bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplemental Material: Sr-Nd-Ca isotopic variations of Cenozoic calc-alkaline and alkaline volcanic rocks above a slab tear in Western Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Deng Hao , al. et
Published: April 2023

 Supplemental Text S1: Corresponding detailed descriptions of the analytical methods. Figure S1: (a) SiO2 versus Na2O + K2O classification diagram from Middlemost (1994); (b) Zr/TiO2 versus Nb/Y classification from Winchester and Floyd (1977); (c) SiO2 versus K2O diagram. Figure S2: Variation diagrams of δ44/40Ca values versus LOI contents. Figure S3: Variation diagrams of CaO, Al2O3 and Eu/Eu* versus SiO2 for the Gördes dacites. Figure S4: Variation diagrams of SiO2, Nb/Nb* and La/Smcn versus 87Sr/86Sri for the Gördes dacites. Figure S5: Variation diagrams of MgO, TFe2O3, CaO and CaO/Al2O3 versus SiO2 for the Kula basalts. Figure S6: Variation diagrams of SiO2, La/Smcn, Nb/Nb* versus ɛNd (t) and 1/Sr versus (87Sr/86Sr)i for the Kula basalts. Figure S7: Variation diagrams of La/Sm versus Sm/Yb. Figure S8: Selected cathodoluminescence images and U-Pb concordia diagrams of analyzed zircons of dacites. Table S1: SHRIMP U-Pb data for zircons from Gördes dacites. Table S2: Major and trace elemental compositions of dacites and basalts. Table S3: Measured and recommended trace element concentrations (ppm) for AGV-2, BHVO-2, BCR-2 and RGM2. Table S4: Whole rock Sr-Nd compositions and calculations of basalts and dacites. Table S5: (a) Modeling calculation of Ca isotope fractionation during partial melting of spinel peridotite, (b) modeling calculation of Ca isotope fractionation during partial melting of garnet peridotite, and (c) modeling calcium isotope fractionation during partial melting of garnet pyroxenite. 
Human immunodeficiency virus retinopathy with presumed cytomegalovirus retinitis with macular oedema in a diabetic
Authors: Jayadev Chaitra , Sanjay Srinivasan , Handa Ashit , Agrawal Sameeksha
Published: April 2023

A man in his early 50s on regular follow-up for a stable non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) presented with decreased vision, worsening of retinal pathology and macular oedema in both eyes. His corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 6/9 in the right eye and 6/15 in the left eye and fundus examination showed multiple intraretinal haemorrhages in all quadrants. His systemic workup revealed a severe thrombocytopaenia, which prompted a further detailed systemic evaluation revealing him to be positive for HIV with retinopathy complicating the pre-existing NPDR. Given the significant inflammation and macular oedema, a cocktail of intravitreal bevacizumab, ganciclovir and dexamethasone was administered. The retinopathy and macular oedema resolved and the CDVA improved to 6/6 in both eyes over a 6-month follow-up period. Any sudden worsening of fundus findings in a patient with diabetes necessitates immediate and detailed ocular and systemic evaluation, especially when the immune status is unknown.
Preliminary effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses in chronic hand conditions: study protocol for a non-randomised interventional feasibility study
Authors: Oud Tanja , Tuijtelaars Jana , Bogaards Hans , Nollet Frans , Brehm Merel-Anne
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Hand orthoses are often provided to improve performance of activities of daily life (ADL). Yet, the manufacturing process of conventional custom-fabricated hand orthoses is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. Even though three-dimensional (3D) printing of orthoses is a rapidly growing area that can facilitate the manufacturing process of hand orthoses, evidence on the effectiveness, costs and production time of 3D-printed orthoses in chronic hand conditions is scarce. This study aims to assess (1) the preliminary effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses compared with conventionally custom-fabricated orthoses in persons with chronic hand conditions, (2) production time and costs of both orthoses and (3) experiences of the participants and orthotists with the manufacturing process of the 3D-printed orthosis.

Methods and analysis

In this prospective non-randomised interventional feasibility study, 20 adults with various chronic hand conditions using a conventional thumb, wrist or wrist-thumb orthosis will be provided with a 3D-printed corresponding type of orthosis. Assessments will be done 2 weeks prior to the intervention and at baseline for the conventional orthosis, and at 1 month and 4 months follow-up for the 3D-printed orthosis. The primary outcome is change from baseline in ADL performance (custom short form Dutch-Flemish Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Upper Extremity; ADL domain Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire Dutch language version (MHQ-DLV)) at 4 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes include general hand function (MHQ-DLV), satisfaction with the orthosis (Dutch Client Satisfaction with Device; Dutch version of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology), usability (in-house questionnaire) and quality of life (EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level). Costs and production time of the conventional and 3D-printed orthoses will be prospectively recorded. Experiences regarding the manufacturing process will be obtained from participants and orthotists (in-house questionnaire).

Ethics and dissemination

The Medical Ethics Committee of the Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Centre, has waived the requirement for ethical review of this study. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, and media aimed at a broad audience including patients.

Trial registration number

NCT05320211.
Types and effects of feedback for emergency ambulance staff: a systematic mixed studies review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wilson Caitlin , Janes Gillian , Lawton Rebecca , Benn Jonathan
Published: April 2023

Background

Extensive research has been conducted into the effects of feedback interventions within many areas of healthcare, but prehospital emergency care has been relatively neglected. Exploratory work suggests that enhancing feedback and follow-up to emergency medical service (EMS) staff might provide staff with closure and improve clinical performance. Our aim was to summarise the literature on the types of feedback received by EMS professionals and its effects on the quality and safety of patient care, staff well-being and professional development.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis, including primary research studies of any method published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies were included if they contained information on systematic feedback to emergency ambulance staff regarding their performance. Databases searched from inception were MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, PsycINFO, HMIC, CINAHL and Web of Science, with searches last updated on 2 August 2022. Study quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data analysis followed a convergent integrated design involving simultaneous narrative synthesis and random effects multilevel meta-analyses.

Results

The search strategy yielded 3183 articles, with 48 studies meeting inclusion criteria after title/abstract screening and full-text review. Interventions were categorised as audit and feedback (n=31), peer-to-peer feedback (n=3), postevent debriefing (n=2), incident-prompted feedback (n=1), patient outcome feedback (n=1) or a combination thereof (n=4). Feedback was found to have a moderate positive effect on quality of care and professional development with a pooled effect of d=0.50 (95% CI 0.34, 0.67). Feedback to EMS professionals had large effects in improving documentation (d=0.73 (0.00, 1.45)) and protocol adherence (d=0.68 (0.12, 1.24)), as well as small effects in enhancing cardiac arrest performance (d=0.46 (0.06, 0.86)), clinical decision-making (d=0.47 (0.23, 0.72)), ambulance times (d=0.43 (0.12, 0.74)) and survival rates (d=0.22 (0.11, 0.33)). The between-study heterogeneity variance was estimated at σ2=0.32 (95% CI 0.22, 0.50), with an I2value of 99% (95% CI 98%, 99%), indicating substantial statistical heterogeneity.

Conclusion

This review demonstrated that the evidence base currently does not support a clear single point estimate of the pooled effect of feedback to EMS staff as a single intervention type due to study heterogeneity. Further research is needed to provide guidance and frameworks supporting better design and evaluation of feedback interventions within EMS.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020162600.
Temporal trends in the incidence of infective endocarditis in patients with a prosthetic heart valve
Authors: Hadji-Turdeghal Katra , Jensen Andreas Dalsgaard , Bruun Niels Eske , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Bundgaard Henning , Smerup Morten , Kober Lars , Østergaard Lauge , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup
Published: April 2023

Objective

The incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is increasing, as is the insertion of prosthetic heart valves. We aimed to examine nationwide temporal trends in the incidence of IE in patients with a prosthetic heart valve in Denmark from 1999 to 2018.

Methods

Using the Danish nationwide registries, we identified patients who underwent heart valve implantation (for other reasons than IE) between 1999 and 2018. Crude incidence rates of IE per 1000 person-years (PY) were computed in 2-year intervals. IE incidences were compared using sex-adjusted and age-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) using Poisson regression across calendar periods (1999–2003, 2004–2008, 2009–2013, and 2014–2018).

Results

We identified 26 604 patients with first-time prosthetic valve implantation (median age 71.7 years (IQR 62.7–78.0), 63% males). The median follow-up time was 5.4 years (IQR 2.4–9.6). Patients in the time period 2014–2018 were older (median age of 73.9 years (66.2:80.3)), and with a higher burden of comorbidities compared with the time period 1999–2003 (median age of 67.9 years (58.3:74.5)) at the time of implantation. A total of 1442 (5.4%) patients developed IE. The lowest IE incidence rate was 5.4/1000 PY (95% CI 3.9 to 7.4) in 2001–2002, and the highest incidence rate was 10.0/1000 PY (95% CI 8.8 to 11.1) in 2017–2018 with an unadjusted increase during the study period (p=0.003). We found an adjusted IRR of 1.04 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.06) (p<0.0007) per two calendar-years increments. Age-adjusted IRR for men were 1.04 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.07) (p=0.002) per two calendar years increment, and for women 1.03 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.07) (p=0.12), with p=0.32 for interaction.

Conclusion

In Denmark, the incidence of IE increased during the last 20 years in patients with prosthetic heart valves.
Outcomes during and after long-term tocilizumab treatment in patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Matza Mark A , Dagincourt Nicholas , Mohan Shalini V , Pavlov Andrey , Han Jian , Stone John H , Unizony Sebastian H
Published: April 2023

Objective

To assess outcomes in giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients during and after long-term tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of GCA patients treated with TCZ at a single centre (2010–2022). Time to relapse and annualised relapse rate during and after TCZ treatment, prednisone use, and safety were assessed. Relapse was defined as reappearance of any GCA clinical manifestation that required treatment intensification, regardless of C reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Results

Sixty-five GCA patients were followed for a mean (SD) of 3.1 (1.6) years. The mean duration of the initial TCZ course was 1.9 (1.1) years. The Kaplan-Meier (KM)-estimated relapse rate at 18 months on TCZ was 15.5%. The first TCZ course was discontinued due to satisfactory remission achievement in 45 (69.2%) patients and adverse events in 6 (9.2%) patients. KM-estimated relapse rate at 18 months after TCZ discontinuation was 47.3%. Compared with patients stopping TCZ at or before 12 months of treatment, the multivariable adjusted HR (95% CI) for relapse in patients on TCZ beyond 12 months was 0.01 (0.00 to 0.28; p=0.005). Thirteen patients received >1 TCZ course. Multivariable adjusted annualised relapse rates (95% CI) in all periods on and off TCZ aggregated were 0.1 (0.1 to 0.2) and 0.4 (0.3 to 0.7), respectively (p=0.0004). Prednisone was discontinued in 76.9% of patients. During the study, 13 serious adverse events occurred in 11 (16.9%) patients.

Conclusion

Long-term TCZ treatment was associated with remission maintenance in most patients with GCA. The estimated relapse rate by 18 months after TCZ discontinuation was 47.3%.
Environment polarity effects on the microscopic nonlinear optical properties of some asymmetrical azobenzene molecules
Authors: Khadem Sadigh M. , Shamkhali A.N.
Published: April 2023

Solvent as a complex environment can surround solute molecules and modify their function. In this work, different solute–solvent interaction effects on the nonlinear optical behavior of some azo dyes were studied at the molecular level. In this case, spectroscopic technique and density functional theory were used. According to the results, molecular dipole transition, changes between ground and excited state dipole moments, substituent, and environment polarity play considerable effects on the molecular nonlinear optical responses. In addition to solvent effects on the molecular first- and second-order hyperpolarizability, the two-photon absorption cross-section is also modified due to solvent-induced interactions. Moreover, the determination of the contribution of dominant solvent effects on the molecular nonlinear optical behavior can facilitate the studies on the application of optical samples in designing various optical systems.
Synthesis and structural studies of group 12 oxazoline-enolate coordination complexes of (Z)-1-R-2-(4′,4′-dimethyl-2′-oxazolin-2′-yl)-eth-1-en-1-ates; part I: the zinc derivatives
Authors: Hill Matthew C. , Lough Alan J. , Gossage Robert A.
Published: April 2023

The synthesis and characterisation (IR, NMR, HR-MS, and X-ray crystallography) of six oxazoline Zn complexes, containing enolate ligands derived from a series of ( Z)-1- R-2-(4′,4′-dimethyl-2′-oxazolin-2′-yl)-eth-1-en-1-ols ( R = C6H5, C6H4- p-NO2, C6H4- p-OCH3, CF3, CH3, or CMe3) is detailed. All derivatives are air-stable solids of formula Zn( Ln)2and are formed in the presence of the title ligands and NEt3. Reasonable yields (53%–82%) are obtained with the exception of R = CMe3(9%); in this case, by-product formation and high solubility affected complex isolation. Crystallographic characterisation reveals that in all cases the ligands are bound in a κ2-N ,O-bonding motif. Little structural diversity is noted within the series; these complexes are further placed into structural context with related Zn materials containing oxazoline, phenolate, and (or) Schiff base ligands.
On the Gauduchon curvature of Hermitian manifolds
Authors: Broder Kyle , Stanfield James
Published: April 2023

It is shown that many results, previously believed to be properties of the Lichnerowicz Ricci curvature, hold for the Ricci curvature of all Gauduchon connections. We prove the existence of [Formula: see text]-Gauduchon Ricci-flat metrics on the suspension of a compact Sasaki–Einstein manifold, for all [Formula: see text]; in particular, for the Bismut, Minimal and Hermitian conformal connection. A monotonicity theorem is obtained for the Gauduchon holomorphic sectional curvature, illustrating a maximality property for the Chern connection and furnishing insight into known phenomena concerning hyperbolicity and the existence of rational curves. Moreover, we show a rigidity result for Hermitian metrics which have a pair of Gauduchon holomorphic sectional curvatures that are equal, elucidating a duality implicit in the recent work of Chen–Nie.
Theoretical analysis on the Rényi holographic dark energy in the fractal cosmology
Authors: Zhang Sibo , Qi Yannan , Yang Weiqiang , Zhao Chenchen , Feng Wenyu , Jiang Bo
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we investigate the Rényi holographic dark energy model with the interaction between dark energy and dark matter within the framework of the fractal cosmology in which the Hubble horizon is considered as the IR cutoff. In this setting, we derive the evolution equation of the Rényi holographic dark energy density parameter, the equation of state (EoS) parameter and deceleration parameter. We find that the model in the fractal cosmology can explain the accelerated expansion of the universe. In addition, we discuss the statefinder diagnosis of this model, plotting the curves of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with redshift [Formula: see text] and the evolutionary trajectories of [Formula: see text]. We find that statefinder can ideally break the degeneracy of different coupling parameter values in this model. Moreover, we find that the statefinder pair [Formula: see text] performs better than [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in this model.
Standard monomials and invariant theory for arc spaces I: General linear group
Authors: Linshaw Andrew R. , Song Bailin
Published: April 2023

This is the first in a series of papers on standard monomial theory and invariant theory of arc spaces. For any algebraically closed field [Formula: see text], we construct a standard monomial basis for the arc space of the determinantal variety over [Formula: see text]. As an application, we prove the arc space analogue of the first and second fundamental theorems of invariant theory for the general linear group.
Modular Component-Based Quantum Circuit Synthesis
Authors: Kang Chan Gu , Oh Hakjoo
Published: April 2023

In this article, we present a novel method for synthesizing quantum circuits from user-supplied components. Given input-output state vectors and component quantum gates, our synthesizer aims to construct a quantum circuit that implements the provided functionality in terms of the supplied component gates. To achieve this, we basically use an enumerative search with pruning. To accelerate the procedure, however, we perform the search and pruning at the module level; instead of simply enumerating candidate circuits by appending component gates in sequence, we stack modules, which are groups of gate operations.
With this modular approach, we can effectively reduce the search space by directing the search in a way that bridges the gap between the current circuit and the input-output specification.
Evaluation on 17 benchmark problems shows that our technique is highly effective at synthesizing quantum circuits. Our method successfully synthesized 16 out of 17 benchmark circuits in 96.6 seconds on average. On the other hand, the conventional, gate-level synthesis algorithm succeeded in 10 problems with an average time of 639.1 seconds. Our algorithm increased the speed of the baseline by 20.3x for the 10 problems commonly solved by both approaches.
Automated Translation of Functional Big Data Queries to SQL
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Mariano Benjamin , Shen Xipeng , Dillig Işıl
Published: April 2023

Big data analytics frameworks like Apache Spark and Flink enable users to implement queries over large, distributed databases using functional APIs. In recent years, these APIs have grown in popularity because their functional interfaces abstract away much of the minutiae of distributed programming required by traditional query languages like SQL. However, the convenience of these APIs comes at a cost because functional queries are often less efficient than their SQL counterparts. Motivated by this observation, we present a new technique for automatically transpiling functional queries to SQL. While our approach is based on the standard paradigm of counterexample-guided inductive synthesis, it uses a novel
column-wise decomposition
technique to split the synthesis task into smaller subquery synthesis problems. We have implemented this approach as a new tool called RDD2SQL for translating Spark RDD queries to SQL and empirically evaluate the effectiveness of RDD2SQL on a set of real-world RDD queries. Our results show that (1) most RDD queries can be translated to SQL, (2) our tool is very effective at automating this translation, and (3) performing this translation offers significant performance benefits.
Contextual Linear Types for Differential Privacy
Authors: Toro Matías , Darais David , Abuah Chike , Near Joseph P. , Árquez Damián , Olmedo Federico , Tanter Éric
Published: April 2023

Language support for differentially private programming is both crucial and delicate. While elaborate program logics can be very expressive, type-system-based approaches using linear types tend to be more lightweight and amenable to automatic checking and inference, and in particular in the presence of higher-order programming. Since the seminal design of
Fuzz
, which is restricted to ϵ-differential privacy in its original design, significant progress has been made to support more advanced variants of differential privacy, like (ϵ,
δ
)-differential privacy. However, supporting these advanced privacy variants while also supporting higher-order programming in full has proven to be challenging. We present
Jazz
, a language and type system that uses linear types and latent contextual effects to support both advanced variants of differential privacy and higher-order programming. Latent contextual effects allow delaying the payment of effects for connectives such as products, sums, and functions, yielding advantages in terms of precision of the analysis and annotation burden upon elimination, as well as modularity. We formalize the core of
Jazz
, prove it sound for privacy via a logical relation for metric preservation, and illustrate its expressive power through a number of case studies drawn from the recent differential privacy literature.
Temperature and Performance Inhomogeneities in PEM Electrolysis Stacks with Industrial Scale Cells
Authors: Krenz T. , Weiland O. , Trinke P. , Helmers L. , Eckert C. , Bensmann B. , Hanke-Rauschenbach R.
Published: April 2023

In this work temperature inhomogeneities and their influence on PEMWE performance of industrial-scale stacks are investigated. Three temperature differences are examined: (i) between the inlet and outlet, (ii) in-between the cells of a stack, (iii) between the cell’s solid materials and the fluids. A validated stack model for temperature and performance is presented which is used to quantify the above-mentioned temperature fields and their influences on current density distribution and cell voltages. For a chosen scenario, with current densities of 2.0 A cm−2, fluid inlet temperatures of 60 °C and flow-rates of 0.15 kg s−1m−2, peak temperature differences amount to 8.2 K along-the-channel. This relates to inhomogeneities of current density of up to 10% inside a cell and deviations of cell voltage of 9 mV in-between cells in the center of the stack and outer cells. For higher current densities these differences increase further. More homogeneous temperatures allow operation at elevated average temperatures without exceeding temperature limitations and reduce the spread of degradation mechanisms. Hence, homogenous profiles lead to a more hole-some utilization of electrolysis stacks. Therefore, the ability to homogenize via alternative operation such as higher flow-rate, higher pressure and altered routing of fluid-flow is analyzed.
Decoupling the Effect of Electrolyte Infiltration on the Intercalation of Alkali Metal Ions in Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite
Authors: Li Zhi-Yuan , Yang Le , Li Na , Lyu Siqi , Chen Hao-Sen , Song Wei-Li
Published: April 2023

Diffusion coefficients of ion in graphitic materials are responsible for high-rate batteries. However, the complex electrochemical response presented a challenge to accurately measure the diffusion coefficient of alkali-metal ions in graphitic materials. Here we design a method to identify the diffusion coefficients of Li+ and Na+ in highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) with and without presence of liquid electrolyte infiltration. The results reveal inherent high diffusivity of Li+ in HOPG (∼10−7 cm2·s−1), as compared to HOPG with electrolyte infiltration (∼10−8 cm2·s−1), while Na+ has almost no interlayer diffusion without solvent infiltration. The presence of electrolyte has different effect on the interlayer diffusion of Li+ and Na+.
Lithium Trapping and Irreversible Atomic-Scale Structure Evolution during Delithiation of Silicon Oxides as Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Oupatam Matachan , Untarabut Panupol , Banlusan Kiettipong
Published: April 2023

Optimizing the oxygen content of silicon oxides used as anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries is critical since it has diverse effects on lithium storage properties. However, the atomic-scale understanding of the effect of the oxygen content on structural evolution of the materials, particularly during delithiation is still limited. With this aim, we employ an iterative lithium extraction-relaxation algorithm based on reactive molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the dynamic processes of various silicon oxides. Our study highlights the effect of the oxygen content on various lithium storage properties, including the energetics of the interaction, lithium diffusion behaviors, lithium entrapment, structural reversibility during cycling, and mechanical properties. In particular, the simulations show that although increasing the oxygen content can significantly reduce the percentage of volume expansion during lithiation, which is a major cause of poor cycle retention of silicon- and silicon oxide-based anodes, this leads to an increased amount of the trapped lithium and an irreversible structural change during the reverse process. As contradictory conditions are required to achieve high specific capacity, long cycle life, and high coulombic efficiency, this atomistic study could provide a fundamental understanding beneficial for optimizing the oxygen content toward the development of silicon oxide-based anodes.
Effects of Ion Irradiation on Modifying Surface Characteristics and Dielectric Properties of PVA Polymeric Materials
Authors: Al-Yousef Haifa A. , Atta A. , Abdeltwab E. , Abdel-Hamid M. M.
Published: April 2023

In this work, PVA polymeric sheets were irradiated utilizing a homemade ion beam cold cathode source for use in optoelectronics applications. The PVA films were exposed to hydrogen beams with fluence range 8 × 1017 to 24 × 1017 ions.cm−2. The structural and functional group characteristics of pure and treated PVA films were investigated using XRD and FTIR methods, which confirmed the success fabrication of the PVA films. In frequency of 102 to 5 × 106 Hz, the conductivity, electrical impedance, and dielectric modulus of untreated and treated samples were determined. The dielectric characteristics of PVA films exhibit a significant modification when subjected to a hydrogen beam. Additionally, after being exposed to 16 × 1017 ions, the dielectric constant ε′ improved from 0.0078 for un-irradiated PVA to 0.0395, and conductivity changed from 8.87 × 10−11 S cm−1 to 3.32 × 10−10 S cm−1. Moreover, the relaxation time for PVA is reduced from 28.4 × 10−5 s to 8.98 × 10−5 s for 8 × 1017 ions.cm−2 and to 3.5 × 10−5 s for 24 × 1017 ions.cm−2. The present study extends the potential use of the treated PVA films to a broader range of fields, including microelectronics.
Gate MOSCAP Studies on Electroless Deposited Nickel Boron as Word Line Candidate Metal for Future Scaled 3-D NAND Flash
Authors: Ramesh S. , Rachidi S. , Donadio G. L. , Van den bosch G. , Rosmeulen M.
Published: April 2023

3-D NAND Flash has become the workhorse for non-volatile memory based storage. It is evermore important to develop solutions that keep NAND scaling in a sustainable path with respect to cost and performance. The memory cells in 3-D NAND are addressed by horizontal word lines (WLs) that are stacked vertically. With each technology node, the WL metallization, performed using CVD/ALD tungsten metal with a thin TiN barrier, poses a challenge in terms of WL cavity filling and WL resistance. A wet nickel boron (NiB) electroless and barrierless deposition is proposed for the next generation 3-D NAND Flash technology. Here, we investigate the memory behavior using metal/high-k/ONO/Si (MHONOS) capacitors while the resistivity and tensile stress were studied on blankets. Results indicate that the program and erase performance of the NiB devices are comparable to that of the W/TiN reference. Furthermore, the tensile stress is two times lower for the NiB integration.
Myofiber hypertrophy adaptations following 6 weeks of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction in untrained males and females
Authors: Reece Tanner M. , Godwin Joshua S. , Strube Michael J. , Ciccone Anthony B. , Stout Kevan W. , Pearson Jeremy R. , Vopat Bryan G. , Gallagher Philip M. , Roberts Michael D. , Herda Trent J.
Published: April 2023

This is the first study, to our knowledge, to examine myofiber hypertrophy from low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) in females. Although this type of training did not result in myofiber hypertrophy, there were comparable increases in muscle cross-sectional area compared with high-load resistance training. These findings possibly highlight that males and females respond in a similar manner to high-load resistance training and low-load resistance training with BFR.
Optimal Rebalancing Strategy for Shared e-Scooter Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Kim Sujae , Lee Gyeongjae , Choo Sangho
Published: April 2023

Shared e-scooters are provided as a free-floating service that can be freely rented and returned within the service area. Although this has a positive effect in terms of convenience for users of shared e-scooters, it is creating new urban problems, such as undermining the aesthetics of the city and obstructing the passage of pedestrians. Therefore, this study developed an optimal rebalancing algorithm to mitigate these problems and proposed an efficient operation plan. Complete relocation was performed to match the demand and supply for an efficient operation by reducing the unnecessary oversupply of shared e-scooters. The optimal rebalancing algorithm that reflects the attributes of e-scooters was developed through genetic algorithms and subsequently applied to actually used cases. The results indicate that when 20% of the potential demand was considered, an optimal solution could be derived with two relocation vehicles; however, when the potential demand was not considered, three relocation vehicles were required. Therefore, it is anticipated that the results of this study can serve as basic data for solving various urban problems caused by the recent rapid increase in the use of shared e-scooters.
Endoscopic Screening for Missed Lesions of Synchronous Multiple Early Gastric Cancer during Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Authors: Wan Jiangnan , Fang Yi , Jiang Haizhong , Wang Bujiang , Xu Lei , Hu Chunjiu , Chen Honghui , Ding Xiaoyun
Published: April 2023

Aims. To evaluate the value of endoscopic screening during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the detection of synchronous multiple early gastric cancer (SMEGC) and the risk factors for missed diagnosis of SMEGC. Methods. We conducted gastric endoscopic screening during ESD operation in 271 patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) referred for ESD, and endoscopic follow-up within 1 year after the operation. The detection and characteristics of SMEGC were analyzed in three stages: before ESD, during ESD operation, and within 1 year after ESD. Results. SMEGC was detected in 37 of 271 patients (13.6%). Among them, 21 patients with SMEGC (56.8%) were diagnosed before ESD, 9 (24.3%) were diagnosed with SMEGC by endoscopic screening during ESD operation, and 7 (18.9%) were found to have EGC lesions in the stomach during postoperative endoscopic follow-up within 1 year. The preoperative missed detection rate of SMEGC was 43.2%, and the rate of missed detection could be reduced by 24.3% (9/37) with endoscopic screening during ESD operation. Missed SMEGC lesions were more common in flat or depressed type and smaller in size than the lesions found before ESD. The presence of severe atrophic gastritis and age ≥60 years were significantly correlated with SMEGC (

P
<
0.05

), while multivariate analysis showed that age ≥60 years was an independent risk factor (OR = 2.63,

P
<
0.05

) for SMEGC. Conclusions. SMEGC lesions are apt to be missed endoscopically. Special attention should be paid to small, depressed, or flat lesions in detecting SMEGC, especially in elderly patients or (and) patients with severe atrophic gastritis. Endoscopic screening during ESD operation can effectively reduce the missed diagnosis rate of SMEGC.
Hybrid Fitted Numerical Scheme for Singularly Perturbed Convection-Diffusion Problem with a Small Time Lag
Authors: Ayele Mulunesh Amsalu , Tiruneh Awoke Andargie , Derese Getachew Adamu
Published: April 2023

In this article, a singularly perturbed convection-diffusion problem with a small time lag is examined. Because of the appearance of a small perturbation parameter, a boundary layer is observed in the solution of the problem. A hybrid scheme has been constructed, which is a combination of the cubic spline method in the boundary layer region and the midpoint upwind scheme in the outer layer region on a piecewise Shishkin mesh in the spatial direction. For the discretization of the time derivative, the Crank-Nicolson method is used. Error analysis of the proposed method has been performed. We found that the proposed scheme is second-order convergent. Numerical examples are given, and the numerical results are in agreement with the theoretical results. Comparisons are made, and the results of the proposed scheme give more accurate solutions and a higher rate of convergence as compared to some previous findings available in the literature.
First-Principle Studies of the Structural, Electronic, and Optical Properties of Double-Walled Carbon Boron Nitride Nanostructures Heterosystem under Various Interwall Distances
Authors: Saadu Itas Yahaya , Suleiman Abdussalam Balarabe , Ndikilar Chifu E. , Lawal Abdullahi , Razali Razif , Idowu Ismail Ibrahim , Uddin Khandaker Mayeen , Danmadami Amina Muhammad , Ahmad Pervaiz , Emran Talha Bin , Iqbal Faruque Mohammad Rashed
Published: April 2023

Structural, electronic, and optical properties of a new combined system of carbon and boron nitride nanotubes are studied using the DFT first principles as implemented in Quantum ESPRESSO codes. The corrections to the quasi-particle energies were studied via GW hybrid functional implemented in the YAMBO code within the many-body perturbation theory. The studies were performed under different interwall distances of 3.0 nm, 2.5 nm, and 1.5 nm between CNTs and BNNTs. The results showed that the structural properties demonstrated high stability of the double-walled carbon boron nitride nanotube (DWCBNNT) systems under interwall distance (IWD) of 3.00 nm, 2.50 nm, and 1.50 nm. Results also demonstrated an inverse variation between the IWD and the diameter of the DWCBNNT system. In terms of the electronic properties, all three configurations of the DWCBNNTs reveal semiconducting behavior under KS-DFT showing a direct band gap of 3.30 eV, 1.79 eV, and 0.81 eV under IWD of 3.0 nm, 2.5 nm, and 1.5 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the band gap of the DWCBNNT increases with an increase in IWD (decrease in inner tube diameter) and decreases with a decrease in IWD (increase in inner tube diameter). In all three cases, the bands are formed by the molecular orbitals of the armchair CBNNT which are transformed to a series of continuous energy levels; the behaviors of electrons that formed the heterostructure are related to the behavior of electrons in B, C, and N atoms. From the optical properties perspective, the studies were conducted in parallel and perpendicular directions to the nanotubes’ axes. The presence of static dielectric functions in parallel direction at 3.3, 3.4, and 4.5 for nanotubes under 3.0 nm, 2.5 nm, and 1.5 nm demonstrated optical refraction. Refractions were also observed in directions perpendicular to the nanotubes. Furthermore, optical reflections occur when there is a higher absorption. The ability of these CBNNT hybrid systems to refract in all directions revealed the most exciting properties of the armchair CBNNT suitable to be used in magnifying glass materials. The findings further imply that the optical absorption coefficient is inversely related to the diameter of the nanotubes and is directly correlated to the band gap.
The Determination of Polymyxin B in Critically Ill Patients by the HPLC-MS/MS Method
Authors: Wang Yirong , Chen Jingchun , Du Jinpan , Lei Liming , Zhao Boxin , Bai Yunpeng , Chen Dong , Wang Xipei , Chen Chunbo
Published: April 2023

Polymyxin B (PB) is a dose-dependent drug used to treat multidrug-resistantgram-negative bacteria, for which a suitable method is needed to determine clinical samples. A simple, economical, and efficient high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for polymyxin B1 (PB1), polymyxin B1-Ile (PB1-I), polymyxin B2 (PB2), and polymyxin B3 (PB3) in human plasma. Chromatographic column was Waters BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm). Phase A was water with 0.2% formic acid (FA), and phase B was acetonitrile containing 0.2% FA. The elution method is gradient elutio. The total analysis time was 5 min. The pretreatment method involved protein precipitation using acetonitrile containing 0.2% trifluoroacetic acid and 0.1% FA as the precipitant. The recovery rate was 92–99%. The total quantity of PB1 and PB1-I was measured in the linear range of 100–8000 ng/mL. Simultaneously, the total amounts of PB2 and PB3 were measured in the linear range of 11.9–948.5 ng/mL. This validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics of PB in critically ill patients.
Placement Matching of Children and Young People within Out-of-Home Residential Care: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Kor Kenny , Fernandez Elizabeth , Spangaro Jo
Published: April 2023

Residential care for children and young people is typically regarded as the least preferred option in out-of-home care by child welfare and protection practitioners. Increasingly, residential care is only used to place young people after multiple unsuccessful placements in kinship or foster care. Consequently, these young people often come into residential care with complex needs and entrenched emotional and behavioural difficulties. Coplacement of these young people in residential care has raised significant and persistent concern of peer victimisation while in residential care. Improved matching of peers within residential care may enhance safety and stability, a proposal for which young people themselves have expressed support. However, the matching of young people in residential care has received little attention in research. This article reports the qualitative findings of a multiinformant study, drawing on the first-hand experiences of 34 participants comprising eight young people and 26 practitioners in residential care, to identify the considerations they perceived as important when matching young people in residential care. Framework analysis of young people's and practitioners’ perspectives identified three matching strategies that may more effectively address the concern of peer victimisation in residential care including (1) balancing risks and strengths; (2) steering into collective duty of care; and (3) involving young people in planning and transition. Implications of the findings directly point to the need to prioritise young people’s rights to protection and participation, and to provide independent oversight to assist residential care organisations and the broader child welfare system to navigate the complexity in the practice of matching young people in residential care.
Determination of Aflatoxin B1 Contents in Peanut Protein Snack Bars
Authors: Ağagündüz Duygu , Şahin Teslime Özge , Yaşar Ayla Nisa , Gökyer Burak , Batuk Merve Hilal
Published: April 2023

Peanuts, which are rich in nutrients, are used in many products and are often a primary ingredient of protein bars. However, when the necessary production and storage conditions are not met, mycotoxins, and particularly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is the most toxic and most common mycotoxin, may pose a great risk. This study was undertaken to indirectly examine the appropriateness of storage conditions for peanut protein bars sold at different supply points and to identify the presence of AFB1 in compliance with the relevant legal limitations. In February and March 2022, different varieties of peanut protein bars without added sugars were obtained from local markets and nonmarket store chains (places where sports products, cosmetic products, and protein bars are sold) in Ankara, Turkey. AFB1 contents were analysed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The limit imposed by the Turkish Food Codex regulation on contaminants is 5 ppb. While 38.3% of the samples were under that limit, 61.7% were above. No significant difference was found for the place of sale (

p
=
0.542

and χ2 = 2.150), selling conditions (

p
=
0.497

), product ingredients, or remaining shelf-life (

p
=
0.804

) regarding the level of AFB1 in the samples. However, it was determined that samples with peanut percentages lower than 17.0% had higher amounts of AFB1 (

p
<
0.001

), and other available ingredients might affect the AFB1 content of peanut bars. It was concluded that most samples (n = 37.0,

p
<
0.001

, t = −8.607) posed a risk in terms of AFB1. Considering the shelf-life of such products and that peanuts can produce AFB1 during their shelf-life, it would be beneficial to monitor the frequency of supervision and prevent the sale of peanut bars with AFB1 contents higher than the limits.
Bioaccumulation of CdSe Quantum Dots Show Biochemical and Oxidative Damage in Wistar Rats
Authors: Das Kishan , Meena Ramovatar , Gaharwar Usha Singh , Priyadarshini Eepsita , Rawat Kamla , Paulraj R. , Mohanta Yugal Kishore , Saravanan Muthupandian , Bohidar Himadri B.
Published: April 2023

Cadmium selenium quantum dots (CdSe QDs) with modified surfaces exhibit superior dispersion stability and high fluorescence yield, making them desirable biological probes. The knowledge of cellular and biochemical toxicity has been lacking, and there is little information on the correlation between in vitro and in vivo data. The current study was carried out to assess the toxicity of CdSe QDs after intravenous injection in Wistar male rats (230 g). The rats were given a single dose of QDs of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg and were kept for 30 days. Following that, various biochemical assays, hematological parameters, and bioaccumulation studies were carried out. Functional as well as clinically significant changes were observed. There was a significant increase in WBC while the RBC decreased. This suggested that CdSe quantum dots had inflammatory effects on the treated rats. The various biochemical assays clearly showed that high dose induced hepatic injury. At a dose of 80 mg/kg, bioaccumulation studies revealed that the spleen (120 g/g), liver (78 g/g), and lungs (38 g/g) accumulated the most. In treated Wistar rats, the bioretention profile of QDs was in the following order: the spleen, liver, kidney, lungs, heart, brain, and testis. The accumulation of these QDs induced the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, resulting in an alteration in antioxidant activity. It is concluded that these QDs caused oxidative stress, which harmed cellular functions and, under certain conditions, caused partial brain, kidney, spleen, and liver dysfunction. This is one of the most comprehensive in vivo studies on the nanotoxicity of CdSe quantum dots.
On Neutrosophic 2-Metric Spaces with Application
Authors: Asghar Ali , Hussain Aftab , Ahmad Khaleel , Ishtiaq Umar , Al Sulami Hamed , Hussain Nawab
Published: April 2023

Classical sets, fuzzy sets, intuitionistic fuzzy sets, and other sets are all generalized into the neutrosophic sets. A neutrosophic set is a mathematical approach that helps with challenges involving data that is inconsistent, indeterminate, or imprecise. The goal of this manuscript is to present the notion of neutrosophic 2-metric spaces. In this situation, we prove various fixed point theorems. The findings support previous methodologies in the literature and are backed up by various examples and an application.
Assessing the Quality of Concrete Tunnel Lining Exposed to Tunnel Fire through Residual Compressive Strength
Authors: Alhawat Husen , Hamid R. , Baharom Shahrizan , Azmi M. R. , Kaish A. B. M. A.
Published: April 2023

Compressive strength performance of concrete after exposure to the elevated temperature is important for evaluating and repairing concrete structures. This paper presents an experimental study to determine the residual compressive strength of concrete used in tunnel lining after exposed to tunnel fire. Two types of concrete tunnel lining segments are evaluated in this study. One of it was constructed using a patented fire-resistant concrete (MYC) containing high volume fly ash and nanosilica (HVFANS). Another concrete tunnel lining segment was constructed using concrete containing silica fume normally used in the current construction, coded as SPC concrete. The drilled core results show that, after exposure to tunnel fire temperature up to around 1045°C, the compressive strength of MYC has dropped to 66% of the design strength. In comparison, the SPC concrete showed a decrease in compressive strength to 62% of design strength. The experimental results confirmed that the SPC segments have shown slightly lower residual compressive strength compared to the MYC segments. However, the MYC tunnel segment shows high resistance to the spalling of cover concrete compared to the SPC tunnel segment. Therefore, it can be said that the residual strength alone is not sufficient to compare the damage of concrete exposed to tunnel fire; the spalling damage observation is similarly important as it is one of the important serviceability criteria for designing concrete structures.
Data from Clonal Hematopoiesis Mutations in Patients with Lung Cancer Are Associated with Lung Cancer Risk Factors
Authors: Hong Wei , Li Ang , Liu Yanhong , Xiao Xiangjun , Christiani David C. , Hung Rayjean J. , McKay James , Field John , Amos Christopher I. , Cheng Chao
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is a phenomenon caused by expansion of white blood cells descended from a single hematopoietic stem cell. While CH can be associated with leukemia and some solid tumors, the relationship between CH and lung cancer remains largely unknown. To help clarify this relationship, we analyzed whole-exome sequencing (WES) data from 1,958 lung cancer cases and controls. Potential CH mutations were identified by a set of hierarchical filtering criteria in different exonic regions, and the associations between the number of CH mutations and clinical traits were investigated. Family history of lung cancer (FHLC) may exert diverse influences on the accumulation of CH mutations in different age groups. In younger subjects, FHLC was the strongest risk factor for CH mutations. Association analysis of genome-wide genetic variants identified dozens of genetic loci associated with CH mutations, including a candidate SNP rs2298110, which may promote CH by increasing expression of a potential leukemia promoter gene OTUD3. Hundreds of potentially novel CH mutations were identified, and smoking was found to potentially shape the CH mutational signature. Genetic variants and lung cancer risk factors, especially FHLC, correlated with CH. These analyses improve our understanding of the relationship between lung cancer and CH, and future experimental studies will be necessary to corroborate the uncovered correlations.
Significance:
Analysis of whole-exome sequencing data uncovers correlations between clonal hematopoiesis and lung cancer risk factors, identifies genetic variants correlated with clonal hematopoiesis, and highlights hundreds of potential novel clonal hematopoiesis mutations.