bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Conventional to Sustainable Catalytic Approaches for Heterocycles Synthesis
Authors: Rizzo Carla , Pace Andrea , Pibiri Ivana , Buscemi Silvestre , Palumbo Piccionello Antonio
Published: December 2023

Synthesis of heterocyclic compounds is fundamental for all the research area in chemistry, from drug synthesis to material science. In this framework, catalysed synthetic methods are of great interest to effective reach such important building blocks. In this review, we will report on some selected examples from the last five years, of the major improvement in the field, focusing on the most important conventional catalytic systems, such as transition metals, organocatalysts, to more sustainable ones such as photocatalysts, iodine‐catalysed reaction, electrochemical reactions and green innovative methods.
Nitrogen‐doped Carbon Dots as Efficient Photocatalysts for High Selectivity of Dehalogenative Oxyalkylation of Styrene
Authors: Niu Kai‐Kai , Zhang Rong‐Zhen , Yang Xuan‐Zong , Ma Chao‐Qun , Liu Hui , Yu Shengsheng , Xing Ling‐Bao
Published: December 2023

Carbon dots (CDs) are a type of carbon‐based luminescent material with a zero‐dimensional structure and a size of less than 10 nm, which are composed of sp2/sp3 hybrid carbon nuclei and surface functional groups. Because CDs has strong photoluminescence and good light absorption in the ultraviolet and near visible regions, it is an excellent candidate for photocatalytic applications. However, the use of nonmetallic doped CDs as photosensitizers for direct photocatalytic organic reactions has been limited to several scattered reports. Herein, we present nitrogen‐doped carbon dots (N‐CDs) that has a capability for not only produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide anion radical (O2⋅−) and singlet oxygen (1O2), but also provide an unprecedented high activity of dehalogenative oxyalkylation of styrene with a yield of 93 %. This work develops a novel opportunity to utilize cost‐effective and easily accessible CDs for the advancement of photocatalysis.
Gastric‐type adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix presenting in urine cytology specimens: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Hwa , Kim Nah Ihm , Nam Jong‐Hee , Kim Sung Sun
Published: December 2023

Gastric‐type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GEA) is a rare type adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix that is unrelated to human papillomavirus (HPV). GEA is difficult to diagnose due to its bland‐looking morphological characteristics and is therefore often underdiagnosed. Although abnormal cells may be seen on cervical cytology specimens, they are rarely diagnosed as malignant and are often classified as atypical glandular cells. As a result, GEA may be diagnosed at advanced stages, with cytology samples from other organs after it has already invaded adjacent organs. Here, we report a case of GEA diagnosed by both cytological and histological examinations of urinary bladder and uterine cervix, after being identified as a non‐urothelial malignancy on a urine cytology. We also review and summarize the differential diagnoses for non‐urothelial lesions, particularly for glandular lesions observed on urinary cytology specimens, as well as the cytological and histological characteristics of GEA.
The value of a multidisciplinary consensus meeting in achieving agreement on eating disorders diagnosis at a specialized referral center
Authors: Charrat Jean Philippe , Massoubre Catherine , Gay Aurelia , Ravey Baptiste , Germain Natacha , Galusca Bogdan
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the concordance of eating disorders (EDs) diagnoses within a multidisciplinary team in a specialized hospital unit dedicated to the medical care of ED.

Methods

The study analyzed data from 608 female patients who sought consultation at the Eating Disorders Referral Center between 2017 and 2021. The diagnoses were established according to the DSM‐5 criteria by endocrinologists, psychiatrists, and finally confirmed or discussed within a monthly multidisciplinary consensus meeting (MCM). Fleiss' Kappa tests were conducted to assess inter‐raters' agreement.

Results

Overall, substantial agreement was observed between endocrinologists and psychiatrists and the MCM. A more detailed analysis revealed variations in agreement across different disorders. Certain EDs demonstrated substantial agreement (e.g., anorexia nervosa restrictive subtype), while others approached near‐perfect agreement (e.g., binge‐eating disorder). In contrast, agreement was fair to poor for anorexia nervosa binge‐purge subtype (ANBP) and slight for other specified feeding and ED. A period of temporary disagreement was noted for ANBP, partially attributed to practitioner turnover. An improvement in interdisciplinary agreement was observed for all ED diagnoses by the end of the study period.

Discussion

Variations or lower levels of inter‐rater agreement may stem from atypical cases that fall on the border between two diagnoses or complex cases, as well as fluctuating symptoms. The progress observed throughout the study can be attributed in part to interdisciplinary learning, particularly facilitated by the MCM. The findings underscore the significance of striving for optimal concordance among different medical specialties to enhance patient care in ED treatment.

Public Significance

This study scrutinizes the agreement levels of ED diagnoses among endocrinologists and psychiatrists within a multidisciplinary team at an Eating Disorders Referral Center. While substantial overall agreement was achieved, disparities or lower agreement levels were evident for certain diagnoses such as anorexia nervosa binge‐purge subtype. However, collaborative meetings led to a progressive enhancement in agreement over time. This research underscores the crucial role of a multidisciplinary team working collectively to ensure precise diagnoses and improved care for patients with EDs.
Time‐varying reliability analysis based on hybrid Kalman filtering and probability density evolution
Authors: Ghorbani Esmaeil , Afshari Sajad S. , Svecova Dagmar , Liang Xihui , Cha Young‐Jin
Published: December 2023

The study introduces a novel approach for time‐varying reliability analysis of structures called “hybrid UKF‐PDEM” by integrating the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) and the probability density evolution method (PDEM). The UKF estimates the displacement, velocity, stiffness, and damping parameters of a structure at each time step subjected to dynamic loading for structural damage quantification. The estimated parameters at each time step are then input into the PDEM to calculate the time‐varying probability density function (PDF) of the estimated states. The estimated PDF is used to update the uncertainty matrix of the estimated states in each iteration and to determine the time‐varying reliability curves of the structure. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we applied it to a numerical model of a three‐degree‐of‐freedom system and a full‐scale seven‐story building with different damage scenarios. The method is used to estimate the level of damage and calculate the corresponding reliability curve of the system over time for each damage scenario, utilizing the estimated structural responses and stiffness values. The extracted reliability values for each damage scenario follow the level of damage over time. This study shows that the newly developed method is computationally efficient for building a digital twin and enables real‐time damage identification and reliability analysis in various structural systems. The method's applicability to different types of structures highlights its versatility and potential for widespread use in assessing the integrity of buildings and infrastructure.
Pre‐stroke and early post‐stroke apathy is associated with increased risk of dementia 3 months after stroke
Authors: Lopatkiewicz Anna Maria , Slowik Agnieszka , Dziedzic Tomasz
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Apathy is a frequent neuropsychiatric syndrome after stroke. We determined whether pre‐morbid and early post‐stroke apathy predicts dementia 3 months after stroke.

Methods

We included ischemic stroke patients without dementia who participated in the Prospective Observational Polish Study on post‐stroke delirium. We used the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and clinician‐reported version of Apathy Evaluation Scale to score apathy symptoms before stroke and on day 8 after stroke. Patients underwent neuropsychological examination 3 months after stroke.

Results

Of 422 patients with ischemic stroke and without pre‐stroke dementia, 194 patients (mean age: 67.5 ± 12.3; 45.9% female) underwent neuropsychological examination. Dementia was diagnosed in 21.6% of them. Patients with dementia had higher apathy scores before stroke (mean: 0.9 ± 1.7 vs. 0.2 ± 0.9, p < 0.01) and on day 8 (mean: 37.2 ± 9.3 vs. 29.0 ± 9.6, p < 0.01). Depressive symptoms did not differ between groups. In multivariate analysis adjusted for age, diabetes mellitus, stroke severity and in‐hospital delirium, apathy symptoms before stroke and on day 8 after stroke predicted post‐stroke dementia (adjusted OR: 1.59, 95%CI: 1.13–2.26, p = 0.01 and OR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01–1.11, p = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

Pre‐stroke and early post‐stroke apathy independently from age, stroke severity and delirium predicted dementia 3 months after stroke. Apathy might be useful in identifying at‐risk patients.
Baseline GABA+ levels in areas associated with sensorimotor control predict initial and long‐term motor learning progress
Authors: Li Hong , Chalavi Sima , Rasooli Amirhossein , Rodríguez‐Nieto Geraldine , Seer Caroline , Mikkelsen Mark , Edden Richard A. E. , Sunaert Stefan , Peeters Ron , Mantini Dante , Swinnen Stephan P.
Published: December 2023

Synaptic plasticity relies on the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. As the primary inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters, gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu), play critical roles in synaptic plasticity and learning. However, the role of these neurometabolites in motor learning is still unclear. Furthermore, it remains to be investigated which neurometabolite levels from the regions composing the sensorimotor network predict future learning outcome. Here, we studied the role of baseline neurometabolite levels in four task‐related brain areas during different stages of motor skill learning under two different feedback (FB) conditions. Fifty‐one healthy participants were trained on a bimanual motor task over 5 days while receiving either concurrent augmented visual FB (CA‐VFB group, N = 25) or terminal intrinsic visual FB (TA‐VFB group, N = 26) of their performance. Additionally, MRS‐measured baseline GABA+ (GABA + macromolecules) and Glx (Glu + glutamine) levels were measured in the primary motor cortex (M1), primary somatosensory cortex (S1), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and medial temporal cortex (MT/V5). Behaviorally, our results revealed that the CA‐VFB group outperformed the TA‐VFB group during task performance in the presence of augmented VFB, while the TA‐VFB group outperformed the CA‐VFB group in the absence of augmented FB. Moreover, baseline M1 GABA+ levels positively predicted and DLPFC GABA+ levels negatively predicted both initial and long‐term motor learning progress in the TA‐VFB group. In contrast, baseline S1 GABA+ levels positively predicted initial and long‐term motor learning progress in the CA‐VFB group. Glx levels did not predict learning progress. Together, these findings suggest that baseline GABA+ levels predict motor learning capability, yet depending on the FB training conditions afforded to the participants.
Age penalties and take‐up of private health insurance
Authors: Kettlewell Nathan , Zhang Yuting
Published: December 2023

Financial penalties for delayed enrollment could be useful tools to encourage people to enroll earlier in health insurance markets, but little is known about how effective they are. We use a large administrative dataset for a 10% random sample of all Australian tax‐filers to study how people respond to a step‐wise age‐based penalty, and whether the effect has changed over time. Individuals must pay a 2% premium surcharge for each year they delay enrollment beyond age 31. The penalty stops after 10 years of continuous hospital cover. The age‐based penalty creates discontinuities in the incentive to insure by age, which we exploit to estimate causal effects. We find that people respond as expected to the initial age‐penalty, but not to subsequent penalties. The 2% premium loading results in a 0.78–3.69 percentage points (or 2.1%–9.0%) increase in the take‐up rate at age 31. We simulate the penalty impact and implications of potential reforms, and conclude that modest changes around the policy make little difference in the age distribution of insured, premiums or take‐up rates. Our study provides important evidence on an understudied area in the literature and offers insights for countries considering financial penalties.
Gender attitudes and gender discrimination among ethnically and geographically diverse young children
Authors: Halim May Ling D. , Glazier Jessica J. , Martinez M. Anais , Stanaland Adam , Gaither Sarah E. , Dunham Yarrow , Pauker Kristin , Olson Kristina R.
Published: December 2023

Despite increasing advocacy for gender equality, gender prejudice and discrimination persist. The origins of these biases develop in early childhood, but it is less clear whether (1) children's gender attitudes predict discrimination and (2) gender attitudes and discrimination vary by ethnicity and US region. We examine these questions with an ethnically (Asian, Black, Latinx and White) and geographically (Northeast, Pacific Northwest, West, Southeast and Hawaii) diverse sample of 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children (N = 605) who completed measures of gender attitudes and discrimination in a preregistered study. Children, across groups, demonstrated more positive attitudes towards their gender ingroup. Children who showed more pro‐ingroup attitudes also showed more pro‐ingroup behavioural discrimination. Girls showed stronger ingroup favouritism than boys, but ethnic and regional groups generally did not vary in levels of bias. These findings contribute to our understanding of how gender intergroup biases develop and highlight the generalizability of these processes.
Perioperative outcomes of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and transumbilical laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery in hysterectomy: A comparative study
Authors: Yuan Wenhan , Yang Fan , Zheng Ying
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecologic diseases using transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) or transumbilical laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (TU‐LESS).

Methods

A total of 314 patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign uterine disease at West China Second University Hospital between October 2018 and December 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. vNOTES (n = 157) and TU‐LESS (n = 157) recipients were matched 1:1 in terms of uterine volume. The operation time, blood loss, postoperative decrease in hemoglobin, uterus weight, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pain score at 12 h, postoperative indwelling catheter time, and other clinical indicators were compared between the two groups.

Results

All 314 patients successfully completed the surgery, and the two groups had similar baseline characteristics, with no statistical difference. Regarding intraoperative outcomes, the operation time was shorter in the vNOTES group than in the TU‐LESS group (80 vs 100 min, P = 0.04), and there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion rate, postoperative decrease in hemoglobin, or uterine weight. Concerning postoperative outcomes, vNOTES hysterectomy was significantly superior to TU‐LESS hysterectomy in terms of the length of hospital stay (3 vs 4 days, P < 0.001), visual analog scale score for pain at 12 h after surgery (P = 0.04), postoperative indwelling catheter time (39.5 vs 64.0 h, P < 0.001), and postoperative exhaust time (24.0 vs 42.0 h, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between the two groups.

Conclusion

vNOTES and TU‐LESS seem safe and feasible for hysterectomy, but vNOTES hysterectomy was more conducive to the postoperative rehabilitation of patients, with less trauma, less pain, and better cosmetic effects than TU‐LESS hysterectomy. As an emerging surgical approach, more studies, including large‐sample, multicenter, randomized controlled trials, are needed to validate our findings.
Endoscopic management of migrated intrauterine device in the stomach
Authors: Do Quang Hai , Hoang Van Trung , Chansomphou Vichit , Hoang Duc Thanh
Published: December 2023

Synopsis

Ectopic intrauterine devices to the gastric wall are extremely rare and they can be managed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Superatom molecular orbital in C80
Authors: Venkatakrishnan Padmavathy , Kuklin Artem V. , Suresh Rahul , Subramaniam Vijayakumar
Published: December 2023

The Superatom Molecular Orbitals (SAMO) in fullerene derivatives are of great interests which gives a wide basement for many electronic applications. In this work, the Density Functional Theory reveals the SAMO states of endohedrally doped C80 derivatives with Li, Sc, Mn, Ti, Ca, Fe, and Co atoms in molecular and periodic structures. The choice and position of metal atoms in endohedrally doped C80 derivatives largely affects the orientation of SAMO energies and wavefunction distributions. Among various derivatives, the Co‐substituted C80 constitutes the lowest SAMO energy. The charge transfer study infers the influence of metal atoms inside the cage on SAMO energies. At higher energies, pz‐, 2s‐, and pxy‐ SAMO bands have been overlapped with higher dispersion bands which depict the increased intermolecular interaction in delocalized bands causing a larger dispersion. These results give new insights for future studies on lowering SAMO energy nearly to the fermi level in higher fullerenes.
Novel insight from in‐/ex‐situ investigation toward intercalated water in high‐performance oxygen evolution electrocatalysts and their mechanisms
Authors: Wang Guan‐Bo , Lin Li‐Ling , Wang Hsiang‐Ting , Chen Hao Ming
Published: December 2023

Hydrogen is a green energy source with zero carbon emissions and renewable properties. Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis, can efficiently harness excess renewable energy during peak periods, making it a key player in grid stabilization through processes like power‐to‐gas. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop catalysts with high activity, stability, and cost‐effectiveness in the energy sector. The development of electrochemical (EC) water splitting, a promising path to meet alternative energy demands, however, is hindered by two main challenges that persist in water splitting: the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts still need lower overpotential, and they must have enough stability with high catalytic activity. Both factors determine water electrolysis reactions' overall energy consumption and commercialization potential. This article introduces several significant parameters for assessing catalyst performance; three primary OER mechanisms are also briefly reviewed. Thereby, numerous electrocatalysts for OER are categorized by their composition and morphology. Furthermore, we generalize a common phenomenon that occurs at the surface of catalysts during the OER process. It is deduced that the surface transformation from as‐prepared to an activated state, that is, the surface‐environment change of the active site due to redox‐induced dissolution and re‐deposition, plays a critical role in OER. On the other hand, generating a layered structure leads to the accommodation of intercalated water molecules, which may enhance the activity and robustness via hydrogen bonds and dominate the absorption energy of oxygen species on the metal site. Lastly, we enumerate several in‐/ex‐situ methodologies that can discriminate the real active sites of the bulk, near‐surface region, interface, and intermediates adsorbed on the electrocatalyst surface. Further investigation is needed to unveil the interaction between active sites and embedded water molecules in EC catalytic processes. This paper provides a novel perspective of the intercalated water for future development of OER electrocatalysts, simultaneously considering performance and stability.
Clinical profile, referral trends, and real‐world application of vibration‐controlled transient elastography in children with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Singapore
Authors: Chiou Fang Kuan , Goh Lynette , Ho Christopher Wen Wei , Rajan Charanya , Logarajah Veena , Ng Lay Queen , Phua Kong Boo
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Pediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive disorder that is increasing in incidence globally. The study aims to describe the clinical profile and longitudinal outcome, including the utility of vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE), in children with NAFLD at a single tertiary liver unit in Singapore.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients aged 0–18 years referred for NAFLD from 2003 to 2020 was conducted. Diagnosis was based on persistent elevation of alanine transaminase ≥2× the upper limit of normal in at‐risk patients, and/or radiologic detection of hepatic steatosis, with the exclusion of other etiologies. VCTE‐derived liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) ≤7.0 , 7.1–9.0, and ≥9.1 kPa were used to differentiate normal (F0–F1), significant fibrosis (F2), and advanced fibrosis (F3–F4), respectively.

Results

The study included 210 patients (72.4% male, mean age 11.6 years). New cases increased from 1.7/1000 referrals in 2003–2008 to 12.7 and 24.5/1000 referrals in 2009–2014 and 2015–2020, respectively. Significant proportion had dyslipidemia (41.4%), impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes (IGT/DM, 26.7%), and hypertension (17.1%). Only 6.2% had resolution of NAFLD after a mean follow‐up of 3.7 years. Based on VCTE (n = 65), 41.5% had normal LSM, while 26.2% and 32.3% had increased likelihood of significant and advanced fibrosis, respectively. Age ≥16 years (odds ratio [OR] 8.9), IGT/DM (OR 6.5), and aspartate transaminase >70 U/L (OR 11.0) were independent risk factors associated with increased likelihood of advanced fibrosis.

Conclusion

Incidence of pediatric NAFLD has increased dramatically in Singapore. Based on LSM estimation, pediatric NAFLD may be associated with an increased risk of developing advanced fibrosis by late adolescence.
Assessment of Cerebrovascular Reactivity Using CO2‐BOLD MRI: A 15‐Year, Single Center Experience
Authors: Raghavan Vishvak , Sobczyk Olivia , Sayin Ece Su , Poublanc Julien , Skanda Abby , Duffin James , Venkatraghavan Lashmi , Fisher Joseph A. , Mikulis David J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is a measure of the change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in response to a vasoactive challenge. It is a useful indicator of the brain's vascular health.

Purpose

To evaluate the factors that influence successful and unsuccessful CVR examinations using precise arterial and end‐tidal partial pressure of CO2 control during blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) MRI.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Patients that underwent a CVR between October 2005 and May 2021 were studied (total of 1162 CVR examinations). The mean (±SD) age was 46.1 (±18.8) years, and 352 patients (43%) were female.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T; T1‐weighted images, T2*‐weighed two‐dimensional gradient‐echo sequence with standard echo‐planar readout.

Assessment

Measurements were obtained following precise hypercapnic stimuli using BOLD MRI as a surrogate of CBF. Successful CVR examinations were defined as those where: 1) patients were able to complete CVR testing, and 2) a clinically useful CVR map was generated. Unsuccessful examinations were defined as those where patients were not able to complete the CVR examination or the CVR maps were judged to be unreliable due to, for example, excessive head motion, and poor PETCO2 targeting.

Statistical Analysis

Successful and unsuccessful CVR examinations between hypercapnic stimuli, and between different patterns of stimulus were compared with Chi‐Square tests. Interobserver variability was determined by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (P < 0.05 is significant).

Results

In total 1115 CVR tests in 662 patients were included in the final analysis. The success rate of generating CVR maps was 90.8% (1012 of 1115). Among the different hypercapnic stimuli, those containing a step plus a ramp protocol was the most successful (95.18%). Among the unsuccessful examinations (9.23%), most were patient related (89.3%), the most common of which was difficulty breathing.

Data Conclusion

CO2‐BOLD MRI CVR studies are well tolerated with a high success rate.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Weather conditions and seasonal variability of limited surface visibility at Greenland coastal locations
Authors: Laird Neil F. , Crossett Caitlin C. , Keaton Gabrielle A. , Hopson Leah N.
Published: December 2023

Adverse weather has been shown to be spatially and temporally variable across high‐latitude locations. The current study provides a unique investigation of limited surface visibility time periods at five coastal Greenland locations from 1979 to 2018 and identifies the coincident adverse weather, as well as the local and large‐scale atmospheric conditions during limited surface visibility time periods. Locations on the east coast of Greenland have the largest percentage of hours with limited visibility each month with maxima during February. Western and southern coastal locations have fewer occurrences of limited visibility. Warm‐season maxima are present in the northern locations, while warm‐season minima occur at all other locations. Fog is reported during each month at all five stations, however, a substantial increase of hours occurs at the northern and eastern stations during the typical melt season on Greenland. There is a seasonal difference in the percent of limited visibility hours linked to precipitation with a minimum in the warm season and maximum across the cold season. Limited visibility attributed to precipitation generally has the largest percentage of hours each month except for the northern and eastern locations during the melt season. The location and number of cyclonic circulations, as well as the spatial scale of troughs, across northeastern Canada and the North Atlantic Ocean greatly influence the adverse weather linked to prolonged limited surface visibility events. Limited visibility events at Thule, Greenland during both the warm and cold seasons are largely influenced by the presence and intensity of a cyclone over northeastern Canada. At Danmarkshavn, Greenland limited visibility events in both seasons generally have a cyclone positioned to the east, an area of higher pressure over Greenland and a cyclone positioned to the west of Greenland.
Multi‐analytical characterization of archaeological fragments of pietra ollare from the Medieval site ‘Piana di S. Martino’ (Piacenza, Italy): A mobile and laboratory approach
Authors: Fornasini Laura , Mantovani Luciana , Bertolini Michela , Conversi Roberta , Bersani Danilo
Published: December 2023

The archaeological excavations in the site of ‘Piana di San Martino’ (Pianello Val Tidone, Piacenza, Italy) discovered several fragments of pietra ollare (soapstone) artefacts, dating back to the Medieval period. A selection of fragments was characterized with micro‐Raman spectroscopy in order to determine their composition, in terms of main and accessory species. The morphology of the crystals and the mineral phases were also investigated with polarized‐light microscopy observations, X‐ray powder diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy‐Dispersive System analyses, which corroborate the Raman results. A detailed characterization was obtained on 12 fragments ascribable to pots and a millstone, made of talc‐schists or chlorite‐schists, including garnet‐bearing chlorite‐schists. Interest findings about the activities related to the use of these artefacts and the alteration processes occurred during their burial period were highlighted by the identification of specific products. Additionally, mobile Raman measurements were performed on the fragments, and a quick and effective evaluation of their composition was successfully achieved. These results highlight the use of mobile Raman instruments in the field of archaeology, specifically referred to pietra ollare findings, for which a preliminary identification may be obtained directly in situ.
Measuring Ultrasonographic Thickness of the Achilles Tendon Insertion Is Less Reliable Than the Midportion in Healthy Tendons and Patients With Tendinopathy
Authors: Sleeswijk Visser Tjerk S. O. , Brul Stefano L. , O'Neill Seth , van Es Eline M. , Eygendaal Denise , de Vos Robert‐Jan
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Ultrasound is the preferred imaging method in the diagnostic process of Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) is a frequently used, standardized and valid method to assess tendon geometry in AT patients. It is unknown whether UTC is reliable for measuring Achilles tendon thickness.

The aim of the study was to assess intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of Achilles tendon thickness measurements using UTC in both asymptomatic individuals and patients with AT, and to evaluate if the reliability of thickness measurements differs between the midportion and insertional area.

Methods

Exactly 50 patients with AT and 50 asymptomatic individuals were included. Using the conventional US and standardized UTC procedure maximum thickness was measured in the midportion and insertion region. To determine inter‐ and intra‐rater reliabilities, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used.

Results

The ICC values for inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability were classified as “excellent,” for the AT group (0.93 [95% CI: 0.88–0.96] and 0.95 [0.92–0.97]) and asymptomatic participants (0.91 [0.87–0.94] and 0.94 [0.92–0.96]). The reliability of measuring tendon thickness in the midportion region was “excellent,” with both inter‐rater (0.97 [0.95–0.98]) and intra‐rater (0.98 [0.96–0.99]) ICC values indicating high levels of agreement. In the insertional region, ICC values for inter‐rater (0.79 [0.69–0.87]) and intra‐rater (0.89 [0.84–0.93]) reliability were “moderate to good.”

Conclusion

We showed excellent reliability for measuring the US thickness of the midportion and good reliability of measuring the insertional region in patients with AT. Significantly lower ICCs were observed for the reliability of thickness measurements in the insertional region when compared with the midportion.
The role of seasonal hypoxia and benthic boundary layer exchange on iron redox cycling on the Oregon shelf
Authors: Evans Natalya , Floback Alexis E. , Gaffney Justin , Chace Peter J. , Luna Zachary , Knoery Joël , Reimers Clare E. , Moffett James W.
Published: December 2023

Widespread hypoxia occurs seasonally across the Oregon continental shelf, and the duration, intensity, and frequency of hypoxic events have increased in recent years. In hypoxic regions, iron reduction can liberate dissolved Fe(II) from continental shelf sediments. Fe(II) was measured in the water column across the continental shelf and slope on the Oregon coast during summer 2022 using both a trace metal clean rosette and a high‐resolution benthic gradient sampler. In the summer, Fe(II) concentrations were exceptionally high (40–60 nM) within bottom waters and ubiquitous across the Oregon shelf, reflecting the low oxygen condition (40–70 μM) at that time. The observed inverse correlation between Fe(II) and bottom water oxygen concentrations is in agreement with expectations based on previous work that demonstrates oxygen is a major determinant of benthic Fe fluxes. Rapid attenuation of Fe(II) from the benthic boundary layer (within 1 m of the seafloor) probably reflects efficient cross‐shelf advection. One region, centered around Heceta Bank (~ 44°N) acts a hotspot for Fe release on the Oregon continental shelf, likely due to its semi‐retentive nature and high percent mud content in sediment. The results suggest that hypoxia is an important determinant of the inventory of iron is Oregon shelf waters and thus ultimately controls the importance of continental margin‐derived iron to the interior of the North Pacific Basin.
Sulfonate‐Containing Polyelectrolytes for Perovskite Modification: Chemical Configuration, Property, and Performance
Authors: Wu Bo , Wan Qingbo , Wang Yue , Wu Xiang , Zhu Zhiguo , Gao Deqing
Published: December 2023

Three sulfonate‐containing polyelectrolytes are elaborately designed and used to passivate perovskite film with the anti‐solvent method. Under the influence of the secondary monomer, three copolymers present various chemical configurations and deliver different modification effects. Fluorene‐thiophene copolymer STF has linear and highly‐conjugated chain. STF‐perovskite film presents large crystal grains. Fluorene‐carbazole copolymer SCF has flexible chain and easily enters into grain boundary areas. SCF‐perovskite film is homogenous and continuous. Fluorene‐fluorene copolymer SPF agglomerates on the surface and is not applicable to the anti‐solvent method. The full investigation demonstrates that STF and SCF not only conduct surface defect passivation, but also improve the film quality by being involved in the perovskite's crystallization process. Compared with the control device, the devices with STF and SCF deliver high efficiency and excellent stability. The unencapsulated devices with STF and SCT maintain ≈80% of the initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after 40 days of storage under 30–40% relative humidity. SCF performs better and the device maintains 60% of the initial PCE after 20 days of storage under 60–80% relative humidity.
Functional Brain Networks of Minor and Well‐Structured Major Hallucinations in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Baik Kyoungwon , Kim Yae Ji , Park Mincheol , Chung Seok Jong , Sohn Young H. , Jeong Yong , Lee Phil Hyu
Published: December 2023

Background

Minor hallucinations (mHs) and well‐structured major hallucinations (MHs) are common symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) psychosis.

Objectives

To investigate the resting‐state networks (RSNs) in patients with PD without hallucinations (PD‐nH), with mH (PD‐mH), and with MH (PD‐MH).

Methods

A total of 73 patients with PD were enrolled (27 PD‐nH, 23 PD‐mH, and 23 PD‐MH). Using seed‐based functional connectivity analyses, we investigated the RSNs supposedly related to hallucinations in PD: the default mode network (DMN), executive control network (ECN), dorsal attention network (DAN), ventral attention network (VAN), and visual network (VN). We compared the cognitive function and RSN connectivity among the three groups. In addition, we performed a seed‐to‐seed analysis to examine the inter‐network connectivity within each group using the corresponding RSN seeds.

Results

PD‐MH group had lower test scores for attention and visuospatial functions compared with those in the other groups. The connectivity of the right intracalcarine cortex within the DAN was lower in the PD‐MH group than in the others. The PD‐mH and PD‐MH groups showed higher connectivity in the left orbitofrontal cortex within DMN compared with the PD‐nH group, whereas the connectivity was lower in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) within ECN, precuneus cortex within VAN, right middle temporal gyrus and precuneus cortex within DAN, and left MFG within VN. The PD‐mH and PD‐MH groups showed different inter‐network connectivity between the five RSNs, especially regarding DAN connectivity.

Conclusions

DAN dysfunction may be a key factor in the progression from mH to MH in patients with PD. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
7 T characterization of excitatory and inhibitory systems of acute pain in healthy female participants
Authors: Nichols Steven J. , Yanes Julio A. , Reid Meredith A. , Robinson Jennifer L.
Published: December 2023

Current understanding of the physiological underpinnings of normative pain processing is incomplete. Enhanced knowledge of these systems is necessary to advance our understanding of pain processes as well as to develop effective therapeutic interventions. Previous neuroimaging research suggests a network of interrelated brain regions that seem to be implicated in the processing and experience of pain. Among these, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) plays an important role in the affective aspects of pain signals. The current study leveraged functional MRS to investigate the underlying dynamic shifts in the neurometabolic signature of the human dACC at rest and during acute pain. Results provide support for increased glutamate levels following acute pain administration. Specifically, a 4.6% increase in glutamate was observed during moderate pressure pain compared with baseline. Exploratory analysis also revealed meaningful changes in dACC gamma aminobutyric acid in response to pain stimulation. These data contribute toward the characterization of neurometabolic shifts, which lend insight into the role of the dACC in the pain network. Further research in this area with larger sample sizes could contribute to the development of novel therapeutics or other advances in pain‐related outcomes.
ERT data assimilation to characterize aquifer hydraulic conductivity heterogeneity through a heat‐tracing experiment
Authors: Shariatinik Benyamin , Gloaguen Erwan , Raymond Jasmin , Boutin Louis‐Charles , Fabien‐Ouellet Gabriel
Published: December 2023

Geothermal energy systems, such as heat pumps relying on aquifers, use renewable sources of energy that are accessible in urban areas. It is necessary to characterize the subsurface hydraulic properties prior to the installation of such systems. In this context, a heat‐tracing experiment is a typical field test that can help with the characterization of the subsurface. During a heat‐tracing experiment, monitoring with downhole temperature sensors, water‐level pressure transducers and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) can be used to help characterize the hydrogeological properties. Previous monitoring tools have shortcomings, such as low‐resolution data and over‐smoothing; thus, they fail to reproduce the heterogeneity of hydrogeological properties. Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is a promising tool that can overcome the over‐smoothing problem to replicate the hydrogeological property heterogeneity. In this work, we proposed a new procedure to assimilate time‐lapse cross‐borehole ERT data into a numerical model of groundwater flow and heat transfer, where the groundwater is extracted and heated water is reinjected into an unconfined sandy‐gravel aquifer. The finite element model (FEFLOW 7.3) of groundwater flow and heat transfer is integrated with petrophysical relationship and electrical forward modelling (ResIPy) to estimate cross‐borehole ERT measurements. Then, the estimated apparent resistivity is assimilated to update the hydraulic conductivity model using EnKF. The results of the application of the proposed approach to an experimental site located in Quebec City (Canada) demonstrate that the heterogeneity of K is correctly reproduced as the updated K model is reasonably consistent with the lithological log. In addition, the proposed approach was able to replicate the cross‐borehole ERT field and temperature measurements. The comparison between prior and posterior distribution of K with slug test results shows that the EnKF made the final (assimilated) distribution of K move towards K values inferred with slug tests.
A micropolar model accounting for asymmetric behavior of cold‐box sand in relation to tensile and compression tests
Authors: Börger Alexander , Mahnken Rolf
Published: December 2023

Cold‐box sand (CBS) belongs to the granular materials and consists of sand and a binder. The behavior of CBS is simulated with a micropolar model, whereby the additional degree of freedom of the model describes the rotation of the sand grains. The model is used to generate a shear band under pressure for three different meshes, where the force‐displacement curves of the three meshes converge so that no mesh dependence occurs. Another requirement of the model is the consideration of asymmetric behavior for compression and tension. Due to the additional degree of freedom the implicit implementation of the micropolar continuum is very time‐consuming. Therefore, an explicit implementation is considered as an alternative possibility. This paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of both methods and the results for both calculations.
Lightweight nitrogen‐doped phenolic composites with enhanced thermal ablation‐insulation performance by improving pyrolysis gas blocking effect
Authors: Cao Junxiang , Qian Zhen , Wang Peng , Zhang Yayun , Niu Bo , Long Donghui
Published: December 2023

Lightweight phenolic ablative composites are considered to be the most reliable materials for thermal protection systems. However, improving the thermal ablation‐insulation performance of heritage phenolic aerogel‐based ablators for extremely complex environments is still necessary. Herein, from the perspective of enhancing the gas‐blocking effect, we design and fabricate a series of needle quartz fiber‐reinforced melamine‐phenolic aerogels (NQF/MPAs) composites by polycondensation of melamine and phenolic in a sol–gel process, followed by ambient drying. The effects of melamine content on the comprehensive performance are analyzed. The prepared nitrogen‐doped phenolic aerogel composites exhibit low density of 440–490 kg/m3, high tensile strength of 36.3–39.1 MPa, and low thermal conductivity of 0.041–0.043 W/(m·K) at room temperature. Simultaneously, the modified composite exhibits excellent high‐temperature insulation property with lower equivalent thermal conductivity of 0.045 W/(m·K) at 1000°C. In arc wind tunnel testing of 130 kW/m2 for 1000 s, the linear recession rates of the composites show a great improvement from 3.7 × 10−6 to 2.5 × 10−6 m/s with the proper introduction of melamine. Furthermore, a one‐dimensional finite element model is stablished, which indicate the introduction of melamine can significantly improve the mass flow rate of pyrolysis gas and the corresponding block factor is enhanced from 0.958 to 0.848.

Highlights

Economic sol–gel method and ambient drying for composites production.

Phenolic aerogel‐based ablative composite with enhanced gas blocking effect.

The pyrolysis gas blocking effect is controllable with melamine content.

Combined experimental‐simulation approach for ablators designing.
Limited additional value of karyotyping cultured amniotic fluid cell colonies in addition to microarray on uncultured cells for confirmation of abnormal non‐invasive prenatal testing results
Authors: Donze Stephany H. , Srebniak Malgorzata I. , Diderich Karin E. M. , van den Born Myrthe , Galjaard Robert‐Jan , Govaerts Lutgarde C. P. , van der Schoot Vyne , Knapen Maarten F. C. M. , Joosten Marieke , Van Opstal Diane
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) allows the detection of placental chromosome aberrations. To verify whether the fetus also has the chromosome aberration, diagnostic follow‐up testing is required. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the added value of analyzing amniotic fluid (AF) cell cultures in addition to uncultured AF cells for the detection of fetal mosaicism.

Method

NIPT was performed as part of the Dutch TRIDENT study. Cytogenetic studies in uncultured AF were performed using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐array. Cultured AF cell colonies (in situ method) were investigated with fluorescent in situ hybridization and/or karyotyping. Clinical outcome data were collected in cases with discordant results.

Results

Between April 2014 and December 2021, 368 amniocenteses were performed after a chromosomal aberration was detected with NIPT. Excluding 134 cases of common aneuploidies (confirmed by quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction), 29 cases with investigation of uncultured cells only and 1 case without informed consent, 204 cases were eligible for this study. In 196 (96%) cases, the results in uncultured and cultured cells were concordant normal, abnormal or mosaic. Five cases (2%) showed mosaicism in cultured AF cells, whereas uncultured AF cells were normal. Two (1%) of these, one mosaic trisomy 13 and one mosaic trisomy 16, were considered true fetal mosaics.

Conclusion

The added value of investigating AF cell cultures in addition to uncultured cells is limited to two of 204 (1%) cases in which true fetal mosaicsm would otherwise be missed. The clinical relevance of one (trisomy 13) remained unknown and the other case also showed ultrasound anomalies, which determined pregnancy management. This seems to justify limiting prenatal cytogenetic confirmatory testing to SNP arrays on uncultured AF cells, considerably shortening the reporting time.
Renal and extra‐renal phenotypes in a fetus with a de novo pathogenic variant in the HNF1B gene
Authors: Tse Wing Ting , Cao Ye , Lam Pensi Ping Hei , Law Kwok Ming , Choy Kwong Wai , Ting Yuen Ha
Published: December 2023

We report a fetus with prenatal ultrasound at 21 gestational weeks showing left cystic renal dysplasia with subcapsular cysts and echogenic parenchyma, right echogenic kidney with absent corticomedullary differentiation, and left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with bowel herniation, with intestinal atresia (IA) found on postmortem examination. Whole genome sequencing of fetal blood DNA revealed a heterozygous pathogenic variant c.344 + 2 T>G in the HNF1B gene (NM_000458). Sanger sequencing of the parental samples suggested that it arose de novo in the fetus. HNF1B‐associated disorders affect multiple organs with significant phenotypic heterogeneity. In pediatric and adult patients, renal cystic disease and cystic dysplasia are the dominant phenotypes. In prenatal settings, renal anomaly is also the most common presentation, typically with bilateral hyperechogenic kidneys. Our case presented with two uncommon extra‐renal phenotypes of CDH and IA besides the typical bilateral cystic renal dysplasia. This association has been reported in fetuses with 17q12 microdeletion but not with HNF1B point mutation. Our case is the first prenatal report of such an association and highlights the possible causal relationship of HNF1B defects with CDH and IA in addition to the typical renal anomalies.