bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Changes in Porcine Larynges Following Injection of Motor‐Endplate Expressing Muscle Cells for the Treatment of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis
Authors: Kaefer Samuel L. , Zhang Lujuan , Morrison Rachel A. , Brookes Sarah , Awonusi Oluwaseyi , Shay Elizabeth , Hoilett Orlando S. , Anderson Jennifer L. , Goergen Craig J. , Voytik‐Harbin Sherry , Halum Stacey
Published: July 2023

Objectives

No curative injectable therapy exists for unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Herein, we explore the early implications of muscle‐derived motor‐endplate expressing cells (MEEs) for injectable vocal fold medialization after recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury.

Methods

Yucatan minipigs underwent right RLN transection (without repair) and muscle biopsies. Autologous muscle progenitor cells were isolated, cultured, differentiated, and induced to form MEEs. Three weeks after the injury, MEEs or saline were injected into the paralyzed right vocal fold. Outcomes including evoked laryngeal electromyography (LEMG), laryngeal adductor pressure, and acoustic vocalization data were analyzed up to 7 weeks post‐injury. Harvested porcine larynges were examined for volume, gene expression, and histology.

Results

MEE injections were tolerated well, with all pigs demonstrating continued weight gain. Blinded analysis of videolaryngoscopy post‐injection revealed infraglottic fullness, and no inflammatory changes. Four weeks after injection, LEMG revealed on average higher right distal RLN activity retention in MEE pigs. MEE‐injected pigs on average had vocalization durations, frequencies, and intensities higher than saline pigs. Post‐mortem, the MEE‐injected larynges revealed statistically greater volume on quantitative 3D ultrasound, and statistically increased expression of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF, NTF3, NTF4, NTN1) on quantitative PCR.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive MEE injection appears to establish an early molecular and microenvironmental framework to encourage innate RLN regeneration. Longer follow‐up is needed to determine if early findings will translate into functional contraction.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:272–282, 2024
Visually enhanced vestibulo‐ocular reflex gain in patients with vestibular disease
Authors: Kim Eric K. , Sienko Natalie , Gardi Adam , Krauter Roseanne , Pasquesi Lauren , Sharon Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Vestibular migraine (VM) is a diagnostic challenge. Visually enhanced vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VVOR) gain, a measure of the visual–vestibular interaction, has been proposed as a tool for diagnosing VM. This study seeks to evaluate VVOR gain's diagnostic capability to predict VM and to compare the phenotypes of vestibular patients with elevated versus normal/low VVOR gain.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive adult patients at a dizziness clinic from October 2016 and December 2020 was conducted. VVOR gain's diagnostic performance was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) analysis. Demographic factors and clinical presentations were compared between vestibular patients with elevated versus normal/low VVOR gain.

Results

One hundred forty patients (70 with VM) were analyzed. VVOR gain was elevated in 68.6% of patients with VM, compared to 52.9% of patients without VM (p = .057). The AUROC of VVOR gain was 0.5902 (95% confidence interval: 0.4958–0.6846). Vestibular patients with elevated VVOR gain were younger than those with normal/low VVOR gain (mean age 50 vs. 62, p < .0001). A higher proportion of subjects with elevated VVOR gain had symptoms triggered by certain foods (17.6% vs. 5.5%, p = .040) and experienced sound sensitivity (34.1% vs. 18.2%, p = .040) and motion sensitivity (23.5% vs. 9.1%, p = .041). A greater proportion of VM patients with elevated VVOR gain were triggered by certain foods (27.1% vs. 0%, p = .006).

Conclusion

VVOR gain alone has limited ability to discriminate VM from other vestibular conditions and must be interpreted carefully. VVOR gain elevation may be associated with food triggers and motion and sound sensitivity.

Level of Evidence

IV.
First evaluation of an ovine training model for sialendoscopy
Authors: Borner Urs , Caversaccio Marco , Wagner Franca , Marchal Francis , Anschuetz Lukas
Published: July 2023

Objective

Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic technique used in the treatment of various salivary gland diseases. To date, there are very few suitable training models other than the pig's head, which has been used at the European Sialendoscopy Training Center for 22 years. The goal of this study was to describe an ovine model for sialendoscopy training and compare the ovine model's to the human anatomy. We propose a step‐by‐step approach for sialendoscopy training using this ex‐vivo model.

Methods

The anatomy of the ovine salivary ducts and glands was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging using one fresh ovine head. Thereafter, the model was designed during dissection by an experienced sialendoscopist. The various steps were then validated during consecutive dissections using a Likert‐scale questionnaire.

Results

The full model was described in the form of a dissection guide and allowed reliable diagnostic sialendoscopy in 10/10 Stenson's and in 5/10 Wharton's ducts. Moreover, interventional sialendoscopy was simulated to provide a training model for the removal of sialoliths in the Stenson's duct. The human and ovine anatomy are quite similar allowing a training experience close to reality.

Conclusion

We developed and evaluated an ovine model with the goal of improving training in diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopy. In particular, the Stenson's duct can be successfully prepared, probed and subjected to sialendoscopy. The realistic anatomical environment and excellent tissue quality created a life‐like training experience for an experienced sialendoscopist. Further studies with beginners are necessary to validate this model as a training model.

Level of Evidence

4.
Discretization of inverse scattering on a half line
Authors: Korotyaev Evgeny L.
Published: July 2023

We solve inverse scattering problem for Schrödinger operators with compactly supported potentials on the half line. We discretize S‐matrix: We take the value of the S‐matrix on some infinite sequence of positive real numbers. Using this sequence obtained from S‐matrix, we recover uniquely the potential by a new explicit formula, without the Gelfand–Levitan–Marchenko equation.
Analyticity and stability results for a plate‐membrane type transmission problem
Authors: Barraza Martínez Bienvenido , González Ospino Jonathan , Hernández Monzón Jairo
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we consider a transmission problem for a system of a thermoelastic plate with (or without) a rotational inertia coupled with a membrane. On the plate a structural damping may or may not act, and on the membrane a damping of Kelvin–Voigt type may or may not be present; free boundary operators for the plate are considered in the coupling with the membrane. We prove well‐posedness of the problem and higher regularity of the solution. Depending on the damping and on the presence of the rotational term, we establish strong stability, exponential stability, lack of exponential stability, polynomial stability, and analyticity of the semigroup associated to the transmission problem.
Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Potential Relationship Between Sow Colostrum and Neonatal Serum Metabolites in Different Pig Breeds
Authors: Cheng Yating , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Ding Sujuan , Liu Yating , Blachier François , Ye Ting , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: July 2023

Scope

Colostrum composition is an important indicator of newborn piglet survival and growth. However, limited information is available on the association between colostrum metabolites in sows and serum metabolites in neonates. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the metabolites in the colostrum of sows, in the serum of their offspring piglets, and mother‐offspring metabolite correlations in different pig breeds.

Methods and results

Colostrum and serum samples are collected from 30 sows and their piglets from three pig breeds (Taoyuan black, TB; Xiangcun black, XB; and Duroc) to analyze the targeted metabolomics. This study identifies 191 metabolites in the colostrum of sows, including fatty acids, amino acids, bile acids, carnitines, carbohydrates, and organic acids, and the concentrations of these metabolites are highest in the TB pigs. Metabolite profiles in sow colostrum and piglet serum differ among Duroc, TB, and XB pigs, and the matching metabolites are mainly enriched in the digestive system and transportation pathways. Furthermore, identification of the associations between metabolites in the colostrum of sows and their neonate sera suggests that metabolite compounds from colostrum are transported to suckling piglets.

Conclusion

The present study findings deepen the understanding of the composition of sow colostrum metabolites and the transportation of metabolites from sow colostrum to piglets. The findings also provide insight regarding the development of dietary formulas that resemble the sow colostrum for newborn animals to maintain health and improve the early growth of offspring.
Dietary Apigenin Relieves Body Weight and Glycolipid Metabolic Disturbance via Pro‐Browning of White Adipose Mediated by Autophagy Inhibition
Authors: Xiong Shaofeng , Yu Shumin , Wang Kun , Xiong Xiaowei , Xia Min , Zeng Guohua , Huang Qiren
Published: July 2023

Scope

Apigenin (AP) has many pharmacological activities, including anti‐inflammation, hyperlipidemia‐lowering, and so on. Previous studies show that AP can reduce lipid accumulation in adipocytes in vitro. However, it remains unclear whether and how AP can promote fat‐browning. Therefore, mouse obesity model and preadipocyte induction model in vitro are used to investigate the effects of AP on glycolipid metabolism, browning and autophagy as well as the possible mechanisms.

Methods and results

The obese mice are intragastrically administrated with AP (0.1 mg g−1 d−1) for 4 weeks; meanwhile, the differentiating preadipocytes are respectively treated with the indicated concentrations of AP for 48 h. Metabolic phenotype, lipid accumulation, and fat‐browning are respectively evaluated by morphological, functional, and specific markers analysis. The results show that AP treatment alleviates the body weight, glycolipid metabolic disorder, and insulin resistance in the obese mice , which is contributed to the pro‐browning effects of AP in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the study finds that the pro‐browning effect of AP is accomplished through autophagy inhibition mediated by the activation of PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR pathway.

Conclusions

The findings highlight that autophagy inhibition promotes the browning of white adipocytes and suggest that AP would prevent and treat obesity and the associated metabolic disorders.
Ethanol Extract of Citrus grandis ‘Tomentosa’ Exerts Anticancer Effects by Targeting Skp2/p27 Pathway in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Huang Da , Wu Pei‐En , Chen Zi‐Jie , Pang Yan‐Chun , Xu Zi‐Wei , Tan Jingbo , Jiang Zhi‐Hua , Yang Bing‐Bing , Zhan Ruoting , Xu Hui , Liu Yong‐Qiang
Published: July 2023

Scope

This study aims to investigate the anticancer properties of Citrus grandis ‘Tomentosa’ (CGT) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods and results

The ethanol extract of CGT (CGTE) is prepared by using anhydrous ethanol and analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS), revealing that the main chemical components in CGTE are flavonoids and coumarins, such as naringin, rhoifolin, apigenin, bergaptol, and osthole. CGTE at concentrations without inducing cell death significantly inhibits cell proliferation via inducing cell cycle G1 phase arrest by MTT, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays, implying that CGT has anticancer potential. CGTE markedly inhibits the activity of Skp2‐SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase, decreases the protein level of Skp2, and promotes the accumulation of p27 by co‐immunoprecipitation (co‐IP) and in vivo ubiquitination assay; whereas Skp2 overexpression rescues the effects of CGTE in NSCLC cells. In subcutaneous LLC allograft and A549 xenograft mouse models, CGTE, without causing obvious side effects in mice, significantly inhibits lung tumor growth by targeting the Skp2/p27 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that CGTE efficiently inhibits NSCLC proliferation both in vitro and in vivo by targeting the Skp2/p27 signaling pathway, suggesting that CGTE may serve as a therapeutic candidate for NSCLC treatment.
Optimized MSA DPD method for improving 5G multiband optical fronthaul performance
Authors: Hadi Muhammad Usman , Murtaza Ghulam , Kausar Shafaq
Published: July 2023

A modified optimized magnitude‐selective affine (OMSA) model‐based digital predistortion (DPD) is presented that introduces the weighting function into our earlier proposed magnitude‐selective affine (MSA) method with an aim to further reduce the complexity overheads without affecting performance compared to the MSA method. This model utilizes a power‐reliant weighted function rather than the summation of MSA quantities for improving the multiband 5G new radio (NR) analog radio over fiber system performance. The OMSA‐DPD method is tested using 5G NR signals which are transmitted over a 10‐km fiber length. The performance of the OMSA‐DPD method is assessed in comparison to MSA and generalized memory polynomial (GMP) methods in terms of adjacent channel power ratio, error vector magnitude, and complexity. The experimental results show that the OMSA‐DPD method achieves better performance with lower complexity compared to the MSA and GMP models, meeting the 3GPP limits.
Spoof surface plasmon polaritons of complementary periodic units with negative group velocity effect
Authors: Meng Jie , Li Weiwen , Zhang Liangcai
Published: July 2023

Periodically patterned conductor surfaces can transmit electromagnetic modes similar to surface plasmon polaritons, which are called spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). In this paper, noncoplanar dentate complementary structure units are proposed. In this case, the fundamental SSPP is split into two modes, of which the mode in the high‐frequency side exhibits negative group velocity (NGV) near the cutoff frequency. The dispersion characteristics of NGV modes can be controlled by manipulating the symmetry of the complementary structure. It is confirmed that the actual transmission wave in the SSPP waveguide is the superposition result of the two split‐mode wave components.
ID Asks/Harit Doshi
Authors: Peruvemba Sri
Published: July 2023

Scientist, Entrepreneur, Sportsman, CEO, and Leader
Evaluation of Wait Times for Otolaryngology Appointments in Illinois
Authors: Patel Evan A. , Poulson Trevor A. , Shah Manushi , Jagasia Ashok A.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to quantify the wait times that patients may encounter for common clinical diagnoses when seeking otolaryngology care, while determining whether a wait time disparity exists based on geographic location within Illinois.

Methods

In November 2022, a list of Illinois otolaryngologists was obtained from www.entnet.org. Using a uniform script, each of the 291 otolaryngologists were contacted. The caller posed as a new patient with either sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a neck mass, or chronic sinusitis. Each clinic was called 3 times and wait times were recorded. One hundred fifty‐eight otolaryngologists were included in the analysis.

Results

The average statewide wait time for a new patient presenting with sudden unilateral hearing loss, a neck mass, and chronic sinusitis was 18.0, 22.6, and 25.5 days, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between urban and rural wait times.

Discussion

Although wait time differences were noted, the lack of urban versus rural p value significance may be attributed to the small sample size (n = 11) of rural otolaryngologists in Illinois. However, the overall wait times in this study were longer compared to those reported in other studies, suggesting that the current number of otolaryngologists in Illinois is inadequate to meet the public need.

Implications for Practice

We have demonstrated that the current demand for otolaryngology care is outstripping the existing supply in Illinois. This suggests that an emphasis should be placed on training more otolaryngologists, or increasing the use of physician extenders, while incentivizing otolaryngologists to practice in rural areas.

Level of Evidence

5
How active coping influences school‐aged children's rapid automatized naming: A chain mediation model involving subjective vitality and aerobic fitness
Authors: Tong Jiajin , Chen Yundi , Zhang Zhanjia , Yang Xiujie , He Zhonghui
Published: July 2023

Rapid automatized naming (RAN) has been proven to be important for students' academic performance, but it remains unclear whether and how dealing with stressors (e.g., active coping) is associated with children's development of RAN. To examine this question, this research views the growth of RAN as a cross‐stressor adaptation process and proposes that school‐aged children may build up adapted and modified stress response systems through active coping in dealing with stressors and cognitive tasks. Based on the broaden‐and‐build theory and the mind–body unity theory, we explored the impact of active coping on RAN and hypothesized that subjective vitality and aerobic fitness chain mediated the relationship between active coping and RAN. We used two Likert‐like scales to measure active coping and subjective vitality, used a number‐reading task to measure RAN, and used the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) test to measure aerobic fitness. We recruited 303 elementary students in grades 3–5 in China. Results showed that both subjective vitality and aerobic fitness mediated the impact of active coping on time for RAN. Further, the chain indirect effect of active coping→subjective vitality→aerobic fitness→time for RAN was significant, but the reversed chain mediation was not significant. General resources (e.g., subjective vitality) have been shown to be relatively more important than simple physical resources (e.g., aerobic fitness) for RAN. These preliminary findings may contribute to both the cross‐stressor‐adaptation and active coping literature and have potential implications for improving RAN in school‐aged children.
Hemostatic polyurethane sponge containing kaolin, tannic acid, and tranexamic acid
Authors: Darakhshan Sara , Goudarzi Farjam , Mirzaie Sattar , Karami Afshin , Kiani Amir
Published: July 2023

Currently, the need for research in the field of hemostatic materials seems to be a necessity. The purpose of this study was to prepare and assess a hemostatic polyurethane (PU) sponge containing kaolin (K), tannic acid (TA), and tranexamic acid (TXA) as effective, safe, and inexpensive hemostatic agents. K was incorporated into the sponge (at 4 or 8 wt%, named K4 or K8), also TA (at 1% or 3%, named TA1 or TA3) and TXA (at 300 mg/mL) were added. Four sponges, K4TA1, K4TA3, K8TA1, and K8TA3 were produced and compared via 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, fluid uptake, drug release, and blood clotting time/index. K4TA3 was considered optimum and other experiments were continued with this sponge. Scanning electron microscopy results supported that the sponge had a porous structure, and Fourier transform infrared confirmed the corresponding PU spectra and the presence of hemostatic compounds. The hemostatic sponge exhibited a quick initial release of TA and TXA. K4TA3 sponge also exhibited appropriate water uptake. Besides, PU sponges illustrated no cytotoxicity towards human dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, the sponge presented an antibacterial activity. Hemostatic capability was established in a rat‐tail amputation model bleeding in terms of blood loss and hemostasis time. We also validated the biocompatibility and safety of the materials by hemolysis assessment. This work demonstrated a simple and efficient PU hemostatic sponge that acts via more than one clotting mechanism to control bleeding.
Antimicrobial Agent Based on Ca‐Doped ZnO Nanopowders
Authors: Saeedi Ahmad M. , Alonizan Norah H. , Alsaigh Ahmad A. , Alaya Leila , El Mir Lassaad , El-Readi Mahmoud Zaki , Hjiri Mokhtar
Published: July 2023

Herein, sol–gel are used to synthesize pure and calcium‐doped ZnO (CZO). X‐ray diffraction shows that all samples have hexagonal wurtzite structure with a slight distortion of ZnO lattice and no extra secondary phases. The crystallite size increases after the addition of calcium from 31 to 34 nm. Photoluminescence shows the vanishment of the green emission band existed in the pure sample; in addition to the appearance of new peaks at 408, 448, 465, and 596 nm attributed to zinc interstitials (Zni), zinc vacancy (VZn), oxygen vacancy defect (Vo), and oxygen interstitial (Oi), respectively. The increase of crystallites size influences the efficacity of CZO sample against microbes. The different mechanisms to enhance the antibacterial activities are the release of Zn2+, reactive oxygen species production, and electrostatic interactions. Increasing the amount of CZO powder in dimethyl sulfoxide from 50 to 100 μg mL−1 leads to an increase of antibacterial activity of samples; and this is probably due to enhancement of number of interaction sites. Promising results are illustrated, which proves the potentiality of doping with Ca. The growth curves through optical density (OD600 nm) measurements of strains in CZO nanoparticles using serial fold dilution method indicated that strains viability decreases with increasing nanoparticles concentrations.
Fabrication and Damping Property of Porous Cu–Al–Ni Shape Memory Alloys Fabricated using Different Raw Materials
Authors: Chu Huanghai , Hao Gangling , Ji Puguang , Zhang Jianjun , Zheng Tianyuan , Wang Qingzhou
Published: July 2023

Porous Cu–Al–Ni shape memory alloys (SMAs) are fabricated via powder metallurgy method using Cu, Al, Ni powders and Cu–Al–Ni alloy powder as raw materials, respectively. It is found that the two kinds of specimens have similar macroscopic morphologies: connected pores are uniformly distributed in the Cu–Al–Ni matrix, forming a 3D network structure. By comparison, the specimen fabricated using alloy powder has much finer microstructures than the specimens fabricated using Cu, Al, Ni powders. After adding Ce element to the latter, the microstructure of the Cu–Al–Ni matrix is significantly refined because of the formation of Ce‐rich particles. Damping tests show that the latter has superior damping capacity than the former. With the increase of Ce content, the damping of the latter increases first and then decreases. When the Ce content reaches 0.05 wt%, the highest damping can be achieved. Correlated mechanisms are discussed based on the microstructural observations.
Tracking consensus for uncertain nonlinear multi‐agent systems under cloud‐based event‐triggered coordination
Authors: Hong Shanshan , Ran Maopeng , Xie Lihua , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2023

This paper considers the cloud‐based event‐triggered coordination problem of uncertain high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems. The communication among agents is realized by indirect and asynchronous access to a shared cloud database. A self‐triggered extended state observer (ESO) is first designed to estimate the total uncertainty. Based on the output of the ESO, an event‐triggered controller is proposed. It is proved that under the proposed output feedback controller, the multi‐agent system can track a virtual leader. We also show that Zeno behavior from output sampling or controller update will never happen. Finally, a numerical example and a vehicle platoon example are provided to corroborate the obtained theoretical results.
Pumpkin Seed Oil ‐Loaded Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffold for Dermal and Oral Wound Dressing
Authors: Rezk Marwan Y. , Ibrahim Sara , Khalil Eman A. , Saba Dalia , Abdellatif Mostafa , Abdellatif Ahmed , Allam Nageh K.
Published: July 2023

Pumpkin seed oil was combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) to develop novel electrospun nanofibers that can serve as wound scaffolds. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the safety, drug release, and performance of these scaffolds for dermal and oral wound healing. The scaffolds were characterized using a field scanning electron microscope (FSEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A series of tests were conducted, including the degree of swelling and degradation, in vitro drug release, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity in human dermal fibroblasts adult (HDFa). Wound healing activity in an excisional dermal and incisional oral wound's rat model was evaluated after 10 days. Antibacterial tests of the Pumpkin loaded CS/PVA nanofibers showed significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli compared to negative controls. In vivo dermal wound healing showed that all treatment groups enhanced wound healing, as demonstrated by the increased wound closure percentages compared to negative control groups on 3, 5, and 10 days. Compared to other treatment groups, pumpkin‐loaded CS/PVA nanofibers significantly enhanced healing on 7 and 10 days, however, healing was delayed afterward. In oral wound healing, the qualitative Hematoxylin and Eosin (H−E) histological examination of the oral wounds treated with pumpkin‐loaded scaffolds showed an enhanced healing rate with healthy architecture compared to the wounds treated with unloaded scaffolds or untreated wounds. These results indicate that Pumpkin loaded nanofibers are promising for both dermal and oral wound healing. They offer a new safe and cheap alternative to the commercial treatments that are used for wound healing. The results also highlight the combination of using natural botanical compounds and emerging nanoscience for biomedical applications, primarily wound healing.
Plasma‐Driven Atomic‐Scale Tuning of Metal Halide Perovskite Surfaces: Rationale and Photovoltaic Application
Authors: Perrotta Alberto , Covella Sara , Russo Francesca , Palumbo Fabio , Milella Antonella , Armenise Vincenza , Fracassi Francesco , Rizzo Aurora , Colella Silvia , Kaiser Waldemar , Alothman Asma A. , Mosconi Edoardo , De Angelis Filippo , Listorti Andrea
Published: July 2023

The effective defect passivation of metal halide perovskite (MHP) surfaces is a key strategy to simultaneously tackle MHP solar cell performances enhancement and their stability under operative conditions. Plasma‐based dry processing is an established methodology for the modification of materials surfaces as it does not present the disadvantages often associated with wet treatments. This is becoming a fine tool to reach precise atomic‐scale engineering of the MHP surfaces. Herein is reported a comprehensive picture of the interaction between different plasma chemistries and MHP thin films. The impact of Ar, H2, N2, and O2 low‐pressure plasmas on MHP optochemical properties and morphology is correlated with the performance of photovoltaic devices and rationalized by density functional theory calculations. Strong morphological modifications and selective removal of the uppermost methylammonium moieties are deemed responsible for nonradiative surface defects suppression and higher solar cell performances. Ellipsometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies shine light on the subtle modifications induced by the different plasma environments, paving the way for the more effective engineering of plasma‐based (deposition) processing. Notably, for O2 plasma treatment, deep‐state traps induced by the formation of IO4− species are demonstrated and rationalized, highlighting the challenges in optimizing O2 plasma‐based solutions for MHP‐based devices.
Carbon‐Phosphorus Ligands with Extreme Donating Character
Authors: Canac Yves
Published: July 2023

Carbeniophosphines [R2C+−PR2] and phosphonium ylides [R3P+−CR2−] are two complementary classes of carbon‐phosphorus based ligands defined by their unique donor properties. Indeed, while carbeniophosphines are electron‐poor P‐ligands due to the positioning of a positive charge near the coordinating P‐atom, phosphonium ylides are electron‐rich C‐ligands due to the presence of a negatively charged coordinating C‐atom. Based on this knowledge, this account summarizes our recent contribution on these two classes of carbon‐phosphorus ligands, and in particular the strategies developed to lower the donor character of carbeniophosphines and enhance that of phosphonium ylides. This led us to design, at both extremities of the donating scale, extremely electron‐poor P‐ligands exemplified by imidazoliophosphonites [R2C+−P(OR)2] and dicarbeniophosphines [(R2C+)2−PR], and extremely electron‐rich C‐ligands illustrated by pincer architectures exhibiting several phosphonium ylide donor extremities. In the context of carbon‐phosphorus analogy, the closely related cases of ligands where the C‐atom of a NHC ligand is in close proximity of two positive charges, and that of a phosphonium ylide coordinated through its P‐atom are also discussed. An overview of the synthetic methods, coordinating properties, general reactivity and electronic structure of all these C,P‐based species is presented here.
Undiagnosed hypertension in younger men
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: July 2023

Recent data indicate that a considerable number of young men are currently living with undiagnosed hypertension. In this editorial, Professor Roger Kirby, Editor‐in‐Chief of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, considers the problem and potential solutions.
Journal watch
Authors: Kirby Mike
Published: July 2023

Professor Mike Kirby, Editor of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, picks two interesting recent papers and highlights the ‘take‐home’ messages.
Osteoarthritis management: does sex matter?
Authors: Clark Kristina EN , Jawad Ali SM
Published: July 2023

Osteoarthritis is common and has a significant effect on quality of life. There is as yet no effective treatment beyond joint replacement, but understanding sex differences and risk factors can help tailor individual management, such as lifestyle changes, to ameliorate symptoms.
Quantum ergodicity for Eisenstein series on hyperbolic surfaces of large genus
Authors: Le Masson Etienne , Sahlsten Tuomas
Published: July 2023

We give a quantitative estimate for the quantum mean absolute deviation on hyperbolic surfaces of finite area in terms of geometric parameters such as the genus, number of cusps and injectivity radius. It implies a delocalisation result of quantum ergodicity type for eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on hyperbolic surfaces of finite area that Benjamini-Schramm converge to the hyperbolic plane. We show that this is generic for Mirzakhani’s model of random surfaces chosen uniformly with respect to the Weil-Petersson volume. Depending on the particular sequence of surfaces considered this gives a result of delocalisation of most cusp forms or of Eisenstein series.
How does the distribution of work tasks among home care personnel relate to workload and health-related quality of life?
Authors: Norström Fredrik , Zingmark Magnus , Pettersson-Strömbäck Anita , Sahlén Klas-Göran , Öhrling Malin , Bölenius Karin
Published: July 2023

Background

The work for Swedish home care workers is challenging with a variety of support and healthcare tasks for home care recipients. The aim of our study is to investigate how these tasks relate to workload and health-related quality of life among home care workers in Sweden. We also explore staff preferences concerning work distribution.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 16 municipalities in Northern Sweden. Questionnaires with validated instruments to measure workload (QPSNordic) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), were responded by 1154 (~ 58%) of approximately 2000 invited home care workers. EQ-5D responses were translated to a Quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) score. For 15 different work task areas, personnel provided their present and preferred allocation. Absolute risk differences were calculated with propensity score weighting.

Results

Statistically significantly more or fewer problems differences were observed for: higher workloads were higher among those whose daily work included responding to personal alarms (8.4%), running errands outside the home (14%), rehabilitation (13%) and help with bathing (11%). Apart from rehabilitation, there were statistically significantly more (8–10%) problems with anxiety/depression for these tasks. QALY scores were lower among those whose daily work included food distribution (0.034) and higher for daily meal preparation (0.031), both explained by pain/discomfort dimension. Personnel preferred to, amongst other, spend less time responding to personal alarms, and more time providing social support.

Conclusion

The redistribution of work tasks is likely to reduce workload and improve the health of personnel. Our study provides an understanding of how such redistribution could be undertaken.
Cervical disc arthroplasty with the Baguera C prosthesis: clinical and radiological results of a 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Fransen P. , Noriega D. , Chatzisotiriou A. , Pointillart V.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

We evaluated the long-term safety, mobility and complications of cervical total disc arthroplasty with the Baguera®C prosthesis over 10 years.

Methods

We included 91 patients treated by arthroplasty for cervical degenerative disc disease. A total of 113 prostheses were implanted (50 one-level, 44 two-level and 19 hybrid constructs). They were assessed for complications, clinically, with NDI and SF-12 questionnaires and by independent radiologists for ROM, HO, disc height and adjacent level degeneration.

Results

No spontaneous migration, loss of fixation, subsidence, vascular complication or dislocation were observed. The reoperation rate was 1%. About 82.7% of the patients were pain free. About 9.9% were taking occasional grade I painkillers. Motricity and sensitivity were preserved in 98.8% and 96.3%. The NDI showed an average functional disability of 17.58%, 26% lower than preoperatively. The SF-12 scores were close to normal health. The average ROM at the treated level was 7.4°. Motion was preserved in 86.6%. Lack of motion was observed in 13.4%. Grades II and III H0 were present in 53.7% and 31.7%, respectively, Grade IV was present in 13.4%. Motion was preserved in 100% of the grades 0–III. The preoperative adjacent level disc height of 4.3 mm remained stable during all the follow-ups at 4.4 mm and 4.2 mm, respectively, at 5 and 10 years.

Conclusions

After 10 years, cervical arthroplasty with the Baguera®C prosthesis presents excellent safety and functional results and low complications. Motion was preserved in 86.6%, with a 7.4° ROM. Although common, HO did not hinder motion. Adjacent disc height preservation confirms some adjacent level degeneration protection.
Considering the Influence of Coronary Motion on Artery-Specific Biomechanics Using Fluid–Structure Interaction Simulation
Authors: Fogell Nicholas A. T. , Patel Miten , Yang Pan , Ruis Roosje M. , Garcia David B. , Naser Jarka , Savvopoulos Fotios , Davies Taylor Clint , Post Anouk L. , Pedrigi Ryan M. , de Silva Ranil , Krams Rob
Published: July 2023

The endothelium in the coronary arteries is subject to wall shear stress and vessel wall strain, which influences the biology of the arterial wall. This study presents vessel-specific fluid–structure interaction (FSI) models of three coronary arteries, using directly measured experimental geometries and boundary conditions. FSI models are used to provide a more physiologically complete representation of vessel biomechanics, and have been extended to include coronary bending to investigate its effect on shear and strain. FSI both without- and with-bending resulted in significant changes in all computed shear stress metrics compared to CFD (p = 0.0001). Inclusion of bending within the FSI model produced highly significant changes in Time Averaged Wall Shear Stress (TAWSS) + 9.8% LAD, + 8.8% LCx, − 2.0% RCA; Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI) + 208% LAD, 0% LCx, + 2600% RCA; and transverse wall Shear Stress (tSS) + 180% LAD, + 150% LCx and + 200% RCA (all p < 0.0001). Vessel wall strain was homogenous in all directions without-bending but became highly anisotropic under bending. Changes in median cyclic strain magnitude were seen for all three vessels in every direction. Changes shown in the magnitude and distribution of shear stress and wall strain suggest that bending should be considered on a vessel-specific basis in analyses of coronary artery biomechanics.
Active and passive rectification methods for US-powered IMDs
Authors: Ballo Andrea , Grasso Alfio Dario , Privitera Marco
Published: July 2023

In this paper the design of power management integrated circuits for the energy harvesting of ultrasound waves in implanted biomedical devices is addressed. In particular, the paper focuses on the main building block of the power conversion stage which is represented by the AC/DC converter. After an in-depth analytical description of cross-coupled passive and active rectifiers, a detailed design procedure for the common-gate comparator is introduced. Then a comparison between the different discussed topologies is carried through simulation results using a 28-nm standard CMOS technology. The results provide useful design guidelines in choosing the best topology according to the design specifications.
A Kantian response to the Gamer’s Dilemma
Authors: Ulbricht Samuel
Published: July 2023

The Gamer’s Dilemma consists of three intuitively plausible but conflicting assertions: (i) Virtual murder is morally permissible. (ii) Virtual child molestation is morally forbidden. (iii) There is no relevant moral difference between virtual murder and virtual child molestation in computer games. Numerous attempts to resolve (or dissolve) the Gamer’s Dilemma line the field of computer game ethics. Mostly, the phenomenon is approached using expressivist argumentation: Reprehensible virtual actions express something immoral in their performance but are not immoral by themselves. Consequentialists, on the other hand, claim that the immorality of virtual actions arises from their harmful consequences. I argue that both approaches have serious difficulties meeting the moral challenge posed by the Gamer’s Dilemma. They tend to confuse the morality of in-game actions either with the morality of their real-world counterparts or with the morality of games as objects. Following this critical analysis, I will develop a Kantian argument and defend it against two objections. So far, deontological responses to the Gamer’s Dilemma have been sought in vain. Yet, with Kant, its moral challenge can be met by looking at the gamer’s reasons. From this perspective, the Gamer’s Dilemma is based on a false assumption: the moral status of gaming acts does not derive from a normative equation with their real-world counterparts but only from their justifications.
Second-Order Confidence in Supervaluationism
Authors: Karge Jonas
Published: July 2023

Recently, Wilcox (JGPS 51: 65–87, 2020) argued against the so-called wide interval view and in favor of the principle of indifference as the correct response to unspecific evidence. Embedded in a formal model of the beliefs of an agent, the former presupposes imprecise probabilities and the latter numerically precise degrees of belief. His argument is illustrated by a thought experiment that comes with a fundamental intuition. According to Wilcox, the wide interval view is incompatible with this intuition and, thus, undermined. In contrast, I show that the intuition behind the thought experiment is, in fact, compatible with the wide interval view if it is embedded into a specific conception of imprecise probabilities as model of belief. This conception is an extension of a framework which I call modified supervaluationism (MSV) and which I recently presented elsewhere (Karge 2021, 175–191). To accommodate the thought experiment’s fundamental intuition, it introduces a notion of second-order beliefs.
Derivation of Euler’s Equations of Perfect Fluids from von Neumann’s Equation with Magnetic Field
Authors: Porat Immanuel Ben
Published: July 2023

We give a rigorous derivation of the incompressible 2D Euler equation from the von Neumann equation with an external magnetic field. The convergence is with respect to the modulated energy functional, and implies weak convergence in the sense of measures. This is the semi-classical counterpart of theorem 1.5 in (Han-Kwan and Iacobelli in Proc Am Math Soc 149(7):3045–3061, 2021). Our proof is based on a Gronwall estimate for the modulated energy functional, which in turn heavily relies on a recent functional inequality due to (Serfaty in Duke Math J 169:2887–2935, 2020).
Farmers facing changed urban dietary patterns: whether and what to adapt?
Authors: Wittmann Fritz , Eder Michael
Published: July 2023

To cope with the impacts of shifts in food consumption patterns required to reduce environmental problems, farmers will have to adapt at farm level. We explore farmers’ intentions and preferred options to adapt in the metropolitan region of Vienna, Austria, in response to changed food demand among the Viennese population. In doing so, we consider changed food consumption patterns for (1) regional food, (2) organic food, and (3) meat in several scenarios. By applying the contingent behavior method to farmers in a survey, we assess farm adaptations with respect to production orientation (crop and livestock production patterns) and production mode (conventional or organic). The results show that, depending on the farm type, farmers tend to make specific contextual adaptations in production orientation. Accordingly, less specialized farmers are more likely to employ transformative adaptations. Most farmers who adapt production orientation, however, tend to employ incremental adaptations, i.e., extensions of what is already done. A logit model indicates that, among changed food consumption patterns, increasing regional food consumption is the most influential factor in farmers’ decision to adapt production orientation. Different adaptation paths were generated demonstrating the need for coordinated policy measures that consider the diversity of the different farm types to further encourage farm adaptations and reduce environmental risks associated with modern farming.
Autonomised harming
Authors: Eggert Linda
Published: July 2023

This paper sketches elements of a theory of the ethics of autonomised harming: the phenomenon of delegating decisions about whether and whom to harm to artificial intelligence (AI) in self-driving cars and autonomous weapon systems. First, the paper elucidates the challenge of integrating non-human, artificial agents, which lack rights and duties, into our moral framework which relies on precisely these notions to determine the permissibility of harming. Second, the paper examines how potential differences between human agents and non-human, artificial agents might bear on the permissibility of delegating life-and death decisions to AI systems. Third, and finally, the paper explores a series of resulting complexities. These include the challenge of weighing autonomous systems’ promise to reduce harm against the intrinsic value of rectificatory justice as well as the peculiar possibility that delegating harmful acts to AI might render ordinarily impermissible acts permissible. By illuminating what happens when we extend normative theory beyond its traditional boundaries, this discussion offers a starting point for assessing the moral permissibility of delegating consequential decisions to non-human, artificial agents.
Littlewood-Paley Theorem, Nikolskii Inequality, Besov Spaces, Fourier and Spectral Multipliers on Graded Lie Groups
Authors: Cardona Duván , Ruzhansky Michael
Published: July 2023

In this paper we investigate Besov spaces on graded Lie groups. We prove a Nikolskii type inequality (or the Reverse Hölder inequality) on graded Lie groups and as consequence we obtain embeddings of Besov spaces. We prove a version of the Littlewood-Paley theorem on graded Lie groups. The results are applied to obtain embedding properties of Besov spaces and multiplier theorems for both spectral and Fourier multipliers in Besov spaces on graded Lie groups. In particular, we give a number of sufficient conditions for the boundedness of Fourier multipliers in Besov spaces.
Antimicrobial resistance genes in a golden jackal (Canis aureus L. 1758) from Central Italy
Authors: Di Francesco A. , Salvatore D. , Gobbi M. , Morandi B.
Published: July 2023

In recent years an increasing interest has been focused on the contribution of wildlife in ecology and evolution of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this study was to molecularly investigate the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in organ samples from a golden jackal (Canis aureus) found dead in the Marche region (Central Italy). Samples from lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and intestine were investigated by PCRs targeting the following genes: tet(A), tet(B), tet(C), tet(D), tet(E), tet(G), tet(K), tet(L), tet(M), tet(O), tet(S), tet(P), tet(Q), tet(X), sul1, sul2, sul3, blaCTX−M, blaSHV, blaTEM, and mcr-1 to mcr-10. One or more ARGs were detected in all organs tested, except the spleen. Specifically, the lung and liver were positive for tet(M) and tet(P), the kidney for mcr-1 and the intestine for tet(A), tet(L), tet(M), tet(O), tet(P), sul3 and blaTEM−1. These results, according to the opportunistic foraging strategy of the jackal, confirm its potential role as a good bioindicator of AMR environmental contamination.
Influence of Hydrocarbon Rocket Fuel Kerosene T-1 on the Physical and Geochemical Properties of Different Soil Types
Authors: Bekeshev Yerlan , Mirkarimova Bibigul , Zhumabekova Zhazira , Jumabayeva Laila
Published: July 2023

Studies of the influence of hydrocarbon rocket fuel kerosene T-1 on the physical and geochemical properties were carried out in laboratory circumstances on different types of soils: brown semi-desert soil designated as zone (U-25) located in Central Kazakhstan, mountainous brown desert soil zone (U-30) located in East Kazakhstan, and a model soil standard (control soil). The soil was treated with various concentrations (0.002–150.0 g/kg) of hydrocarbon rocket fuel kerosene T-1, while the contact time was 3, 10, and 30 days. Pollution with kerosene T-1 in concentrations 5.0–15.0 g/kg affects the hydraulic characteristics of soils from the U-25 zone, and the filtration rate decreases by 4–5 times. For the mountainous brown desert soil from the U-30 zone, the concentration of kerosene up to 15.0 g/kg does not affect the mechanical composition of the soil, as well as the availability of the main nutrients (potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen). According to the mechanical composition, both soils belong to medium loamy soils. It has been established that when soil is contaminated from the U-25 zone in concentrations 15.0–150.0 g/kg, the fraction from 1.0 to 0.05 mm increases by 4–5%, and the silty and clay fractions in the soil decrease.