bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Durable superhydrophobic/superoleophilic melamine foam based on biomass-derived porous carbon and multi-walled carbon nanotube for oil/water separation
Authors: Shayesteh Hadi , Khosrowshahi Mobin Safarzadeh , Mashhadimoslem Hossein , Maleki Farid , Rabbani Yahya , Emrooz Hosein Banna Motejadded
Published: March 2023

In the present study, fabrications of two eco-friendly superhydrophobic/superoleophilic recyclable foamy-based adsorbents for oil/water mixture separation were developed. Hierarchically biomass (celery)-derived porous carbon (PC) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were firstly synthesized and loaded on pristine melamine foam (MF) by the simple dip-coating approach by combining silicone adhesive to create superhydrophobic/superoleophilic, recyclable, and reusable three-dimensional porous structure. The prepared samples have a large specific surface area of 240 m2/g (MWCNT), 1126 m2/g (PC), and good micro-mesoporous frameworks. The water contact angle (WCA) values of the as-prepared foams, PC/MF and MWCNT/MF, not only were 159.34° ± 1.9° and 156.42° ± 1.6°, respectively but also had oil contact angle (OCA) of equal to 0° for a wide range of oils and organic solvents. Therefore, PC/MF and MWCNT/MF exhibited superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity properties, which can be considered effective adsorbents in oil/water mixture separations. In this context, superhydrophobic/superoleophilic prepared foams for kind of different oils and organic solvents were shown to have superior separation performance ranges of 54–143 g/g and 46–137 g/g for PC/MF and MWCNT/MF, respectively, suggesting a new effective porous material for separating oil spills. Also, outstanding recyclability and reusability of these structures in the ten adsorption-squeezing cycles indicated that the WCA and sorption capacity has not appreciably changed after soaking into acidic (pH = 2) and alkaline (pH = 12) as well as saline (3.5% NaCl) solutions. More importantly, the reusability and chemical durability of the superhydrophobic samples made them good opportunities for use in different harsh conditions for oil-spill cleanup.
Effect of heat treatment atmospheres on microstructure evolution and corrosion resistance of 2205 duplex stainless steel weldments
Authors: Mohamed Abdelkarim Yousif , Mohamed Ahmed Hussein Abdelraheem , Abdel Hamid Z. , Farahat Ahmed Ismail Zaky , El-Nikhaily A. E.
Published: March 2023

The effects of post heat treatment atmosphere on microstructure and corrosion resistance of duplex stainless steel welded joints were investigated. Post weld heat treatment (PWHT) was carried out with and without protective atmospheres. Nitrogen and argon are used as protective gases individually. Detailed microstructure examination (optical and SEM) demonstrates that nitrides precipitates are highly observed in the welded zones for nitrogen protected samples. An observed drop of ferrite volume fraction in post weld heat treated samples compared with welded samples without heat treatment leading to corrosion resistance enhancement of heat treated welded joints. An exception for using nitrogen as heat treatment atmosphere a decreased corrosion resistance of weldments is investigated due to nitride precipitates. An increase in the weld zone hardness for post weld heat treated samples compared with base alloy. The initial hardness of duplex stainless steel was 286 Hv while average hardness of weld zone was 340, 411, 343, and 391 Hv for as welded, PWHT using air, argon, and nitrogen atmospheres, respectively. Weld zone hardness increased to 33, 44, 20, and 37%. A significant decrease in the ultimate tensile strength and elongation after PWHT. The initial Ultimate tensile strength duplex stainless steel base material was 734.9 MPa while Ultimate tensile strength of the welded joints was 769.3, 628.4, 737.8, and 681.4 MPa for the following conditions: as welded, PWHT using air, argon, and nitrogen atmospheres, respectively.
Married women with children experience greater intrasexual competition than their male counterparts
Authors: Benenson Joyce F. , Markovits Henry
Published: March 2023

Human males are considered to be more competitive than females. However, females must also compete for resources necessary for their own and their offsprings’ survival. Since females use more indirect forms of competition than males, comparing observable forms of competition may be misleading. One critical driver of competition is resource asymmetry. Since competition occurs primarily within sex, reactions to resource asymmetry with same-sex peers should provide an important measure of competitiveness. We asked 596 married participants, 25–45 years of age with at least one child from three different countries to evaluate how same-sex individuals they know would react to a target individual who had a valuable resource that the same-sex individuals did not have. Half the participants evaluated reactions to same-sex targets, while the other half evaluated reactions to other-sex targets. Participants reported that women would react more negatively than men to resource asymmetry with same-sex targets, but not other-sex targets. These results suggest that women may be even more competitive than men in contexts when important resources related to reproductive success are at stake.
CCR3 plays a role in murine age-related cognitive changes and T-cell infiltration into the brain
Authors: Rege Sanket V. , Teichert Arnaud , Masumi Juliet , Dhande Onkar S. , Harish Reema , Higgins Brett W. , Lopez Yesenia , Akrapongpisak Lily , Hackbart Hannah , Caryotakis Sofia , Leone Dino P. , Szoke Balazs , Hannestad Jonas , Nikolich Karoly , Braithwaite Steven P. , Minami S. Sakura
Published: March 2023

Targeting immune-mediated, age-related, biology has the potential to be a transformative therapeutic strategy. However, the redundant nature of the multiple cytokines that change with aging requires identification of a master downstream regulator to successfully exert therapeutic efficacy. Here, we discovered CCR3 as a prime candidate, and inhibition of CCR3 has pro-cognitive benefits in mice, but these benefits are not driven by an obvious direct action on central nervous system (CNS)-resident cells. Instead, CCR3-expressing T cells in the periphery that are modulated in aging inhibit infiltration of these T cells across the blood-brain barrier and reduce neuroinflammation. The axis of CCR3-expressing T cells influencing crosstalk from periphery to brain provides a therapeutically tractable link. These findings indicate the broad therapeutic potential of CCR3 inhibition in a spectrum of neuroinflammatory diseases of aging.
Chemical conjugation to differentiate monosaccharides by Raman and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Schorr Hannah C. , Schultz Zachary D.
Published: March 2023

Chemical conjugation enables SERS detection of sugars that are important in numerous biological processes, from providing energy to modifying proteins to alter their function.
Engineering optical tools for remotely controlled brain stimulation and regeneration
Authors: Rodrigues Artur Filipe , Rebelo Catarina , Reis Tiago , Simões Susana , Bernardino Liliana , Peça João , Ferreira Lino
Published: March 2023

This review covers the latest progress in the application of light-responsive nanomaterials for on-demand drug delivery to the brain and for neuromodulation, with the aim of achieving brain stimulation and regeneration.
Engineered flavoproteins as bioorthogonal photo-triggers for the activation of metal-based anticancer prodrugs
Authors: Mazzei Laura F. , Gurruchaga-Pereda Juan , Martínez Álvaro , Martínez Javier Calvo , Salassa Luca , Cortajarena Aitziber L.
Published: March 2023

Riboflavin-functionalized repeat proteins enable controlling the photocatalytic activation and delivery of Pt anticancer agents in vitro.
Hierarchical iron–nickel oxyhydroxide nanosheets directly grown on porous TiFe2-based intermetallics for robust oxygen evolution
Authors: Zhao Qian , He Zhenli , He Yuehui , Qiu Yue , Wang Zhonghe , Jiang Yao
Published: March 2023

Hierarchical iron–nickel oxyhydroxide nanosheets directly grown on porous TiFe2-based intermetallics exhibit ideal activity and stability at a large current density.
Solvates of a dianisyl-substituted donor–acceptor-type benzothiadiazole: mechanochromic, vapochromic, and acid-responsive multicolor luminescence
Authors: Yagi Takumi , Tachikawa Takashi , Ito Suguru
Published: March 2023

Solvates of a donor–acceptor-type fluorophore exhibited multicolor luminescence that can respond to mechanical stimuli, solvent and acid vapors.
Surface energy and surface stability of cesium tin halide perovskites: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Chen Yan-Jin , Hou Chunju , Yang Yi
Published: March 2023

The origin of low surface energies of cesium tin halide perovskites lies in their low binding strength.
Hexagonal warping effect in the Janus group-VIA binary monolayers with large Rashba spin splitting and piezoelectricity
Authors: Chen Shao-Bo , Guo San-Dong , Yan Wan-Jun , Zeng Zhao-Yi , Xu Mei , Chen Xiang-Rong , Geng Hua-Yun
Published: March 2023

Based on the k·p model, at a small constant energy surface, the Rashba spin splitting has a linear relationship with momentum k, while Hexagonal warping effect and a nonzero spin projection component Sz arise at a larger constant energy surface due to nonlinear k3 terms.
A family of robust Dirac cone materials: two-dimensional hexagonal M3X2 (M = Zn/Cd/Hg, X = Si/Ge)
Authors: Li Qiuyang , Yan Cuixia , Qi Chenchen , Qiu Shi , Yang Ting , Cai Jinming
Published: March 2023

The first-principles calculations shows that the 2D Dirac cone material M3X2 (M = Zn/Cd/Hg, X = Si/Ge) with a highly fermi velocity and possess a robust Dirac cone even under biaxial strain or being sheared into one-dimensional zigzag nanoribbons.
Synthesis, fabrication and characterization of 2-naphthyloxy group-substituted bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindoline and its derivatives as a positive electrode for vanadium redox flow battery applications
Authors: Gümrükçü Selin , Özçeşmeci Mukaddes , Koçyiğit Nilüfer , Kaya Kerem , Gül Ahmet , Şahin Yücel , Özçeşmeci İbrahim
Published: March 2023

The ease of synthesis, readily modifiable structure and high stability of 1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindole (BPIs) compounds make pincer ligands suitable candidates for many potential applications.
Triazene-bridged energetic materials based on nitrotriazole: synthesis, characterization, and laser-ignited combustion performance
Authors: Jiang Xiue , Yang Yalin , Du Huiying , Yang Bo , Tang Pengfei , Wu Bo , Ma Congming
Published: March 2023

A new family of triazene-bridged energetic materials based on nitrotriazole with excellent combustion properties was synthesized and investigated.
Salt-thermal methods for recycling and regenerating spent lithium-ion batteries: a review
Authors: Qu Xin , Zhang Beilei , Zhao Jingjing , Qiu Baolong , Chen Xiang , Zhou Fengyin , Li Xiangyun , Gao Shuaibo , Wang Dihua , Yin Huayi
Published: March 2023

The state-of-the-art salt-thermal method to recycle spent LIBs enables preferential Li recovery, recovery of anode/cathode material, direct regeneration of degraded anode/cathode material, and one-step re-synthesis of advanced functional materials.
Continuous-flow label-free size fractionation of extracellular vesicles through electrothermal fluid rolls and dielectrophoresis synergistically integrated in a microfluidic device
Authors: Bu Yang , Wang Jinhui , Ni Sheng , Guo Yusong , Yobas Levent
Published: March 2023

Effective separation of small extracellular vesicles (EVs) especially exosomes from large EVs with a high recovery rate and purity based on electrokinetic principles in a microfluidic device featuring three-dimensional silicon microelectrodes.
Three birds one stone: an enzyme-activatable theragnostic agent for fluorescence diagnosis, photodynamic and inhibitor therapies
Authors: Yue Xiuxiu , Wang Benhua , Lan Minhuan , Fan Jiangli , Song Xiangzhi , Foley James W.
Published: March 2023

By integrating the inhibitor of KIAA1363 enzyme, AX11890, into a red-absorbing dye, a tumor microenvironmental-responsive photosensitizer, NBS-L-AX, was developed for selective fluorescence imaging and activatable PDT therapy for breast cancers.
Double-resonance17O NMR experiments reveal unique configurational information for surface organometallic complexes
Authors: Perras Frédéric A. , Arroyave Alejandra , Southern Scott A. , Lamb Jessica V. , Li Yuting , LaPointe Anne , Delferro Massimiliano
Published: March 2023

17O-Labeling supports enables the determination of the 3D configuration of surface organometallic complexes. The procedure also allows for probing of the metal's chemical environment through 2D experiments involving the metal-bound oxygen.
On the exploration of the melting behavior of metallic compounds and solid solutions via multiple classical molecular dynamics approaches: application to Al-based systems
Authors: Rincent Camille , Castillo-Sánchez Juan-Ricardo , Gheribi Aïmen E. , Harvey Jean-Philippe
Published: March 2023

Classical MD simulations of metallic systems were performed to study the melting behavior of multiple types of Al-based solid phases. Considerations of the local chemical ordering are used to better understand and describe their melting behavior.
A systematic mechanistic survey on the reactions between OH radical and CH3OH on ice
Authors: Sameera W. M. C. , Jayaweera Avon P. , Ishibashi Atsuki , Hidaka Hiroshi , Oba Yasuhiro , Watanabe Naoki
Published: March 2023

Our systematic computational study suggests that the nature of the binding site or the reaction site has a significant effect on the computed binding energies or reaction barriers.
Tuning the photothermal properties of carbon dots in the deep-red to near-infrared wavelength regions for tumor therapy
Authors: Zhang Tesen , Wu Jun , Tang Zikang , Qu Songnan
Published: March 2023

Some practical strategies are introduced to improve the near-infrared photothermal conversion efficiency of CDs through approaches including size adjustment, self-assembly, surface engineering, element doping, and semiconductor coupling.
Fragile intermediate identification and reactivity elucidation in electrochemical oxidative α-C(sp3)–H functionalization of tertiary amines
Authors: Liang Kailun , Zhang Dongmei , Su Yanming , Lu Lijun , Hu Jun , Chen Yi-Hung , Zhang Xinxing , Lei Aiwen , Yi Hong
Published: March 2023

An online electrochemical mass spectrometry (MS) methodology has been developed and utilized to probe the short-lived intermediates in electrochemical oxidative α-C(sp3)–H functionalization of tertiary amines.
Efficient synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by MCM-41 modified with multiple acid sites
Authors: Zhu Xiaofan , Liang Qiqi , Fu Yan , Chang Jie
Published: March 2023

Catalytic conversion of biomass derivative glucose to high-purity HMF over modified MCM-41 with multiple acid sites in biphasic system.
Insight into the oil removal mechanism of quaternary ammonium ionic liquid microemulsions for oily sludge treatment
Authors: Chang Xiujie , Li Xueshu , Ge Shujin , Tan Guanglei , Wang Zhaodong , Ma Yanfei , Niu Lin , Li Qiuhong
Published: March 2023

In this research, [N1,1,16EtOH]Cl was chosen as a surfactant to prepare IL microemulsions and used for effective treatment of oily sludge, which provided theoretical guidance for the efficient treatment of oily sludge.
Self-assembly of dodecagonal and octagonal quasicrystals in hard spheres on a plane
Authors: Fayen Etienne , Impéror-Clerc Marianne , Filion Laura , Foffi Giuseppe , Smallenburg Frank
Published: March 2023

We demonstrate that hard spheres lying on a flat plane can spontaneously self-assemble into two different quasicrystal phases.
Crystal graph convolution neural networks for fast and accurate prediction of adsorption ability of Nb2CTx towards Pb(ii) and Cd(ii) ions
Authors: Jaffari Zeeshan Haider , Abbas Ather , Umer Muhammed , Kim Eun-Sik , Cho Kyung Hwa
Published: March 2023

Precisely measuring the adsorption capability of materials towards toxic heavy metal ions in aqueous solution is essential for the synthesis of effective novel adsorbents.
Strengthening oxygen reduction activity based on the cooperation of pyridinic-N and graphitic-N for atomically dispersed Fe sites
Authors: Xing Gengyu , Zhang Guangying , Wang Baoluo , Tong Miaomiao , Tian Chungui , Wang Lei , Fu Honggang
Published: March 2023

Theoretical calculations predicted the combination of pyridinic-N and graphitic-N promotes electrocatalytic ORR activity of Fe SASs. Thus, a Fe–N4SAS-based catalyst was designed and showed excellent performance for ORR and an alkaline H2/O2fuel cell.
Multi‐objective optimal planning of a residential energy hub based on multi‐objective particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Davoudi Mehdi , Barmayoon Mohammad Hossein , Moeini‐Aghtaie Moein
Published: March 2023

With the increasing rate of population in big cities around the world, the tendency to build new buildings in the suburb of main cities or to build large apartments in the main cities has been highlighted. In this regard, building residential complexes has seen a dramatic increase in these areas as it makes it possible to build a large number of residential units within a reasonable space. Although these complexes have brought numerous benefits, they are some challenges regarding their construction processes. One main concern associated with these complexes is how to optimally install energy components such as transformers, combined heat and power (CHP) units, boilers etc., in the shared area of apartments in the residential complex. To address this issue, this paper models the energy system of a residential complex as an energy hub and proposes a novel framework to obtain the optimal planning of such an energy hub. In order to address the conflicting desires of the residential complex's builders and the future residents of the residential units, a multi‐objective (MO) optimization problem has been considered in the proposed method that simultaneously optimizes the investment costs, operation costs, and the reliability of energy supply. In this regard, a Multi‐objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) algorithm combined with classical linear programming (LP) optimization method has been proposed to solve the MO optimization problem. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a case study including a residential complex with 300 residential units is considered, and the proposed method is implemented in this case study. The numerical results show that the proposed framework can appropriately optimize investment costs, operation costs, and the reliability index simultaneously, and the obtained Pareto frontier gives the investors the freedom to opt for any point from this surface.
TOI-1442 b and TOI-2445 b: Two potentially rocky ultra-short period planets around M dwarfs
Authors: Morello G. , Parviainen H. , Murgas F. , Pallé E. , Oshagh M. , Fukui A. , Hirano T. , Ishikawa H. T. , Mori M. , Narita N. , Collins K. A. , Barkaoui K. , Lewin P. , Cadieux C. , de Leon J. P. , Soubkiou A. , Abreu Garcia N. , Crouzet N. , Esparza-Borges E. , Fernández Rodríguez G. E. , Galán D. , Hori Y. , Ikoma M. , Isogai K. , Kagetani T. , Kawauchi K. , Kimura T. , Kodama T. , Korth J. , Kotani T. , Krishnamurthy V. , Kurita S. , Laza-Ramos A. , Livingston J. H. , Luque R. , Madrigal-Aguado A. , Nishiumi T. , Orell-Miquel J. , Puig-Subirà M. , Sánchez-Benavente M. , Stangret M. , Tamura M. , Terada Y. , Watanabe N. , Zou Y. , Benkhaldoun Z. , Collins K. I. , Doyon R. , Garcia L. , Ghachoui M. , Gillon M. , Jehin E. , Pozuelos F. J. , Schwarz R. P. , Timmermans M.
Published: March 2023

Context. Exoplanets with orbital periods of less than one day are known as ultra-short period (USP) planets. They are relatively rare products of planetary formation and evolution processes, but especially favourable for characterisation with current planet detection methods. At the time of writing, 125 USP planets have already been confirmed.

Aims. Our aim is to validate the planetary nature of two new transiting planet candidates around M dwarfs announced by the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), registered as TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs) TOI-1442.01 and TOI-2445.01.

Methods. We used TESS data, ground-based photometric light curves, and Subaru/IRD spectrograph radial velocity (RV) measurements to validate both planetary candidates and to establish their physical properties.

Results. TOI-1442 bis a validated exoplanet with an orbital period of P = 0.4090682 ± 0.0000004 day, a radius of Rp = 1.15 ± 0.06 R⊕, and equilibrium temperature of Tp,eq = 1357−42+49 K. TOI-2445 b is also validated with an orbital period of P = 0.3711286 ± 0.0000004 day, a radius of Rp = 1.33 ± 0.09 R⊕, and equilibrium temperature of Tp,eq = 1330−56+61 K. Their physical properties align with current empirical trends and formation theories of USP planets. Based on the RV measurements, we set 3σ upper mass limits of 8 M⊕ and 20 M⊕, thus confirming the non-stellar, sub-Jovian nature of both transiting objects. More RV measurements will be needed to constrain the planetary masses and mean densities, and the predicted presence of outer planetary companions. These targets extend the small sample of USP planets orbiting around M dwarfs up to 21 members. They are also among the 20 most suitable terrestrial planets for atmospheric characterisation via secondary eclipse with the James Webb Space Telescope, according to a widespread emission spectroscopy metric.
MPI-AMRVAC 3.0: Updates to an open-source simulation framework
Authors: Keppens R. , Popescu Braileanu B. , Zhou Y. , Ruan W. , Xia C. , Guo Y. , Claes N. , Bacchini F.
Published: March 2023

Context.Computational astrophysics nowadays routinely combines grid-adaptive capabilities with modern shock-capturing, high resolution spatio-temporal integration schemes in challenging multidimensional hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. A large, and still growing, body of community software exists, and we provide an update on recent developments within the open-sourceMPI-AMRVACcode.

Aims.Complete with online documentation, theMPI-AMRVAC 3.0release includes several recently added equation sets and offers many options to explore and quantify the influence of implementation details. While showcasing this flexibility on a variety of hydro-dynamic and MHD tests, we document new modules of direct interest for state-of-the-art solar applications.

Methods.Test cases address how higher-order reconstruction strategies impact long-term simulations of shear layers, with and without gas-dust coupling effects, how runaway radiative losses can transit to intricate multi-temperature, multiphase dynamics, and how different flavors of spatio-temporal schemes and/or magnetic monopole control produce overall consistent MHD results in combination with adaptive meshes. We demonstrate the use of super-time-stepping strategies for specific parabolic terms and give details on all the implemented implicit-explicit integrators. A new magneto-frictional module can be used to compute force-free magnetic field configurations or for data-driven time-dependent evolutions, while the regularized-Biot-Savart-law approach can insert flux ropes in 3D domains. Synthetic observations of 3D MHD simulations can now be rendered on the fly, or in post-processing, in many spectral wavebands.

Results.A particle module as well as a generic field line tracing module, fully compatible with the hierarchical meshes, can be used to do anything from sampling information at prescribed locations, to following the dynamics of charged particles and realizing fully two-way coupled simulations between MHD setups and field-aligned nonthermal processes. We provide reproducible, fully demonstrated tests of all code functionalities.

Conclusions.While highlighting the latest additions and various technical aspects (e.g., reading in datacubes for initial or boundary conditions), our open-source strategy welcomes any further code usage, contribution, or spin-off development.
COVMOS: A new Monte Carlo approach for galaxy clustering analysis
Authors: Baratta Philippe , Bel Julien , Gouyou Beauchamps Sylvain , Carbone Carmelita
Published: March 2023

We validate the COVMOS method introduced in our previous study allowing for the fast simulation of catalogues of different cosmological field tracers (e.g. dark matter particles, halos, galaxies, etc.). The power spectrum and one-point probability distribution function of the underlying tracer’s density field are set as inputs of the method and arbitrarily chosen by the user. To evaluate the validity domain of COVMOS at the level of the produced two-point statistics covariance matrix, we chose to target these two input statistical quantities from realistic N-body simulation outputs. We performed this cloning procedure based on the ΛCDM as well as on a massive neutrino cosmology, for five redshifts in the range of z ∈ [0, 2]. First, we validated the output real-space two-point statistics (both in the configuration and Fourier space) and estimated over 5000 COVMOS realisations per redshift and per cosmology, with a volume of 1 [Gpc/h]3 and 108 particles each. This validation was performed against the corresponding N-body measurements, estimated from 50 simulations. We found the method to be valid up to k ∼ 0.2h Mpc−1 for the power spectrum and down to r ∼ 20 Mpc h−1 for the correlation function. Then, we extended the method by proposing a new modelling of the peculiar velocity distribution, aimed at reproducing the redshift-space distortions both in the linear and mildly non-linear regimes. After validating this prescription, we finally compared and validated the resulting redshift-space two-point statistics covariance matrices in the same range of scales. We released the Python code associated with this method on a public repository, which allows for the production of tens of thousands of realisations in record time. In particular, COVMOS is intended for any study involving large-scale galaxy-survey science that requires a large number of mock realisations.
Handheld Ultrasound (HHUS): Potential for Home Palliative
Care
Authors: Lo Hendra , Eder Nicole , Boten David , Jenssen Christian , Nuernberg Dieter
Published: March 2023

Due to the severity of their disease, palliative care patients often present
complex clinical symptoms and complaints like pain, shortness of breath, nausea,
loss of appetite, and fatigue. Solely relying on the information available from
the history and physical examination often causes uncertainty among palliative
care physicians regarding treatment decisions during home visits, potentially
leading to unnecessary hospitalizations or transfer to cross-sectional imaging
in radiological practices. A rational approach is essential to avoid diagnostic
aggressiveness while still providing the imaging information required for
optimal palliative care. Bedside use of handheld ultrasound (HHUS) has the
potential to expand the diagnostic and therapeutic spectrum in the case of
symptom exacerbation but is still underutilized. In this review, we evaluate the
potential uses of HHUS in home care settings to provide a more accurate
diagnosis of the most common symptoms in palliative patients and to guide
bedside interventions such as bladder catheterization, thoracentesis,
paracentesis, venous access, and regional anesthesia. Specific training programs
for ultrasound in palliative care are currently not available. Adequate
documentation is warranted but fraught with technological and privacy issues.
Expert supervision and quality assurance are necessary. Despite its limitation
and challenges, we suggest that HHUS leads to improved clinical decision-making,
expedited symptom relief, and reduced complications without burdening of the
patient and costly transfer to hospital or specialty consultations.
Regular Voluntary Running is Associated with Increased Tumor
Vascularization and Immune Cell Infiltration and Decreased Tumor Growth in
Mice
Authors: Esteves Mário , Silva Carina , Bovolini António , Pereira Sofia S. , Morais Tiago , Moreira Ângela , Costa Madalena M. , Monteiro Mariana P , Duarte Jose Alberto
Published: March 2023

Tumors present dysfunctional vasculature that limits blood perfusion and hinders
immune cells delivery. We aimed to investigate if regular voluntary running
promotes tumor vascular remodelling, improves intratumoral immune cells
infiltration and inhibits tumor growth. Tumors were induced in C57BL/6
male mice (n=28) by subcutaneous inoculation in the dorsal region with a
suspension of RM1 cells (1.5×105
cells/500 µL PBS) and randomly allocated into two
groups: sedentary (n=14) and voluntarily exercised on a wheel
(n=14). Seven mice from each group were sacrificed 14 and 28 days after
cells’ inoculation to evaluate tumor weight, microvessel density,
vessels’ lumen regularity and the intratumoral quantity of NKG2D
receptors, CD4+and CD8+T cells, by
immunohistochemistry. The statistical inference was done through a two-way
ANOVA. Exercised mice developed smaller tumors at 14 (0.17±0.1 g
vs. 0.48±0.2 g, p<0.05) and 28
(0.92±0.7 g vs. 2.09±1.3 g, p<0.05)
days, with higher microvessel density (21.20±3.2 vs. 15.86±4.0
vessels/field, p<0.05), more regular vessels’ lumen
(1.06±0.2 vs. 1.43±0.2, p<0.05), and higher
CD8+T cells (464.95±48.0 vs. 364.70±49.4
cells/mm2, p<0.01), after 28 days. NKG2D
expression was higher in exercised mice at 14 (263.27±25.8
cells/mm2, p<0.05) and 28 (295.06±56.2
cells/mm2, p<0.001) days. Regular voluntary
running modulates tumor vasculature, increases immune cells infiltration and
attenuates tumor growth, in mice.
Fatal outcomes of endoscopy: an analysis from the coronerʼs point of view
Authors: Lock Julian J. , Püschel Klaus
Published: March 2023

Background and study aims This study was designed to provide a profound analysis of fatalities associated with endoscopic procedures.

Methods Protocols of all autopsies performed within 20 years in a large Department of Forensic Medicine were retrospectively analyzed to identify all fatalities directly related to an endoscopic procedure. Data were further specified focusing on the type of endoscopy and the final cause of death.

Results Of 22,615 autopsies performed between January 2000 and September 2019, 86 deaths were identified as complications of an endoscopic procedure. The average age of these 86 patients was 70.9 years (66.4 (range, 26–89) in males (n = 35) and 74.1 years (range, 22–94) in females (n = 51)). Endoscopic procedures included 29 endoscopic retrograde cholangeopancreatographies (ERCPs), 27 colonoscopies, 18 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placements, six gastroscopies, two upper endosopic ultrasonographies, and four transesophageal echocardiographies. ERCPs, colonoscopy and PEG procedures together accounted for 74 of 86 (86 %) endoscopy-related deaths. Focusing on the single procedures, post-ERCP pancreatitis (14/29, 48 %), colonoscopy-associated perforation (24/27, 89 %), and peritonitis after PEG placement (16/18, 88 %) were the most common causes of death.

Conclusions Even in the thought-to-be-safe and screening endoscopic procedures fatalities do occur. This study gives an overview of endoscopy-related fatalities, stressing the role of ERCP, colonoscopy, and PEG.
Multicenter prospective evaluation of an overtube endoluminal interventional platform for colorectal polypectomy
Authors: Othman Mohamed O. , Diehl David L. , Khara Harshit S. , Jawaid Salman , Yang Dennis , Draganov Peter V.
Published: March 2023

Background and study aims Endoscopic removal of complex colorectal polyps (≥ 2 cm) can be technically challenging. A dual balloon endoluminal overtube platform (DBEP) was developed to facilitate colonoscopic polypectomy. The study purpose was to evaluate clinical outcomes with the DBEP for complex polypectomy.

Patients and methods This was an observational, prospective, multicenter Institutional Review Board-approved study. Between January 2018 and December 2020, safety and performance data were collected intra-procedurally and at 1 month post-procedure in patients undergoing intervention with the DBEP at three US centers. The primary endpoint was device safety and technical success of the procedure. Secondary endpoints included navigation time, total procedure time, and user feedback assessment post-procedure.

Results A total of 162 patients underwent colonoscopy with the DBEP. Of these, 144 (89 %) underwent 156 interventions successfully with DBEP (44.5 % endoscopic mucosal resection, 53.2 % hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)/ESD, 1.3 % other). In 13 patients (8 %), device challenges contributed to unsuccessful intervention. One mild device-related adverse event (AE) occurred. Procedural AE rate was 8.3 %. Median lesion size was 2.6 cm [range 0.5–12]. The investigators felt that navigating the device was easy/somewhat easy in 78.5 % of successful cases. Median total procedure time was 69 minutes [range, 19–213], median navigation time to lesion was 8 minutes [range, 1–80], And median polypectomy time was 33.5 minutes [range, 2–143].

Conclusions Endoscopic colon polyp resection with the DBEP was safe with a high technical success rate. The DBEP has the potential to provide enhanced scope stability and visualization, traction, and a conduit for scope exchange. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted.
The Colonoscopy Cookbook: Analysis of effect of a recipe resource on quality and experience of bowel preparation in colonoscopy
Authors: Bennett Laura , Knox Robert , Luscombe Georgina , Egan Jenny , Wallace Lauren
Published: March 2023

Background High-quality bowel preparation for a colonoscopy improves identification of early lesions in the large bowel, decreases procedure time and increases intervals between colonoscopies. Current recommendations advise a low-residue diet in the days leading up to colonoscopy to improve quality of preparation. This study prepared and provided a recipe resource to patients undergoing colonoscopy and assessed the quality of bowel preparation and patient experience.

Patients and methods A “Colonoscopy Cookbook” resource of recipes that comply with the preoperative diet recommendations was created and added to routine preoperative information given to patients undergoing elective colonoscopies at a regional Australian hospital over a 12-month period. Endoscopic reports were reviewed for each case and quality of bowel preparation was classified as “adequate’’ or “inadequate”. Data collected were compared to a representative local cohort from 2019.

Results Procedure reports from 96 patients who were provided with the resource were compared with 96 patients who were not. Adequate bowel preparation was nine times as likely when the resource was available (odds ratio 8.54, 95 % confidence interval: 2.85 to 25.60, P < 0.001) compared to when it was not. The patient experience was assessed using a post-procedure survey, which demonstrated a positive experience in recipe preparation. Most patients would use the resource prior to future colonoscopies.

Conclusions Further randomized controlled trials are required to validate this scoping review. Pre-procedure recipe resources may improve quality of bowel preparation in patients undergoing colonoscopy.
Efficacy of self-assembling peptide in mitigating delayed bleeding after advanced endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal lesions: A meta-analysis
Authors: Gopakumar Harishankar , Vohra Ishaan , Sharma Neil R. , Puli Srinivas R.
Published: March 2023

Background and study aims Advanced endoscopic resection techniques carry a risk of delayed bleeding (DB). A novel fully synthetic self-assembling peptide (SAP) has shown promising results in mitigating this risk. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated all available data and analyzed the effectiveness of SAP in reducing DB after advanced endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal luminal lesions.

Patients and methods Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) from January 2010 through October 2022 were searched for publications addressing the use of SAP solution in patients undergoing advanced endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal lesions. Pooled proportions were calculated using fixed (inverse variance) and random-effects (DerSimonian-Laird) models.

Results The initial search identified 277 studies, of which 63 relevant articles were reviewed. The final analysis included data from six studies comprising 307 patients that met inclusion criteria. The pooled rate of DB was 5.73 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 3.42–8.59). Mean patient age was 69.40 years ± 1.82. The weighted mean size of resected lesions was 36.20 mm (95 % CI = 33.37–39.02). Endoscopic submucosal dissection was used in 72.69 % (95 % CI = 67.62–77.48), while endoscopic mucosal resection was used in 26.42 % (95 % CI = 21.69–31.44) of the procedures. Among the 307 patients, 36 % were on antithrombotic medications. No adverse events (AEs) were attributable to using SAP, with a pooled rate of 0.00 % (95 % CI = 0.00–1.49).

Conclusions SAP solution appears promising in reducing post-procedural DB after advanced endoscopic resection of high-risk gastrointestinal lesions with no reported AEs.
Prospective Cohort Study of Remote Patient Monitoring with and without Care Coordination for Hypertension in Primary Care
Authors: Persell Stephen D. , Petito Lucia C. , Anthony Lauren , Peprah Yaw , Lee Ji Young , Campanella Tara , Campbell Jill , Pigott Kelly , Kadric Jasmina , Duax Charles J. , Li Jim , Sato Hironori
Published: March 2023

Background Out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurements contribute valuable information for guiding clinical management of hypertension. Measurements from home devices can be directly transmitted to patients' electronic health record for use in remote monitoring programs.

Objective This study aimed to compare in primary care practice care coordinator-assisted implementation of remote patient monitoring (RPM) for hypertension to RPM implementation alone and to usual care.

Methods This was a pragmatic observational cohort study. Patients aged 65 to 85 years with Medicare insurance from two populations were included: those with uncontrolled hypertension and a general hypertension group seeing primary care physicians (PCPs) within one health system. Exposures were clinic-level availability of RPM plus care coordination, RPM alone, or usual care. At two clinics (13 PCPs), nurse care coordinators with PCP approval offered RPM to patients with uncontrolled office BP and assisted with initiation. At two clinics (39 PCPs), RPM was at PCPs' discretion. Twenty clinics continued usual care. Main measures were controlling high BP (<140/90 mm Hg), last office systolic blood pressure (SBP), and proportion with antihypertensive medication intensification.

Results Among the Medicare cohorts with uncontrolled hypertension, 16.7% (39/234) of patients from the care coordination clinics were prescribed RPM versus <1% (4/600) at noncare coordination sites. RPM-enrolled care coordination group patients had higher baseline SBP than the noncare coordination group (148.8 vs. 140.0 mm Hg). After 6 months, in the uncontrolled hypertension cohorts the prevalences of controlling high BP were 32.5% (RPM with care coordination), 30.7 % (RPM alone), and 27.1% (usual care); multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.63 (1.12–2.39; p = 0.011) and 1.29 (0.98–1.69; p = 0.068) compared with usual care, respectively.

Conclusion Care coordination facilitated RPM enrollment among poorly controlled hypertension patients and may improve hypertension control in primary care among Medicare patients.
Relationship between Ventricular Size on Latest Ultrasonogram and the Bayley Scores ≥ 18 Months in Extremely Low Gestational Age Neonates: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Reis Jordan D. , Hagan Timothy , Heyne Roy , Tolentino-Plata Kristine , Clarke Rebekah , Brown Larry S. , Rosenfeld Charles R. , Burchfield Patti J. , Caraig Maria , Brion Luc P.
Published: March 2023

Objective A ventricle-to-brain index (VBI) >0.35 is associated with low scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) in preterm infants with birth weight <1,250 g. However, VBI obtained at the third ventricle has only moderate interobserver reliability. The objective of this study was to test (1) reliability of VBI measured at the foramen of Monro on the latest ultrasonogram (US) before discharge using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and (2) the relationship between VBI and BSID-III scores at ≥18 months corrected age.

Study Design The present study is a single-center retrospective cohort study.

Results The study included 270 preterm infants born at 230/7 to 286/7 weeks of gestational age. The ICC of VBI between independent measurements by two study radiologists on the first 50 patients was 0.934. Factors associated with the value of VBI included severe intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and systemic steroid administration for BPD but not postmenstrual age. In multivariate analysis, VBI was negatively and independently associated with cognitive (p = 0.002), language (p = 0.004), and motor (p < 0.001) BSID-III scores. The association between VBI and BSID-III scores was observed even in infants in whom the latest US was obtained before term equivalent age. The association between VBI and BSID-III scores was also observed after excluding those with severe intraventricular hemorrhage.

Conclusion In this very preterm cohort the measurement of VBI had excellent reliability. Moreover, VBI measurements were negatively associated with motor, language, and cognitive BSID-III scores.

Key Points
Budgets of Reynolds stresses in film cooling with fan-shaped and cylindrical holes
Authors: Hao Muting , di Mare Luca
Published: March 2023

The compressible budget terms in the transport equations of Reynolds stresses are examined from the large eddy simulation (LES) result of the film cooling. The capability of LES and the statistical post-processing procedure were first validated. The compressible Reynolds stress budget terms are then analyzed for both fan-shaped and cylindrical cooling films. The balance of all budget terms is shown. The effect of the blowing ratio on each budget term is examined. The mechanisms by which energy is extracted from the mean flow and distributed among the normal Reynolds stresses are highlighted. The sources of anisotropy in the Reynolds stress distributions are examined in detail, and their relation to the flow patterns of the mean and instantaneous flow is explored. The downstream development of the Reynolds stress budgets is studied, and it is shown that the jets of both fan-shaped and cylindrical films can be split into a near field and a far field with different properties. Far downstream of the cooling films, the Reynolds stress budgets near the wall present similarities with the Reynolds stress budgets in a boundary layer, while the Reynolds stress budgets further away from the wall resemble budgets in a free-shear flow. It is shown that the budgets of the Reynolds stress in the three-dimensional wall jets object of this study obey approximate similarity laws. These laws are based on easily obtained integral scales but need to be modified by suitable powers of the distance from the orifice producing the jet.
Nonlinear ultrasound propagation in liquid containing multiple microbubbles coated by shell incorporating anisotropy
Authors: Chabouh Georges
Published: March 2023

Using microbubbles coated by a thin shell as ultrasound contrast agents for ultrasound diagnosis improves image resolution. Since numerous microbubbles are used in clinical practice, understanding the acoustic properties of liquids containing multiple microbubbles is important. However, interactions between ultrasound and numerous coated microbubbles have not been fully investigated theoretically. Additionally, ultrasound contrast agents with shells made of various materials have been developed. Recently, an equation of motion that considers the anisotropy of the shell was proposed [Chabouh et al., “Spherical oscillations of encapsulated microbubbles: Effect of shell compressibility and anisotropy,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 149, 1240 (2021)], and the effect of shell anisotropy on the resonance of the oscillating bubble was reported. In this study, we derived a nonlinear wave equation describing ultrasound propagation in liquids containing numerous coated microbubbles based on the method of multiple scales by expanding Chabouh's equation of motion for the single bubble. This was achieved by considering shell anisotropy in the volumetric average equation for the liquid and gas phases. Shell anisotropy was observed to affect the advection, nonlinearity, attenuation, and dispersion of ultrasound. In particular, the attenuation effects increased or decreased depending on the anisotropic shell elasticity.
Cryo-EM analyses of KIT and oncogenic mutants reveal structural oncogenic plasticity and a target for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Krimmer Stefan G. , Bertoletti Nicole , Suzuki Yoshihisa , Katic Luka , Mohanty Jyotidarsini , Shu Sheng , Lee Sangwon , Lax Irit , Mi Wei , Schlessinger Joseph
Published: March 2023

The receptor tyrosine kinase KIT and its ligand stem cell factor (SCF) are required for the development of hematopoietic stem cells, germ cells, and other cells. A variety of human cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and mast cell leukemia, are driven by somatic gain-of-function KIT mutations. Here, we report cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structural analyses of full-length wild-type and two oncogenic KIT mutants, which show that the overall symmetric arrangement of the extracellular domain of ligand-occupied KIT dimers contains asymmetric D5 homotypic contacts juxtaposing the plasma membrane. Mutational analysis of KIT reveals in D5 region an “Achilles heel” for therapeutic intervention. A ligand-sensitized oncogenic KIT mutant exhibits a more comprehensive and stable D5 asymmetric conformation. A constitutively active ligand-independent oncogenic KIT mutant adopts a V-shaped conformation solely held by D5-mediated contacts. Binding of SCF to this mutant fully restores the conformation of wild-type KIT dimers, including the formation of salt bridges responsible for D4 homotypic contacts and other hallmarks of SCF-induced KIT dimerization. These experiments reveal an unexpected structural plasticity of oncogenic KIT mutants and a therapeutic target in D5.
Effect of Specimen Processing Technique on Cell Detection and Classification by Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Maruyama Sayumi , Sakabe Nanako , Ito Chihiro , Shimoyama Yuka , Sato Shouichi , Ikeda Katsuhide
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Cytomorphology is known to differ depending on the processing technique, and these differences pose a problem for automated diagnosis using deep learning. We examined the as-yet unclarified relationship between cell detection or classification using artificial intelligence (AI) and the AutoSmear (Sakura Finetek Japan) and liquid-based cytology (LBC) processing techniques.

Methods

The “You Only Look Once” (YOLO), version 5x, algorithm was trained on the AutoSmear and LBC preparations of 4 cell lines: lung cancer (LC), cervical cancer (CC), malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM), and esophageal cancer (EC). Detection and classification rates were used to evaluate the accuracy of cell detection.

Results

When preparations of the same processing technique were used for training and detection in the 1-cell (1C) model, the AutoSmear model had a higher detection rate than the LBC model. When different processing techniques were used for training and detection, detection rates of LC and CC were significantly lower in the 4-cell (4C) model than in the 1C model, and those of MM and EC were approximately 10% lower in the 4C model.

Conclusions

In AI-based cell detection and classification, attention should be paid to cells whose morphologies change significantly depending on the processing technique, further suggesting the creation of a training model.