim of these scholarly endeavors is to establish a sustainable innovation ecosystem tailored to regional New Space activities, thereby fostering long-term economic development centered on space-based business and innovation. The study employs qualitative methodologies, including interviews and data analysis, to capture the dynamic interactions within the ecosystem. The chapter also examines the unique contributions of the Kvarken Space Center and the pivotal role of academia as the key driver in fostering an innovative environment. Findings underscore the necessity of collaboration among different ecosystem players and the potential impact of such synergy on the wider New Space Economy. The chapter concludes with policy recommendations aimed at nurturing and sustaining innovation within this rapidly evolving sector. This study not only sheds light on the Kvarken Space Center's influence but also provides insights relevant to similar New Space Ecosystems globally.
On the Solution Sets of Three-Variable Word Equations
Authors: Saarela Aleksi
Published: August 2024

It is known that the set of solutions of any constant-free three-variable word equation can be represented using parametric words, and the number of numerical parameters and the level of nesting in these parametric words is at most logarithmic with respect to the length of the equation. We show that this result can be significantly improved in the case of unbalanced equations, that is, equations where at least one variable has a different number of occurrences on the left-hand side and on the right-hand side. More specifically, it is sufficient to have two numerical parameters and one level of nesting in this case. We also discuss the possibility of proving a similar result for balanced equations in the future.
Sieving the weeds from the grains: an R based package for classifying archaeobotanical samples of cereals and pulses according to crop processing stages
Authors: Stroud Elizabeth , Jones Glynis , Charles Michael , Bogaard Amy
Published: August 2024

The R package CropPro is an open-access resource to classify archaeobotanical samples as products and by-products of different stages of the crop processing sequence for large-seeded cereal and pulse crops in south west Asia, Europe and other Mediterranean regions. It builds on ethnographic research and analysis conducted by Jones (Plants and ancient man: studies in palaeoethnobotany. Balkema, Rotterdam, pp 43–61, 1984), (J Archaeol Sci 14:311–323, 1987), (Circaea 6:91–96, 1990) and a modified method by Charles (Environ Archaeol 1:111–122, 1998). CropPro provides functions, which allow users to construct triplots, to conduct discriminant analysis comparing archaeobotanical samples with ethnographic crop processing stages and to plot the discriminant analysis results. This paper provides two worked examples of the use of CropPro: the early medieval site of Stafford in the UK and the Bronze Age site of Tell Brak in Syria. These examples illustrate the use of the package for identifying crop-processing stages, and for assessing the relevance of taphonomic pathways other than crop processing.
Severe neurodegeneration in brains of transgenic rats producing human tau prions
Authors: Ayers Jacob , Lopez T. Peter , Steele Ian T. , Oehler Abby , Roman-Albarran Rigo , Cleveland Elisa , Chong Alex , Carlson George A. , Condello Carlo , Prusiner Stanley B.
Published: August 2024

Both wild-type and mutant tau proteins can misfold into prions and self-propagate in the central nervous system of animals and people. To extend the work of others, we investigated the molecular basis of tau prion–mediated neurodegeneration in transgenic (Tg) rats expressing mutant human tau (P301S); this line of Tg rats is denoted Tg12099. We used the rat Prnp promoter to drive the overexpression of mutant tau (P301S) in the human 0N4R isoform. In Tg12099(+/+) rats homozygous for the transgene, ubiquitous expression of mutant human tau resulted in the progressive accumulation of phosphorylated tau inclusions, including silver-positive tangles in the frontal cortices and limbic system. Signs of central nervous system dysfunction were found in terminal Tg12099(+/+) rats exhibiting severe neurodegeneration and profound atrophy of the amygdala and piriform cortex. The greatest increases in tau prion activity were found in the corticolimbic structures. In contrast to the homozygous Tg12099(+/+) rats, we found lower levels of mutant tau in the hemizygous rats, resulting in few neuropathologic changes up to 2 years of age. Notably, these hemizygous rats could be infected by intracerebral inoculation with recombinant tau fibrils or precipitated tau prions from the brain homogenates of sick, aged homozygous Tg12099(+/+) rats. Our studies argue that the regional propagation of tau prions and neurodegeneration in the Tg12099 rats resembles that found in human primary tauopathies. These findings seem likely to advance our understanding of human tauopathies and may lead to effective therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease and other tau prion disorders.
Actinic keratosis metrics
Authors: Burstein Sarah E. , Maibach Howard
Published: August 2024

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous skin condition predominantly affecting older males with fair skin and significant UV exposure. The clinical significance of AK is related to its potential for malignant transformation and progression to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Accurate diagnosis of AK is essential for adequate treatment, evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, and mitigating the risk of developing SCC. However, clinician variability due to the subjective nature of current diagnostic tools presents significant challenges to achieving consistent and reliable AK diagnoses. Thus, there is no universally accepted standard for measuring AK.

This review evaluates current methods for evaluating and diagnosing AK, focusing on clinician variability through inter- and intraobserver agreement. Eight peer-reviewed studies investigating the reliability of various approaches for AK evaluation show substantial variability in interobserver or intraobserver agreement, with most methods demonstrating only slight to moderate reliability. Some suggest that consensus discussions and simplified rating scales can modestly improve diagnostic reliability. However, remaining variability and the lack of a universally accepted standard for measuring AK underscore the need for more robust and standardized diagnostic and evaluation methods.

The review emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic tools and standardized methods to enhance the accuracy and reliability of AK assessments. It also proposes applying a novel examination approach using 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA) staining which may improve the visualization and identification of AK lesions. Advancements in these areas have significant potential, promising better clinical practices and patient outcomes in AK management.
The psychological burden of major surgical complications in visceral surgery
Authors: Mehdorn Matthias , Danker Helge , Mehdorn Anne-Sophie
Published: August 2024

Background

Complications are common after major visceral surgery. Besides the patients, also surgeons may experience negative feelings by the patients suffering. Some studies have evaluated the mental burden caused by complications, mainly focusing on residents in different surgical specialties. No evidence exists on the mental burden of board-qualified visceral surgeons in Germany.

Materials and Methods

A point prevalence study was conducted using an online questionnaire. For the inclusion of participants, all departments of visceral surgery at German university hospitals were addressed. The objective of the online questionnaire was to elaborate the perception of complications and the coping mechanisms used by the surgeons with the aim to characterize the mental burden and possible improvement strategies.

Results

A total of 113 questionnaires were answered, 98 being complete. 73.2% of the participants were male, 46.9% were consultants and had a working experience of 11–20 years. Most common specialties were colorectal and general surgery and 91.7% claimed to have caused complications Clavien-Dindo grade IV or V. Subsequently, predominant feelings were anger, grief, self-doubt and guilt. The fear of being blamed by colleagues or to lose reputation were high. Especially female and younger surgeons showed those fears. Coping mechanisms used to overcome those negative feelings were interaction with friends and family (60.6%) or proactive training (59.6%). Only 17.2% of the institutions offered professional support. In institutions where no support was offered, 71.6% of the surgeons asked for support.

Conclusion

Surgical complications cause major psychological burden in surgeons in German university hospitals. Main coping mechanisms are communication with friends and families and professional education. Vulnerable subgroups, such as younger surgeons, may be at risk of suffering more from perceived mental distress. Nonetheless, the majority did not receive but asked for professional counselling. Thus, structured institutional support may ameliorate care for both surgeon and patient.
A dendrite is a dendrite is a dendrite?
Dendritic signal integration beyond the “antenna” model
Authors: Stingl Moritz , Draguhn Andreas , Both Martin
Published: August 2024

Neurons in central nervous systems receive multiple synaptic inputs and
transform them into a largely standardized output to their target cells—the action
potential. A simplified model posits that synaptic signals are integrated by linear
summation and passive propagation towards the axon initial segment, where the
threshold for spike generation is either crossed or not. However, multiple lines of
research during past decades have shown that signal integration in individual
neurons is much more complex, with important functional consequences at the
cellular, network, and behavioral-cognitive level. The interplay between concomitant
excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials depends strongly on the relative
timing and localization of the respective synapses. In addition, dendrites contain
multiple voltage-dependent conductances, which allow scaling of postsynaptic
potentials, non-linear input processing, and compartmentalization of signals.
Together, these features enable a rich variety of single-neuron computations,
including non-linear operations and synaptic plasticity. Hence, we have to revise
over-simplified messages from textbooks and use simplified computational models like
integrate-and-fire neurons with some caution. This concept article summarizes the
most important mechanisms of dendritic integration and highlights some recent
developments in the field.
Entrepreneurial alertness: A mechanism for innovation and growth in an emerging economy
Authors: Lanivich Stephen E. , Zahoor Nadia , Donbesuur Francis , Miri Domnan , Adomako Samuel
Published: August 2024

In this study, we draw from the conservation of resources theory to develop and test a model on the processes through which resiliency influences two entrepreneurial strategies, product differentiation and international diversification. Results from 226 entrepreneurs in Pakistan demonstrate that psychological resiliency predicts product diversification and international diversification through entrepreneurial alertness. Also, we find that institutional voids moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial alertness, product diversification, and international diversification. Our theorizing advances entrepreneurial alertness as a lynchpin variable for operationalizing founders’ characteristics to affect innovation and expansion efforts. Furthermore, by demonstrating the complementary effect of institutional voids on the entrepreneurial alertness–product differentiation and entrepreneurial alertness–international diversification relationships, we draw the attention of entrepreneurs to the brighter side of institutional voids. This is an important addition to international entrepreneurship literature and a critical contextual contribution to entrepreneurial alertness theory development because limited attention is devoted to examining how resiliency promotes entrepreneurial alertness for facilitating product differentiation and international diversification strategies in the Asia Pacific region.
Optimising in-cell NMR acquisition for nucleic acids
Authors: Annecke Henry T. P. , Eidelpes Reiner , Feyrer Hannes , Ilgen Julian , Gürdap Cenk Onur , Dasgupta Rubin , Petzold Katja
Published: August 2024

Understanding the structure and function of nucleic acids in their native environment is crucial to structural biology and one focus of in-cell NMR spectroscopy. Many challenges hamper in-cell NMR in human cell lines, e.g. sample decay through cell death and RNA degradation. The resulting low signal intensities and broad line widths limit the use of more complex NMR experiments, reducing the possible structural and dynamic information that can be extracted. Here, we optimize the detection of imino proton signals, indicators of base-pairing and therefore secondary structure, of a double-stranded DNA oligonucleotide in HeLa cells, using selective excitation. We demonstrate the reproducible quantification of in-cell selective longitudinal relaxation times (selT1), which are reduced compared to the in vitro environment, as a result of interactions with the complex cellular environment. By measuring the intracellular selT1, we optimize the existing proton pulse sequences, and shorten measurement time whilst enhancing the signal gained per unit of time. This exemplifies an advantage of selective excitation over conventional methods like jump-return water suppression for in-cell NMR. Furthermore, important experimental controls are discussed, including intracellular quantification, supernatant control measurements, as well as the processing of lowly concentrated in-cell NMR samples. We expect that robust and fast in-cell NMR experiments of nucleic acids will facilitate the study of structure and dynamics and reveal their functional correlation.
Imitating the respiratory activity of the brain stem by using artificial neural networks: exploratory study on an animal model of lactic acidosis and proof of concept
Authors: Perchiazzi Gaetano , Kawati Rafael , Pellegrini Mariangela , Liangpansakul Jasmine , Colella Roberto , Bollella Paolo , Rangaiah Pramod , Cannone Annamaria , Venkataramana Deepthi Hulithala , Perez Mauricio , Stramaglia Sebastiano , Torsi Luisa , Bellotti Roberto , Augustine Robin
Published: August 2024

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are versatile tools capable of learning without prior knowledge. This study aims to evaluate whether ANN can calculate minute volume during spontaneous breathing after being trained using data from an animal model of metabolic acidosis. Data was collected from ten anesthetized, spontaneously breathing pigs divided randomly into two groups, one without dead space and the other with dead space at the beginning of the experiment. Each group underwent two equal sequences of pH lowering with pre-defined targets by continuous infusion of lactic acid. The inputs to ANNs were pH, ΔPaCO2 (variation of the arterial partial pressure of CO2), PaO2, and blood temperature which were sampled from the animal model. The output was the delta minute volume (ΔVM), (the change of minute volume as compared to the minute volume the animal had at the beginning of the experiment). The ANN performance was analyzed using mean squared error (MSE), linear regression, and the Bland-Altman (B-A) method. The animal experiment provided the necessary data to train the ANN. The best architecture of ANN had 17 intermediate neurons; the best performance of the finally trained ANN had a linear regression with R2 of 0.99, an MSE of 0.001 [L/min], a B-A analysis with bias ± standard deviation of 0.006 ± 0.039 [L/min]. ANNs can accurately estimate ΔVM using the same information that arrives at the respiratory centers. This performance makes them a promising component for the future development of closed-loop artificial ventilators.
Social Comparisons Under Pandemic Stress: Income Reference Groups, Comparison Patterns, and the Subjective Well-Being of German Students
Authors: Jantsch Antje , Buchenrieder Gertrud , Dufhues Thomas , Möllers Judith
Published: August 2024

People use social comparisons to reduce uncertainty when facing new or stressful situations. This study explores how a stressful experience, the COVID-19 pandemic, changed how people compare their income. It relates these changes to subjective well-being (SWB). We use a repeated cross-sectional dataset of students at two German universities from before and during the pandemic. A novel survey instrument is employed to identify individualized reference groups used for income comparison and to analyze whether the comparison pattern changed. Our results reveal that, while there was little change in the size of the reference groups, there was some difference in the group composition. During the pandemic, survey respondents were more likely to select two types of individuals into their reference groups: relatives and people they only knew from social media. Income comparisons were beginning to have a negative association with SWB, while the relation had been positive before the pandemic. Moreover, upward income comparisons increased.
Cognitive Fluency in L2: The Effect of Automatic and Controlled Lexical Processing on Speech Rate
Authors: Olkkonen Sanna , Snellings Patrick , Veivo Outi , Lintunen Pekka
Published: August 2024

The fluency of second language (L2) speech can be influenced by L2 proficiency, but also by differences in the efficiency of cognitive operations and personal speaking styles. The nature of cognitive fluency is still, however, little understood. Therefore, we studied the cognitive fluency of Finnish advanced students of English (N = 64) to understand how the efficiency of cognitive processing influences speech rate. Cognitive fluency was operationalised as automaticity of lexical access (measured by rapid word recognition) and attention control (measured by the Stroop task). The tasks were conducted in both L1 (Finnish) and L2 (English) to examine the (dis)similarity of processing in the two languages. Speech rate in a monologue task was used as the dependent measure of speaking performance. The results showed that after controlling for the L1 speech rate and L1 cognitive fluency, the L2 attention control measures explained a small amount of additional variance in L2 speech rate. These results are discussed in relation to the cognitive fluency framework and general speaking proficiency research.
Navigating Complexity: Spiritual Care Discourses Among Swedish Palliative Care Professionals
Authors: Lundberg Emma , Ozanne Anneli , Dellenborg Lisen , Öhlén Joakim , Enstedt Daniel
Published: August 2024

Through discourse analysis of focus groups, this study investigates how palliative care professionals in Sweden engage with “spiritual care,” “religion” and “spirituality.” Our results reveal a common assumption that religion is “visible,” but at the same time private. Furthermore, we observed a secular and nonreligious positioning, marked by frequent "us versus them" rhetoric, especially in discussions about truth telling. The findings illustrate a view of belonging to a secular society in which a discourse of static understanding of religion dominated, indicating a vague religious literacy. This study indicates a need among healthcare professionals to discern, understand and relate to non-visible forms of religion.