bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parent and adolescent perceptions of cystic fibrosis management responsibility: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: South Katherine , Smaldone Arlene , Sadeghi Hossein , Piane Victoria , Kowal Rebecca , Wei Leanna , George Maureen
Published: May 2023

Background

Adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their parents must navigate changing roles and responsibilities within the family including transfer of disease management responsibilities.

Aim/Objective

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how families share and transfer CF management responsibility from the perspectives of adolescents with CF and their parents.

Methods

Guided by qualitative descriptive methodology, we purposively sampled adolescent/parent dyads. Participants completed two surveys measuring family responsibility (Family Responsibility Questionnaire [FRQ]) and transition readiness (Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire [TRAQ]) We conducted semistructured video or phone interviews, used a codebook to guide team coding and analyzed qualitative data using both content analysis and dyadic interview analysis.

Results

Thirty participants (15 dyads) enrolled (7% Black; 33% Latina/o; 40% female; adolescent age 14.4 ± 2 years; 66% prescribed highly effective modulator therapy; 80% of parents were mothers). Parent FRQ and TRAQ scores were significantly higher than their adolescent indicating differing perceptions of responsibility and transition readiness. We inductively identified four themes: (1) CF management is a delicate balance (CF management is a routine which is easily disrupted), (2) Growing up and parenting under extraordinary circumstances (the burden of CF weighs on families as they navigate adolescence), (3) Differing Perceptions of risk and responsibility (adolescent and parent perceptions of treatment responsibility and the risks of nonadherence do not always align), and (4) Balancing independence and protection (families must weigh the benefits and risks of allowing adolescents increased independence).

Conclusions

Adolescents and parents demonstrated differing perceptions of CF management responsibility, which may be related to a lack of communication between family members about this topic. To help facilitate alignment of parent and adolescent expectations, discussion of family roles and responsibility for CF management should begin early during the transition process and be discussed regularly during clinic visits.
Dipolar Coupling at Interfaces of Ultrathin Semiconductors, Semimetals, Plasmonic Nanoparticles, and Molecules
Authors: Greten Lara , Salzwedel Robert , Katzer Manuel , Mittenzwey Henry , Christiansen Dominik , Knorr Andreas , Selig Malte
Published: May 2023

Recent progress in growth techniques has enabled the fabrication of stacks of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers combined with different nanostructures ranging from other 2D layers over dye molecules to even plasmonic nanoparticles. Such structures promise to combine the optoelectric properties of the constituents allowing to design structures with desired properties. For all of these examples, a detailed knowledge of the coupling among different constituents is crucial. In this article, a unified description is presented based on Maxwell Bloch equations to describe dipolar interactions among different types of heterostructures. Exemplary, Förster‐type energy transfer from dye molecules to MoS2 monolayers, strong coupling at MoSe2–metal nanoparticle interfaces, Meitner–Auger‐like interlayer coupling in WSe2–graphene stacks, and relaxation processes of hot interlayer excitons in MoSe2–WSe2 heterobilayers are discussed.
Pressure Effects on Superconducting Quasiskutterudite Sr3Rh4Sn13 Compared to the Ambient Pressure Properties of Ca3Rh4Sn13 and La3Rh4Sn13 Compounds
Authors: Sundaramoorthy Muthukumaran , Joseph Boby , Lingannan Govindaraj , Kumar Mondal Pradip , Nung Kuo Chia , Shan Lue Chin , Arumugam Sonachalam
Published: May 2023

Herein, the transport properties of Sr3Rh4Sn13, Ca3Rh4Sn13, and La3Rh4Sn13 quasi‐skutterudites are studied which show sharp superconducting (SC) transition with a transition temperature, Tc, ≈4.7, ≈8, and ≈2 K, respectively. In Sr3Rh4Sn13 system, electrical resistivity data evidence a pronounced anomaly before the SC transition at T* ≈136 K. No such anomalies are observed in the other two systems. Detailed structural investigations using synchrotron single‐crystal and powder diffraction reveal that these systems have cubic structure with Sr3Rh4Sn13 and Ca3Rh4Sn13 being in PmPmn space group setting. The La3Rh4Sn13 shows additional weak reflections which can be described by I4132 space group with almost doubled lattice parameters compared to Sr3Rh4Sn13 system. All three systems are found to show weak Raman modes below 240 cm−1. High‐pressure (HP) resistivity measurements up to 3.2‐GPa on Sr3Rh4Sn13 system reveal that the T* anomaly decreases almost linearly with pressure whereas the superconducting Tc almost linearly increases. HP structural investigations on Sr3Rh4Sn13 compound reveal that the structure remains in the cubic Pmn phase in 0–10 GPa range, following well a second‐order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state. The results provide interesting similarities and differences in the chemical and physical pressure effects on the quasi‐skutterudite X3Rh4Sn13 (x =  Sr, Ca, and La) system.
Event‐triggered consensus Kalman filtering for time‐varying networks and intermittent observations
Authors: Priel Aviv , Zelazo Daniel
Published: May 2023

This work introduces an improved design approach for distributed event‐triggering consensus Kalman filtering (DETCKF). We consider a network of sensors that are able to observe a linear discrete‐time stochastic process with known dynamics. The sensors cooperate through information exchange over a possibly time‐varying communication network to obtain an estimate of the process state. We propose event‐triggering conditions and consensus gains for which the error dynamics of the filter are stable. Both are derived from a Lyapunov‐based stability analysis. We also propose an event‐triggering scheme for scenarios in which some of the agents have intermittent observability of the process—that is, they are not able to measure the process dynamics. Under mild conditions on the sensing architecture, we show that even in this case it is possible to design a stable event‐triggered estimate of the process state. We validate our results with numerical simulations and compare with other solutions in the literature.
Finite‐time stochastic dissipative output tracking control of semi‐Markov jump systems via an adaptive event‐triggered mechanism
Authors: Shi Ting , Shi Peng , Wu Zheng‐Guang
Published: May 2023

This work focuses on the output tracking control for a class of continuous‐time semi‐Markov jump systems (SMJSs). In the controller design, not only the finite‐time stochastic boundedness (FTSB), but also the dissipative performance over a finite‐time interval is considered. In order to save communication resources, a version of adaptive event‐triggered mechanism (AETM) is utilized. Different from the traditional static event‐triggered mechanism, the threshold coefficient in AETM is time‐varying and can be adjusted in real‐time to fit the system evolution. Moreover, the asynchronous switching between the controller modes and the plant modes is taken into account. The design objective is to synthesis an adaptive event‐triggered asynchronous state‐feedback controller such that not only the augmented closed‐loop system is FTSB with a certain level of dissipative performance, but also the communication burden can be reduced to some extent. It is the first attempt to investigate the output tracking control of SMJSs over a finite‐time interval. By constructing a plant model‐dependent Lyapunov function, a set of conditions is derived for the FTSB analysis, based on which a controller design algorithm is presented. Finally, an illustrative example is given to verify the availability of the theoretical findings.
Uncovering circadian rhythms in metabolic longitudinal data: A Bayesian latent class modeling approach
Authors: Kim Sungduk , Caporaso Neil E. , Gu Fangyi , Klerman Elizabeth B. , Albert Paul S.
Published: May 2023

Researchers in biology and medicine have increasingly focused on characterizing circadian rhythms and their potential impact on disease. Understanding circadian variation in metabolomics, the study of chemical processes involving metabolites may provide insight into important aspects of biological mechanism. Of scientific importance is developing a statistical rigorous approach for characterizing different types of 24‐hour patterns among high dimensional longitudinal metabolites. We develop a latent class approach to incorporate variation in 24‐hour patterns across metabolites where profiles are modeled with finite mixtures of distinct shape‐invariant circadian curves that themselves incorporate variation in amplitude and phase across metabolites. An efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling is used to carry out Bayesian posterior computation. When the model was fit separately by individual to the data from a small group of participants, two distinct 24‐hour rhythms were identified, with one being sinusoidal and the other being more complex with multiple peaks. Interestingly, the latent pattern associated with circadian variation (simple sinusoidal curve) had a similar phase across the three participants, while the more complex latent pattern reflecting diurnal variation differed across individual. The results suggested that this modeling framework can be used to separate 24‐hour rhythms into an endogenous circadian and one or more exogenous diurnal patterns in describing human metabolism.
Suicidal Behaviour in Psychodermatology Patients: Identifying Characteristics and a New Model for Referral
Authors: Lockwood Katie , Smith Kirsty , Taylor Ruth , Ahmed Alia
Published: May 2023

It is well known that skin disease is associated with significant psychosocial morbidity, and that patients with skin disease can present with higher rates of suicidality than the general population. Clinicians often report numerous barriers to detecting and managing suicidality in busy outpatient settings. We aimed to establish the degree of suicidality within our psychodermatology patients and establish key characteristics that may serve as additional risk factors for suicidality. We conducted a retrospective review of clinical letters, patient notes, and a clinical database, for all 69 patients that attended our psychodermatology clinic since it was founded. Two practitioners independently recorded patient baseline demographics, presenting dermatological condition, comorbidities, Dermatology Life Quality Index scores and self-reported suicidal behaviour for each patient. From this we calculated how many patients displayed signs of active suicidality, and identified common themes and characteristics within this patient group. We went onto develop a flow diagram to guide professionals when faced with an actively suicidal patient in clinic.
Thin Film Composite Membranes as a New Category of Alkaline Water Electrolysis Membranes
Authors: Choi Juyeon , Kim Hansoo , Jeon Sungkwon , Shin Min Gyu , Seo Jin Young , Park You‐In , Park Hosik , Lee Albert S. , Lee Changsoo , Kim MinJoong , Cho Hyun‐Seok , Lee Jung‐Hyun
Published: May 2023

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) is considered a promising technology for green hydrogen (H2) production. Conventional diaphragm‐type porous membranes have a high risk of explosion owing to their high gas crossover, while nonporous anion exchange membranes lack mechanical and thermochemical stability, limiting their practical application. Herein, a thin film composite (TFC) membrane is proposed as a new category of AWE membranes. The TFC membrane consists of an ultrathin quaternary ammonium (QA) selective layer formed via Menshutkin reaction‐based interfacial polymerization on a porous polyethylene (PE) support. The dense, alkaline‐stable, and highly anion‐conductive QA layer prevents gas crossover while promoting anion transport. The PE support reinforces the mechanical and thermochemical properties, while its highly porous and thin structure reduces mass transport resistance across the TFC membrane. Consequently, the TFC membrane exhibits unprecedentedly high AWE performance (1.16 A cm−2 at 1.8 V) using nonprecious group metal electrodes with a potassium hydroxide (25 wt%) aqueous solution at 80 °C, significantly outperforming commercial and other lab‐made AWE membranes. Moreover, the TFC membrane demonstrates remarkably low gas crossover, long‐term stability, and stack cell operability, thereby ensuring its commercial viability for green H2 production. This strategy provides an advanced material platform for energy and environmental applications.
In Situ Construction Channels of Lithium‐Ion Fast Transport and Uniform Deposition to Ensure Safe High‐Performance Solid Batteries
Authors: Zhao Yangmingyue , Li Libo , Shan Yuhang , Zhou Da , Chen Xiaochuan , Cui Wenjun , Wang Heng
Published: May 2023

Solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (SLIBs) are the promising development direction for future power sources because of their high energy density and reliable safety. To optimize the ionic conductivity at room temperature (RT) and charge/discharge performance to obtain reusable polymer electrolytes (PEs), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoro propylene) (P(VDF‐HFP)) copolymer combined with polymerized methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomers are used as substrates to prepare PE (LiTFSI/OMMT/PVDF/P(VDF‐HFP)/PMMA [LOPPM]). LOPPM has interconnected lithium‐ion 3D network channels. The organic‐modified montmorillonite (OMMT) is rich in the Lewis acid centers, which promoted lithium salt dissociation. LOPPM PE possessed high ionic conductivity of 1.1 × 10−3 S cm−1 and a lithium‐ion transference number of 0.54. The capacity retention of the battery remained 100% after 100 cycles at RT and 0.5 C. The initial capacity of one with the second‐recycled LOPPM PE is 123.9 mAh g−1. This work offered a feasible pathway for developing high‐performance and reusable LIBs.
Highly N‐Doped Fe/Co Phosphide Superstructures for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Liu Zhicheng , Zhang Tian , Lin Yan , Jia Hongrui , Wang Yaqun , Wang Yiyan , Zhang Guoxin
Published: May 2023

Developing an inexpensive bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting is critical for acquiring scalable green hydrogen and thereby realizing carbon neutralization. Herein, an “all‐in‐one” method is developed for the fabrication of highly N‐doped binary FeCo‐phosphides (N‐FeCoP) with hierarchical superstructure, this delicately designed synthesis route allows the following merits for benefiting water splitting electrocatalysis in alkaline, including high N/defect‐doping for mediating the surface property of the as‐made N‐FeCoP, binary Fe and Co components exhibiting strong coupling interaction, and 3D hierarchical superstructure for shortening diffusion length and thereby improving reaction kinetics. Electrochemical measurements reveal that the N‐FeCoP sample exhibits very low overpotentials for initiating the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Remarkably, overall water splitting can be promoted on N‐FeCoP using a commercial primary Zn‐MnO2 battery. The developed synthesis strategy may potentially inspire the preparation of other N‐doped metal‐based nanostructures for broad electrocatalysis.
Controlled Synthesis of MOF‐Derived Nano–Microstructure toward Lightweight and Wideband Microwave Absorption
Authors: Liu Yijie , He Xiaoxuan , Wang Yucheng , Cheng Zhenyu , Yao Zhengjun , Zhou Jintang , Zuo Yuxin , Chen Rongxin , Lei Yiming , Tan Ruiyang , Chen Ping
Published: May 2023

Correlating metal–organic framework (MOF) synthesis processes and microwave absorption (MA) enhancement mechanisms is a pioneer project. Nevertheless, the correlation process still relies mainly on empirical doctrine, which hardly corresponds to the specific mechanism of the effect on the dielectric properties. Hereby, after the strategy of modulation of protonation engineering and solvothermal temperature in the synthesis route, the obtained sheet‐like self‐assembled nanoflowers were constructed. Porous structures with multiple heterointerfaces, abundant defects, and vacancies are obtained by controlled design of the synthesis procedure. The rearrangement of charges and enhanced polarization can be promoted. The designed electromagnetic properties and special nano–microstructures of functional materials have significant impact on their electromagnetic wave energy conversion effects. As a consequence, the MA performance of the samples has been enhanced toward broadband absorption (6.07 GHz), low thickness (2.0 mm), low filling (20%), and efficient loss (−25 dB), as well as being suitable for practical environmental applications. This work establishes the connection between the MOF‐derived materials synthesis process and the MA enhancement mechanism, which provides insight into various microscopic microwave loss mechanisms.
Electrochemical Production of Glycolate Fuelled By Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastics with Improved Techno‐Economics
Authors: Du Mengmeng , Zhang Yu , Kang Sailei , Xu Chao , Ma Yingxin , Cai Lejuan , Zhu Ye , Chai Yang , Qiu Bocheng
Published: May 2023

Electrochemical valorization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste streams into commodity chemicals offers a potentially sustainable route for creating a circular plastic economy. However, PET wastes upcycling into valuable C2 product remains a huge challenge by the lack of an electrocatalyst that can steer the oxidation economically and selectively. Here, it is reported a catalyst comprising Pt nanoparticles hybridized with γ‐NiOOH nanosheets supported on Ni foam (Pt/γ‐NiOOH/NF) that favors electrochemical transformation of real‐word PET hydrolysate into glycolate with high Faradaic efficiency (> 90%) and selectivity (> 90%) across wide reactant (ethylene glycol, EG) concentration ranges under a marginal applied voltage of 0.55 V, which can be paired with cathodic hydrogen production. Computational studies combined with experimental characterizations elucidate that the Pt/γ‐NiOOH interface with substantial charge accumulation gives rise to an optimized adsorption energy of EG and a decreased energy barrier of potential determining step. A techno‐economic analysis demonstrates that, with the nearly same amount of resource investment, the electroreforming strategy towards glycolate production can raise revenue by up to 2.2 times relative to conventional chemical process. This work may thus serve as a framework for PET wastes valorization process with net‐zero carbon footprint and high economic viability.
Development of High Efficiency, Spray‐Coated Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules Using Additive‐Engineered Porous PbI2 Films
Authors: Tyagi Barkha , Kumar Neetesh , Lee Hock Beng , Ovhal Manoj Mayaji , Satale Vinayak Vitthal , Mohamed Asmaa , Kim Do‐Hyung , Kang Jae‐Wook
Published: May 2023

The development of anti‐solvent free, scalable, and printable perovskite film is crucial to realizing the low‐cost roll‐to‐roll development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, large‐area perovskite film fabrication is explored using a spray‐assisted sequential deposition technique. How propylene carbonate (PC) solvent additive affects the transformation of lead halide (PbI2) into perovskite at room temperature is investigated. The result shows that PC‐modified perovskite films exhibit a uniform, pinhole‐free morphology with oriented grains compared with pristine perovskite films. The PC‐modified perovskite film also has a prolonged fluorescence lifetime that indicates lower carrier recombination. The champion PSC devices based on PC‐modified perovskite film realize a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.5% and 19.3% at an active area (A) of 0.09 cm2 and 1 cm2, respectively. The fabricated PSCs are stable and demonstrate ≥85% PCE retention following 60 days of exposure to ambient conditions. Furthermore, perovskite solar modules (A ≈ 13 cm2) that yield a PCE of 15.8% are fabricated. These results are among the best reported for the state‐of‐art spray‐coated PSCs. Spray deposition coupled with a PC additive is highly promising for economical and high‐output preparation of PSCs.
Simultaneous Profiling of Palmitoylomics and Glycomics with Photo/pH Dual‐Responsive Magnetic Nanocomposites
Authors: Zheng Haijiao , Wang Zirui , Jia Qiong
Published: May 2023

Following an in‐depth examination of a single type of protein posttranslational modification, the synergistic analysis of two or more modification types has gradually emerged as a focal point in proteomic research. Palmitoylation and glycosylation are both critical for protein, implicated in carcinogenesis and inflammation. In this study, novel dual‐responsive magnetic nanocomposites that serve as an ideal platform for the sequential or simultaneous enrichment of palmitoyl and glycopeptides are reported. The nanocomposites denoted as magDVS‐VBA are constructed by modifying magnetic nanoparticles with azobenzene and divinyl sulfone (DVS), and self‐assembled with 4‐vinylbenzeneboronic acid (VBA)‐immobilized β‐cyclodextrin, which responds to light. The incorporated DVS component possesses the ability to recognize palmitoyl or glycopeptides under different pH conditions, whereas the introduction of VBA enhances the affinity of the nanocomposite for glycopeptides. Notably, magDVS‐VBA exhibits flexible photo‐, pH‐, and magnetic‐responsive capabilities, enabling the simultaneous recognition of hydrophobic palmitoyl peptides and hydrophilic glycopeptides for the first time. The developed platform demonstrates high specificity for sensitive palmitoylomics and glycomics analysis of mouse liver tissue, providing an effective method for studying of their crosstalk, and potential implications in clinical applications.
Investigations of Carrier Transport Mechanisms in Perovskite Solar Cells with Different Types of ZnO Layer
Authors: Puliparambil Thilakan Anusha , Hsu Wei-Hsuan , Yang You-Wei , Wang Ying-Ting , Yabushita Atshushi , Luo Chih-Wei , Chen Mei-Hsin
Published: May 2023

The interfacial mechanisms of carrier transport in perovskite solar cells with different types of zinc oxide (hydrothermal solution method (ZnOHT) and sol–gel method (ZnOSG)) are investigated. Power conversion efficiencies of the devices with ZnOHT and ZnOSG layers are 18.66% and 13.39%, respectively, which are significantly varied by the rates of photoelectron injection and electron–hole recombination. The space‐charge‐limited current and electrochemical impedance measurements both show that the device utilizing ZnOHT layer exhibits fewer internal defects compared to that with ZnOSG layer. Via transient absorption spectroscopy, faster injection of photoelectrons from the active layer to the transport layer occurs at ≈3.8 ps in the devices with ZnOHT layer, which is half of the value observed in devices with ZnOSG layer and benefits the device performance. Moreover, a faster electron–hole recombination in devices with ZnOSG degrades device performance due to the trap states in high‐defect‐density devices. Both device performances stably maintain a level higher than 98% of the initial value after over 600 h without encapsulation in glove box. Finally, the structural and electronic properties of charge transport layer can be controlled by the methods of preparation and ZnOHT shows great promise in enhancing perovskite solar cell efficiency with relatively low‐temperature process.
Multiphase Microstructure Optimization to Enhance the Mechanical Properties of AISI M35 High‐Speed Steel
Authors: Xu Guili , Huang Peng , Wei Zhenxiong , Feng Zhanhao , Zu Guoyin
Published: May 2023

It is crucial to conduct in‐depth research on the cryogenic‐treatment mechanism to promote the standardization and industrialization of cryogenic treatment in the high‐speed steel (HSS) industry. In this study, the microstructure and mechanical properties (microhardness and impact toughness) of AISI M35 HSS after deep‐cryogenic treatment (DCT) and conventional heat treatment (CHT) are investigated, and the microstructural characteristics at different stages of CHT and cryogenic treatment are studied. It is indicated in the results that DCT of the steel leads to the formation of fresh martensite from residual austenite, as well as the introduction of more dislocations due to plastic deformation. In addition, the deep‐cryogenic‐treated specimen that is tempered shows increased numbers of martensite blocks and secondary carbide precipitation. The carbides in the steel are mainly V‐rich (MC), W–Mo‐rich (M6C), and Cr‐rich (M23C6). The hardness of the deep‐cryogenic‐treated samples increases by approximately 50 HV1 because of the transformation of residual austenite and dislocation strengthening. Furthermore, specimens that are both deep‐cryogenic treated and tempered exhibit a 30% increase in impact toughness and a more uniform distribution in hardness, likely due to the more homogeneous precipitation of secondary carbides and refinement of martensite.
Adversarial example‐based test case generation for black‐box speech recognition systems
Authors: Cai Hanbo , Zhang Pengcheng , Dong Hai , Grunske Lars , Ji Shunhui , Yuan Tianhao
Published: May 2023

Test case generation techniques based on adversarial examples are commonly used to enhance the reliability and robustness of image‐based and text‐based machine learning applications. However, efficient techniques for speech recognition systems are still absent. This paper proposes a family of methods that generate targeted adversarial examples for speech recognition systems. All are based on thefirefly algorithm (F), and are enhanced withgaussmutations and / orgradientestimation (F‐GM, F‐GE, F‐GMGE) to fit the specific problem of targeted adversarial test case generation. We conduct an experimental evaluation on three different types of speech datasets, includingGoogle Command,Common VoiceandLibriSpeech. In addition, we recruit volunteers to evaluate the performance of the adversarial examples. The experimental results show that, compared with existing approaches, these approaches can effectively improve the success rate of the targeted adversarial example generation. The code is publicly available athttps://github.com/HanboCai/FGMGE.
New Chemical Transformations Involving SO2F2‐Mediated Alcohol Activation
Authors: Audet Florian , Donnard Morgan , Panossian Armen , Bernier David , Pazenok Sergii , Leroux Frédéric R.
Published: May 2023

Sulfuryl fluoride is a gas produced on a multi‐ton scale for its use as a fumigant. In the last decades, it has gained interest in organic synthesis as a reagent with unique properties in terms of stability and reactivity when compared to other sulfur‐based reagents. Sulfuryl fluoride has not only been used for sulfur‐fluoride exchange (SuFEx) chemistry but also encountered applications in classic organic synthesis as an efficient activator of both alcohols and phenols, forming a triflate surrogate, namely a fluorosulfonate. A long‐standing industrial collaboration in our research group drove our work on the sulfuryl fluoride‐mediated transformations that will be highlighted below. We will first describe recent works on metal‐catalyzed transformations from aryl fluorosulfonates while emphasizing the one‐pot processes from phenol derivatives. In a second section, nucleophilic substitution reactions on polyfluoroalkyl alcohols will be discussed and the value of polyfluoroalkyl fluorosulfonates in comparison to alternative triflate and halide reagents will be brought to light.
Platinum determination by membrane complexation and energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence analysis—A preliminary study
Authors: Vlamaki Georgia P. , Kallithrakas‐Kontos Nikolaos G. , Queralt Ignasi , Hidalgo Manuela
Published: May 2023

Platinum belongs to the technological metal group of platinum group metals, but it is finding more and more applications these days, especially in automotive catalytic converters and medicine. At the same time, the existing data on its potential toxicity both to humans and to the environment are currently rather limited, and there is also a need to increase the alternative possibilities of its chemical analysis. In this work, an attempt is made for the first time to determine platinum in aqueous samples with energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) at low concentrations. For this reason, selective complexing membranes were used that were produced in the context of the present research, after first testing many possible complexing agents. These membranes were fixed on the surface of thin films, immersed in the aqueous samples containing platinum at low concentrations, and after a certain period was collected and analyzed by EDXRF. In addition, other relevant factors such as the distribution of platinum on the membrane surface, the aging of the membrane, the effect of adding salts of various concentrations to the analyzed solution on the improvement of the achieved x‐ray yields, the pH, the optimal solution volume and the necessary equilibration time were also investigated. By optimizing all relevant factors, a minimum detection limit of 4 μg/L was achieved.
Specific three-loop contributions to b → sγ associated with the current-current operators
Authors: Greub Christoph , Asatrian Hrachia M. , Saturnino Francesco , Wiegand Christoph
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We work out a specific class of three-loop diagrams (of order $$ {\alpha}_s^2 $$

α
s
2

) contributing to the decay amplitude for b → sγ associated with the current-current operators O1 and O2 at the physical value of the charm-quark mass mc. For many of the considered diagrams we were able to solve the master integrals using differential equations in the canonical form. For some diagrams we did not find a transformation to canonical form and therefore calculated the corresponding master integrals directly as an expansion around $$ z={m}_c^2/{m}_b^2=0 $$
z
=

m
c
2

/

m
b
2

=
0
, retaining power terms up to z10 and keeping the accompanying log(z) terms to all powers. The results for the sum of all considered diagrams are given in tabular form, while contributions of individual diagrams (or combinations thereof) are given in electronic form.
The putative vacuolar processing enzyme gene TaVPE3cB is a candidate gene for wheat stem pith-thickness
Authors: Liu Qier , Zhao Yun , Rahman Shanjida , She Maoyun , Zhang Jingjuan , Yang Rongchang , Islam Shahidul , O’Hara Graham , Varshney Rajeev K. , Liu Hang , Ma Hongxiang , Ma Wujun
Published: May 2023

Key message

The vacuolar processing enzyme gene TaVPE3cB is identified as a candidate gene for a QTL of wheat pith-thickness on chromosome 3B by BSR-seq and differential expression analyses.

The high pith-thickness (PT) of the wheat stem could greatly enhance stem mechanical strength, especially the basal internodes which support the heavier upper part, such as upper stems, leaves and spikes. A QTL for PT in wheat was previously discovered on 3BL in a double haploid population of ‘Westonia’ × ‘Kauz’. Here, a bulked segregant RNA-seq analysis was applied to identify candidate genes and develop associated SNP markers for PT. In this study, we aimed at screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and SNPs in the 3BL QTL interval. Sixteen DEGs were obtained based on BSR-seq and differential expression analyses. Twenty-four high-probability SNPs in eight genes were identified by comparing the allelic polymorphism in mRNA sequences between the high PT and low PT samples. Among them, six genes were confirmed to be associated with PT by qRT-PCR and sequencing. A putative vacuolar processing enzyme gene TaVPE3cB was screened out as a potential PT candidate gene in Australian wheat ‘Westonia’. A robust SNP marker associated with TaVPE3cB was developed, which can assist in the introgression of TaVPE3cB.b in wheat breeding programs. In addition, we also discussed the function of other DEGs which may be related to pith development and programmed cell death (PCD). A five-level hierarchical regulation mechanism of stem pith PCD in wheat was proposed.
Symmetry TFTs from String Theory
Authors: Apruzzi Fabio , Bonetti Federico , García Etxebarria Iñaki , Hosseini Saghar S. , Schäfer-Nameki Sakura
Published: May 2023

We determine the $$d+1$$

d
+
1

dimensional topological field theory, which encodes the higher-form symmetries and their ’t Hooft anomalies for d-dimensional QFTs obtained by compactifying M-theory on a non-compact space X. The resulting theory, which we call the Symmetry TFT, or SymTFT for short, is derived by reducing the topological sector of 11d supergravity on the boundary $$\partial X$$

∂
X

of the space X. Central to this endeavour is a reformulation of supergravity in terms of differential cohomology, which allows the inclusion of torsion in cohomology of the space $$\partial X$$

∂
X

, which in turn gives rise to the background fields for discrete (in particular higher-form) symmetries. We apply this framework to 7d super-Yang Mills, where $$X= \mathbb {C}^2/\Gamma _{ADE}$$

X
=

C

2

/

Γ

ADE

, as well as the Sasaki–Einstein links of Calabi–Yau three-fold cones that give rise to 5d superconformal field theories. This M-theory analysis is complemented with a IIB 5-brane web approach, where we derive the SymTFTs from the asymptotics of the 5-brane webs. Our methods apply to both Lagrangian and non-Lagrangian theories, and allow for many generalisations.
Prozessierungsmethoden von Biomaterialien
Authors: Grefen Linda , Thierfelder Nikolaus , Radner Caroline , Büch Joscha , Hagl Christian , Grab Maximilian
Published: May 2023

Hintergrund

Perikard wird vielfältig als Biomaterial eingesetzt, insbesondere in der Herzchirurgie. Im Falle von xenogenem Gewebe sind Methoden zur Prozessierung für die klinische Anwendung unabdingbar. In dieser Arbeit wurden verschiedene Methoden zur Aufbereitung entwickelt, angewandt und systematisch verglichen.

Material und Methoden

Natives Rinderperikard wurde durch Glutaraldehyd (GA) fixiert oder dezellularisiert. Nach der Dezellularisierung erfolgte entweder eine Sterilisation (DEZ), oder es wurde eine Fixierung mit GA durchgeführt (DEZ-GA). Die Proben wurden hinsichtlich ihrer Struktur, Biomechanik und ihres DNA-Gehalts analysiert. Ebenso erfolgten die Evaluation des entwickelten Sterilisationsprotokolls sowie die Testung der Biokompatibilität durch statische und dynamische Besiedelung mit humanen Endothelzellen. Als Vergleichsgruppe standen industriell dezellularisierte und sterilisierte Rinder- (RPi) und Pferde-Perikard-Patchs (PPi) zur Verfügung.

Ergebnisse

Durch die Fixierung mit Glutaraldehyd konnten strukturelle Gewebeschäden und Zytotoxizität festgestellt werden. Die Proben zeigten keine zuverlässige Sterilität. Dahingegen waren DEZ-Proben nach der Dezellularisierung steril und wiesen eine signifikante Reduzierung des DNA-Gehalts auf. Proben der Gruppen RPi und PPi wiesen ebenfalls Sterilität auf; der DNA-Gehalt der RPi-Proben war im Vergleich aber höher. Die Biokompatibilität aller dezellularisierter Proben konnte durch Zelladhäsion von Endothelzellen bestätigt werden und wurde durch dynamische Konditionierung weiter optimiert.

Schlussfolgerung

Dezellularisierung zeigte sich als zu bevorzugendes Verfahren zur Prozessierung von Biomaterialien. Die Flusskonditionierung von Endothelzellen stellt eine gute Möglichkeit der Reendothelialisierung für Patchs dar. Im Allgemeinen ergab sich die Notwendigkeit eines standardisierten Protokolls zur Vorauswahl des tierischen Gewebes, das vor Prozessierungsmethoden angewandt wird.
The influence of selected microRNAs on the expression profile of genes and proteins related to the tumor necrosis factor-alpha signaling pathways in endometrioid endometrial cancer
Authors: Zmarzły Nikola , Januszyk Szymon , Mieszczański Paweł , Czarniecka Justyna , Bednarska-Czerwińska Anna , Boroń Dariusz , Oplawski Marcin , Grabarek Beniamin Oskar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Tumor necrosis factor exerts many adverse biological effects, from cell proliferation to cell death. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are therefore difficult due to many factors influencing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) signaling, including microRNAs (miRNAs), especially in tumors. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of miRNAs on the expression profile of genes and proteins related to TNF-α signaling in endometrial cancer.

Methods

The material consisted of 45 endometrioid endometrial cancer and 45 normal endometrium tissue samples. Gene expression was determined with microarrays and then validated for TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and 2 (TNFR2), caveolin 1 (CAV1), nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (NFKB1), and TGF-beta activated kinase 1 (MAP3K7)-binding protein 2 (TAB2) using real-time quantitative reverse transcription reaction (RT-qPCR). The protein concentration was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, differentiating miRNAs were identified using miRNA microarrays and their relationships with TNF-α signaling genes were evaluated using the mirDIP tool.

Results

TNF-α, TNFR1, TNFR2, CAV1, NFKB1, and TAB2 were upregulated both on the mRNA and protein levels. The decrease in the activity of miR-1207-5p, miR-1910-3p, and miR-940 may be related to CAV1 overexpression. Similarly for miR-572 and NFKB1 as well as miR-939-5p and TNF-α. In turn, miR-3178 may partially inhibit TNFR1 activity up to grade 2 cancer.

Conclusion

TNF-α signaling, especially the TNF-α/NF-κB axis, is disrupted in endometrial cancer and worsens with disease progression. The observed changes may be the result of miRNAs’ activity in the initial stage of endometrial cancer and its gradual loss in later grades.
A critical review of anisakidosis cases occurring globally
Authors: Shamsi Shokoofeh , Barton Diane P.
Published: May 2023

A review was conducted to identify the most common causative agents of anisakidosis, the methods used for identification of the causative agents, and to summarize the sources of infection, and patients’ demographics. A total of 762 cases (409 articles, inclusive of all languages) were found between 1965 and 2022. The age range was 7 months to 85 years old. Out of the 34 countries, Japan, Spain, and South Korea stood out with the highest number of published human cases of anisakidosis, respectively. This raises the question: Why are there few to no reports of anisakidosis cases in other countries, such as Indonesia and Vietnam, where seafood consumption is notably high? Other than the gastrointestinal tract, parasites were frequently found in internal organs such as liver, spleen, pancreas, lung, hiatal and epigastric hernia, and tonsils. There are also reports of the worm being excreted through the nose, rectum, and mouth. Symptoms included sore throat, tumor, bleeding, gastric/epigastric/abdominal/substernal/lower back/testicular pain, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal obstruction, intussusception, blood in feces, hematochezia, anemia, and respiratory arrest. These appeared either immediately or up to 2 months after consuming raw/undercooked seafood and lasting up to 10 years. Anisakidosis commonly mimicked symptoms of cancer, pancreatitis, type I/II Kounis syndrome, intussusception, Crohn’s disease, ovarian cysts, intestinal endometriosis, epigastralgia, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hernia, intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, and appendicitis. In these cases, it was only after surgery that it was found these symptoms/conditions were caused by anisakids. A range of not only mainly marine but also freshwater fish/shellfish were reported as source of infection. There were several reports of infection with >1 nematode (up to >200), more than one species of anisakids in the same patient, and the presence of L4/adult nematodes. The severity of symptoms did not relate to the number of parasites. The number of anisakidosis cases is grossly underestimated globally. Using erroneous taxonomic terms, assumptions, and identifying the parasite as Anisakis (based solely on the Y-shaped lateral cord in crossed section of the parasite) are still common. The Y-shaped lateral cord is not unique to Anisakis spp. Acquiring a history of ingesting raw/undercooked fish/seafood can be a clue to the diagnosis of the condition. This review emphasizes the following key points: insufficient awareness of fish parasites among medical professionals, seafood handlers, and policy makers; limited availability of effective diagnostic methodologies; and inadequate clinical information for optimizing the management of anisakidosis in numerous regions worldwide.
Neogene and Quaternary dikes and related joints as conduits for recent juvenile degassing: case studies from the seismically active region of NW-Bohemia, Czech Republic
Authors: Heinicke J. , Woith H. , Alexandrakis-Zieger C. , Buske S. , Käppler R. , Krentz O. , Menzel P.
Published: May 2023

The contemporary occurrence of juvenile gas emissions at springs or mofettes in active volcanic areas can be observed worldwide. This correlation is less frequent in areas with dormant or post-volcanic activity. The NW-Bohemia/Vogtland region located at the Eger rift zone (Czech Republic) provides an intriguing example of this correlation between numerous Neogene-aged post-volcanism locations and juvenile fluid emission sites. Newly discovered dikes and diatremes are located close to vents with the highest helium isotope ratios (3He/4He) of about 6 Ra. Our results lend support to the hypothesis that feeder dikes and their fractured wall rocks should be considered the predominant conduits for the continuous upwelling of juvenile fluids. Moreover, 77% of the CO2 gas emission sites are located close to dikes or diatremes, i.e., within a distance of 4 km. Our studies reveal a spatial dependence of the Ra values at the spring sites with the estimated distances to the basaltic bodies. The results confirm the negative trend known from the literature. That is, Ra values decrease with increasing distance from the feeder dikes.
Does the fundamental host range of Trissolcus japonicus match its realized host range in Europe?
Authors: Haye Tim , Moraglio Silvia T. , Tortorici Francesco , Marazzi Cristina , Gariepy Tara D. , Tavella Luciana
Published: May 2023

Unintentional introduction of natural enemies has increased in recent years due to a massive rise in global trade and tourism. One such natural enemy is the Asian egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus, a promising agent for classical biological control of Halyomorpha halys. In Europe, adventive T. japonicus populations have been detected in Switzerland, Italy and Germany. Host specificity testing demonstrated that its fundamental host range is fairly broad; however, it is unclear whether spatial or temporal refuges reduce parasitism of non-target species in the field. To address this, the realized host range of T. japonicus was assessed over three years by exposing sentinel egg masses of H. halys and 18 non-target species and collecting naturally laid egg masses in Switzerland and Italy. In total, 15 of 18 non-target species were successfully parasitized by T. japonicus in the field, confirming its broad fundamental host range. However, most non-target species were less parasitized by T. japonicus than H. halys, profiting from either partial temporal or spatial refuges from parasitism. Species with an unusual life cycle and the same ecological niche as H. halys, such as Pentatoma rufipes, which was the most parasitized non-target species in both countries, potentially face an increased risk of parasitism. In contrast, beneficial non-target effects may occur for the invasive pest, Nezara viridula, which suffered high non-reproductive mortality induced by T. japonicus. In both cases, life table studies will be needed to determine the impact of non-target parasitism and the potential consequences at the population level.
An assessment of vegetation mapping scale for reserve management: does scale of assessment dominate assessment outcomes?
Authors: Tierney D. A.
Published: May 2023

Scale is a critical factor in biodiversity assessments; assessments at inappropriate scales can compromise assessments and drive poor management outcomes. A key dataset for many conservation reserves is a map of vegetation patterns. However, the appropriateness, scale and accuracy of mapped vegetation values is rarely assessed. This study assessed vegetation mapping undertaken at differing scales using two common competing methods. The aim was to assess map utility for management planning within an important conservation reserve (Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area—MSCA) integral to the globally significant Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area in eastern Australia. Mapping typical of a common modelling approach failed to detect six of 21 vegetation types within MSCA. These vegetation types are part of four rare and/or endangered ecosystems. Overall accuracy (66%) was lower than sub-regional scale mapping based on air photo interpretation (77%) backed by higher levels of field data and local knowledge. Thus higher levels of spatial attribution applied to the modelling was not associated with increased map accuracy, although accuracy varied largely among vegetation types. The modelled map product has a consistent methodology across the state of New South Wales and provides important context for sub-regional mapping, but proved inappropriate for reserve management planning.
Air pollution in Iran: The current status and potential solutions
Authors: Taghizadeh Farzaneh , Mokhtarani Babak , Rahmanian Nejat
Published: May 2023

Air pollution has been integrated into global challenges over the last few years due to its negative impact on the health of human beings, increasing socio-economic risks, and its contribution to climate change. This study attempts to evaluate the current status of Iran’s air pollution with regard to the sources of emissions, control policies, and the health and climate consequences that have resulted through available data from monitoring stations reported in the literature, official documents, and previously published papers. Many large cities in Iran surpass the permissible concentration of air pollutants, particularly particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, black carbon, and ozone. Although regulations and policies are in place and enormous efforts are being made to address air pollution issues in the country, implementation and enforcement are not as effective as they could be. The significant challenges may be regarded as the inefficiency of regulation and supervision systems, the lack of air quality monitoring systems and technology, particularly in industrial cities rather than Tehran, and the lack of continual feedback and investigations on the efficiency of regulation. Providing such an up-to-date report can bring opportunities for international collaboration, which is essential in addressing air pollution worldwide. We suggest that a way forward could be more focused on conducting systematic reviews using scientometric methods to show an accurate picture and trend in air pollution and its association in Iran, implementing an integrated approach for both climate change and air pollution issues, collaborating with international counterparts to share knowledge, tools, and techniques.