bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a template for operative reporting of pediatric cancer surgery in limited‐resource settings by using a modified Delphi method
Authors: Abdelhafeez Abdelhafeez , Harrison Derek , Nugud Faisal , Sanhouri Kanan , Grant Christa N. , Aronson Daniel C. , Bukhari Zaitun , Israels Trijin , Langer Monica , Sharma Shilpa , Munanzvi Kudzayi , Muzira Arlene , Moreno Amabelle , Ngongola Amon , Shalkow Jaime , Abib Simone , Lakhoo Kokila
Published: August 2023

Purpose

A comprehensive operative report for cancer surgery is crucial for accurate disease staging, risk stratification, and therapy escalation/de‐escalation, which affects the outcome. Narrative operative reports may fail to include some critical findings. Furthermore, standardized operative reports can form the basis of a local registry, which is often lacking in limited‐resource settings (LRSs). In adult literature, synoptic operative reports (SOR) contain more key findings than narrative operative reports. In the LRSs, where the capacity of diagnostic pathology services is typically suboptimal, the value of a thorough operative report is even greater. The aim of this study was to develop a SOR template to help standardize childhood cancer surgery reporting in LRSs.

Methods

Twenty‐three experts in pediatric cancer with extensive experience practicing in LRSs were invited to participate in a modified Delphi procedure. SOR domains for pediatric oncology surgery were drafted based on a literature search and then modified based on experts’ opinions. The experts anonymously answered multiple rounds of online questionnaires until all domains and subdomains reached a consensus, which was predefined as 70% agreement.

Results

Sixteen experts participated in the study, and two rounds of the survey were completed. Twenty‐one domains were considered relevant, including demographics, diagnosis, primary site, preoperative disease stage, previous tumor biopsy or surgery, preoperative tumor rupture, neoadjuvant therapy, surgical access, type of resection, completeness of resection, tumor margin assessment, locoregional tumor extension, organ resection, intraoperative tumor spillage, vascular involvement, lymph node sampling, estimated blood loss, intraoperative complications and interventions to address them, specimen names, and specimen orientation.

Conclusion

We developed a SOR template for pediatric oncology surgery in LRSs. Consensus for all 21 domains and associated subdomains was achieved using a modified Delphi procedure.
Crashworthiness analysis and multi‐objective optimization of Al/CFRP hybrid tube with initial damage under transverse impact
Authors: Cai Weiwen , Ma Qihua , Wang Yazhe , Gan Xuehui
Published: August 2023

Damage can cause uncontrollable changes during the service of a structure, leading to a reduction in mechanical properties and ultimately to structural failure. This paper presents an experimental and numerical study of the crashworthiness of thin‐walled Al/CFRP hybrid tubes with pre‐existing transverse compression damage under transverse impact loading. Experiments shows that initial damage has a more limited effect on the energy absorption capacity of hybrid tubes under impact loading, but has a greater effect on their deformation pattern and the evolution of damage. After impact, cracks on the surface of the damaged tube propagate into multiple, discontinuous cracks with a total length similar to the length of the tube. Conversely, only short cracks are generated on the intact tube. Subsequent finite element simulations demonstrate the validity and accuracy of a coupled multi‐loads model and explore the effect of different structural parameters (winding angle and number of CFRP layers, and thickness of Al tube) on the crashworthiness of the hybrid tubes. Finally, a multi‐objective snake optimizer algorithm (MOSO) was used to obtain an optimal hybrid tube structure for multiple loading conditions in order to minimize the effect of initial damage on the crashworthiness of the hybrid tube. In comparison to the simulation outcomes for the original structure, the peak crushing force (PCF) decreased by 28.46%, whereas the specific energy absorption (SEA) increased by 44.59%.

Highlight

The effect of pre‐existing damage on the crashworthiness and deformation pattern of hybrid tube structures is investigated by means of experimental and numerical simulations.

A multi‐step finite element model was developed using the restart method to realize the crashworthiness analysis of the hybrid tube under multiple load coupling conditions.

The prediction accuracy of four surrogate models for the crashworthiness of hybrid tubes is compared and analyzed.

The multi‐objective snake optimizer algorithm (MOSO) is proposed to obtain the optimum hybrid tube structure for multiple loading conditions.
Microstructure development and mechanical performance of MWCNTs/GNPs filled SEBS with different block content
Authors: Alavi Kosar , Tarashi Sara , Nazockdast Hossein , Rafizadeh Mehdi
Published: August 2023

Polystyrene‐poly (ethylene‐butylene)‐polystyrene (SEBS) nanocomposites have been regarded as promising thermoplastic elastomers for several industries owing to their distinct molecular platforms and properties. However, extending their applications requires a thorough understanding of the microstructural changes that nanoparticles induce in SEBS chains. In this work, we used two types of SEBS varying in polystyrene (PS) hard block contents to study the relationship between the structural changes and viscoelastic/mechanical properties of SEBS hybrid nanocomposites containing different multi‐walled carbon nanotubes: graphene nanoplatelets ratios. According to the results, the viscoelastic responses were strongly influenced by the PS block content and nanoparticles ratio, which had an appreciable contribution to the nanoparticles' dispersion state. This was explained in terms of intensified microphase separation induced by the favorable interactions between the carbon‐based nanoparticles and PS blocks. It was also found that the samples containing higher hard block content demonstrated more significant mechanical performance and toughness, which were enhanced by the addition of nanoparticles such that the highest ultimate strength of 24.58 MPa was obtained for the S30C0.5G0.5 sample. Furthermore, some mechanisms, including molecular disentanglements, dissociation of inter/intra‐molecular interactions, the orientation of the rubbery polyethylene butylene chains, and PS microdomain rearrangement, were supposed to interpret the energy dissipation capability of SEBS nanocomposites.
Damage analysis of Nomex honeycomb sandwich structures using image processing and artificial intelligence approaches
Authors: Demirci Ibrahim , Saritas Ismail
Published: August 2023

In this study, a method was developed to detect impact damage and determine the damage propagation in increasing and repetitive impacts. The effect of nanographene additives on the propagation of delamination damage in the top face layer of a sandwich structure was investigated using the developed method. In addition, the effects of nanographene on visible (VID) or barely visible damage (BVID) formation were investigated, and the stiffness of the sandwich structures was evaluated. An ultrasonic C‐scan nondestructive testing was used to visualize the damage, and the numerical values of the damaged areas of the sandwich structures at different energy levels were determined using an image processing method. The obtained values were used in artificial neural network (ANN) training to estimate the impact energy at which the structural integrity of the sandwich structures was disrupted. It was observed that the nanographene additive was effective in maintaining rigidity of the sandwich structures and therefore, slowed the delamination damage progression in increasing and repeated impacts. The damage areas of the neat sandwich structures (NSS) and graphene nanoplatelets doped sandwich structures (GSS) structures at the first impact 5j energy level was 1004 and 811 mm2, respectively. At the first impact, 20% less damage occurred in the GNP‐doped sandwich structures. The increasing and repetitive last impact energies at the end of the neural network training were 5j + 35j in NSS and 5j + 50j in GSS. The method allows for a detailed examination of the damage progression of sandwich structures under increasing and repeated impact loads.

Highlights

Low‐velocity impact tests of Nomex honeycomb sandwich structures were performed.

Damage formation and propagation in sandwich structures were investigated.

The non‐destructive test C‐scan method was used to determine BVID.

The damaged areas were determined using an image processing method.

The damage areas were estimated using artificial neural networks.
Signal detection of adverse events associated with gabapentinoid use for chronic pain
Authors: Kuo Yong‐Fang , Polychronopoulou Efstathia , Raji Mukaila A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Gabapentinoids (GABA) prescribing as a potential and conceivably safer substitute for opioids has substantially increased. Understanding all potential adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with GABA will guide clinical decision‐making for pain management.

Methods

A 20% sample of Medicare enrollees with new chronic pain diagnoses in 2017–2018 was selected. GABA users were those with >=30 consecutive days prescription in a year without opioid prescription. Opioid users were similarly defined. The control group used neither of these drugs. Propensity score match across three groups based on demographics and comorbidity was performed. We used proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Gamma Poisson Shrinker, and tree‐based scan statistic (TBSS) to detect ADEs within 3, 6, and 12 months of follow‐up.

Results

Immunity disorder was detected within 3 months of follow‐up by PRR compared to opioid use (PRR:2.33), and by all three methods compared to controls. Complications of transplanted organs/tissues and schizophrenia spectrum/other psychotic disorders were consistently detected by PRR and TBSS within 3 months. Skin disorders were detected by TBSS; and stroke was detected by PRR within 3 months compared to opioid use (PRR:4.74). Some malignancies were detected by PRR within 12 months. Other signals detected in GABA users were neuropathy and nerve disorders.

Conclusions

Our study identified expected and unexpected ADE signals in GABA users. Neurological signals likely related to indications for GABA use. Signals for immunity, mental/behavior, and skin disorders were found in the FDA adverse event reporting system database. Unexpected signals of stroke and cancer require further confirmatory analyses to verify.
Poly(ethylene terephthalate)‐polyethylene block copolymer architecture effects on interfacial adhesion and blend compatibilization
Authors: Peng Xiayu , Shin Youngsu , Zervoudakis Aristotle J. , Nomura Keiichiro , Lindenmeyer Katelyn M. , Miller Kevin M. , Ellison Christopher J.
Published: August 2023

In this study, poly(ethylene terephthalate)‐block‐polyethylene (PET‐PE) multiblock copolymers (MBCPs) with block molar masses of ~4 or 7 kg mol−1 and either alternating or random block sequencing, and a PE‐PET‐PE triblock copolymer (TBCP) of comparable total molar mass, were synthesized. To explore the effect of molecular architecture on compatibilization, both MBCPs and TBCPs were blended into 80/20 wt/wt mixtures of PET/linear low‐density PE (LLDPE). Compatibilization was remarkably efficient for all MBCP types, with the addition of 0.2 wt% yielding blends nearly as tough as PET homopolymer. Addition of MBCP also significantly decreases LLDPE dispersed phase sizes compared to PET/LLDPE neat blends, as much as 80% in as‐mixed blends and by a factor of 10 in post‐mixing thermally annealed samples. Conversely, the TBCP was less efficient at decreasing domain sizes of the blends and improving the mechanical properties, requiring loadings of 1 wt% to produce comparably tough blends. Peel tests of PET/BCP/LLDPE trilayer films showed that both MBCPs and TBCP all improve interfacial strength over a PET‐PE bilayer film by two orders of magnitude; however, when the BCPs were preloaded into LLDPE, only the MBCP containing films showed strong adhesion highlighting their potential utility as adhesive agents in multilayer films.
Fast reactions of shocked energetic microporous metallic composites
Authors: Kumar Valluri Siva , Salvati Lawrence , Dreizin Edward L. , Dlott Dana D.
Published: August 2023

Metal/oxidizer composites can potentially release more energy than organic explosives such as HMX (1,3,5,7‐Tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocane), but are generally unsuitable for high‐performance explosives due to slow energy release. These composites have physically separated fuel and oxidizer components, and their energetic combustion reactions are usually rate‐limited by diffusive mass transfer. Here we describe studies of metal composite microparticles produced by arrested reactive milling (ARM) in an emulsion process fluid, which produces particles with internal pores intended to facilitate rapid shear mixing of fuel and oxidizer under shock compression. The particles were sectioned with a microtome to determine the extent of internal porosity versus particle size. We describe a tabletop high‐throughput method for evaluating novel ARM composites, where a small number of composite microparticles are embedded in a transparent polymer and shocked by 4 km/s laser‐launched flyer plates. We compared the thermal emission from the composites to an HMX standard to determine whether these particles had potential to release energy fast enough to support a detonation. The thermal emission was analyzed by an optical pyrometer yielding nanosecond time‐dependent graybody temperatures and radiances. Thermal images were also obtained with a nanosecond camera in order to determine which particles were ignited by the shock. We found that the larger more porous particles ignited more readily, showing that internal porosity can be engineered to increase chemical reactivity under shock in metal/oxidizer composites. Both the composite and the HMX were ignited by shock on a <20 ns time scale, although the composite temperature of 5000 K was significantly greater than the 3500 K HMX temperature.
Improving PSM and HSEMS compliance in Malaysian upstream oil and gas industry: A case study assessment for plug and abandonment activities
Authors: Zulkiply Mohd Shazman , Hussain Siti Aslina
Published: August 2023

Process safety incidents in the oil and gas industry can have serious consequences. In the United States and Malaysia, standards for process safety management (PSM) have been established by US OSHA and PETRONAS, respectively. However, these standards are not always properly understood or followed by employers, resulting in ineffective safety programs and uncontrolled hazards. Plug and abandonment (P&A) activities in the upstream oil and gas industry require high control of well barriers. To assess the gap between PSM industrial standards and crew awareness in P&A activities, a study was conducted throughout one cycle of the project campaign. The study found that 70% of offshore crews had a high awareness level of the health, safety, and environment management system (HSEMS) and PSM, and 96% compliance was achieved from audit activities. However, two proposed PSM elements scored low in the assessment, indicating a need for improvement in site implementation. The study provides valuable information for offshore crews and readers seeking to improve and assess PSM elements in process safety. The results can help identify and control potential hazards related to technical safety, operational safety, and personnel safety. Furthermore, the study aims to support the development and implementation of PSM standards in Malaysia.
Bond dissociation energies of the fifth‐row elements (InI): A quantum theoretical benchmark study
Authors: Badran Ismail , Hashlamoun Kotaybah , Nassar Nashaat N.
Published: August 2023

The bond dissociation energies (BDE) of most main‐group elements have been accurately measured. However, the BDE values for heavy elements, particularly those from the fifth period (InI), are still missing or poorly validated. This study aims to identify the most accurate computational methods for calculating BDE values of compounds containing fifth‐row elements, including In, Sn, Sb, Te, and I, with a focus on readily accessible methods in software packages. The investigation involved a benchmark study using density functional theory (DFT), in addition to the 2nd order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) and the coupled cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations CCSD(T). The DFT functionals used in the study include APFD, B3LYP, B3LYP‐D3, B3P86, B97‐D3, BHandH, HSEH1PBE, M06‐2X, MN12‐SX, MN15‐L, and TPSSH. The functionals were carefully selected to cover some popular functionals as well as to cover all levels of the Jacob's ladder of DFT accuracy. The computed BDE values were compared with experimental values, and the results were filtered to remove any possible outliers. The statistical errors (MAPE, RMSE, and Pearson's) were then calculated and used to assess the performance of the methods.
Subgroup analysis using Bernoulli‐gated hierarchical mixtures of experts models
Authors: Li Wei , Luo Shanshan , He Yangbo , Geng Zhi
Published: August 2023

When it is suspected that the treatment effect may only be strong for certain subpopulations, identifying the baseline covariate profiles of subgroups who benefit from such a treatment is of key importance. In this paper, we propose an approach for subgroup analysis by firstly introducing Bernoulli‐gated hierarchical mixtures of experts (BHME), a binary‐tree structured model to explore heterogeneity of the underlying distribution. We show identifiability of the BHME model and develop an EM‐based maximum likelihood method for optimization. The algorithm automatically determines a partition structure with optimal prediction but possibly suboptimal in identifying treatment effect heterogeneity. We then suggest a testing‐based postscreening step to further capture effect heterogeneity. Simulation results show that our approach outperforms competing methods on discovery of differential treatment effects and other related metrics. We finally apply the proposed approach to a real dataset from the Tennessee's Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio project.
H2O2‐Induced Persistent Luminescence Signal Enhancement Applied to Biosensing
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Viana Bruno , Mignet Nathalie , Scherman Daniel , Liu Yingshuai , Richard Cyrille
Published: August 2023

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are innovative materials able to emit light for a long time after the end of their excitation. Thanks to this property, their detection can be separated in time from the excitation, making it possible to obtain images with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. This optical property can be of particular interest for the development of in vitro biosensors. Here, we report the unexpected effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the signal intensity of ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ (ZGO) nanoparticles. In the presence of H2O2, the signal intensity of ZGO can be amplified. This signal amplification can be used to detect and quantify H2O2 in various media, using non‐functionalized ZGO nanoparticles. This small molecule can be produced by several oxidases when they react with their substrate. Indeed, the quantification of glucose, lactic acid, and uric acid is possible. The limit of detection could be lowered by modifying the nanoparticles synthesis route. These optimized nanoparticles can also be used as new biosensor to detect larger molecules such as antigen, using the appropriate antibody. This unique property, i.e., persistent luminescence signal enhancement induced by H2O2, represents a new way to detect biomolecules which could lead to a very large number of bioassay applications.
Photocatalytic Oxidative Coupling of Ethane to n‐Butane Using CO2 as a Soft Oxidant over NiTi‐Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Shen Tianyang , Wu Zhaohui , Bai Sha , Song Ziheng , Song Yu‐Fei
Published: August 2023

Selective conversion of ethane (C2H6) to high‐value‐added chemicals is a very important chemical process, yet it remains challenging owing to the difficulty of ethane activation. Here, a NiTi‐layered double hydroxide (NiTi‐LDH) photocatalyst is reported for oxidative coupling of ethane to n‐butane (n‐C4H10) by using CO2 as an oxidant. Remarkably, the as‐prepared NiTi‐LDH exhibits a high selectivity for n‐C4H10 (92.35%) with a production rate of 62.06 µmol g−1 h−1 when the feed gas (CO2/C2H6) ratio is 2:8. The X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and photoelectron characterizations demonstrate that NiTi‐LDH possesses rich vacancies and high electron–hole separation efficiency, which can promote the coupling of C2H6 to n‐C4H10. More importantly, density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that ethane is first activated on the oxygen vacancies of the catalyst surface, and the C─C coupling pathway is more favorable than the C─H cleavage to C2H4 or CH4, resulting in the high production rate and selectivity for n‐C4H10.
Self‐Assembled MoS2 Cladding for Corrosion Resistant and Frequency‐Modulated Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Materials from X‐Band to Ku‐Band
Authors: Zhou Jixi , Lan Di , Zhang Feng , Cheng Yuhang , Jia Zirui , Wu Guanglei , Yin Pengfei
Published: August 2023

Reasonable composition design and controllable structure are effective strategies for harmonic electromagnetic wave (EMW) adsorption of multi‐component composites. On this basis, the hybrid MoS2/CoS2/VN multilayer structure with the triple heterogeneous interface is prepared by simple stirring hydrothermal, which can satisfy the synergistic interaction between different components and obtain excellent EMW absorption performance. Due to the presence of multiple heterogeneous interfaces, MoS2/CoS2/VN composites will produce strong interfacial polarization, while the defects in the sample will become the center of polarization, resulting in dipole polarization. Due to the excellent structural design of MoS2/CoS2/VN composite material, MoS2/CoS2/VN composite material not only has good conductive loss and polarization loss, but also can maintain excellent stability in simulated seawater, and enhance corrosion resistance. The MoS2/CoS2/VN composite with dual functions of corrosion resistant and microwave absorption achieves a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −50.48 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of up to 5.76 GHz, covering both the X‐band and Ku‐band. Finally, this study provides a strong reference for the development of EMW absorption materials based on transition metal nitrides.
Robust Behavior of Charge Density Wave Quantum Motif Star‐of‐David in 2D NbSe2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Song Xuan , Huang Xinyu , Yang Han , Jia Liangguang , Zhang Quanzhen , Huang Yuan , Wu Xu , Liu Liwei , Gao Hong‐Jun , Wang Yeliang
Published: August 2023

Charge density wave (CDW) is a typical collective phenomenon, and the phase change is generally accompanied by electronic transition with potential device applications. For the continuous miniaturization of devices, it is important to investigate the size effect down to the nanoscale. In this work, single‐layer (SL) 1T‐NbSe2 islands provide an ideal research platform to investigate the size effect on CDW arrangement and electronic states. The CDW motifs (Star‐of‐David [SOD]) at the island border are along the edge, and those at the interior tend to arrange in a triangular lattice for islands as small as 5 nm. Interestingly, in some small islands, the SOD clusters rearrange into a square‐like lattice, and each SOD cluster remains robust as a quantum motif, both in the sense of geometry and electronic structures. Moreover, the electronic structure at the center of the small islands is downwards shifted compared to the big islands, explained by the spatial extension of the band bending originating from the edge of the islands. These findings reveal the robust behavior of CDW motifs down to the nanoscale and provide new insights into the size‐limiting effect on 2D2D CDW ordering and electronic states down to a few nanometer extremes.
Blocking Accretion Enables Dimension Reduction of Metal‐Organic Framework for Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Zejin , Ding Rui , Li Xiaoke , Zhang Jie , Yang Le , Wang Ying , Liu Jianguo , Zhou Zhigang
Published: August 2023

The evolution and formation process of two‐dimensional metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) primarily arise from the anisotropic growth of crystals, leading to variations in photocatalytic performance. It is crucial to achieve a synergistic combination of anisotropic electron transfer direction and dimension reduction strategies. In this study, a novel approach that effectively blocks crystal growth accretion through the coordination of solvent molecules is presented, achieving the successful synthesis of impurity‐free two‐dimensional nanosheet Zn‐PTC with exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance (15.4 mmol g−1 h−1). The structural and photophysical characterizations validate the successful prevention of crystal accretion, while establishing correlation between structural anisotropy and intrinsic charge transfer mode through transient spectroscopy. These findings unequivocally demonstrate that electron transfer along the [001] direction plays a pivotal role in the redox performance of nano‐Zn‐PTC. Subsequently, by coupling the photocatalytic performance and density functional theory (DFT) simulation calculations, the carrier diffusion kinetics is explored, revealing that effective dimension reduction along the ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) direction is the key to achieving superior photocatalytic performance.
Scalable Synthesis of Ir Cluster Anchored on Porous Hollow Carbon Nanobowls for Enhancing pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Yingxiu , Sun Qiyan , Zhou Xinyuan , Duan Zhiyao , Zhang Chuanfang , Xu Guang‐Rui , Ju Dianxing , Wang Lei
Published: August 2023

Design high‐loading with superior activity and high atomic efficiency has consistently been a new frontier of heterogeneous catalysis while challenging in synthetic technology. In this work, a universal solid‐state strategy is proposed for large scalable production of high‐loading Ir clusters on porous hollow carbon nanobowls (Ir CSs/PHCNBs). The strong electronic interaction between metallic Ir cluster and C on PHCNBs leads to electron redistribution, which significantly improves the electron transfer rate on the interface. The obtained Ir CSs/PHCNBs only require overpotentials of 35, 34, and 37 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with stable outputting of 10 mA cm−2 under acidic, alkaline, and neutral conditions, respectively, which exceeds the state‐of‐the‐art HER electrocatalysts. Meanwhile, the Tafel slopes of Ir CSs/PHCNBs for the HER process are 23.07, 48.76, and 28.95 mV dec−1, greatly lower than that of PHCNBs (152.73, 227.96, and 140.29 mV dec−1) and commercial Pt/C (20%) (36.33, 66.10, and 36.61 mV dec−1). These results provide a new strategy for the universal synthesis of clusters catalysts and insight into understanding the interface effects between clusters and carbon substrate, facilitating the industrial application of hydrogen production.
Li‐Mediated Electrochemical Nitrogen Fixation: Key Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Ibrar , Assafiri Aya , Hibbert David Brynn , Zhao Chuan
Published: August 2023

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction holds great potential for ammonia production using electricity generated from renewable energy sources and is sustainable. The low solubility of nitrogen in aqueous media, poor kinetics, and intrinsic competition by the hydrogen evolution reaction result in meager ammonia production rates. Attributing measured ammonia as a valid product, not an impurity, is challenging despite rigorous analytical experimentation. In this regard, Li‐mediated electrochemical nitrogen reduction is a proven method providing significant ammonia yields. Herein, fundamental advances and insights into the Li‐mediated strategy are summarized, emphasizing the role of lithium, reaction parameters, cell designs, and mechanistic evaluation. Challenges and perspectives are presented to highlight the prospects of this strategy as a continuous, stable, and modular approach toward sustainable ammonia production.
Image‐based communication on social coding platforms
Authors: Nayebi Maleknaz , Adams Bram
Published: August 2023

Visual content in the form of images and videos has taken over general‐purpose social networks in a variety of ways, streamlining and enriching online communications. We are interested to understand if and to what extent the use of images is popular and helpful in social coding platforms. We mined 9 years of data from two popular software developers' platforms: the Mozilla issue tracking system, that is, Bugzilla, and the most well‐known platform for developers' Q/A, that is, Stack Overflow. We further triangulated and extended our mining results by performing a survey with 168 software developers. We observed that, between 2013 and 2022, the number of posts containing image data on Bugzilla and Stack Overflow doubled. Furthermore, we found that sharing images makes other developers engage more and faster with the content. In the majority of cases in which an image is included in a developer's post, the information in that image is complementary to the text provided. Finally, our results showed that when an image is shared, understanding the content without the information in the image is unlikely for 86.9% of the cases. Based on these observations, we discuss the importance of considering visual content when analyzing developers and designing automation tools.
A Review of Carrier Transport in High‐Efficiency Sb2(S,Se)3 Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Yuqi , Chen Xueling , Li Jianmin , Xiao Xudong
Published: August 2023

As a kind new photovoltaic material, antimony sulfide–selenide (Sb2(S,Se)3) thin films have been considered a promising low‐cost solar cell absorption layer material due to their excellent photoelectric performance and stability. Continued research and development efforts have significantly increased the power conversion efficiency of Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells over the past few years, which now exceeds 10%. High device performance requires efficient carrier collection and transport. A deeper understanding of the carrier‐transport process can guide the optimization of solar cell designs and materials. Herein, the factors affecting carrier transport combined with the crystal structure in Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells are discussed. Recent advances in carrier management strategies to overcome the recombination losses are also discussed, broadly categorized into two main approaches: regulation of the absorption layer and optimization of the device interface contacts. Furthermore, the possible future research directions of Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells are prospected.
Introduction: Teaching English in a Time of Resurgent Nationalism
Authors: McIntosh Kyle , McPherron Paul
Published: August 2023

This special issue focuses on how neo‐nationalist movements are affecting the teaching of English to speakers of other languages in several countries where English functions as the dominant language, an official language, a lingua franca, and/or a required subject in schools. In this introduction, we offer background on neo‐nationalism and the teaching of English, as well as preview key themes and responses addressed in the rest of the special issue. We then provide an overview of the research articles, brief report, and commentaries that respond to the question of how the field of TESOL, which has benefited from neoliberal globalization even while critiquing it, can meet the challenges posed by a world in which more governments are withdrawing from international agreements, reinforcing their borders, and inciting xenophobic violence among the general populace.
Impact of storage temperature and filtration method on dissolved trace metal concentrations in coastal water samples
Authors: Przibilla Anna , Iwainski Susanna , Zimmermann Tristan , Pröfrock Daniel
Published: August 2023

Trace elements play a major role in biogeochemical cycles and oceanographic processes. To determine trace element concentrations, the dissolved and particulate phase are usually separated by filtration. However, the frequently used membrane filtration as well as sample storage can bias the dissolved elemental concentrations by adsorption or desorption/contamination. We present a comparison of two filtration methods for coastal and estuarine water samples (pressure filtration with Nuclepore™ polycarbonate filters, vacuum filtration with DigiFILTER™s) applied to aliquots of a large‐volume coastal water sample that were stored at −18°C or 4°C for up to nine weeks. The filtrates were analyzed by seaFAST‐ICP‐MS for dissolved Cd, Ce, Co, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ho, La, Mn, Mo, Nd, Pb, Pr, Sm, Tb, U, V, W, Y, and Zn. The filtration blanks of DigiFILTER™s (0.0006 ± 0.0010 ng L−1 for Ho to 110 ± 180 ng L−1 for Zn) were sufficiently low for quantification of all analyzed elements with good repeatability, enabling a fast and reliable filtration of large sample sets of coastal water. However, the findings also highlight the need to measure procedural blanks including the filtration instead of only the instrument blanks to validate results. Measured concentrations of both filtration methods did not differ significantly for Cd, Cu, Mo, U, V, W, Zn but for other investigated elements, the ratio between both methods was up to 1.8 for Ce and 4.1 for Fe. Within nine weeks of storage, the elemental concentrations decreased significantly, resulting in losses of 20% Mn in frozen samples and 63% Pb, 64% Co and 93% Mn in cooled samples.

Practitioner Points

Two fast and cheap filtration methods for coastal water samples were compared.

Dissolved concentrations of 22 elements were measured by seaFAST‐ICP‐MS.

The filtration method is important in addition to filter pore size.

Filtration blanks need to be reported to maintain comparability between methods.

Cool and frozen storage of water samples biases the dissolved metal concentration.
Restoring sight, but short‐sighted? Ethical considerations in global cataract missions
Authors: Mohnasky Michael , Rennie Stuart
Published: August 2023

Key points

Though cataract missions perform an obvious good of restoring sight, this in itself does not ethically sanction their existence due to an intersection with cultural, social, and economic factors of the host country.

Current guidelines do not adequately address the many ethical issues that may arise during these missions necessitating further ethical consideration.

Not all countries beset by high rates of cataract‐related blindness are similar in their need. The specific context of the host country ought to inform the purpose and execution of cataract missions.
Reduction of Distortion Artifacts in Brain MRI Using a Field Map-based Correction Technique in Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Authors: Grauhan Nils F. , Grünebach Natascha , Brockstedt Lavinia , Sanner Antoine , Feiweier Thorsten , Schöffling Vanessa , Brockmann Marc A. , Othman Ahmed E.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the image quality and feasibility of a field map-based technique to correct for susceptibility-induced geometric distortions which are typical for diffusion EPI brain imaging.

Methods

We prospectively included 52 patients during clinical routine in this single-center study. All scans were performed on a 3T MRI. Patients’ indications for MRI mainly consisted of suspected stroke due to the clinical presentation. For the morphological comparison of the corrected and uncorrected EPI diffusion, three experienced radiologists assessed the image quality of the sequences in a blinded and randomized fashion using a Likert scale (1 being poor; 5 being excellent). To ensure comparability of the two methods, an additional quantitative analysis of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was performed.

Results

Corrected EPI diffusion was rated significantly superior in all the selected categories: overall level of artifacts (p < 0.001), degree of distortion at the frontal, temporal, occipital and brainstem levels (p < 0.001), conspicuousness of ischemic lesions (p < 0.001), image quality (p < 0.001), naturality (p < 0.001), contrast (p < 0.001), and diagnostic confidence (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Corrected EPI diffusion offers a significant reduction of geometric distortion in all evaluated brain regions and an improved conspicuousness of ischemic lesions. Image quality, overall artifacts, naturality, contrast and diagnostic confidence were also rated superior in comparison to uncorrected EPI diffusion.
The ambiguities of social inclusion in mental health: learning from lived experience of serious mental illness in Ghana and the occupied Palestinian territory
Authors: Read Ursula M. , Kienzler Hanna , Mitwalli Suzan , Rabaia Yoke , Sakyi Lionel , Osei-Tutu Annabella
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Social inclusion of people living with serious mental illness is widely promoted. However, only limited consideration has been given to the meanings of social inclusion within different settings and the ways in which it is envisioned, negotiated, and practised. In this paper, we explore meanings and practises of social inclusion from the perspectives of people living with serious mental illness and their families in Ghana and Palestine and how this is shaped by differing political and socio-cultural contexts.

Methods

This paper draws on comparative ethnographic research including participant observation and interviews with people living with mental illness and family members in Ghana and the occupied Palestinian territory. Data were triangulated and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants described experiences of social inclusion and participation within communities, home and family life, friendships and social life, and work and livelihoods. This revealed how such experiences were variously shaped by differing political contexts and socio-cultural norms and expectations within the two settings. These in turn intersected with aspects such as gender roles, age, and socio-economic status. Aspirations for inclusion included greater awareness and understanding within society, accompanied by opportunities and support for meaningful inclusion at the political as well as community level.

Conclusion

Findings point to the value of a contextual understanding of social inclusion, taking account of the impact of the wider socio-cultural, political, and economic environment. They also point to the need for an intersectoral approach, beyond communities and mental health services, to provide meaningful opportunities and support for social inclusion.
Functional Central Limit Theorem and Strong Law of Large Numbers for Stochastic Gradient Langevin Dynamics
Authors: Lovas A. , Rásonyi M.
Published: August 2023

We study the mixing properties of an important optimization algorithm of machine learning: the stochastic gradient Langevin dynamics (SGLD) with a fixed step size. The data stream is not assumed to be independent hence the SGLD is not a Markov chain, merely a Markov chain in a random environment, which complicates the mathematical treatment considerably. We derive a strong law of large numbers and a functional central limit theorem for SGLD.
Morphologic perfusion patterns and PI-RADSv2.1 in transition zone prostate cancer
Authors: Garmer M. , Grönemeyer D. , van de Loo Th. , Mateiescu S. , Schaffrin-Nabe D. , Haage P. , Kamper L.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To evaluate morphologic perfusion patterns in transition zone prostate cancer in multiparametric MRI controlled by in-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy.

Methods

Two experienced radiologists evaluated MRI perfusion patterns in consensus from 321 biopsy cores from the transition zone in 141 patients. Transition zone cancer was present in 77 cores in 36 patients. Single early-phase perfusion images were evaluated separately for the presence of a transition zone prostate cancer (consensus tumor early perfusion). The proposed criteria for the perfusion pattern (asymmetry, signal strength, and homogeneity) were rated in consensus for each biopsy position in the presence of the T2w images including the markers of the biopsy trace. We analyzed receiver operating characteristic curves for the PI-RADSv2.1 score and the proposed perfusion pattern.

Results

A logistic regression model with PI-RADSv2.1 and perfusion patterns in early perfusion imaging improved the model fit significantly compared to a model containing only PI-RADSv2.1 (Likelihood Ratio Test, LR = 14.5, p < .001). The AUC was 0.96 for the multiple regression model compared to 0.92 for the PI-RADSv2.1 alone. The evaluation of homogeneity in single early-enhancement images is not inferior compared to the conventional DCE parameter of PI-RADSv2.1 (AUC 0.84 versus 0.83).

Conclusion

Morphologic perfusion patterns significantly improve the diagnostic performance of PI-RADSv2.1 in TZ prostate cancer.

Graphical abstract
Second-line immunosuppressant administration for steroid-refractory immune-related adverse events in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Ogusu Shinsuke , Harutani Yuhei , Tozuka Takehiro , Saito Ryota , Koyama Junji , Sakamoto Hiroaki , Sonoda Tomoaki , Tsuchiya-Kawano Yuko , Oba Tomohiro , Kudo Keita , Gyotoku Hiroshi , Nakatomi Katsumi , Ariyasu Ryo
Published: August 2023

Background

Evidence for use of second-line immunosuppressants for immune-related adverse events (irAEs) is inadequate. Therefore, a multicenter analysis should assess the efficacy of second-line immunosuppressants for severe irAEs associated with different malignant diseases.

Methods

This descriptive study aims to investigate the effects of second-line immunosuppressants on corticosteroid-refractory irAEs in patients with lung cancer. We analyzed the effects of second-line immunosuppressants on underlying lung cancer and associated adverse effects.

Results

Our study included 4589 patients who had received immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment, with 73 patients (1.6%) developing irAEs requiring second-line immunosuppressants. The most commonly observed irAE was pneumonitis (26 patients), followed by hepatobiliary disorders (15 patients) and enteritis (14 patients). We found a confirmed response rate of 42.3% for pneumonitis, which was lower than the response rates of 86.7% for hepatobiliary disorders and 92.9% for enteritis. The time from the start of corticosteroid therapy to the addition of a second-line immunosuppressant correlated significantly with the resolution of irAE to Grade 1 (correlation coefficients of r = 0.701, p < 0.005). The median progression-free survival and duration of response of underlying lung cancer from second-line immunosuppressant administration were 2.1 and 3.0 months, respectively. Of the patients with irAE, 27.4% developed infections and 5.5% might die due to infection.

Conclusion

Second-line immunosuppressant response was confirmed in 72.2% of irAEs in patients with lung cancer, with lower response rates observed in irAE pneumonitis compared to other irAEs.
The AMADEUS score is not a sufficient predictor for functional outcome after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) of the knee: data from the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU)
Authors: Heinz Tizian , Oberfeld Jan , Luetkens Karsten Sebastian , Anderson Philip Mark , Stratos Ioannis , Horas Konstantin , Bley Thorsten Alexander , Rudert Maximilian , Reppenhagen Stephan , Weißenberger Manuel
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The AMADEUS (Area Measurement And DEpth and Underlying Structures) score has advanced to a commonly used tool for MRI-based chondral defect severity grading prior to cartilage knee surgery. It was the intention of this study to assess the AMADEUS for a potential correlation with clinical data by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Methods

A total of 51 patients undergoing ACI (autologous chondrocyte implantation) between 2016 and 2022 were found eligible and retrospectively analyzed. All patients were registered in the German Cartilage Registry prior to surgery and follow-up data were collected using the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Form and the numeric rating scale (NRS). Pre-operative MRI images were scored by three raters using the AMADEUS classification system, and an overall AMADEUS score was calculated which was subsequently correlated with pre- and post-operative PROMs.

Results

Mean patient age was 32.67 ± 8.37 years and mean defect size area 343.04 mm2 ± 139.45 mm2. No correlative capacity of the pre- and postoperative IKDC, KOOS or NRS scores was found with the AMADEUS final score or any of its subscores. From the pre- to postoperative visit, a significant improvement of the PROMs (IKDC: 45.53 ± 21.00 vs. 59.83 ± 17.93, p = 0.04; KOOS Pain: 58.00 ± 16.70 vs. 76.06 ± 19.20, p = 0.03; KOOS ADL: 64.17 ± 18.76 vs. 82.11 ± 16.68, p < 0.01; KOOS Sports: 26.11 ± 18.52 vs. 50.56 ± 23.94, p = 0.01; KOOS QOL: 25.50 ± 14.26 ± 45.28 ± 19.03, p = 0.00) was found. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed an overall good interrater agreement for the AMADEUS total score (ICC = 0.75).

Conclusions

Study results suggest no correlative capacity of the AMADEUS with routinely used PROMs in patients undergoing ACI. Therefore, radiographically assessed cartilage defect characteristics poorly translate to pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome data.
Recent post-release evaluations of weed biocontrol programmes in South Africa: a summary of what has been achieved and what can be improved
Authors: Paterson Iain D. , Motitsoe Samuel N. , Coetzee Julie A. , Hill Martin P.
Published: August 2023

Biocontrol is widely considered an effective management solution for mitigating the negative impacts of invasive alien plants (weeds). Globally, post-release evaluations to assess individual biocontrol programmes are generally lacking and there have been persistent calls within the biocontrol of weeds literature to increase the quantity and quality of post-release evaluation studies. South African biocontrol researchers have prioritised post-release evaluation studies, with a significant proportion of funding dedicated to this purpose. In this study we review post-release evaluations of weed biocontrol programmes in South Africa that have been published in the last ten years, discuss the different ways these evaluations have been conducted, and identify gaps for future research. Post-release evaluations have been conducted at different scales, including physiological changes within individual plants, plant growth parameters, plant population dynamics and landscape level changes. In most cases, the results of these studies indicated that biocontrol has reduced invasions according to these metrics. While the reduction in the invasion is assumed to alleviate negative ecological and socio-economic impacts, this is usually not directly measured. Evaluations of the socio-economic and ecosystem level benefits of biocontrol were limited to just a few examples on aquatic weeds. More studies that investigate the landscape, socio-economic and ecosystem level changes due to biocontrol are required, especially for terrestrial weeds, if the true scale of the benefits provided by biocontrol are to be understood.