bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive use of modern reference osteological collections for disentangling the shape of Eurasian equid cheek teeth and metapodials in archaeological material
Authors: Mohaseb Azadeh F. , Cornette Raphaël , Zimmermann Michaela I. , Davoudi Hossein , Berthon Rémi , Guintard Claude , Cucchi Thomas , Hanot Pauline , Mohandesan Elmira , Eisenmann Véra , Peters Joris , Mashkour Marjan
Published: August 2023

Equids have shaped past Eurasian societies in many ways. This applies in particular to domestic horses, donkeys, and their hybrids. Key to documenting modes of exploitation and cultural trajectories in past societies is the correct taxonomic classification of tooth and bone specimens found in archaeological sites. However, close osteomorphological resemblance of wild and domestic equids and their economically valuable hybrids, that is, mules and hinnies, complicates the identification of intentionally fragmented or naturally damaged archaeological specimens. Here, we apply geometric morphometrics (GM) to mandibular teeth and metapodials, two skeletal elements commonly found in archaeological collections and known for their diagnostic properties using traditional morphometric methods. We registered a statistically representative set of 2D and 3D coordinates on mandibular teeth (P3, P4, M1, and M2) and metapodials of 92 domestic horses (Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758), 70 domestic donkeys (Equus asinus Linnaeus, 1758), 30 hybrids, and 63 Asiatic wild asses (Equus hemionus Pallas, 1775). Taxonomic classification of these 255 specimens considered both shape and form, applying linear discriminant analysis, k‐nearest neighbors algorithm, and artificial neural networks to seven combinations of taxa. We obtained correct classifications in over 87% and 80%, respectively, of the premolars and molars and in over 93% and 89%, respectively, of the metacarpals and metatarsals. This modern dataset was then used to classify equid specimens from three archaeological sites in the Middle East already analyzed morphologically. Taking into account the past zoogeography of wild equids and the historical distribution of their domesticated descendants and hybrids, the GM approach presented in this study offers the possibility to morphologically classify archaeological equids with far greater certainty than has been the case so far.
Teacher–student relationships and adolescents' classroom incivility: A moderated mediation model of moral disengagement and negative coping style
Authors: Gao Ling , Kong Fangyuan , Cui Lijuan , Feng Ningning , Wang Xingchao
Published: August 2023

The current study examined whether moral disengagement would mediate the association between adolescents' teacher–student relationships and classroom incivility and sex and age differences in this mediation model. We also examined whether the mediating effect of moral disengagement would be moderated by negative coping styles. Participants comprised 2646 Chinese students (mean age = 13.85 years, SD = 1.45). Results indicated that teacher–student relationships were significantly and negatively associated with adolescents' classroom incivility and moral disengagement mediated this association. Furthermore, this mediating process differed between males and females as well as early and middle adolescents. Specifically, males were more likely to use moral disengagement strategies to engage in classroom incivility than females. Age moderated the association between teacher–student relationships and moral disengagement as well as moral disengagement and classroom incivility, and these two associations became stronger for early adolescents than for middle adolescents. Moreover, negative coping styles moderated the association between teacher–student relationships and classroom incivility and the association between moral disengagement and classroom incivility. The direct association between teacher–student relationships and classroom incivility became nonsignificant for adolescents with high negative coping styles. The study contributes to clarifying the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying the effect of teacher–student relationships on adolescents' classroom incivility.
From inpatient rehabilitation facility to skilled nursing facility to home: A retrospective study of functional recovery
Authors: Philippe Alexis M. , Farid Rez
Published: August 2023

Background

Inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) care has an inherent goal of discharging patients back into the community. Some patients do not progress sufficiently and require discharge to alternate facilities. No prior studies have examined outcomes for patients requiring skilled nursing facility (SNF) placement after their stay at an IRF.

Objective

To identify functional outcomes of patients who receive combined rehabilitation from IRF and SNF.

Design

In this retrospective observational study, a semistructured phone call questionnaire evaluated for living situation and aid requirement at two time points: prior to acute hospitalization and following discharge from SNF.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Participants

Persons who required postacute care stay at an IRF and who at time of discharge were not yet safe to return home, so instead were admitted to a SNF.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Changes in pre‐ and postmorbid functional status categorized by living situation and aid requirement.

Results

Forty‐three adults completed the study. After a stay at IRF followed by SNF, 58.2% of respondents returned to baseline independence. After IRF and SNF stay, 63.4% of respondents who lived at home prior to acute hospitalization returned home.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that those patients who receive further rehabilitation at a SNF following discharge from an IRF have the potential to return to baseline functioning and subsequently return home. These data suggest that using IRFs in conjunction with SNFs might be an effective, patient‐centered option for rehabilitation. However, further investigation is required to explore whether these findings may be generalized to a larger sample.
Electric‐Field‐Tunable Bipolar Linear Magnetoelectric Effect in Zigzag Graphene Nanoribbon‐Based Antiferromagnet
Authors: Xie Weifeng , Qin Zhenzhen , Song Yu , Shao Bin , Zuo Xu
Published: August 2023

Modern electronic devices are moving toward miniaturization and integration. Therefore, achieving electrical control of magnetization effectively in 1D materials represents a promising field for the practical applications in memory elements. Herein, it is discovered, from first‐principles calculations, that an electric‐field‐tunable bipolar linear magnetoelectric effect can be realized in 1D antiferromagnets based on double‐Gd‐adsorbed graphene nanoribbon with four zigzag carbon chains (2Gd‐4ZGNR). It is found that, compared with the bare 4ZGNR, the adsorption of two Gd atoms on the 4ZGNR reduces the bandgap. As a result, 2Gd‐4ZGNR transits from antiferromagnetic semiconductor to ferrimagnetic metal at a relatively low critical external transverse (perpendicular) electric field, where the net magnetic moment can be induced. The antiferromagnetism and inversion‐symmetrical crystal structure further allow to realize a bipolar linear magnetoelectric effect, where the 2Gd‐4ZGNR forms two groups of independent linear magnetic response states, acting as a magnetoelectric memory element.
Mechanism insights of curcumin and its analogues in cancer: An update
Authors: Joshi Priyanka , Verma Kanika , Kumar Semwal Deepak , Dwivedi Jaya , Sharma Swapnil
Published: August 2023

Cancer is the world's second leading cause of mortality and one of the major public health problems. Cancer incidence and mortality rates remain high despite the great advancements in existing therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventive approaches. Therefore, a quest for less toxic and more efficient anti‐cancer strategies is still at the forefront of the current research. Traditionally important, curcumin commonly known as a wonder molecule has received considerable attention as an anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant candidate. However, limited water solubility and low bioavailability restrict its extensive utility in different pathological states. The investigators are making consistent efforts to develop newer strategies to overcome its limitations by designing different analogues with better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The present review highlights the recent updates on curcumin and its analogues with special emphasis on various mechanistic pathways involved in anti‐cancer activity. In addition, the structure–activity relationship of curcumin analogues has also been precisely discussed. This article will also provide key information for the design and development of newer curcumin analogues with desired pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and will provide in depth understanding of molecular pathways involved in the anti‐cancer activities.
Encryption–decryption‐based event‐triggered consensus control for nonlinear MASs under DoS attacks
Authors: Zhang Shuhua , Ma Lifeng , Liu Hongjian
Published: August 2023

In this article, the consensus tracking problem is discussed for a class of discrete‐time nonlinear multi‐agent systems (MASs) subject to denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. The individual agents interact with each other via communication network whose topology is assumed to be time‐varying and strongly connected. Two techniques are employed to deal with the network‐induced complexities. On one hand, an event‐triggering scheme is adopted to regulate the data transmission among agents with the purpose of making full utilization of the limited communication resources; and on the other hand, an encryption–decryption mechanism is designed with the aim to provide compensation, thereby mitigating the DoS attack effects. It is the objective of the addressed problem to develop a distributed model‐free adaptive control law to enforce the MASs achieve desirable consensus performance. By using a specific projection algorithm in combination with a dynamic linearization method, the desired control protocol is formulated explicitly, whose effectiveness and applicability are demonstrated via an illustrative numerical example.
Injectable Multifunctional Composite Hydrogel as a Combination Therapy for Preventing Postsurgical Adhesion
Authors: Lv Ke , Lou Peng , Liu Shuyun , Wang Yizhuo , Yang Jinlin , Zhou Pingya , Zhou Xiyue , Lu Yanrong , Wang Hongren , Cheng Jingqiu , Liu Jingping
Published: August 2023

Postsurgical adhesion (PA) is a common and serious postoperative complication that affects millions of patients worldwide. However, current commercial barrier materials are insufficient to inhibit diverse pathological factors during PA formation, and thus, highly bioactive materials are needed. Here, this work designs an injectable multifunctional composite hydrogel that can serve as a combination therapy for preventing PA. In brief, this work reveals that multiple pathological events, such as chronic inflammatory and fibrotic processes, contribute to adhesion formation in vivo, and such processes can not be attenuated by barrier material (e.g., hydrogel) alone treatments. To solve this limitation, this work designs a composite hydrogel made of the cationic self‐assembling peptide KLD2R and TGF‐β receptor inhibitor (TGF‐βRi)‐loaded mesenchymal stem cell‐derived nanovesicles (MSC‐NVs). The resulting composite hydrogel displays multiple functions, including physical separation of the injured tissue areas, antibacterial effects, and local delivery and sustained release of anti‐inflammatory MSC‐NVs and antifibrotic TGF‐βRi. As a result, this composite hydrogel effectively inhibited local inflammation, fibrosis and adhesion formation in vivo. Moreover, the hydrogel also exhibits good biocompatibility and biodegradability in vivo. Together, the results highlight that this “all‐in‐one” composite hydrogel strategy may provide insights into designing advanced therapies for many types of tissue injury.
Stimuli‐Actuated Turn‐On Theranostic Nanoplatforms for Imaging‐Guided Antibacterial Treatment
Authors: Yang Siyuan , Song Yingnan , Dong Heng , Hu Yanling , Jiang Jingai , Chang Siyuan , Shao Jinjun , Yang Dongliang
Published: August 2023

Antibacterial theranostic nanoplatforms, which integrate diagnostic and therapeutic properties, exhibit gigantic application prospects in precision medicine. However, traditional theranostic nanoplatforms usually present an always‐on signal output, which leads to poor specificity or selectivity in the treatment of bacterial infections. To address this challenge, stimuli‐actuated turn‐on nanoplatforms are developed for simultaneous activation of diagnostic signals (e.g., fluorescent, photoacoustic, magnetic signals) and initiation of antibacterial treatment. Specifically, by combining the infection microenvironment‐responsive activation of visual signals and antibacterial activity, these theranostic nanoplatforms exert both higher accurate diagnosis rates and more effective treatment effects. In this review, the imaging and treatment strategies that are commonly used in the clinic are first briefly introduced. Next, the recent progress of stimuli‐actuated turn‐on theranostic nanoplatforms for treating bacterial infectious diseases is summarized in detail. Finally, current bottlenecks and future opportunities of antibacterial theranostic nanoplatforms are also outlined and discussed.
Toward Accurate Thermal Modeling of Phase Change Material‐Based Photonic Devices
Authors: Aryana Kiumars , Kim Hyun Jung , Popescu Cosmin‐Constantin , Vitale Steven , Bae Hyung Bin , Lee Taewoo , Gu Tian , Hu Juejun
Published: August 2023

Reconfigurable or programmable photonic devices are rapidly growing and have become an integral part of many optical systems. The ability to selectively modulate electromagnetic waves through electrical stimuli is crucial in the advancement of a variety of applications from data communication and computing devices to environmental science and space explorations. Chalcogenide‐based phase‐change materials (PCMs) are one of the most promising material candidates for reconfigurable photonics due to their large optical contrast between their different solid‐state structural phases. Although significant efforts have been devoted to accurate simulation of PCM‐based devices, in this paper, three important aspects which have often evaded prior models yet having significant impacts on the thermal and phase transition behavior of these devices are highlighted: the enthalpy of fusion, the heat capacity change upon glass transition, as well as the thermal conductivity of liquid‐phase PCMs. The important topic of switching energy scaling in PCM devices, which also helps explain why the three above‐mentioned effects have long been overlooked in electronic PCM memories but only become important in photonics, is further investigated. These findings offer insight to facilitate accurate modeling of PCM‐based photonic devices and can inform the development of more efficient reconfigurable optics.
Customized Production of Holey Graphene Oxides via a Continuous Flow Process
Authors: Chen Wanqing , Abedin Md. Joynul , Barua Titon , Mirshekarloo Meysam Sharifzadeh , El Meragawi Sally , Majumder Mainak
Published: August 2023

Continuous flow manufacturing is an innovative technology mainly applied in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries that is progressively being adapted to the manufacturing of nanomaterials to overcome the challenge of reproducing a product with consistent characteristics at a large scale. Here, a flow photochemical system is designed and prototyped for the synthesis of holey graphene oxides (hGOs). Compared to existing methods for the synthesis of hGO, the process is fast, highly scalable, and controllable. Through a combination of rigorous data analysis using machine learning algorithms on transmission electron microscope images and systematic studies of process parameters, it is demonstrated that characteristics of the produced hGO (i.e., porosity and pore size) are remarkably reproducible to the extent that it can be predicted by empirical models of processing‐property correlations. Depending on the tailored nanopore structures, the synthesized hGOs out‐performed GO in a range of applications that can benefit from the nanoporous two‐dimensional (2D) sheets such as in supercapacitors, gas adsorption, and nanofiltration membranes. These results are significant in offering new perspectives on the low‐cost industrialization of 2D nanomaterials.
3D Lithiophilic CuZrAg Metallic Glass Based‐Current Collector for High‐Performance Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Ye Pengfei , Zhang Yanhui , Tong Tong , Ao Lihong , Chen Zhe , Huang Huayu , Hussain Arshad , Ramiere Aymeric , Cai Xingke , Liu Dongqing , Shen Jun
Published: August 2023

Lithium metal anodes face several challenges in practical applications, such as dendrite growth, poor cycle efficiency, and volume variation. 3D hosts with lithiophilic surfaces have emerged as a promising design strategy for anodes. In this study, inspiration from the intrinsic isotropy, chemical heterogeneity, and wide tunability of metallic glass (MG) is drew to develop a 3D mesoporous host with a lithiophilic surface. The CuZrAg MG is prepared using the scalable melt‐spinning technique and subsequently treated with a simple one‐step chemical dealloying method. This resultes in the creation of a host with a homogeneously distributed abundance of lithium affinity sites on the surface. The excellent lithiophilic property and capability for uniform lithium deposition of the 3D CuZrAg electrode have been confirmed through theoretical calculations. Therefore, the 3D CuZrAg electrode displays excellent cyclic stability for over 400 cycles with 96% coulomb efficiency, and ultra‐low overpotentials of 5 mV for over 2000 h at 1.0 mA cm−2 and 1.0 mAh cm−2. Additionally, the full cells partied with either LiFePO4 or LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode deliver exceptional long‐term cyclability and rate capability. This work demonstrates the great potential of metallic glass in lithium metal anode application.
n‐Si/SiOx/CoOx‐Mo Photoanode for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Peng Shuyang , Liu Di , An Keyu , Ying Zhiqin , Chen Mingpeng , Feng Jinxian , Lo Kin Ho , Pan Hui
Published: August 2023

Green hydrogen is considered to be the key for solving the emerging energy and environmental issues. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) process for the production of green hydrogen has been widely investigated because solar power is clean and renewable. However, mass production in this way is still far away from reality. Here, a Si photoanode is reported with CoOx as co‐catalyst for efficient water oxidation. It is found that a high photovoltage of 350 mV can be achieved in 1.0 m K3BO3. Importantly, the photovoltage can be further increased to 650 mV and the fill factor of 0.62 is obtained in 1.0 m K3BO3 by incorporating Mo into CoOx. The Mo‐incorporated photoanode is also highly stable. It is shown that the incorporation of Mo can reduce the particle size of co‐catalyst on the Si surface, improve the particle‐distribution uniformity, and increase the density of particles, which can effectively enhance the light absorption and the electrochemical active surface area. Importantly, the Mo‐incorporation results in high energy barrier in the heterojunction. All of these factors are attributed to improved the PEC performance. These findings may provide new strategies to maximize the solar‐to‐fuel efficiency by tuning the co‐catalysts on the Si surface.
Chlorine‐Coordinated Unsaturated Ni–N2 Sites for Efficient Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Song Jian , Lei Xue , Mu Jiali , Li Jingwei , Song Xiangen , Yan Li , Ding Yunjie
Published: August 2023

Heteroatom‐doping is an effective method for modifying the geometric symmetry of metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C) single‐atom catalysts and thereby tuning the electronic structure. Up to now, most of the current reports have concentrated on introducing heteroatoms into the highly symmetrical M–N4 structure. The coordination‐unsaturated M–N2 structure is more sterically favorable for the insertion of alien atoms to optimize the electronic structure. Herein, a Ni–N2 catalyst with out‐of‐plane coordinated chlorine (Cl) atoms (Ni–N2Cl/C) is successfully constructed on chlorine‐functionalized carbon supports (C–Cl) for an efficient carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR). Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the prepared Ni–N2Cl/C catalyst exhibits a higher capability in balancing COOH* formation and CO* desorption. In addition, in situ Raman spectra confirm that the lower CO binding energy on the Ni–N2Cl/C facilitates CO escape, leading to excellent CO2RR performance. A high CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of more than 80% is achieved from −0.6 to −1.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode on the Ni–N2Cl/C and it exhibits negligible FECO and current declination over a 40‐h stability test. Furthermore, a high turnover frequency (TOF) value of 15 808 h−1 is obtained, which is more than ten times that of Ni–N2/C (1476 h−1) without coordinated Cl atoms.
Rational Design of Conjugated Acetylenic Polymers Enables a Two‐Electron Water Oxidation Pathway for Enhanced Photosynthetic Hydrogen Peroxide Generation
Authors: Jin Zhiquan , Jin Sijia , Tang Xiaofeng , Tan Wenxian , Wang Da , Song Shuang , Zhang Haiyan , Zeng Tao
Published: August 2023

Herein, the design of conjugated acetylenic polymers (CAPs) featuring diverse spatial arrangements and intramolecular spacers of diacetylene moieties (─C≡C─C≡C─) for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production from water and O2, without the need for sacrificial agents, is presented. It is shown that the linear configuration of diacetylene moieties within conjugated acetylenic polymers (CAPs) induces a pronounced polarization of electron distribution, which imparts enhanced charge‐carrier mobility when compared to CAPs’ networks featuring cross‐linked arrangements. Moreover, optimizing the intramolecular spacer between diacetylene moieties within the linear structure leads to the exceptional modulation of the band structures, specifically resulting in a downshifted valence band (VB) and rendering the two‐electron water oxidation pathway thermodynamically feasible for H2O2 production. Consequently, the optimized CAPs with a linear configuration (LCAP‐2), featuring spatially separated reduction centers (benzene rings) and oxidation centers (diacetylene moieties), exhibit a remarkable H2O2 yield rate of 920.1 µmol g−1 h−1, superior than that of the linear LCAP‐1 (593.2 µmol g−1 h−1) and the cross‐linked CCAP (433.4 µmol g−1 h−1). The apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) and solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion (SCC) efficiency of LCAP‐2 are calculated to be 9.1% (λ = 420 nm) and 0.59%, respectively, surpassing the performance of most previously reported conjugated polymers.
The Role of Alpha‐Methylbenzyl Ammonium Iodide to Reduce Defect Densities in Perovskite Devices
Authors: Hailegnaw Bekele , Mayr Felix , Putz Christoph , Lehner Lukas , Gugujonovic Katarina , Demchyshyn Stepan , Kaltenbrunner Martin , Scharber Markus C.
Published: August 2023

Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite photovoltaic has achieved unmatched power conversion efficiency (PCE) improvement in the last decade. Nevertheless, nonradiative recombination of charge carriers due to bulk and interface defects reduces the open‐circuit voltage (V
oc) and PCE of perovskite solar cells. Incorporating additives, process optimization, and interface engineering are among the effective approaches employed to reduce such issues. Herein, quasi‐2D p–i–n perovskite solar cells incorporating alpha‐methylbenzyl ammonium iodide (MBAI) cation with outstanding photovoltaic performance and stability are developed. MBAI incorporation results in films with excellent optical and electrical properties, leading to higher V
OC of ≈1.15 V, fill factor of above 77%, and stability of the device. A high open‐circuit voltage and fill factor and corrected power conversion efficiencies in the range of 15% are obtained for the prepared devices. The encapsulated solar cells show excellent operational stability under white light illumination in ambient air for >500 h. Due to the simple and robust preparation process, the investigated inverted perovskite solar cell can easily be combined with other solution‐processed thin film solar cells to form multijunction devices and can easily be integrated into different lightweight and flexible products.
Rational Approach for High‐Efficiency Dopant‐Free Solar Cells Characterized with Key Parameters
Authors: Kim Namwoo , Park Soohyeok , Cho Hyein , Lee Jungtaek , Lee Myounghyun , Um Han-Don , Seo Kwanyong
Published: August 2023

Crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells have dominated the photovoltaic market due to their superior mechanical and thermal robustness, nonhazardous nature, optimal energy bandgap, and the availability of established manufacturing techniques. However, conventional c‐Si solar cells fabricated through thermal doping processes present challenges such as high recombination rates and increased production costs. Recently, dopant‐free solar cells have emerged as a promising next‐generation approach; they offer numerous advantages, such as reduced recombination, cost‐effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and applicability to nano‐ and submicrometer structures. This review evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of dopant‐free passivating contact materials for emitters, tracing the development of dopant‐free solar cells from the earliest reports to the current state‐of‐the‐art. A systematic evaluation of these materials based on their electrical and optical properties, coating conformality, stability, and overall photovoltaic performance is presented. Moreover, the limitations of dopant‐free solar cells are identified and strategies to further enhance their efficiency are proposed.
Sonographic imaging and assessment of the sural nerve
Authors: Fenech Michelle
Published: August 2023

The sural nerve is a sensory nerve which innervates the posterolateral distal calf and lateral foot. It can be demonstrated using high resolution ultrasound and travels near the small saphenous vein throughout most of its course. There are variations in its origin and relative position through the posterior distal calf, lateral ankle, and foot. To allow this nerve and any potential pathology or injury to be sonographically demonstrated, a good understanding of the sonographic relative anatomy, course, and common anatomical variations, as well as the sonographic normal appearances throughout need to be appreciated and these are reviewed in this paper.
Design theory and numerical analysis of earthquake‐resilient joint with slotted bolted connection
Authors: Wu Jianbin , Liu Ruyue , Yan Guiyun , Lai Qiulan
Published: August 2023

Bolted connections are preferred in prefabricated steel structures with the advantages of quality control and convenient construction. An innovative type of earthquake‐resilient joint with slotted bolted connection (ERJ‐SBC) is proposed to achieve damage control and improve the ductile behavior of steel structures. The bending moment is assumed to be mainly transferred by the flange segments of SBC while the shear force is carried by the web segments. The energy dissipation capacity of ERJ‐SBC is provided by the initial frictional sliding and inelastic axial deformation of SBC under larger displacement. Design theory is proposed to ensure that inelastic deformation is concentrated in SBC while other structural members remain elastic. The influences of the length of slotted holes, bolt pretension, friction coefficient, and the thickness and width of the sliding plate are investigated through the numerical analysis of 44 FE examples. The calculation of the critical length of slotted holes for the ductile rotation behavior of ERJ‐SBC is derived and verified. Results demonstrate that the mechanism of bolted connection shifts from friction resistance to bearing resistance when bolts collide with slotted holes, and the friction slippage behavior with slotted holes benefits the hysteresis behavior, deformation capacity, and rotation behavior. The proposed calculation methods for the mechanical behavior of ERJ‐SBC could achieve good accuracy with simulation results. A reasonably well‐designed ERJ‐SBC could have good bearing capacity and rotation behavior, and it could also achieve damage control.
A new photochromic Mg(II)‐viologen complex with photoswitchable emission and its application in ink‐free printing
Authors: Liu Peng , Liu Teng , Shen Xianfu , Liu Jian‐Jun
Published: August 2023

Stimulus‐responsive molecular photochromic materials have potential applications in sensor, information storage, and optical switch devices since they undergo reversible color changes upon stimulus from external light. In this work, a viologen‐derived Mg(II) coordination complex with molecular formula [Mg(dpbp)2(H2O)4] (1) has been synthesized from 1‐(3,5‐dicarboxyphenyl)‐4,4′‐bipyridinium chloride (H2dpbp⋅Cl) under solvothermal conditions. Complex 1 has a three‐dimensional viologen‐based hydrogen bond network showing reversible photochromism through radical formation under ultraviolet‐visible light irradiation. Simultaneously, the emission of complex 1 can be reversibly modulated by ultraviolet‐visible light irradiation. Importantly, due to its reversible photochromic properties, practical fading time, and high stability, complex 1 can be used as an ink‐free and erasable printing medium by applying ultraviolet visible light irradiation with a mask.
Conclusions
Authors: Crowell Amber R. , Fossett Mark A.
Published: August 2023

We wrote this book with the central goal of documenting patterns and trends of racial and ethnic segregation across communities and over time in the United States using refined methods of measurement analysis, which can sometimes be expected to change what we thought we knew from past research and at other times add more to our understanding of established patterns. In making this our goal, we produced several contributions that happily build continuity with past research and set a foundation for future research, which we can expect to come in waves each time there is a decennial census data release. First and foremost, by using measures of segregation that are free of index bias and specifically employing the separation index, a measure of evenness that can dependably signal whenprototypicalpatterns of segregation are occurring, we were able to reanalyze and describe patterns and levels of racial and ethnic residential segregation across the United States and over time. We are not the first to describe patterns of segregation, here operationalized as the uneven distribution of two groups across neighborhood-level spatial units, across communities and over time in the United States. But we are the first to simultaneously use measures that are corrected for index bias, measure segregation of households rather than persons, and expand our analysis to not only metropolitan areas but also micropolitan areas and noncore counties. Our findings should be viewed as reliable benchmarks for descriptive analyses of racial and ethnic residential segregation across a broad range of communities moving forward and should also be taken instructively, as they demonstrate the application of the methodological changes that we recommend should be the standard for residential segregation measurement. We also use Fossett’s (2017) difference-of-means calculation of segregation indices to demonstrate new approaches for linking locational attainments to residential segregation patterns, situating segregation quantitatively as a stratification outcome. In this final chapter, we describe how this study establishes continuity with past research and sets the path for residential segregation research in the future.
Developmental reprogramming of myometrial stem cells by endocrine disruptor linking to risk of uterine fibroids
Authors: Yang Qiwei , Ali Mohamed , Treviño Lindsey S. , Mas Aymara , Al-Hendy Ayman
Published: August 2023

Background

The stage, when tissues and organs are growing, is very vulnerable to environmental influences, but it’s not clear how exposure during this time causes changes to the epigenome and increases the risk of hormone-related illnesses like uterine fibroids (UFs).

Methods

Developmental reprogramming of myometrial stem cells (MMSCs), the putative origin from which UFs originate, was investigated in vitro and in the Eker rat model by RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, RRBS, gain/loss of function analysis, and luciferase activity assays.

Results

When exposed to the endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) diethylstilbestrol during Eker rat development, MMSCs undergo a reprogramming of their estrogen-responsive transcriptome. The reprogrammed genes in MMSCs are known as estrogen-responsive genes (ERGs) and are activated by mixed lineage leukemia protein-1 (MLL1) and DNA hypo-methylation mechanisms. Additionally, we observed a notable elevation in the expression of ERGs in MMSCs from Eker rats exposed to natural steroids after developmental exposure to EDC, thereby augmenting estrogen activity.

Conclusion

Our studies identify epigenetic mechanisms of MLL1/DNA hypo-methylation-mediated MMSC reprogramming. EDC exposure epigenetically targets MMSCs and leads to persistent changes in the expression of a subset of ERGs, imparting a hormonal imprint on the ERGs, resulting in a “hyper-estrogenic” phenotype, and increasing the hormone-dependent risk of UFs.
Therapie der Zystitis mit Nitroxolin – NitroxWin
Authors: Wagenlehner Florian , Kresken Michael , Wohlfarth Esther , Bahrs Christina , Grabein Beatrice , Strohmaier Walter Ludwig , Naber Kurt G.
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund

Nitroxolin zählt entsprechend der AWMF-S3-Leitlinie zu den Antibiotika der ersten Wahl für die Behandlung der unkomplizierten Zystitis (UZ) bei Frauen. Unter Real-world-Bedingungen sollte die klinische Effektivität von Nitroxolin in einer prospektiven, multizentrischen, nicht-interventionellen Studie (NIS) und die Resistenz von Escherichia coli gegenüber Nitroxolin überprüft werden.

Material und Methoden

Patientinnen mit UZ und einer Therapie mit Nitroxolin (empfohlene Dosierung 3 × täglich 250 mg über 5 Tage) wurden von Urologen, Allgemeinmedizinern und hausärztlich tätigen Internisten deutschlandweit von April bis Dezember 2022 rekrutiert und über einen Zeitraum von 21–28 Tagen nachverfolgt. Die Diagnosestellung und der Therapieverlauf wurden mit Hilfe des ACSS-Fragebogens und anhand von Laboruntersuchungen (Leukozyturie etc.) beurteilt. Unabhängig von der NIS wurden im Rahmen einer bundesweiten Resistenz-Surveillance im Zeitraum 2019–20 in 23 Laboratorien Escherichia-coli-Urinisolate gesammelt und deren Empfindlichkeit gegenüber Nitroxolin getestet.

Ergebnisse

Von 316 Patientinnen im mittleren (SD) Alter von 57,2 (±20,4; Median 62,5) Jahren, die in die NIS eingeschlossen wurden, war die Therapie zum Zeitpunkt des „test of cure“ bei 193/248 (86,3 %) in der Per-protocol-Gruppe und 193/263 (81,4 %) in der Intention-to-treat-Gruppe klinisch erfolgreich. 96 % der Patientinnen bewerteten die Verträglichkeit von Nitroxolin als „sehr gut“ oder „gut“. Alle 272 getesteten Escherichia-coli-Isolate waren Nitroxolin-sensibel.

Schlussfolgerung

Nitroxolin erzielte sehr gute klinische Ergebnisse in der NIS und wies eine sehr günstige Resistenzsituation bei Escherichia-coli-Urinisolaten auf. Nitroxolin kann weiterhin als Antibiotikum der ersten Wahl zur Behandlung der UZ der Frau empfohlen werden.

Graphic abstract
The contribution of muscle spindles to position sense measured with three different methods
Authors: Roach Christopher , Love Christopher , Allen Trevor , Proske Uwe
Published: August 2023

The sense of limb position is important, because it is believed to contribute to our sense of self-awareness. Muscle spindles, including both primary and secondary endings of spindles, are thought to be the principal position sensors. Passive spindles possess a property called thixotropy which allows their sensitivity to be manipulated. Here, thixotropic patterns of position errors have been studied with three commonly used methods of measurement of position sense. The patterns of errors have been used as indicators of the influence exerted by muscle spindles on a measured value of position sense. In two-arm matching, the blindfolded participant indicates the location of one arm by placement of the other. In one-arm pointing, the participant points to the perceived position of their other, hidden arm. In repositioning, one of the blindfolded participant’s arms is placed at a chosen angle and they are asked to remember its position and then, after a delay, reproduce the position. The three methods were studied over the full range of elbow angles between 5° (elbow extension) and 125° (elbow flexion). Different outcomes were achieved with each method; in two-arm matching, position errors were symmetrical about zero and thixotropic influences were large, while in one-arm pointing, errors were biased towards extension. In repositioning, thixotropic effects were small. We conclude that each of the methods of measuring position sense comprises different mixes of peripheral and central influences. This will have to be taken into consideration by the clinician diagnosing disturbances in position sense.
The difference in leg lengths following total knee replacement for patients with severe osteoarthritic deformity
Authors: Hafez Mahmoud A. , Mosa Mohamed , Abdelaal Ahmed , Moghny Ahmed , Makram Abdelrahman M.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Increased height after total knee replacement surgery (TKR) may offer patients higher satisfaction as well as the quality of life. Therefore, in this paper, we aim to document the changes in leg length after TKR in patients with severe bilateral deformities.

Methods

The data of 61 patients were collected from the Egyptian Community Arthroplasty Register; of them, 21 patients had unilateral TKR while 40 had bilateral simultaneous TKR. The patterns of changes in height of 101 osteoarthritic knees were followed up for 1 year after having TKR. All patients had standing leg X-rays, before and after surgery, to document the length of the femur and tibia before and after TKR. Correlations were assessed using the two-sample t-test.

Results

The sample was mostly females (56/61, 91.8%). The distribution of the operated side was nearly equal (right knee was 47/101, 46.5%). The overall average leg length difference was 5.4 (SD = 2.3); for the unilateral group, the average was 4.6 (SD = 2.6); and for the bilateral group, the average was 5.6 (SD = 2.3), p = 0.119. We found that leg length may differ according to the varus deformity angle (p < 0.001) as well as fixed flexion deformity (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Leg length increased significantly 1 year after TKR. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that the bilateral group had a greater height increase when compared to the unilateral group.
Predictors of very early death in acute promyelocytic leukemia: a retrospective real-world cohort study
Authors: Infante Joana , Esteves Graça , Raposo João , de Lacerda João Forjaz
Published: August 2023

Early death (ED) is still the major obstacle to cure in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Most studies focus on 30-day ED; however, little is known on predictors of death before starting APL treatment (very early death — VED) and on predictors of 7-day ED, the period with most deaths due to thrombohemorrhagic diathesis. We hypothesized whether the severity of the coagulopathy of APL could predict VED and 7-day ED. We also aimed to evaluate other characteristics associated with these outcomes. We undertook a retrospective, single-center observational study including newly diagnosed APL patients admitted to our institution between January 2000 and November 2022. Baseline demographical, clinical, and laboratorial data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata. One hundred four patients were included. The VED rate was 4.8%. A DIC Score ≥ 7 (p = 0.045), serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL (p < 0.001%), a DIC Score ≥ 6 within 24 h (p = 0.009), and mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001) were associated with VED. The 7-day ED rate was 12.5%. High-risk (p = 0.007) and hypogranular APL (p = 0.029), DIC Score at diagnosis (p = 0.047), DIC Score ≥ 7 (p = 0.043), DIC Score ≥ 6 within 24 h (p = 0.025), PT prolongation > 6 s (p = 0.002), and creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL (p = 0.004) were associated with 7-day ED. However, only elevated creatinine emerged as an independent predictor of 7-day ED (OR 21.4; p = 0.008). Our study shows that in patients with APL, an elevated creatinine at diagnosis strongly predicts for 7-day ED. A DIC Score ≥ 7 and a Score that remains ≥ 6 within 24 h and a serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL significantly associated with VED.
Lymphatic flow mapping using near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green helps to predict lymph node metastasis intraoperatively in patients with esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancer not treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Shiomi Shinichiro , Yagi Koichi , Iwata Ryohei , Yajima Shoh , Okumura Yasuhiro , Aikou Susumu , Yamashita Hiroharu , Nomura Sachiyo , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: August 2023

Background

Lymphatic flow mapping using near-infrared fluorescence (NIR) imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) has been used for the intraoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis in esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancer. However, a consistent method that yields sufficient diagnostic quality is yet to be confirmed. This study explored the diagnostic utility of our newly established lymphatic flow mapping protocol for predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancer.

Methods

We injected 0.5 mL of ICG (500 μg/mL) into the submucosal layer at four peritumoral points on the day before surgery for 54 patients. We performed lymphatic flow mapping intraoperatively using NIR imaging. After determining the NIR status and presence of metastases, evaluable lymph node stations on in vivo imaging and all resected lymph nodes were divided into four categories: ICG+meta+ (true positive), ICG+meta− (false positive), ICG−meta+ (false negative), and ICG−meta− (true negative).

Results

The distribution of ICG+ and meta+ lymph node stations differed according to the primary tumor site. Sensitivity and specificity for predicting meta+ lymph nodes among ICG+ ones were 50% (95% CI 41–59%) and 75% (73–76%), respectively. Predicting meta+ lymph node stations among ICG+ stations improved these values to 66% (54–77%) and 77% (74–79%), respectively. Undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy was an independent risk factor for having meta+ lymph nodes with false-negative diagnoses (odds ratio 4.82; 95% CI 1.28–18.19). The sensitivity of our technique for predicting meta+ lymph nodes and meta+ lymph node stations in patients who did not undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 79% (63–90%) and 83% (61–94%), respectively.

Conclusion

Our protocol potentially helps to predict lymph node metastasis intraoperatively in patients with esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancer undergoing esophagectomy who did not undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Graphical abstract
Gasless laparoscopy in rural India-registry outcomes and evaluation of the learning curve
Authors: Aruparayil N. , Gnanaraj J. , Mishra A. , Bains L. , Corrigan N. , Brown J. , Ensor T. , King R. , Shinkins B. , Jayne D.
Published: August 2023

Background

A program of gasless laparoscopy (GL) has been implemented in rural North-East India. To facilitate safe adoption, participating rural surgeons underwent rigorous training prior to independent clinical practice. An online registry was established to capture clinical data on safety and efficacy and to evaluate initial learning curves for gasless laparoscopy.

Methods

Surgeons who had completed the GL training program participated in the online RedCap Registry. Patients included in the registry provided informed consent for the use of their data. Data on operative times, conversion rates, perioperative complications, length of stay, and hospital costs were collected. Fixed reference cumulative sum (CUSUM) model was used to evaluate the learning curve based on operative times and conversion rates published in the literature.

Results

Four surgeons from three rural hospitals in North-East India participated in the registry. The data were collected over 12 months, from September 2019 to August 2020. One hundred and twenty-three participants underwent GL procedures, including 109 females (88.6%) and 14 males. GL procedures included cholecystectomy, appendicectomy, tubal ligation, ovarian cystectomy, diagnostic laparoscopy, and adhesiolysis. The mean operative time was 75.3 (42.05) minutes for all the surgeries. Conversion from GL to open surgery occurred in 11.4% of participants, with 8.9% converted to conventional laparoscopy. The main reasons for conversion were the inability to secure an operative view, lack of operating space, and adhesions. The mean length of stay was 3 (2.1) days. The complication rate was 5.7%, with one postoperative death. The CUSUM analysis for GL cholecystectomy showed a longer learning curve for operative time and few conversions. The learning curve for GL tubal ligation was relatively shorter.

Conclusion

Gasless laparoscopy can be safely implemented in the rural settings of Northeast India with appropriate training programs. Careful case selection is essential during the early stages of the surgical learning curve.
On Positivity Sets for Helmholtz Solutions
Authors: Kow Pu-Zhao , Salo Mikko , Shahgholian Henrik
Published: August 2023

We address the question of finding global solutions of the Helmholtz equation that are positive in a given set. This question arises in inverse scattering for penetrable obstacles. In particular, we show that there are solutions that are positive on the boundary of a bounded Lipschitz domain.
Efficient Multilayers Organic Solar Cells with Hybrid Interfacial Layer-based P3HT and CuO Nanoparticles
Authors: Agha M. , El-Kemary M. , Oraby A. H. , Salim E.
Published: August 2023

Organic solar cell (OSC) devices suffer from low power conversion efficiency (PCE) due to deep trap states that absorb photogenerated charges, act as recombination centers, and reduce charge collection. To further improve the PCE, an optimized hole transport layer (HTL) must be engineered for efficient hole transport and reduced deep trap states. A hybrid HTL consisting of organic and inorganic materials was formed using a combination of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) having an average size of 50 nm and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). The hybrid HTL was used in the fabrication and characterization of an inverted OSC device structure. In consequence, the incorporation of CuO-NPs into the P3HT resulted in an increase of 8.66% in photocurrent density. Additionally, the PCE increased from 3.77 to 4.22% while the open circuit voltage (Voc) was maintained. The higher hole mobility obtained for the optimum device using the charge extraction by increasing voltage (CELIV) measurement was 8.47 × 10− 4 cm2 V− 1 s− 1. This highlights the potential of designing novel organic solar cells with inorganic nanoparticles, offering enhanced performance and efficiency.