bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes after total excision of transobturator tape inserted for treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Abbas Nazish , Virdee Tonicka , Basu Maya , Iles David , Kanitkar Surya , Kearney Rohna , Khan Hamayun , Ward Karen , Reid Fiona 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroductionMidurethral tapes (MUTs) were the most common surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) between 2008 and 2017. Transobturator tapes were introduced as a novel way to insert MUTs. Some women have experienced life‐changing complications, and opt to undergo a total excision of transobturator tape (TETOT). There is a paucity in evidence about the outcomes of TETOT, which is a complex operation. This study aims to report clinical outcomes of all women who underwent TETOT in a specialist mesh center.MethodsAll women between 2017 and 2022 who underwent TETOT in one mesh center were reviewed. Background demographics and preoperative symptoms were recorded retrospectively. Outcome data were collected using patient global impression of improvement (PGI‐I) scales via telephone review and analyzed using SPSS 25.ResultsForty‐five women underwent telephone review in May 2022, on average 27.9 months (range: 3−60) after TETOT. Mean age was 55 and body mass index (BMI): 30; 82% were postmenopausal, 20% were smokers, and 73.3% had recurrent SUI before excision. Indications for excision were infection (4%), vaginal exposure (24%), urethral perforation (9%), and chronic pain not associated with other complications (60%). Two women with recurrent SUI opted for a concomitant fascial sling; both reported a PGI of “very much improved” regarding SUI postoperatively. Only 12 women (26.5%) did not have SUI before excision; of these 9 (75%) reported new SUI postoperatively. Pain improved for 57.8%, but worsened for 24.4%. Although not statistically significant (p = 0.055), more women who underwent TETOT for pain alone reported worsening pain than those with pain with an additional complication (37% vs. 5.55%). Overall, 62.2% women felt “better” after their excision, 17.8% felt “worse.”DiscussionAfter TETOT, 62% of women felt better. Improvement in pain was reported by 58%—those with chronic pain without another complication reported improvement in pain less frequently (48% vs. 72%) and worsening pain more frequently (37% vs. 6%). Existing SUI worsened in 65% of women and 75% developed new SUI. There appears to be discordance between reporting global improvement with worsening of commonly measured clinical outcomes.ConclusionOutcome data are important for counseling women about the risks and benefits of TETOT. Women and clinicians may have different attitudes to the possible benefits of TETOT, as evidenced by women reporting feeling better despite continuing pain or SUI. Conventional outcome measures do not adequately capture all outcomes that are important to patients.
Security control for Markovian jump systems under fading channel: A finite‐time sliding‐mode method
Authors: Zhao Meng , Cao Zhiru , Yang Yekai , Niu Yugang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe finite‐time sliding mode control (SMC) design is developed in this work for Markovian jump systems with peak‐bounded external disturbances, where the system state may suffer from the channel fading and deception attacks over the sensor‐to‐controller channel. The multiplicative fading model is introduced to describe the fading phenomenon in the unpredictable communication network, and the channel coefficients are mutually independent random variables that take values in certain intervals. Besides, the deception attacks on the transmitted state signals may be stochastically launched. Under the effect of channel fading and deception attacks, a sliding surface involving fading parameter is devised, and a security finite‐time SMC law is designed to achieve the finite‐time reachability of the specified sliding surface. Furthermore, by adopting the partitioning strategy during the reaching phase and sliding phase of SMC design, the derived sufficient criteria can achieve the stochastic finite‐time boundedness. Finally, the numerical simulation results are provided to illustrate the developed finite‐time SMC approach under the fading communication and malicious attacks.
Morphology‐Engineering Construction of Anti‐Aggregated Co/N‐Doped Hollow Carbon from Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Efficient Biomass Upgrading
Authors: Wu Yaohui , Wang Li , Chen Liyu , Li Yingwei , Shen Kui 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe controlled pyrolysis of metal/carbon‐containing precursors is commonly used for fabricating multifunctional metal/carbon‐based catalysts, nevertheless, the inevitable agglomeration of these precursors in pyrolysis is extremely negative for efficient catalysis. This study reports the first example of suppressing the interfacial fusion and agglomeration of metal/carbon‐based catalyst in its pyrolysis‐involved fabrication process by developing a facile morphology‐engineering strategy. Metal‐organic framework precursors are chosen as a proof of concept and five Co/N‐doped hollow carbons with different morphologies (rhombic dodecahedron, cube, plate, interpenetration twin, and rod) are synthesized via the pyrolysis of their corresponding core‐shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 precursors. It is demonstrated that the interpenetration twin precursor shows the minimum interfacial contact of interparticles due to its partly‐concave morphology with abundant facets, which endows it with the best resistibility from interfacial fusion and thus aggregation of interparticles during pyrolysis. Benefiting from its unique anti‐aggregated structure with high specific surface area, abundant fully‐exposed active sites, and good dispersibility, the resultant 36‐facet Co/N‐doped hollow carbon exhibit remarkably improved catalytic property for biomass upgrading as compared with its aggregated counterparts. This study highlights the crucial role of engineering morphology to prevent metal/carbon‐containing precursors from detrimental agglomeration during pyrolysis, demonstrating a new approach to constructing anti‐aggregated metal/carbon‐based catalysts.
Customizing Metal‐Organic Frameworks by Lego‐Brick Strategy for One‐Step Purification of Ethylene from a Quaternary Gas Mixture
Authors: Sun Haoran , Chen Fuqiang , Chen Rundao , Li Jiaqi , Guo Lidong , Liu Ying , Shen Fuxing , Yang Qiwei , Zhang Zhiguo , Ren Qilong , Bao Zongbi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractOne‐step purification of ethylene (C2H4) from a quaternary gas mixture of C2H6/C2H4/C2H2/CO2 by adsorption is a promising separation process, yet developing adsorbents that synergistically capture various gas impurities remains challenging. Herein, a Lego‐brick strategy is proposed to customize pore chemistry in a unified framework material. The ethane‐selective MOF platform is further modified with customized binding sites to specifically adsorb acetylene and carbon dioxide, thus one‐step purification of C2H4 with high productivity of polymer‐grade product (134 mol kg−1) is achieved on the assembly of porous coordination polymer‐2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (PCP‐FDCA) and PCP‐5‐aminoisophthalic acid (IPA‐NH2). Computational studies verify that the low‐polarity surface of this MOFs‐based platform provides a delicate environment for C2H6 recognition, and the specific binding sites (FDCA and IPA‐NH2) exhibit favorable trapping of C2H2 and CO2 via CHδ+···Oδ− and Cδ+···Nδ− electrostatic interactions, respectively. The proposed Lego‐brick strategy to customize binding sites within the MOFs structure provides new ideas for the design of adsorbents for compounded separation tasks.
A Universal Room‐Temperature 3D Printing Approach Towards porous MOF Based Dendrites Inhibition Hybrid Solid‐State Electrolytes
Authors: Li Changgang , Deng Shuolei , Feng Wenhao , Cao Yaowen , Bai Jiaxuan , Tian Xiaocong , Dong Yifan , Xia Fan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractHybrid solid‐state electrolytes (HSSEs) provide new opportunities and inspiration for the realization of safer, higher energy‐density metal batteries. The innovative application of 3‑dimensional printing in the electrochemical field, especially in solid‐state electrolytes, endows energy storage devices with fascinating characteristics. In this paper, effective dendrite‐inhibited PEO/MOFs HSSEs is innovatively developed through universal room‐temperature 3‑dimensional printing (RT‐3DP) strategy. The prepared HSSEs display enhanced dendrite inhibition due to the porous MOF filler promoting homogeneity of lithium deposition and the formation of C‐OCO3Li, ROLi, LiF mesophases, which further improve the migration of Li+ in PEO chain and comprehensive performances. This universal strategy realizes the fabrication of different slurry components (PEO with ZIF‐67, MOF‐74, UIO‐66, ZIF‐8 fillers) HSSEs at RT environment, providing new inspirations for the exploration of next‐generation advanced solid‐state batteries.
Approaches to standardising the magnetic resonance image analysis of equine tendon lesions
Authors: Doll Carla Ulrike , Bohner Melanie , Berner Dagmar , Buettner Kathrin , Horstmeier Carolin , Winter Karsten , Burk Janina 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundLow‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained increasing importance to monitor equine tendon lesions. Comparing results between studies and cases is hampered, because image analysis approaches vary strongly. This study aimed to improve reliability, comparability and time efficiency of quantitative MRI image analysis.MethodsInduced tendon lesions were studied over a 24‐week period with 10 follow‐up MRI examinations. Signal intensities (SIs) of tendons, tendon lesions, cortical bone and background, as well as lesion cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) were measured. Lesion SI standardisation with different formulas was evaluated, using histological findings as reference. Different types of region of interest (ROI) for lesion SI measurement were compared. Lesion CSA measurement at different levels was evaluated, using the calculated total lesion volume as reference. Subjective lesion identification and manual CSA and SI measurements were compared to an automated, algorithm‐based approach.ResultsLesion SI standardised using a quotient of lesion and background or cortical bone SI, correlated best with histologically determined lesion severity. Lesion SI in circular ROIs correlated strongly with lesion SI in free‐hand whole‐lesion ROIs. The level of the maximum lesion CSA shifted over time; the CSA maximum correlated strongly with lesion volume. In sequences with short acquisition time, algorithm‐based automated lesion detection showed almost perfect agreement with subjective lesion identification. Automated measurement of CSA and SI was also feasible, with stronger correlation and better agreement with the manually obtained data for the SI than for the CSA.ConclusionOur study may provide guidance for MRI image analysis of tendon healing. Reliable image analysis can be performed time‐efficiently, particularly regarding lesion SI quantification.
High-Speed All-Optical Neural Interfaces with 3D Temporally Focused Holography
Authors: Oldenburg Ian Antón , Bounds Hayley Anne , Pégard Nicolas C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractUnderstanding brain function requires technologies that can monitor and manipulate neural activity with cellular resolution and millisecond precision in three dimensions across large volumes. These technologies are best designed using interdisciplinary approaches combining optical techniques with reporters and modulators of neural activity. While advances can be made by separately improving optical resolution or opsin effectiveness, optimizing both systems together matches the strengths and constraints of different approaches to create a solution optimized for the needs of neuroscientists. To achieve this goal, we first developed a new multiphoton photoexcitation method, termed 3D-Scanless Holographic Optogenetics with Temporal focusing (3D-SHOT), that enables simultaneous photoactivation of arbitrary sets of neurons in 3D. Our technique uses point-cloud holography to place multiple copies of a temporally focused disc, matched to the dimensions of a neuron’s cell body, anywhere within the operating volume of the microscope. However, since improved placement of light, on its own, is not sufficient to allow precise control of neural firing patterns, we also developed and tested optogenetic actuators ST-ChroME and ST-eGtACR1 that fully leverage the new experimental capabilities of 3D-SHOT. The synergy of fast opsins matched with our technology allows reliable, precisely timed control of evoked action potentials and enables on-demand read-write operations with unprecedented precision. In this chapter, we review the steps necessary to implement 3D-SHOT and provide a guide to selecting ideal opsins that will work with it. Such collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches will be essential to develop the experimental capabilities needed to gain causal insight into the fundamental principles of the neural code underlying perception and behavior.
Blow-Up Sequences and Blow-Up Limits
Authors: Velichkov Bozhidar 
Published: February 2023

AbstractLet D be an open set in
$$\mathbb {R}^d$$

ℝ

d

and
$$u:D\to \mathbb {R}$$

u
:
D
→
ℝ
be a (non-negative) local minimizer of
$$\mathcal F_\Lambda $$

ℱ

Λ

in D
Heterotic de Sitter beyond modular symmetry
Authors: Leedom Jacob M. , Righi Nicole , Westphal Alexander 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe study the vacua of 4dheterotic toroidal orbifolds using effective theories consisting of an overall Kähler modulus, the dilaton, and non-perturbative corrections to both the superpotential and Kähler potential that respect modular invariance. We prove three de Sitter no-go theorems for several classes of vacua and thereby substantiate and extend previous conjectures. Additionally, we provide evidence that extrema of the scalar potential can occur inside the PSL(2, ℤ) fundamental domain of the Kähler modulus, in contradiction of a separate conjecture. We also illustrate a loophole in the no-go theorems and determine criteria that allow for metastable de Sitter vacua. Finally, we identify inherently stringy non-perturbative effects in the dilaton sector that could exploit this loophole and potentially realize de Sitter vacua.
Inverse of Divergence and Homogenization of Compressible Navier–Stokes Equations in Randomly Perforated Domains
Authors: Bella Peter , Oschmann Florian 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe analyze the behavior of weak solutions to compressible viscous fluid flows in a bounded domain in$${{\,\mathrm{{\mathbb {R}}}\,}}^3$$R3, randomly perforated by tiny balls with random size. Assuming the radii of the balls scale like$$\varepsilon ^\alpha $$εα,$$\alpha > 3$$α>3, with$$\varepsilon $$εdenoting the average distance between the balls, the problem homogenize to the same limiting equation. Our main contribution is a construction of the Bogovskiĭ operator, uniformly in$$\varepsilon $$ε, without any assumptions on the minimal distance between the balls.
A random analogue of Gilbreath’s conjecture
Authors: Chase Zachary 
Published: February 2023

AbstractA well-known conjecture of Gilbreath, and independently Proth from the 1800s, states that if $$a_{0,n} = p_n$$

a

0
,
n

=

p
n

denotes the nth prime number and $$a_{i,n} = |a_{i-1,n}-a_{i-1,n+1}|$$

a

i
,
n

=

|

a

i
-
1
,
n

-

a

i
-
1
,
n
+
1

|

for $$i, n \ge 1$$

i
,
n
≥
1

, then $$a_{i,1} = 1$$

a

i
,
1

=
1

for all $$i \ge 1$$

i
≥
1

. It has been postulated repeatedly that the property of having $$a_{i,1} = 1$$

a

i
,
1

=
1

for i large enough should hold for any choice of initial $$(a_{0,n})_{n \ge 1}$$

(

a

0
,
n

)

n
≥
1

provided that the gaps $$a_{0,n+1}-a_{0,n}$$

a

0
,
n
+
1

-

a

0
,
n

are not too large and are sufficiently random. We prove (a precise form of) this postulate.
Conspecific scent marks may influence underground site selection by a fossorial reptile
Authors: Recio Pablo , Rodríguez-Ruiz Gonzalo , Sannolo Marco , Cuervo José Javier , López Pilar , Martín José 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Conspecific cues often provide social information on habitat quality that is considered when deciding to settle at a specific site. The type of sensory cues useful for this will depend on the environment. For amphisbaenians, reptiles adapted to an underground life with highly reduced sight, chemoreception is especially useful to recognize conspecifics. Here, we first analyzed the lipophilic compounds from precloacal gland secretions of the amphisbaenian Blanus cinereus, showing that there were sex- and size-related variations in the proportions of the three major compounds. Then, we tested in the laboratory whether there was an underground site selection based on conspecific chemical cues (substrate scent marks) in two different contexts. In loose substrates, both male and female amphisbaenians tended to choose first the scent-marked substrates more often when the individual that produced the scent, independently of its sex, was relatively larger than the focal individual. In contrast, inside semi-permanent galleries, males, but not females, chose the scent-marked gallery more often when the scent donor, independently of its sex, was relatively smaller. These results suggest that the proportions of compounds in scent marks may allow amphisbaenians to estimate the body size of the producer and that this information affects their site selection decisions. However, the different substrate-dependent responses suggest a different meaning and usefulness of scent marks depending on the context.

Significance statement
The presence of your conspecific in a site may indicate that this is a “quality” site to live in. If you are blind and live underground, smell is one of the best options for detecting conspecifics and assessing how good are your surroundings. Here, we test whether a blind amphisbaenian reptile that spends its life buried in sandy substrates uses conspecific chemical stimuli to choose where to settle. We found that this decision is influenced by the microhabitat type, sex, and the size difference between the individual that sniffs and the producer of the scent. Amphisbaenians seem to detect and assess conspecific traits based on the differences in compounds in their odors. Therefore, using conspecific scent to assess habitat quality may help fossorial animals to live underground.
Congenital lung abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging: the CLAM study
Authors: Elders Bernadette B. L. J. , Kersten Casper M. , Hermelijn Sergei M. , Wielopolski Piotr A. , Tiddens Harm A. W. M. , Schnater J. Marco , Ciet Pierluigi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Follow-up of congenital lung abnormalities (CLA) is currently done with chest computer tomography (CT). Major disadvantages of CT are exposure to ionizing radiation and need for contrast enhancement to visualise vascularisation. Chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be a safe alternative to image CLA without using contrast agents. The objective of this cohort study was to develop a non-contrast MRI protocol for the follow-up of paediatric CLA patients, and to compare findings on MRI to postnatal CT in school age CLA patients.

Methods
Twenty-one CLA patients, 4 after surgical resection and 17 unoperated (mean age 12.8 (range 9.4–15.9) years), underwent spirometry and chest MRI. MRI was compared to postnatal CT on appearance and size of the lesion, and lesion associated abnormalities, such as hyperinflation and atelectasis.

Results
By comparing school-age chest MRI to postnatal CT, radiological appearance and diagnostic interpretation of the type of lesion changed in 7 (41%) of the 17 unoperated patients. In unoperated patients, the relative size of the lesion in relation to the total lung volume remained stable (0.9% (range − 6.2 to + 6.7%), p = 0.3) and the relative size of lesion-associated parenchymal abnormalities decreased (− 2.2% (range − 0.8 to + 2.8%), p = 0.005).

Conclusion
Non-contrast-enhanced chest MRI was able to identify all CLA-related lung abnormalities. Changes in radiological appearance between MRI and CT were related to CLA changes, patients’ growth, and differences between imaging modalities. Further validation is needed for MRI to be introduced as a safe imaging method for the follow-up of paediatric CLA patients.

Key Points
• Non-contrast-enhanced chest MRI is able to identify anatomical lung changes related to congenital lung abnormalities, including vascularisation.
• At long-term follow-up, the average size of congenital lung abnormalities in relation to normal lung volume remains stable.
• At long-term follow-up, the average size of congenital lung abnormalities associated parenchymal abnormalities such as atelectasis in relation to normal lung volume decreases.
Impact on touch DNA of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer used in COVID-19 prevention
Authors: Bini Carla , Giorgetti Arianna , Fazio Giulia , Amurri Sara , Pelletti Guido , Pelotti Susi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn the last years, forensic research has been focused on touch DNA in order to improve its evidential value in criminal activity investigations as well as to understand the variables impacting touch DNA. One of the emerging variables is represented by the use of alcohol-based sanitizers, which was suggested for hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of the present study were to assess the effect of a hand sanitizer on touch DNA deposition, transfer, and recovery and also to evaluate STR typing success, quality of DNA profiles, and personal identification. Before and after the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, 20 volunteers deposited on glass surfaces 120 fingerprints, containing skin-derived or salivary DNA. Samples were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR), and 76 samples yielding > 15 pg/μl were typed for 21 autosomal STRs by GlobalFiler® PCR Amplification Kit. DNA profiles were classified into single source, mixed, and inconclusive profiles, and a LR assessment was performed by comparison to the reference samples using LRmix Studio software. After the use of hand sanitizer, samples yielded lower quantities of recovered transferred DNA, especially considering samples containing salivary DNA (p < 0.05 by Friedman test). All the 76 amplified samples (63.3% of the total) showed at least 10 typed loci, and 83–100% of profiles were consistent with the reference ones on the basis of a LR value ≥ 106. Results showed that, although the hand sanitizer reduces the DNA recovering, touch DNA samples might still be useful for forensic personal identification even when hand sanitizers are used.