bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and thermal conductivity of bimodal diamond particles reinforced phenolic resin composites
Authors: Xie Shihong , Gao Jie , Ma Yong , Zheng Ke , Du Le , Zhang Wenhai , Yu Shengwang , He Zhiyong
Published: May 2024

Thermal conductive polymer composites have broad application prospects in the field of thermal management. However, due to intrinsically low thermal conductivity of polymers, even if fillers with high mass fraction are filled, the thermal conductivity of polymer composites cannot be significantly improved. In this paper, bimodal diamond particles (70 wt.% 150 μm and 22 wt.% 25 μm) were incorporated into phenolic resin to construct continuous heat transfer pathways by close packing, thereby enhancing its thermal conductivity. The results indicated that diamond particles with smaller particle size can effectively bridge the gaps between larger ones, forming a continuous for heat conduction. As a result, a maximum thermal conductivity value of 12.45 W/(m·K) can be achieved, which is 65.5 times, 9.8 times and 8.4 times higher than pure phenolic resin, 25 μm diamond particles reinforced phenolic resin composite and 150 μm diamond particles reinforced phenolic resin composite, respectively. Furthermore, heat dissipation and water cooling experiments also confirm the superior heat dissipation performance of phenolic resin composites reinforced with bimodal diamond particles. When the heating voltage is 10 V and the water cooling rate is 30 mL/min, the upper surface temperature of bimodal diamond composites is 129.2°C lower than that of pure phenolic resin. This investigation provides a new type of polymer composite with high thermal conductivity, which has promising prospects for application in thermal management. It also provides new insights for preparing polymer composites with high thermal conductivity by close packing of bimodal particles.

Highlights

Surface modification of the filler enhances its combination with resin.

The interfacial bonding will be enhanced by D–OH bond on diamond surface.

Bimodal diamond particles lead to the formation of a closely packed structure.

This special structure can form a three‐dimensional heat conduction network.

The highest TC of the DD/PR composite is 12.45 W/(m·K).
Association of schizophrenia with fracture‐related femoral neck displacement: A cross‐sectional retrospective study
Authors: Inoue Yukiyo , Tokushige Akihiro , Kinjyo Takeshi , Ueda Shinichiro
Published: May 2024

Aim

Fracture‐related femoral neck displacement is more likely in patients with schizophrenia because of delayed diagnosis, as these patients frequently have less severe fracture‐associated subjective symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the association of schizophrenia with the risk of fracture‐related femoral neck displacement in hospitalized patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with femoral neck fractures treated between April 2013 and March 2018 at a single institution. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between schizophrenia and fracture‐related femoral neck displacement after adjusting for risk factors.

Results

We compared 30 and 194 patients with and without schizophrenia, respectively. The prevalence of fracture‐related displacement was 80.0% in patients with schizophrenia and 62.4% in the controls (p = 0.06). After adjusting for confounding variables, schizophrenia significantly correlated with fracture‐related femoral neck displacement (odds ratio: 4.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–20.60, p = 0.0378).

Conclusions

Schizophrenia is associated with a higher risk of severe femoral neck fracture. To improve outcomes and alleviate the societal burden of femoral neck fractures, early radiographic assessment and surgical intervention for femoral fractures are essential for patients with schizophrenia, even in those without pain symptoms.
Mechanism of the green coagulation processes on the construction of raw rubber network structure
Authors: Wang Longyu , Huang Yinggang , Diao Pengfei , Li Biao , Chen Yahui , Wang Chuansheng , Bian Huiguang , Xiao Yao , Li Wei
Published: May 2024

Acid coagulation is the most traditional latex coagulation technology, but this coagulation process leads to delayed vulcanization, corrosiveness, and environmental pollution. Different coagulation processes significantly impact the raw rubber network structure, leading to differences in the properties of both raw rubber and rubber vulcanizates. Raw rubber was prepared by three acid‐free coagulation processes: freeze, microwave, and flash drying. The network density, molecular chain flexibility, molecular weight, processing fluidity, and plasticity retention of the raw rubber were characterized, and the vulcanization characteristics, viscoelasticity, mechanical properties, and dynamic mechanical properties of the cured rubber composites were investigated. Raw rubbers prepared by microwave drying and flash drying had higher crosslink density, more flexible molecular chains, larger molecular weight, and wider molecular weight distribution, thereby increasing the crosslink density of rubber vulcanizates. The crosslink density of the raw rubber prepared by microwave drying versus the acid coagulated raw rubber increased by 51% to 105.71 mol/m3, the tensile strength increased by 16% to reach 28.12 MPa, and the elastic modulus and rolling resistance under dynamic stress increased. This paper provides a new idea for analyzing the relationship between the raw rubber network structure and the properties of vulcanized rubber.

Highlights

Acid‐free raw rubbers are prepared by freeze, microwave, and flash drying.

Coagulation processes significantly impact the raw rubber network structures.

Effects of raw rubber network structures on properties are investigated.

Crosslink density, plasticity retention, and tensile strength are improved.
Investigation of swelling degree of polypropylene beads with monomers and blowing agents
Authors: Everton Stefanni S. , Gusmão Marcos , Oechsler Bruno F. , Castor Carlos A. , Pinto J. C.
Published: May 2024

The swelling step of polymer particles or beads with blowing agents and monomers is one of the factors that directly affect the performance properties of expandable core–shell particles, including morphology, composition, and expansion degree. In this regard, the present work investigated the effect of swelling agents on polypropylene (PP) beads. Swelling agents were used to perform swelling tests in both bulk and suspension media at different temperatures and stirring rates. Additionally, a mass transfer model was implemented to predict the swelling degree at the analyzed experimental conditions. The obtained results indicated the important effect of temperature on swelling in both bulk and suspension tests. Among the investigated swelling agents, higher rates of PP beads swelling were observed when styrene was employed (~80 wt%), when compared to methyl methacrylate (~20 wt%), vinyl acetate (~9 wt%), and acrylonitrile (~6 wt%). Moreover, it seems that the stirring rate does not exert a considerable influence on the swelling rates, indicating that swelling is controlled by thermodynamic constraints and particle properties. Finally, experimental results showed that the final saturation concentration of the swelling agent can be reached before 1 hour of swelling, indicating that the swelling kinetics can be much faster than the polymerization kinetics.

Highlights

The effects of non‐conventional swelling agents on PP were investigated.

The swelling presented a fast dynamic behavior.

The swelling dynamics was controlled by the solubility of the swelling agent.

The highest swelling degree was obtained with styrene.
AI‐PSM: Where are we now?
Authors: Hoff Rainer
Published: May 2024

Since its public debut in late 2022, ChatGPT has sparked growing interest in AI (Artificial Intelligence) within the Process Safety Management (PSM) community, serving as a tool for data capture and industry‐wide knowledge utilization. While machine learning (ML) had previously been explored in process safety, the emergence of large language models with chat‐style interfaces has made AI more accessible to non‐experts. Over the past year, I have managed the “AI‐PSM” LinkedIn group, facilitating discussions among PSM practitioners on the AI applications in PSM. These discussions have been analyzed using Prof. Thomas Malone's “4 Roles of AI” framework. This paper explores prevailing sentiments among AI‐PSM group members using Malone's model, addressing challenges such as mathematical problem‐solving, errors, and benchmarking.
In Vitro Bioactivities and In Silico ADME Profile for Potential Biological Target Prediction of Selected Phytochemicals Using Six Nepeta Species
Authors: Yenigun Semiha , Basar Yunus , Gül Fatih , Ipek Yasar , Gok Mesut , Behcet Lutfi , Ozen Tevfik , Demirtas Ibrahim
Published: May 2024

Several Nepeta species, used in traditional uses, represent sources of valuable phytochemical composition, as well as in vitro biological and in silico clinical activities. In the present study, the antioxidant and DNA protective properties of methanol: chloroform (1 : 1) extracts of six Nepeta species were evaluated by comparison with standards. In HPLC‐MS/MS analysis, the main components of the extracts were identified as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, shikimic acid, and scutellarin. In the GC‐FID analysis, the highest components were palmitate and cis‐11‐eicosenoic acid. N. aristata has the greatest total phenol and flavonoid contents. N. baytopii, N. aristata, N. italica, N. stenantha, and N. nuda exhibited the highest antioxidant activities. The N. nuda, N. aristata, N. italica, and N. trachonitica extracts were shown to have the most potent DNA protection activity. According to the result of the GC‐FID and HPLC‐MS/MS analysis of Nepeta extracts, ADMET studies of the main components of the extracts were performed. It was evaluated that palmitic acid had BBB permeability, but oleic acid was toxic. The in vitro and in silico results confirmed that Nepeta L. extracts are potential natural products.
Revealing the Optimization Route of Piezoelectric Sonosensitizers: From Mechanism to Engineering Methods
Authors: Zang Pengyu , Yu Chenghao , Zhang Rui , Yang Dan , Gai Shili , Yang Piaoping , Lin Jun
Published: May 2024

Piezoelectric catalysis is a novel catalytic technology that has developed rapidly in recent years and has attracted extensive interest among researchers in the field of tumor therapy for its acoustic‐sensitizing properties. Nevertheless, researchers are still controversial about the key technical difficulties in the modulation of piezoelectric sonosensitizers for tumor therapy applications, which is undoubtedly a major obstacle to the performance modulation of piezoelectric sonosensitizers. Clarification of this challenge will be beneficial to the design and optimization of piezoelectric sonosensitizers in the future. Here, the authors start from the mechanism of piezoelectric catalysis and elaborate the mechanism and methods of defect engineering and phase engineering for the performance modulation of piezoelectric sonosensitizers based on the energy band theory. The combined therapeutic strategy of piezoelectric sonosensitizers with enzyme catalysis and immunotherapy is introduced. Finally, the challenges and prospects of piezoelectric sonosensitizers are highlighted. Hopefully, the explorations can guide researchers toward the optimization of piezoelectric sonosensitizers and can be applied in their own research.
Four‐Terminal Perovskite–CdSeTe Tandem Solar Cells: From 25% toward 30% Power Conversion Efficiency and Beyond
Authors: Dolia Kshitiz , Neupane Sabin , Fu Sheng , Yin Yifan , Abudulimu Abasi , Rahimi Amirhossein , Hattarki Mark , Dokken Briana , Zhu Tingting , Adhikari Alisha , Jamarkattel Manoj K. , Irving Richard E. , Phillips Adam B. , Heben Michael J. , Ellingson Randy J. , Yan Yanfa , Song Zhaoning
Published: May 2024

Thin‐film tandem photovoltaic (PV) technology has emerged as a promising avenue to enhance power conversion efficiency beyond the radiative efficiency limit of single‐junction devices. Combining a tunable wide‐bandgap perovskite cell with a commercially established narrow‐bandgap cadmium selenium telluride (CdSeTe) cell in a comparatively easy‐to‐fabricate four‐terminal (4‐T) arrangement is a great step in that direction. Herein, the impact of the transparent back contact and the perovskite absorber bandgap on the performance of 4‐T perovskite–CdSeTe tandem solar cells is investigated. 4‐T perovskite–CdSeTe tandem device architecture with ≈25% efficiency is demonstrated and a feasible pathway is shown to improve the tandem efficiency to more than 30%. The results show that the integration of CdSeTe with perovskite in 4‐T tandem PV configurations represents a significant advancement toward achieving higher efficiency and low‐cost tandem PVs.
Report of the Nomenclature Committee for Fossils: 18
Authors: Herendeen Patrick S.
Published: May 2024

The following one species name is recommended for conservation: Iris latifolia (Mill.) Voss against I. latifolia Heer. The following one family name is recommended for conservation: Callistophytaceae against Emplectopteridaceae (Pteridospermopsida).
Mapping municipal food supply: A longitudinal‐spatial case study in Southern Germany
Authors: Mager Elena , Ritter Martin , Sipple David , Schanz Heiner
Published: May 2024

German food supply structures show heavy market concentration, which is often framed as a result of economies of scale and scope, individual purchasing behavior, and restrictive EU regulations. However, it remains open how these general developments influenced local food economies and their supply structures of end consumers in small–medium sized municipalities. This paper explores the evolution of local food supply structures on the spatial and temporal scale by mapping food‐supplying businesses in two typical cases, Leutkirch im Allgäu and Waldkirch im Breisgau. The comparative study shows how business‐to‐consumer structures such as food service, retail, and artisanal food processing have developed in terms of numbers of businesses, composition, and spatial distribution. Results show a sharp decline in the diversity and number of enterprises in small and medium‐sized towns. There has also been a shift of enterprises from the city center to the outskirts, for example, in the food service sector. The analysis reveals dynamics that result from a complex interplay of socioeconomic, technological, and local factors. The findings could prove particularly useful for the development of local food policies, strategies, and/or governance aiming at sustainable local food systems and could therefore have implications for their focus.
A scoping review on the use of reflection and reflective portfolio learning in veterinary education
Authors: Jones Andrea , Cobb Kate , England Gary
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In veterinary education, reflection and reflective portfolio learning aim to enhance professional development. Although reflection and reflective portfolio learning are widely used in teaching and healthcare, their demonstrable impact on veterinary education is unclear. Although the benefits are uncertain, reflection may provide potential for self‐development and help to prepare students for clinical practice. The aim of this work was to review research into reflective practice and reflective portfolio learning, to find evidence for its use in teaching, to confirm how it is best implemented to optimise professional development and to identify gaps for future research.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines adhering to review methodology. Ten databases were searched and screened for reflection and portfolio learning as a primary source of data. Of 29,933 texts identified by title and/or abstract, 51 final works were screened in full. Of these, 16 papers that gathered evidence on reflection were included.

Results

The results confirmed a growing evidence base for reflection in the veterinary field. In total, six works demonstrated a positive impact on professional development. Written reflective assignments were the most common methods of implementation, with 11 papers referencing their use. Other methods included group discussion and facilitated reflection.

Conclusions

This review identified numerous gaps for research, including validating the methods of implementation, exploring the efficacy of methods other than written reflection, examining how reflection is used at different stages of the veterinary career and study of different models of reflection to identify which are most useful.
Carrollian amplitudes and celestial symmetries
Authors: Mason Lionel , Ruzziconi Romain , Srikant Akshay Yelleshpur
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Carrollian holography aims to express gravity in four-dimensional asymptotically flat spacetime in terms of a dual three-dimensional Carrollian CFT living at null infinity. Carrollian amplitudes are massless scattering amplitudes written in terms of asymptotic or null data at $$ \mathcal{I} $$
I
. These position space amplitudes at $$ \mathcal{I} $$
I
are to be re-interpreted as correlation functions in the putative dual Carrollian CFT. We derive basic results concerning tree-level Carrollian amplitudes yielding dynamical constraints on the holographic dual. We obtain surprisingly compact expressions for n-point MHV gluon and graviton amplitudes in position space at $$ \mathcal{I} $$
I
. We discuss the UV/IR behaviours of Carrollian amplitudes and investigate their collinear limit, which allows us to define a notion of Carrollian OPE. By smearing the OPE along the generators of null infinity, we obtain the action of the celestial symmetries — namely, the S algebra for Yang-Mills theory and Lw1+∞ for gravity — on the Carrollian operators. As a consistency check, we systematically relate our results with celestial amplitudes using the link between the two approaches. Finally, we initiate a direct connection between twistor space and Carrollian amplitudes.
Temporal entanglement entropy as a probe of renormalization group flow
Authors: Grieninger Sebastian , Ikeda Kazuki , Kharzeev Dmitri E.
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The recently introduced concept of timelike entanglement entropy has sparked a lot of interest. Unlike the traditional spacelike entanglement entropy, timelike entanglement entropy involves tracing over a timelike subsystem. In this work, we propose an extension of timelike entanglement entropy to Euclidean space (“temporal entanglement entropy”), and relate it to the renormalization group (RG) flow. Specifically, we show that tracing over a period of Euclidean time corresponds to coarse-graining the system and can be connected to momentum space entanglement. We employ Holography, a framework naturally embedding RG flow, to illustrate our proposal. Within cutoff holography, we establish a direct link between the UV cutoff and the smallest resolvable time interval within the effective theory through the irrelevant $$T\overline{T }$$ deformation. Increasing the UV cutoff results in an enhanced capability to resolve finer time intervals, while reducing it has the opposite effect. Moreover, we show that tracing over a larger Euclidean time interval is formally equivalent to integrating out more UV degrees of freedom (or lowering the temperature). As an application, we point out that the temporal entanglement entropy can detect the critical Lifshitz exponent z in non-relativistic theories which is not accessible from spatial entanglement at zero temperature and density.
Extraction of unpolarized transverse momentum distributions from the fit of Drell-Yan data at N4LL
Authors: Moos Valentin , Scimemi Ignazio , Vladimirov Alexey , Zurita Pia
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We present an extraction of unpolarized transverse momentum dependent parton distributions functions (TMDPDFs) and Collins-Soper kernel from the fit of Drell-Yan and weak-vector boson production data. The TMDPDF are parameterized, as commonly done, using their (large transverse momentum) asymptotic matching to PDF. The analysis is done at the next-to-next-to-next-to-next-to leading logarithmic accuracy (N4LL) (performed only approximately because PDF evolution is known so far at next-to-next-to leading order (NNLO)). The non-perturbative model used for TMDPDF is flavor dependent to reduce the colllinear PDF bias. The estimation of uncertainties is done with the replica method and, for the first time, it includes the propagation of uncertainties due to the collinear distributions.
Attractive (s)axions: cosmological trackers at the boundary of moduli space
Authors: Revello Filippo
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We study the cosmological evolution of a FLRW universe dominated by the energy density of moduli close to asymptotic regions of moduli space. Due to the structure of the $$\mathcal{N}$$ = 1 SUGRA kinetic term, a saxion and an axion residing in the same chiral multiplet are (universally) coupled even if the latter is a flat direction of the potential, resulting in non-trivial dynamics. We generalise known results in the literature to the case of multiple moduli, showing the existence of various “tracker” attractor solutions where the relative energy densities of many components (axions included) stay in a fixed ratio throughout the evolution. We conclude with some phenomenological applications, relevant for both the early and late universe.
3-point function of currents for holographic cosmology and monopole non-Gaussianities
Authors: Cravo Matheus , Nastase Horatiu
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper we present the calculation of the three-point function in momentum space of currents for a SO(3) global symmetry, in a three-dimensional toy model within phenomenological holographic cosmology. Since the two-point function gives, via electric-magnetic duality, the resolution of the cosmological monopole problem, the three-point function is related to the monopole non-Gaussianities. We check that the final result is UV and IR finite and satisfies the transverse Ward identities and consider the k1 ≪ k2, k3 case, relevant for cosmology. We also show that the two-loop result for the 3-point function is completely independent of the explicit form of the potential, meaning that, like the solution to the monopole problem, also the non-Gaussianities are universal within the phenomenological holographic cosmology.
Born-Infeld supermaze waves
Authors: Bena Iosif , Dulac Raphaël
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The entropy of the supersymmetric D2-D4-P black hole comes at weak coupling from D2-brane strips stretched between parallel D4 branes and carrying momentum waves. We use the DBI action of D4 branes to construct two pieces of plumbing that enter in the construction of these microstates. The first is a semi-infinite D2 brane ending on a D4 brane and carrying a momentum wave along the common D2-D4 direction. The second is a non-Abelian solution to the 5D maximally-supersymmetric SU(2) Super-Yang-Mills theory describing a momentum-carrying D2 strip stretched between two D4 branes. The solution without momentum is the same as the ’t Hooft-Polyakov monopole, and the fields that carry the momentum can be added without changing any of the fields of the monopole.
Use of direct-acting anticoagulants (DOACs) delays surgery and is associated with increased mortality in hip fracture patients
Authors: Sundet Mads , Sundin Ulf , Godø Aasmund , Sydnes Kristian , Valland Haldor , Sexton Joseph , Martinsen Mette , Paus Maren , Rasmussen Hans Schmidt , Lillegraven Siri
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Treatment with direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is increasing among hip-fracture patients, with accompanying safety concerns regarding spinal anesthesia (SA). The aim of this study was to investigate if DOAC use is associated with increased waiting time before surgery, increased mortality, or other adverse events.

Methods

Registry data on surgically treated hip-fracture cases at a single hospital between 2015 and 2021 were analyzed. Multivariable regression analyses were performed with DOAC-status and choice of anesthesia as exposures, and waiting time, length of stay, transfusion, and mortality as outcomes.

Results

2885 cases were included, 467 patients (16%) were using DOACs. DOAC users were older (86.3 vs. 82.2 years, p < 0.001), had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.1 vs. 1.5, p < 0.001) and had longer median time to surgery than non-DOAC cases (36 h vs 17 h, p < 0.001). General anesthesia (GA) was used in 19.3% of DOAC patients and in 3.0% of non-DOAC patients. DOAC-patients had an increased risk of one-month mortality (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.6 (1.1–2.3)) and one-year mortality (AOR 1.4 (1.1–1.8)). There were no differences in risk of blood transfusion. Patients on DOAC operated under GA had a lower risk of one-year mortality (AOR 0.5 (0.3–0.9)), but a similar one-month mortality to DOAC-patients operated under SA.

Conclusion

DOAC users had a longer waiting time to surgery, indicating postponement of surgery due to concerns of the safety of SA. The clinical practice should be changed to allow earlier surgery for DOAC patients.
Strong Well-Posedness of the Q-Tensor Model for Liquid Crystals: The Case of Arbitrary Ratio of Tumbling and Aligning Effects $$\xi $$
Authors: Hieber Matthias , Hussein Amru , Wrona Marc
Published: May 2024

The Beris–Edwards model of nematic liquid crystals couples an equation for the molecular orientation described by the Q-tensor with a Navier–Stokes type equation with an additional non-Newtonian stress caused by the molecular orientation. Both equations contain a parameter $$\xi \in \mathbb {R}$$

ξ
∈
R

measuring the ratio of tumbling and alignment effects. Previous well-posedness results largely vary on the space dimension n and the constraints of the parameter $$\xi \in \mathbb {R}$$

ξ
∈
R

. This work addresses strong well-posedness of this model, first locally and then globally for small initial data, both in the $$L^p$$

L
p

-$$L^2$$

L
2

-setting for $$p > \frac{4}{4-n}$$

p
>

4

4
-
n

, in the general cases, i.e., for $$n = 2, 3$$

n
=
2
,
3

and without any restriction on $$\xi $$
ξ
. The approach is based on methods from quasilinear equations and the fact that the associated linearized operator admits maximal $$L^p$$

L
p

-$$L^2$$

L
2

-regularity. The proof of the latter property relies on techniques from sectorial operators, Schur complements and $$\mathcal {J}$$
J
-symmetry.
Chemoradiotherapy versus surgery after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in patients with stage III NSCLC: a real-world multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Guan Song , Sun Jifeng , Wang Yuan , Han Sibei , Chen Chen , Yue Dongsheng , Huang Yubei , Ren Kai , Wang Jun , Wang Jun , Zhao Lujun
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The optimal treatment after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of chemoradiotherapy and surgery after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in stage III NSCLC.

Materials and methods

We conducted a real-world multicenter retrospective study on patients with stage III NSCLC who received surgery or chemoradiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy between October 2018 and December 2022. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed from the initiation of neoadjuvant treatment and estimated by the Kaplan‒Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to examine potential prognostic factors. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was used to further minimize confounding.

Results

A total of 239 eligible patients were enrolled, with 104 (43.5%) receiving surgery and 135 (56.5%) receiving CRT. After 1:1 PSM, 1- and 2-year PFS rates in patients receiving radical surgery (rSurgery group) vs. patients receiving definitive cCRT (dCCRT group) were 80.0% vs. 79.2% and 67.2% vs. 53.1%, respectively (P = 0.774). One- and 2-year OS rates were 97.5% vs. 97.4% and 87.3% vs. 89.9%, respectively (P = 0.558). Patients in the dCCRT group had a numerically lower incidence of distant metastases compared to those in the rSurgery group (42.9% vs. 70.6%, P = 0.119). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar in both groups, except that the incidence of grade 3/4 hematological toxicity was significantly higher in the dCCRT group (30.0% vs. 10.0%, P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Following neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy may achieve noninferior outcomes to radical surgery in stage III NSCLC.
Overexpressing S100A9 ameliorates NK cell dysfunction in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Liu Yansong , Li Mingcui , Fang Zhengbo , Gao Shan , Cheng Weilun , Duan Yunqiang , Wang Xuelian , Feng Jianyuan , Yu Tianshui , Zhang Jiarui , Wang Ting , Hu Anbang , Zhang Hanyu , Rong Zhiyuan , Shakila Suborna S. , Shang Yuhang , Kong Fanjing , Liu Jiangwei , Li Yanling , Ma Fei
Published: May 2024

Background

Estrogen receptor (ER) positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative breast cancer (ER+/HER2−BC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are two distinct breast cancer molecular subtypes, especially in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The TIME of TNBC is considered to be more inflammatory than that of ER+/HER2−BC. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role of tumor eradication in TME. However, studies focusing on the different cell states of NK cells in breast cancer subtypes are still inadequate.

Methods

In this study, single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk mRNA sequencing data from ER+/HER2−BC and TNBC were analyzed. Key regulator of NK cell suppression in ER+/HER2−BC, S100A9, was quantified by qPCR and ELISA in MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The prognosis predictability of S100A9 and NK activation markers was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier analyses using TCGA-BRAC data. The phenotype changes of NK cells in ER+/HER2−BC after overexpressing S100A9 in cancer cells were evaluated by the production levels of IFN-gamma, perforin and granzyme B and cytotoxicity assay.

Results

By analyzing scRNA-seq data, we found that multiple genes involved in cellular stress response were upregulated in ER+/HER2−BC compared with TNBC. Moreover, TLR regulation pathway was significantly enriched using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from comparing the transcriptome data of ER+/HER2−BC and TNBC cancer cells, and NK cell infiltration high/low groups. Among the DEGs, S100A9 was identified as a key regulator. Patients with higher expression levels of S100A9 and NK cell activation markers had better overall survival. Furthermore, we proved that overexpression of S100A9 in ER+/HER2-cells could improve cocultured NK cell function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study we presented demonstrated that NK cells in ER+/HER2−BC were hypofunctional, and S100A9 was an important regulator of NK cell function in ER+BC. Our work contributes to elucidate the regulatory networks between cancer cells and NK cells and may provide theoretical basis for novel drug development.
Combined treatment of All-trans retinoic acid with Tamoxifen suppresses ovarian cancer
Authors: Xu Rui , Yang Xiaowen , Tang Bin , Mao Yifan , Jiang Feiyun
Published: May 2024

Background

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor of the female reproductive system, and its mortality rate is as high as 70%. Estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive ovarian cancer accounted for most of all ovarian cancer patients. ERα can promote the growth and proliferation of tumors.

Methods

The combined effect of All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and tamoxifen was obtained by the combination screening of tamoxifen and compound library by MTS. In addition, colony formation assay, flow cytometry analysis, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blot, and tumor xenotransplantation models were used to further evaluate the efficacy of tamoxifen and ATRA in vitro and in vivo for ER-α-positive ovarian cancer.

Results

In our study, we found that All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) can cooperate with tamoxifen to cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibit ERα-positive ovarian cancer in vivo and in vitro. Further exploration of the mechanism found that ATRA can Inhibit genes related to the ERα signaling pathway, enhance the sensitivity of ERα-positive ovarian cancer cells to tamoxifen, and ascertain the effectiveness of tamoxifen and ATRA as treatments for ovarian cancer with an ERα-positive status.

Conclusion

Combination of ATRA and tamoxifen is a new way for the treatment of ERα-positive ovarian cancer.
Genetic Diversity of Legionella pneumophila Isolates from Artificial Water Sources in Brazil
Authors: Ferrari Dândrea Driely de Melo , Lima Solange Costa , Teixeira Raquel Lima Figueiredo , Lopes Marcia Quinhones Pires , Vaconcellos Sidra Ezídio Gonçalves , Machado Edson Silva , Suffys Philip Noel , Gomes Harrison Magdinier
Published: May 2024

Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is a Gram-negative bacterium found in natural and artificial aquatic environments and inhalation of contaminated aerosols can cause severe pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ Disease (LD). In Brazil there is hardly any information about this pathogen, so we studied the genetic variation of forty Legionella spp. isolates obtained from hotels, malls, laboratories, retail centers, and companies after culturing in BCYE medium. These isolates were collected from various sources in nine Brazilian states. Molecular identification of the samples was carried out using Sequence-Based Typing (SBT), which consists of sequencing and analysis of seven genes (flaA, pilE, asd, mip, mompS, proA, and neuA) to define a Sequence Type (ST). Eleven STs were identified among 34/40 isolates, of which eight have been previously described (ST1, ST80, ST152, ST242, ST664, ST1185, ST1464, ST1642) and three were new STs (ST2960, ST2962, and ST2963), the former identified in five different cooling towers in the city of São Paulo. The ST1 that is widely distributed in many countries was also the most prevalent in this study. In addition, other STs that we observed have also been associated with legionellosis in other countries, reinforcing the potential of these isolates to cause LD in Brazil. Unfortunately, no human isolates could be characterized until presently, but our observations strongly suggest the need of surveillance implementation system and control measures of Legionella spp. in Brazil, including the use of more sensitive genotyping procedures besides ST.
Surgical management of lobar cerebral cavernous malformations in children: a single-center experience
Authors: Sordyl Ryszard , Antkowiak Lukasz , Rogalska Marta , Schroter Michael , Rosol Izabela , Ciekalski Marcin , Radolinska Antonina , Mandera Marek
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We aimed to determine the surgical indications and postoperative outcomes among pediatric patients with lobar cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients operated on for lobar CCM between March 2010 and August 2021. Indications for surgery included (1) intracranial hemorrhage, (2) symptomatic superficially located lesion, and (3) asymptomatic CCM in non-eloquent area in case of strong parental preferences. Patients presenting with seizures were assessed using Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale.

Results

Twenty-one patients were included. The predominant symptoms were seizures (57.1%), headaches (33.3%), and focal neurological deficits (23.8%). Patients were qualified for surgery due to symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (47.6%), drug-resistant epilepsy (28.6%), and focal neurological deficits (9.5%). Three patients (14.3%) were asymptomatic. A gross total resection of CCM with the surrounding hemosiderin rim was achieved in all patients. The mean follow-up was 52 months. No patient experienced surgery-related complications. In all individuals with a preoperative first episode of seizures or focal neurological deficits, the symptoms subsided. All six patients with drug-resistant epilepsy improved to Engel classes I (67%) and II (33%).

Conclusion

Surgical removal of symptomatic lobar CCMs in properly selected candidates remains a safe option. Parental preferences may be considered a sole qualifying criterion for asymptomatic lobar CCM excision.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of our patients diagnosed with laryngeal dystonia
Authors: Asya Orhan , Kavak Ömer Tarık , Özden Hatice Ömercikoğlu , Günal Dilek , Enver Necati
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Laryngeal dystonia (LD) is a focal dystonia affecting laryngeal musculature with no known etiology or cure. The present study evaluated the sociodemographic and clinical features of patients diagnosed with LD.

Materials and Methods

All patients diagnosed with LD at our University Hospital’s Ear, Nose, and Throat Department between January 2017 and July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The study included 43 patients.

Results

Out of the 43 patients, 19 (44%) were male. At the time of diagnosis, the mean age of the patients was 35.1 years (ranging from 17 to 65 years). The mean elapsed time between the first symptom onset and the first diagnosis was 49.2 months (min. 4 months, max. 240 months). Of the participants, 94% had adductor-type LD. None of the patients had a family history of LD. Of the patients, 9 (20%) experienced a life-altering event or trauma just before the onset of symptoms. All patients who consumed alcohol reported symptom relief with alcohol intake. A total of 67.6% of patients stated that their symptoms were triggered by stress. All of our patients received at least one Botulinum toxin injection, with an average of 2.75 dosages per patient.

Conclusion

The gender distribution was approximately equitable between males and females. There was a tendency for men to receive a diagnosis earlier than women following the manifestation of symptoms. A significant number of patients associate the emergence of their symptoms with a stressful event or traumatic experience. This study represents the initial investigation into the sociodemographic characteristics of patients within the Turkish population.
Petrologically controlled oxygen isotopic classification of cogenetic magmatic and metamorphic sapphire from Quaternary volcanic fields in the Eifel, Germany
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian , Hertwig Andreas , Cionoiu Katharina , Schäfer Christof , Schmitt Axel K.
Published: May 2024

Gem sapphire is commonly retrieved from primary and secondary deposits associated with alkali basaltic fields, but its source rocks are rarely preserved. The Eifel (Rhenish Massif, western Germany), although not producing gem sapphire, shares many petrologic and geochemical similarities with such fields worldwide. Due to the young age of volcanic deposits and active quarrying, sapphire-bearing rocks are readily accessible, along with detrital sapphire from modern sediments. Here, oxygen isotope and trace element compositions are reported for 223 sapphire grains, and rutile and zircon inclusions in sapphire were dated indicating crystallization synchronous with Paleogene–Quaternary volcanism. Endmembers in δ18O range are sapphires from syenites representing mantle-derived differentiated melts with minor crustal contamination (~4–6‰) and contact metamorphic mica schists (>10‰) as purely crustal source rocks. Intermediate values between ~6 and 10‰ require variable degrees of mantle-crust hybridization. Lower crustal granulite sources are dismissed based on their oxygen isotopic compositions being lower than most sapphire crystals. Diffusion modelling of sharp oxygen isotopic zonation in compositionally zoned crystals precludes crystal residence at >900 °C over the lifetime of evolved magma reservoirs in the Eifel (c. 50 ka). This argues against direct mantle or lower crustal sapphire origins. Instead, low temperature residence is consistent with sharp δ18O gradients, coexisting andalusite, and fluid inclusion barometry. Hence, Eifel sapphire crystallization is attributed to contact metamorphic aureoles around upper crustal (5–7 km) magma bodies where phonolite, trachyte, and carbonatite melts differentiated from mafic parental magmas, and reacted with metasedimentary wall rocks.
A new proficiency testing scheme for occupational hygiene laboratories undertaking the analysis of diesel engine particulate emissions
Authors: Butler Owen , Forder James
Published: May 2024

We report details of a proficiency testing (PT) scheme for laboratories undertaking the analysis of diesel engine particulates (DEP) collected on workplace air filter samples. Within this occupational hygiene setting, the established approach is to measure the elemental carbon (EC) content within DEP as a specific marker of workers’ exposure to engine emissions. Measuring EC is undertaken in laboratories using combustion-based analysers. To date six, PT rounds have been completed with participation ranging between thirteen and twenty-three laboratories. In each round participants received four quartz fibre filter samples (plus blank filters) loaded with DEP with indicative EC mass loadings in the range 9–204 µg/filter. Round assigned values and standard deviation for performance assessment values were calculated by consensus from returned participant data following outlier removal. On this basis, it was determined that on average 81 % of the returned data was deemed satisfactory, i.e. returning a z (or z’) score ≤ 2. The use of two operationally defined analytical protocols, namely NIOSH 5040 and EN 16909, now dominate but they give different EC values so the preparation of reference air filter samples with preordained EC values determined using both protocols for use in future interlaboratory comparisons is therefore recommended.
Novel Providencia xianensis sp. nov.: A multidrug-resistant species identified in clinical infections
Authors: Dong Xu , Xiang Yanghui , Yang Peihong , Wang Shanmei , Yan Wenjuan , Yuan Youhua , Zhou Shan , Zhou Ke , Liu Jiayun , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2024

Providencia genus is known to harbor certain opportunistic pathogens capable of causing human infections. Here, we report two strains of multidrug-resistant bacteria initially identified as Providencia rettgeri by mass spectrometry, but genome analysis revealed their ANI (79.84–84.20%) and dDDH (21.1–25.6%) values to fall below the accepted species threshold for known Providencia species. We therefore propose that these isolates be recognized as a novel species, Providencia xianensis sp. nov. Alarmingly, both strains, isolated from locations far apart, exhibited resistance to last-resort antibiotics, indicating their possible wide distribution, underscoring the urgency for immediate attention and enhanced surveillance for this emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen.
The association of COVID-19 pandemic with the increase of sinogenic and otogenic intracranial infections in children: a 10-year retrospective comparative single-center study
Authors: Issa Mohammed , Kalliri Vasiliki , Euteneuer Sara , Krümpelmann Arne , Seitz Angelika , Sommerburg Olaf , Westhoff Jens H. , Syrbe Steffen , Lenga Pavlina , Grutza Martin , Scherer Moritz , Neumann Jan-Oliver , Baumann Ingo , Unterberg Andreas W. , El Damaty Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Objective: Otitis media and sinusitis are common childhood infections, typically mild with good outcomes. Recent studies show a rise in intracranial abscess cases in children, raising concerns about a link to COVID-19. This study compares a decade of data on these cases before and after the pandemic. Methods: This retrospective comparative analysis includes pediatric patients diagnosed with otitis media and sinusitis, who later developed intracranial abscesses over the past decade. We collected comprehensive data on the number of cases, patient demographics, symptoms, treatment, and outcomes. Results: Between January 2013 and July 2023, our center identified 10 pediatric patients (median age 11.1years, range 2.2–18.0 years, 60% male) with intracranial abscesses from otitis media and sinusitis. Of these, 7 cases (70%, median age 9.7 years, range 2.2–18.0 years) occurred since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the remaining 3 cases (30%, median age 13.3 years, range 9.9–16.7 years) were treated before the pandemic. No significant differences were found in otolaryngological associations, surgical interventions, preoperative symptoms, lab findings, or postoperative antibiotics between the two groups. All patients showed positive long-term recovery. Conclusion: This study reveals 5-fold increase of pediatric otogenic and sinogenic intracranial abscess cases in the last three-years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While further investigation is needed, these findings raise important questions about potential connections between the pandemic and the severity of otitis media and sinusitis complications in children. Understanding these associations can improve pediatric healthcare management during infectious disease outbreaks.
Decision-making regarding social situations in people with intellectual disability at different stages of the decision-making process
Authors: Fusinska-Korpik Agnieszka , Gacek Michal
Published: May 2024

Decision-making capability is essential in fulfilling the need for autonomy of people with intellectual disability. In this study we aimed to examine decision-making capability regarding important social situations in people with intellectual disability at different stages of decision-making process. We studied 80 vocational school students with mild intellectual disability and 80 students of a similar age from mass vocation schools. We assessed decision-making with Important Life Decisions Task (ILDT). Students with intellectual disability obtained significantly lower scores than controls for each of the stories in ILDT as in each stage and overall final score in the decision-making process. The magnitude of difference in scores between groups varied in different stages of decision-making process. The most notable difficulties in decision-making regarding important social situations in people with intellectual disability are related to the evaluation of alternatives stage. Pattern of differences obtained in our study may be related to the content of decision-making problems.
Alert during what? Beyond the “Big O” to a culturally-cognizant, process view of entrepreneurial alertness
Authors: Pidduck Robert J. , Clark Daniel R.
Published: May 2024

Entrepreneurial alertness is a psychological aptitude generally associated with aspects of nascent venturing, centered on individuals’ environmental observations, the association of resources, and idea evaluation. A decade following the Tang et al. (2012) consensus construct and scale, critiques remain questioning its utility and unique value to the major conversations in entrepreneurship. Proponents put great emphasis on entrepreneurial alertness’s proven association with opportunity recognition and entrepreneurial actions. Yet, critics suggest it might be an unnecessary step offering little more than a positive association with opportunity recognition in a highly generalized and static way. The purpose of this paper is to address this tension. We do so through a ‘steel man’ approach to these valid concerns. Further, we question the logic of limiting a cognitive construct to a singular event: ‘opportunity recognition’ for a new venture (which we term here, the “Big O”). Drawing on a comprehensive framework inclusive of the full entrepreneurship phenomenon, and integrating insights from cross-cultural psychology, we put forth the case for an ongoing culturally contextualized process perspective towards venturing where individuals are alert to and pursue opportunities (and cope with threats) continuously. This paper provides a new framework for delineating a theoretically grounded “what” and “when” of entrepreneurial alertness.