bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-evolving matrix product operator method and its applications in open quantum system
Authors: Chen Ruo-Fan ,   Center for Computational Sciences, College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China
Published: April 2023

Open quantum systems play an important role in developing quantum sciences, and therefore the study of corresponding numerical method is of great significance. For the open quantum systems, the quasi-adiabatic propagator path integral invented in 1990s is one of the few numerically exact methods. However, its computational complexity scales exponentially with system size and correlation length, and therefore its application is limited in practical calculation. In recent years, the study and application of tensor network have made rapid progress. Representing the path integral by tensor network makes the computational complexity increase polynomially, thus greatly improving the computational efficiency. Such a new method is called time-evolving matrix product operator. At the very beginning, the reduced density matrix is represented as a matrix product state. Then the time evolution of the system can be achieved by iteratively applying matrix product operators to the matrix product state. The iterative process is amenable to the standard matrix product states compression algorithm, which keeps the computational cost on a polynomial scale. The time-evolving matrix product operator is an efficient, numerically exact and fully non-Markovian method, which has a broad application prospect in the study of quantum open systems. For instance, it is already used in the study of the thermalization, heat statistic, heat transfer and optimal control of the quantum open systems, and conversely it can be also used to investigate the effect of the system on the environment. In addition, the TEMPO method is naturally related to the process tensor, and can be used to calculate the correlation function of the system efficiently. In this article we review this method and its applications. We give a brief introduction of the path integral formalism of Caldeira-Leggett model. According to the path integral formalism, we demonstrate the usage of quasi-adiabatic propagator path integral method. we give the basic idea of matrix product states, and we show how to recast quasi-adiabatic propagator path integral method into time-evolving matrix product operators method by employing the concept of matrix product states and matrix product operators, and give a review of its applications. In addition, we use the calculation results of physical quantities, correlation functions and heat currents in the spin-boson model to illustrate the applications of the time-evolving matrix product operator method.
Functions of senses in learning
Authors: Sancak Sert Zeynep , Panieri Giuliana
Published: April 2023

Using various senses to process and store new information is a powerful way of exploring the natural environment for children, but also adults. Using senses through the sensory organs (the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin) makes the learning experience effective, meaningful and unforgettable. This is the most natural method that children use to learn each detail in their environment since they were born.
Sculpting micro-, meio-, and macrofauna
Authors: Maric Filip , Poto Margherita , Zimmermann Heike Jane , Panieri Giuliana
Published: April 2023

Focus:

To appreciate the biodiversity of the Arctic Ocean and ocean floor, with a particular focus on lesser-known species. What kind of micro- meio-, and macrofauna (species) live on the ocean floor and what do they look like?

Learning objectives:

In this activity, pupils will identify (one, two, or more) species living at or close to the Arctic Ocean floor and sculpt them using modelling clay. Through this activity, pupils will hopefully begin to understand difference between Arctic Ocean micro-, meio-, and macrofauna.

Key words:

Arctic ocean biodiversity, species, fauna.
Human impact: Ecological footprints
Authors: Maric Filip , Poto Margherita , Panieri Giuliana
Published: April 2023

Focus:

To understand the meaning of the human ecological footprint. Pupils will think about questions like how do our actions (e.g., research) affect the environment around us and, what can we do to reduce the human impact on the oceans?

Learning objectives:

In this activity, pupils will learn to develop an understanding of their relationship with the oceans and the marine environment and hopefully be inspired to turn their knowledge into action.

Key words:

Human impact, footprints, action.
Non-deep physiological dormancy and germination characteristics of Primula florindae (Primulaceae), a rare alpine plant in the Hengduan Mountains of southwest China
Authors: Qin Yingbo , Geng Boyang , Yang Li-E , Peng Deli
Published: April 2023

Timing of seed germination is directly related to the survival probability of seedlings. For alpine plants, autumn-dispersal seeds should not germinate immediately because the cold temperature is not conducive to the survival of seedlings. Seed dormancy is a characteristic of the seed that prevents it from germinating after dispersal. Primula florindae is an alpine perennial forb endemic to eastern Tibet, SW China. We hypothesized that primary dormancy and environmental factors prevent seeds of P. florindae to germinate in autumn and allow them to germinate at the first opportunity in spring. We determined how GA3, light, temperature, dry after-ripening (DAR) and cold-wet stratification (CS) treatments affect seed germination by conducting a series of laboratory experiments. Firstly, the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3; 0, 20, and 200 mg L−1) on germination of freshly shed seeds at alternating temperatures (15/5 and 25/15 °C) were immediately investigated to characterize seed with a physiological dormancy component. Then, the fresh seeds treated with 0, 3, and 6 months of after-ripening (DAR) and cold-wet stratification (CS) were incubated at seven constant (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) and two alternating temperatures (5/1, 15/5, and 25/15 °C) at light and dark conditions. Fresh seeds were dormant, which only germinated well (>60%) at 20, 25, and 25/15 °C in light but not at ≤15 °C and to higher percentages in light than in dark. GA3 increased germination percentage of fresh seeds, and DAR or CS treatments increased final germination percentage, germination rate (speed), and widened the temperature range for germination from high to low. Moreover, CS treatments reduced the light requirement for germination. Thus, after dormancy release, seeds germinated over a wide range of constant and alternating temperatures, regardless of light conditions. Our results demonstrated that P. florindae seeds have type 2 non-deep physiological dormancy. Timing of germination should be restricted to early spring, ensuring a sufficient length of the growing season for seedling recruitment. These dormancy/germination characteristics prevent seeds from germinating in autumn when temperatures are low but allow them to germinate after snowmelt in spring.
Selective HDAC6 inhibitor TubA offers neuroprotection after intracerebral hemorrhage via inhibiting neuronal apoptosis
Authors: Peng Cuiying , Gong Xiyu , Hu Zhiping , Chen Chunli , Jiang Zheng
Published: April 2023

A large body of evidence has demonstrated that neuronal apoptosis is involved in the pathological process of secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Additionally, our previous studies determined that the inhibition of HDAC6 activity by tubacin or specific shRNA can attenuate neuronal apoptosis in an oxygen-glucose deprivation reperfusion model. However, whether the pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6-attenuated neuronal apoptosis in ICH remains unclear. In this study, we used hemin-induced SH-SY5Y cells to simulate a hemorrhage state in vitro and adopted a collagenase-induced ICH rat model in vivo to assess the effect of the HDAC6 inhibition. We found a significant increase in HDAC6 during the early stages of ICH. As expected, the acetylated α-tubulin significantly decreased in correlation with the expression of HDAC6. Medium and high doses (25, 40 mg/kg) of TubA, a selective inhibitor of HDAC6, both reduced neurological impairments, histological impairments, and ipsilateral brain edema in vivo. TubA or HDAC6 siRNA both alleviated neuronal apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Finally, HDAC6 inhibition increased the level of acetylated α-tubulin and Bcl-2 and lowered the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 post-ICH. In general, these results suggested that the pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6 may act as a novel and promising therapeutic target for ICH therapy by up-regulating acetylated α-tubulin and reducing neuronal apoptosis.
Formación para la ciudadanía deliberativa, debates en la educación superior y las experiencias de estudiantes chilenos
Authors:   Universidad Santo Tomás, Mayorga Cordero Pedro Luis , Cavieres-Fernández Eduardo ,   Universidad de Playa Ancha
Published: April 2023

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar, a través de una metodología de estudio de casos, la experiencia de participación en competencias de debates de dos estudiantes chilenos de educación superior y cómo contribuyen a su formación como ciudadanos deliberativos. Estos estudiantes participaron en un programa internacional de debate definido por la universidad organizadora como orientado a formar en habilidades deliberativas. A partir de los hallazgos, se discute acerca de la pertinencia de esta actividad para la formación ciudadana deliberativa de estos estudiantes, así como se advierte de algunos aspectos, tales como su carácter competitivo, que resultan problemáticos.
“Negociando el género”. Experiencias de práctica profesional de estudiantes mujeres de Educación Técnico Profesional
Authors:   Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Facultad de Educación, Sevilla María Paola , Montecinos María Jesús ,   Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Facultad de Educación, Valdebenito María José ,   Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Facultad de Educación
Published: April 2023

Las prácticas profesionales son clave en las trayectorias educativo-laborales de estudiantes de Educación Técnico Profesional (ETP), pues permiten validar los aprendizajes logrados en el aula y entregan conocimientos y madurez vocacional que solo se logran en el contexto laboral. Este artículo muestra las dificultades que enfrentan las estudiantes mujeres de carreras masculinizadas de la ETP durante sus experiencias de práctica profesional. Para ello, con base en 29 entrevistas a tituladas de estas carreras, analiza cómo las jóvenes hacen y des-hacen el género, y cómo negocian la forma de ser mujer ante las discriminaciones que enfrentan en las empresas que las acogen como practicantes. Los hallazgos dan cuenta del despliegue de estrategias que combinan resistencia y aceptación en un contexto en el que las empresas no ajustan sus dinámicas y prácticas para integrar a las mujeres, sino que son estas quienes adaptan sus comportamientos a las normas culturales de un sexismo implícito y explícito. Así, la llegada de toda estudiante mujer a las empresas se constituye en un acto inaugural, donde las protagonistas deben ganarse un espacio que se configura desde la excepcionalidad, lo que obstruye el potencial de las prácticas profesionales de impulsar transiciones exitosas al mundo laboral.
Usos del lenguaje por parte del asesor en procesos de asesoramiento psicoeducativo: una revisión de alcance de dos décadas
Authors:   Universidad de Barcelona, Soto Rodolfo , Minguela Marta ,   Universidad de Barcelona, Onrubia Javier ,   Universidad de Barcelona
Published: April 2023

El asesoramiento psicoeducativo es un proceso que busca la mejora de las prácticas educativas y el desarrollo de la autonomía de los agentes educativos implicados. Este proceso se constituye como una conversación en la que los usos del lenguaje del asesor juegan un rol crítico. El artículo presenta una revisión de alcance de la evidencia científica publicada entre 2000 y 2020 en relación con los recursos discursivos del asesor, es decir, con sus usos del lenguaje en procesos de asesoramiento psicoeducativo, con el doble objetivo de mapear dicha evidencia e identificar algunas implicaciones prácticas que se derivan de ella. Los resultados se han organizado en torno a tres cuestiones: las posiciones comunicativas de asesores y asesorados en términos de control, los principales recursos discursivos que usan los asesores, y los efectos sobre el proceso de asesoramiento del uso de determinados recursos discursivos por parte de los asesores. La revisión ha permitido identificar una importante base de recursos y orientaciones para la práctica y revela que el área de estudio tiene un carácter plural a nivel conceptual y metodológico, y una naturaleza emergente y no consolidada.
Biocontrol Agents against Post Harvest Decay in Fruits and Vegetables: A Review
Authors: Taye Trishna , Saikia Bishal , Panging Khirud
Published: April 2023

Post harvest losses are the major threats in the supply chain between harvest and consumption which contribute 44% of the total loss of fruits and vegetables. Among the various causes, post harvest diseases are major decay of fruits and vegetables accounting for 20-25% losses. The causative fungus belonging to both biotrophic and necrotrophic nature belongs to the genera of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Botrytis, etc. Management of post harvest diseases by conventional chemicals is not preferred due to residual effects and toxicity. Considering the global demand and consumer awareness about the health effects of pesticides, biocontrol agents are getting attention in recent times for post harvest disease management. BCAs like Trichoderma, Bacillus and Pseudomonas have been explored for successful management of post harvest diseases of citrus, strawberry, tomato, etc. The possible mode actions of the BCAs are competition for nutrients and space, production of antimicrobial compounds, hydrolytic enzymes, and induced resistance. The added advantage of BCAs is that they can be integrated with other physical, natural compounds and additives for coatings due to their synergistic and mutualistic effect. The product development for biocontrol origin must be encouraged to utilize the benefits they provide. Several constraints in process of product development may arise which can be overcome by more research, education, training at the farm level, and multi-omics studies to unravel the potentials of the BCAs.
The Antiquarian Rediscovery of the Antonine Wall
Authors: Keppie Lawrence
Published: April 2023

The Antonine Wall has been visible as an upstanding earthwork across the central belt of Scotland since its construction by the Roman legions over 1,850 years ago, in the reign of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius. This book takes up its story from the time of its abandonment in the reign of Marcus Aurelius and charts developments in our knowledge about it through the Middle Ages and after, up to the early years of the twentieth century, by which time the earliest scientific excavations had taken place.
Editorial
Authors: Solomon Paul
Published: April 2023

I am very happy to introduce the 2010 issue of 'Forum: The Journal of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists'. We open with Paraire Huata's keynote address from the 2009 conference, which was hosted in partnership between NZAP and Te Puna Wanaka, Christchurch. Paraire invited us to enter Te Ao Māori; and that was the conference that saw us vote members of Waka Oranga onto Council. I hope that Māori psychotherapists will feel encouraged to contribute to future issues of the Forum.
The adolescent
Authors: Lahav Itay
Published: April 2023

In this article I attempt to address some core questions about psychoanalytic psychotherapy for adolescents. Is adolescent turmoil inevitable? Some think it is, and generate their understanding from psychoanalytic investigation in the therapeutic relationship. Others disagree, and base their argument on psychological research. Why is it that different conclusions are reached, and what do each mean by adolescent turmoil? In this context, what are the implications of psychotherapy in the adolescent period, and what factors need to be considered in deciding on psychotherapy? Finally, what might adolescent psychotherapy look like?
Fragment of a therapy
Authors: Worthington Carol
Published: April 2023

Ten sessions of the therapy of a psychotic patient are presented, illustrating the effectiveness of psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy for some aspects of psychotic processes. The seven-year therapy of this patient, while not wholly successful, at least enabled her to become able to live and work more or less independently.
Lacanian psychoanalysis: Revolutions in subjectivity. In the series: 'Advancing theory in therapy'.
Authors: Grace Victoria
Published: April 2023

The sub-title of this book suggests a focus on the dynamic nature of the relation between Lacanian psychoanalysis and the socio-political, historical conditions within which subjectivity is constructed and situated. But more than that, there is a radical and subversive connotation to the concept of 'revolutions', pointing to a concern with contradiction, resistance, change and transformation at the level of the individual as well as the social. Ian Parker, Lacanian psychoanalyst and Professor of Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, is a leading figure in the endeavours of contemporary social, theoretical analysis to navigate the unsettling, if not turbulent, points of juncture and disjuncture that sustain the relations between the various discourses of the 'psy complex' and the social conditions that sustain them. Parker's book pushes this agenda to the forefront, examining the way Lacanian psychoanalysis is both a product of the same socio- political milieu as psychology, psychiatry and psychotherapy, including the classification systems of the late nineteenth century, and yet at the same time tears against every aspect of these traditions, breaking with them definitively. To a large extent, Parker's book establishes the 'scene' within which the points of convergence and divergence across these fields are enacted theoretically and clinically, in both historical and ideological terms.
Assessment of a Price Index for Hospital Outpatient Department Services Using Commercial Claims Data in Massachusetts
Authors: James Hannah O. , Fonkych Katya , Nasuti Laura J. , Auerbach David I.
Published: April 2023

This cross-sectional study assesses a market basket price index to evaluate hospital outpatient department price levels and growth.
Abortion Policy Positions of Federal Legislators Who Received Support From the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2012-2022
Authors: Chhabria Karisma , Raman Vineet , Aghagoli Ghazal , Brown Benjamin P.
Published: April 2023

This cross-sectional study analyzes the abortion policy positions of legislators financially supported by Ob-GynPAC, a political action committee funded by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), between 2012 and 2022.
Organouranium Chemistry
Authors: Walter Marc D.
Published: April 2023

Major research topics in organouranium chemistry during the calendar period 2014–2021 entail (i) the development of uranium complexes featuring the oxidation state +2, which has not been available in organic media until recently, (ii) the application of organouranium complexes in small molecule activation including multi‐electron processes, (iii) preparation of novel complexes featuring uranium‐element multiple bonds and uranium–metal bonds, (iv) new carbocycles in the coordination sphere of uranium, (v) the synthesis of well‐defined uranium metallacycles and their intrinsic reactivity, and (vi) applications in catalysis.
Structural Basis of
Escherichia coli
YtfE Iron Donor Properties
Authors: Silva Liliana SO , Lourenço Frederico M , Almeida Mafalda R , Saraiva Lígia M
Published: April 2023

Escherichia coli
YtfE was first discovered due to the very high induction of the encoded gene in bacterial cells exposed to nitrosative stress conditions. The subsequent studies show that YtfE is a di‐iron protein with ability to: (i) protect cells under nitrosative and/or oxidative stress; (ii) repair damaged iron–sulfur clusters; (iii) donate iron for the formation of
de novo
iron–sulfur clusters; and (iv) its di‐iron center binds and reduces nitric oxide (NO) to nitrous oxide (N
2
O). This article focuses on the structural basis of the iron‐donating properties of
Escherichia coli
YtfE.
The Molybdenum Storage Protein
Authors: Baars Tonie , Aziz Iram , Poppe Juliane , Brünle Steffen , Schneider Klaus , Ermler Ulrich
Published: April 2023

For synthesing the FeMo cofactor of nitrogenase N
2
‐fixing bacteria continuously demand molybdate nonconstantly available in their habitats. Significant selection advantages have those species containing the molybdenum storage protein (MoSto) due to its capability to deposit ca. 130 Mo compactly as polynuclear Mo(VI)‐O or polyoxometalate (POM) clusters. Due to similar physicochemical properties, W can be stored in a related fashion. Heterododecameric MoSto is built up of two heterohexameric (αβ)
3
cages each containing 5 distinct locations for POM clusters. The complex interplay of self‐assembly and protein‐promoted processes creates a great diversity of POM clusters varying between 2 and 16 Mo atoms. Starting from smaller core species multiply linked with protein templates larger aggregates are synthesized that contain as a component an archetypical POM cluster found in solution. Mechanistically, POM cluster formation proceeds within a two‐step process. Molybdate is, at first, pressed through the cage shell in an ATP‐consuming fashion and then spontaneously polymerizes in the cage to POM clusters. Molybdate appears to be activated in the first step by phosphorylation in an ATP kinase reaction. The formed instable phosphoric‐molybdic anhydride intermediate is afterward, instantaneously, hydrolyzed in a locked chamber and the energized molybdate penetrates the protein shell at a thin place.
Self‐Targeted Co‐Delivery of an Antibiotic and a Cancer‐Chemotherapeutic from Synthetic Liposomes for the Treatment of Infected Tumors
Authors: Wang Da‐Yuan , Cao Yuanlong , Yang Guang , Zhang Siyu , van der Mei Henny C. , Ren Yijin , van Kooten Theo G. , de Groot Derk‐Jan A. , de Haan Jacco J. , Shi Linqi , Busscher Henk J.
Published: April 2023

Intra‐tumor bacteria promote tumor growth and inactivate cancer‐chemotherapeutics, causing poor treatment prognoses. Combined administration of cancer‐chemotherapeutics and antibiotics may disturb the oral and intestinal microflora in critically‐ill patients. To establish intra‐tumor co‐delivery of cancer‐chemotherapeutics and antibiotics, gemcitabine and ciprofloxacin are loaded in so‐called “self‐targeting”, highly blood‐compatible, synthetic DCPA‐H2O liposomes equipped with complexed water for pH‐responsiveness. Liposomal pH‐responsiveness can be maintained by in‐shell loading of gemcitabine and in‐core loading of ciprofloxacin. These dual‐loaded liposomes are stealthily transported in the blood circulation to accumulate in the acidic environment of an infected tumor. Upon tumor self‐targeting, liposomes are fused with tumor cells and infecting bacteria and are disassembled to simultaneously release gemcitabine and ciprofloxacin. Treatment of mice with these self‐targeting liposomes yields significantly higher responses of Escherichia coli infected tumors with respect to both infection and tumor volume than gemcitabine and ciprofloxacin co‐delivered from non‐self‐targeting liposomes or free gemcitabine with or without ciprofloxacin in solution.
Stretchable Organic Transistor Based Pressure Sensor Employing a Porous Elastomer Gate Dielectric
Authors: Song Runqiao , Ren Ping , Liu Yuxuan , Zhu Yong , Dong Jingyan , O'Connor Brendan T.
Published: April 2023

Compliant pressure sensors are a key technology for wearable electronics and haptic interfaces. Making transistors pressure‐sensitive provides an opportunity to combine sensing and matrix readout characteristics. However, there is typically a trade‐off in pressure sensitivity, complexity of fabrication, and mechanical resilience. To overcome these challenges, an all solution‐processed kirigami‐inspired stretchable organic thin film transistor (OTFT) based pressure sensor array is introduced. The OTFTs integrate several novel processing and design strategies that include electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jet‐printed Ag nanowire (NW) electrodes that are partially embedded in a polyimide (PI) matrix. The EHD printing provides fine pattern control and the NW/PI composite improves mechanical stability. The OTFTs are made pressure sensitive by employing a porous styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene gate dielectric achieved using a breath figure method. The pore density can be controlled to achieve tunable pressure sensitivity. The OTFTs are shown to maintain performance under a small bending radius (1 mm) and can sense applied pressure from 0.75 to 25 kPa. Finally, a cut pattern is introduced into the substrate that imparts stretchability while maintaining pressure sensor functionality. The integration of the design features and processing methods introduced in this work enables mechanically resilient stretchable pressure sensors.
Creating Wavelength‐Selective Polarization Digital Numbers
Authors: Intaravanne Yuttana , Ansari Muhammad Afnan , Ahmed Hammad , Chen Xianzhong
Published: April 2023

Polarization and wavelength are two important properties of light for understanding optics. Engineered polarization and wavelength profiles have received considerable interest due to their unusual optical features and more degrees of freedom. However, to simultaneously control polarization and wavelengths, conventional methods suffer from big pixel size, complicated fabrication process, and limited levels in phase control. The unprecedented capability of metasurfaces in the light control has shown much promise to tackle these challenges. Polarization digital numbers with ten different wavelengths are proposed and experimentally realized. A geometric metasurface is used to simultaneously realize wavelength multiplexing, phase multiplexing, and polarization rotation, creating wavelength‐selective polarization digital numbers. A deep learning approach is used to increase the identification accuracy of the digital numbers. The approach can simultaneously control wavelength and polarization, providing more design flexibility. This work may find applications in many fields such as virtual reality, image steganography, and anti‐counterfeiting.
Unlocking Genetic Profiles with a Programmable DNA‐Powered Decoding Circuit
Authors: Liu Junlan , Zhang Chao , Song Jinxing , Zhang Qing , Zhang Rongjun , Zhang Mingzhi , Han Da , Tan Weihong
Published: April 2023

Human genetic architecture provides remarkable insights into disease risk prediction and personalized medication. Advances in genomics have boosted the fine‐mapping of disease‐associated genetic variants across human genome. In healthcare practice, interpreting intricate genetic profiles into actionable medical decisions can improve health outcomes but remains challenging. Here an intelligent genetic decoder is engineered with programmable DNA computation to automate clinical analyses and interpretations. The DNA‐based decoder recognizes multiplex genetic information by one‐pot ligase‐dependent reactions and interprets implicit genetic profiles into explicit decision reports. It is shown that the DNA decoder implements intended computation on genetic profiles and outputs a corresponding answer within hours. Effectiveness in 30 human genomic samples is validated and it is shown that it achieves desirable performance on the interpretation of CYP2C19 genetic profiles into drug responses, with accuracy equivalent to that of Sanger sequencing. Circuit modules of the DNA decoder can also be readily reprogrammed to interpret another pharmacogenetics genes, provide drug dosing recommendations, and implement reliable molecular calculation of polygenic risk score (PRS) and PRS‐informed cancer risk assessment. The DNA‐powered intelligent decoder provides a general solution to the translation of complex genetic profiles into actionable healthcare decisions and will facilitate personalized healthcare in primary care.
Erector spinae plane block for peri‐operative analgesia in a patient undergoing surgery for Ewing's sarcoma of the clavicle
Authors: Theja R. S. , Gupta N. , Panwar V. , Kumar N.
Published: April 2023

The erector spinae plane block is a regional anaesthetic technique originally developed to manage thoracic neuropathic pain. It is popular because of its ease of learning and its applicability in various types of surgeries, providing both cutaneous and visceral analgesia. We report a case of a 30‐year‐old man who underwent excision of Ewing's sarcoma of the clavicle with brachiocephalic vein repair and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction under general anaesthesia, with bilateral erector spinae plane block, with catheter insertion on the side of the lesion. The operation necessitated peri‐operative anticoagulation, and so erector spinae blocks were performed to provide analgesia where epidural insertion was contraindicated. Adequate pain relief was achieved during the entire postoperative stay. The erector spinae plane block is thought to work due to the direct spread and diffusion of local anaesthetic into the posterior rami of spinal nerves located deep to the erector spinae muscles, and anterior spread into paravertebral space with additional effect potentially due to systemic absorption This case highlights the role of the erector spinae plane block in complex clavicular surgery requiring peri‐operative anticoagulation, and potentially obviates the need for neuraxial analgesia.
Alkylated chitosan nanomaterials for enhanced antimicrobial activity and delivery of fusidic acid: Preparation and preliminary in vitro investigation
Authors: Bostanudin Mohammad F. , Salam Aisha , Kayed Kawthar , Jan Nasrullah
Published: April 2023

Nanomaterials manufactured of amphiphilically‐altered polysaccharides have sparked a great deal of interest due to their capability to elevate drug transport across the skin. The study presents the fabrication of alkylated chitosan through 2‐tert‐butoxymethyloxirane alteration (alkylation degree 29.7%), that was typified by spectroscopic, chromatographic, and thermal analysis approaches before being constructed into nanomaterials for the analysis of their capability in governing fusidic acid diffusion percutaneously. The nanomaterials were constructed via the ionic interaction of positively charged chitosan and negatively charged cross linker sodium tripolyphosphate, with a loading degree of fusidic acid of ca. 20% reported. Fusidic acid release was slower in nanomaterials constructed of alkylated chitosan than in neat chitosan. Under application‐relevant conditions, in vitro incubation with HaCaT cells exhibited insignificant toxicity. Using Franz diffusion cells, the alkylated chitosan nanomaterials induced fusidic acid to infiltrate the Strat‐M® membrane at a 2‐fold greater rate than the neat chitosan nanomaterials. Based on the agar diffusion test, fusidic acid was shown to have better antimicrobial activity when loaded into alkylated chitosan nanomaterials than when loaded into neat chitosan nanomaterials. Ultimately, the in vitro results revealed that alkylated chitosan nanomaterials offer a great deal of potential for percutaneous delivery, which merits greater analysis.
A novel method for long‐term preserving of urine microstructure using poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Farhan Mohammed Alwan , Al‐Garawi Zahraa S. , Ali Wassan Baqir , Nief Olfat Abaid
Published: April 2023

For urinalysis teaching and routine clinical imaging of urine, urine microscopic test needs slides that can be clearly examined for long term, which is still under focus. This study hypothesized, that poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) could be able to reserve the urine components for a long time. Therefore, we explored, for the first time upon our knowledge, the potential of PVC and PS polymers to adhere the cover slide. The physical properties, viscosity, average molecular weight, the tensile strength and intrinsic viscosity of the polymers were determined. A normal slide (8 × 3 cm × 1 mm) was used to test a urine sample in the presence of either 3% PVC in tetra hydro‐furan(THF) or 3% PS. The results of imaging the PVC and PS slide indicate a clear and transparent vision. The PVC urine slide maintains normal components of urine up to a year, which did not observe in the PS slide. These results suggest that PVC is an effective polymer to protect urine compositions from hydrolyses or decomposition, which makes this novel urine slide a successful candidate for long‐term teaching of urinalyses.
Copolymerization of 4‐vinylsulfonyl aniline with acrylamide and its application as macromolecular dye backbone
Authors: Wang Fuchun , Wang Jiexiong , Ma Wei , Tang Bingtao , Zhang Shufen
Published: April 2023

A kind of copolymer, poly(4‐vinylsulfonylaniline‐co‐acrylamide) (P(VSA‐co‐AM)), was synthesized by the copolymerization of 4‐vinylsulfonyl aniline (VSA) and acrylamide (AM) using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the solvent and 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) as the initiator in the presence of a total monomer mass concentration of 15%, and a polymerization duration of 10 h. The effect of the monomer feed ratio on the copolymerization is investigated, and the results reveal that increasing the content of VSA in the monomer feed ratio increases the proportion of VSA in the copolymer. A feed ratio of 5:5 is selected for the copolymerization of VSA and AM, and a copolymer with 28% VSA is obtained. After diazotization, P(VSA‐co‐AM) with a molecular weight of 4.45 × 103 and a VSA ratio of 28% is coupled with the coupling component containing more chloro‐s‐triazine reactive groups, thus resulting in macromolecular reactive dyes. The fixation of the obtained macromolecular reactive dyes A, B, and C on cotton fabric is over 93% and have good light, rubbing, and washing fastnesses, thus indicating their potential application in the dyeing of cotton fabric.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles with adjustable sizes and their nanocomposite films based on electrodeposition of polysaccharides
Authors: Yang Yan , Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Qinghua , Xu Zequan , Chen Zongming , Tao Jiangtao , Wang Yifeng , Chen Yanjun
Published: April 2023

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received great attention in the fields ranging from antibacterial materials to sensors. Herein, a novel and green strategy based on electrodeposition of polysaccharides (chitosan, carboxylated chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate) is explored to synthesize AgNPs with adjustable particle sizes and their polysaccharide‐based nanocomposite films. These polysaccharides not only serve as the electrodeposited polysaccharide, but also act as the reducing and stabilizing agents for the synthesis of AgNPs. After the electrodeposition of polysaccharides, homogeneous and smooth deposited films (polysaccharide‐based nanocomposite films) have been generated on the anodic electrodes. Spectral analysis and transmission electron microscopy confirm the existence of AgNPs in the nanocomposite films. The as‐fabricated AgNPs from the electrodeposition of four polysaccharides have different particle sizes ranging from 2.19 to 12.89 nm. The difference in the particle size of AgNPs is related to the different reducibility and stabilizing ability of the polysaccharides. This work provides a facile and controllable new electrodeposition strategy for green synthesis of AgNPs with different sizes and their nanocomposite films, which presents great potential in fabricating AgNPs and their nanocomposites with specific particle sizes and particular properties.
Deep‐red Emitting Ir(III) Complexes as Type‐I Photosensitizers for Lipid Droplets Targeted Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Tong Jialin , Liu Ao , Huang Shanshan , Yao Yaxuan , Shan Guo‐Gang , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: April 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) relying on photosensitizer‐induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for killing cancer cells has emerged as a non‐invasive anti‐cancer strategy. Compared with oxygen‐dependent type‐II photosensitizers (PSs) for PDT, the development of intrinsic oxygen‐independent type‐I ones is highly desired but remains a challenge. In this work, two netural Ir(III) complexes that can produce type‐I reactive oxygen species, namely MPhBI−Ir‐BIQ (Ir‐1) and NPhBI−Ir‐BIQ (Ir‐2), were synthesized. Bright deep‐red emitting nanoparticles with moderate particle size are beneficial for imaging‐guided PDT. In in vitro experiments, importantly, the excellent biocompatibility, the targeting of lipid droplets (LDs), and the type‐I ⋅OH and O2⋅− generation promoted effective photodynamic activity. This work will guide the building of type‐I Ir(III) complexes PSs and can provide advantages for potential clinical applications under hypoxic conditions.
A Silver Compound with Potential Applications as an Anticancer, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anti‐Alzheimer's Agent
Authors: Korkmaz Nesrin , Kısa Dursun , Kaplan Özlem , Tosun Nazan Gökşen , Özgür Aykut , Imamoğlu Rizvan , Karadağ Ahmet
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the biological activity of the silver coordination compound K‐22. The IC50 values of K‐22 on cancer cell lines range from 0.797 μg/mL to 3.426 μg/mL, indicating that K‐22 might preferably inhibit A549, Saos‐2, MCF‐7, and HT‐29 cell proliferation and thus have better therapeutic activity. Furthermore, K‐22 stimulated apoptosis via up‐regulation of the mRNA and protein expression level of Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio in A549, Saos‐2, MCF‐7, and HT‐29. K‐22 exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. faecalis, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, C. utilis, and C. albicans. Experimental results show that the compound has inhibitory potential with an IC50 value of 178.10 μM for the BChE (butyrylcholinesterase) enzyme, which has a vital role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. As a result, compound K‐22 exhibits a strong potential for medical use due to its anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti‐Alzheimer properties.
Cutaneous arteritis: Clinicopathological study of 21 cases
Authors: Hiraiwa Tomoko , Chen Ko‐Ron , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: April 2023

Objectives

We conducted this study to clarify the progress of cutaneous arteritis.

Methods

We examined 21 cases of cutaneous arteritis that were diagnosed at our hospital between 2005 and 2020. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1:6 with a mean age of 52.2 years.

Results

The lower legs were involved in all cases, and the upper extremities or trunk was also involved in some cases. Cutaneous manifestations presented as indurated erythema (n = 15), subcutaneous induration (11), edema (7), livedo (6), and ulcer (3). In addition, extracutaneous conditions including numbness (10), arthritis (8), fever (2), and myalgia (1) were observed. Laboratory tests showed an increase of inflammatory markers in most cases (14). Histopathological features showed necrotizing vasculitis of small‐sized arteries at the dermo‐subcutaneous junction, and the inflammatory stages of arteritis were histopathologically divided into acute stage (5), subacute stage (5), reparative stage (7), and healed stage (1). The therapies administered were oral prednisolone (11), antiplatelet drug (14), warfarin (1), non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (6), biological drug (1), and other drugs (14). There were no cases showing progression to systemic polyarteritis nodosa during follow‐up period. All three patients with ulceration complained of numbness, and one was revealed to have mononeuropathy multiplex. They were treated with low‐dose oral prednisolone. Three ulceration cases were histopathologically classified into the acute and subacute stages.

Conclusions

In conclusion, all 21 patients followed a chronic course with recurrent skin lesions without systemic complications. Cases with ulceration seem to reveal neurological symptoms and need systemic steroid treatment.
Fest‐Flüssig‐Trennung auf der ACHEMA 2022
Authors: Buchwald Thomas , Peuker Urs
Published: April 2023

Auf der ACHEMA 2022 wurden eine Vielzahl von Anwendungen und Apparaten für die Fest‐Flüssig‐Trennung vorgestellt. Die von den Firmen vorgestellten Innovationen betreffen nicht nur den reinen Apparate‐ bzw. Maschinenbau, sondern auch die Themen Materialien (insbesondere Filtermaterialien) sowie die große Herausforderung Digitalisierung von Filtrationsprozessen.
Community detection and service discovery on Social Internet of Things
Authors: Malekshahi Rad Mozhgan , Rahmani Amir Masoud , Sahafi Amir , Qader Nooruldeen Nasih
Published: April 2023

Due to the increasing growth of objects and problems such as increased traffic, overload, delay in response, and low search volume in the service discovery process in the complex Social Internet of Things (SIoT) environment, we provide an effective mechanism in the service discovery process by grouping objects based on common criteria that help us improve service search performance. In this article, we present a new method for clustering objects so that we can group objects that have common services and can work together. Hence, we create a set of different associations for the type of service and reciprocal cooperation of objects. With its help, instead of a global network search, we can perform service searches locally more efficiently and ensure the accuracy and correctness of searches and their answers. Then, we have provided a new mechanism for the service discovery process. In addition, we categorized communities based on their size to compare our proposed algorithm with other approaches using factors such as modularity in SIoT. Finally, we achieved sufficient efficiency in service discovery (86.81% and 88.28%) and demonstrated better performance of the proposed approach in identifying communities.
Ecosystem Services at the Farm Level—Overview, Synergies, Trade‐Offs, and Stakeholder Analysis
Authors: Morizet‐Davis Jonathan , Marting Vidaurre Nirvana A. , Reinmuth Evelyn , Rezaei‐Chiyaneh Esmaeil , Schlecht Valentin , Schmidt Susanne , Singh Kripal , Vargas‐Carpintero Ricardo , Wagner Moritz , von Cossel Moritz
Published: April 2023

The current geological epoch is characterized by anthropogenic activity that greatly impacts on natural ecosystems and their integrity. The complex networks of ecosystem services (ESs) are often ignored because the provision of natural resources, such as food and industrial crops, is mistakenly viewed as an independent process separate from ecosystems and ignoring the impacts on ecosystems. Recently, research has intensified on how to evaluate and manage ES to minimize environmental impacts, but it remains unclear how to balance anthropogenic activity and ecosystem integrity. This paper reviews the main ESs at farm level including provisioning, regulating, habitat, and cultural services. For these ESs, synergies are outlined and evaluated along with the respective practices (e.g., cover‐ and intercropping) and ES suppliers (e.g., pollinators and biocontrol agents). Further, several farm‐level ES trade‐offs are discussed along with a proposal for their evaluation. Finally, a framework for stakeholder approaches specific to farm‐level ES is put forward, along with an outlook on how existing precision agriculture technologies can be adapted for improved assessment of ES bundles. This is believed to provide a useful framework for both decision makers and stakeholders to facilitate the development of more sustainable and resilient farming systems.
A dual channel and spatial attention network for automatic spine segmentation of MRI images
Authors: Cheng Mengdan , Qin Juan , Lv Lianrong , Wang Biao , Li Lei , Xia Dan , Wang Shike
Published: April 2023

Accurate image segmentation plays an essential role in diagnosing and treating various spinal diseases. However, traditional segmentation methods often consume a lot of time and energy. This research proposes an innovative deep‐learning‐based automatic segmentation method for spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. The proposed method DAUNet++ is supported by UNet++, which adds residual structure and attention mechanism. Specifically, a residual block is utilized for down‐sampling to construct the RVNet, as a new skeleton structure. Furthermore, two novel types of dual channel and spatial attention modules are proposed to emphasize rich feature regions, enhance useful information, and improve the network performance by recalibrating the characteristic. The published spinesagt2wdataset3 spinal MRI image dataset is adopted in the experiment. The dice similarity coefficient score on the test set is 0.9064. Higher segmentation accuracy and efficiency are achieved, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Prevalence of Precursory Signs of Atypical Femoral Fractures in Patients Receiving Bone‐Modifying Agents for Bone Metastases: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Kaku Takumi , Oh Yoto , Sato Shingo , Koyanagi Hirotaka , Funauchi Yuki , Hirai Takashi , Yuasa Masato , Matsukura Yu , Yoshii Toshitaka , Nakagawa Tsuyoshi , Miyake Satoshi , Okawa Atsushi
Published: April 2023

Patients on bone‐modifying agents (BMAs) for bone metastases are at risk of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs), which can lead to a sudden deterioration in performance status. In this study, we sought to determine the prevalence of radiographic precursory signs of AFF in patients on oncologic BMAs. Forty‐two patients (23 men, 19 women; mean age 68.8 ± 10.0 years) on oncologic BMAs (zoledronate for >3 years and/or denosumab for >1 year) and without clinical symptoms were enrolled between 2019 and 2021. All patients were receiving denosumab at enrollment and 5 had previously used zoledronate. The mean duration of BMA use was 31.2 ± 18.5 months. Radiographs of both femurs were screened for precursory signs of AFF (e.g., thickening of the lateral cortex). The patients were divided into two groups according to thickening status and compared by duration of BMA use. They were also divided into three groups by duration of BMA use (12–23 months, n = 18; 24–59 months, n = 19; ≥60 months, n = 5), and the prevalence of apparent thickenings was examined. As a result, 18 patients (42.9%) showed minute local or diffuse thickening and 10 (23.8%) showed apparent local thickening. The duration of BMA use was significantly longer in patients with apparent thickening than in those without (47.3 ± 23.6 months [n = 10] versus 26.2 ± 13.5 months [n = 32]; p < 0.05). The prevalence of apparent thickening increased with increasing duration of BMA use (12–23 months, 5.6%; 24–59 months, 31.6%; ≥60 months, 60.0%). In conclusion, radiographic precursory signs of AFF are common in patients on oncologic BMAs. Radiographic screening for AFF could be relevant in patients who have been on long‐term oncologic BMAs, even if asymptomatic. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.