bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incident infection risks depending on oral antidiabetic exposure in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Park Sanghwa , Jeong Jiseon , Woo Yunna , Choi Yeo Jin , Shin Sooyoung
Published: October 2023

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4is) and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have been speculated to have a potential to increase infection risks in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. We performed a cohort study using the Korean health insurance data to investigate infection risks with each drug class relative to metformin in insulin-treated T2DM patients. After propensity score matching, we included 1,498 and 749 patients in DPP4i + insulin vs metformin + insulin and 300 and 549 patients in SGLT2i + insulin vs metformin + insulin, respectively. In stratified analyses per patient factor, none of the odds ratios (ORs) were associated with a statistical significance across respiratory, genital, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), except that of the male stratum for respiratory infections (OR 0.77, p = 0.04). With regard to SGLT2is, a higher risk of genital infections was analyzed with their use than with metformin therapy (OR 1.76, p = 0.03). In stratified analyses, the OR for genital infections remained significant in the baseline cardiovascular disease stratum (OR 2.29, p = 0.01). No increased UTI risk was detected with SGLT2is compared against metformin. In this study on insulin-receiving T2DM patients, DPP4is were not associated with increased infection risks, whereas SGLT2is led to a higher risk for genital infections, but not for UTIs, relative to metformin.
TudS desulfidases recycle 4-thiouridine-5’-monophosphate at a catalytic [4Fe-4S] cluster
Authors: Fuchs Jonathan , Jamontas Rapolas , Hoock Maren Hellen , Oltmanns Jonathan , Golinelli-Pimpaneau Béatrice , Schünemann Volker , Pierik Antonio J. , Meškys Rolandas , Aučynaitė Agota , Boll Matthias
Published: October 2023

In all domains of life, transfer RNAs (tRNAs) contain post-transcriptionally sulfur-modified nucleosides such as 2- and 4-thiouridine. We have previously reported that a recombinant [4Fe-4S] cluster-containing bacterial desulfidase (TudS) from an uncultured bacterium catalyzes the desulfuration of 2- and 4-thiouracil via a [4Fe-5S] cluster intermediate. However, the in vivo function of TudS enzymes has remained unclear and direct evidence for substrate binding to the [4Fe-4S] cluster during catalysis was lacking. Here, we provide kinetic evidence that 4-thiouridine-5’-monophosphate rather than sulfurated tRNA, thiouracil, thiouridine or 4-thiouridine-5’-triphosphate is the preferred substrate of TudS. The occurrence of sulfur- and substrate-bound catalytic intermediates was uncovered from the observed switch of the S = 3/2 spin state of the catalytic [4Fe-4S] cluster to a S = 1/2 spin state upon substrate addition. We show that a putative gene product from Pseudomonas putida KT2440 acts as a TudS desulfidase in vivo and conclude that TudS-like enzymes are widespread desulfidases involved in recycling and detoxifying tRNA-derived 4-thiouridine monophosphate nucleosides for RNA synthesis.
Surface charging and electrophoretic behavior of conductive polymer micro-droplets in conductive polymer liquid solutions
Authors: Li Deyu , Song Yongxin , Li Dongqing
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the surface charging and electrophoretic motion of polyethylene glycol-rich (PEG-rich) micro-droplets in dextran-rich solutions or dextran-rich micro-droplets in PEG-rich solutions.
Molecular beacon decorated silver nanowires for quantitative miRNA detection by a SERS approach
Authors: Banchelli Martina , Tombelli Sara , de Angelis Marella , D'Andrea Cristiano , Trono Cosimo , Baldini Francesco , Giannetti Ambra , Matteini Paolo
Published: October 2023

To overcome the issues connected to the need of multiple steps in amplification methods for SERS biosensors, we propose a strategy for microRNA detection based on a signal-off mechanism of a labelled molecular beacon immobilized on the SERS substrate.
Convergent synthesis of proteins using peptide-aminothiazoline
Authors: Okamoto Ryo , Shibata Hiroyuki , Yatsuzuka Takahiro , Hanao Takuya , Maki Yuta , Kabayama Kazuya , Miura Ayane , Fukase Koichi , Kajihara Yasuhiro
Published: October 2023

Peptide-aminothiazoline enabled the sequential peptide ligation in one-pot manner and demonstrated convergent synthesis of a circular protein and homogeneous glycoproteins.
Concurrent Cu(ii)-initiated Fenton-like reaction and glutathione depletion to escalate chemodynamic therapy
Authors: Kumar Ashwini , Chaudhary Ayushi , Agrahari Bhumika , Chaudhary Kajal , Kumar Pooran , Singh Ritika Gautam
Published: October 2023

Cu(ii) complexes of HDAC inhibitor analogues efficiently overcoming limitations of chemodynamic therapy.
Catalytic activities modulated by flexible bimetallic metal–organic frameworks
Authors: He Xiang
Published: October 2023

Structural modulation of the flexible MIL-88B(Fe/Co) leads to the tunable oxygen evolution reaction.
Direct thermodynamic characterization of solid-state reactions by isothermal calorimetry
Authors: Cvetnić Marija , Šplajt Robert , Topić Edi , Rubčić Mirta , Bregović Nikola
Published: October 2023

Methodology for direct measurement of reaction enthalpy by isothermal calorimetry has been developed and applied for various reactions in solid state.
Prediction of novel semi-conducting two-dimensional MX2 phosphides and chalcogenides (M = Zn, Cd; X = P, S, Se) with 5-membered rings
Authors: Amaki Esmail , Mahdavifar Zabiollah , Frapper Gilles
Published: October 2023

Novel semiconducting MX2 2D compounds (M = Zn, Cd; X = P, S, Se) with 5-membered rings are proposed from evolutionary crystal structure prediction searches.
Light-modulated colour transformation in highly intertwined vertically growing silver tungstate tubes
Authors: Patel Vipul Kirtikumar , Busupalli Balanagulu
Published: October 2023

Achieving control over growth kinetics in chemical garden architectures is challenging due to the nonequilibrium conditions. We show in this report controlled colour transformation in intertwined chemobrionic silver tungstate tubes.
Investigation of the oxygen coverage effect on the direct epoxidation of propylene over copper through DFT calculations
Authors: Sun Ben , Wang Gui-Chang
Published: October 2023

The direct epoxidation of propylene is one of the most important selective oxidation reactions in industry.
Fundamentals, status and challenges of direct recycling technologies for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Ji Haocheng , Wang Junxiong , Ma Jun , Cheng Hui-Ming , Zhou Guangmin
Published: October 2023

Unlike conventional recycling methods that focus on 'extraction', direct recycling aims for 'repair', which necessitates selecting and designing a recycling strategy based on the failure mechanisms of the spent lithium ion battery materials.
Mechanisms and models for water transport in reverse osmosis membranes: history, critical assessment, and recent developments
Authors: Heiranian Mohammad , Fan Hanqing , Wang Li , Lu Xinglin , Elimelech Menachem
Published: October 2023

Water scarcity is one of the greatest societal challenges facing humanity.
Pressure influence on excitonic luminescence of CsPbBr3 perovskite
Authors: Bulyk Lev-Ivan , Demkiv Taras , Antonyak Oleh , Chornodolskyy Yaroslav M. , Gamernyk Roman , Suchocki Andrzej , Voloshinovskii Anatolii
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the luminescence properties of CsPbBr3 single crystals at 12 K.
Digitalization of the agro-food sector for achieving sustainable development goals: a review
Authors: Sridhar Adithya , Ponnuchamy Muthamilselvi , Kumar P. Senthil , Kapoor Ashish , Nguyen Vo Dai-Viet , Rangasamy Gayathri
Published: October 2023

Digitalization holds the potential to transform the agro-food sector by enhancing sustainability and addressing crucial global developmental challenges.
Molten plastic induced noncovalent interactions for tunable cellulose fast pyrolysis
Authors: Sakirler Fuat , Tekbas M. Doga , Wong Hsi-Wu
Published: October 2023

Waste plastics as catalysts: functional groups in molten plastics induce noncovalent interactions, selectively catalyzing the formation of bio-based chemicals during cellulose fast pyrolysis.
Recent developments in polysaccharide and lignin-based (nano)materials for CO2 capture
Authors: Nezafat Zahra , Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Javanshir Shahrzad , Baran Talat , Dong Yahao
Published: October 2023

CO2, as a harmful gas, is produced by factories and industries. The best way to remove it is to use natural absorbents/adsorbents such as polysaccharides and lignin-based materials.
Experimental determination of total M shell and subshell X-ray production cross sections for uranium by proton impact
Authors: Bonifacio Mariano , Suárez Sergio Gabriel , Rodríguez Cabello Tabatha Pamela , Sepúlveda Peñaloza Andrés , Trincavelli Jorge Carlos , Pérez Pablo Daniel
Published: October 2023

X-ray production cross sections for total and subshell M uranium by proton impact are measured and compared with other studies.
2-Pyridine cyclic triimidazole as a chelating and bridging ligand in mono- and hexa-nuclear Re(i) complexes with emissive properties in solution and in the solid state
Authors: Malpicci Daniele , Maver Daniele , Maggioni Daniela , Mercandelli Pierluigi , Carlucci Lucia , Cariati Elena , Mussini Patrizia , Panigati Monica
Published: October 2023

Mononuclear and hexanuclear luminescent Re(i) tricarbonyl complexes containing 2-pyridine cyclic triimidazole have been isolated and fully characterized. They exhibit strong aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) in the solid state.
Exigent carbon nanodots for trapping 6-thioguanine to resist fire blight caused by Erwinia amylovora in an orchard
Authors: Mondal Shrodha , Raut Jiko , Sarkar Olivia , Mandal Santi M , Chattopadhyay Ansuman , Sahoo Prithidipa
Published: October 2023

An efficient carbon quantum dot (N-CQDs) has been developed to efficiently bind 6TG through a fluorescence quenching process resulting in the alleviation of fire blight in an orchard of fruit trees.
Synergetic effect of pyrene-based fluorescent probes for trace nitroaniline sensing
Authors: Li Shaoling , Liu Wei , Song Xinyi , Wang Chuan-Zeng , Redshaw Carl , Feng Xing
Published: October 2023

This article presents a new pyrene-based fluorescent probe for p-nitroaniline detection with a limit of detection as low as 6.18 × 10−9 M.
Preparation of a metal phosphide derived from the dual-ligand NiFe-MOF and its boosted activity toward the electrolysis of water
Authors: Guo Qing , Wu Lin , Feng Jie , Zou Zhijuan , Zeng Chunmei , Song Kunpeng
Published: October 2023

The catalytic activity of P-doped FeNi compounds toward OER is enhanced by the synergistic effects between Fe, Ni, and P. The dual-ligand and P-doped structures are important factors for achieving an advantageous electrochemical performance.
ZnFe2O4 nanofibers decorated with NiCo2O4 nanosheets as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Xianchun , Xing Yan
Published: October 2023

A NiCo2O4/ZnFe2O4 (NCO/ZFO) nanocomposite with a hierarchical structure has been developed as a high-activity electrocatalyst for the OER via an electrospinning and solvothermal method.
Polyethyleneimine-functionalized β-cyclodextrin porous polymers for enhanced elimination of U(vi) from wastewater
Authors: Zhong Xing , Lv Nan , Yang Shunhai , Yuan Qiaozhulin , Wu Yongchuan , Guo Kai , Hu Caixia , Dai Ying
Published: October 2023

Polyethyleneimine-functionalized β-cyclodextrin porous polymer (PEI-PCDP) was used for rapid and efficient elimination of Uranium(vi) form wastewater.
Investigation of the physicochemical properties of Bi,Ca-doped BaZrO3 perovskites
Authors: Akyuz Serra Melek , Figen Halit Eren , Elibol Meltem Karaismailoglu
Published: October 2023

BaZrO3 was achieved through the addition of novel dopants such as bismuth or calcium via a sol–gel route.
Photocatalytic hydrogen production by donor–π–acceptor type covalent triazine frameworks involving different π bridges
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Chen Minghui , Shi Quan , Xiong Ji , Li Ting , Jiang Yu , Feng Yaqing , Zhang Bao
Published: October 2023

A novel pyridine-bridged covalent triazine framework (CTF), BenP-CTF, exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity for water splitting to hydrogen than benzene-bridged Ben-CTF and thiophene-bridged BenT-CTF due to enhanced built-in electric field.
AIE-active non-planar phenothiazine-based derivatives with mechanical-induced emission enhancement characteristics
Authors: Zhu Huizhuan , Zhang Jing , Zhang Huijuan , Han Chuchu , Xu Ting , Bai Jiakun , Jiang Peng , Jia Junhui
Published: October 2023

Two new AIE-active non-planar phenothiazine-based derivatives EPMMBS and EPMBS, with subtly different electron-withdrawing moieties were synthesized, showing mechanical-induced emission enhancement characteristics.
Total synthesis of (S)-forphenicinol via asymmetric organocatalysis
Authors: Kovalevsky R. A. , Kucherenko A. S. , Zlotin S. G.
Published: October 2023

Practical 9-step asymmetric synthesis of anticancer drug (S)-forphenicinol (Forfenimex®) from commercially available substances via organocatalysis has been developed.
Natural ten-membered lactones: sources, structural diversity, biological activity, and intriguing future
Authors: Dubovik Vsevolod , Dalinova Anna , Berestetskiy Alexander
Published: October 2023

Ten-membered lactones (TMLs) are an interesting and diverse group of natural polyketides that are abundant in fungi and, to a lesser extent, in bacteria, marine organisms, and insects.
Surface band bending caused by native oxides on solution-processed twinned InSb nanowires with p-type conductivity
Authors: Xu Rui , Xu Kaijia , Sun Yingzhi , Wen Yan , Cheng Lanjun , Shen Feng-cui , Qian Yinyin
Published: October 2023

The single NWFET devices were firstly fabricated from solution-grown twinned InSb NWs and exhibited n–p switching behavior.
First-principles investigation of possible room-temperature topological insulators in monolayers
Authors: Chen Alina , Luo Xuan
Published: October 2023

Several promising 2D topological insulators are identified using ABINIT. Key monolayers show robust band gaps, indicating immense potential for applications in physics and chemistry.
Efficient synthesis of new indenopyridotriazine [4.3.3]propellanes and spiroindenopyridotriazine-4H-pyran derivatives
Authors: Rezaei Monireh , Bayat Mohammad
Published: October 2023

Efficient synthesis of indenopyridotriazine [4.3.3]propellanes and spiroindenopyran derivatives using a sequential one-pot four component reaction.
Facile synthesis of gold nanocages with silver nanocubes templates dual metal effects enabled SERS imaging and catalytic reduction
Authors: Mansoor Farukh , Ju Huangxian , Saeed Madiha , Kanwal Shamsa
Published: October 2023

Silver (Ag) nanomaterials featuring a cubic shape particularly represent supreme class of advance nanomaterials.
Using symmetry to control viscoelastic waves in pillar arrays
Authors: Beech Jason P. , Ström Oskar E. , Turato Enrico , Tegenfeldt Jonas O.
Published: October 2023

Leveraging symmetry of pillar arrays to control instabilities and mixing of high-concentration DNA solutions.
A CuICoII cryptate for the visible light-driven reduction of CO2
Authors: Jökel Julia , Boydas Esma Birsen , Wellauer Joël , Wenger Oliver S. , Robert Marc , Römelt Michael , Apfel Ulf-Peter
Published: October 2023

A heterodinuclear CuICoII complex of an asymmetric sulphur-containing cryptand gives rise to efficient visible light-driven CO2-to-CO conversion based on synergistic catalysis between Cu and Co.
An overlooked oxidation mechanism of toluene: computational predictions and experimental validations
Authors: Fu Zihao , Ma Fangfang , Liu Yuliang , Yan Chao , Huang Dandan , Chen Jingwen , Elm Jonas , Li Yuanyuan , Ding Aijun , Pichelstorfer Lukas , Xie Hong-Bin , Nie Wei , Francisco Joseph S. , Zhou Putian
Published: October 2023

It provides a new pathway for the SOA formation from toluene oxidation in the urban atmosphere.
Boosted interfacial charge dynamics on the SnO2/SnS2 heterointerface by gradient sulfur diffusion for microwave absorption and electric–thermal conversion
Authors: Lei Zhenkuang , Ning Mingqiang , Zhuang Xueheng , Man Qikui , Shen Baogen
Published: October 2023

The engineering of heterogeneous interfaces is an effective way to develop high-performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials.
Efficiency enhancement of dopant-free perovskite solar cells by employing fluoro-substituted electron donor–electron acceptor type polymeric hole-transporting materials
Authors: Chen Yunxiang , Wang Xuelin , You Guofeng , Huang Simei , Zhen Hongyu
Published: October 2023

PBCz-FBTz with fluoro-substituents exhibits superior hole transport properties and passivation effects to PBCz-BTz. The devices employing PBCz-FBTz as dopant-free hole-transporting material show a champion PCE of 20.71% with excellent stability.
Phoneme Training for Adult Cochlear Implant Users: A Review of the Literature and Study Protocol
Authors: Philpott Nikki , Philips Birgit , Tromp Kayla , Kramer Sophia , Mylanus Emmanuel , Huinck Wendy
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

This study describes a protocol for a novel individualized phoneme training program for adult cochlear implant (CI) users, based on individual phoneme confusion errors. The protocol is underpinned by a literature review on phoneme training and a focus group with adult CI users.

Method:

After a literature search, five studies were included for review and evaluation of quality and level of evidence. A focus group with experienced adult CI users (
n
= 7) was then conducted to gain insights into their experiences of auditory training post-implantation and recommendations for future training programs. The knowledge gained from the literature review and focus group was used as the foundation for a novel, individualized phoneme training program for adult CI users, for which the protocol is described in this study.

Results:

A review of the literature shows that phoneme training in adult CI users has variable outcomes for on-task and off-task measures. Overall, the concept of individualized training relates to adaptive difficulty within training tasks and not to tailoring training content to participants' individual needs, as indicated by clinical outcomes. The focus group revealed that participants want to be able to track their training progress, have training content tailored to their individual needs, and expressed a preference for shorter training sessions.

Conclusions:

Using learnings from a literature review and focus group, this study describes a protocol for a novel, individualized phoneme training program for adult CI users. Study findings from this phoneme training program will be disseminated when available.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24392863
Application of data‐driven methods in power systems analysis and control
Authors: Bertozzi Otavio , Chamorro Harold R. , Gomez‐Diaz Edgar O. , Chong Michelle S. , Ahmed Shehab
Published: October 2023

The increasing integration of variable renewable energy resources through power electronics has brought about substantial changes in the structure and dynamics of modern power systems. In response to these transformations, there has been a surge in the development of tools and algorithms leveraging real‐time computational power to enhance system operation and stability. Data‐driven methods have emerged as practical approaches for extracting reliable representations from non‐linear system data, enabling the identification of dynamics and system parameters essential for analysing stability and ensuring reliable operation. This study provides a comprehensive review of recent contributions in the literature concerning the application of data‐driven identification, analysis, and control methods in various aspects of power system operation. Specifically, the focus is on frequency support, power oscillation detection, and damping, which play crucial roles in maintaining grid stability. By discussing the challenges posed by parametric uncertainties, load and source variability, and reduced system inertia, this review sheds light on the opportunities for future research endeavours.
A novel method of restoration path optimization for the alternating current–direct current bulk power grid after a major blackout
Authors: Yang Chao , Liang Gaoshen , Cheng Tianle , Li Yang , Li Shaoyan
Published: October 2023

The restoration control of the modern alternating current–direct current (AC–DC) hybrid power grid after a major blackout is difficult and complex. Taking into account the interaction between the line‐commutated converter high‐voltage direct current (LCC‐HVDC) and the AC power grid, this paper proposes a novel optimization method of restoration path to reconfigure the skeleton network for the blackout power grid. Based on the system strength, the supporting capability of the AC power grid for the LCC‐HVDC is first analysed from the aspects of start‐up and operation of LCC‐HVDCs. Subsequently, the quantitative relationship between the restoration path and the restoration characteristic of LCC‐HVDC is derived in detail based on the system strength indices of the short‐circuit capacity and the frequency regulation capability. Then, an optimization model of restoration path considering non‐tree paths is formulated and a feasible optimization algorithm is proposed to achieve the optimal path restoration scheme. A modified IEEE 39‐bus system and a partial power grid of Southwest China are simulated to show that the proposed method is suitable for the restoration of AC–DC power grids and can improve restoration efficiency. This research can be an important guidance for operators to rapidly restore the AC–DC power grid.
Three‐vector model‐free predictive control for permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Wen Dingdou , Zhang Yanqin , Zhang Yang
Published: October 2023

A three‐vector model‐free predictive control (TV‐MFPC) strategy is proposed to address the problem of model predictive control systems performance degradation caused by parameter mismatch and inverter dead‐zone. Firstly, an ultra‐local model is constructed for parameter mismatch and dead‐zone. Then, to improve the adaptive capability of the observer to parameter variations, sliding mode control is introduced, and an Improved Extended State Observer (IESO) is designed to estimate unknown disturbances in the ultra‐local model and provide feedforward compensation for the current loop. Finally, the proposed strategy is experimentally validated, and the results demonstrate that it reduces dependence on the model, suppresses the phase current distortion caused by dead‐zone, and improves the robustness of the control system.
Mobile power sources pre‐allocation and dispatch strategy in power‐transportation coupled network under extreme weather
Authors: Fan Guochen , Du Zhaobin , Lin Xiaoke , Chen Nanxing
Published: October 2023

This study introduces a strategy for the pre‐allocation and dispatch of mobile power sources (MPSs) within a power‐transportation coupled network, targeting efficient distribution network fault recovery under extreme weather conditions. The strategy incorporates the Dijkstra algorithm and blind number theory to analyse the MPS driving path and generate fault scenarios respectively, considering the effects of extreme weather on traffic capacity and distribution network fault rate. The MPS pre‐allocation model, formulated to minimize the load outage loss, MPS investment, and driving fuel cost, provides a foundation for optimization of the dispatch process. The dispatch optimization model adapts to dynamic information from the power‐transportation coupled network to make decisions on load restoration sequencing and MPS driving path. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is demonstrated through an application to the IEEE 33‐node distribution system and a corresponding 33‐node transportation network.
The impact of convective criteria on the properties of massive stars
Authors: Sibony Y. , Georgy C. , Ekström S. , Meynet G.
Published: October 2023

Context. Libraries of stellar models computed with either the Ledoux or the Schwarzschild criterion to determine the sizes of convective regions are available in the literature. It is still not clear, however, which of these two criteria should be used, although many works have been devoted to that question in the past.

Aims. In the framework of the evolution of single rotating stars, we study the differences between models computed with Ledoux and Schwarzschild criteria on the internal structure, evolutionary track in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram (HRD), lifetimes, evolution of the surface abundances and velocities, and masses of the He and CO cores. We investigate the consequences on the nature of the supernova (SN) progenitors and the type of SN events, as well as on the stellar yields of light elements. We also study the impact on the outputs of population synthesis models.

Methods. Models with initial masses between 7 and 120 M⊙ at solar metallicity (Z = 0.014) and with an initial rotation equal to 0 or 0.4 times the critical velocity at the zero-age main sequence were computed with either the Schwarzschild or the Ledoux criterion until the end of the C-burning phase.

Results. Models with initial masses between 15 and 32 M⊙ computed with the Schwarzschild criterion show larger intermediate convective zones attached to the H-burning shell than models computed with the Ledoux criterion. Their CO cores and outer convective zones in the red supergiant (RSG) phase are also smaller. This impacts many outputs of stars during the core He-burning phase. Schwarzschild models have smaller CO cores and outer convective zones in the RSG phase, and their blue-to-red supergiant ratio is much higher than for Ledoux models. They also produce longer crossings of the Hertzsprung gap and favour blue loops. The upper luminosity of RSGs is little affected by the change in the convective criterion. The maximum luminosity of RSG progenitors for type II-P SN events is lowered from 5.2 to 4.95 when the Ledoux criterion is used instead of the Schwarzschild criterion in non-rotating models. The Schwarzschild criterion predicts longer-lasting, less nitrogen-enriched, and faster-rotating Cepheids. Rotational mixing tends to decrease the differences between Schwarzschild and Ledoux models.

Conclusions. The results of this paper can be used as first guidelines to set up observational programs that may help to distinguish between these two model families.
PlatoSim: an end-to-end PLATO camera simulator for modelling high-precision space-based photometry
Authors: Jannsen N. , De Ridder J. , Seynaeve D. , Regibo S. , Huygen R. , Royer P. , Paproth C. , Grießbach D. , Samadi R. , Reese D. R. , Pertenais M. , Grolleau E. , Heller R. , Niemi S. M. , Cabrera J. , Börner A. , Aigrain S. , McCormac J. , Verhoeve P. , Astier P. , Kutrowski N. , Vandenbussche B. , Tkachenko A. , Aerts C.
Published: October 2023

Context. PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars (PLATO) is the ESA M3 space mission dedicated to detect and characterise transiting exoplanets including information from the asteroseismic properties of their stellar hosts. The uninterrupted and high-precision photometry provided by space-borne instruments such as PLATO require long preparatory phases. An exhaustive list of tests are paramount to design a mission that meets the performance requirements and, as such, simulations are an indispensable tool in the mission preparation.

Aims. To accommodate PLATO’s need of versatile simulations prior to mission launch that at the same time describe innovative yet complex multi-telescope design accurately, in this work we present the end-to-end PLATO simulator specifically developed for that purpose, namely PlatoSim. We show, step-by-step, the algorithms embedded into the software architecture of PlatoSim that allow the user to simulate photometric time series of charge-coupled device (CCD) images and light curves in accordance to the expected observations of PLATO.

Methods. In the context of the PLATO payload, a general formalism of modelling, end-to-end, incoming photons from the sky to the final measurement in digital units is discussed. According to the light path through the instrument, we present an overview of the stellar field and sky background, the short- and long-term barycentric pixel displacement of the stellar sources, the cameras and their optics, the modelling of the CCDs and their electronics, and all main random and systematic noise sources.

Results. We show the strong predictive power of PlatoSim through its diverse applicability and contribution to numerous working groups within the PLATO mission consortium. This involves the ongoing mechanical integration and alignment, performance studies of the payload, the pipeline development, and assessments of the scientific goals.

Conclusions. PlatoSim is a state-of-the-art simulator that is able to produce the expected photometric observations of PLATO to a high level of accuracy. We demonstrate that PlatoSim is a key software tool for the PLATO mission in the preparatory phases until mission launch and prospectively beyond.
Back to the present: A general treatment for the tidal field from the wake of dynamical friction
Authors: Kipper Rain , Tenjes Peeter , Benito María , Veena Punyakoti Ganeshaiah , Triantafyllaki Aikaterini Niovi , Vurm Indrek , Muru Moorits Mihkel , Einasto Maret , Tempel Elmo
Published: October 2023

Context.Dynamical friction can be a valuable tool for inferring dark matter properties that are difficult to constrain by other methods. Most applications of dynamical friction calculations are concerned with the long-term angular momentum loss and orbital decay of the perturber within its host. This, however, assumes knowledge of the unknown initial conditions of the system.

Aims.We advance an alternative methodology to infer the host properties from the perturber’s shape distortions induced by the tides of the wake of dynamical friction, which we refer to as the tidal dynamical friction.

Methods.As the shape distortions rely on the tidal field that has a predominantly local origin, we present a strategy to find the local wake by integrating the stellar orbits back in time along with the perturber, then removing the perturber’s potential and re-integrating them back to the present. This provides perturbed and unperturbed coordinates and hence a change in coordinates, density, and acceleration fields, which yields the back-reaction experienced by the perturber.

Results.The method successfully recovers the tidal field of the wake based on a comparison withN-body simulations. We show that similar to the tidal field itself, the noise and randomness of the dynamical friction force due to the finite number of stars is also dominated by regions close to the perturber. Stars near the perturber influence it more but are smaller in number, causing a high variance in the acceleration field. These fluctuations are intrinsic to dynamical friction. We show that a stellar density of 0.0014 M⊙ kpc−3yields an inherent variance of 10% to the dynamical friction.

Conclusions.The current method extends the family of dynamical friction methods that allow for the inference of host properties from tidal forces of the wake. It can be applied to specific galaxies, such as Magellanic Clouds, withGaiadata.
Self-consistent magnetohydrodynamic simulation of jet launching in a neutron star – white dwarf merger
Authors: Morán-Fraile Javier , Röpke Friedrich K. , Pakmor Rüdiger , Aloy Miguel A. , Ohlmann Sebastian T. , Schneider Fabian R. N. , Leidi Giovanni , Lioutas Georgios
Published: October 2023

The merger of a white dwarf (WD) and a neutron star (NS) is a relatively common event that produces an observable electromagnetic signal. Furthermore, the compactness of these stellar objects makes them an interesting candidate for gravitational wave (GW) astronomy, potentially being in the frequency range of LISA and other missions. To date, three-dimensional simulations of these mergers have not fully modeled the WD disruption or have used lower resolutions and have not included magnetic fields even though they potentially shape the evolution of the merger remnant. In this work, we simulated the merger of a 1.4 M⊙ NS with a 1 M⊙ carbon oxygen WD in the magnetohydrodynamic moving mesh code AREPO. We find that the disruption of the WD forms an accretion disk around the NS, and the subsequent accretion by the NS powers the launch of strongly magnetized, mildly relativistic jets perpendicular to the orbital plane. Although the exact properties of the jets could be altered by unresolved physics around the NS, the event could result in a transient with a larger luminosity than kilonovae. We discuss possible connections to fast blue optical transients (FBOTs) and long-duration gamma-ray bursts. We find that the frequency of GWs released during the merger is too high to be detectable by the LISA mission, but suitable for deci-hertz observatories such as LGWA, BBO, or DECIGO.
Assessment of ChatGPT in the Prehospital Management of Ophthalmological Emergencies – An Analysis of 10 Fictional Case Vignettes
Authors: Knebel Dominik , Priglinger Siegfried , Scherer Nicolas , Klaas Julian , Siedlecki Jakob , Schworm Benedikt
Published: October 2023

Background The artificial intelligence (AI)-based platform ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, OpenAI LP, San Francisco, CA, USA) has gained impressive popularity in recent months. Its performance on case vignettes of general medical (non-ophthalmological) emergencies has been assessed – with very encouraging results. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of ChatGPT on ophthalmological emergency case vignettes in terms of the main outcome measures triage accuracy, appropriateness of recommended prehospital measures, and overall potential to inflict harm to the user/patient.

Methods We wrote ten short, fictional case vignettes describing different acute ophthalmological symptoms. Each vignette was entered into ChatGPT five times with the same wording and following a standardized interaction pathway. The answers were analyzed following a systematic approach.

Results We observed a triage accuracy of 93.6%. Most answers contained only appropriate recommendations for prehospital measures. However, an overall potential to inflict harm to users/patients was present in 32% of answers.

Conclusion ChatGPT should presently not be used as a stand-alone primary source of information about acute ophthalmological symptoms. As AI continues to evolve, its safety and efficacy in the prehospital management of ophthalmological emergencies has to be reassessed regularly.
LncRNA LINC01339 Hinders the Development of Wilms’ Tumor via
MiR-135b-3p/ADH1C Axis
Authors: Yu Yang , Liu Yanfei
Published: October 2023

Wilms’ tumor is a malignant renal cancer that arises within the pediatric
urinary system. This study intended to investigate how a novel long non-coding
RNA LINC01339 functions in the pathogenesis of Wilms’ tumor. An elevated
miR-135b-3p expression as well as reduced levels of LINC01339 and ADH1C were
observed in Wilms’ tumor. LINC01339 mediated ADH1C expression by
directly binding to miR-135b-3p. The enforced LINC01339 or ADH1C markedly
hindered cell growth and migration in Wilms’ tumor. The LINC01339
overexpression also repressed the growth of Wilms’ tumors in vivo,
whereas miR-135b-3p overexpression exerted the opposite effects on
Wilms’ tumor cells in vitro. Additionally, upregulating miR-135b-3p
reversed LINC01339’s effects on the cellular processes of Wilms’
tumor cells, whereas ADH1C overexpression offset the cancer-promoting influence
of miR-135b-3p upregulation on Wilms’ tumor progression. Therefore,
LINC01339 prevents Wilms’ tumor progression by modulating the
miR-135b-3p/ADH1C axis. Our findings substantiate that the
LINC01339/miR-135 b-3p/ADH1C regulatory axis has potential to be
a target for the treatment of Wilms’ tumor.
Long-COVID is Associated with Impaired Red Blood Cell
Function
Authors: Kronstein-Wiedemann Romy , Tausche Kristin , Kolditz Martin , Teichert Madeleine , Thiel Jessica , Koschel Dirk , Tonn Torsten , Künzel Stephan R.
Published: October 2023

COVID-19 disease, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2
(SARS-CoV-2), induces a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms ranging from
asymptomatic cases to fatal outcomes. About 10–35% of all
COVID-19 patients, even those with mild COVID-19 symptoms, continue to show
symptoms, i. e., fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, and cognitive
dysfunction, after initial recovery. Previously, we and others identified red
blood cell precursors as a direct target of SARS-CoV-2 and suggested that
SARS-CoV-2 induces dysregulation in hemoglobin- and iron-metabolism contributing
to the severe systemic course of COVID-19. Here, we put particular emphasis on
differences in parameters of clinical blood gas analysis and hematological
parameters of more than 20 healthy and Long-COVID patients, respectively.
Long-COVID patients showed impaired oxygen binding to hemoglobin with
concomitant increase in carbon monoxide binding. Hand in hand with decreased
plasma iron concentration and transferrin saturation, mean corpuscular
hemoglobin was elevated in Long-COVID patients compared to healthy donors
suggesting a potential compensatory mechanism. Although blood pH was within the
physiological range in both groups, base excess- and bicarbonate values were
significantly lower in Long-COVID patients. Furthermore, Long-COVID patients
displayed reduced lymphocyte levels. The clinical relevance of these findings,
e. g., as a cause of chronic immunodeficiency, remains to be
investigated in future studies. In conclusion, our data suggest impaired
erythrocyte functionality in Long-COVID patients, leading to diminished oxygen
supply. This in turn could be an explanation for the CFS, dyspnea and anemia.
Further investigations are necessary to identify the underlying
pathomechanisms.
Association between Individual versus Community-level Social Vulnerability and Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome among Pregnant Individuals Receiving Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Mason Isabelle , Abdelwahab Mahmoud , Stiles Alexandra , Wu Jiqiang , Venkatesh Kartik K. , Rood Kara M.
Published: October 2023

Objective Individual patient-level measures of adverse social determinants of health are associated with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), but the relative impact of community-level adverse social determinants of health remains to be defined. We examined the association between community-level social vulnerability and NOWS among pregnant individuals receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.

Study Design We conducted a secondary analysis of an established cohort of pregnant individuals and their infants participating in a multidisciplinary prenatal/addiction care program from 2013 to 2021. Addresses were geocoded using ArcGIS and linked at the census tract to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2018 Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), incorporating 15 census variables. The primary exposure was the SVI as a composite measure of community-level social vulnerability, and secondarily, individual scores for four thematic domains (socioeconomic status, household composition and disability, minority status and language, and housing type and transportation). The primary outcome was a clinical diagnosis of NOWS defined as withdrawal requiring pharmacological treatment following buprenorphine exposure.

Results Among 703 pregnant individuals receiving buprenorphine, 39.8% (280/703) of infants were diagnosed with NOWS. Among our patinets, those who were nulliparous, had post-traumatic stress disorder, a term birth (≥ 37 weeks) and had a male infant were more likely to have an infant diagnosed with NOWS. Individuals with and without an infant diagnosed with NOWS had similarly high community-level social vulnerability per composite SVI scores (mean [standard deviation]: 0.6 [0.4–0.7] vs. 0.6 [0.4–0.7], p = 0.2]. In adjusted analyses, SVI, as a composite measure as well as the four domains, was not associated with NOWS diagnosis.

Conclusion Among pregnant persons receiving buprenorphine enrolled in a multidisciplinary prenatal and addition care program, while individual risk factors that measure adverse social determinants of health were associated with an NOWS diagnosis in the infant, community-level social vulnerability as measured by the SVI was not associated with the outcome.

Key Points
Decompressive Bone Flap Replacement (Decompressive Cranioplasty): A Novel Technique for Intracranial Hypertension—Initial Experience and Outcome
Authors: Ye Junhua , Liang Mingli , Qiu Qizheng , Zhang Wenbo , Ye Min
Published: October 2023

Background Intracranial hypertension is a life-threatening condition that can be treated by decompressive craniectomy (DC), which involves removing a part of the skull and intracranial lesions. However, DC has many complications and requires a second surgery to repair the skull. Decompressive bone flap replacement (DBFR) or decompressive cranioplasty is a novel technique that replaces the bone flap with a titanium mesh, providing both decompression and skull integrity.

Methods The materials and methods of DBFR are described in detail. A three-dimensional titanium mesh is fabricated based on the computed tomography (CT) data of previous DC patients. An appropriate titanium mesh is selected based on the preoperative and intraoperative assessments. After removing the intracranial lesions, the titanium mesh is fixed over the bone window.

Results We successfully performed DBFR in three emergent cases. The postoperative CT scan showed adequate decompression in all cases. No reoperation for skull repair was needed, and there were no surgical complications. The cosmetic outcome was excellent. There were no relevant complications in the operative area.

Conclusions DBFR may be a safe and effective alternative to DC in a specific subgroup of patients, in whom complete removal of the bone flap is feasible. DBFR can reduce intracranial pressure while maintaining the integrity of the skull cavity, eliminating the need for additional surgery for skull repair. Possible improvements for DBFR in the future are suggested, such as using a greater curvature of the titanium mesh or a modified DBFR with a hinged titanium mesh.
Regioselective Ring Opening of Oxetanes Enabled by Zirconocene and Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Ota Eisuke , Yamaguchi Junichiro , Aida Kazuhiro
Published: October 2023

Oxetanes are frequently utilized in organic synthesis, both as target products and as fairly reactive intermediates. Whereas ring cleavage of oxetanes through polar mechanisms has been extensively investigated, their radical-based counterparts remain underexplored. We used zirconocene and photoredox catalysis to open an oxetane ring in a radical manner. In our protocol, the reaction selectively delivers the more-substituted alcohols via putative less-stable radicals. This method not only affords the corresponding hydrogenated products, but also provides unique benzylidene acetal products.
Acute Encephalopathy with Biphasic Seizures and Late Reduced Diffusion following SARS-CoV-2 Infection—A Rare Case Report
Authors: Murthy Manasa C. , Banerjee Bidisha , Acharya Ullas , Shamarao Shivakumar
Published: October 2023

Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) is a clinicoradiological syndrome first recognized during the influenza pandemic in Japanese population in the late twentieth century.1

In this article, we presented a rare case report of AESD in a young child due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-CoV-2) who presented with febrile status epilepticus, persistent encephalopathy, and had recurrence of seizures on day 4 of illness with characteristic magnetic resonance imaging findings and a relatively fair outcome
High Fluorescent Cells on Automated Body Fluid Analysis as Discriminator for Malignant Cell Detection
Authors: Saini Ankita , Sareen Rateesh , Gupta G. N.
Published: October 2023

The automated examination of body fluids (BF) serves as a valuable screening tool for the presence of malignant cells in such samples. Malignant cells are identified as high fluorescence cells (HFC) when analyzed using the Sysmex XN-1000 automated analyzer. This study aimed to assess the correlation between HFC cell counts generated by the automated analyzer and manual cytological examination for detecting malignant cells. Additionally, it sought to establish reliable cutoff values for malignant cells since there is a lack of literature on this subject. Conducted at the department of pathology hematology and cytology laboratory in a tertiary care hospital in India from January 2019 to May 2020, this hospital-based comparative study analyzed 120 BF samples, each subjected to cytological evaluation. The mean age of the study population was 52 years, with 70 male and 50 female patients (male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1). The samples consisted of 53 ascitic fluids (44.17%), 46 pleural fluids (38.33%), and 21 cerebrospinal fluids (CSF; 17.50%). Cytopathological examination revealed malignant cells in 50 (41.67%) of the BF samples, with 70 (58.33%) samples classified as nonmalignant. Specifically, among the ascitic fluids, 24 (48%) were malignant, while 29 (41.43%) were nonmalignant. For pleural fluids, 24 (48%) were malignant, and 22 (31.43%) were nonmalignant. In CSF, 2 (4%) samples were malignant, and 19 (27.14%) were nonmalignant. The total white blood cell counts provided by automated hematology analyzers were significantly higher in malignant samples, ranging from a minimum of 100 cells to a maximum of 60,000, with a median count of 800. Nonmalignant samples had white blood cell counts ranging from 2 to 12,000, with a median count of 100. Subgroup analysis for ascitic, pleural, and CSF samples revealed significantly higher median HFC counts in malignant samples. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the HF-BF parameter could effectively distinguish between benign and malignant fluids. For HF#, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.844, with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 81%, while HF% had an AUC of 0.706, with sensitivity and specificity values of 72% and 72.9%, respectively. This study highlights that the HFC count in the BF mode of Sysmex XN-1000 can be a valuable tool for predicting the presence of malignant cells in serous fluids and for selecting samples for further microscopic examination. Based on this study, cutoff values of 15.70/µL for absolute HFC count and 5.05% for relative HFC count can be applied to screen BF samples for malignancy, offering good sensitivity and specificity.
Lowering acquisition costs with a commission cap? Evidence from the German private health insurance market
Authors: Braegelmann Kylie A. , Schiller Jörg
Published: October 2023

When consumers are neither particularly financially literate nor price sensitive, insurers have a strong incentive to pay high commissions to intermediaries for profitable new business. As a part of cost reduction regulation in the German private substitutive health insurance market, a commission cap and a minimum cancelation liability period for insurance intermediaries were introduced in 2012. Despite the fact that the commission cap lowered commissions paid to intermediaries, we provide evidence that the reform was only partly effective, as it led to a decrease in reshuffling of new business in the substitutive market, but did not significantly reduce total acquisition costs of health insurers. Our findings confirm that cost regulation is tricky and can be easily circumvented by insurers, as commission payments are only a part of total acquisition costs.