bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Assembling Delaminated V4C3Tx MXene into Highly Stable Pseudocapacitive Flexible Film Electrode for Supercapacitors
Authors: Bin Xiaoqing , Sheng Minhao , Luo Yijia , Que Wenxiu
Published: April 2022

The compactly stacked layers and the use of binders are detrimental to the rate performance and long cycle stability for V4C3Tx MXene. To solve this problem and add a new member to flexible electrodes, the multi‐layered V4C3Tx MXene is delaminated into nanoflakes (d‐V4C3Tx) with tetra‐n‐butylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) and self‐assembled into the flexible film without binder. The d‐V4C3Tx film as a negative electrode delivers a high specific capacitance of 292.0 F g‐1 (622.4 F cm‐3) at 2 mV s‐1, remarkable rate performance (86.0% at 200 mV s‐1, 78.4% at 500 mV s‐1), and the splendid cycle stability (93.1% for 40 000 cycles, 82.9% for 60 000 cycles at 10 A g‐1). The excellent electrochemical performance for the d‐V4C3Tx film is attributed to the outstanding electrical conductivity (16 465.3 S m‐1), and the large interlayer spacing (2.1 nm), as well as the surface capacitive control mechanism. The asymmetric supercapacitor composed of d‐V4C3Tx film and activated carbon (AC) also shows high energy and power densities of 22.2 Wh L‐1 at 285.3 W L‐1. This work provides a novel flexible and more stable film (d‐V4C3Tx) electrode with long cycle life for supercapacitors, and further promotes the development for flexible supercapacitors.
Nonradiative Recombination via Charge‐Transfer‐Exciton to Polaron Energy Transfer Limits Photocurrent in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Khan Saeed‐Uz‐Zaman , Gui Manting , Liu Xiao , Giebink Noel C. , Kahn Antoine , Rand Barry P.
Published: April 2022

A recombination and exciton loss mechanism is reported in organic solar cells involving energy transfer between charge transfer (CT) excitons and polarons, impacting photocurrent generation, particularly in the near‐infrared where polaronic transitions typically reside. This process sets a low‐energy cut‐off in the external quantum efficiency spectrum of an excitonic donor/acceptor interface, determined by the low‐energy polaron absorption peak and the CT state reorganization energy. Furthermore, this process explains the deviation from unity and bias dependence of the CT state's internal quantum efficiency at low photon energies. This process is demonstrated in a variety of systems and it is hypothesized that CT state to polaron energy transfer recombination may be responsible for a share of nonradiative recombination in all organic photovoltaics and can explain numerous experimentally observed device trends regarding photocurrent generation and energy losses. Overall, this work enhances the understanding of photophysical processes in organic materials and allows the design of systems that can avoid this recombination pathway.
Insights into the weep performance and modeling of perforated plates
Authors: Wang Jun , Yao XiuYing , Chen Tao , Huang ChuanXiang , Sun XueNi , Shao Hui , Leng YiXin , Peng Chong , Zhong Jing , Jiang JunCheng
Published: April 2022

Weeping is an important hydraulic parameter for the design and optimization of perforated plates because it determines the lower limit of the tray operation (vapor load). Therefore, an accurate prediction of the weep rate is very important. First, according to our theoretical analysis of the weeping phenomena of large‐scale perforated trays, we proposed three weep modes on a perforated tray: (1) random weeping in the bubbling zone, (2) dumping in the nonbubbling zone, and (3) liquid fluctuation‐induced weeping. Second, a weep rate model was developed, and the literature data were correlated to determine model parameters. Results showed the fractional hole area substantially affects the model parameters. We also examined the effects of the tray structure, flow parameter, and fluid physical properties on the weep rate. Finally, the developed model was used to predict the weep rate of different scale trays reported in references, and the prediction results showed good agreements.
Evaluation of growth, puberty, osteoporosis, and the response to long‐term bisphosphonate therapy in four patients with osteoporosis‐pseudoglioma syndrome
Authors: Karakilic‐Ozturan Esin , Altunoglu Umut , Ozturk Ayse Pinar , Kardelen Al Asli Derya , Yavas Abali Zehra , Avci Sahin , Wollnik Bernd , Poyrazoglu Sukran , Bas Firdevs , Uyguner Zehra Oya , Kayserili Hülya , Darendeliler Feyza
Published: April 2022

Osteoporosis‐pseudoglioma syndrome (OPPG; MIM #259770) is a rare autosomal recessively inherited disease, characterized by early‐onset osteoporosis and congenital blindness, caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the LRP5 gene. Beneficial effects of bisphosphonate treatment in patients with OPPG are well known, while follow‐up data on growth and pubertal parameters are limited. This article provides clinical follow‐up data and long‐term bisphosphonate treatment results in four OPPG patients from three unrelated families, ranging between 2.5 and 7 years of age at presentation. Clinical diagnosis was molecularly confirmed in all patients, with four different germline biallelic LRP5 mutations including a novel nonsense variant c.3517C>T (p.(Gln1173*)) in two siblings with marked phenotypic variability. Anthropometric and pubertal data and bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were evaluated retrospectively. Early puberty was observed in two patients. The bisphosphonate treatment duration of patients varied around 4–7 years and improvement in BMD z‐scores with bisphosphonate treatment was demonstrated in all patients (z‐score changes were +5.6, +4.0, +1.0, and +1.3). Although further research is needed to identify the possible association between early puberty and OPPG, all OPPG patients should be followed up with detailed endocrinological evaluation regarding pubertal status.
Nasopharyngeal morphology contributes to understanding the “muddle in the middle” of the Pleistocene hominin fossil record
Authors: Pagano Anthony S. , Smith Christopher M. , Balzeau Antoine , Márquez Samuel , Laitman Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2022

The late archeologist Glynn Isaac first applied the term “muddle in the middle” to a poorly understood period in the Middle Pleistocene human fossil record. This study uses the nasopharyngeal boundaries as a source of traits that may inform this unclear period of human evolution. The nasopharynx lies at the nexus of several vital physiological systems, yet relatively little is known about its importance in human evolution. We analyzed a geographically diverse contemporary Homo sapiens growth series (n = 180 adults, 237 nonadults), Homo neanderthalensis (La Chapelle aux Saints 1, La Ferrassie 1, Forbes Quarry 1, Monte Circeo 1, and Saccopastore 1), mid‐Pleistocene Homo (Atapuerca 5, Kabwe 1, Petralona 1, and Steinheim 1), and two Homo erectus sensu lato (KNM‐ER 3733 and Sangiran 17). Methods include traditional (Analysis 1) and 3D geometric morphometric analysis (Analysis 2). H. erectus exhibited tall, narrow nasopharyngeal shape, a robust, ancestral morphology. Kabwe 1 and Petralona 1 plotted among H. sapiens in Analysis 2, exhibiting relatively shorter and vertical cartilaginous Eustachian tubes and vertical medial pterygoid plates. Atapuerca 5 and Steinheim 1 exhibited horizontal vomeral orientation similar to H. neanderthalensis, indicating greater relative soft palate length and anteroposterior nasopharynx expansion. They may exhibit synapomorphies with H. neanderthalensis, supporting the accretionary hypothesis. Species‐level differences were found among H. sapiens and H. neanderthalensis, including relatively longer dilator tubae muscles and extreme facial airorhynchy among Neanderthals. Furthermore, H. neanderthalensis were autapomorphic in exhibiting horizontal pterygoid plate orientation similar to human infants, suggesting that they may have had inferiorly low placement of the torus tubarius and Eustachian tube orifice on the lateral nasopharyngeal wall in life. This study supports use of osseous nasopharyngeal boundaries both for morphological characters and understanding evolution of otitis media susceptibility in living humans.
Fully validated UPLC–MS/MS method for quantifying Favipiravir in human plasma boosted lean six sigma: An application for a bioequivalence study
Authors: Abd Allah Fathy Ibrahim , Abdelhmaid Ahmed , Himida Mahmed , Mostafa Elkashlan Akram , El‐Attar Abdul‐Aziz M. M.
Published: April 2022

This research developed and validated a highly sensitive and selective UPLC–MS/MS approach using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer for quantifying favipiravir. Moreover, we introduced a study evaluating bioequivalence using two drugs, Favibrivix and Avigan, containing favipiravir. Lean Six Sigma verified the capacity and performance of the process. Protein precipitation extraction was utilized to extract favipiravir from the collected human matrices. We used an Acquity UPLCr BEH HILIC column and valproic acid as an internal standard. Furthermore, we conducted the procedure using an isocratic elution comprising acetonitrile and 0.005% ammonia in water (75:25, v/v), a flow rate of 0.25 ml/min, a temperature controlled at 10°C and an injection volume of 1.0 μl. Our UPLC–MS/MS process has a broad range (50–10,000 ng/ml) with a determination coefficient of 0.9980. We validated the method in line with the US Food and Drug Administration. The findings revealed that the test, Favibrivix 200 mg/tablet, and the reference, Avigan® 200 mg/tablet, were statistically bioequivalent in healthy Egyptian participants.
User‐demand fast‐curable ocular glues enforced by multilength tunable networks
Authors: Lee Hyeseon , Chandrasekharan Ajeesh , Seong Keum‐Yong , Jo Yeon Ji , Park Samdae , An Seonyeong , Lee Seungsoo , Kim Hyeji , Ahn Hyungju , Seo Sungbaek , Lee Jong Soo , Yang Seung Yun
Published: April 2022

Achieving fast and secure wound closure without ocular foreign body sensation is highly desired in ophthalmologic surgery. Sutureless approaches using tissue adhesives are gaining popularity, but their practical use is limited by the difficulty in controlling adhesion time and satisfying safety standards without compromising adhesive performance. Herein, we report user‐demand hydrogel‐forming ocular glues based on multilength photo‐crosslinkable hyaluronic acid (HA), achieving firm tissue adhesion under wet and dynamic conditions and possessing cornea‐like optical transparency. The HA‐based photocurable glue (HA photoglue) quickly seals wounds upon nontoxic low‐energy light exposure (320–500 nm, < 5 s, < 1 J cm−2), and its mechanical and adhesive properties are improved by introducing short and long crosslinkable moieties into HA through one‐step synthesis, forming multilength networks. Furthermore, the HA photoglue provides stable sealing in wet environments like ocular mucous surface, a clear vision with a light transmittance of more than 95% over the entire visible range, and a lubricating surface with minimal ocular sensation (generating less than 10% frictional force than suture groups). In a rabbit corneal incision model, the HA photoglue showed improved wound healing efficacy based on histological evaluation compared to control groups.
Multi‐tissue cytogenetic analysis for the diagnosis of mosaic Down syndrome: A case report
Authors: Moncada Arita Wilberg A. , Perdomo Domínguez Eduardo Smelin , Rivera Caballero Astrid Yohaly , Espinoza‐Moreno Nelson A. , Zavala Galeano Mauricio E. , DuPont Barbara R. , Ramos‐Zaldívar Héctor M.
Published: April 2022

Less than one percent of individuals with Down syndrome exhibit mosaicism, a biological phenomenon that describes an individual who has two or more genetically distinct cell lines. The percentage of mosaicism in different tissues can impact the presence of clinical findings and hinder cytogenetic diagnosis. We report a case of mosaicism for trisomy 21 diagnosed after multi‐tissue cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood and buccal mucosa, associated with significant intellectual disability, dysmorphic facial features, congenital heart defects, macropenis, and imperforate anus.
Selective Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 1‐Hydroxy‐2,5‐hexanedione by Biochar‐Supported Ru Catalysts
Authors: Longo Lilia , Taghavi Somayeh , Ghedini Elena , Menegazzo Federica , Di Michele Alessandro , Cruciani Giuseppe , Signoretto Michela
Published: April 2022

The development of sustainable and efficient catalysts ‐namely Ru supported on activated biochars‐ is carried out for the selective hydrogenation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 1‐hydroxy‐2,5‐hexanedione (HHD). Activated biochars obtained from pyrolysis and steam‐based physical activation of two different biomasses from animal (leather tannery waste; ALw) and vegetal (hazelnut shells; AHSw) origins show completely different chemical, textural, and morphological properties. Compared to ALw, after impregnation with 0.5 wt % Ru, AHSw, with inner micro‐mesochannels and cavities and higher layer stacking disorder, leads to better trapping and anchoring of Ru nanoparticles on the catalyst and a suitable Ru single crystal dispersion. This leads to a highly active Ru/AHSw catalyst in the proposed reaction, giving more than 80 % selectivity to HHD and full HMF conversion at 100 °C with 30 bar H2 for 3 h. Ru/AHSw also shows promising performance compared to a commercial Ru/C catalyst.
Catalytic Activation of Polyethylene Model Compounds Over Metal‐Exchanged Beta Zeolites
Authors: Miller Jacob H. , Starace Anne K. , Ruddy Daniel A.
Published: April 2022

Decomposition of polymers by heterogeneous catalysts presents a promising approach for reuse of waste plastics. We demonstrated non‐hydrogenative decomposition of model polyolefins over proton‐form and metal (Cu, Ni) ion‐exchanged beta (BEA) zeolites at moderate temperatures (around 300 °C). Near complete polyolefin decomposition was observed in batch reactions monitored by thermogravimetric analysis, while decomposition at partial conversion was studied in flow reactions. Ni‐exchanged zeolites produced H2 at substantially higher rates (>10x) than other catalysts while also uniquely resisting deactivation over time. Application of the delplot formalism offered insights into the reaction network for polyolefin decomposition over Ni/BEA most notably that H2 is solely a primary product. We deduce that H2 production is catalyzed by activation of C−H bonds at ionic Ni sites, and H2 prevents buildup of polyaromatic coke species in Ni‐exchanged zeolites that deactivate Cu‐exchanged and protonic zeolites.
Suboptimal foraging theory: How inaccurate predictions and approximations can make better models of adaptive behavior
Authors: Railsback Steven F.
Published: April 2022

Optimal foraging theory (OFT) is based on the ecological concept that organisms select behaviors that convey future fitness, and on the mathematical concept of optimization: finding the alternative that provides the best value of a fitness measure. As implemented in, for example, state‐based dynamic modeling, OFT is powerful for one key problem of modern ecology: modeling behavior as a tradeoff among competing fitness elements such as growth, risk avoidance, and reproductive output. However, OFT is not useful for other modern problems such as representing feedbacks within systems of interacting, unique individuals: When we need to model foraging by each of many individuals that interact competitively or synergistically, optimization is impractical or impossible—there are no optimal behaviors. For such problems we can, however, still use the concept of future fitness to model behavior by replacing optimization with less precise (but perhaps more realistic) techniques for ranking alternatives. Instead of simplifying the systems we model until we can find optimal behavior, we can use theory based on inaccurate predictions, coarse approximations, and updating to produce good behavior in more complex and realistic contexts. This so‐called state‐ and prediction‐based theory (SPT) can, for example, produce realistic foraging decisions by each of many unique, interacting individuals when growth rates and predation risks vary over space and time. Because SPT lets us address more natural complexity and more realistic problems, it is more easily tested against more kinds of observation and more useful in management ecology. A simple foraging model illustrates how SPT readily accommodates complexities that make optimization intractable. Other models use SPT to represent contingent decisions (whether to feed or hide, in what patch) that are tradeoffs between growth and predation risk, when both growth and risk vary among hundreds of patches, vary unpredictably over time, depend on characteristics of the individuals, are subject to feedbacks from competition, and change over the daily light cycle. Modern ecology demands theory for tradeoff behaviors in complex contexts that produce feedbacks; when optimization is infeasible, we should not be afraid to use approximate fitness‐seeking methods instead.
Lanthanum nickelate as an efficient oxygen electrode for solid oxide electrolysis cell
Authors: Mauvy Fabrice , Grenier Jean‐Claude , Vulliet Julien , Bassat Jean‐Marc , Rougier Aline
Published: April 2022

The present study focuses on an alternative structured oxygen electrode for solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). La2NiO4+δ nickelate, LNO, was selected with respect to its mixed electronic and ionic conductivity and its good chemical stability. Complete single cells were built using screen printing of LNO and LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 (LNF) layers on a standard hydrogen electrode supported half cell consisting of a porous NiO‐YSZ layer, a dense 8YSZ electrolyte layer, and a thin interlayer of gadolinia doped ceria (GDC). The LNO cells' polarization curves under various anodic flows of H2O/H2 (90/10) show excellent performances compared to the commercial LSCF (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3‐x) based cells. The steam conversion ratio increases from around 40% to 80% when the gas flow decreases from 36 to 12 N ml min–1 cm–2. With a degradation rate of 1.5% 1000 h–1 after 500 h operating time (i = –0.5 A cm–2) at 800°C, using a medium H2O/H2 (90/10) gas flow of 24 N ml min–1 cm–2, LNO oxygen electrode shows higher durability than the state of the art LSCF oxygen electrode. Energy efficiency analysis confirms the dependency of the total efficiency with the current density and gas flow allowing us to suggest optimized conditions for reaching targets of commercial H2 production.
Decreased overall survival in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer receiving definitive radiotherapy and concurrent cetuximab: National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Korpics Mark C. , Turchan William Tyler , Koshy Matthew , Spiotto Michael T.
Published: April 2022

Background

Recently, randomized trials have questioned the efficacy of cetuximab‐based bioradiotherapy compared to chemoradiation for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx (HNSCC). We compared the OS of patients treated with radiotherapy alone (RTonly), chemoradiotherapy (chemoRT), and bioradiotherapy (cetuxRT).

Methods

Patients with stage III–IVB HNSCC treated with RTonly, chemoRT, or cetuxRT were identified in the National Cancer Database. OS was estimated using Cox proportional hazards. Analyses were conducted on the overall cohort and propensity matched cohorts.

Results

31 014 patients were treated with RTonly (22%), chemoRT (72%), or cetuxRT (6%) from 2013 to 2016. The 2‐year OS was 69% for RTonly, 79% for chemoRT, and 66% for cetuxRT (p < 0.001). In the overall and propensity‐matched cohorts, chemoRT and RTonly were associated with improved OS as compared to cetuxRT (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared to chemoRT or RTonly, cetuxRT is associated with decreased OS for patients with HNSCC, suggesting minimal benefit of bioradiotherapy in this population.
Optical Resonances of Chiral Metastructures in the Mid‐infrared Spectral Range
Authors: Therien Denis A. B. , Read Stuart T. , Rosendahl Scott M. , Lagugné‐Labarthet François
Published: April 2022

Metamaterials with localized surface plasmon resonances have been the subject of intense research for a wealth of applications ranging from active photonic devices to analytical sensing units that utilizes the local field enhancement to improve sensitivity and decrease acquisition time. Herein, we focus on the modelled properties of a series of spiral metastructures that present multiple chiral plasmon modes in the 1–10 μm mid‐IR spectral range and that could be utilized to enhance vibrational circular dichroism measurements to further identify molecular, supramolecular and structural chirality centres. Finite‐difference time‐domain electromagnetic modelling was conducted to calculate the infrared spectra of the metastructures in response to a circularly polarized excitation. Several geometric parameters were altered to further tune the position of the resonances. In addition, the near‐field distribution of the optical resonances was calculated providing a spatial snapshot of the chiral modes. Preliminary spiral structures were fabricated using electron beam lithography and their vibrational circular response was measured.
Free flap reconstruction of plantar weight‐bearing heel defects: Long‐term functional and patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Sayyed Adaah A. , Towfighi Parhom , Deldar Romina , Attinger Christopher E. , Evans Karen K.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Non‐healing plantar weight‐bearing heel ulcers are a challenging problem to treat. Free tissue transfer (FTT) reconstruction of the heel is an opportunity for limb salvage to preserve gait and ambulation. The aim of this study is to describe surgical and functional outcomes in patients who underwent FTT to treat chronic heel ulcers.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent FTT for plantar heel ulcers from 2011 to 2021 was conducted. Patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative data, postoperative complications, and long‐term outcomes were recorded. Primary outcomes included flap success, complications, postoperative ambulation, patient‐reported outcome measures and limb salvage, with patients stratified into limb salvage or eventual amputation groups.

RESULTS

Forty‐four patients underwent 45 heel reconstructions. Average age and BMI were 57.3 years and 30.1 kg/m2, respectively. Thirty‐eight patients (86.4%) had calcaneal osteomyelitis, 35 patients (79.5%) had diabetes, and 18 patients (40.9%) had peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Immediate microsurgical success rate was 95.6%. At mean follow‐up of 19.6 ± 20.9 months, overall limb salvage rate was 73.3% (n = 33). Preoperative albumin levels were higher in limb salvage group compared to the amputation group (3.0 vs. 2.4 g/dl, p = .018). Prior stroke history and hypoalbuminemia were significantly higher in the amputation group compared to limb salvage group (p = .012 and p = .018, respectively). Risk for eventual amputation was associated with PVD (OR 4.0, p = .053), hypoalbuminemia (OR 4.9, p = .020), and postoperative infection (OR 6.3, p = .013). Of the 12 amputations that occurred, the most common indication for amputation was infection (n = 8, 66.7%), which most often occurred at the original wound location (62.5%). At most recent follow‐up, 90.7% of patients (n = 39) were ambulatory.

CONCLUSION

FTT is an effective alternative to amputation in patients with chronic heel ulcers. Proper patient selection, preoperative optimization, and postoperative care are imperative to the success of this limb salvage procedure.
SPRING‐RIO TSE: 2D T2‐Weighted Turbo Spin‐Echo brain imaging using SPiral RINGs with retraced in/out trajectories
Authors: Wang Zhixing , Allen Steven P. , Feng Xue , Mugler John P. , Meyer Craig H.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To develop a new approach to 2D turbo spin ‐echo (TSE) imaging using annular spiral rings with a retraced in/out trajectory, dubbed “SPRING‐RIO TSE”, for fast T2‐weighted brain imaging at 3T.

Methods

A long spiral trajectory was split into annular segmentations that were then incorporated into a 2D TSE acquisition module to fully exploit the sampling efficiency of spiral rings. A retraced in/out trajectory strategy coupled with spiral‐ring TSE was introduced to increase SNR, mitigate T2‐decay induced artifacts, and self‐correct moderate off‐resonance while maintaining the target TE and causing no scan time penalty. Model‐based k‐space estimation and semiautomatic off‐resonance correction algorithms were implemented to minimize effects of k‐space trajectory infidelity and B0 inhomogeneity, respectively. The resulting SPRING‐RIO TSE method was compared to the original spiral‐ring (abbreviated “SPRING”) TSE and Cartesian TSE using simulations, and phantom and in vivo acquisitions.

Results

Simulation and phantom studies demonstrated the performance of the proposed SPRING‐RIO TSE pulses sequence, as well as that of trajectory correction and off‐resonance correction. Volunteer data showed that the proposed method achieves high‐quality 2D T2‐weighted brain imaging with a higher scan efficiency (0:45 min/14 slices versus 1:31 min/14 slices), improved image contrast, and reduced specific absorption rate compared to conventional 2D Cartesian TSE.

Conclusion

2D T2‐weighted brain imaging using spiral‐ring TSE was implemented and tested, providing several potential advantages over conventional 2D Cartesian TSE imaging.
‘Know thyself’ – host factors influencing cancer response to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Gunjur Ashray , Manrique‐Rincón Andrea J , Klein Oliver , Behren Andreas , Lawley Trevor D , Welsh Sarah J , Adams David J
Published: April 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionised oncology and are now standard‐of‐care for the treatment of a wide variety of solid neoplasms. However, tumour responses remain unpredictable, experienced by only a minority of ICI recipients across malignancy types. Therefore, there is an urgent need for better predictive biomarkers to identify a priori the patients most likely to benefit from these therapies. Despite considerable efforts, only three such biomarkers are FDA‐approved for clinical use, and all rely on the availability of tumour tissue for immunohistochemical staining or genomic assays. There is emerging evidence that host factors – for example, genetic, metabolic, and immune factors, as well as the composition of one's gut microbiota – influence the response of a patient's cancer to ICIs. Tantalisingly, some of these factors are modifiable, paving the way for co‐therapies that may enhance the therapeutic index of these treatments. Herein, we review key host factors that are of potential biomarker value for response to ICI therapy, with a particular focus on the proposed mechanisms for these influences. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Glassy Carbon Electrodes Decorated with HgO/CNT Nanocomposite and Modified with a Conducting Polymer Matrix for Enzyme‐Free Ascorbic Acid Detection
Authors: Alfaifi Sulaiman Y. M. , Hussain Mohammad Musarraf , Asiri Abdullah M. , Rahman. Mohammed M.
Published: April 2022

In an alkaline solution, mercuric oxide decorated carbon nanotube nanocomposites (HgO.CNT NCs) were manufactured utilizing an uncomplicated wet‐chemical approach. Ultra‐Violet spectroscopy (UV‐Visible), Fourier Transform Infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), X‐ray Photo‐electron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Field Emission Scanning Emission Microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (XEDS) techniques were applied to examine the HgO.CNT NCs that had been prepared. Ascorbic acid sensor was developed upon light coating of HgO.CNT NCs on polished Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with nafion (Nf). Analytical performance of the selected ascorbic acid sensor was achieved such as sensitivity, Limit of quantification (LOQ), Limit of detection (LOD), Linear dynamic range (LDR), extended reliability, interference effect experimentation, and actual sample inspection using a consistent current‐voltage approach. Calibration curve of the suggested sensor was observed to be linear (R2=0.9957) throughout a broad range of ascorbic acid concentrations (100.0 pM∼100.0 mM) at a voltage of 0.8 V. The calibration curve yielded analytical parameters such as sensitivity (632.91 pAμM−1cm−2), LOQ (255.0 pM), LOD (76.50 pM), and LDR (100.0 pM ∼1.0 mM) for the proposed ascorbic acid sensor (GCE/HgO.CNT NCs/Nf). The wet‐chemical synthesis of HgO.CNT NCs is a good development of nanocomposite‐oriented sensor advancement in medical sciences with non‐enzymatic detection of biological substances. This proposed sensor applied to selective ascorbic acid detection in biological samples and obtained logical outcomes.
Introduction to Battery Full-Lifespan Management
Authors: Liu Kailong , Wang Yujie , Lai Xin
Published: April 2022

As one of the most promising alternatives to effectively bypass fossil fuels and promote net-zero carbon emission target around the world, rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have become a mainstream energy storage technology in numerous important applications such as electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and smart grid. However, Li-ion batteries present inevitable ageing and performance degradation with time. To ensure efficiency, safety, and avoid potential failures for Li-ion batteries, reliable battery management during its full-lifespan is of significant importance. This chapter first introduces the background and motivation of Li-ion battery, followed by the description of Li-ion battery fundamentals and the demands of battery management. After that, the basic information and benefits of using data science technologies to achieve effective battery full-lifespan management are presented.
Data Science-Based Battery Operation Management I
Authors: Liu Kailong , Wang Yujie , Lai Xin
Published: April 2022

This chapter focuses on the data science technologies for battery operation management, which is another key and intermediate process in the full-lifespan of battery. After manufacturing, battery would be operated in various applications such as transportation electrification, stationary energy storage, and smart grid to supply or absorb the power, where suitable management solutions are necessary to ensure its efficiency, safety, and sustainability. In this context, numerous state-of-the-art data science strategies have been developed to perform efficient management of battery operation.
The Ways Ahead
Authors: Liu Kailong , Wang Yujie , Lai Xin
Published: April 2022

Although great efforts have been made in developing data science technology for benefitting full-lifespan management of Li-ion batteries, many knowledge gaps still exist. This chapter summarizes these challenges, future trends, and promising solutions to boost the development of data science solutions in the management of battery manufacturing, operation, and reutilization, respectively. This could further inform the selections of data science methodology and academic research agendas alike, thus boosting progress in data science-based battery full-lifespan management on different technology readiness levels.
Financing for a Resilient Health System in India: Lessons from the COVID Pandemic
Authors: Gupta Indrani
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 has again brought into focus the need for building a resilient health system which can cater efficiently and equitably to the population during normal times as well as during unforeseen events like an epidemic, pandemic, or other unanticipated occurrences that impact human health. To be prepared well in advance means to avoid unnecessary morbidity and mortality on the one hand, and minimize socio-economic impact on individuals and households, on the other. The author argues that each component that goes into building a resilient health system requires financing, making health financing the key policy knob for the government. India has had to struggle in real time to fill the various gaps in the health system during the pandemic, by undertaking emergency investment on a variety of essential goods and services for the health sector. The analysis of trends in health financing indicates that government investment has remained very low which has prevented strengthening key areas of the health system like infrastructure, personnel, and medical supplies. It has also resulted in high out-of-pocket expenditures for health care by households, exacerbating inequalities in access. Finally, the latest budget outlays for health are examined to analyze whether India has been able to use the pandemic as a wake-up call for prioritizing the health sector and build a stronger health system.
From Vulnerability to Resilience: Sex Workers Fight COVID-19
Authors: Reza-Paul Sushena , Kumar Philip Neil , Lazarus Lisa , Pasha Akram , Ramaiah Manjula , Paul Manisha Reza , Lorway Robert , Sundararaman Sundar
Published: April 2022

The authors describe the plight of sex workers, a particularly disadvantaged community that is highly marginalized and vulnerable. Sex workers were hard hit by the pandemic. The authors examine the impact of COVID-19 on sex workers’ lives and livelihoods, their response to the crisis, and the strategies that they employed to battle the pandemic.

During the lockdown, female sex workers lost their livelihoods which plunged them and their families into extreme poverty. Even when unlock measures were announced, the business of sex work did not return to normal. Sex work, by its very nature, demands physical proximity—not physical distancing. Consequently, sex workers had to innovate to find work to survive. Loss of livelihoods also brought forth hidden mental health problems. Gripped by anxiety and depression due to the uncertainty about when the pandemic would end, sex workers went into despair. Some even attempted suicide. Violence in the family increased significantly. For sex workers living with HIV, there was the added anxiety about the continuation of anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Community-based organizations (CBOs) took on the responsibility of providing drugs to sex workers by developing a unique supply chain. The CBO members collected the drugs from the health centers and deliver them to sex workers at a mutually convenient place, thereby ensuring confidentiality.

The authors draw attention to sex workers who are invisible in most discourses. This vulnerable, marginalized community was seriously affected by the pandemic. Sex workers were victims but were also the first responders to the pandemic. Sex worker collectives formed to fight HIV, were by their very nature, well-equipped to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s announcement to provide rations to the poor was a welcome move, but it was not of much help to sex workers as they did not possess ration cards. The sex worker collectives valiantly fought this battle and won. The Supreme Court of India directed the states to provide sex workers with dry rations without insisting on any proof.

The stories of the lives and resilience of sex workers, narrated in this chapter, are inspiring. The authors discuss the plight of female sex workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The community of sex workers was missing from all government policies and welfare schemes. The sudden lockdown robbed them of their livelihoods. Basic necessities like food and shelter became elusive. The authors relate the stories of the struggles of sex workers from different parts of the country.

They discuss how despite uncertainty, stigma, and loss of livelihoods, sex workers emerged strong. The resilient spirit of sex workers should be celebrated. The stories of sex workers have a common thread of resilience, resourcefulness, grit, and determination in the face of unsurmountable challenges.
Ensuring the Continuity of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Planning Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Lessons from the Women’s Integrated Sexual Health Program
Authors: Dave Priti , Omar Omar Ahmed , Etzo Sebastiana A.
Published: April 2022

One of the main aims of the UK aid funded Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH2ACTION W2A) program is to strengthen government stewardship of sexual and reproductive health/family planning (SRH/FP) services across seven countries in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Options consultancy provides technical assistance within four work streams: 1) creation of a favorable policy and planning environment; 2) improved public sector investment; 3) national stewardship over quality improvement; and 4) establishment of accountability systems to influence and track commitments and policies. This role became even more important since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak shifted government’s priorities to the COVID response and led to the disruption in the delivery of essential health services, threatening to undo and reverse the SRH/FP gains made to date. In this chapter, the author shares Options’ approach and experiences in engaging governments during the pandemic to ensure that access to SRH/FP remains a priority, alongside efforts to keep the routine enabling environment work on track. The author draws out wider lessons on the range of actions that can be taken at policy and systems level to protect SRH/FP during a health emergency in different country contexts, including the severity of the outbreak, socio-political environment, and health systems preparedness. The author also highlights how the pandemic can provide new policy opportunities, such as to accelerate self-care, and strengthen health systems resilience.
Neuronal nitric oxyde synthase positive neurons in human indusium griseum
Authors: Lorenzi Teresa , Sagrati Andrea , Montanari Eva , Senzacqua Martina , Morroni Manrico , Fabri Mara
Published: April 2022

The study was designed to analyze the nNOS positive neurons present in the indusium griseum by describing their distribution and morphology. To this purpose, sagittal serial sections from paraffin or frozen autopsy specimens of corpus callosum including the overlying indusium griseum were processed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, using an antibody against the neuronal form of the enzyme nitric oxyde synthase. To test the specificity of the antibody used, Western Blot was performed in the indusium griseum of the same specimens. The stainings revealed the presence of many neuronal nitric oxyde synthase-immunopositive neurons in human indusium griseum, located along both rostral-caudal and medio-lateral directions. In particular, they were more numerous 1 mm apart from the midline, and their number peaked over the body of the corpus callosum. They showed different morphologies; in some cases, they were located at the boundary between indusium griseum and corpus callosum, more densely packed in proximity to the pial arteries penetrating into the corpus callosum. The significant presence and distribution of neuronal nitric oxyde synthase-immunopositive neurons suggests that indusium griseum likely plays a functional role in the neurovascular regulation within the corpus callosum.

Graphical abstract

Schematic representation of human adult IG and the neurovascular unit originating from sopracallosal artery (Sca) that branches into smaller arterioles (Br) (created in PowerPoint). The arterioles cross the three layers of IG (layers I, II and III) and penetrate into the CC separated from IG by the Virchow-Robin space (VRs). As the arterioles go deeper, this space disappears and the vascular basement membrane comes into direct contact with the astrocytic end-feets (intracallosal arterioles and capillaries). nNOS-immunopositive neurons (nNOSIP N) surround the arterioles and control the vasomotore tone secreting nitric oxyde (NO). Two morphological types of nNOSIP N can be appreciated by the use of different colors: fusiform (blue) and ovoidal (pink). Also NeuN-immunopositive neurons (N) and many astrocytes (As) are present, more numerous in IG than in CC.
Differences in training among prehospital emergency physicians in Germany
Authors: Bollinger Matthias , Mathee C. , Shapeton A. D. , Thal S. C. , Russo S. G.
Published: April 2022

Background

Germany has an interdisciplinary physician-based emergency medical service. Differences in training likely lead to different levels of expertise.

Objectives

We assessed the number of manual procedures performed at the completion of training to determine level of experience of prehospital emergency physicians of different primary specialties.

Materials and methods

Immediately after passing the board examination each examinee was asked to estimate the number of performed procedures for 26 manual skills. We compared the results with recommendations and data on learning manual skills. Results are presented as mean (standard deviation).

Results

Endotracheal intubation via direct laryngoscopy was performed 1032 (739) times by anesthesiologists. Surgeons and internists performed 89 (89) and 77 (65) intubations, respectively. Intubation via video laryngoscopy was performed 79 (81) times by anesthesiologists, 11 (17) times by surgeons and 6 (11) times by internists. Surgeons had little experience in non-invasive ventilation, with 9 (19) performed procedures and had rarely used external pacemaker therapy or electrical cardioversion. In comparison, among all participants non-invasive ventilation was performed 152 (197) times, electrical cardioversion was performed 41 (103) times and an external pacemaker was used 6 (15) times. For other procedures the numbers did not markedly differ between the different specialties.

Conclusion

The number of performed procedures markedly differed for some skills between different primary specialties. Recommendations regarding a procedural volume were not always met, suggesting missing expertise for some skills. A defined number of procedures should therefore be a formal requirement to be eligible for board certification in prehospital emergency medicine.
Deep learning for video object segmentation: a review
Authors: Gao Mingqi , Zheng Feng , Yu James J. Q. , Shan Caifeng , Ding Guiguang , Han Jungong
Published: April 2022

As one of the fundamental problems in the field of video understanding, video object segmentation aims at segmenting objects of interest throughout the given video sequence. Recently, with the advancements of deep learning techniques, deep neural networks have shown outstanding performance improvements in many computer vision applications, with video object segmentation being one of the most advocated and intensively investigated. In this paper, we present a systematic review of the deep learning-based video segmentation literature, highlighting the pros and cons of each category of approaches. Concretely, we start by introducing the definition, background concepts and basic ideas of algorithms in this field. Subsequently, we summarise the datasets for training and testing a video object segmentation algorithm, as well as common challenges and evaluation metrics. Next, previous works are grouped and reviewed based on how they extract and use spatial and temporal features, where their architectures, contributions and the differences among each other are elaborated. At last, the quantitative and qualitative results of several representative methods on a dataset with many remaining challenges are provided and analysed, followed by further discussions on future research directions. This article is expected to serve as a tutorial and source of reference for learners intended to quickly grasp the current progress in this research area and practitioners interested in applying the video object segmentation methods to their problems. A public website is built to collect and track the related works in this field: https://github.com/gaomingqi/VOS-Review.
Turnpike Property in Optimal Microbial Metabolite Production
Authors: Caillau Jean-Baptiste , Djema Walid , Gouzé Jean-Luc , Maslovskaya Sofya , Pomet Jean-Baptiste
Published: April 2022

We consider the problem of maximization of metabolite production in bacterial cells formulated as a dynamical optimal control problem (DOCP). According to Pontryagin’s maximum principle, optimal solutions are concatenations of singular and bang arcs and exhibit the chattering or Fuller phenomenon, which is problematic for applications. To avoid chattering, we introduce a reduced model which is still biologically relevant and retains the important structural features of the original problem. Using a combination of analytical and numerical methods, we show that the singular arc is dominant in the studied DOCPs and exhibits the turnpike property. This property is further used in order to design simple and realistic suboptimal control strategies.
Graph analysis of nonlinear fMRI connectivity dynamics reveals distinct brain network configurations for integrative and segregated information processing
Authors: Hirsch Fabian , Wohlschlaeger Afra
Published: April 2022

The human brain is organized into functional networks, whose spatial layout can be described with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Interactions among these networks are highly dynamic and nonlinear, and evidence suggests that distinct functional network configurations interact on different levels of complexity. To gain new insights into topological properties of constellations interacting on different levels of complexity, we analyze a resting state fMRI dataset from the human connectome project. We first measure the complexity of correlational time series among resting state networks, obtained from sliding window analysis, by calculating their sample entropy. We then use graph analysis to create two functional representations of the network: A ‘high complexity network’ (HCN), whose inter-node interactions display irregular fast changes, and a ‘low complexity network’ (LCN), whose interactions are more self-similar and change more slowly in time. Graph analysis shows that the HCNs structure is significantly more globally efficient, compared to the LCNs, indicative of an architecture that allows for more integrative information processing. The LCNs layout displays significantly higher modularity than the HCNs, indicative of an architecture lending itself to segregated information processing. In the HCN, subcortical thalamic and basal ganglia networks display global hub properties, whereas cortical networks act as connector hubs in the LCN. These results can be replicated in a split sample dataset. Our findings show that investigating nonlinear properties of resting state dynamics offers new insights regarding the relative importance of specific brain regions to the two fundamental requirements for healthy brain functioning, that is, integration and segregation.