bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New infundibulopelvic angle measurement method can predict stone-free rates following retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Tung Yu-Hung , Li Wei‑Ming , Juan Yung-Shun , Huang Tsung-Yi , Wang Yen-Chun , Yeh Hsin-Chih , Lee Hsiang-Ying
Published: April 2024

To enhance the accuracy of predicting stone-free rates after retrograde intrarenal surgery, we devised a novel approach to assess the renal infundibulopelvic angle. We conducted a retrospective review of patient records for those who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery for renal stones between April 2018 and August 2019. Patient demographics, stone characteristics, and perioperative data were recorded. Subsequently, we introduced a modified angle measurement called the pelvic stone angle and evaluated its predictive performance for stone-free rates by comparing it with the traditional method in scoring systems. A total of 43 individuals were included in this study. Notable differences in stone burden and Hounsfield unit measurements were found between stone-free and non-stone-free patients. The pelvic stone angle demonstrated a good model fit when used in scoring systems, performing equally well as the conventional approach. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the R.I.R.S. scoring system using the pelvic stone angle and the conventional approach did not show a significant difference. In conclusion, the predictive ability of the pelvic stone angle for stone-free rates was comparable to the old measurement method. Moreover, scoring systems using the pelvic stone angle exhibited a better model fit than those using the conventional approach.
Corrosion behavior of multi-layer friction surfaced structure from dissimilar aluminum alloys
Authors: Antunes Duda Eduardo , Kallien Zina , da Silva Soares Sabrina , Hernandez Schneider Tárique , Ribeiro Piaggio Cardoso Henrique , Vieira Braga Lemos Guilherme , Falcade Tiago , Reguly Afonso , Klusemann Benjamin
Published: April 2024

Friction surfacing (FS) is a solid-state coating technology for metallic materials, where the deposition of a consumable material on a substrate is enabled via friction and plastic deformation. The deposited layer material commonly presents a significantly refined microstructure, where corrosion could be an issue due to this grain refinement within the layer deposited, possibly creating micro galvanic pairs. The present work investigates the corrosion behavior of the FS deposited material as well as stud base material and substrate using cyclic polarization tests and open circuit potential (OCP) monitoring. Comparing the FS deposited material and the respective consumable stud base material (both AA5083), the grain size is correlated with the results from the corrosion tests, where the deposited material shows more equiaxed and refined grains in comparison to the stud base material. The cyclic potentiostatic polarization tests showed that the stud base material is more resistant to pitting nucleation presenting smaller pits and a lower amount of pits compared to deposited material and substrate. As a complement to OCP test, the stud base material is also more stable on a chloride solution compared to the substrate and the deposited material.
Sex differences of the association between handgrip strength and health-related quality of life among patients with cancer
Authors: Kim Jihye , Kim Yujin , Oh Jae Won , Lee San
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), demonstrating HGS as an effective indicator for evaluating HRQoL of patients with cancer. Analyzing 1657 Korean adult cancer patients (644 males, 1013 females) aged ≥ 20 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2019), HGS was standardized based on body mass index and categorized by sex. HRQoL was assessed using the Euro Quality of Life-5-Dimension 3-Level version (EQ-5D-3L) Index. Lower relative HGS was associated with decreased HRQoL in female patients, while no significant association was found in male patients. The lowest quartile of relative HGS exhibited a 2.5-fold decrease in HRQoL compared to the highest quartile (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.59–3.95, p < 0.001). Both male and female patients with cancer were affected by age, subjective health perception, and stress recognition regarding HRQoL. This study suggests that HGS may be associated with the HRQoL of female patients with cancer, emphasizing that the HGS measurement can be effectively utilized as a pivotal tool for evaluating HRQoL in female patients with cancer.
A comparative study on the effectiveness of pollutants control measures adopted in the steel industry to reduce workplace and environmental exposure: a case study
Authors: Badea Daniel Onut , Trifu Alina , Darabont Doru Costin
Published: April 2024

Our understanding of the environmental and occupational health implications of pollutants emitted in steel production is still lacking, despite the considerable amount of research devoted to this topic. Given the significance of steel recycling and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many steel factories are adopting electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. The use of a technological system designed for the capture of pollutants emitted through EAF steel production is highly ecological because of its utilization of iron scrap and low investment cost. Despite this, the main issue with the EAF is the environmental impact it poses, specifically the release of pollutants into the air, such as dust and organic substances, chlorinated dioxins and furans, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls and brominated dioxins and furans. As a result, workers in this field have a considerable rate of morbidity. The main challenge for EAFs is to optimize the capture of powders produced during the techno-logical process, both from the EAF and the workplace. A state-of-the art solution for managing pollutants in modern steel manufacturing is highlighted in this paper, featuring a method used in Romania that employs the Best Available Techniques (BAT) reference document for iron and steel production to directly collect pollutants from the EAF. The system included a cylindrical fitting, a heat exchanger to cool the gases and a hood to collect contaminants. In comparison to other ventilation options, this equipment boasts lower investment and lower operational costs because of its effective and minimal air flow. Through the use of cutting-edge technology and progressive strategies, we can move closer toward our objective of a workplace free from injuries in the steel industry.
Development and validation of a health practitioner survey on ocular allergy
Authors: Mikhail Ereeny , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Gokhale Moneisha , Azizoglu Serap , Suphioglu Cenk
Published: April 2024

Survey studies have played a significant role in understanding the gaps in the knowledge and practices of health practitioners. However, there have been no such survey studies on Ocular Allergy (OA). Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a survey on OA to better understand the gaps in the diagnostic, treatment, and collaborative care approaches of health practitioners in OA. The survey is titled “Survey on Ocular Allergy for Health Practitioners (SOAHP)”. SOAHP was developed in a five-stage process. First, item extraction via the use of a literature review, second, face and content validity, third, a pilot study, fourth, test–retest reliability, and fifth, finalisation of the survey. 65 items under 6 domains were initially generated in the item extraction phase. Content validity was conducted on 15 experts in the field. This was conducted twice to reach consensus whereby items and domains were added, edited, kept, or removed, resulting in 50 items under 7 domains. The pilot study was conducted on 15 participants from the five relevant health practitioner fields (Allergists/Immunologists, General Practitioners (GPs), Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Pharmacists). This altered the survey further to 40 items under 7 domains. Test–retest reliability was conducted on 25 participants from the five health practitioner fields. Reliability was moderate to almost perfect for most (97%) investigated items. The finalised survey was 40 items under 7 domains. SOAHP is the first survey created to assess diagnostic, treatment and collaborative care approaches of Allergists/Immunologists, GPs, Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Pharmacists on OA. SOAHP will be a useful tool in clinical research on OA.
Entropy-ruled nonequilibrium charge transport in thiazolothiazole-based molecular crystals: a quantum chemical study
Authors: Pavalamuthu M. , Navamani K.
Published: April 2024

The entropy-ruled method provides the exact result in diffusion-based mobility and other charge transport quantities for molecular and material systems/devices at a wide thermodynamic range.
Heterobimetallic 3d–4f complexes supported by a Schiff-base tripodal ligand
Authors: Neumann Till , Thompson Benedict C. , Hebron Denny , Graycon Daniel M. , Collauto Alberto , Roessler Maxie M. , Wilson Daniel W. N. , Musgrave Rebecca A.
Published: April 2024

Heterobimetallic complexes of a 3d metal (manganese, cobalt) and lanthanum supported by a (1,1,1-tris[(3-methoxysalicylideneamino)methyl]ethane) ligand were synthesised and characterised.
Quantitative turbidimetric characterization of stabilized complex coacervate dispersions
Authors: Holkar Advait , Gao Shang , Villaseñor Kathleen , Lake Michael , Srivastava Samanvaya
Published: April 2024

The stabilization of complex coacervate microdroplets can be modulated by the concentrations of cPE stabilizer and salt, enabling their various applications, such as bioreactors, drug delivery vehicles, and encapsulants.
Understanding dynamic voltammetry in a dissolving microdroplet
Authors: Rana Ashutosh , Renault Christophe , Dick Jeffrey E.
Published: April 2024

We quantified the dissolution rate of sub-nL oil microdroplets in a bulk aqueous phase based on the evolution of cyclic voltammograms recorded for a redox mediation confined in the microdroplet.
Elemental analysis of levitated solid samples by microwave-assisted laser induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Alamri Ali M. , Zhao Wanxia , Tassios Steve , Dai Sheng , Alwahabi Zeyad T.
Published: April 2024

A novel analysis technique of elements at ambient conditions has been developed.
A bifunctional surfactant-like electrolyte additive for a stable lithium metal anode
Authors: Yang Hanxu , Zou Jiahang , Xiao Zhengquan
Published: April 2024

A novel bifunctional surfactant-like electrolyte additive, nonafluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride (NtF), is designed to enhance the stability of lithium metal anodes.
Manifestation of site energy landscapes for ion transport in borate glasses
Authors: Gunawan Victor H. , Schäfer Martin , Weitzel Karl-Michael
Published: April 2024

The potential energy landscape of lithium borate glass of composition Li3B7O12 has been investigated by the charge attachment induced transport (CAIT) technique leading to a width of the site energy distribution of 250 meV.
Dopamine-modified cobalt spinel nanoparticles as an active catalyst for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Chen Zhengle , Yang Zhiqing , Li Xinyuan , Li Longhua , Lin Hua
Published: April 2024

The synergistic effect between the oxidized-N (R–NO) carbonaceous components and cobalt can be used for promoting the OER performance of Co3O4.
Effects of different extrusion temperatures on the physicochemical properties, edible quality and digestive attributes of multigrain reconstituted rice
Authors: Liu Ruohai , Geng Zhanhui , Li Ting , Zhang Ming , Zhang Congnan , Ma Tianjiao , Xu Zhicun , Xu Shunqian , Liu He , Zhang Xinxia , Wang Li
Published: April 2024

Multigrain reconstituted rice, as a nutritious and convenient staple, holds considerable promise for the food industry.
High-precision stable isotope measurements of tungsten and molybdenum in single sample aliquots combined with optimized separation for mixed double spikes
Authors: Kashiwabara Teruhiko , Fukami Yusuke , Kubo Sayuri , Watakabe Ayako , Kurisu Minako , Tokeshi Satoshi , Iizuka Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: April 2024

Simple, efficient, and robust method established in this study will contribute to clarify how tungsten (W) isotopes behave in the Earth system relative to molybdenum (Mo) isotopes.
Correction and removal of expression of concern: Deep eutectic solvent mediated synthesis and fabrication of a WO3–MgO nanocomposite as an electrode material for energy storage applications
Authors: Joel C. , Bennie R. Biju , Antony A. Jerold , Paul Raj A. Nirmal , Selvakumar G.
Published: April 2024

Correction and removal of expression of concern for ‘Deep eutectic solvent mediated synthesis and fabrication of a WO3–MgO nanocomposite as an electrode material for energy storage applications’ by C. Joel et al., New J. Chem., 2023, 47, 2797–2808, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NJ05642A.
Structure and isomerization behavior relationships of new push–pull azo-pyrrole photoswitches
Authors: Gallardo-Rosas D. , Guevara-Vela J. M. , Rocha-Rinza T. , Toscano R. A. , López-Cortés J. G. , Ortega-Alfaro M. C.
Published: April 2024

Push–pull stilbenyl-azopyrrole dyes are efficiently obtained via a Heck cross-coupling reaction. Modifications of the acceptor character of the EWG might accelerate the cis–trans photo-isomerization.
Introduction to Pioneering Investigators 2023
Authors: Frey Holger , Pentzer Emily
Published: April 2024

Professor Holger Frey and Professor Emily Pentzer introduce the 2023 Polymer Chemistry Pioneering Investigators collection.
The third strategy: modulating emission colors of organic light-emitting diodes with UV light during the device fabrication process
Authors: Sun Yuanhui , Xu Shipan , Hang Huaiteng , Xi Jun , Dong Hua , Jiao Bo , Zhou Guijiang , Yang Xiaolong
Published: April 2024

A novel strategy is proposed to modulate emission colors of OLEDs without synthesizing different emitters or relying on molecular aggregation or concentration effects, which theoretically enables OLEDs to achieve infinite emission colors.
BP double bonds relieved from steric encumbrance: matrix-isolation infrared spectroscopy of the phosphaborene F2B–PBF and the triradical BPF3
Authors: Wen Mei , Medel Robert , Zasimov Pavel V. , Müller Carsten , Riedel Sebastian
Published: April 2024

The BPF3 triradical adduct is obtained by the reaction of laser-ablated boron atoms with PF3 in a solid neon matrix. Additionally, the phosphaborene F2B–PBF without sterically demanding ligands but with an acute BPB angle is observed.
Fabrication of a MXene-based shape-memory hydrogel and its application in the wound repair of skin
Authors: Hu Jingchuan , Xie Jun , Peng Tao , Shi Qingwen , Pan Chen , Tan Haiying , Sun Jiuxiao
Published: April 2024

Wound dressings can generally complete hemostasis and provide temporary protection after skin damage.
Is There a Place for Pseudostuttering Assignments in Speech-Language Pathology Training Within the Neurodiverse Paradigm?
Authors: Bortz Mellissa A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

The continued use of pseudostuttering assignments, a disability simulation for speech-language pathology students, needs to be reexamined to align with neurodiversity and students' reluctance to participate in these studies. Stuttering, from a neurodiverse perspective, is regarded as a normal speech variation, rather than a disorder. The purpose of this research was for people who stutter, speech-language therapy students, and faculty members to respond to a survey to determine the future of these assignments, in terms of developing empathy and clinical skills of pseudostuttering.

Method:

A descriptive design electronic survey using typical case sampling was disseminated globally. A total of 134 participants, divided into three participant groups, completed the survey. The survey consisted of 84 closed- and open-ended questions. Percentages and thematic analysis were used to determine the results.

Results:

Quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated that 83% of speech-language pathology faculty members supported these assignments. Forty-eight percent of people who stutter and 58% of speech-language pathology students felt negatively toward pseudostuttering assignments. Students reported being more comfortable performing augmentative and alternative communication simulations than pseudostuttering or aphasia simulations. Students were concerned that pseudostuttering assignments were offensive and stigmatizing for people who stutter.

Conclusions:

The results reflect the benefits of partnering with all the constituent groups. Adaptations to pseudostuttering assignments, such as speaking with people who stutter and adopting a neurodiverse, inclusive approach to student education, are recommended.
Effects of different coronal hole geometries on simulations of the interaction between coronal waves and coronal holes
Authors: Piantschitsch I. , Terradas J. , Soubrie E. , Heinemann S. G. , Hofmeister S. J. , Soler R. , Temmer M.
Published: April 2024

The geometry of a coronal hole (CH) affects the density profile of the reflected part of an incoming global coronal wave (CW). In this study, we perform for the first time magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of fast-mode MHD waves that interact with CHs of different geometries, such as circular, elliptic, convex, and concave shapes. We analysed the effect of these geometries on the density profiles of the reflected waves, and we generated the corresponding simulation-based time-distance plots. Within these time-distance plots, we determined regions that exhibit specific density features, such as large reflected density amplitudes. In a further step, these interaction features can be compared to actual observed CW–CH interaction events, which will enable us to explain interaction parameters of the observed interaction events, such as the density structure of the reflected wave. These parameters are usually difficult to understand comprehensively based on an analysis of the measurements alone. Moreover, we show that the interaction between a concave CH and CWs, whose density profile includes an enhanced as well as a depleted wave part, can lead to reflected density amplitudes that are more than twice larger than the incoming density amplitudes. Another effect of the interplay between the constructive and destructive interference of the reflected wave parts is a strongly depleted region in the middle of the CW–CH interaction process. In addition, we show that the choice of the path that is used to generate the time-distance plots is important and that this choice affects the interpretation of the CW–CH interaction results.
Distortions of the Hubble diagram: Line-of-sight signatures of local galaxy clusters
Authors: Sorce Jenny G. , Mohayaee Roya , Aghanim Nabila , Dolag Klaus , Malavasi Nicola
Published: April 2024

The Universe expansion rate is modulated around local inhomogeneities due to their gravitational potential. Velocity waves are then observed around galaxy clusters in the Hubble diagram. This paper studies them in a ∼738 Mpc-wide, 20483-particle cosmological simulation of our cosmic environment (a.k.a. CLONE: Constrained LOcal & Nesting Environment Simulation). For the first time, the simulation shows that velocity waves that arise in the lines of sight of the most massive dark matter halos agree with those observed in local galaxy velocity catalogs in the lines of sight of Coma and several other local (Abell) clusters. For the best-constrained clusters such as Virgo and Centaurus – that is, those closest to us – secondary waves caused by galaxy groups, further into the non-linear regime, also stand out. This match was not utterly expected given that before being evolved into a fully non-linear z = 0 state, assuming ΛCDM, CLONE initial conditions are constrained solely with linear theory, the power spectrum, and highly uncertain and sparse local peculiar velocities. Additionally, Gaussian fits to velocity wave envelopes show that wave properties are tightly tangled with cluster masses. This link is complex, though, and involves the environment and formation history of the clusters. A proposed metric, measuring the distance between the observed and several re-centred simulated lines of sight, waves included, is shown to be capable of providing a tight mass range estimate for massive local clusters. Using machine learning techniques to grasp more thoroughly the complex wave-mass relation, velocity waves could in the near future be used to provide additional and independent mass estimates from galaxy dynamics within large cluster radii.
Gas, not dust: Migration of TESS/Gaia hot Jupiters possibly halted by the magnetospheres of protoplanetary disks
Authors: Mendigutía I. , Lillo-Box J. , Vioque M. , Maldonado J. , Montesinos B. , Huélamo N. , Wang J.
Published: April 2024

Context. The presence of short-period (< 10 days) planets around main sequence (MS) stars has been associated either with the dust-destruction region or with the magnetospheric gas-truncation radius in the protoplanetary disks that surround them during the pre-MS phase. However, previous analyses have only considered low-mass FGK stars, making it difficult to disentangle the two scenarios.

Aims. This exploratory study is aimed at testing whether it is the inner dust or gas disk driving the location of short-period, giant planets.

Methods. By combining TESS and Gaia DR3 data, we identified a sample of 47 intermediate-mass (1.5−3 M⊙) MS stars hosting confirmed and firm candidate hot Jupiters. We compared their orbits with the rough position of the inner dust and gas disks, which are well separated around their Herbig stars precursors. We also made a comparison with the orbits of confirmed hot Jupiters around a similarly extracted TESS/Gaia sample of low-mass sources (0.5−1.5 M⊙).

Results. The orbits of hot Jupiters around intermediate-mass stars tend to be closer to the central sources than the inner dust disk, most generally consistent with the small magnetospheric truncation radii typical of Herbig stars (≲5 R*). A similar study considering the low-mass stars alone has been less conclusive due to the similar spatial scales of their inner dust and gas disks (≳5 R*). However, considering the whole sample, we do not find the correlation between orbit sizes and stellar luminosities that is otherwise expected if the dust-destruction radius limits the hot Jupiters’ orbits. On the contrary, the comparative analysis reveals that such orbits tend to be closer to the stellar surface for intermediate-mass stars than for low-mass stars, with both being mostly consistent with the rough sizes of the corresponding magnetospheres.

Conclusion. Our results suggest that the inner gas (ad not the dust) disk limits the innermost orbits of hot Jupiters around intermediate-mass stars. These findings also provide tentative support to previous works that have claimed this is indeed the case for low-mass sources. We propose that hot Jupiters could be explained via a combination of the core-accretion paradigm and migration up to the gas-truncation radius, which may be responsible for halting inward migration regardless of the stellar mass regime. Larger samples of intermediate-mass stars with hot Jupiters are necessary to confirm our hypothesis, which implies that massive Herbig stars without magnetospheres (> 3−4 M⊙) may be the most efficient in swallowing their newborn planets.
Comparing the dynamics of Jupiter-family Comets and comet-like fireballs
Authors: Shober P. M. , Tancredi G. , Vaubaillon J. , Devillepoix H. A. R. , Deam S. , Anghel S. , Sansom E. K. , Colas F. , Martino S.
Published: April 2024

Context. Jupiter-family comets (JFCs), which originate from the Kuiper belt and scattered disk, exhibit low-inclination and chaotic trajectories due to close encounters with Jupiter. Despite their typically short incursions into the inner solar system, a notable number of them are on Earth-crossing orbits, with fireball networks detecting many objects on “JFC-like” (2 < TJ < 3) orbits.

Aims. This investigation aims to examine the orbital dynamics of JFCs and comet-like fireballs over 104 yr timescales, focusing on the trajectories and stability of these objects in the context of gravitational interactions within the solar system.

Methods. We employed an extensive fireball dataset from Desert Fireball Network (DFN), European Fireball Network (EFN), Fireball Recovery and InterPlanetary Observation Network (FRIPON), and Meteorite Observation and Recovery Project (MORP), alongside telescopically observed cometary ephemeris from the NASA HORIZONS database. The study integrates 646 fireball orbits with 661 JFC orbits for a comparative analysis of their orbital stability and evolution.

Results. The analysis confirms frequent Jupiter encounters among most JFCs, inducing chaotic orbital behavior with limited predictability and short Lyapunov lifetimes (~120 yr), underscoring Jupiter’s significant dynamical influence. In contrast, “JFC-like” meteoroids detected by fireball networks largely exhibit dynamics divergent from genuine JFCs, with 79–92% on “JFC-like” orbits shown not to be prone to frequent Jupiter encounters; in particular, only 1–5% of all fireballs detected by the four networks exhibit dynamics similar to that of actual JFCs. In addition, 22% (16 of 72) of near-Earth JFCs are on highly stable orbits, suggesting a potential main belt origin for some of the bodies.

Conclusions. This extensive study delineates the stark dynamical contrast between JFCs and JFC-like meteoroids detected by global fireball networks. The majority of centimeter- and meter-scale meteoroids on JFC-like orbits exhibit remarkably stable trajectories, which starkly differ from the chaotic paths of their km-scale counterparts. Our findings suggest that the JFC-like objects observed by fireball networks predominantly originate from the outer main belt, with only a minor fraction being directly attributable to traditional JFCs.
The power of binary pulsars in testing Gauss-Bonnet gravity
Authors: Yordanov Petar Y. , Staykov Kalin V. , Yazadjiev Stoytcho S. , Doneva Daniela D.
Published: April 2024

Context. Binary pulsars are a powerful tool for probing strong gravity that still outperform direct gravitational wave observations in a number of ways due to the remarkable accuracy of the pulsar timing. They can constrain the presence of additional charges of the orbiting neutron stars very precisely, leading to new channels of energy and angular momentum loss, such as scalar dipole radiation.

Aims. In the present paper, we explore in detail the possibility of constraining different classes of scalar-Gauss-Bonnet gravity with binary pulsars. Additionally, we updated the existing constraints related to the observed maximum mass of neutron stars.

Methods. Interestingly, depending on the equation of state, the resulting limits on the theory coupling parameters can outperform the constraints coming from binary merger observations by up to a factor of two, even for so-called Einstein-dilaton-Gauss-Bonnet gravity where neutron stars are often underestimated as relevant theory probes. As an additional merit, precise Bayesian methods are compared with approximate approaches, with the latter showing a very good performance despite their simplicity.
Detection of Fe and Ti on the dayside of the ultrahot Jupiter MASCARA-1b with CARMENES
Authors: Guo B. , Yan F. , Nortmann L. , Cont D. , Reiners A. , Pallé E. , Shulyak D. , Molaverdikhani K. , Henning Th. , Chen G. , Stangret M. , Czesla S. , Lesjak F. , López-Puertas M. , Ribas I. , Quirrenbach A. , Caballero J. A. , Amado P. J. , Blazek M. , Montes D. , Morales J. C. , Nagel E. , Zapatero Osorio M. R.
Published: April 2024

Ultrahot Jupiters are a type of gaseous exoplanet that orbit extremely close to their host star, resulting in significantly high equilibrium temperatures. In recent years, high-resolution emission spectroscopy has been broadly employed in observing the atmospheres of ultrahot Jupiters. We used the CARMENES spectrograph to observe the high-resolution spectra of the dayside hemisphere of MASCARA-1b in both visible and near-infrared. Through cross-correlation analysis, we detected signals of Fe I and Ti I. Based on these detections, we conducted an atmospheric retrieval and discovered the presence of a strong inversion layer in the planet’s atmosphere. The retrieved Ti and Fe abundances are broadly consistent with solar abundances. In particular, we obtained a relative abundance of [Ti/Fe] as −1.0 ± 0.8 under the free retrieval and −0.4−0.8+0.5 under the chemical equilibrium retrieval, suggesting the absence of significant titanium depletion on this planet. Furthermore, we considered the influence of planetary rotation on spectral line profiles. The resulting equatorial rotation speed was determined to be 4.4−2.0+1.6 km s−1, which agrees with the rotation speed induced by tidal locking.
Evolution of the magnetic field rotation distributions in the inner heliosphere
Authors: Larosa A. , Chen C. H. K. , McIntyre J. R. , Jagarlamudi V. K. , Sorriso-Valvo L.
Published: April 2024

Context. The nature and evolution of the solar wind magnetic field rotations is studied in data from the Parker Solar Probe.

Aims. We investigated the magnetic field deflections in the inner heliosphere below 0.5 au in a distance- and scale-dependent manner to shed some light on the mechanism behind their evolution.

Methods. We used the magnetic field data from the FIELDS instrument suite to study the evolution of the magnetic field vector increment and rotation distributions that contain switchbacks.

Results. We find that the rotation distributions evolve in a scale-dependent fashion. They have the same shape at small scales regardless of the radial distance, in contrast to larger scales, where the shape evolves with distance. The increments are shown to evolve towards a log-normal shape with increasing radial distance, even though the log-normal fit works quite well at all distances, especially at small scales. The rotation distributions are shown to evolve towards a previously developed rotation model moving away from the Sun.

Conclusions. Our results suggest a scenario in which the evolution of the rotation distributions is primarily the result of the expansion-driven growth of the fluctuations, which are reshaped into a log-normal distribution by the solar wind turbulence.
Complementary deteriorating products within a flexible production system: a sustainable approach
Authors: Sarkar Biswajit , Bar Nilkamal , Mukherjee Shashi Bajaj , Sangal Isha , Guchhait Rekha
Published: April 2024

The nature of complementary products is the dependency of one product on the other for utility. Further, the complementary products with deteriorated nature create a challenging environment for a suitable strategy. How does an industry deal with complementary deteriorated products at the retailer’s house? The present study deals with two complementary deteriorating products in a two-echelon supply chain management. The deterioration of complementary products increases with time, and the deterioration rate is taken as the function of time. Complementary deteriorating products are manufactured by two manufacturers and sold to a common retailer. Manufacturers use a flexible production system to produce products and a single-setup-multiple-delivery policy to deliver those products. Under the flexible production system, emissions from setup, holding products, disposal, and transportation of products are considered. A carbon tax policy is used to reduce emissions. This study aims to optimize the total profit of the supply chain by finding a suitable sales strategy. The total profit is maximized by acquiring the optimal values of the retail price, cycle time of the retailer, production rate, and number of shipments. The numerical result shows that the profit becomes maximum when complementary products are less dependent on each other. The result indicates that adapting the flexible production system increases the total profit by 1.86% and decreases total emissions by 5.36% than a traditional production system.
Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism in Patients on Anticoagulation: An Update Based on the Revised AWMF S2k Guideline
Authors: Klamroth Robert , Riess Hanno , Beyer-Westendorf Jan , Linnemann Birgit
Published: April 2024

In the recently updated German S2k Guideline “Diagnostics and Therapy of Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism,” a new chapter was incorporated about recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients on anticoagulation treatment. Despite the high efficacy of anticoagulation in most patients, approximately 2% experience a recurrent VTE event while receiving anticoagulant drugs. The proper diagnosis of the recurrent VTE is important and possible only with the knowledge of localization and thrombus burden of the primary VTE event. Possible reasons for recurrent VTE events in patients on anticoagulation are non-adherence to medication, sub-therapeutic drug levels due to resorption disorders or drug interactions, or concomitant disease with high thrombogenicity. Cancer is the most common underlying disease, but it is important to investigate and understand possible other causes whenever a breakthrough VTE event occurs. This results in the recommendation that in patients with VTE recurrence on therapeutic anticoagulation, in particular, the presence of malignant disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, and rare diseases like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria or Behçet's disease should be considered. For VTE recurrence during heparin therapy, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II needs to be ruled out, even if platelet counts are within the normal range. Although the mechanisms of recurrence on anticoagulation can be evaluated in a certain degree, clinical evidence for the management of recurrent VTE in anticoagulated patients is minimal and mainly based on expert opinion. Switching anticoagulant medication and intensifying anticoagulant treatment are possible options.
Pulmonary Embolism: An Update Based on the Revised AWMF-S2k Guideline
Authors: Opitz Christian F. , Meyer F. Joachim
Published: April 2024

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common acute cardiovascular disease. The risk of PE increases with age and mortality is high. Patients are stratified into hemodynamically stable versus unstable patients, as this has important implications for diagnosis and therapy. Since clinical signs and symptoms of acute PE are nonspecific, the clinical likelihood of PE is estimated to guide diagnostic pathways. D-dimer testing is performed in hemodynamically stable patients with low or intermediate probability of PE and the visualization of thromboembolism and its sequelae is commonly achieved with computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), supplemented by ultrasound techniques. With confirmed PE, another risk stratification estimates disease severity and defines intensity and setting of the ensuing treatment. The therapeutic spectrum ranges from outpatient treatment with initial oral anticoagulation to thrombolytic or interventional treatment in the intensive care unit or catheterization laboratory. In single cases, even acute surgical thrombectomy is attempted.
Low-/Negative-Pressure Hydrocephalus: To Understand the Formation Mechanism from the Perspective of Clinicians
Authors: Li Guangzhao , Lin Bin , Yang Fei
Published: April 2024

Low-/negative-pressure hydrocephalus (LPH/NePH) is uncommon in clinical practice, and doctors are unfamiliar with it. LPH/NePH is frequently caused by other central nervous system diseases, and patients are frequently misdiagnosed with other types of hydrocephalus, resulting in delayed treatment. LPH/NePH therapy evolved to therapeutic measures based on “external ventricular drainage below atmospheric pressure” as the number of patients with LPH/NePH described in the literature has increased. However, the mechanism of LPH/NePH formation is unknown. Thus, understanding the process of LPH/NePH development is the most important step in improving diagnosis and treatment capability. Based on case reports of LPH/NePH, we reviewed theories of transcortical pressure difference, excessive cerebral venous drainage, brain viscoelastic changes, and porous elastic sponges.
Predictors of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Pediatric Patients with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Bhakta Rupal T. , Brown Clare C. , Garcia Xiomara , Dachepally Rashmitha , Prodhan Parthak
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to analyze factors associated with mechanical ventilation (MV) and prolonged MV (≥12 days) in pediatric hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) patients. Retrospective multicenter cohort study analyzed data from 3,831 pediatric HUS (age <18 years) patients between 2004 and 2018 from Pediatric Health Information System database. Multivariate logistic regression was used to pinpoint factors associated with MV and prolonged MV. Among 3,831 patients analyzed, 769 (20%) patients required MV, 166 (23.6%) of them were prolonged MV. Factors independently associated with prolonged MV include African American (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–3.54, p = 0.02), children aged between 1 and 5 years (aOR: 7.69, 95% CI: 3.71–15.93, p < 0.001), pneumonia (aOR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.51–4.25, p < 0.001), pneumothorax (aOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.08–5.39, p = 0.032), liver dysfunction (aOR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.68–6.16, p < 0.001), ileus with perforation (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.03–3.25, p = 0.039), and sepsis (aOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.26–3.08, p = 0.003). In pediatric HUS cases, 20% required MV, and 23.6% of them were prolonged MV. Factors associated with prolong MV include African American race, children aged between 1 and 5 years, pneumonia, pneumothorax, liver dysfunction, ileus with perforation, and sepsis.
The Diagnostic Yield of Chromosomal Microarray Analysis in Third-Trimester Fetal Abnormalities
Authors: Elron Eyal , Maya Idit , Shefer-Averbuch Noa , Kahana Sarit , Matar Reut , Klein Kochav , Agmon-Fishman Ifat , Gurevitch Merav , Basel-Salmon Lina , Levy Michal
Published: April 2024

Objective This study aimed to determine the diagnostic yield of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) performed in cases of fetal abnormalities detected during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Study Design A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for women who underwent amniocentesis at or beyond 28 weeks of gestation between January 2017 and February 2023. CMA results of pregnancies with abnormal sonographic findings not detected before 28 weeks were included.

Results A total of 482 fetuses met the inclusion criteria. The average maternal age was 31.3 years, and the average gestational age at amniocentesis was 32.3 weeks. The overall diagnostic yield of CMA was 6.2% (30 clinically significant copy number variations [CNVs]). The yield was 16.4% in cases with two or more fetal malformations, while cases with a single anomaly revealed a diagnostic yield of 7.3%. Cases presenting isolated polyhydramnios or isolated fetal growth restriction had a lower yield of 9.3 and 5.4%, respectively. Of the 30 clinically significant cases, 19 (or 63.4%) exhibited recurrent CNVs. The remaining 11 cases (or 36.6%) presented unique CNVs. The theoretical yield of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) in our cohort is 2% for aneuploidy, which implies that it could potentially miss up to 70% of the significant findings that could be identified by CMA. In 80% of the fetuses (or 24 out of 30) with clinically significant CNVs, the structural abnormalities detected on fetal ultrasound examinations corresponded with the CMA results.

Conclusion The 6.2% detection rate of significant CNVs in late-onset fetal anomalies confirms the value of CMA in third-trimester amniocentesis. The findings underscore the necessity of CMA for detecting CNVs potentially overlooked by NIPT and emphasize the importance of thorough genetic counseling.

Key Points
Fusion of a priori information and energy distribution for the centroiding method of the star sensor
Authors: Zhang Liu , Sun Bo , Liu He , Fan Guowei
Published: April 2024

The star sensor is the most accurate measurement instrument in the spacecraft attitude measurement system, and the accurate centroid of the star point is the basis for ensuring the performance of the star sensor. Currently, the centroid of the gray method is the most widely used centroid extraction method in practice. Systematic errors caused by the centroid of the gray method and random noise in the detector imaging process are the main factors contributing to the deviation of the star centroiding coordinates. Considering the relationship between the point spread function and the pixel gray value, this paper proposes a centroiding method to reduce the star point centroiding error by fusing a priori information and energy distribution. The star charts are first preprocessed using a curvature filter and Gaussian blur to reduce the random noise. Then the complexity of the point spread function is considered, and the pixel gray values are corrected based on a priori information and gray value fuzzy processing. Finally, the symmetry of the one-dimensional energy distribution is used to quickly determine the sub-pixel deviation to get the star centroid coordinates. Through simulation and physical simulation experiments, the method was verified to be effective, and the extraction accuracy met the requirements of high-precision star sensors. The night sky observation test results demonstrate that the method in this paper can improve the measurement accuracy of the star sensors.
Reversal of drug resistance in breast cancer cells by photodynamic action mediated by curcumin/Ko143/PLGA nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Junchao , Han Xiaoyu , Bai Dingqun
Published: April 2024

Objective: The objective of this study is to prepare Cur/Ko143/PLGA that encapsulate the photosensitizer curcumin (Cur) and the multidrug transporter-specific inhibitor Ko143 to investigate its application in reversing drug resistance in breast cancer and evaluate its properties and therapeutic efficacy. Results: After successful preparation of nanoparticles, the encapsulation rate of Cur/Ko143/PLGA was 73.8% ± 1.8%, and the drug loading rate was 2.8% ± 0.1%. The Cur/Ko143/PLGA were spherical and regular in morphology under transmission electron microscopy. The nanoparticles were morphologically intact, were uniform in size, and did not show significant aggregation under scanning electron microscopy. The average particle size of Cur/Ko143/PLGA was 232.32 ± 10.60 nm, the polymer dispersion index was 0.01, and the zeta potential was −17.25 ± 0.65 mV, as determined by laser particle sizing. In vitro ultrasound observation showed that Cur/Ko143/PLGA were enhanced in both the B-mode and contrast modes. Intracellular Cur fluorescence detection, biocompatibility testing, cell scratch experiment, flow detection of apoptosis, live–dead staining, and actin polymerization test all prove that new nanomaterials have better photodynamic efficacy. Conclusion: Drug-carrying Cur/Ko143/PLGA nanoparticles can increase the concentration of the intracellular photosensitizer Cur and increase the photodynamic efficacy by inhibiting an efflux pump, which is expected to become a new therapeutic strategy.
Cyclic electrochemical reactions on a Li-metal negative electrode having a low-resistance interface with a solid-state electrolyte
Authors: Kuwajima Hideaki , Watanabe Yuki , Ikezawa Keita , Yasuda Toshikazu , Shimizu Ryota , Masuyama Tomoki , Nakayama Yuri , Hitosugi Taro
Published: April 2024

Li metal is a promising negative-electrode material for high-energy-density all-solid-state batteries. However, the surface of Li metal is prone to oxidation, which results in the formation of a contamination layer at the Li metal–solid electrolyte interface. This interfacial contamination layer is the root cause of short-circuiting and poor cycle stability, thus hindering the development of all-solid-state batteries. Prior studies have not quantitatively assessed the effect of the above layer on battery performance. Herein, the degradation mechanisms affecting the interface are investigated using alternating-current impedance measurements and Li plating–stripping cycle tests for a symmetric cell. A thin contamination layer results in a Li–electrolyte interface with a low resistance of 0.20 kΩ cm2 and stable Li plating–stripping behavior at a current density of 3 mA cm−2, whereas a thick contamination layer results in a high interfacial resistance of 2.0 kΩ cm2. The thinning of the contamination layer on Li metal enhances the stability of the Li–electrolyte interface and Li plating–stripping kinetics.
Interoperable workflows by exchanging grid-based data between quantum-chemical program packages
Authors: Focke Kevin , De Santis Matteo , Wolter Mario , Martinez B Jessica A. , Vallet Valérie , Pereira Gomes André Severo , Olejniczak Małgorzata , Jacob Christoph R.
Published: April 2024

Quantum-chemical subsystem and embedding methods require complex workflows that may involve multiple quantum-chemical program packages. Moreover, such workflows require the exchange of voluminous data that go beyond simple quantities, such as molecular structures and energies. Here, we describe our approach for addressing this interoperability challenge by exchanging electron densities and embedding potentials as grid-based data. We describe the approach that we have implemented to this end in a dedicated code, PyEmbed, currently part of a Python scripting framework. We discuss how it has facilitated the development of quantum-chemical subsystem and embedding methods and highlight several applications that have been enabled by PyEmbed, including wave-function theory (WFT) in density-functional theory (DFT) embedding schemes mixing non-relativistic and relativistic electronic structure methods, real-time time-dependent DFT-in-DFT approaches, the density-based many-body expansion, and workflows including real-space data analysis and visualization. Our approach demonstrates, in particular, the merits of exchanging (complex) grid-based data and, in general, the potential of modular software development in quantum chemistry, which hinges upon libraries that facilitate interoperability.
When do waves drive plasma flows?
Authors: Ochs Ian E.
Published: April 2024

Flows and rotation, particularly E×B rotation, are critical to improving plasma performance, and waves are a primary tool of plasma control. Thus, it is paramount to understand under what conditions waves can drive E×B flows in plasmas. In this didactic review, an invited paper accompanying the 2023 Marshall N. Rosenbluth Doctoral Thesis Award, this question is answered in the context of momentum-conserving quasilinear theory. There are two primary frameworks for momentum-conserving quasilinear theories that can handle both resonant and nonresonant particles: Eulerian averaging theories and oscillation-center Hamiltonian theories. There are also two different paradigmatic wave problems: plane-wave initial value problems, and steady-state boundary value problems. Here, it is shown that each of these frameworks “naturally” works better with a different problem type. By using these theories, one finds a great difference in the behavior of time- vs space-dependent waves. A time-evolving plane wave can only drive flow if the electromagnetic momentum of the wave, given by the Poynting flux, changes. This result precludes flow drive by any planar electrostatic wave. In contrast, a steady-state spatially evolving wave can drive flow whenever there is divergence in the flux of Minkowski momentum, a completely different physical quantity. This review aims to provide a high-level, intuitive understanding of the very different behaviors observed for these two types of problem.