bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic‐Generated Seeds for Gold Nanotriangle Synthesis in Three or Two Steps
Authors: Podlesnaia Ekaterina , Gerald Inangha Princess , Vesenka James , Seyring Martin , Hempel Hans‐Jürgen , Rettenmayr Markus , Csáki Andrea , Fritzsche Wolfgang
Published: March 2023

Nanoparticle synthesis has drawn great attention in the last decades. The study of crystal growth mechanisms and optimization of the existing methods lead to the increasing accessibility of nanomaterials, such as gold nanotriangles which have great potential in the fields of plasmonics and catalysis. To form such structures, a careful balance of reaction parameters has to be maintained. Herein, a novel synthesis of gold nanotriangles from seeds derived with a micromixer, which provides a highly efficient mixing and simple parameter control is reported. The impact of the implemented reactor on the primary seed characteristics is investigated. The following growth steps are studied to reveal the phenomena affecting the shape yield. The use of microfluidic seeds led to the formation of well‐defined triangles with a narrower size distribution compared to the entirely conventional batch synthesis. A shortened two‐step procedure for the formation of triangles directly from primary seeds, granting an express but robust synthesis is further described. Moreover, the need for a thorough study of seed crystallinity depending on the synthesis conditions, which – together with additional parameter optimization – will bring a new perspective to the use of micromixers which are promising for scaling up nanomaterial production is highlighted.
Free‐Standing Molecularly Thin Amorphous Silica Nanosheets
Authors: Yamamoto Eisuke , Fujihara Kosuke , Takezaki Yuma , Ito Kentaro , Shi Yue , Kobayashi Makoto , Osada Minoru
Published: March 2023

Recent progress in 2D materials has initiated new fields of molecularly thin amorphous materials with mysterious properties and structures. However, designed synthesis of molecularly thin amorphous silica still remains a challenge; whether free‐standing molecularly thin amorphous silica nanosheets can exist is unclear. Here, this issue is addressed by using a new chemical protocol; solid‐state surfactant lamellae with ordered alkyl‐chain arrangements can serve as superior templates guiding free‐standing amorphous silica nanosheets. Simple sonication of the lamellar hybrids allows exfoliation into monolayer amorphous silica nanosheets with 0.9 nm thickness. In addition, the nanosheets show the distinctive feature of high colloidal stability that enables atomic layer engineering of silica nanocoatings and dielectric nanofilms. The approach may shed new light on the properties and applications of old silica.
Ordered CoIII‐MOF@CoII‐MOF Heterojunction for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Syngas Production
Authors: Lin Mingxiong , Jiang Weishan , Zhang Tingshi , Yang Bixia , Zhuang Zanyong , Yu Yan
Published: March 2023

The design of advanced metal–organic framework (MOF) catalysts for solar‐driven conversion of CO2 into syngas (CO/H2 mixture) is beneficial. Herein, the design of a joint MOF heterostructure consisting of orderly assembled CoII‐ and CoIII‐based Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) driven by their spontaneous lattice match in the growth process is reported. As‐prepared H/CoIII‐PBA@CoII‐PBA cage is a mesocrystal and exhibits superior photocatalytic syngas production activity (VCO up to 50.56 mmol g−1 h−1, CO/H2 = 1:1), which is among the best state‐of‐the‐art heterogeneous photocatalysts in the literature. Theoretical calculations and experimental results confirm that CoIII‐PBA exerts a stronger affinity for CO2 molecules than CoII‐PBA, thus serving as the active site. The built‐in electric field in the CoIII‐PBA@CoII‐PBA heterojunction can direct the fast transport of photogenerated electrons from CoII‐PBA to the active CoIII‐PBA. In the present case, the engineering of electronics outweighs morphological engineering to enhance the catalytic properties of CoIII‐MOF@CoII‐MOF for CO2‐to‐syngas conversion.
On the optimality of information sharing between integrated and vertically separated competitors
Authors: Battaggion Maria Rosa , Cerasi Vittoria , Karakoç Gülen
Published: March 2023

A manufacturer relies on an exclusive subcontractor for production and competes horizontally against an integrated rival that produces in‐house. The exclusive agent is privately informed about the marginal cost of production. When marginal costs are correlated across companies, information sharing benefits both companies due to reduced uncertainty, but it affects the contracting terms within the vertical hierarchy and creates horizontal externalities between companies. We show that the manufacturer who suffers from agency cost benefits more from sharing information than his rival performing in‐house production only when costs are highly correlated, and in this case, information sharing may actually benefit consumers.
High Sodium‐Ion Battery Capacity in Sulfur‐Deficient Tin(II) Sulfide Thin Films with a Microrod Morphology
Authors: Zhu Zening , Hyett Geoffrey , Reid Gillian , Robinson Fred , Cibin Giannantonio , Hector Andrew L.
Published: March 2023

Sulfur‐deficient SnS thin films for sodium‐ion battery anode application are prepared using aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition. Growth directly onto the metal foil current collector forms sulfur‐deficient SnS microrod structures via a vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism, with 92 nm average SnS crystallite size and an 800 nm film thickness. The sulfur deficiency is demonstrated with energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure analyses. This sulfur‐deficient SnS material demonstrates a very high capacity in sodium half cells. The first reduction scan at a specific current of 150 mA g−1 shows a capacity of 1084 mAh g−1. At the 50th cycle the specific capacity is 638 mAh g−1 for reduction and 593 mAh g−1 for oxidation. This capacity is demonstrated for tin sulfide itself without the need for a nanostructured carbon support, unlike previous high capacity SnS anodes in the literature. Both the capacity and ex situ characterization experiments indicate a conversion reaction producing tin, followed by alloying with sodium during reduction, and that both of these processes are reversible during oxidation.
CD146‐targeted nuclear medicine imaging in cancer: State of the art
Authors: Yang Qi , Huang Wenpeng , Hsu Jessica C. , Song Lele , Sun Xinyao , Li Cuicui , Cai Weibo , Kang Lei
Published: March 2023

The transmembrane glycoprotein adhesion molecule CD146 is overexpressed in a wide variety of cancers. CD146 expression constitutes a marker of poor prognosis and correlates with cancer progression. Through molecular imaging, a specific biomarker's expression and distribution can be viewed in vivo non‐invasively. Radionuclide‐labeled monoclonal antibodies or relevant fragments that target CD146 may find potential applications in cancer imaging, thereby offering tremendous value in cancer diagnosis, staging, prognosis evaluation, and prediction of drug resistance. This review discusses the recent developments of CD146‐targeted molecular imaging via nuclear medicine, especially in malignant melanoma, brain tumor, lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Many studies have proved that CD146 targeting may present a promising strategy for cancer theranostics.
Assembling the Seabed: Pan-European and Interdisciplinary Advances in Understanding Seabed Mining
Authors: Chen Wenting , Peters Kimberley , Amon Diva , Baker Maria , Childs John , Conde Marta , Gollner Sabine , Magnussen Kristin , Mondre Aletta , Navrud Ståle , Singh Pradeep A. , Steinberg Philip , Willaert Klaas
Published: March 2023

This chapter deploys assemblage theory and thinking to bring together a unique set of insights on the seabed ranging from the ecological, to legal, practice to theoretical. It does so with a particular aim in mind: to integrate debates pertinent to understanding the frontier space of the sea floor. Whilst there are increasing calls for interdisciplinary integration in the marine sciences, combining the natural and social sciences research on the space of the seabed and its potential for mining tends to be siloed with work addressing component parts of such possible processes: ecosystem and ecosystem service aspects, legal dimensions, and geopolitical aspects, to name but a few. Whilst these contributions touch upon intersecting issues (society and environment; law and economics, and so on) they remained centered on particular disciplinary and scientific offerings to understanding the seabed and prospect of seabed mining. This chapter offers a thoroughly ‘joined up’ approach, which presents a prism through which to better understand the issues at stake in venturing to the new vertical frontiers of ocean extraction.
Unmentioned Challenges of Finnish Teacher Education: Decontextualisation, Scientification and the Rhetoric of the Research-Based Agenda
Authors: Säntti Janne , Puustinen Mikko , Hansen Petteri
Published: March 2023

Finnish teacher education has emphasised that academic standards and a research-based agenda are followed in the everyday activities of training teachers. Finnish teacher education has been recognised as a prime example of how to carry out teacher training. In our chapter, we reach beyond the myths and hype about Finnish teacher education with three interconnected concepts: decontextualisation, scientification and rhetoric. With these concepts, we expose unwanted side effects that have followed from pursuing academic standards. We also illustrate the swift transformation of Finnish teacher education.
Exploring wrong sign scenarios in the Yukawa-Aligned 2HDM
Authors: Kanemura Shinya , Mondal Tanmoy , Yagyu Kei
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We discuss scenarios with wrong-sign (WS) Yukawa couplings for the discovered Higgs boson in the Yukawa-aligned two Higgs doublet model. In the WS scenario, Yukawa couplings for down-type quarks and/or charged leptons have an opposite sign as compared to those of the Higgs boson in the standard model, which can be consistent with current flavor data and the Higgs signal strengths. The phenomenology of additional Higgs bosons in such a scenario can be significantly different from that with right-sign Yukawa couplings, mainly due to a larger Higgs boson mixing to be required in the wrong-sign case. We show the parameter space which is excluded or explored by direct searches for the additional Higgs bosons at the current and high-luminosity LHC under the constraints from perturbative unitarity and vacuum stability. In particular, we find that most of the parameter space is explored in the WS scenario with the Type-X (lepton specific) Yukawa interaction which is a special case of the Yukawa alignment realized by imposing a softly-broken ℤ2 symmetry. We propose that multi-Higgs events from pair productions of the additional Higgs bosons can be the smoking gun signature to probe the WS scenario, and give the expected number of events at the high-luminosity LHC.
Dirac-boson stars
Authors: Liang Chen , Ren Ji-Rong , Sun Shi-Xian , Wang Yong-Qiang
Published: March 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we construct Dirac-boson stars (DBSs) model composed of a scalar field and two Dirac fields. The scalar field and both Dirac fields are in the ground state. We consider the solution families of the DBSs for the synchronized frequency $$ \overset{\sim }{\omega } $$

ω
~

and the nonsynchronized frequency $$ {\overset{\sim }{\omega}}_D $$

ω
~

D

cases, respectively. We find several different solutions when the Dirac field mass $$ {\overset{\sim }{\mu}}_D $$

μ
~

D

and scalar field frequency $$ {\overset{\sim }{\omega}}_s $$

ω
~

s

are taken in some particular ranges. In contrast, no similar case has been found in previous studies of multistate boson stars. Moreover, we discuss the characteristics of each type of solution family of the DBSs and present the relationship between the ADM mass M of the DBSs and the synchronized frequency $$ \overset{\sim }{\omega } $$

ω
~

or the nonsynchronized frequency $$ {\overset{\sim }{\omega}}_D $$

ω
~

D

. Finally, we calculate the binding energy EB of the DBSs and investigate the relationship of EB with the synchronized frequency $$ \overset{\sim }{\omega } $$

ω
~

or the nonsynchronized frequency $$ {\overset{\sim }{\omega}}_D $$

ω
~

D

.
Two-loop form factors for pseudo-scalar quarkonium production and decay
Authors: Abreu Samuel , Becchetti Matteo , Duhr Claude , Ozcelik Melih A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We present the analytic expressions for the two-loop form factors for the production or decay of pseudo-scalar quarkonia, in a scheme where the quarks are produced at threshold. We consider the two-loop amplitude for the process $$ \gamma \gamma \leftrightarrow {}^1{S}_0^{\left[1\right]} $$
γγ
↔

S
0

1

1

, that was previously known only numerically, as well as for the processes $$ gg\leftrightarrow {}^1{S}_0^{\left[1\right]} $$
gg
↔

S
0

1

1

, $$ \gamma g\leftrightarrow {}^1{S}_0^{\left[8\right]} $$
γg
↔

S
0

8

1

and $$ gg\leftrightarrow {}^1{S}_0^{\left[8\right]} $$
gg
↔

S
0

8

1

, which have not been computed before. The two-loop corrections to $$ gg\leftrightarrow {}^1{S}_0^{\left[1\right]} $$
gg
↔

S
0

1

1

are the last missing ingredients for a full NNLO calculation of ηQ hadro-production. We discuss how the singularity structure of the amplitudes is affected by the threshold kinematics, which in particular introduces Coulomb singularities. In this context, we first show how the usual structure of the infrared singularities degenerates at threshold kinematics, and then extract the anomalous dimensions governing the Coulomb singularities for colour-singlet and octet channels, the latter being presented here for the first time. We give high-precision numerical results for the hard functions, which can be used for phenomenological studies of ηQ production and decay at NNLO.
A dispersion relation for defect CFT
Authors: Barrat Julien , Gimenez-Grau Aleix , Liendo Pedro
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We present a dispersion relation for defect CFT that reconstructs two-point functions in the presence of a defect as an integral of a single discontinuity. The main virtue of this formula is that it streamlines explicit bootstrap calculations, bypassing the resummation of conformal blocks. As applications we reproduce known results for monodromy defects in the epsilon-expansion, and present new results for the supersymmetric Wilson line at strong coupling in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM. In particular, we derive a new analytic formula for the highest R-symmetry channel of single-trace operators of arbitrary length.
Investigation of the monoamine oxidase inhibition properties of benzoxathiolone derivatives
Authors: Prinsloo Izak F. , Petzer Anél , Cloete Theunis T. , Petzer Jacobus P.
Published: March 2023

The treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as depression and Parkinson’s disease represent significant challenges in healthcare. Enzymes that metabolise neurotransmitter amines are important drug targets for these disorders and inhibitors of these enzymes have played key roles as therapeutic agents. For example, inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO) A have been used for decades as antidepressant agents and act by inhibiting the central metabolism of serotonin and noradrenaline, while MAO-B inhibitors conserve central dopamine supply and have been used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Literature reports that benzoxathiolone derivatives act as potent MAO inhibitors with specificity for the MAO-B isoform. To expand on these findings, the present study synthesised series of benzoxathiolone derivatives and investigated their human MAO inhibition properties. The results showed that the benzoxathiolone derivatives were potent MAO inhibitors, with the most potent compounds exhibiting IC50 values of 0.083 and 0.086 µM (4d and 5e) and 0.0069 and 0.0066 µM (3a and 3b) for MAO-A and MAO-B, respectively. Compounds 4d and 5e are significantly more potent MAO-A inhibitors compared to those reported previously. It may be concluded that benzoxathiolone derived compounds may act as future leads for the development of new treatments for depression and Parkinson’s disease.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of argon cold plasma composition on orthodontic bonding—new insights into input parameters and protocols
Authors: Alzahar Mostafa M. , Krey Karl-Friedrich , Doberschütz Philine H.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Cold atmospheric plasma can functionalize enamel without damaging the substrate morphology. It therefore has the potential to be a gentle alternative to conventional acid etching. To realize the full potential of cold atmospheric plasma in orthodontic bonding, the input parameters and protocols that are most beneficial to surface modification must first be identified. We aimed to clarify how the admixture of oxygen to cold atmospheric plasma and the rewetting of the enamel affect the conditioning properties for orthodontic bonding.

Methods

First, we illustrated the morphological effects of different plasma compositions on the enamel surface by means of scanning electron microscopy. Then, we measured the shear bond strength resulting from different conditioning techniques on bovine enamel specimens: conventional acid etching; no conditioning; pure argon plasma; argon plasma plus 0.5% oxygen admixture; argon plasma plus 0.5% oxygen and rewetting after plasma application. Brackets were bonded using light cured adhesive; all specimens were subjected to thermocycling. The shear bond strength of each specimen was measured in a universal testing machine and compared using Welch one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Games–Howell post hoc test.

Results

Specimens conditioned with argon plasma plus 0.5% oxygen and rewetting showed a significantly higher shear bond strength than specimens conditioned with conventional acid etching. Conditioning with pure argon plasma and argon plasma plus 0.5% oxygen without rewetting yielded significantly lower shear bond strength.

Conclusion

Admixing 0.5% oxygen and rewetting the enamel after plasma application are crucial steps that could help make cold atmospheric plasma a gentle conditioning technique in orthodontic bonding.
Benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces and subdural collections—when to evaluate for abuse
Authors: Raissaki Maria , Adamsbaum Catherine , Argyropoulou Maria I. , Choudhary Arabinda K. , Jeanes Annmarie , Mankad Kshitij , Mannes Inès , Van Rijn Rick R. , Offiah Amaka C.
Published: March 2023

In infants without a history of trauma, subdural haemorrhages should raise the concern for an abusive head injury, particularly when they are associated with bridging vein clotting/rupture or with septations. However, non-haemorrhagic, fluid-appearing subdural collections (also called hygromas) may also be the result of abuse. Subdural collections have also been uncommonly observed in patients with benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces (BESS) and a few large-scale studies accurately investigate the incidence and the significance. Currently, there is a wide variation of practices in children with BESS and subdural collections. Due to the social risks associated with abuse evaluation and the perceived risk of radiation exposure, there might be a reluctance to fully evaluate these children in some centres. The diagnosis of physical abuse cannot be substantiated nor safely excluded in infants with BESS and subdural collection(s), without investigation for concomitant traumatic findings. The exact prevalence of occult injuries and abuse in these infants is unknown. In macrocephalic infants with subdural collections and imaging features of BESS, thorough investigations for abuse are warranted and paediatricians should consider performing full skeletal surveys even when fundoscopy, social work consult, and detailed clinical evaluation are unremarkable.
Peer review practices in academic medicine: how the example of orthopaedic surgery may help shift the paradigm?
Authors: Chloros George D. , Konstantinidis Christos I. , Vasilopoulou Anastasia , Giannoudis Peter V.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To establish the current peer-reviewed practices in the discipline of orthopaedic surgery and correlate these to the journal’s impact factor. Unfortunately, this is not receiving much attention and a critical literature gap in various disciplines; thus, determining the current practices in the discipline of orthopaedic surgery could provide valid insight that may be potentially applicable to other academic medicine disciplines as well.

Methods

Orthopaedic surgery journals belonging to the Journal Citation Reports were queried, and the following was extracted: impact factor (IF) and blinding practices: single (SBPR), double (DBPR), triple (TBPR), quadruple (QBPR), and open (OPR) blinding review process and possibility of author-suggested reviewer (ASR) and non-preferred reviewer (NPR) options.

Results

Of the 82 journals, four were excluded as they allowed submission by invitation only. In the remaining, blinding was as follows: SBPR nine (11.5%), DBPR 52 (66.7%), TBPR two (2.6%), QBPR zero (0%), and OPR three (3.8%), and in 12 (15.4%), this was unclear. ASR and NPR options were offered by 34 (43.6%) and 27 (34.6%) journals respectively, whereas ASR was mandatory in eight (10.2%). No correlation between IF and any other parameter was found.

Conclusion

The rules of the “game” are unclear/not disclosed in a significant number of cases, and the SBPR system, along with the ASR (mandatory sometimes) and NPR, is still extensively used with questionable integrity and fairness. Several recommendations are provided to mitigate potentially compromising practices, along with future directions to address the scarcity of research in this critical aspect of science.
Functional Outcomes of Emergency Surgery for Perforated Diverticulitis, Hinchey Grade III
Authors: Samuelsson Andreas , Bock David , Prytz Mattias , Block Mattias , Ehrencrona Carolina , Wedin Anette , Angenete Eva , Haglind Eva
Published: March 2023

Background

Laparoscopic lavage as a treatment for perforated diverticulitis, Hinchey III, has been found safe and feasible in randomized trials. A few studies have reported functional outcomes and quality of life as secondary outcomes. This study investigated distress associated with dysfunction of the bowel or stoma, functional outcomes, and quality of life 2–3 years after surgery in a national unselected cohort.

Methods

All patients in Sweden who underwent emergency surgery for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis (2016–2018) were invited to answer a comprehensive, study‐specific questionnaire 2–3 years after the index surgery.

Results

Out of 499 potential patients, 226 returned the questionnaire, and 209 were included in the analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between laparoscopic lavage and resection in distress associated with dysfunction of the bowel or stoma (odds ratio [OR], 1.32 [95% CI, 0.91–1.92];p = 0.015). Bowel dysfunction measured by the LARS score was significantly higher for the lavage group (OR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.11–2.45]), while stoma was more frequent after resection surgery (40 vs 6%).

Conclusions

Patients experienced long‐term distress from bodily dysfunction after emergency surgery for perforated diverticulitis regardless of the technique used. Regular follow‐up could benefit these patients.

Trial Registration

The project was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 2017–11‐06. Identifier: NCT03332550. Acronym: LapLav.
Revising diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in adults: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Felis-Giemza Anna , Chmurzyńska Kornelia , Kołodziejczyk Beata , Gazda Agnieszka
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to assess how many adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treated with biologics fulfill classification criteria for adult rheumatic diseases and to evaluate the course of JIA in adulthood. 138 patients with JIA over 18 years old treated with biologics were included in a cross-sectional observative study. Among 138 adult patients with JIA treated with biologics, 81 patients remained with JIA diagnosis. 57 patients were rediagnosed. 31 patients met the criteria for spondyloarthropathy, among them 18 patients for ankylosing spondylitis, 10 patients for psoriatic arthritis, and 3 patients for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed in 24 patients and adults’ Still disease in 2 patients. 84 patients of all adults with JIA received one biologic agent, 40 received two biologic agents, and 14 received three or more biologic therapies. 10 patients received biologic agents out of recommendations for JIA. Of the adult JIA patients treated with biologics, 41% met the classification criteria for adult inflammatory diseases. Spondyloarthropathy and rheumatoid arthritis were most commonly diagnosed. Nearly 40% of adult JIA patients required at least one modification of biological treatment. Therefore, it is worth considering a revision of JIA to adult-onset inflammatory disease entities, as it broadens the spectrum of disease-modifying drugs.
Pulmonary emphysema and coronary artery calcifications at baseline LDCT and long-term mortality in smokers and former smokers of the ITALUNG screening trial
Authors: Mascalchi Mario , Romei Chiara , Marzi Chiara , Diciotti Stefano , Picozzi Giulia , Pistelli Francesco , Zappa Marco , Paci Eugenio , Carozzi Francesca , Gorini Giuseppe , Falaschi Fabio , Deliperi Anna Lisa , Camiciottoli Gianna , Carrozzi Laura , Puliti Donella
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), lung cancer (LC), and respiratory diseases are main causes of death in smokers and former smokers undergoing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for LC screening. We assessed whether quantification of pulmonary emphysematous changes at baseline LDCT has a predictive value concerning long-term mortality.

Methods

In this longitudinal study, we assessed pulmonary emphysematous changes with densitometry (volume corrected relative area below − 950 Hounsfield units) and coronary artery calcifications (CAC) with a 0–3 visual scale in baseline LDCT of 524 participants in the ITALUNG trial and analyzed their association with mortality after 13.6 years of follow-up using conventional statistics and a machine learning approach.

Results

Pulmonary emphysematous changes were present in 32.3% of subjects and were mild (6% ≤ RA950 ≤ 9%) in 14.9% and moderate-severe (RA950 > 9%) in 17.4%. CAC were present in 67% of subjects (mild in 34.7%, moderate-severe in 32.2%). In the follow-up, 81 (15.4%) subjects died (20 of LC, 28 of other cancers, 15 of CVD, 4 of respiratory disease, and 14 of other conditions). After adjusting for age, sex, smoking history, and CAC, moderate-severe emphysema was significantly associated with overall (OR 2.22; 95CI 1.34–3.70) and CVD (OR 3.66; 95CI 1.21–11.04) mortality. Machine learning showed that RA950 was the best single feature predictive of overall and CVD mortality.

Conclusions

Moderate-severe pulmonary emphysematous changes are an independent predictor of long-term overall and CVD mortality in subjects participating in LC screening and should be incorporated in the post-test calculation of the individual mortality risk profile.

Key Points

• Densitometry allows quantification of pulmonary emphysematous changes in low-dose CT examinations for lung cancer screening.

• Emphysematous lung density changes are an independent predictor of long-term overall and cardio-vascular disease mortality in smokers and former smokers undergoing screening.

• Emphysematous changes quantification should be included in the post-test calculation of the individual mortality risk profile.
Power-scaled CW Alexandrite lasers
Authors: Tawy Goronwy , Minassian Ara , Damzen Michael J.
Published: March 2023

We present several strategies for increasing the output laser power of near-diffraction limited continuous-wave Alexandrite lasers pumped by fibre-coupled red laser diodes. Laser mode size control using a convex mirror with the varying thermal lens is shown to be an efficient method for generating record levels of output power from a diode-pumped Alexandrite laser. 8.6 W is obtained with $$M^{2}<1.1$$

M
2

<
1.1

and an optical efficiency of 27%. 735–790 nm wavelength tuning is demonstrated with $$> {2.5}\,\hbox {W}$$

>

2.5

W

and a record dual-wavelength output power of 4.2 W. In a ring-cavity geometry, 5.1 W is obtained with $$M^{2}<1.1$$

M
2

<
1.1

showing promising potential for multi-watt single-longitudinal-mode operation. Detailed laser cavity modelling including thermal lens analysis is also provided.
Intradermal injection of tranexamic acid versus platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of melasma: a split-face comparative study
Authors: Abd Elraouf Israa Gomaa , Obaid Zakaria Mahran , Fouda Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Millions of people throughout the world suffer from the acquired condition of hyperpigmentation known as melasma. Melasma is characterized by symmetrically oriented hyperpigmented macules and patches. Many treatment options are available with variable degrees of efficacy and tolerability. The aim of the work was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety of intradermal tranexamic acid (TXA) versus intradermal platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of various types of melasma. The current split-face prospective study included 40 cases with melasma. Tranexamic acid (TXA) was injected intradermally into the right side of the face by using a concentration of 4 mg/ml, while platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was injected intradermally into the left side. In both sides, a total of three sessions of treatment were provided, once every 4 weeks. Digital photographs were taken before each treatment session and 3 months after the last session. The modified melasma area severity index (mMASI) grading system and dermoscopy were used to assess the improvement in the condition. The disease severity and percentage of improvement were assessed by mMASI score before and after therapy across both sides of the face. along with determining the degree of satisfaction and side effects among the included cases. The mean mMASI score before therapy in the TXA side was 4.59 ± 2.87, while in the PRP side, the mean mMASI score before therapy was 4.72 ± 2.72 with no statistically significant difference between the two sides (p = 0.841). After 3 months of treatment, the mean mMASI score in the TXA-treated side was 2.49 ± 1.58 with a mean percentage of decrease of 45.67 ± 8.10%, while in the PRP side, the mean mMASI score after treatment was 2.17 ± 1.41 with a mean percentage of decrease of 53.66 ± 11.27%. There was a high statistically significant decrease in the mMASI score after treatment on both sides (p < 0.001); however, the percentage of score reduction in the PRP side compared to the TXA side was statistically higher. Intradermal injection with PRP revealed higher efficacy in the treatment of melasma as compared to TXA injection with no significant difference regarding the associated side effects.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands: a pilot study of potential therapeutic targets and characterization of the immunological tumor environment and angiogenesis
Authors: Michaelides Ioannis , Künzel Julian , Ettl Tobias , Beckhove Philipp , Bohr Christopher , Brochhausen Christoph , Mamilos Andreas
Published: March 2023

Background

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare type of cancer commonly occurring in salivary glands. It is characterized by slow but infiltrative growth, nerve infiltration and overall poor prognosis, with late recurrence and distant metastasis. The treatment of ACC is still limited to surgery and/or (adjuvant) radiotherapy. Till now no promising systemic therapy option exists. However, various studies deliver promising results after treatment with anti-angiogenetic agents, such as anti-EGFR-antibody Cetuximab or Tyrosinkinase inhibitor Lenvatinib.

Methods

By using of immunohistological methods we analyzed and compared the macrophage and lymphocyte populations, vascularization, and PD-L1-status in 12 ACC of the salivary glands.

Results

All cases showed a significant elevation of macrophages with M2 polarization and a higher vascularization in ACC compared to normal salivary gland tissue. The CD4/CD8 quotient was heterogenous. ACC does not show relevant PD-L1 expression.

Conclusions

The predominant M2 polarization of macrophages in ACC could be responsible for elevated vascularization, as already been proved in other cancer types, that M2 macrophages promote angiogenesis.
Influence of flow–fiber coupling during mold-filling on the stress field in short-fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Karl Tobias , Zartmann Jan , Dalpke Simon , Gatti Davide , Frohnapfel Bettina , Böhlke Thomas
Published: March 2023

The anisotropic elastic properties of injection molded composites are fundamentally coupled to the flow of the fiber suspension during mold-filling. Regarding the modeling of mold-filling processes, both a decoupled and a flow–fiber coupled approach are possible. In the latter, the fiber-induced viscous anisotropy is considered in the computation of the flow field. This in turn influences the evolution of the fiber orientation compared to the decoupled case. This study investigates how flow–fiber coupling in mold-filling simulation affects the stress field in the solid composite under load based on the final elastic properties after fluid–solid transition. Furthermore, the effects of Newtonian and non-Newtonian polymer matrix behavior are investigated and compared. The entire process is modeled micromechanically unified based on mean-field homogenization, both for the fiber suspension and for the solid composite. Different numerical stabilization methods of the mold-filling simulation are discussed in detail. Short glass fibers with a typical aspect ratio of 20 and a volume fraction of 20% are considered, embedded in polypropylene matrix material. The results show that the flow–fiber coupling has a large effect on the fiber orientation tensor in the range of over ± 30% with respect to the decoupled simulation. As a consequence, the flow–fiber coupling affects the stress field in the solid composite under load in the range of over ±  10%. In addition, the predictions based on a non-Newtonian modeling of the matrix fluid differ significantly from the Newtonian setup and thus the necessity to consider the shear-thinning behavior is justified in a quantifiable manner.
Ethik-Fortbildungen als Element der Klinischen Ethikarbeit: Ein Überblick über Formate und weitere strukturierende Elemente
Authors: Seidlein Anna-Henrikje , Rave Florian , Rogge Annette , Woellert Katharina , Hack Caroline
Published: March 2023

Ausgehend von den Erfahrungswerten sechs Klinischer Ethiker*innen an Universitätsklinika in Deutschland wurde eine strukturierte Auseinandersetzung mit dem Arbeitsfeld der Fortbildungen im Rahmen der Klinischen Ethikarbeit vorgenommen. Die Zusammenarbeit wurde von der Fragestellung geleitet, was bei der Konzeption einer Ethik-Fortbildung innerhalb einer Einrichtung zu berücksichtigen ist. Der methodische Zugang zur Beantwortung der explorativen Fragestellung bestand in einem mehrstufigen, deskriptiven Verfahren, das alternierend in gemeinsamen Arbeitssitzungen und individueller Arbeit zwischen den Sitzungen umgesetzt wurde.

Als Resultat zeigt der Aufsatz eine Übersicht über die Bandbreite möglicher Fortbildungsformate auf, die denjenigen Hilfestellung bieten kann, die in ihrer Einrichtung Fortbildungen zu ethischen Themen konzipieren und durchführen wollen. Darüber hinaus bietet er einen Überblick über die bei der Umsetzung jeweils zu berücksichtigenden direkt strukturierenden sowie indirekt strukturierenden Merkmale. Es wird an Beispielen aufgezeigt, welche Formatvarianten sich in Kombination mit welchen direkt strukturierenden Merkmalen in den ausgewählten Universitätsklinika bewährt haben.

Der Beitrag liefert eine Diskussionsgrundlage, um die strukturierte Auseinandersetzung mit konzeptionellen Fragen ethischer Fortbildung in der Klinik zu befördern.
Previous induced abortion or miscarriage is associated with increased odds for gestational diabetes: a nationwide register-based cohort study in Finland
Authors: Vaajala Matias , Liukkonen Rasmus , Ponkilainen Ville , Kekki Maiju , Mattila Ville M. , Kuitunen Ilari
Published: March 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between previous induced abortion or miscarriage and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using high-quality register data.

Methods

In this retrospective nationwide register-based cohort study, data from the national medical birth register (MBR) were used to evaluate the association between a history of miscarriage or induced abortion and GDM. We included all first pregnancies ending in delivery in which the oral glucose tolerance test was performed between 2004 and 2018. A logistic regression model was used to assess the development of GDM in the first pregnancy ending in delivery. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were compared between groups.

Results

In total, 15,873 nulliparous women with a history of induced abortions, 22,337 with a history of miscarriages and 3594 with a history of both were found. The reference group consisted of 138,869 women without a history of induced abortions or miscarriages. Women with a history of induced abortions (24.7%, aOR 1.15 [CI 1.11–1.20]), a history of miscarriages (24.8%, aOR 1.14 [CI 1.10–1.18]) and a history of both (27.7% aOR 1.18 [CI 1.09–1.28]) had higher odds for the development of GDM when compared to the reference group (20.8%). The odds for GDM increased along with the increasing number of previous induced abortions and miscarriages.

Conclusion

Women with a history of induced abortions or miscarriages had higher odds for GDM in their first pregnancy leading to birth. Knowledge of this association will be helpful in the prevention and screening of GDM.
Life expectancy in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy is currently reduced but can be restored with timely treatment
Authors: Davies Benjamin M. , Stubbs Daniel , Gillespie Conor S. , Grodzinski Ben , Venkatesh Ashwin , Guilfoyle Matthew , Kotter Mark R. N. , Laing Rodney
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a progressive slow-motion spinal cord injury. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Baseline disability predicts surgical recovery; therefore, timely treatment is critical to restoring function. However, current challenges mean most patients present with advanced disease and are instead left with life changing disabilities. While short-term mortality is rarely reported, the long-term effects of this on life expectancy are unknown, including whether function could be modifiable with timely treatment. This article investigates the effect of DCM on life expectancy.

Methods

The survival of patients from an observational study of patients undergoing surgery from 1994 to 2007 was compared to their expected survival using a gender- and aged -matched cohort. Comparisons were made by one sample log-rank test and standardised mortality ratios. Factors associated with survival were explored using a Cox regression analysis, including disease severity.

Results

A total of 357 patients were included in the analysis. After a median follow-up of 15.3 years, 135 of 349 patients had died; 114.7 deaths would have been expected. The DCM cohort had an increased risk of death compared to the non-DCM cohort (standardised mortality ratio 1.18 [95% CI: 1.02–1.34]. Age at operation 1.08 (95% CI: 1.07 to 1.1, p < 0.001) and severe DCM 1.6 (95% CI: 1.06 to 2.3, p = 0.02) were associated with worse survival (N = 287). In those surviving at least 2 years after surgery, only severe DCM was associated with conditional survival (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.04 2.4, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Life expectancy is reduced in those undergoing surgery for DCM. This is driven by premature mortality among those left with severe disability. As disability can be reduced with timely treatment, these findings reinforce the need for collective and global action to raise awareness of DCM and enable early diagnosis.
Covering Numbers for Simple Algebraic Groups
Authors: Liebeck Martin W. , Simion Iulian I.
Published: March 2023

Let G be a simple algebraic group over an algebraically closed field, and let C be a noncentral conjugacy class of G. The covering number cn(G,C) is defined to be the minimal k such that G = Ck, where Ck = {c1c2⋯ck : ci ∈ C}. We prove that $cn(G,C) \le c \frac {\dim G}{\dim C}$
c
n
(
G
,
C
)
≤
c

dim
G

dim
C

, where c is an explicit constant (at most 120). Some consequences on the width and generation of simple algebraic groups are given.
Police education and democratic policing in Taiwan: a longitudinal quasi-experimental study of the effects of selection and police socialisation on human rights, moral reasoning and prejudice
Authors: Lin Keng-hui , Sidebottom Aiden , Wortley Richard
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To investigate the effects of selection and group socialisation on support of human rights, moral reasoning and prejudice in police officers in Taiwan.

Methods

We used a longitudinal quasi-experimental design to track three cohorts of police officers (n = 585) and a comparison group of criminology undergraduates (n = 43).

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in measures of human rights, moral reasoning and prejudice between new police recruits and the control group. However, time in police education was associated with a statistically significant reduction in police officer support of human rights, moral reasoning and an increase in prejudice. In the control group, the reverse was true.

Conclusions

Exposure to police education in Taiwan resulted in police officers being significantly more prejudiced and significantly less adherent to the principles of human rights and moral reasoning. These results appear to be attributable to police socialisation rather than selection effects.
Kinêsis and the Value of tês and pros in the Plotinian Hypostases ‘Intellect’ and ‘Soul’
Authors: Miriello Alba
Published: March 2023

In this paper, I argue that the term kinêsis bears different connotations when associated with two different Plotinian hypostases in the Enneads: Intellect and Soul1. I propose an interpretation of this term as intellectual movement when it is associated with the Intellect and spatial movement when it is associated with the Soul.

In the first section, I evaluate the meaning of kinêsis in reference to the hypostasis Intellect. In the second section, I turn to a critical examination of kinêsis associated with the hypostasis Soul, emphasising the conceptual complexity of the term. I develop my interpretation on the distinction between kinêsis tês ousias and kinêsis pros ousias, translating the former as ‘movement of the hypostasis’ and the latter as ‘movement from the hypostasis.’ On this revised reading, I conclude that kinêsis in Plotinus is a context-dependent concept that alters its significance according to the hypostasis and introductory locution (‘tês’ or ‘pros’) with which it is associated. I conclude by linking Plotinian henology with Platonic and Aristotelian doctrines to illuminate an ongoing conversation between Plotinian metaphysics and Platonic and Aristotelian concepts of movement.
Robot-assisted implantation of additively manufactured patient-specific orthopaedic implants: evaluation in a sheep model
Authors: Williamson Tom , Ryan Stewart , Buehner Ulrich , Sweeney Zac , Hill Dave , Lozanovski Bill , Kastrati Endri , Namvar Arman , Beths Thierry , Shidid Darpan , Blanchard Romane , Fox Kate , Leary Martin , Choong Peter , Brandt Milan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Bone tumours must be surgically excised in one piece with a margin of healthy tissue. The unique nature of each bone tumour case is well suited to the use of patient-specific implants, with additive manufacturing allowing production of highly complex geometries. This work represents the first assessment of the combination of surgical robotics and patient-specific additively manufactured implants.

Methods

The development and evaluation of a robotic system for bone tumour excision, capable of milling complex osteotomy paths, is described. The developed system was evaluated as part of an animal trial on 24 adult male sheep, in which robotic bone excision of the distal femur was followed by placement of patient-specific implants with operative time evaluated. Assessment of implant placement accuracy was completed based on post-operative CT scans.

Results

A mean overall implant position error of 1.05 ± 0.53 mm was achieved, in combination with a mean orientation error of 2.38 ± 0.98°. A mean procedure time (from access to implantation, excluding opening and closing) of 89.3 ± 25.25 min was observed, with recorded surgical time between 58 and 133 min, with this approximately evenly divided between robotic (43.9 ± 15.32) and implant-based (45.4 ± 18.97) tasks.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates the ability for robotics to achieve repeatable and precise removal of complex bone volumes of the type that would allow en bloc removal of a bone tumour. These robotically created volumes can be precisely filled with additively manufactured patient-specific implants, with minimal gap between cut surface and implant interface.
Development of Suspension Feedstocks for Thermally Sprayed Zn2TiO4 Coatings
Authors: Meyer Anja , Toma Filofteia-Laura , Kunze Oliver , Böhme Andreas , Matthey Björn , Potthoff Annegret , Kaiser Arno , Gestrich Tim , Leyens Christoph
Published: March 2023

By adjusting the thermal spraying suspension technology, coatings with excellent microstructure, surface morphology, and phase composition can be obtained to meet the application needs in mechanical, electrical or friction fields. The use of suspensions as feedstock material allows a high degree of flexibility with regard to the chemical composition of the sprayed coatings. Moreover, suspension thermal spraying (STS) is a promising technique for the production of coatings, the use of which was previously limited by expensive starting materials. A mixture of less expensive starting materials in the suspension and an "in situ" reaction to the desired product during the spraying process make this possible. Zn2TiO4 coatings are one example where the high costs of blended oxide powders as feedstock material hinder the market introduction, whereas their outstanding electrical properties and photocatalytic activity are of great interest for various industrial applications. In this work, single oxides ZnO and TiO2, Zn acetate salt as ZnO precursor, as well as a Zn2TiO4 powder were used to develop tailored aqueous suspension feedstocks suitable for thermal spraying. To follow the formation of the compositions in the system ZnO-TiO2, differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements were performed. Preparation routes of stable suspensions and suspension-solution mixtures with low sedimentation rates, low viscosities and good flowabilities are discussed. Microstructures and phase compositions of sprayed coatings are shown, and the “in situ” formation of Zn2TiO4 phase during Suspension High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Spraying (S-HVOF) is demonstrated. This work shows the high potential of suspension feedstocks from single oxide raw materials to obtain Zn2TiO4 sprayed coatings.