bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal modeling‐based definition of load cases and worst‐case fracture orientation for the design of clavicle fixation plates
Authors: Vancleef Sanne , Wesseling Mariska , Vander Sloten Jos , Jonkers Ilse
Published: December 2021

Mechanical performance of clavicle fracture fixation plates is often evaluated using finite element (FE) analysis. Typically, these studies use simplified loading conditions and assume a transversal fracture orientation. However, the loading conditions and fracture orientation influence how the fracture site and thus fixation plate is loaded. In this study, a musculoskeletal model that included the clavicle muscles and scapulohumeral rhythm was defined based on previously published models. The standard OpenSim workflow (inverse kinematics, inverse dynamics, static optimization, and joint reaction analysis) was used to calculate muscle and joint contact forces based on 3D marker data collected in three subjects during seven activities of daily living (ADL). These loading conditions were then applied to a 3D clavicle model with three different fracture orientations and the mean resulting moments on both fragments were calculated to assess fracture stability. Magnitude of glenohumeral contact forces showed good agreement with instrumented shoulder prosthesis data, whereas simulated muscle activations were comparable to experimental EMG data. An oblique fracture orienting from superomedial to inferolateral was the least self‐stabilizing. The loading to which the clavicle is exposed during ADL tasks is more complex than the simplified loading conditions typically used as boundary conditions in FE analyses of clavicle fracture fixation plates. Additionally, transversal fractures did not represent the least self‐stabilizing fracture orientation, and thus calculated stresses in the plate could be underestimated. Therefore, more complex loading conditions and evaluation of a midshaft fracture running from superomedial to inferolateral is more relevant in FE analyses of midshaft clavicle fracture fixation plates.
Methotrexate treatment suppresses osteoblastic differentiation by inducing Notch2 signaling and blockade of Notch2 rescues osteogenesis by preserving Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Peymanfar Yaser , Su Yu‐Wen , Hassanshahi Mohammadhossein , Xian Cory J.
Published: December 2021

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used antimetabolite in cancer treatment. Its intensive use is linked with skeletal adverse effects such as reduced bone formation and bone loss, and yet little information is available on molecular mechanisms underlying MTX‐induced impaired bone formation. This study investigated the effects of MTX treatment at a clinical chemotherapy relevant dose on osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3E1 osteoblastic cells. To investigate the potential mechanisms, the expression of 87 genes regulating osteoblast differentiation and bone homeostasis was screened in MTX‐treated versus untreated cells by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays and results illustrated significant upregulation of Notch2 and Notch target genes at both early and late stages of MC3T3E1 differentiation following MTX treatment. To confirm the roles of Notch2 pathway and its potential action mechanisms, MC3T3E1 cells were treated with MTX with an anti‐Notch2 neutralizing antibody or control IgG and effects were examined on osteogenesis and activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Our results demonstrated that induction of Notch2 activity is associated with MTX adverse effects on osteogenic differentiation and blocking Notch2 rescues osteoblast differentiation by preserving activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Umbilical Vein Pulse Wave Spectral Analysis: A Possible Method for Placental Assessment Through Evaluation of Maternal and Fetal Flow Components
Authors: Rubin Jonathan M. , Fowlkes J. Brian , Pinter Stephen Z. , Treadwell Marjorie C. , Kripfgans Oliver D.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Placental blood flow analysis is complicated by having both maternal and fetal flow components. Using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the umbilical venous pulse wave spectra (PW) envelope, we could simultaneously assess maternal/fetal blood flow in the placenta and investigate if normal and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)/pre‐eclamptic pregnancies could be distinguished.

Methods

This retrospective study included normal gestations (N = 11) and gestations with IUGR, pre‐eclampsia, or both (N = 13). Umbilical vein PW were acquired and spectral envelopes were identified as a function of time and analyzed by FFT. Base‐10 logarithms of the ratios of the maternal/fetal spectral peaks (LRSP) were compared in normal and IUGR/pre‐eclamptic populations (two‐tailed t‐test). Body mass index (BMI), gestational age at scan time, placental position, and weight‐normalized umbilical vein blood volume flow (two‐tailed t‐test, analysis of variance [ANOVA] analysis) were tested. P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

The LRSP for normal and IUGR/pre‐eclamptic pregnancies were 0.141 ± 0.180 and −0.072 ± 0.262 (mean ± standard deviation), respectively (P = .033). We detected differences between normal gestations and combinations of LRSP and weight‐normalized umbilical venous blood flows. Placental effects based on LRSPs and blood flow may act synergistically in cases with both pre‐eclampsia and IUGR (P = .014). No other significant associations were seen.

Conclusions

In this preliminary study, we showed that umbilical venous flow contains markers related to placental maternal/fetal blood flow, which can be used to assess IUGR and pre‐eclampsia. When coupled with umbilical cord blood flow, this new marker may potentially identify the primary causes of the two conditions.
Multiplexed Generation of Generalized Vortex Beams with On‐Demand Intensity Profiles Based on Metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Xue , Huang Lingling , Zhao Ruizhe , Wei Qunshuo , Li Xin , Geng Guangzhou , Li Junjie , Li Xiaowei , Wang Yongtian , Zhang Shuang
Published: December 2021

Optical vortex beams (VB) have provided a new degree of freedom for carrying optical information due to the unbounded number of orthogonal orbital angular momentum (OAM) channels. Due to the presence of phase singularity, VBs possess a dark zone in the center surrounded by a bright ring whose radius is directly related to the OAM carried by the beam. Here multiplexed generalized vortex beams (GVB) are demonstrated with various custom‐defined closed‐loop beam profiles, including polygons, star and windmill, by tailoring the local phase gradient along the azimuthal direction. By utilizing different polarization channels of metasurfaces, multiple GVBs with independent intensity profiles are generated. This approach provides a playground for realizing various optical modulating capabilities, such as precise particle manipulation, optical source, and OAM encryption.
Broad‐Bandwidth Micro‐Diffractive Optical Elements
Authors: Hu Zhi‐Yong , Jiang Tong , Tian Zhen‐Nan , Niu Li‐Gang , Mao Jiang‐Wei , Chen Qi‐Dai , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: December 2021

Thin, lightweight micro‐diffractive optical elements (M‐DOEs) are of great significance to integrated optics. However, the narrow working bandwidth of M‐DOEs allows them to operate only at specific wavelengths. Existing solutions require multiple components assembly, which is difficult to implement in an integrated system. Here, a general designing and processing scheme of an optofluidic‐integrated broad‐bandwidth M‐DOE is reported, achieving an average diffraction efficiency of over 84% across the entire visible band (406–824 nm). As a proof‐of‐concept, a wideband operating micro‐diffractive lens and orbital angular momentum beam micro‐generator are demonstrated. This strategy provides a common protocol for various broad‐bandwidth M‐DOEs operating in integrated optical systems.
The Myelin‐Weighted Connectome in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Boshkovski Tommy , Cohen‐Adad Julien , Misic Bratislav , Arnulf Isabelle , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Vidailhet Marie , Lehéricy Stéphane , Stikov Nikola , Mancini Matteo
Published: December 2021

Background

Even though Parkinson's disease (PD) is typically viewed as largely affecting gray matter, there is growing evidence that there are also structural changes in the white matter. Traditional connectomics methods that study PD may not be specific to underlying microstructural changes, such as myelin loss.

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the PD‐induced changes in myelin content in the connections emerging from the basal ganglia and the brainstem. For the weighting of the connectome, we used the longitudinal relaxation rate as a biologically grounded myelin‐sensitive metric.

Methods

We computed the myelin‐weighted connectome in 35 healthy control subjects and 81 patients with PD. We used partial least squares to highlight the differences between patients with PD and healthy control subjects. Then, a ring analysis was performed on selected brainstem and subcortical regions to evaluate each node's potential role as an epicenter for disease propagation. Then, we used behavioral partial least squares to relate the myelin alterations with clinical scores.

Results

Most connections (~80%) emerging from the basal ganglia showed a reduced myelin content. The connections emerging from potential epicentral nodes (substantia nigra, nucleus basalis of Meynert, amygdala, hippocampus, and midbrain) showed significant decrease in the longitudinal relaxation rate (P < 0.05). This effect was not seen for the medulla and the pons.

Conclusions

The myelin‐weighted connectome was able to identify alteration of the myelin content in PD in basal ganglia connections. This could provide a different view on the importance of myelination in neurodegeneration and disease progression. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Cervical paraspinal skeletal muscle index outperforms frailty indices to predict postoperative adverse events in operable head and neck cancer with microvascular reconstruction
Authors: Mascarella Marco A. , Gardiner Lauren , Patel Terral , Vendra Varun , Khan Nayel , Kergoat Marie‐Jeanne , Kubik Mark W. , Solari Mario G. , Snyderman Carl H. , Traylor Katie S. , Sridharan Shaum S.
Published: December 2021

Objective

Sarcopenia is increasingly being recognized as a negative prognostic factor in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). We associate a sarcopenia biomarker measured radiographically from computed tomography (CT) of the neck to postoperative adverse events in patients with operable HNC.

Patients and methods

A prospective cohort of treatment‐naïve HNC patients undergoing surgery with microvascular reconstruction was performed. Cervical paraspinal skeletal muscle index (CPSMI) was calculated using preoperative CT neck imaging and adjusted for height and sex. Postoperative adverse events, including Clavien‐Dindo Grade 3+ complications and fistula, were recorded within 30‐days of the index surgery. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between CPSMI and postoperative complications. The modified frailty index (mFI) and Risk Assessment Index (RAI) were compared with CPSMI outcomes.

Results

A total of 127 patients with mucosal HNC were included in the study. The mean age was 60.5 years, and 87 (68.5%) patients were male. Sixty Clavien‐Dindo grade 3+ events occurred; 17 patients developed an oro/pharyngocutaneous fistula. Low CPSMI was independently associated with Clavien‐Dindo Grade 3+ events (OR 2.80, 95% CI of 1.18–6.99) and fistula (OR of 6.10, 95% CI of 1.53–24.3) when adjusted for multiple factors. CPSMI outperformed the mFI and RAI frailty indices to predict postoperative adverse events (p < .05).

Conclusion

Low CPSMI is independently associated with postoperative adverse events and outperforms current frailty indices inoperable HNC with microvascular reconstruction.
Indirect stabilization of coupled abstract evolution equations with memory: Different propagation speeds
Authors: Jin Kun‐Peng
Published: December 2021

We consider the Cauchy problem for coupled second‐order evolution equations in a Hilbert space with indirect memory damping, which arises from the theory of viscoelasticity. Here, the coefficients of the main operators in the system are non‐equal (the case of different speeds of propagation). Under much weaker assumptions on memory kernels, we obtain a polynomial decay rate, whereas it is known that exponential stability does not hold. This work essentially generalizes and improves the related ones in the literature. As an application of our abstract results, we also establish for the Timoshenko system the so far best decay rate under such weak assumptions on the memory kernel in the case of different speeds of propagation.
DIRECT‐Net: A unified mutual‐domain material decomposition network for quantitative dual‐energy CT imaging
Authors: Su Ting , Sun Xindong , Yang Jiecheng , Mi Donghua , Zhang Yikun , Wu Haodi , Fang Shibo , Chen Yang , Zheng Hairong , Liang Dong , Ge Yongshuai
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an end‐to‐end deep convolutional neural network to improve the dual‐energy CT (DECT) material decomposition performance.

Methods

In this study, we proposes a unified mutual‐domain (sinogram domain and CT domain) material decomposition network (DIRECT‐Net) for DECT imaging. By design, the DIRECT‐Net has immediate access to mutual‐domain data, and utilizes stacked convolution neural network layers for noise reduction and material decomposition. The training data are numerically generated following the fundamental DECT imaging physics. Numerical simulation of the XCAT digital phantom, experiments of a biological specimen, a calcium chloride phantom and an iodine solution phantom are carried out to evaluate the performance of DIRECT‐Net. Comparisons are performed with different DECT decomposition algorithms.

Results

Results demonstrate that the proposed DIRECT‐Net can generate water and bone basis images with less artifacts compared to the other decomposition methods. Additionally, the quantification errors of the calcium chloride (75‐375 mg/cm3) and the iodine (2‐20 mg/cm3) are less than 4%.

Conclusions

An end‐to‐end material decomposition network is proposed for quantitative DECT imaging. The qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that this new DIRECT‐Net has promising benefits in improving the DECT image quality.
Estimation of Postrelease Longline Mortality in Pacific Halibut Using Acceleration-Logging Tags
Authors: Loher Timothy , Dykstra Claude L. , Hicks Allan C. , Stewart Ian J. , Wolf Nathan , Harris Bradley P. , Planas Josep V.
Published: December 2021

Pacific Halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis captured in directed commercial longline fisheries in Canada and the USA that are below the legal minimum size for retention must be returned to the sea without incurring additional injury. Estimates of mortality caused by discarding sublegal-sized fish are included in annual estimates of total mortality from all sources and affect the results of stock assessment and the yield available to fisheries. Currently, an average discard mortality rate (DMR) of 16% is applied to all sublegal-sized longline discards. These discards consist of fish that suffer injuries ranging from minor to severe. The 16% DMR that is currently applied was derived by averaging injury-specific DMRs that in turn assume 3.5% mortality of Pacific Halibut that are released to the sea with only minor injuries. The latter has been derived experimentally but only in captivity. Here, we used acceleration-logging pop-up archival transmitting tags to infer individual survival outcomes for Pacific Halibut that were released in situ following capture on longline gear. Postrelease behavioral data were evaluated for 75 fish that were at liberty for 2–96 d. Three fish were confidently inferred to have died after periods at liberty of 41–80 d, and another three fish may have died 96 d after release, resulting in minimum and maximum estimated 96-d postrelease DMRs of 4.2% (range = 0.0–8.7%) and 8.4% (range = 1.7–14.6%), respectively. These ranges are consistent with the currently applied value of 3.5%. However, the observation that no mortalities occurred until after 40 d postrelease departs from the findings of captive studies, in which the majority of capture-induced mortality occurred within 20 d of release.
Effects of a Shallow Lake Condition Shift on Habitat, Zooplankton, and Yellow Perch Dynamics
Authors: Skolte Alicia , Schoenebeck Casey W. , Hafs Andrew W.
Published: December 2021

Aquatic ecosystems around the world exist on a continuum between turbid, algal-dominated conditions and clear, macrophyte-dominated conditions, which may influence population dynamics of fish in these systems (such as Yellow Perch Perca flavescens). Since turbidity influences the amount of light penetration and occurrence of vegetation, spawning and nursery habitat, as well as food availability, may change depending on lake condition. For example, a decrease in turbidity encourages a shift in the prevalent zooplankton taxa from Bosmina spp. to Daphnia spp. We hypothesized that many factors associated with a condition shift may combine to influence Yellow Perch, including increased abundance and therefore increased intraspecific competition, resulting in a reduced length and body condition. We used long-term monitoring data from Lake Shaokatan, Minnesota, to examine whether a rarely documented condition shift from a turbid, algal-dominated condition to a clear, macrophyte-dominated condition occurred in 2014 and whether that shift influenced population dynamics of Yellow Perch, including relative abundance (gill-net CPUE), mean total length, and mean relative weight. A condition shift from turbid to clear was determined in 2014 using mixed-effects models that showed significant decreases in phosphorous and chlorophyll a concentration, as well as an increase from a mean of 22% to over 90% vegetation occurrence. The zooplankton community qualitatively showed a prevalence of Daphnia spp. and cyclopoids over small cladocerans during the clear condition period until 2018. Mixed-effect models were also used to determine that the shift to a clear condition resulted in a significant decrease in Yellow Perch mean total length and relative weight. Therefore, the condition shift and resulting habitat changes that occurred in 2014 and later influenced the size and condition of Yellow Perch. Continued monitoring may overcome variability in relative abundance and help elucidate emerging trends.
Urodynamic autonomic bladder dysfunction in women with complex chronic pelvic pain is associated with small fiber polyneuropathy
Authors: Mozafarpour Sarah , Chen Annie , Paredes Mogica Jan Alberto , Nwaoha Ngozi , Farhad Khosro , Morrison Suzanne M. , De Elise J. B.
Published: December 2021

Aims

Small fiber neuropathy/polyneuropathy (SFN) has been found to be present in 64% of complex (refractory or multisystem) chronic pelvic pain (CPP) patients. The small fiber dysfunction seen in SFN can negatively impact autonomic control of micturition in addition to pain. This study investigated the clinical association of autonomic dysfunction (detrusor underactivity and primary bladder neck obstruction [BNO]) on video urodynamics (VUDS) with SFN in patients with CPP.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study, querying data from patients with complex CPP. Inclusion criteria were: the presence of complex (refractory or multisystem) CPP, and completion of both (1) subspecialty autonomic neurology evaluation for SFN and (2) high‐quality VUDS performed according to ICS standards. Autonomic bladder dysfunction (BNO or detrusor underactivity) on VUDS was compared to the presence of SFN.

Results

Thirty‐two female patients with complex CPP met criteria. Of the 32, 23 (72%) were found to have SFN. Patient with autonomic bladder dysfunction (BNO or detrusor underactivity) were more likely to have SFN (OR = 9.5 [95% CI: 1.641, 55.00], p = 0.007). Post‐void residual volume was higher in the SFN group (p = 0.011 [95% CI: 13.12, 94.0]) and symptoms of urge urinary incontinence were more likely to be present (p = 0.000 [95% CI: −3.4, −1.25]).

Conclusions

Patients with complex CPP with autonomic bladder dysfunction are more likely to have SFN. This suggests patients with complex CPP should be considered for diagnosis and treatment of SFN, particularly if BNO or detrusor underactivity is noted on VUDS evaluation.
Data‐driven myelin water imaging based on T1 and T2 relaxometry
Authors: Piredda Gian Franco , Hilbert Tom , Ravano Veronica , Canales‐Rodríguez Erick Jorge , Pizzolato Marco , Meuli Reto , Thiran Jean‐Philippe , Richiardi Jonas , Kober Tobias
Published: December 2021

Long acquisition times preclude the application of multiecho spin echo (MESE) sequences for myelin water fraction (MWF) mapping in daily clinical practice. In search of alternative methods, previous studies of interest explored the biophysical modeling of MWF from measurements of different tissue properties that can be obtained in scan times shorter than those required for the MESE. In this work, a novel data‐driven estimation of MWF maps from fast relaxometry measurements is proposed and investigated. T1 and T2 relaxometry maps were acquired in a cohort of 20 healthy subjects along with a conventional MESE sequence. Whole‐brain quantitative mapping was achieved with a fast protocol in 6 min 24 s. Reference MWF maps were derived from the MESE sequence (TA = 11 min 17 s) and their data‐driven estimation from relaxometry measurements was investigated using three different modeling strategies: two general linear models (GLMs) with linear and quadratic regressors, respectively; a random forest regression model; and two deep neural network architectures, a U‐Net and a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN). Models were validated using a 10‐fold crossvalidation. The resulting maps were visually and quantitatively compared by computing the root mean squared error (RMSE) between the estimated and reference MWF maps, the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between corresponding MWF values in different brain regions, and by performing Bland–Altman analysis. Qualitatively, the estimated maps appear to generally provide a similar, yet more blurred MWF contrast in comparison with the reference, with the cGAN model best capturing MWF variabilities in small structures. By estimating the average adjusted coefficient of determination of the GLM with quadratic regressors, we showed that 87% of the variability in the MWF values can be explained by relaxation times alone. Further quantitative analysis showed an average RMSE smaller than 0.1% for all methods. The ICC was greater than 0.81 for all methods, and the bias smaller than 2.19%. It was concluded that this work confirms the notion that relaxometry parameters contain a large part of the information on myelin water and that MWF maps can be generated from T1/T2 data with minimal error. Among the investigated modeling approaches, the cGAN provided maps with the best trade‐off between accuracy and blurriness. Fast relaxometry, like the 6 min 24 s whole‐brain protocol used in this work in conjunction with machine learning, may thus have the potential to replace time‐consuming MESE acquisitions.
“Lights and Sirens”: Variation in 911 Call‐Taker Risk Appraisal and its Effects on Police Officer Perceptions at the Scene
Authors: Gillooly Jessica W.
Published: December 2021

Until now, 911 dispatch centers largely have been the “black box” of the criminal justice system. This article opens that black box. It documents systematically a new mechanism in the policing process: the degree to which a 911 call‐taker's “alarmist” response to a call primes police officer perceptions at the scene. This study leverages the quasi‐random assignment of 911 call‐takers to calls and employs an instrumental variable approach novel to dispatch. The author focuses her analysis on call‐for‐service data (N = 20,764) involving mental health crises and public assaults—strategic sites for the investigation of call‐taker discretion—from a dispatch center in Southeast Michigan and finds a statistically significant difference in the propensity of call‐takers to classify the same types of calls as “high priority.” This variation, in turn, affects police perceptions. Calls for which call‐taker assignment induces a high priority classification are about three times more likely to be classified as high priority by the police at the scene, relative to the mean of the dependent variable. Effects are strongest for calls involving mental health crises. The theoretical developments and empirical results presented here point to new areas for policy reform for policymakers and practitioners regarding the importance of training 911 call‐takers in call triage and diversion.
Targeted β‐catenin ubiquitination and degradation by multifunctional stapled peptides
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Dong Liuli , Cheng Jiongjia , Verdine Gregory L. , Lin Aijun , Chu Qian
Published: December 2021

Aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway has been identified in numerous types of cancer. One common feature of oncogenic Wnt regulation involves an increase in the cellular levels of β‐catenin due to interference with its constitutive ubiquitin‐dependent degradation. Targeting β‐catenin has therefore emerged as an appealing approach for the treatment of Wnt‐dependent cancers. Here, we report a strategy that employs multifunctional stapled peptides to recruit an E3 ubiquitin ligase to β‐catenin, thereby rescuing β‐catenin degradation by hijacking the endogenous ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Specifically, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated a panel of multifunctional stapled peptides that have a β‐catenin binding moiety (StAx‐35) covalently linked to a second stapled peptide moiety (SAH‐p53‐8), which is capable to interact with the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2. We found that in vitro these multifunctional peptides can recruit the MDM2 protein to β‐catenin and induce poly‐ubiquitination on β‐catenin. In cellulo, treatment of the human colorectal cancer cell line SW480 with the multifunctional stapled peptides showed dose‐dependent degradation of endogenous β‐catenin levels. In addition, a luciferase reporter assay showed that the multifunctional stapled peptides can suppress β‐catenin‐mediated gene expression via the Wnt signaling pathway. Therefore, these multifunctional stapled peptides provide a unique research tool for examining the Wnt signaling pathway by targeted knockdown of β‐catenin at the protein level, and may serve as leads for potential drug candidates in the treatment of Wnt‐dependent cancers.
Studying the Optical and Electrical Properties of CuGa0.5In0.5Se2 Chalcopyrite Due to Substrate Temperature and Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Moustafa Said Hussien , Taha Hanaa Mohamed , Abdel-Samad Salem
Published: December 2021

Thin films of chalcopyrite CuGa0.5In0.5Se2 (CGIS) with thickness ≈2000 Å are prepared by thermal evaporation method at different values of substrate temperature (Ts) 373, 473, and 573 K. Crystal structure and elemental chemical composition are examined by X‐ray diffraction and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, respectively. The optical constants of the films in the spectral range 200 nm ≤ λ ≤ 2500 nm are calculated. It is found that the transmittance and band gap (Eg) decrease with increasing the substrate temperature (Ts) while Urbach energy increases with the increase of Ts. The Wemple–DiDomenico (WDD) model is used to calculate the oscillator parameters. Furthermore, the prepared films are irradiated with γ‐ray at different doses 2, 4, and 8 kGy. The results reveal that the optical band gap increases and Urbach energy decreases as γ‐doses increase. Finally, the substrate temperature and γ irradiation upon the electrical resistivity are studied. Consequently, it is found that the electrical resistivity decreases with the increase of both the substrate temperature and γ‐irradiation. In conclusion, the γ‐irradiation stimulates a change in optical parameters and electrical resistivity which can be utilized for industrial dosimetric purposes.
A targeted simulation‐extrapolation method for evaluating biomarkers based on new technologies in precision medicine
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Sue‐Jane , Xu Joshua , Lababidi Samir
Published: December 2021

New technologies for novel biomarkers have transformed the field of precision medicine. However, in applications such as liquid biopsy for early tumor detection, the misclassification rates of next generation sequencing and other technologies have become an unavoidable feature of biomarker development. Because initial experiments are usually confined to specific technology choices and application settings, a statistical method that can project the performance metrics of other scenarios with different misclassification rates would be very helpful for planning further biomarker development and future trials. In this article, we describe an approach based on an extended version of simulation extrapolation (SIMEX) to project the performance of biomarkers measured with varying misclassification rates due to different technological or application settings when experimental results are only available from one specific setting. Through simulation studies for logistic regression and proportional hazards models, we show that our proposed method can be used to project the biomarker performance with good precision when switching from one to anther technology or application setting. Similar to the original SIMEX model, the proposed method can be implemented with existing software in a straightforward manner. A data analysis example is also presented using a lung cancer data set and performance metrics for two gene panel based biomarkers. Results demonstrate that it is feasible to infer the potential implications of using a range of technologies or application scenarios for biomarkers with limited human trial data.
Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy with thrombus in pulmonary artery caused by diffuse sclerosing variant of thyroid papillary adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Yoshida Masahiro , Adachi Shiro , Nishiyama Itsumure , Yasuda Kenichiro , Imai Ryo , Nakano Yoshihisa , Tsuyuki Yuta , Kim Deoksu , Kondo Takahisa , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: December 2021

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) is a fatal disease associated with malignant tumors that progresses to pulmonary hypertension. Gastric cancer is the most common cause, followed by breast cancer and lung cancer, whereas PTTM due to thyroid cancer has not been reported. In addition to pulmonary obstruction by tumor embolism, tumor cells stimulate endothelial cells to release angiogenetic factors, which induce remodeling of pulmonary arteries and veins and lead to lymphatic obstruction. There is limited information on the relationship between thrombus and PTTM. We herein report an autopsy case with PTTM which was caused by diffuse sclerosing variant of thyroid papillary adenocarcinoma, in which differential diagnosis included the acute phase of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Mean square and almost sure consensus of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems with multiplicative noise
Authors: Zhang Kewei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zong Xiaofeng , Li Renfu
Published: December 2021

This paper studies the consensus problem of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems (MASs) composed of first‐order and second‐order agents. To describe the communication environment realistically, the effect of the multiplicative noise on the communication network is considered. Firstly, the consensus problem is transformed into the stability problem of stochastic differential equations with multiplicative noise. Then, a stability analysis method for such stochastic differential equations is proposed by structuring the appropriate Lyapunov function. Some sufficient conditions for both mean square (m.s.) and almost sure (a.s.) consensus are obtained for leader‐free/leader‐following heterogeneous MASs. These sufficient conditions, expressed by simple scalar inequalities, are explicitly related to control gains, noise intensities, and network topology. Furthermore, the m.s. and a.s. convergence rates of the consensus protocol are also obtained. Finally, numerical simulation shows the effectiveness of our theoretical results.
How ecoefficient is European food consumption? A frontier‐based multiregional input–output analysis
Authors: Bulak Muhammet Enis , Kucukvar Murat
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an integrated approach combining the optimization‐based frontier model with a global multiregional input–output (MRIO) analysis for food consumption in Europe. The weighted and conventional data envelopment analysis models are coupled with production and consumption‐based environmental and economic footprint data obtained from the environmental footprint explorer database. Eco‐efficiency assessment is carried out using multiple undesirable environmental outputs such as carbon emission, total energy consumption, land use, material use, water use, and one desirable economic output, which is the gross value‐added (GVA). This assessment indicates an efficiency level of each economic activity associated with its environmental impacts and policies are made as a result of the efficiency level to propose an equilibrium between economic development and environmental impacts. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of each parameter, variability analysis between weighted and non‐weighted models, and performance improvement projections are presented. Based on the results, four countries become efficient when moving from production‐based accounting (PBA) to consumption‐based accounting (CBA). France, United Kingdom, Italy, and Sweden are efficient countries in both findings. Denmark caused the highest carbon emission from the production point of view. Germany is the largest importer in all environmental categories such as carbon emission, energy usage, material use, land use, and water use. Additionally, the weight‐restricted model indicated a noticeable difference concerning the eco‐efficiency scores under the PBA and CBA approach, where land use and material footprint categories were found to be the most sensitive parameters for eco‐efficiency scores. The authors believe that this integrated approach will aid in decision‐making and help build a composite eco‐efficiency score when comparing the performance of food consumption with multiple environmental and economic metrics.
One‐Pot Synthesis of New Chromeno[1,6]naphthyridine Derivatives Catalyzed by a Basic Ionic Liquid, [HO‐CH2‐CH2‐NH3+][HCOO−]
Authors: Shirzaei Farhad , Shaterian Hamid Reza
Published: December 2021

We report, one‐pot, efficient, pseudo four‐component condensation of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, 2/‐hydroxyacetophenone derivatives in the presence of a reusable basic ionic liquid, [HO‐CH2‐CH2‐NH3+][HCOO−], as catalyst for the synthesis of chromeno[1,6]naphthyridine derivatives in water as a green solvent at reflux conditions. The method has several advantages such as good yields, short reaction times, and simple work‐up procedure.
In‐Situ Incorporation of Pt Nanoparticles on Layered Double Hydroxides for Selective Conversion of Cinnamaldehyde to Cinnamyl Alcohol
Authors: Duan Jingmin , Wang Dan , Cui Rongqian , Zhang Hongsong , Zhang Bing , Guan Huijuan , Zhao Yafei
Published: December 2021

Designing efficient and low‐cost catalysts for generation of cinnamyl alcohol (CMO) from cinnamaldehyde (CMA) hydrogenation is of practical value. Herein, layered double hydroxide supported Pt nanoparticles (Pt‐s/LDH) were prepared by in‐situ reduction of PtCl62− in PtCl62−‐LDH with ethylene glycol, and the PtCl62− was intercalated in LDH by ion‐exchange method. The characterization results verify that small Pt nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on LDH with average diameter of 1.9 nm and narrow size distribution. The prepared Pt‐s/LDH catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic performance for selective hydrogenation of CMA under relatively mild reaction conditions (80 °C, 2 MPa H2) with high turnover frequency (TOF) (0.574 s−1) and CMA conversion (92.6 %). Furthermore, the CMA conversion rate and CMO selectivity remain almost unchanged after the fourth run compared with the results of the first run. This study provides an effective route for synthesis of efficient and stable LDH‐supported metal catalysts.
Emerging Surface, Bulk, and Interface Engineering Strategies on BiVO4 for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Gaikwad Mayur A. , Suryawanshi Umesh P. , Ghorpade Uma V. , Jang Jun Sung , Suryawanshi Mahesh P. , Kim Jin Hyeok
Published: December 2021

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell that collects and stores abundant sunlight to hydrogen fuel promises a clean and renewable pathway for future energy needs and challenges. Monoclinic bismuth vanadate (BiVO4), having an earth‐abundancy, nontoxicity, suitable optical absorption, and an ideal n‐type band position, has been in the limelight for decades. BiVO4 is a potential photoanode candidate due to its favorable outstanding features like moderate bandgap, visible light activity, better chemical stability, and cost‐effective synthesis methods. However, BiVO4 suffers from rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers that have impeded further improvements of its PEC performances and stability. This review presents a close look at the emerging surface, bulk, and interface engineering strategies on BiVO4 photoanode. First, an effective approach of surface functionalization via different cocatalysts to improve the surface kinetics of BiVO4 is discussed. Second, state‐of‐the‐art methodologies such as nanostructuring, defect engineering, and doping to further enhance light absorption and photogenerated charge transport in bulk BiVO4 are reviewed. Third, interface engineering via heterostructuring to improve charge separation is introduced. Lastly, perspectives on the foremost challenges and some motivating outlooks to encourage the future research progress in this emerging frontier are offered.
Promoting the Performance of 2D Material Photodetectors by Dielectric Engineering
Authors: Lu Jianting , Deng Zexiang , Ye Qiaojue , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Yao Jiandong , Yang Guowei
Published: December 2021

Low light absorption and limited carrier lifetime are two limiting factors hampering the further breakthrough of the performance of 2D materials (2DMs)‐based photodetectors. This study proposes an ingenious dielectric engineering strategy toward boosting the photosensitivity. Periodic dielectric structures (PDSs), including SiO2/h‐BN, SiO2/Al2O3, and SiO2/SrTiO3 (STO), are exploited to couple with 2D photosensitive channels (denoted as PDS‐2DMs). The responsivity, external quantum efficiency, and detectivity of an optimized SiO2/STO(300 nm)‐WSe2 photodetector reach 89081 A W−1, 2.7 × 107%, and 1.8 × 1013 Jones, respectively. These performance metrics are orders of magnitude higher than a pristine WSe2 photodetector, enabling reliable sub‐1 pW weak light detection. Based on systematic characterizations and first‐principle calculations, such dramatic performance improvement is associated with the promoted direct bandgap transition, reduced exciton binding energy, and PDS‐induced periodic intramolecular built‐in electric field across the atomically thin channels, which efficiently separates the photoexcited electron–hole pairs. More inspiringly, this strategy is also successfully exploited to 2D WS2 photodetectors, demonstrating broad applicability. As a whole, this work promises an exceptional avenue to ameliorate 2DM photodetectors and opens up a new horizon “dielectric optoelectronics,” simultaneously highlighting the role of dielectric environment during analyzing the fundamentals of 2DM devices.
Multistrategy Toward Highly Efficient and Stable CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells Based on Dopant‐Free Poly(3‐Hexylthiophene)
Authors: Song Jing , Xie Haibing , Lim Eng Liang , Li Yahong , Kong Tengfei , Zhang Yang , Zhou Xia , Duan Chunhui , Bi Dongqin
Published: December 2021

All‐inorganic perovskites have attracted substantial interest due to their outstanding thermal stability. However, the device performance is still inferior to the typical organic–inorganic counterparts because of the unsatisfying phase stability and defects of the inorganic perovskite films. Herein, a multistrategy to optimize CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on dopant‐free poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) by applying thienylmethylamine acetate additive to enhance the α phase stability and passivate the bulk defects of CsPbI2Br perovskite is successfully demonstrated, followed by implementing BTCIC‐4Cl interlayer at CsPbI2Br/P3HT interface, which can coordinate with both perovskite and P3HT to suppress the surface defects and promote the hole transport. Benefitting from these, a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.3% is achieved, and the unencapsulated optimized device can retain 97% of the initial PCE after aging under N2 atmosphere at 85 °C for 530 h. This work opens up a new era of multistrategy for improving performance and stability of CsPbI2Br PSCs based on dopant‐free hole transport layer.
“I see myself as a STEM person”: Exploring high school students' self‐identification with STEM
Authors: Grimalt‐Álvaro Carme , Couso Digna , Boixadera‐Planas Ester , Godec Spela
Published: December 2021

In the literature, STEM identity tends to be characterized either as students' relationship with the STEM field “as a whole,” or their relationship with a particular STEM area, such as science. With this study, we add to the existing scholarship by characterizing the profiles of students who identified themselves as “STEM people.” A 52‐item questionnaire was administered to 1004 students aged 12–16 from high schools in and around Barcelona, Spain. To profile different groups of students, we performed a hierarchical cluster analysis that included responses relating to participants' interest, competence, self‐efficacy, and aspirations to different STEM and non‐STEM areas. Our analysis generated six different clusters, which we interpreted as ranging from positive to negative self‐identification with STEM. Our particular interest was in the two clusters we interpreted as exhibiting positive STEM identity (C1 and C2). The analysis suggested that there were two different ways of considering oneself as a STEM person. Students who self‐identified as STEM people were either more inclined toward technology and engineering (C1) or science (C2), particularly in terms of their aspirations. These two clusters were also strongly gendered, with C1 being dominated by boys and C2 by girls. Although our findings suggest the existence of a conscious “sense of STEM identity,” we suggest that students who self‐identified as STEM people may have ascribed different meanings to the STEM based on their preferences. As such, this study questions the suitability of studying STEM identity “as a whole” without also considering how students relate to individual STEM and non‐STEM areas.
The ChPT: top-down and bottom-up
Authors: Kampf Karol
Published: December 2021

Abstract

In this work, higher-derivative corrections of the non-linear sigma model of both even and odd intrinsic-parity sectors are systematically studied, focusing on ordered amplitudes of flavor scalars in massless limit. It should correspond to a theory known as chiral perturbation theory (ChPT) without external sources and with only single-trace operators. We briefly overview its formal development and apply new S-matrix methods to its amplitude constructions. The bottom-up analysis of the tree-level amplitudes of different orders and multiplicities focuses on the formal structure of general ChPT. Possible theoretical simplifications based on the Kleiss-Kuijf and Bern-Carrasco-Johansson relations are presented. Finally, in the same context, the comparison with the so-called Z-function, which is connected with string theory, is also discussed.
Chasing a rarity: a retrospective single-center evaluation of prognostic factors in primary gliosarcoma
Authors: Dejonckheere Cas S. , Böhner Alexander M. C. , Koch David , Schmeel Leonard C. , Herrlinger Ulrich , Vatter Hartmut , Schneider Matthias , Schuss Patrick , Giordano Frank A. , Köksal Mümtaz A.
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose

Primary gliosarcoma (GS) is a rare variant of IDH-wildtype glioblastoma multiforme. We performed a single-center analysis to identify prognostic factors.

Patients and methods

We analyzed the records of 26 patients newly diagnosed with primary WHO grade IV GS. Factors of interest were clinical and treatment data, as well as molecular markers, time to recurrence, and time to death.

Results

Median follow-up was 9 months (range 5–21 months). Gross total resection did not lead to improved survival, most likely due to the relatively small sample size. Low symptom burden at the time of diagnosis was associated with longer PFS (P = 0.023) and OS (P = 0.018). Median OS in the entire cohort was 12 months. Neither MGMT promoter hypermethylation nor adjuvant temozolomide therapy influenced survival, consistent with some previous reports.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, patients exhibiting low symptom burden at diagnosis showed improved survival. None of the other factors analyzed were associated with an altered outcome.
Pneumonie, Zweiklappenendokarditis und Lungenarterienembolie bei einem 26-jährigen Patienten
Authors: Hasselbach Lisa , Dübbers Maximilian
Published: December 2021

Ein 26-jähriger Patient zeigte eine linksseitige Pneumonie, eine Zweiklappenendokarditis und eine Lungenarterienembolie. Im Jahr 2004 war er bei angeborener Aortenklappenstenose mittels Ross-Operation versorgt worden. Es zeigte sich ein Anstieg der Titer für Coxiella burnetii, den Erreger des Q‑Fiebers. Unter antibiotischer Therapie mit Levofloxacin und Doxycyclin kam es zu einer Besserung der Symptomatik und einem Rückgang der Entzündungsparameter. Die Therapie der Endokarditis war erfolgreich.
An integrated device for fast and sensitive immunosuppressant detection
Authors: Tombelli Sara , Trono Cosimo , Berneschi Simone , Berrettoni Chiara , Giannetti Ambra , Bernini Romeo , Persichetti Gianluca , Testa Genni , Orellana Guillermo , Salis Francesca , Weber Susanne , Luppa Peter B. , Porro Giampiero , Quarto Giovanna , Schubert Markus , Berner Marcel , Freitas Paulo P. , Cardoso Susana , Franco Fernando , Silverio Vânia , Lopez-Martinez Maria , Hilbig Urs , Freudenberger Kathrin , Gauglitz Günter , Becker Holger , Gärtner Claudia , O’Connell Mark T. , Baldini Francesco
Published: December 2021

The present paper describes a compact point of care (POC) optical device for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). The core of the device is a disposable plastic chip where an immunoassay for the determination of immunosuppressants takes place. The chip is designed in order to have ten parallel microchannels allowing the simultaneous detection of more than one analyte with replicate measurements. The device is equipped with a microfluidic system, which provides sample mixing with the necessary chemicals and pumping samples, reagents and buffers into the measurement chip, and with integrated thin film amorphous silicon photodiodes for the fluorescence detection. Submicrometric fluorescent magnetic particles are used as support in the immunoassay in order to improve the efficiency of the assay. In particular, the magnetic feature is used to concentrate the antibody onto the sensing layer leading to a much faster implementation of the assay, while the fluorescent feature is used to increase the optical signal leading to a larger optical dynamic change and consequently a better sensitivity and a lower limit of detection. The design and development of the whole integrated optical device are here illustrated. In addition, detection of mycophenolic acid and cyclosporine A in spiked solutions and in microdialysate samples from patient blood with the implemented device are reported.

Graphical abstract