bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Norwegian National Patient Registry data to understand associations between potentially traumatic life experiences and mental health care use in adolescence
Authors: Skandsen Annika , Hysing Mari , Askeland Kristin Gärtner , Teicher Martin H. , Sand Liv , Bøe Tormod
Published: November 2023

Exposure to potentially traumatic experiences (PTEs) is common among children and adolescents and associated with an increased risk of psychiatric diagnoses. This study aimed to ascertain how the number of PTEs differed across adolescent psychiatric diagnoses. Data on PTE exposure were derived from the youth@hordaland survey, and Axis 1 data were from the linked Norwegian National Patient Registry (NPR). Among 10,257 total adolescents, 9,555 (age range: 16–19 years, 53.9% female) consented to register linkage, 8,845 of whom were included in the analyses. Having contact with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) predicted more PTEs (estimated marginal mean [EMM] = 1.04, SE = 0.05) and exposure to two or more PTEs compared to having no CAMHS contact (EMM = 0.60) after adjusting for age, ethnicity, sex, and parental education. Adolescents diagnosed with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, trauma‐related disorders, conduct disorder, and anxiety experienced significantly more PTEs (EMMs = 0.90–1.63) than those with no CAMHS contact (EMM = 0.57, SE = 0.01). All diagnostic categories except psychosis, autism spectrum disorders, and eating disorders had a significantly higher rate of PTEs compared with adolescents with no CAMHS contact. The study highlights the potential role of exposure to multiple PTEs as a transdiagnostic risk factor, although the level of risk varies between diagnoses.
Methods to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts involving common mesopredators: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Lazure Louis , Weladji Robert B.
Published: November 2023

Conflicts between humans and mesopredators are frequent and widespread. Over the last decades, conflicts have led to the development and application of different mitigation methods to diminish the costs and damage caused by such conflicts. We conducted a systematic literature search and meta‐analysis to assess the influence of different mitigation methods on 3 common nuisance species: raccoons (Procyon lotor), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis). A majority of the studies, from 1963‒2022, were conducted in North America, followed by Australia and Europe. The predation of wildlife species of conservation concern by nuisance species is the main reported source of conflict in the published literature. Lethal control is the most commonly tested method and is generally effective at reducing conflicts based on the calculated effect size. Barriers have mixed effects, with electric fences and nest exclosures both being effective, whereas conventional fences seem to be less effective. Repellents mimicking predators (e.g., guard animal, predator smell) are also effective. Conditioned taste aversion is a promising approach, but no precise product or chemical has proven to be effective. Many interventions suffered from a lack of validation through experimental approach. Research on human–mesopredator conflict mitigation would benefit from repeated studies using the same methods in similar contexts, thus reducing heterogeneity in the results, and by testing new and innovative methods.
Chip‐Based Microwave Photonic Payload Repeater for High Throughput Satellites
Authors: Liang Dong , Mohammad Ahmad W. , Roeloffzen Chris , Tan Qinggui , Li Li , Li Xiaojun , Shao Bin , Zhang Bo , Deng Xiangke , Zheng Feiteng , Wevers Lennart , Grootjans Robert , Kapteijn Paul , Timens Roelof Bernardus , Heuvink Rick , Musa Sami
Published: November 2023

High‐throughput satellite (HTS) is an ideal way to realize cross‐regional massive, multifaceted digital exchange services, and it requires a signal processing module that can be massively multiplexed and has high flexibility. Due to the limitations of the frequency characteristics, microwave integrated circuits are difficult to meet this requirement. One solution to this problem is photonic integrated circuits (PICs). However, full‐size PIC satellite payloads containing main optoelectronic components are extremely challenging to implement on monolithic or hybrid integrated platforms. Here, the study demonstrates a hybrid integrated on‐chip microwave‐photonic satellite repeater with large‐scale multiplexing potential and high flexibility. This is a demonstration of a hybrid integration of a InP/Si3N4 external cavity laser, arrayed InP modulators, and semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs), as well as multifunctional Si3N4 signal processors, to fulfill a 1 × 4 Ka‐band repeater module with on‐chip arrayed frequency down‐conversion and outstanding narrowband photonic channelization. When combined with the full‐chip photonic RF repeater, broadband, highly integrated, and cost‐effective communications satellite payloads will become realizable more quickly in the near future.
Robust Super‐Resolution Image Transmission Based on a Ring Core Fiber with Orbital Angular Momentum
Authors: Wu Zheyu , Gao Ran , Zhou Sitong , Wang Fei , Li Zhipei , Chang Huan , Guo Dong , Xin Xiangjun , Zhang Qi , Tian Feng , Wu Qiang
Published: November 2023

Single‐fiber imaging technology offers unique insights for research and inspection in difficult‐to‐reach and narrow spaces. In particular, ultra‐compact multimode fiber (MMF) imaging, has received increasing interest over the past decade. However, MMF imaging will be seriously distorted when subjected to dynamic perturbations due to time‐varying mode coupling, and the imaging of space objects via Gaussian beam will be relatively degraded at the edge due to insufficient contrast. Here, a robust super‐resolution image transmission method based on a ring core fiber (RCF) with orbital angular momentum (OAM) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The OAM modes propagating in the RCF form a series of weakly coupled mode groups, making the imaging system robust to external perturbations. In addition, a spiral phase plate is used as a vortex filter to produce OAM for edge enhancement, thus improving the image resolution. Furthermore, a few‐shot U‐Transformer neural network is proposed to enhance the resilience of the developed RCF‐OAM imaging system against environmental perturbations. Finally, the developed RCF‐OAM imaging system achieves biological image transmission, demonstrating the practicality of the scheme. This pioneering RCF OAM image transmission system may have broad applications, potentially revolutionizing fields such as biological imaging and industrial non‐destructive testing.
Hot‐Electron Driven Ultrafast Optical Polarization Conversion with Graphene‐Loaded Metasurface
Authors: Xu Leijun , He Jiale , Tang Weiwei , Yang Chengsen , Han Li , Zhang Libo , Zhu He , Liu Shijie , Liu Changlong , Qiu Min , Li Guanhai , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: November 2023

The switching speed of light polarization plays a crucial role in determining the upper‐limit bandwidth of applications like optical communications and laser microscopy. However, conventional polarization elements based on macroscopic anisotropic crystals like birefringent crystals and chalcogenide glasses are either static or restricted by the low switching time of about hundreds of picoseconds. Here, a femtosecond‐scale all‐optical polarization controlling method is proposed through engineering the excited hot electrons in a graphene‐loaded metasurface. Remarkably, a giant polarization orientation from left‐handed polarization (LCP) to right‐handed polarization (RCP) in the Poincaré sphere (≈80° rotation) is realized within only 200 fs in the mid‐infrared. With pumping, the dedicated polarization‐sensitive design allows the metasurface to exhibit a consistent resonance blueshift as the transient increase of the hot‐electron temperature in graphene for y‐polarized incidence. This polarization conversion approach features a giant modulation range and enables the reflected light to be dynamically and arbitrarily modulated into RCP, LCP, and linear states at femtosecond timescale. A few logic operations “AND”, “OR”, “NAND”, and “XOR” based on this method are also demonstrated by monitoring the normalized Stokes parameters. It is believed that this work may find practical application in next‐generation signal‐processing systems with large capacity.
Preparation of Multifunctional Seaweed Polysaccharides Derivatives Composite Hydrogel to Protect Ultraviolet B‐Induced Photoaging In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Wu Yumeng , Geng Lihua , Zhang Jingjing , Wu Ning , Yang Yue , Zhang Quanbin , Duan Delin , Wang Jing
Published: November 2023

Seaweed polysaccharides can be used for protective skin photoaging which is caused by long‐term exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB). In this study, a multifunctional composite hydrogel (FACP5) is prepared using sulfated galactofucan polysaccharides, alginate oligosaccharides as active ingredients, and polyacrylonitrile modified κ‐Carrageenan as substrate. The properties of FACP5 show that it has good water retention, spreadability, and adhesion. The antiphotoaging activity is evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the components of FACP5 exhibit good biocompatibility, antioxidant, and anti‐tyrosinase activities, and could reduce the cell death rate induced by UVB. In vivo experiments demonstrate that, compared with the mice skin in model group, the skin water content treated with FACP5 increases by 29.80%; the thicknesses of epidermis and dermis decrease by 53.56% and 43.98%, respectively; the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase increase by 1.59 and 0.72 times, respectively; the contents of interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α decrease by 19.21% and 17.85%, respectively; hydroxyproline content increases by 32.42%; the expression level of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 downregulates by 42.80%. These results indicate that FACP5 has skin barrier repairing, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and inhibiting collagen degradation activies, FACP5 can be used as a skin protection remedy for photoaging.
YTHDF1 enhances stemness and chemoresistance in triple‐negative breast cancer cells by upregulating SIAH2
Authors: Wu Anhao , Wang Xi , Zhang Fang , Yang Xin , Quan Yuhang , Dong Junyu , Lai Yafang , Yang Dechun , Sun Jian , Wang Maohua
Published: November 2023

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal and aggressive subtype of breast cancer, and chemoresistance is the major determinant of TNBC treatment failure. This study explores the molecular mechanism of TNBC chemoresistance. The Cancer Genome Atlas, breast cancer integrative platform, and GEPIA databases were used to analyze the expression and correlation of YTHDF1 and seven in absentia homology 2 (SIAH2) in breast cancer. Knockdown of YTHDF1 and SIAH2, or overexpression of SIAH2 in vitro and in vivo, was conducted to evaluate the impact of changes in YTHDF1 and SIAH2 expression on TNBC cell proliferation, apoptosis, stemness, drug resistance, and Hippo pathway gene expression. YTHDF1 and SIAH2 were highly expressed in breast cancer patients and TNBC cells. Knockdown of YTHDF1 and SIAH2 significantly inhibited proliferation and stemness and promoted apoptosis and chemosensitivity of TNBC cells. Mechanistically, the knockdown of YTHDF1 inhibited the expression of SIAH2, thereby downregulating the Hippo pathway, which inhibited proliferation and stemness and promoted apoptosis and chemosensitivity of TNBC cells. The current findings revealed the regulatory mechanism of YTHDF1 in TNBC and clarified the role of the YTHDF1/SIAH2 axis in TNBC drug resistance and stemness. This could provide new insights into the vital role of targeting YTHDF1/SIAH2 to suppress drug resistance and stemness in TNBC cells.
Climate effects on the timing of Maryland Striped Bass spawning runs
Authors: Giuliano Angela
Published: November 2023

Objective

Chesapeake Bay water temperatures have increased through time, and under various climate change scenarios they are projected to increase by an additional 2–6°C by the end of the 21st century. Previous work has shown that water temperatures are the primary trigger for Striped Bass Morone saxatilis spawning.

Methods

Using spawning stock survey data (1985–2020) from the Potomac River and upper Chesapeake Bay and temperature data from an ichthyoplankton survey (sampled non-continuously between 1954 and 2021) in the Nanticoke and Choptank rivers, this study examined how water temperature milestones that are important for Striped Bass spawning have changed over time as well as how selectivity-corrected total female catch per unit effort has shifted with changes in water temperature and the age structure of the stock.

Result

Water temperatures observed in the spawning stock survey were lower in the 1980s and 1990s and have been higher since the 2000s. A significant change in timing of the start of spawning was not detected in the spawning stock survey data, but a significant change was found in the timing of the end of spawning, suggesting that the spawning season has shortened. In addition, the date on which the last prespawn female was observed on the spawning grounds has also occurred earlier in the year since the 2000s. Results from the long-term temperature data collected in the Choptank and Nanticoke rivers only showed a significant change through time for the start of spawning in the Nanticoke River.

Conclusion

While these changes could affect egg and larval Striped Bass survival either through either direct mortality due to water temperature or changes in the timing of zooplankton blooms, the effects of climate change could be mitigated by having a broad range of spawning ages to maximize the chances that larval Striped Bass matching with prey availability.
The pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets in sepsis
Authors: Zhang Wendan , Jiang Honghong , Wu Gaosong , Huang Pengli , Wang Haonan , An Huazhang , Liu Sanhong , Zhang Weidong
Published: November 2023

Sepsis is defined as “a life‐threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host systemic inflammatory and immune response to infection.” At present, sepsis continues to pose a grave healthcare concern worldwide. Despite the use of supportive measures in treating traditional sepsis, such as intravenous fluids, vasoactive substances, and oxygen plus antibiotics to eradicate harmful pathogens, there is an ongoing increase in both the morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis during clinical interventions. Therefore, it is urgent to design specific pharmacologic agents for the treatment of sepsis and convert them into a novel targeted treatment strategy. Herein, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms that may be involved in sepsis, such as the inflammatory response, immune dysfunction, complement deactivation, mitochondrial damage, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Additionally, we highlight important targets involved in sepsis‐related regulatory mechanisms, including GSDMD, HMGB1, STING, and SQSTM1, among others. We summarize the latest advancements in potential therapeutic drugs that specifically target these signaling pathways and paramount targets, covering both preclinical studies and clinical trials. In addition, this review provides a detailed description of the crosstalk and function between signaling pathways and vital targets, which provides more opportunities for the clinical development of new treatments for sepsis.
Efficacy of Hypnosis and Catalepsy Induction in Functional Neurological Disorders
Authors: Tibben Marleen Ieke , van Opdorp Amras , Bialek Wojtek , Schaap Judith , Tijssen Marina A.J. , Merkx Maarten J.M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) experience complex patterns of motor and/or sensory symptoms. Treatment studies of psychological interventions are promising but limited.

Objectives

The aim of the current pilot study is to investigate the effect of treatment consisting of a combination of hypnosis and catalepsy induction on FND symptom severity.

Methods

A within‐subject waiting list‐control design was used with 46 patients diagnosed with FND. The treatment consisted of 10 sessions. The primary outcome measure was FND symptom severity (The Psychogenic Movement Disorder Rating Scale; PMDRS). The secondary outcome measures were psychological distress and quality of life.

Results

The repeated measures (RM) ANOVA for the PMDRS as outcome measure revealed a significant effect for time with a large effect size (η2 = 0.679). Pairwise comparisons indicated that the effect of time in the treatment period was significant for the measure of FND symptom severity, whereas the waiting list period was not. The effect remained stable even at 8 weeks post treatment. As for the additional measurement, general psychological distress and quality of life, no statistically significant differences between individual time points were found.

Conclusions

This pilot study showed that eight sessions of treatment consisting of a combination of hypnosis and catalepsy induction was effective in reducing FND symptom severity. Some explanations and limitations are provided in the paper as well as several avenues of future research.
The new direction of drug development: Degradation of undruggable targets through targeting chimera technology
Authors: Liang Xuewu , Ren Hairu , Han Fengyang , Liang Renwen , Zhao Jiayan , Liu Hong
Published: November 2023

Imbalances in protein and noncoding RNA levels in vivo lead to the occurrence of many diseases. In addition to the use of small molecule inhibitors and agonists to restore these imbalances, recently emerged targeted degradation technologies provide a new direction for disease treatment. Targeted degradation technology directly degrades target proteins or RNA by utilizing the inherent degradation pathways, thereby eliminating the functions of pathogenic proteins (or RNA) to treat diseases. Compared with traditional therapies, targeted degradation technology which avoids the principle of traditional inhibitor occupation drive, has higher efficiency and selectivity, and widely expands the range of drug targets. It is one of the most promising and hottest areas for future drug development. Herein, we systematically introduced the in vivo degradation systems applied to degrader design: ubiquitin–proteasome system, lysosomal degradation system, and RNA degradation system. We summarized the development progress, structural characteristics, and limitations of novel chimeric design technologies based on different degradation systems. In addition, due to the lack of clear ligand‐binding pockets, about 80% of disease‐associated proteins cannot be effectively intervened with through traditional therapies. We deeply elucidated how to use targeted degradation technology to discover and design molecules for representative undruggable targets including transcription factors, small GTPases, and phosphatases. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of targeted degradation technology‐related research advances and a new guidance for the chimeric design of undruggable targets.
Stability of solutions of fractional neutral Levin‐Nohel integro‐differential equations
Authors: Ladjimi Meriem , Guezane Lakoud Assia
Published: November 2023

The Levin‐Nohel integro‐differential equation is one of the famous equations in various fields of science and engineering. It was first studied by Volterra in connection with biological applications. This paper deals with the nonlinear neutral Levin‐Nohel integro‐differential equation with Caputo fractional derivative and variable delays. The Ulam‐Hyers‐Rassias stability, Ulam‐Hyers stability, semi‐Ulam‐Hyers‐Rassias stability are studied. The existence and uniqueness of solutions are established by using Krasnoselskii's fixed point theorem and contraction mapping principle. An illustrative example is also given and that is studied by the help of the Adomian decomposition method.
Permittivity measurement of fluidics with high‐sensitivity by chandelier form microwave sensor
Authors: Navaei Moein , Rezaei Pejman
Published: November 2023

In this manuscript, a microwave resonance sensor (MRS) was presented composed of interdigital structure, meander structure, chandelier‐form, and T‐shaped structure. The combination of four structures results in a good electromagnetic field strength at the sensing location. It caused increased sensitivity. Due to the high use of methanol in industry, samples have been selected from this material. The samples used are methanol and water solution and place on location sensing. For measurement was used samples with 80% methanol with a permittivity of 59%–10% methanol with a permittivity of 77. Also, tissue samples including sheep, chicken and fish have been used to measure the proposed sensor. The resonance frequency of the samples changes in the range of 2.14‐1.46 GHz. The sensitivity of the presented MRS is 2.6% and the Q‐factor is 1252.
Identification of corneal and intra‐epidermal axonal swellings in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Turhan Semra Akkaya , Karlsson Pall , Ozun Yuksel , Gunes Hande , Surucu Selcuk , Toker Ebru , Isak Baris
Published: November 2023

Introduction/Aims

In patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), axonal spheroids in motor axons have been identified in post‐mortem studies. In this study, axonal spheroids and swellings on C‐fibers of ALS patients were investigated using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) and skin biopsy, respectively.

Methods

Thirty‐one ALS patients and 20 healthy subjects were evaluated with CCM to assess corneal nerve‐fiber length (CNFL), ‐fiber density (CNFD), ‐branch density (CNBD), dendritic cell (DC) density, and axonal spheroids originating from C‐fibers (>100 μm2). In addition, intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and axonal swellings (>1.5 μm) were assessed in skin biopsies obtained from the arms and legs of 22 patients and 17 controls.

Results

In ALS patients, IENFD, CNFD, CNFL, and CNBD were not different from controls. The density of DCs and the number of patients with increased DC density were higher in ALS patients than controls (p = .0005 and p = .008). The number of patients with axonal spheroids was higher than controls (p = .03).

Discussion

Evaluation of DCs and axonal bulbs in C‐fibers of ALS patients could provide insights into pathophysiology or potentially serve as biomarkers in ALS.
Electrodiagnostic and ultrasound evaluation of respiratory weakness
Authors: Boon Andrea J. , Litchy William J.
Published: November 2023

Phrenic nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and needle electromyography (EMG) can provide important information on the underlying pathophysiology in patients presenting with unexplained shortness of breath, failure to wean from the ventilator, or consideration of phrenic nerve pacemaker implantation. However, these techniques are often technically challenging, require experience, can lack sensitivity and specificity, and, in the case of diaphragm EMG, involve some degree of risk. Diagnostic high‐resolution ultrasound has been introduced in recent years as an adjuvant technique readily available at the bedside that can increase the overall sensitivity and specificity of the neurophysiologic evaluation of respiratory symptoms. Two‐dimensional ultrasound in the zone of apposition can identify atrophy and evaluate contractility of the diaphragm, in addition to localizing a safe zone for needle EMG. M‐mode ultrasound can identify decreased excursion or paradoxical motion of the diaphragm and can increase the reliability of phrenic NCSs. When used in combination, ultrasound, phrenic NCSs and EMG of the diaphragm can differentiate neuropathic, myopathic, and central disorders, and can offer aid in prognosis that is difficult to arrive at solely from clinical examination. This article will review techniques to successfully perform phrenic NCSs, needle EMG of the diaphragm, and ultrasound of the diaphragm. The discussion will include technical pitfalls and clinical pearls as well as future directions and clinical indications.
Activation of neurogenesis in the hippocampus is a novel therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Taguchi Akihiko , Okinaka Yuka , Takeda Akiko , Okamoto Takayuki , Boltze Johannes , Claussen Carsten , Gul Sheraz
Published: November 2023

Highlights

Targeting single mechanisms of physiological (aging) and pathological (neurodegeneration) loss of function in the brain may not be sufficient.

Cell–cell interactions between transplanted adult stem cells and resident cells via gap junctions have the potential to support the aging or diseased brain.

These cell–cell interactions can also increase hippocampal neurogenesis.

This may be a novel therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases that could be applied alongside any established treatments.
Shape‐optimization of extrusion‐dies via parameterized physics‐informed neural networks
Authors: Tillmann Steffen , Hilger Daniel , Hosters Norbert , Elgeti Stefanie
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we present an approach to efficiently optimize the design of extrusion dies. Extrusion dies, which are relevant to the manufacturing process of plastics profile extrusion, traditionally require time‐consuming iterations between manual testing and die adjustments. As an alternative, numerical optimization can be used to obtain a high quality initial design and thereby reduce the number of adjustments to the actual die. However, numerical optimization can be computationally expensive, so the use of surrogate models can be helpful to improve efficiency. The latter is the goal of this work. Our method uses physics‐informed neural networks (PINNs) that directly incorporate a free‐form deformation (FFD) approach to allow for geometric variations. The FFD approach allows for a wide range of domain deformations, while the fully trained PINN ensures fast evaluation of the objective function. Using a two‐dimensional model of an extrusion die for demonstration, we detail the integration of the FFD method into the PINN model and discuss its potential in the three‐dimensional context.
Bleeding phenotype and hemostatic evaluation by thrombin generation in children with Noonan syndrome: A prospective study
Authors: Barg Assaf A. , Yeshayahu Yonatan , Avishai Einat , Budnik Ivan , Cohen Omri , Brutman‐Barazani Tami , Dardik Rima , Raas‐Rothschild Annick , Levy‐Mendelovich Sarina , Livnat Tami , Pinhas‐Hamiel Orit , Kenet Gili
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the bleeding phenotype and to conduct a comprehensive hemostatic evaluation in individuals with Noonan syndrome (NS), a dominantly inherited disorder caused by pathogenic variants in genes associated with the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway.

Methods

Children with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of NS underwent clinical evaluation, routine laboratory tests, platelet function testing, and thrombin generation (TG) assessment.

Results

The study included 24 children. The most frequently reported bleeding symptoms were easy bruising and epistaxis, while bleeding complications were observed in 15% of surgical procedures. Various hemostatic abnormalities were identified, including platelet dysfunction, von Willebrand disease, and clotting factor deficiencies. Abnormal platelet function was observed in 50% of the patients, and significantly lower TG parameters were found compared to controls. However, no significant correlation was observed between bleeding symptoms and TG results.

Conclusions

The study suggests that the bleeding diathesis in NS is multifactorial, involving both platelet dysfunction and deficiencies of plasma coagulation factors. The potential role of TG assay as an ancillary tool for predicting bleeding tendencies in individuals with NS undergoing surgery warrants further investigation.
Effect of hybrid eco‐friendly reinforcement and their size on mechanical and flame retardant properties of polypropylene composites for technical applications
Authors: Mai Nguyen Tran Thanh , M.N. Prabhakar , Lee Dong‐Woo , Song Jung‐il
Published: November 2023

While the potential of natural fiber (NF) composites for various engineering applications is well‐recognized, a deep understanding of the intricate interactions within these composites remains crucial. This study examines the microstructural characteristics of the polymer matrix and evaluates the impact of reinforcement size, with a particular focus on fire sensitivity. Hybrid‐reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were introduced using a unique tri‐hybrid system. This system combines long flax fibers (LFF) as primary reinforcement, with short basalt fibers (BF) and micro rice husk powder (RHP) as secondary reinforcements. These composites were fabricated using innovative extrusion, compression, and injection molding techniques. This novel fabrication method and strategic hybrid design bridged gaps in the composite structure, leading to significant enhancements in tensile and flexural strength. Improvements of 57.82%, 67.53%, and 60.02% over LFF/PP composites were observed, respectively. On the thermal front, the char residue surged by an impressive 497.51%. Flame properties, notably pHRR and THR, were reduced by 57.25% and 13.28%, respectively. These enhancements are attributed to the lignin in BF and the silica in RHP. The fire safety index further confirmed these improvements, with FGI and FPI increasing by 27.33% and 111.11%, respectively.
Enhancing the mechanical performance of E‐glass fiber epoxy composites using coal‐derived graphene oxide
Authors: Garg Anushka , Basu Soumen , Mehta Rajeev , Mahajan Roop L.
Published: November 2023

In this study, we compare the effect of various precursor‐based graphene oxide (GO) nanofillers on enhancing the mechanical performance of E‐glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy resin composites (EGFPs). GO derived from bituminous coal (BC‐GO) and graphite (Gr‐GO) were dispersed into an epoxy resin matrix. The resulting mixture was combined with E‐glass fiber mats using vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding. Notable improvements (38.9% in flexural strength, 22.9% in tensile strength, and 21.6% in impact strength) were observed in BC‐GO‐reinforced EGFPs at 0.25 phr loading of BC‐GO. The improvements for Gr‐GO‐reinforced EGFPs were 28%, 9.3%, and 6.8%, respectively. XRD analysis of BC‐GO showed a diffraction peak at 2θ = 20.9°. Except for this peak, no other crystalline peaks were observed when BC‐GO was incorporated into EGFPs. FTIR spectra of both composite samples, with or without the nanofiller, were similar due to the spectral peaks overlap. TEM demonstrated the exfoliated morphology of BC‐GO in EGFPs. These findings underscore the potential of BC‐GO as a cost‐effective reinforcement for polymer nanocomposites across various industrial applications, including the development of lightweight and strong materials for aerospace and automotive industries, protective coatings, petroleum, and aerospace production systems.

Highlights

BC‐GO demonstrates superior mechanical performance compared to Gr‐GO in EGFPs.

0.25 phr BC‐GO improves 38.9% flexural, 22.9% tensile, and 21.6% impact strengths.

Beyond 0.25 phr, BC‐GO and Gr‐GO showed a decline in mechanical enhancement.

Role of particle size, loading & adhesion to matrix analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and DLS.

Coal‐GO is an attractive alternative nanofiller for EGFPs.
Enhancing interfacial adhesion of carbon fiber/poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) composites by the hybrid sizing agent of hydroxyapatite‐reinforced PAEK‐COOH
Authors: Liu Chengde , Mei Pengxin , Cheng Xitong , Liu Cheng , Li Nan , Jian Xigao
Published: November 2023

Improving the interfacial adhesion of carbon fiber (CF)/polymer composite is an urgent demand to enhance its mechanical properties. A kind of poly(aryl ether ketone) with carboxyl groups (PAEK‐COOH) was newly synthesized. PAEK‐COOH is similar to the thermal properties of PPEK matrix. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) was easily dispersed in an NMP solution containing PAEK‐COOH. Different kinds of hybrid sizing agents were obtained for preparing the prepreg through the solution impregnation. The hot‐pressing method was employed to produce the laminated composites. Flexural strength, flexural modulus and interlamellar shear strength (ILSS) of 0HP@CF/PPEK composites were improved by 8.8%, 17.3%, and 14.7%, respectively, in comparison to desized CF/PPEK. The interface bonding between CF and PPEK was improved by the addition of PAEK‐COOH sizing agent. Meanwhile, compared with desized CF/PPEK laminates, flexural strength, flexural modulus and ILSS of 5HP@CF/PPEK composites were enhanced by 63.5%, 87.4%, and 40.9%, respectively. The crack propagation path became dispersed and the stress was effectively absorbed when the sizing agent containing nano‐hydroxyapatite particles. By characterizing and reconstructing the transverse and longitudinal fracture in composite materials, the failure process of the composites under the action of stress was explained, and the interface theories of CF reinforced polymer were further explored.

Highlights

A kind of polyaryl ether ketone containing carboxyl functional group (PAEK‐COOH)was newly synthesized.

HAp was distributed in the polymer sizing agent to obtain a HAp/PAEK‐COOH hybrid sizing agent.

The interfacial adhesion of CF/PPEK composite was greatly improved by the hybrid sizing agent.
Effects of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes on structures and properties of heat‐resistant poly(m‐phenylene isophthalamide)‐based hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Koo Su‐Hyun , Jee Min Ho , Baik Doo Hyun
Published: November 2023

This study is the first attempt to fabricate a heat‐resistant hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane using poly(m‐phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) polymer material, which has rarely been used as conventional polymeric membrane materials. Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are incorporated as reinforcing agents. The PMIA polymer synthesized for this study exhibited an inherent viscosity of 1.6 dL/g, confirming its suitability for membrane fabrication, and successful synthesis was verified through Fourier‐transform infrared analysis. To enhance the dispersibility of MWCNTs during dope solution preparation and their interaction with the PMIA matrix, MWCNTs were acid‐treated and surface characteristics of the acid‐treated MWCNTs were confirmed through x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the introduction of MWCNTs resulted in thicker PMIA hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes with symmetrical finger‐like and sponge‐like pore structures. Interestingly, unlike the typical polymer composite systems containing MWCNTs, which often show a dependence on MWCNT content, the mechanical properties of the PMIA/MWCNT membranes in this study seem to exhibit high variability and are not contingent on the MWCNT content. Additionally, filtration performance studies demonstrated that the introduction of MWCNTs substantially increased water permeability, particularly at 1.0 wt% MWCNT content, resulting in a remarkable 130% enhancement compared to pristine PMIA membrane. Simultaneously, even with a small quantity of MWCNTs, the rejection performance of the PMIA/MWCNT membrane witnessed significant improvement due to the reduction in average pore size, effectively overcoming the commonly observed trade‐off phenomenon. In summary, this study clearly showed the effects and changes on the structure and properties of a heat‐resistant PMIA‐based hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes due to the introduction of MWCNTs.

Highlights

Heat‐resistant poly(m‐phenylene isophthalamide)‐based hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes

Introduction of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into PMIA membrane as a reinforcing agent

Unique structural changes of PMIA membrane originated from the MWCNTs

Enhanced tensile strength of PMIA/MWCNT membranes

Simultaneous improvement of filtration performance due to MWCNTs
A new method for determining the intrinsic resistance energy of H‐atom transfer reaction and structure–activity relationship of H‐donating ability
Authors: Fu Yan‐Hua , Wang Fang , Zhou Zhongyuan , Yang Liguo , Shen Guang‐Bin , Zhu Xiao‐Qing
Published: November 2023

The intrinsic resistance energy ΔG≠XH/X of H‐donor XH in hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reaction is usually used to evaluate the kinetic H‐donating ability. In this article, a new method for determining ΔG≠XH/X of H‐donor in HAT reaction was proposed by the definition of thermo‐kinetic parameter ΔG≠o (XH) = 1/2[ΔG≠XH/X + ΔGo (XH)]. ΔG≠o (XH) is the characteristic physical parameter of XH to describe the H‐donating ability in a chemical reaction during a certain reaction time, ΔGo (XH) is the bond dissociation free energy. The kinetic studies of HATs between 20 alcohols, ethers, alkanes and amines (XH) with cumyloxyl radical [PhC (CH3)2O•, CumO•] were researched, and ΔGo (XH), ΔG≠XH/X, and ΔG≠o (XH) were used to investigate the H‐donating abilities of the studied substrates in thermodynamics, kinetics, and HAT reaction. The effect of structures of XH on these three parameters, the structure–activity relationship, such as the influence of electronic, steric, polar and stereoelectronic effects of substituents, heteroatoms insertion in cycloalkanes, and cis–trans configurational isomerism on the H‐donating abilities were discussed in detail. This study not only provides a new method for determining ΔG≠XH/X but also systematically studies the factors affecting the H‐donating ability, laying a foundation for the selection, design, and synthesis of more efficient antioxidants.
Patient and carer experiences of living with multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Roydhouse Jessica , Thompson Deborah , Nicholson Louise , Harrup Rosemary , Campbell Julie , Jose Kim
Published: November 2023

Objective

Multiple myeloma (MM) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are treatable but incurable conditions that can substantially impact the daily lives of people living with these conditions and their carers. We sought to understand the experience of people living with and carers affected by these conditions in Tasmania, a regional area of Australia.

Methods

Exploratory qualitative study. People living with MM or MDS or their carers in Southern Tasmania were recruited by a haematology nurse and invited to participate in focus groups. Data collection was by groups held online and face‐to‐face in 2022. Thematic analysis was used.

Results

Ten groups were held with 48 participants (n = 23 with MM, n = 9 with MDS, n = 16 carers). Key themes arising from focus groups with people living with MM/MDS were (1) Relationships and Support; (2) Positive Attitude; (3) Perception of Condition; and (4) Symptoms and Comorbidities. Some people with MM/MDS had to take on a caring role for their carer due to carer illness. Key themes arising from carer focus groups included (1) Supportive Relationships; (2) Accommodating Change; and (3) Own Needs. Not all carers viewed their caring role as burdensome.

Conclusion

Future work should consider what supports are required for patients acting as carers, and carer burden should not be assumed.
Buen Vivir, subjective poverty, and school conditions in 2017 Ecuador
Authors: Gonzalez‐Tellez Silverio , Efstathios Stefos , Martinez Mahly , Cevallos‐Chamba Darío
Published: November 2023

In May 2017 in Ecuador, the government of Rafael Correa handed over the presidency after 10 years and several mandates. His administration established the redefinition of the constitutional bases: thebuen vivircultural development and policy approach with a new transformative educational policy that sought to contribute to inclusion, overcoming inequalities, and poverty. His government benefited from high oil and commodity prices and broad popular support. This research has set out to review the results of the official national survey ENEMDU completed in December 2017. With a descriptive, bivariate, and multidimensional quantitative data analysis, we sought to shed light on the correlations between subjective poverty associated withbuen vivir, school conditions, and ICT access and use of the school population in 2017. Results indicate a critical flaw in thebuen vivirpolicies that failed to achieve their most valued and declared objective with indigenous and rural populations.
Evidence‐based practice in undergraduate physiotherapy programs in Brazil: A cross‐sectional document analysis study
Authors: Monteiro Nívea Renata Oliveira , Nascimento Santos Wueyla Nicoly , Sousa André Silva , Ohara Daniela Gonçalves , Pegorari Maycon Sousa , Matos Areolino Pena
Published: November 2023

Background and Purpose

Physiotherapists worldwide are encouraged to integrate evidence‐based practice (EBP) to provide safer and effective services. However, for professionals to consolidate this practice, the contact with EBP must begin at the university. In this study, we aimed to map and analyze the distribution of EBP courses and their characteristics in undergraduate physiotherapy programs in Brazil.

Methods

This web‐based document analysis study analyzed the current curricula of undergraduate physiotherapy programs in Brazil according to their availability on university sites. The identification of curricular components and analysis of EBP course syllabi used evidence‐based descriptive terms. A descriptive analysis was used to verify the frequency and the regional distribution of EBP courses.

Results

Of 1033 accredited programs in Brazil, 809 curricula were analyzed. Only 9.4% (76/809) of the analyzed curricula presented EBP courses; the mean duration of courses was 44.3 (SD 13.5) hours. Southeast region had the greatest number of undergraduate programs (46.5%, 376/809), and the north region had a proportionally greater number of EBP courses (24%, 12/50). In addition, 15.6% (10/64) and 8.9% (66/739) of the curricula of public and private institutions, respectively, provided EBP content. Critical appraisal was the most mentioned step among 15 undergraduate programs with complete EBP syllabi.

Discussion

Most undergraduate physiotherapy programs in Brazil did not offer an EBP course. Also, an unbalanced emphasis on the critical appraisal step was observed. The lack of EBP content and skills in the curricula of Brazilian undergraduate physiotherapy programs may negatively influence the training, decision‐making, and clinical practice of physiotherapists. A re‐evaluating of the current undergraduate programs and curricula for EBP‐based education is needed.
First report of severe tolpyralate sensitivity in corn (Zea mays) discovers a novel genetic factor conferring crop response to a herbicide
Authors: Williams Martin M , Hausman Nicholas E , Saballos Ana , Landau Christopher A , Brooks Matthew D , Flannery Pat , Tracy William F , Thompson Charlie J
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Tolpyralate, a relatively new inhibitor of 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), is registered for postemergence use in all types of corn (Zea mays L.) and has a record of excellent crop tolerance. A report of severe crop injury to sweet corn inbred (XSEN187) led to the following objectives: (i) determine whether sensitivity to tolpyralate in XSEN187 exists, and if confirmed, (ii) determine the genetic basis of tolpyralate sensitivity, and (iii) screen other corn germplasm for sensitivity to tolpyralate.

RESULTS

Inbred XSEN187 was confirmed sensitive to tolpyralate. Inclusion of methylated seed oil or nonionic surfactant in the spray volume was necessary for severe crop injury. Tolpyralate sensitivity in XSEN187 is not conferred by alleles at Nsf1, a cytochrome P450‐encoding gene (CYP81A9) conferring tolerance to many corn herbicides. Evidence suggests that tolpyralate sensitivity in XSEN187 is conferred by a single gene mapped to the Chr05: 283 240–1 222 909 bp interval. Moreover, tolpyralate sensitivity was observed in 48 other sweet corn and field corn inbreds.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe sensitivity to tolpyralate exists in sweet corn and field corn germplasm when the herbicide is applied according to label directions. Whereas the corn response to several other herbicides, including HPPD‐inhibitors, is conferred by the Nsf1 locus, corn sensitivity to tolpyralate is the result of a different locus. The use of tolpyralate should consider herbicide tolerance in inbred lines from which corn hybrids were derived, whereas alleles that render corn germplasm sensitive to tolpyralate should be eliminated from breeding populations, inbreds, and commercial cultivars. © 2023 Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc and The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Introducing the role of the municipality of residence in studying the secondary migration of international migrants. Evidence from Lombardy (Italy)
Authors: Ortensi Livia Elisa , Barbiano di Belgiojoso Elisa
Published: November 2023

Secondary internal and international movements of migrants are receiving increasing attention in Europe while research has so far focused on the characteristics of individuals who remigrate or plan to re‐emigrate, the attributes of the place that secondary migrants aim to leave have been less studied compared to other personal characteristics. This knowledge gap is primarily due to the fact that detailed information on the municipality of residence is largely unavailable in nationwide sample surveys. To fill this gap, after considering the time since migrants' arrival in Italy and previous internal mobility, we analyse the relationship between the characteristics of the municipality where migrants live and short‐term migration intentions of return, onward and internal migration in a competing risk framework. We focus on ethnic concentration (community hotspots and coldspots) and classification into central and marginal areas as critical characteristics of municipalities. We used a unique pooled data set that includes seven cross‐sectional surveys conducted between 2010 and 2016 by the Regional Observatory for Integration and Multiethnicity in the Northern Italian region of Lombardy. Municipal characteristics are strongly related to migrants' intentions: migrants who intend to move internally or to a third country are more likely live in urban, suburban, intermediate and peripheral areas and in the mountains. In contrast, the intention to return is not correlated with the characteristics of the municipality. The concentration of co‐nationals is also uncorrelated with short‐term migration intentions. We discuss the limitations of using a concentration indicator to study the relationship with secondary mobility.
Statistical analysis of actigraphy data with generalised additive models
Authors: Lisi Edoardo , Abellan Juan J.
Published: November 2023

There is a growing interest in the use of physical activity data in clinical studies, particularly in diseases that limit mobility in patients. High‐frequency data collected with digital sensors are typically summarised into actigraphy features aggregated at epoch level (e.g., by minute). The statistical analysis of such volume of data is not straightforward. The general trend is to derive metrics, capturing specific aspects of physical activity, that condense (say) a week worth of data into a single numerical value. Here we propose to analyse the entire time‐series data using Generalised Additive Models (GAMs). GAMs are semi‐parametric models that allow inclusion of both parametric and non‐parametric terms in the linear predictor. The latter are smooth terms (e.g., splines) and, in the context of actigraphy minute‐by‐minute data analysis, they can be used to assess daily patterns of physical activity. This in turn can be used to better understand changes over time in longitudinal studies as well as to compare treatment groups. We illustrate the application of GAMs in two clinical studies where actigraphy data was collected: a non‐drug, single‐arm study in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and a physical‐activity sub‐study included in a phase 2b clinical trial in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.