bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GMP/Al2O3/ZnO/PDMS thermal interface materials with anisotropic thermal conductivity and electrical insulation ability obtained by 3D‐printing method
Authors: Wang Xu , Ding Dongliang , Yang Zhe , Zhang Shiyu , Sun Zhe , Liu Zhenguo , Zhang Qiuyu , Chen Yanhui
Published: January 2024

Due to the continuous increase in power density and power consumption, thermal management has become a crucial issue in electronic devices like integrated circuits. Polymer‐based thermal conductive composites possess excellent thermal and mechanical properties, making them ideal materials for thermal management in the modern microelectronic industry. In this work, we present a combination of filler hybridization strategy and 3D‐printing technology to synergistically enhance the thermal conductivity of graphite microplatelets (GMP)/alumina (Al2O3)/zinc oxide (ZnO)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite (o‐GAZP). When the content of GMP reaches 4.5 vol%, the 3D‐printed composite material exhibits a directional thermal conductivity of up to 4.51 W m−1 K−1. This value is significantly higher than the thermal conductivity of a randomly mixed GMP/Al2O3/ZnO/PDMS composite (1.98 W m−1 K−1). The remarkable thermal conductivity can be attributed to the anisotropic structural design, which benefits from the orientation of GMP and the creation of a multi‐scale dense structure through filler compounding. Additionally, the presence of Al2O3 and ZnO effectively separates the GMP particles, preventing the formation of electron transfer pathways and improving the electrical insulation performance of the composites. Furthermore, the impact of the anisotropic structural design on the thermal conductivity of the composites was verified through finite element simulation. This study demonstrates that constructing efficient thermally conductive and electrically insulating pathways by densely packing highly oriented two‐dimensional anisotropic graphite‐based fillers with uniformly dispersed thermally conductive and electrically insulating fillers is a simple and effective method to enhance the composites' thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and mechanical properties simultaneously. These findings hold great potential for various scalable thermal‐related applications. By implementing this approach, composites can exhibit excellent thermal conductivity, high electrical resistivity, and superior mechanical performance.
Designing magnetic and superhydrophobic cellulose nanofibers based‐aerogel for efficient oil water separation
Authors: Shi Lihao , Yu Wenjun , Wang Enfu , Han Weisheng , Miao Yu , Liang Yipeng , Chen Yifan , Zhang Wenbiao , Zhang Ran , Huang Jingda
Published: January 2024

In this work, we used cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as the skeleton, Fe3O4@ZnO composite particles as magnetic synergist particles, 3‐(2‐aminoethylamino) propyltrimethoxysilane (AS) and trimethoxy(octyl)silane (OTMS) as water‐based hydrophobic modifiers to prepare magnetic and superhydrophobic cellulose nanofibers based‐aerogel with low density and intricate three‐dimensional structure. Fe3O4@ZnO confers magnetic properties (3.82 emu/g) and exceptional thermal stability (water contact angle of 150.1° at 200 °C) to the system, while the combination with OTMS/AS endows the system superhydrophobic (157.5°) and excellent mechanical properties (stress of 96.95 kPa at 80% strain). It is worth noting that in the process of modifying the system with OTMS/AS, no organic solvents and acidic substances are used in the solution. Benefiting from their synergies, the system demonstrates a notable oil absorption capacity (12.31–41.91 g/g) and outstanding oil selectivity (exceeding 90%), driven by gravity alone. Interestingly, this system, marked by its cost‐effectiveness, simplicity, eco‐friendliness, and heightened efficiency, holds promising prospects for diverse applications in different oil–water separation behavior and purifying industrial oil wastewater, as well as oil flooding incidents.
Synthesis, Characteritation, Optoelectronic Properties and DFT Studies of Novel 4,5‐Diarylpyrazole‐1‐Carboxylates
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Bains Omkar , Langyan Ritu , Kumar Ravinder , Kumar Vipin , Chetti Prabhakar , Kamal Raj
Published: January 2024

In the present work, a well organised pathway for the eco‐friendly synthesis of a series of 4,5‐diarylpyrazole‐1‐carboxylates has been reported. The resulted compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques (IR, 1H‐NMR & 13C‐NMR and HRMS). To shed light on various properties of interests, density functional theory (DFT) was utilized to optimize the ground state geometry of synthesized pyrazoles. Time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) was used to investigate the impact of various functionals on the absorption wavelength i.e., B3LYP, M062X, BHandHLYP, B3P86, CAM‐B3LYP, and PBE0. Among all these functional, CAM‐B3LYP and BHandHLYP were in good consent with the experimental results. With an aim to enhance the optoelectronic properties, 10 new derivatives were designed by varying the various substituents on the aryl ring. Among all these synthesized pyrazole molecule, Methyl 4‐(4‐Methoxyphenyl)‐5‐(3‐nitrophenyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carboxylate 3a and Methyl 4‐(4‐Methoxyphenyl)‐5‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carboxylate 3b exhibited better optoelectronic properties with HOMO‐LUMO gap of 3.38 eV. To the best of our knowledge, the studies of photophysical properties of these 1,4,5‐trisubstituted pyrazoles for optoelectronic uses has been reported first time by our research group.
Bio‐Inspired Superhydrophilic Self‐Assembled Coronavirus‐Like Pt‐WC/CNT for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Chen Zhaoyang , Li Lingtong , Chu Youqun , Zhao Fengming , Zhu Yinghong , Tong Shaoping , Zheng Huajun
Published: January 2024

This study presents a novel approach to enhance the catalytic activity of composite materials by promoting active surface exposure and improving hydrogen transfer performance. Through a self‐assembly route involving tailored gas‐solid and galvanic replacement reactions, Pt‐WC/CNT catalysts with superhydrophilicity and coronavirus‐like structure are synthesized. These unique structural features contribute to a remarkable enhancement in the electrocatalytic performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Notably, the Pt‐WC/CNT catalyst exhibits an outstanding intrinsic activity and efficient bubble transfer properties, leading to a high turnover frequency of 34.97 H2·s−1 at an overpotential of 100 mV. This value is 4.8 times higher than that achieved by commercial Pt/C catalysts (7.30 H2·s−1), establishing Pt‐WC/CNT as one of the most active catalysts reported to date. Moreover, the combination of gas‐solid and galvanic replacement reactions in the synthesis process offers a scalable route for the production of Pt‐loading controllable composite catalysts, thus challenging the dominance of commercial Pt/C catalysts.
Superspreading‐Based Fabrication of Thermostable Nanoporous Polyimide Membranes for High Safety Separators of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Xinxu , Cheng Sha , Huang Cheng , Han Jin , Li Mengying , Liu Shaopeng , Zhang Jisong , Zhang Pengchao , You Ya , Chen Wen
Published: January 2024

The development of thermally stable separators is a promising approach to address the safety issues of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to the serious shrinkage of commercial polyolefin separators at elevated temperatures. However, achieving controlled nanopores with a uniform size distribution in thermostable polymeric separators and high electrochemical performance is still a great challenge. In this study, nanoporous polyimide (PI) membranes with excellent thermal stability as high‐safety separators is developed for LIBs using a superspreading strategy. The superspreading of polyamic acid solutions enables the generation of thin and uniform liquid layers, facilitating the formation of thin PI membranes with controllable and uniform nanopores with narrow size distribution ranging from 121 ± 5 nm to 86 ± 6 nm. Such nanoporous PI membranes display excellent structural stability at elevated temperatures up to 300 °C for at least 1 h. LIBs assembled with nanoporous PI membranes as separators show high specific capacity and Coulombic efficiency and can work normally after transient treatment at a high temperature (150 °C for 20 min) and high ambient temperature, indicating their promising application as high‐safety separators for rechargeable batteries.
Privacy‐preserving task offloading in mobile edge computing: A deep reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Xia Fanglue , Chen Ying , Huang Jiwei
Published: January 2024

As machine learning (ML) technologies continue to evolve, there is an increasing demand for data. Mobile crowd sensing (MCS) can motivate more users in the data collection process through reasonable compensation, which can enrich the data scale and coverage. However, nowadays, users are increasingly concerned about their privacy and are unwilling to easily share their personal data. Therefore, protecting privacy has become a crucial issue. In ML, federated learning (FL) is a widely known privacy‐preserving technique where the model training process is performed locally by the data owner, which can protect privacy to a large extent. However, as the model size grows, the weak computing power and battery life of user devices are not sufficient to support training a large number of models locally. With mobile edge computing (MEC), user can offload some of the model training tasks to the edge server for collaborative computation, allowing the edge server to participate in the model training process to improve training efficiency. However, edge servers are not fully trusted, and there is still a risk of privacy leakage if data is directly uploaded to the edge server. To address this issue, we design a local differential privacy (LDP) based data privacy‐preserving algorithm and a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) based task offloading algorithm. We also propose a privacy‐preserving distributed ML framework for MEC and model the cloud‐edge‐mobile collaborative training process. These algorithms not only enable effective utilization of edge computing to accelerate machine learning model training but also significantly enhance user privacy and save device battery power. We have conducted experiments to verify the effectiveness of the framework and algorithms.
Hybrid Cell Membrane‐Coated Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yu Yiyan , Peng Yifei , Shen Wei‐Ting , Zhou Zhidong , Kai Mingxuan , Gao Weiwei , Zhang Liangfang
Published: January 2024

There is growing interest in developing cell membrane‐coated nanoparticles (CNPs) for unique host cell mimicry and therapeutic applications. The continuous evolution of this technology has motivated the coating of nanoparticles with hybrid membranes originating from diverse cell types. The resulting hybrid cell membrane‐coated nanoparticles (hybrid CNPs) exhibit a higher level of synergy among multifunctionalities with better multitasking capabilities than their monotypic membrane‐coated counterparts. This advancement has catalyzed the initiation of numerous research opportunities, marking the advent of a promising frontier in therapeutic applications. This review outlines emerging biomedical applications of hybrid CNPs, focusing on drug targeting, immune modulation, biological neutralization, and disease diagnosis. Within each application, the review underscores how the strategic hybridization of distinct cell membranes augments the resulting nanoparticle therapeutic efficacy. Overall, the insights presented herein consolidate our understanding of current applications and may inspire novel designs with new biomedical applications.
Two new Dryopteris taxa originated from distantly related congeners in China
Authors: Wei Hong‐Jin , Chen Bin , Zuo Zheng‐Yu
Published: January 2024

Since the inception of genetic investigations into the origin of Dryopteris species belonging to D. subg. Erythrovariae in East Asia, around 20 taxa with hybrid ancestry have been identified. Among these species, some have arisen from distant interspecific hybridization events. In this study, we describe and illustrate two newly discovered hybrids from China: Dryopteris parabissetiana sp. nov., a triploid species, and D. ×tiantangzhaiensis nothosp. nov., a diploid hybrid within Dryopteridaceae. Morphologically, D. parabissetiana exhibits similarities to D. bissetiana but can be distinguished by its ovate scales, while D. ×tiantangzhaiensis clearly displays intermediate characteristics between D. gymnophylla and D. tsoongii. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that D. tsoongii serves as their maternal parent, while D. bissetiana and D. gymnophylla are their paternal parents, respectively. Furthermore, we propose a section‐level classification for such hybrids of mixed parental sections.
Accelerated Cr (VI) removal by a three‐dimensional electro‐Fenton system using green iron nanoparticles
Authors: López‐Campos Brian , Paniagua Sergio A. , Vega‐Baudrit José Roberto , Muñoz‐Arrieta Rodrigo , Guerrero‐Gutiérrez Edward M. A.
Published: January 2024

Green‐synthesized iron nanoparticles (GAP‐FeNP) were used as particle electrodes in a three‐dimensional electro‐Fenton (3DEF) process to accelerate the removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)]. Removal was evaluated by varying the pH (3.0, 6.0, and 9.0) and initial Cr (VI) concentrations (10, 30, and 50 mg/L) at 5 and 25 min. These results demonstrated that GAP‐FeNP/3DEF treatment achieved more than 94% Cr (VI) removal under all tested conditions. Furthermore, it was observed that Cr (VI) removal exceeded 98% under pH 9.0 in all experimental parameters tested. The results of the response surface methodology (RSM) determined two optimal conditions: the first, characterized by a pH of 3.0, Cr (VI) concentration at 50 mg/L, and 25 min, yielded a Cr (VI) removal of 99.7%. The second optimal condition emerged at pH 9.0, with Cr (VI) concentrations of 10 mg/L and 5 min, achieving a Cr (VI) removal of 99.5%. This study highlights the potential of the GAP‐FeNP to synergistically accelerate Cr (VI) removal by the 3DEF process, allowing faster elimination and expansion of the alkaline (pH 9.0) applicability.

Practitioner Points

The required time for >99% of Cr (VI) removal by the GAP‐FeNP/3DEF process was shortened from 25 to 5 min.

EF process with GAP‐FeNP reduces the time necessary for Cr (VI) removal, which is 67% faster than conventional methods.

EF process using GAP‐FeNP removed >94% of Cr (VI) after 25 min for all initial Cr (VI) concentrations and pH treatments.

Cr (VI) removal by the GAP‐FeNP/3DEF process was >98% at a pH of 9.0, widening the solution pH applicability.
Complex eigenvalue instantons and the Fredholm determinant expansion in the Gross-Witten-Wadia model
Authors: Eniceicu Dan Stefan , Mahajan Raghu , Murdia Chitraang
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We study the leading nonperturbative corrections to the strong-coupling (ungapped) phase of the Gross-Witten-Wadia (GWW) integral over unitary matrices, to one-loop order. We compute these corrections directly in terms of eigenvalue tunneling in a holomorphic presentation of the integral over eigenvalues. The leading nonperturbative contribution to the partition function comes from a pair of complex eigenvalue instantons. We show that these are in fact “ghost instantons”, which are extrema of the one-eigenvalue effective potential on the “unphysical sheet” of the spectral curve and have been discussed in detail recently by Mariño, Schiappa, and Schwick. Further, we discuss the relationship of these instantons to the Fredholm determinant expansion of the unitary matrix integral, which has recently become an object of interest in the computations of BPS indices of supersymmetric gauge theories and black holes. We find that, after taking the ’t Hooft limit, the first correction given by the Fredholm determinant expansion of the GWW integral agrees precisely with the leading nonperturbative correction, to one-loop order.
Elliptic genera from classical error-correcting codes
Authors: Kawabata Kohki , Yahagi Shinichiro
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We consider chiral fermionic conformal field theories constructed from classical error-correcting codes and provide a systematic way of computing their elliptic genera. We exploit the U(1) current of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal algebra to obtain the U(1)-graded partition function that is invariant under the modular transformation and the spectral flow. We demonstrate our method by constructing extremal $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 elliptic genera from classical codes for relatively small central charges. Also, we give near-extremal elliptic genera and decompose them into $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal characters.
Non-relativistic heterotic string theory
Authors: Bergshoeff Eric A. , Romano Luca
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this work we consider heterotic-gravity as the low-energy approximation to heterotic string theory. We define a consistent non-relativistic limit of heterotic gravity that includes the Yang-Mills Chern-Simons term. We perform three tests on the heterotic limit: we use it to (i) derive the non-relativistic transformation rules, (ii) show the existence of a finite non-relativistic heterotic action and (iii) obtain the longitudinal non-relativistic T-duality rules. We show that in all these cases the limit procedure is well defined, free of divergences and leads to consistent non-trivial results. We comment on the interpretation of the T-duality rules in terms of a heterotic non-relativistic geometry underlying non-relativistic heterotic string theory.
Distribution Generated by a Random Inhomogenous Fibonacci Sequence
Authors: Liptai Kálmán , Szalay László
Published: January 2024

Let$$G_0=0$$G0=0and$$G_1=1$$G1=1. The present study deals with the inhomogeneous version$$\begin{aligned} G_n=G_{n-1}+G_{n-2}+w_{n-2} \end{aligned}$$Gn=Gn-1+Gn-2+wn-2of the Fibonacci sequence, where$$w_{n-2}$$wn-2takes valueawith probabilityp, and does valuebwith$$1-p$$1-p. We describe the probability distribution of the values of$$G_n$$Gnwith fixedn, and examine the properties like expected value and variance. The most challenging feature is the fractal-like structure of the distribution.
Treatment-related pneumonitis after thoracic radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lv Xiaoyan , Wu Yajing , Li Qihui , Zheng Chen , Lin Qiang , Pang Qingsong , Zhao Min , Zhang Jiandong , Wang Jun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the risk factors of treatment-related pneumonitis (TRP) following thoracic radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy combined with anti-PD‑1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 97 patients with advanced ESCC who were treated with thoracic radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy combined with anti-PD‑1 mAbs. Among them, 56 patients received concurrent radiotherapy with anti-PD‑1 mAbs and 41 patients received sequential radiotherapy with anti-PD‑1 mAbs. The median prescribed planning target volume (PTV) dose was 59.4 Gy (range from 50.4 to 66 Gy, 1.8–2.2 Gy/fraction). Clinical characteristics, the percentage of lung volume receiving more than 5–50 Gy in increments of 5 Gy (V5–V50, respectively) and the mean lung dose (MLD) were analyzed as potential risk factors for TRP.

Results

46.4% (45/97), 20.6% (20/97), 20.6% (20/97), 4.1% (4/97), and 1.0% (1/97) of the patients developed any grade of TRP, grade 1 TRP, grade 2 TRP, grade 3 TRP, and fatal (grade 5) TRP, respectively. Anti-PD‑1 mAbs administered concurrently with radiotherapy, V5, V10, V15, V25, V30, V35, V40 and MLD were associated with the occurrence of grade 2 or higher TRP. Concurrent therapy (P = 0.010, OR = 3.990) and V5 (P = 0.001, OR = 1.126) were independent risk factors for grade 2 or higher TRP. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal V5 threshold for predicting grade 2 or higher TRP was 55.7%.

Conclusion

The combination of thoracic radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy with anti-PD‑1 mAbs displayed a tolerable pulmonary safety profile. Although the incidence of TRP was high, grade 1–2 TRP accounted for the majority. Anti-PD‑1 mAbs administered concurrently with radiotherapy and the lung V5 were significantly associated with the occurrence of grade 2 or higher TRP. Therefore, it seems safer to control V5 below 55% in clinical, especially for the high-risk populations receiving concurrent therapy.
Identification of Sr67, a new gene for stem rust resistance in KU168-2 located close to the Sr13 locus in wheat
Authors: Sharma Jyoti Saini , Che Mingzhe , Fetch Thomas , McCallum Brent D. , Xu Steven S. , Hiebert Colin W.
Published: January 2024

Key message

Sr67 is a new stem rust resistance gene that represents a new resource for breeding stem rust resistant wheat cultivars

Re-appearance of stem rust disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), in different parts of Europe emphasized the need to develop wheat varieties with effective resistance to local Pgt populations and exotic threats. A Kyoto University wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) accession KU168-2 was reported to carry good resistance to leaf and stem rust. To identify the genomic region associated with the KU168-2 stem rust resistance, a genetic study was conducted using a doubled haploid (DH) population from the cross RL6071 × KU168-2. The DH population was phenotyped with three Pgt races (TTKSK, TPMKC, and QTHSF) and genotyped using the Illumina 90 K wheat SNP array. Linkage mapping showed the resistance to all three Pgt races was conferred by a single stem rust resistance (Sr) gene on chromosome arm 6AL, associated with Sr13. Presently, four Sr13 resistance alleles have been reported. Sr13 allele-specific KASP and STARP markers, and sequencing markers all showed null alleles in KU168-2. KU168-2 showed a unique combination of seedling infection types for five Pgt races (TTKSK, QTHSF, RCRSF, TMRTF, and TPMKC) compared to Sr13 alleles. The phenotypic uniqueness of the stem rust resistance gene in KU168-2 and null alleles for Sr13 allele-specific markers showed the resistance was conferred by a new gene, designated Sr67. Since Sr13 is less effective in hexaploid background, Sr67 will be a good source of stem rust resistance in bread wheat breeding programs.
Mechanisms and axiomatics for division problems with single-dipped preferences
Authors: Gong Doudou , Dietzenbacher Bas , Peters Hans
Published: January 2024

A mechanism allocates one unit of an infinitely divisible commodity among agents reporting a number between zero and one. Nash, Pareto optimal Nash, and strong equilibria are analyzed for the case where the agents have single-dipped preferences. One main result is that when the mechanism satisfies anonymity, monotonicity, the zero–one property, and order preservation, then the Pareto optimal Nash and strong equilibria coincide and result in Pareto optimal allocations that are characterized by so-called maximal coalitions: members of a maximal coalition prefer an equal coalition share over obtaining zero, whereas the outside agents prefer zero over obtaining an equal share from joining the coalition. A second main result is an axiomatic characterization of the associated social choice correspondence as the maximal correspondence satisfying minimal envy Pareto optimality, equal division lower bound, and sharing index order preservation.
Stage 1 and 2 Palliation: Comparing Ductal Stenting and Aorto-Pulmonary Shunts in Single Ventricles with Duct-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow
Authors: Ganta Srujan , Haley Jessica , El-Said Howaida , Lane Brian , Haldeman Shylah , Karamlou Tara , Moore John , Rao Rohit , Nigro John J.
Published: January 2024

Patent ductus arteriosus stenting (PDAS) for ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow (DDPBF) provides a new paradigm for managing neonates with single ventricles (SV). Currently, sparse data exist regarding outcomes for subsequent palliation. We describe our experience with inter-stage care and stage 2 (S2P) conversion with PDAS in comparison to a prior era of patients who received surgical aorto-pulmonary shunts (APS). Retrospective review of 18 consecutive DDPBF SV patients treated with PDAS between 2016 and 2021 was done and compared with 9 who underwent APS from 2010 to 2016. Patient outcomes and pulmonary artery (PA) growth were analyzed. S2P was completed in all 18 with PDAS with no cardiac arrests and one post-S2P mortality. In the 9 APS patients, there was one cardiac arrest requiring ECMO and one mortality inter-stage. Off cardiopulmonary bypass strategy was utilized in 10/18 in the PDAS and 1/9 in the APS group (p = 0.005) at S2P. Shorter ventilation time, earlier PO feeding, and shorter hospital stay were noted in the PDAS group (p = 0.01, p = 0.006, p = 0.03) (S2P). Median Nakata index increase inter-stage was not significant between the PDAS and APS at 94.1 mm2/m2 versus 71.7 mm2/m2 (p = 0.94). Median change in pulmonary artery symmetry (PAS) was − 0.02 and − 0.24, respectively, which was statistically significant (p = 0.008). Neurodevelopmental outcomes were better in the PDAS group compared to the APS group (p = 0.02). PDAS provides excellent PA growth, inter-stage survival, progression along multistage single-ventricle palliation, and potentially improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. Most patients can be transitioned through 2 stages of palliation without CPB.
3D visualization of the human anterior cruciate ligament combining micro-CT and histological analysis
Authors: Parrilli Annapaola , Grassi Alberto , Orellana Federica , Lolli Roberta , Marchiori Gregorio , Berni Matteo , Fini Milena , Lopomo Nicola Francesco , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The study aimed to obtain a comprehensive 3D visualization of knee specimens, including the cruciate ligaments and corresponding femoral and tibial bone insertions using a non-destructive micro-CT method.

Methods

Knee specimens were fixed in anatomical positions and chemically dehydrated before being scanned using micro-CT with a voxel size of 17.5 μm. RGBA (red, green, blue, alpha) transfer functions were applied to virtually colorize each structure. Following micro-CT scanning, the samples were rehydrated, decalcified, and trimmed based on micro-CT 3D reconstructions as references. Histological evaluations were performed on the trimmed samples. Histological and micro-CT images were registered to morphologically and densitometrically assess the 4-layer insertion of the ACL into the bone.

Results

The output of the micro-CT images of the knee in extension and flexion allowed a clear differentiation of the morphologies of both soft and hard tissues, such as the ACL, femoral and tibial bones, and cartilage, and the subsequent creation of 3D composite models useful for accurately tracing the entire morphology of the ligament, including its fiber and bundle components, the trajectory between the femur and tibia, and the size, extension, and morphology of its insertions into the bones.

Conclusion

The implementation of the non-destructive micro-CT method allowed complete visualization of all the different components of the knee specimens. This allowed correlative imaging by micro-CT and histology, accurate planning of histological sections, and virtual anatomical and microstructural analysis. The micro-CT approach provided an unprecedented 3D level of detail, offering a viable means to study ACL anatomy.
Iron status in Swiss adolescents with paediatric major depressive disorder and healthy controls: a matched case–control study
Authors: Osuna Ester , Baumgartner Jeannine , Wunderlin Olivia , Emery Sophie , Albermann Mona , Baumgartner Noemi , Schmeck Klaus , Walitza Susanne , Strumberger Michael , Hersberger Martin , Zimmermann Michael B. , Häberling Isabelle , Berger Gregor , Herter-Aeberli Isabelle ,   the Omega-3 Study Team, Albermann Mona , Nalani Kristin , Pick Oliver , Di Gallo Alain , Strumberger Michael , Contin Brigitte , Müller Stefan , Bachmann Silke , Wöckel Lars , Heitzer Simone , Rhiner Bruno , Yamini Amir , Erb Suzanne , Schmid Michael , Müller-Knapp Ulrich , Christodoulakis Ioannis , Seifert Burkhardt , Drechsler Renate , Grünblatt Edna , Hersberger Martin , Volleberg Martin , Hartling Ivan , Chakravarty Akash , Brunner Romuald , Drewe Jürgen , Braun Julia , Peterson Jenny
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Depression is associated with low-grade systemic inflammation and impaired intestinal function, both of which may reduce dietary iron absorption. Low iron status has been associated with depression in adults and adolescents. In Swiss adolescents, we determined the associations between paediatric major depressive disorder (pMDD), inflammation, intestinal permeability and iron status.

Methods

This is a matched case–control study in 95 adolescents with diagnosed pMDD and 95 healthy controls aged 13–17 years. We assessed depression severity using the Children’s Depression Rating Scale-Revised. We measured iron status (serum ferritin (SF) and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)), inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein (AGP)), and intestinal permeability (intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP)). We assessed history of ID diagnosis and treatment with a self-reported questionnaire.

Results

SF concentrations did not differ between adolescents with pMDD (median (IQR) SF: 31.2 (20.2, 57.0) μg/L) and controls (32.5 (22.6, 48.3) μg/L, p = 0.4). sTfR was lower among cases than controls (4.50 (4.00, 5.50) mg/L vs 5.20 (4.75, 6.10) mg/L, p < 0.001). CRP, AGP and I-FABP were higher among cases than controls (CRP: 0.16 (0.03, 0.43) mg/L vs 0.04 (0.02, 0.30) mg/L, p = 0.003; AGP: 0.57 (0.44, 0.70) g/L vs 0.52 (0.41, 0.67) g/L, p = 0.024); I-FABP: 307 (17, 515) pg/mL vs 232 (163, 357) pg/mL, p = 0.047). Of cases, 44% reported having a history of ID diagnosis compared to 26% among controls (p = 0.020). Finally, 28% of cases had iron treatment at/close to study inclusion compared to 14% among controls.

Conclusion

Cases had significantly higher systemic inflammation and intestinal permeability than controls but did not have lower iron status. Whether this is related to the higher rate of ID diagnosis and iron treatment in adolescents with depression is uncertain.
Swallowing improvement surgeries
Authors: Cotaoco Carmel , Ueha Rumi , Koyama Misaki , Sato Taku , Goto Takao , Kondo Kenji
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To discuss the different swallowing improvement surgeries that address one or more dysfunctional pharyngolaryngeal structures causing dysphagia. These surgeries reduce the risk of aspiration without sacrificing vocal function.

Methods

We searched the PubMed database and used Google Scholar search engine to find studies discussing the different swallowing improvement surgeries. A manual search of references in selected articles and reviews was done as well. No chronologic limitation was set for the studies; however, only articles written in English and Japanese were considered. Due to the nature of this article, no particular inclusion or exclusion criteria were set when searching for studies to be used as references; however, all relevant studies were reviewed and agreed upon by the authors for inclusion in this review article.

Results/discussion

Surgeries to improve swallowing function can be categorized into those that reinforce nasopharyngeal closure or pharyngeal contraction, improve laryngeal elevation or pharyngoesophageal segment opening, and those that improve vocal fold closure to protect the airway during swallowing. They are an effective alternative treatment that may significantly improve these patients’ quality of life. Swallowing rehabilitation with the altered pharyngolaryngeal structures is required post-operatively to significantly improve patients’ dysphagia.

Conclusions

Surgeries to improve swallowing function address specific dysfunctional sites involved in the swallowing mechanism. Choosing the most appropriate surgery for each patient requires knowledge of the pathophysiology for their dysphagia and detailed pre-operative work-up.
Efficacy and Safety of Re-administration of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) After EGFR-TKI-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease (CS-Lung-005)
Authors: Kanaji Nobuhiro , Ichihara Eiki , Tanaka Takaaki , Ninomiya Takashi , Kozuki Toshiyuki , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Nishii Kazuya , Shoda Hiroyasu , Yamaguchi Kakuhiro , Kawakado Keita , Toyoda Yuko , Inoue Masaaki , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Watanabe Naoki , Inoue Takuya , Mizoguchi Hitoshi , Komori Yuta , Kojima Kazuki , Kadowaki Norimitsu
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the safety and efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) re-administration after recovery from EGFR-TKI-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study collected data from consecutive advanced NSCLC patients who underwent EGFR-TKI re-administration after recovery from EGFR-TKI-induced ILD.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were registered. The grades of initial TKI-induced ILD were grade 1 to 4. TKIs used for re-administration were erlotinib for 15 patients, osimertinib for 15, gefitinib for 14, afatinib for 13 patients, and dacomitinib for 1 patient. ILD recurred in 13 patients (22.4%), comprising 3 patients with grade 1, 6 patients with grade 2, and 4 patients with grade 3. No significant associations were found between ILD recurrence and age, smoking history, performance status, time from initial ILD to TKI re-administration, or concomitant corticosteroid use. However, the incidence of ILD recurrence was high in cases of repeated use of gefitinib or erlotinib or first time use of osimertinib at TKI re-administration. The ILD recurrence rate was lowest in patients treated with first time use of gefitinib (8%) or erlotinib (8%), followed by patients treated with repeated use of osimertinib (9%). The response rate, median progression-free survival by TKI re-administration, and median overall survival were 55%, 9.6 and 84.8 months, respectively.

Conclusion

This study showed that EGFR-TKI re-administration is a feasible and effective treatment for patients who recovered from EGFR-TKI-induced ILD. Our results indicate that re-administration of EGFR-TKI is an important option for long-term prognosis after recovery from EGFR-TKI-induced ILD.
Flourish, fight or flight: health in self-employment over time—associations with individual and business resources
Authors: Bernhard-Oettel Claudia , Bergman Louise , Leineweber Constanze , Toivanen Susanna
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Using COR theory to study developments of health and other key resources in self-employed workers in Sweden over 6 years, this study: (1) explored whether the heterogenous group of self-employed workers contained subgroups with different health trajectories, (2) investigated whether these were more typical for certain individuals (with respect to age, gender, sector, education, employment status), and (3) compared the different health trajectories regarding resource development in mental well-being, business resources, employment status, work ability.

Method

The study used data from the Swedish longitudinal occupational survey of health (SLOSH) and included participants working as self-employed or combiner (N = 2642).

Result

Five trajectories were identified with latent class growth curve model analysis (LCGM). Two health trajectories with (1) very good, respective (2) good stable health (together comprising 78.5% of the participants), (3) one with moderate stable health (14.8%), (4) one with a U-shaped form (1.9%), and (5) one with low, slightly increasing health (4.7%). The first two trajectories flourish: they maintained or increased in all key resources and were more likely to remain self-employed. Trajectories three and five consist of those who fight to maintain or increase their resources. Workers in the U-shaped health trajectory show signs of fight and flight after loss in health and other key resources.

Conclusions

Studying subgroups with different resource developments over time was suitable to understand heterogeneity in self-employed workers. It also helped to identify vulnerable groups that may benefit from interventions to preserve their resources.
Numerische Untersuchung von Skaleneffekten auf die Hydrodynamik in einem Buhnenexperiment
Authors: Glas M. , Tritthart M. , Pessenlehner S. , Sindelar C. , Buchinger M. , Baranya S. , Haimann M. , Habersack H.
Published: January 2024

Buhnen werden im Wasserbau vielfach angewendet und sind aufgrund der komplexen Strömungsverhältnisse in Abhängigkeit von Wasserstand und Buhnengeometrie herausfordernd bezüglich der Wirksamkeit und der Eignung als flussbauliche Maßnahme. Physikalische Modellierungen werden seit etwa 130 Jahren im Wasserbau angewendet, bei Bedarf mit Feldmessungen und mittlerweile auch mit numerischen Modellen kombiniert, wodurch unter anderem auch die Bewertung von Buhnen profitiert. Aufgrund der Skalierung von physikalischen Modellen kann es jedoch zu Skalierungsfehlern kommen. In dieser Studie wurden fünf Buhnenvarianten an einem 1:1-Versuch und an einem skalierten Versuch im Maßstab 1:5 untersucht. 3D-numerische Modelle der Versuche wurden erstellt und anhand gemessener Werte kalibriert und validiert. Im Gegensatz zur modellierten Fließgeschwindigkeit konnten generell große Unterschiede in der modellierten turbulenten kinetischen Energie zwischen beiden Skalen identifiziert werden, welche auf einen Skalierungsfehler hindeuten. Die Unterschiede konnten auch beispielhaft in gemessenen Werten gefunden werden. Die Unterschiede waren größer, je niedriger der Wasserstand bzw. je höher die Buhnen waren. Diese Erkenntnisse geben einen Hinweis darauf, dass der gewählte Modellmaßstab von großer Bedeutung für die physikalische Modellierung im Wasserbau ist. Das neue Wasserbaulabor der Universität für Bodenkultur Wien ist für großmaßstäbliche Versuche bestens gerüstet. Eine detailliertere Untersuchung von Skalierungsfehlern bei physikalischen Modellversuchen von Buhnen und anderen Maßnahmen in Kombination mit noch präziseren numerischen Modellen ist in Zukunft jedenfalls zu empfehlen, um die Ursachen zu erforschen und deren Auswirkungen auf andere Aspekte, wie Sedimenttransport, Morphodynamik und Ökologie bewerten zu können.
Classification of intraarticular calcaneal fractures: comparison of two classification systems
Authors: Falis Mirosław , Bargiel Andrzej , Pyszel Krystian , Simon Patrick
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Accurately classifying displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) is essential for orthopedic surgeons to choose optimal treatment methods and provide results evaluation and communication. Many authors studying used Sanders classification reported moderate intra- and interobserver reliability. Taking the software opportunity of 3D virtual exarticulation, Goldzak updated French tri-dimensional Utheza classification, providing an alternative framework for classifying DIACFs. The aim of this study was to compare the intra- and interobserver reliability of Sanders versus Goldzak classification systems.

Methods

The CT scans of 30 patients with displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures, treated in the same trauma center between 2014–2018, were analyzed by 16 medical doctors (specialists and residents in orthopedic surgery, specialists and residents in radiology), and classified according to Sanders and Goldzak classifications. The same images were sent on two separate sessions, in a randomized order. Interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility were assessed using Kappa statistics and Gwet’s AC1 coefficient.

Results

Interobserver reliability using Gwet reported a value of 0.36 for Goldzak classification and 0.30 for Sanders classification (corresponding to “fair assessment” in both cases). In absence of subclasses, “substantial assessment” was reported for Goldzak classification (Gwet of 0.61) and “moderate assessment” for Sanders classification (Gwet of 0.46). Goldzak system had a greater interobserver reliability in the group of radiology residents. Intraobserver reliability coefficient was 0.60 for Goldzak classification and 0.69 for Sanders classification, indicating a substantial agreement for both classifications.

Conclusion

Despite the better view of the fracture lines provided by 3D reconstructions, this study failed to prove the superiority of Goldzak classification compared to Sanders classification for DIACFs.
A systematic review of current progress in community based vulnerability assessments
Authors: Smith Bethany , Diedrich Amy
Published: January 2024

This systematic literature review critically evaluates the extent to which community-based vulnerability assessments are progressing towards less siloed approaches that address spatial and temporal interactions and multiple exposures. The review focuses on studies that apply the most commonly operationalised frameworks in the livelihoods and climate change disciplines between 2014 and 2023, the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) (n = 72) and the IPCC AR4 Framework (AR4) (n = 101). This review found that a minimal number of studies are addressing limitations. This was most significant in relation to the inadequate consideration of spatial scale (SLF 1%; AR4 5%), future temporal scale (SLF 4%; AR4 7%), and exposure to multiple shocks and stressors (AR4 7%; SLF 8%) within studies. Progress was seen with respect to overcoming siloed perspectives, which had previously led to the exclusion of external shock and stressor events (SLF) or socioeconomic factors (AR4) within assessments. Despite this progress, AR4 based studies were found to exclude key components of adaptive capacity, particularly in relation to natural (28%), financial (57%) and components of social capital. Additionally, only 47% of SLF based studies measured exposure to shock and stressor events. To overcome limitations scholars must engage with i) less-siloed frameworks that combine perspectives from the livelihoods and climate change disciplines and ii) non-static approaches that assess vulnerability in the context of social-ecological systems or use ethnographic methods (e.g., scenario planning and participatory mapping) to contextualise outputs. By engaging with these limitations, scholars reduce the potential for assessments to produce ineffective, or maladaptive outcomes.
Participatory justice and climate adaptation for water management in Small Island Developing States: a systematic literature review and discussion
Authors: Bailey Aisling , Moglia Magnus , Glackin Stephen
Published: January 2024

As the impacts of climate change increase, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in particular shall face increasingly significant adaptation challenges. Past climate adaptation efforts within SIDS have had limited success. As such, the purpose of this systematic literature review has been to identify areas of importance for facilitating climate adaptation, particularly within Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and more specifically, to assess the extent to which participatory justice within decision-making processes is recognised as an important component of climate adaptation through the lens of water management. This review process utilised the SPIDER tool to guide the literature search across SCOPUS, Web of Science and EBSCO host databases, generating 495 publications that were reduced to a total of 70 sources guided by PRISMA, informing the review’s results and discussion. Thematic analysis of the selected studies was applied, utilising the Values-Rules-Knowledge framework. Through this analysis, five principles were created and comprise the major conclusions of this review: (1) ensuring community engagement, (2) expanding available options through local experimentation, (3) ensuring that monitoring and evaluation of adaptation initiatives are taken seriously, (4) adopting decision-making mechanisms that are systems-oriented and inclusive, and (5) investing only if there is a long-term commitment to protecting SIDS. It is hoped that these principles can serve as a comprehensive guide for funding agencies, applied projects and research aiding climate adaptation within SIDS.
Less brodifacoum in baits results in greater accumulation in the liver of captive Rattus norvegicus in a no-choice trail
Authors: Frankova Marcela , Radostna Tereza , Aulicky Radek , Stejskal Vaclav
Published: January 2024

Anticoagulants are widely used as potent cumulative rodenticides; however, they are also associated with adverse environmental effects, such as intoxication of non-target animals. To ensure user safety, in the EU the use of anticoagulants containing active substances of > 30 ppm is restricted to professionals as these substances are toxic to reproduction Kat.1 A or B. Therefore, new products with < 30 ppm anticoagulant substance have been developed and registered. While the biological efficacy of these new products has been evaluated, the effect of their application on liver residues in targeted rodents was not examined before product introduction to the market. Our laboratory no-choice study on wild brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) showed that baits with high (50 ppm) and low (25 ppm) brodifacoum concentrations (with identical nontoxic cereal-based food components) presented 100% efficacy, although the 25 ppm bait exhibited significantly higher palatability and 4.5 times higher liver residues. Rats consumed 13.6 and 167.7 g of the 50 and 25 ppm baits, respectively, which corresponded to 3.16 and 14.91 μg/g of brodifacoum liver residues at their time of death. The experiments demonstrated that a decreased concentration of brodifacoum anticoagulant in rodenticide baits may lead to greater accumulation in rodent liver, thus indicating the urgent need to perform a detailed study of the environmental risks of low-concentration anticoagulant baits.
Comparing the cross-national impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care received by community-dwelling older adults in 2020 and 2021: restoring formal home care versus polarizing informal care?
Authors: Tur-Sinai Aviad , Bentur Netta , Fabbietti Paolo , Lamura Giovanni
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the supply of formal and informal home care to older adults in many countries across the world. This study aims to compare the initial picture of how the supply of formal and informal home care to older adults in European countries and Israel changed during the first pandemic year (from mid-2020 to mid-2021) and to examine the changes that these countries made in the provision of adequate care to older adults. Using data from the two COVID-19 waves of SHARE, we show that the provision of formal home care services improved in the investigated period, as in 2021 the share of those who reported difficulties in receiving formal home care dropped significantly compared to the previous year. By contrast, informal care provision patterns experienced a growing polarization, with some countries continuing in reporting a strong support from this source, and others moving towards a remarkable reduction in the help coming from informal networks. These findings can serve as a basis for the development of evidence-based recommendations that can inform future care policies at the national level and to implement more sustainable models for older adults living in the community.