bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular dynamics simulation of epoxy resin modified by polyimide grafted graphene oxide
Authors: Chu Xiaocheng , Wang Guoqing , Ding Qingjun , Zhao Gai , Li Huafeng
Published: September 2023

To improve the adhesive performance of epoxy, some modification was conducted for pure epoxy. First, the models of physical blending of polyimide (PI) and graphene sheet (GNS), as well as polyimide (PI) grafted graphene oxide (GO) modified epoxy resin, were established using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, along with pure epoxy resin, aiming to thoroughly investigate the effects of these two types of modification on the mechanical, thermal properties and adhesive properties of the epoxy resin. Importantly, three‐layer adhesive models of Cu‐epoxy‐Cu were constructed, and the tensile simulation was carried out to explore the influence of the two modifications on the adhesion strength. The dynamic evolution process and micro information in the tensile process was observed and extracted to reveal the strengthening mechanism of PI grafted GO modified epoxy resin from nano‐scale. The study showed that the epoxy resin modified with PI grafted GO has better mechanical and adhesive properties compared with PI‐GNS blending. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PI grafted GO was increased by 40 K and the thermal conductivity was increased by 0.16 W/(m·K). This study provided the theoretical guidance for enhancing adhesive strength of epoxy resin.

Highlights

Three‐dimensional crosslinked model of epoxy resin was constructed.

Mechanisms of polyimide grafted graphene oxide on epoxy resin revealed.

Three‐layer models study modified epoxy resiny adhesion properties.

Adhesion mechanism of epoxy resin revealed from energy perspective.
A review on shape‐memory polyurethane nanocomposites: Focusing on the most important used nanofillers
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Koumleh Sanaz , Khoubi‐Arani Zahra , Rahmani Shahrzad
Published: September 2023

Over recent decades, great steps have been taken to study the shape‐memory polymer nanocomposites and their valuable applications by researchers. Considering the unique and distinguished applications of these materials and based on the fact that polyurethane is one of the most important shape‐memory polymers, there is still a need to publish papers associated with shape memory polyurethane nanocomposites. Despite several recent review papers related to the shape memory polyurethane nanocomposites, a specific review on the shape memory polyurethane nanocomposites that can cover the most important nanofillers used to prepare them is still lacking. This review paper not only classifies the reported studies related to the shape memory polyurethane nanocomposites either alone or with other polymers based on their nanofillers, but also has tried to find a connection between their actuation technique, nanofillers, and their applications.

Highlights

Recent developments in shape memory polyurethane nanocomposites were epitomized.

Reported studies were classified based on the most important used nanofillers.

A connection between the used nanofillers and applications was conceptualized.
Investigation of the Effect of ZnO Film Thickness over the Gas Sensor Developed for Sensing Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Agrawal Jitesh , Shukla Mayoorika , Singh Vipul
Published: September 2023

Herein, a facile and inexpensive ZnO thin film‐based carbon monoxide gas sensor is fabricated using a solution‐process technique. To vary the thickness of ZnO thin films, the precursor solutions of two different molarities, 3 and 5 m, are spin coated over glass substrates. The 3 m ZnO thin‐film device demonstrates more than two times improvement in sensing response as compared to 5 m ZnO films, for 50 ppm carbon monoxide concentration. Additionally, the 3 m ZnO film is found to perform better for low carbon monoxide concentrations, whereas the 5 m ZnO film shows a linear response over a wider range of carbon monoxide concentrations. The gas sensing mechanism and the impact of film thickness on the performance of the device are thoroughly studied and discussed, which may open the doors for the design and development of facile and high‐sensitivity metal oxide‐based gas sensors.
AlGaN‐Based Solar‐Blind Ultraviolet Detector with a Response Wavelength of 217 nm
Authors: Zhang Ran , Zheng Gang , Cheng Bin , Bai Junchun , Lin Xianqi , Xiao Kai , Wang Yukun , Hou Qianyu , Sun Wenhong
Published: September 2023

The research of the high Al(x = 0.75) component has always been the focus of the AlGaN solar‐blind ultraviolet (UV) detector. However, due to the lattice and thermal mismatch between the AlGaN and the underlying substrate under existing mainstream heteroepitaxial growth methods, the large density of defects, e.g., point defects, screw dislocations, and edge dislocations, has hindered the performances of AlGaN‐based solar‐blind UV photodetectors. A short superlattice polarization‐induced P‐type doping growth technique is used to fabricate a high‐performance AlGaN‐based back‐illuminated solar‐blind UV p‐i‐n photodetector (PD) fabricated on sapphire substrates. The back‐illuminated AlGaN UV‐PD shows a high external quantum efficiency of 70.2%. The peak responsivity (R) reaches 123 mA W−1 at −5 V with a wavelength of 217 nm. Meanwhile, the dark current density is 2.21 × 10−8 A cm−2. Additionally, the UV/visible rejection ratio for the detectors exceeds four orders of magnitude, and the detectivity (D*) is calculated to be 6.7 × 1012 cm Hz1/2 W−1. The device performance parameters can be attributed to the quality of the epilayer and heterojunctions. This technology provides new ideas for nitride semiconductor materials, further bringing a breakthrough in a wide‐bandgap electronics device.
Synthesis and Characterization of Solid‐Solution ReS2−xTex (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) Nanosheets
Authors: Kawawa Shutaro , Tezuka Keitaro , Shan Yue Jin
Published: September 2023

ReS2 nanosheets have recently attracted attention because of their excellent electrocatalytic properties. It has also been reported that the electrocatalytic activity of solid‐solution ReS2−xSex nanosheets is improved by tuning the bandgap structure through a solid solution with Se. However, Se has application limitations in that it is highly toxic. Thus, herein, solid‐solution ReS2−xTex nanosheets are focused. Solid‐solution ReS2−xTex (x = 0, 0.5, and 1.0) bulk is synthesized by solid‐state reactions. The optical bandgaps of ReS2, ReS1.5Te0.5, and ReSTe are measured to be 1.29, 1.07, and 0.99 eV, respectively. Solid‐solution ReS2−xTex (x = 0, 0.5, and 1.0) nanosheets are obtained by the ultrasonic exfoliation and Li‐intercalation exfoliation of the ReS2−xTex bulks. The typical lateral sizes and thicknesses of the ReS2, ReS1.5Te0.5, and ReSTe nanosheets by ultrasonic exfoliation are 200 and 6 nm, 160 and 3 nm, and 600 and 2 nm, respectively. The typical lateral sizes and thicknesses of ReS2, ReS1.5Te0.5, and ReSTe nanosheets using the Li‐intercalation exfoliation method are 150 and 2 nm, 100 and 1 nm, and 100 and 1 nm, respectively. In the nanosheets obtained from both exfoliation methods, the lateral size is not composition‐dependent, and the thickness decreases with increasing x in ReS2−xTex.
Constitutive Modeling of Hot Deformation Behaviors and Processing Maps of Mg–4.83Gd–2.36Nd–0.21Zr Alloy
Authors: Wang Chunhui , Yang Guangyu , Ouyang Shuxia , Qin He , Kan Zhiyong , Jie Wanqi
Published: September 2023

Accurately assessing the hot workability and flow behavior is crucial in the preparation of high‐performance wrought Mg–rare earth (RE) alloys. The hot deformation behaviors and workability of Mg–4.83Gd–2.36Nd–0.21Zr alloy are examined via Gleeble 3500 thermosimulation tests across a range of deformation temperatures from 350 °C to 450 °C and strain rates ranging from 0.001 to 1 s−1. The experimental results reveal that the flow stress of the experimental alloy decreases as the temperature increases and the strain rate decreases. The activation energies for deformation (Q) of the experiment alloy are calculated by the hyperbolic constitutive equation and range from 186.78 to 234.97 kJ mol−1. Strain compensation is incorporated in constitutive modeling, resulting in the correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9865 and the average absolute relative error (AARE) of 5.4639%. Further, the processing maps are constructed at different strains based on dynamic material models, from which the feasible processing window of the experimental alloy is determined in the areas of deformation temperatures of 425–450 °C and strain rates of 0.01–0.1 s−1.
Influence of Fluence and Pulse Number on Laser Cleaning of Atmospheric‐Pressure‐Plasma‐Jet‐Etched Optical Glasses
Authors: Heinke Robert , Arnold Thomas , Ehrhardt Martin , Lorenz Pierre , Zimmer Klaus
Published: September 2023

The use of beam‐based technologies to process optical elements with nanoscale precision enables the fabrication of freeform surfaces. Especially, atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ) have desirable properties such as atmospheric pressure machining, dry processing, and direct writing capabilities. However, the presence of metal oxides in optical glasses leads to the formation of nonvolatile reaction products during APPJ etching with fluorine‐containing gas mixtures, forming a residual layer that increases surface roughness and alters etching behavior. To prevent the formation of the residual layer, the APPJ process is combined with laser cleaning. For a possible future in situ cleaning of the residual layer during the plasma process, laser parameter ranges need to be found to remove the residual layer without damaging the glass surface. Therefore, planar etchings are performed by APPJ on N‐BK7 and Zerodur and the etched planes are subsequently laser irradiated with varying pulse numbers and fluences. The processed samples are then examined by scanning electron microscopy. For both N‐BK7 and Zerodur, a parameter range is identified that results in clean surfaces. The best machining results are achieved with 2–16 pulses and laser fluences of 0.6–1.2 J cm−2 for N‐BK7 and 0.56–0.7 J cm−2 for Zerodur.
Generalized linear model based gamma control chart
Authors: Ali Sajid , Asghar Maria , Shah Ismail
Published: September 2023

Traditional monitoring techniques are frequently used for monitoring a response variable, while ignoring the other important variables. A simple linear regression model to introduce covariates‐based charts has received a lot of attention in the recent publications. When the response variable belongs to the exponential family, the generalized linear model (GLM) is a flexible approach to model a phenomenon. This study uses gamma distribution to introduce GLM‐based Shewhart‐type control charts. The monitoring statistic is developed using the Pearson residuals (PRs) obtained from the gamma regression model. The suggested charts' performance is evaluated using the run‐length properties and extensive Monte Carlo simulations. A comparison of Pearson‐residual to the deviance‐residual charts is also discussed in this article. Finally, to emphasize the significance of the study, the proposed control charts are implemented on a real‐life data set.
A survey on security and privacy issues inWireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Sgora Aggeliki , Vergados Dimitrios D. , Chatzimisios P.
Published: September 2023

Wireless Mesh Networks are considered as a promising solution for offering low‐cost access to broadband services. However, one of the main challenges in the design of these networks is their vulnerability to security attacks. In this paper, we analyze the fundamental security challenges and constraints of these networks, classify several possible attacks, and survey several intrusion prevention, detection, and response mechanisms found in the literature. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guidelines for Seismic Retrofitting of Earthen Historic Buildings in Peru and Latin America
Authors: Macchioni Elena , Cancino Claudia
Published: September 2023

The development of guidelines for seismic retrofitting of earthen architectural heritage has been part of the intended outputs of the Seismic Retrofitting Project – a partnership between Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Culture of Peru – since its inception. The results of the Seismic Retrofitting Project are currently being reframed to become part of a document written by the Ministry of Culture of Peru, with the support of Getty Conservation Institute staff and consultants, that will guide in the structural analysis, diagnosis, and design of effective structural interventions to conserve earthen constructions and transmit their significance. The document will advise local practitioners, ease their collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Peru, and possibly become part of the Peruvian regulatory framework, with a broader impact in Latin America. This contribution describes the methodology to collaboratively create the guidelines, ensure their dissemination in the region, and the results obtained to date.
Nebenwirkungen nach Immuncheckpointinhibitortherapie
Authors: Buchtele Nina , Knaus Hanna , Schellongowski Peter
Published: September 2023

Immuntherapien, und insbesondere Immuncheckpointinhibitoren, haben die Behandlung maligner Erkrankungen revolutioniert. Ihrem Wirkmechanismus geschuldet, der Aktivierung körpereigener T‑Zellen, sind jedoch auch häufig Nebenwirkungen die Folge einer Therapie. Sogenannte immunmediierte Nebenwirkungen („immune-related adverse event“, irAE) manifestieren sich als autoimmunologische Phänomene, können in jedem Organsystem auftreten und bis hin zu schwerem Organversagen führen. Aufgrund der zeitlichen Latenz von bis zu Monaten nach Verabreichung eines Checkpointinhibitors bis zur Erstmanifestation einer irAE ist es essenziell, bei entsprechender stattgehabter Therapie zu jedem Zeitpunkt an eine therapiespezifische Nebenwirkung zu denken. Bei beginnendem Organversagen ist das Absetzen des Checkpointinhibitors sowie der rasche Beginn mit einer Hochdosiskortisontherapie essenziell, die bei fehlendem Ansprechen um weitere Immunsuppressiva oder antiinflammatorische Therapieoptionen erweitert werden soll. Generell ist das Ansprechen auf Kortikosteroide und erweiterte Therapieoptionen gut und in diesem Sinne das Organversagen auch oft reversibel. Eine intensivmedizinische Betreuung mit etwaiger Notwendigkeit organunterstützender Therapien sollte dennoch nur streng nach Patient:innenwunsch sowie in enger Rücksprache mit den betreuenden Hämatoonkolog:innen erfolgen. Mit dem großen therapeutischen Nutzen, der häufigen Verwendung und dem vorhandenen Potenzial, in womöglich zukünftig auch kurativen Therapielinien zum Einsatz zu kommen, werden auch Intensivmediziner:innen häufiger mit irAEs nach Checkpointinhibitoren konfrontiert sein. Dementsprechend ist das Verstehen, Erkennen und Therapieren von Nebenwirkungen nach Immuntherapien zunehmend essenziell.
Prevalence and predictors of admission at the time of presentation in first episode psychosis
Authors: Gannon Louisa , Mullen Eddie , McGorry Patrick , O’Donoghue Brian
Published: September 2023

Background

Individuals presenting with first episode psychosis (FEP) constitute a population with high admission rates. Across psychiatric services, community based treatment is aimed for where appropriate. Therefore, further knowledge on predictors of admission is required.

Purpose

The objectives were to: (i) determine the proportion of individuals with FEP admitted at time of presentation (voluntarily and involuntarily) (ii) identify associated demographic and clinical factors.

Methods

This study included all young people (aged 15–24) who presented with FEP to the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre, Melbourne, Australia from 01.01.11 to 31.12.16. Binary logistic regression was used to determine unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios.

Results

Of 1208 participants, 58.6% were male and the median age was 20 years (I.Q.R.17–22). At time of presentation, 50.2% were admitted. On multivariate analysis, the following factors predicted admission: being a migrant (OR = 1.75, 95% CI [1.17, 2.62]), aggression (OR = 1.42, 95% CI [1.02, 1.99]), and more severe psychotic symptoms. Longer duration of untreated psychosis was associated with lower admission rates. 70.1% of admissions were involuntary (33.7% of the cohort). Risk factors for involuntary admission were consistent with any admission, other than aggression, and with the addition of older age and male sex.

Conclusion

There remains a high admission rate for FEP, even in an established early intervention service, with severity of psychopathology being the strongest predictive factor. There is an independent association between migrancy and admission. Potential reasons for these findings are discussed, and initiatives to reduce admission rates including (i) interventions to prevent admission and (ii) alternative care pathways.
Langzeitverlauf von makulären Neovaskularisationen bei chorioidalen Osteomen mit und ohne intravitreale Anti-VEGF(vascular endothelial growth factor)-Therapie
Authors: Dütsch M. , Helbig H. , Gamulescu M.-A. , Barth T.
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

Das chorioidale Osteom (CO) ist ein benigner knöcherner Aderhauttumor, der überwiegend unilateral auftritt. CO sind potenziell visusbedrohend, insbesondere bei Auftreten sekundärer makulärer Neovaskularisationen (MNV).

Ziel der Arbeit

Anhand einer Fallserie von Patienten mit CO-assoziierter MNV wird die klinische Variabilität des Verlaufs ohne und mit intravitrealer Anti-VEGF(„vascular endothelial growth factor“)-Therapie dargestellt.

Methoden

Bei allen Patienten, bei denen im Zeitraum von 2007 bis 2023 ein CO mit MNV diagnostiziert wurde, erfolgte eine retrospektive Auswertung des klinischen Verlaufs.

Ergebnisse

Es wurde bei 7 Augen von 5 Patienten (4 Frauen, 1 Mann) eine CO-assoziierte MNV diagnostiziert. Eine intravitreale Anti-VEGF-Therapie erfolgte bei 2 Patienten mit einseitiger MNV, ein Fall mit bilateraler MNV wurde beidseits behandelt. In einem weiteren Fall mit beidseitiger MNV wurde nur 1 Auge behandelt, da das Partnerauge eine Fibrose aufwies. Ein weiterer Fall mit einseitigem CO und MNV-Narbe bei Erstdiagnose wurde nicht therapiert. Insgesamt konnte bei 3 der 5 behandelten Augen durch die intravitreale VEGF-Inhibition eine Visusstabilisierung oder Verbesserung erreicht werden.

Diskussion

Die Therapie mit intravitrealen Anti-VEGF-Präparaten bewirkte in unserer Serie bei 3 der 5 behandelten Augen eine funktionelle Stabilisierung oder Verbesserung. Ein Auge mit CO-assoziierter MNV entwickelte ohne Therapie sehr rasch eine Fibrose. Die Aufklärung von Patienten mit CO über das lebenslange Risiko für die Entwicklung einer sekundären MNV ist daher essenziell, um im Einzelfall frühzeitig zu behandeln. Da derzeit kein festes Therapieschema für intravitreale VEGF-Antikörpern bei CO-assoziierter MNV besteht, erfolgt die Behandlung individuell.
Geriatrie und geriatrische Aspekte im Koalitionsvertrag 2021
Authors: Nohl-Deryk Pascal , Grund Stefan
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

Der Anteil älterer Menschen in Deutschland wächst stark. Bis zur Bundestagswahl 2025 geht das Statistische Bundesamt davon aus, dass ein Drittel der Bevölkerung das Rentenalter erreicht haben wird. Ältere Menschen sind damit eine der größten Wählergruppen und politisch besonders relevant.

Fragestellung

Wie fördert die Bundesregierung die Lebensbedingungen dieser Wählergruppe? Was plant sie hinsichtlich der medizinischen Versorgung älterer Menschen?

Methoden

Es erfolgte eine Inhaltsanalyse des Koalitionsvertrages nach Aspekten demografischer Entwicklung, geriatrischer Versorgung und Lebensbedingungen älterer Menschen. Die kodierten Textstellen wurden gemischt induktiv-deduktiv kategorisiert. Schließlich wurde der Umsetzungsfortschritt konkreter Vorhaben nach eineinhalb Jahren Amtszeit beurteilt.

Ergebnisse

Im Text des Koalitionsvertrages wurden 23 Textstellen mit knapp 620 Wörtern (gut 1 % des Textes) identifiziert und kategorisiert. Neun Textstellen ließen sich dem Themenbereich „ältere Bevölkerung“, 6 Textstellen der „medizinischen Versorgung“ und 8 der „pflegerischen Versorgung“ zuordnen. 14 von 23 Textstellen enthielten konkrete Handlungsvorhaben oder Zieldaten. In den ersten eineinhalb Jahren der Bundesregierung konnte bei 4 davon ein teilweiser Fortschritt identifiziert werden, eine Umsetzung erfolgte bei keinem Vorhaben.

Diskussion

Der Koalitionsvertrag lässt insgesamt ein Bewusstsein für eine älter werdende Bevölkerung erkennen. In Anbetracht der demografischen Entwicklung werden allerdings wenige Lösungsvorschläge für genuin geriatrische Aspekte gemacht. Das erste Amtsjahr war stark durch andere Themen geprägt, woraus sich ungeplante Gesetze und Verordnungen ergaben und Vorhaben aus dem Koalitionsvertrag in den Hintergrund rückten.
Alkaline magmas in shallow arc plutonic roots: a field and experimental investigation of hydrous cumulate melting in the southern Adamello batholith
Authors: Pimenta Silva Manuel , Marxer Felix , Keller Tobias , Giuliani Andrea , Ulmer Peter , Müntener Othmar
Published: September 2023

Despite the first-order importance of crystallisation–differentiation for arc magma evolution, several other processes contribute to their compositional diversity. Among them is the remelting of partly crystallised magmas, also known as cumulate melting or ‘petrological cannibalism’. The impact of this process on the plutonic record is poorly constrained. We investigate a nepheline-normative dyke suite close to the Blumone gabbros, a large amphibole-gabbro unit of the Tertiary Southern Alpine Adamello igneous complex. The compositions of the studied dykes are characterised by low SiO2 (43–46 wt. %), MgO (5.0–7.2 wt. %), Ni (18–40 μg/g), and high Al2O3 (20.2–22.0 wt. %) contents. Phenocrystic plagioclase in these dykes exhibits major, trace, and Sr isotope compositions similar to Blumone cumulate plagioclase, suggesting a genetic link between the nepheline-normative dykes and the amphibole-gabbro cumulates. We tested this hypothesis by performing saturation experiments on a nepheline-normative dyke composition in an externally heated pressure vessel at 200 MPa between 975 and 1100 °C at fO2 conditions close to the Ni–NiO buffer. Plagioclase and spinel are near-liquidus phases at and above 1050 °C, contrasting with the typical near-liquidus olivine ± spinel assemblage in hydrous calc-alkaline basalts. The alkaline nature of the dykes results from the abundance of amphibole in the protolith, consistent with melting of amphibole-gabbro cumulates. We modelled the heat budget from the repeated injection of basaltic andesite into a partly crystallised amphibole-gabbro cumulate. The results of this model show that no more than 7% of the cumulate pile reaches temperatures high enough to produce nepheline-normative melts. We propose that such nepheline-normative dykes are a hallmark of hydrous cumulate melting in subvolcanic plumbing systems. Therefore, ne-normative dykes in arc batholiths may indicate periods with high magma fluxes.
The prefrontal cortex of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus Montagu, 1821): a tractography study and comparison with the human
Authors: Gerussi Tommaso , Graïc Jean-Marie , Peruffo Antonella , Behroozi Mehdi , Schlaffke Lara , Huggenberger Stefan , Güntürkün Onur , Cozzi Bruno
Published: September 2023

Cetaceans are well known for their remarkable cognitive abilities including self-recognition, sound imitation and decision making. In other mammals, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) takes a key role in such cognitive feats. In cetaceans, however, a PFC could up to now not be discerned based on its usual topography. Classical in vivo methods like tract tracing are legally not possible to perform in Cetacea, leaving diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) as the most viable alternative. This is the first investigation focussed on the identification of the cetacean PFC homologue. In our study, we applied the constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD) algorithm on 3 T DWI scans of three formalin-fixed brains of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and compared the obtained results to human brains, using the same methodology. We first identified fibres related to the medio-dorsal thalamic nuclei (MD) and then seeded the obtained putative PFC in the dolphin as well as the known PFC in humans. Our results outlined the dolphin PFC in areas not previously studied, in the cranio-lateral, ectolateral and opercular gyri, and furthermore demonstrated a similar connectivity pattern between the human and dolphin PFC. The antero-lateral rotation of the PFC, like in other areas, might be the result of the telescoping process which occurred in these animals during evolution.
Inapproximability of Positive Semidefinite Permanents and Quantum State Tomography
Authors: Meiburg Alexander
Published: September 2023

Matrix permanents are hard to compute or even estimate in general. It had been previously suggested that the permanents of Positive Semidefinite (PSD) matrices may have efficient approximations. By relating PSD permanents to a task in quantum state tomography, we show that PSD permanents are NP-hard to approximate within a constant factor, and so admit no polynomial-time approximation scheme (unless P = NP). We also establish that several natural tasks in quantum state tomography, even approximately, are NP-hard in the dimension of the Hilbert space. These state tomography tasks therefore remain hard even with only logarithmically few qubits.
Maternal atopic conditions and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Seker Asilay , Qirko-Gurakuqi Anxhela , Tabaku Mirela , Javate Kenneth Ross P. , Rathwell Iris
Published: September 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disabling neurodevelopmental condition with complex etiology. Emerging evidence has pointed to maternal atopy as a possible risk factor. It is hypothesized that maternal atopic disease during pregnancy can lead to increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in fetal circulation via placental transfer or increased production. These cytokines can then pass through the immature blood–brain barrier, causing aberrant neurodevelopment via mechanisms including premature microglial activation. The objective of this study is to systematically review observational studies that investigate whether a maternal history of atopic disease (asthma, allergy, or eczema/atopic dermatitis) is associated with a diagnosis of ASD in offspring. A search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase databases for relevant articles up to November 2021; this was later updated in January 2022. Observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Data were synthesized and qualitatively analyzed according to the specific atopic condition. Quality assessment was done using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Nine articles were identified, with all including asthma as an exposure, alongside four each for allergy and eczema. Findings were inconsistent regarding the association between a maternal diagnosis of either asthma, allergy, or eczema, and ASD in offspring, with variations in methodology contributing to the inconclusiveness. More consistent associations were demonstrated regarding maternal asthma that was treated or diagnosed during pregnancy. Evidence suggests that symptomatic maternal asthma during pregnancy could be associated with ASD in offspring, underscoring the importance of effective management of atopic conditions during pregnancy. Further research is needed, particularly longitudinal studies that use gold-standard assessment tools and correlate clinical outcomes with laboratory and treatment data.

PROSPERO Registration Number and Date: CRD42018116656, 26.11.2018.
Urban wild bees benefit from flower-rich anthropogenic land use depending on bee trait and scale
Authors: Weber Monika , Diekötter Tim , Dietzsch Anke C. , Erler Silvio , Greil Henri , Jütte Tobias , Krahner André , Pistorius Jens
Published: September 2023

Context

Wild bees are important pollinators for wild and cultivated plants. Besides other causes, their decline has been linked to land-use change such as urbanisation. In contrast, urban habitats are discussed as potential wild bee refuges.

Objectives

To expand our understanding of cities as wild bee habitats, bee responses to urban land-use types with varying foraging and nesting resources were analysed.

Methods

Wild bees were sampled with pan traps at 49 study sites in a Central European city. Effects of land-use types on wild bees were examined at 12 scales ranging from 50 to 1500 m from sampling points. For analyses, bees were grouped according to their traits (e.g., size, nesting and pollen-collecting behaviour) to account for species-specific requirements.

Results

Land-use types significantly affected wild bees covering all investigated scales. Anthropogenically managed flower-rich habitats, i.e., long-term allotments and cemeteries, were beneficial for most wild bee groups within varying scales between 200 and 600 m. Impervious surface affected only some of the investigated wild bee groups, mostly in a unimodal manner within a 100 m scale.

Conclusions

This study shows that it is recommended for future investigations to take different scales and different bee traits into account when assessing urban habitat quality for bees. In particular, the non-linear response to impervious surface indicates positive edge effects between urban core and rural areas. Conservation measures and implementation management to support wild bees in urban areas should consider the results on scale and land use to meet species-specific demands effectively.
Rethinking advanced motherhood: a new ethical narrative
Authors: De Clercq Eva , Martani Andrea , Vulliemoz Nicolas , Elger Bernice S. , Wangmo Tenzin
Published: September 2023

The aim of the study is to rethink the ethics of advanced motherhood. In the literature, delayed childbearing is usually discussed in the context of reproductive justice, and in relationship to ethical issues associated with the use and risk of assisted reproductive technologies. We aim to go beyond these more “traditional” ways in which reproductive ethics is framed by revisiting ethics itself through the lens of the figure of the so-called “older” mother. For this purpose, we start by exploring some of the deep seated socio-cultural discourses in the context of procreation: ageism, ableism and the widespread bias towards geneticism and pronatalism. Afterwards, we provide a critical overview of the key arguments against or in support of advanced motherhood. We then briefly discuss how entrenchment by both sides has produced an impasse in the debate on the ethics of advanced motherhood and proceed by arguing that it is fundamental to bring about a change in this narrative. For this purpose, we will revisit the feminist usage of the concept of vulnerability which will allow us both to criticize culturally prescribed norms about motherhood and to address the painful reality of age-related fertility decline. In the last section, we argue that instead of defining “older” motherhood as an ethical problem, we should problematize the fact that female reproductive ageing is an understudied and ill-sourced topic. We believe that allocating resources to research to better understand female reproductive ageing is not only ethically permissible, but might even be ethically desirable.
Public transport crowding valuation in a post-pandemic era
Authors: Yap Menno , Wong Howard , Cats Oded
Published: September 2023

It is important to understand how public transport passengers value on-board crowding since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main contribution of this study is to derive the crowding valuation of public transport passengers in a post-pandemic era entirely based on observed, actual passenger route choices. We derive passengers’ crowding valuation for the London metro network based on a revealed preference discrete choice model using maximum likelihood estimation. We find that after the passenger load on-board the metro reaches the seat capacity, the in-vehicle time valuation increases by 0.42 for each increase in the average number of standing passengers per square metre upon boarding. When comparing this result to a variety of crowding valuation studies conducted before the pandemic in London and elsewhere, we can conclude that public transport passengers value crowding more negatively since the pandemic. Furthermore, we found a ratio between out-of-vehicle time and in-vehicle time of 1.94 pre-pandemic and of 1.92 post-pandemic, based on which we conclude that the relative waiting/walking time valuation did not significantly change since the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study results contribute to a better understanding on how on-board crowding in urban public transport is perceived in a European context since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quantifying and addressing uncertainty in the measurement of interdisciplinarity
Authors: Nakhoda Maryam , Whigham Peter , Zwanenburg Sander
Published: September 2023

A common method for quantifying the interdisciplinarity of a publication is to measure the diversity of the publication’s cited references based on their disciplines. Here we examine the criteria that must be satisfied to develop a meaningful interdisciplinary measure based on citations and discuss the stages where uncertainty or bias may be introduced. In addition, using the Rao-Stirling diversity measure as an exemplar for such citation-based measures, we show how bootstrapping can be used to estimate a confidence interval for interdisciplinarity. Using an academic publication database, this approach is used to develop and assess a reliability measure for interdisciplinarity that extends current methods. Our results highlight issues with citation analysis for measuring interdisciplinarity and offer an approach to improve the confidence in assessing this concept. Specific guidelines for assessing the confidence in the Rao-Stirling diversity measure and subsequently other similar diversity measures are presented, hopefully reducing the likelihood of drawing false inferences about interdisciplinarity in the future.
Prediction of major bleeding events in 1381 patients with essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Stuckey Ruth , Ianotto Jean-Christophe , Santoro Marco , Czyż Anna , Encinas Manuel M. Perez , Gómez-Casares María Teresa , Pereira Maria Soledad Noya , de Nałęcz Anna Kulikowska , Gołos Aleksandra , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Szukalski Łukasz , González-Martín Jesús M. , Sobas Marta Anna
Published: September 2023

The goal of therapy in essential thrombocythemia (ET) is reducing thrombotic risk. No algorithm to predict hemorrhage risk exists. The impact ofanti-platelet, cytoreductive and anticoagulation therapies on risk of major bleeding (MB) was evaluated. MB events were retrospectively analyzed in 1381 ET from 10 European centers. There were 0.286 MB events/person-year. Neither the International Thrombosis Prognostic Score for thrombosis in essential thrombocythemia (IPSET-t) nor the revised IPSET-t (r-IPSET-t) was predictive for hemorrhage-free survival at 10 years (p = 0.092 vs p = 0.1). Ageand leukocyte count were MB risk factors, while low hemoglobin was protective. For ET with extreme thrombocytosis (ExtT) and leukocytosis cytoreduction was not protective. MB were more frequent in ET with ExtT who received anticoagulation. Antiplatelet therapy was not, while anticoagulation was a risk factor for MB (HR 3.05, p = 0.016, CI 1.23–7.56), in particular vitamin K antagonists (22.6% of those treated had a MB event, HR 2.96, p = 0.004, CI 1.41–6.22). Survival at 10 years was associated with hemorrhage (OR 2.54, p < 0.001) but not thrombosis (HR 0.95, p = 0.829). Hemorrhage has a higher risk of mortality than thrombosis. Improved risk stratification for MB is necessary. The choice of anticoagulation, cytoreduction and antiplatelet therapies is an important area of research in ET.
A compatible finite element discretisation for the nonhydrostatic vertical slice equations
Authors: Cotter C. J. , Shipton J.
Published: September 2023

We present a compatible finite element discretisation for the vertical slice compressible Euler equations, at next-to-lowest order (i.e., the pressure space is bilinear discontinuous functions). The equations are numerically integrated in time using a fully implicit timestepping scheme which is solved using monolithic GMRES preconditioned by a linesmoother. The linesmoother only involves local operations and is thus suitable for domain decomposition in parallel. It allows for arbitrarily large timesteps but with iteration counts scaling linearly with Courant number in the limit of large Courant number. This solver approach is implemented using Firedrake, and the additive Schwarz preconditioner framework of PETSc. We demonstrate the robustness of the scheme using a standard set of testcases that may be compared with other approaches.
Does cognitive decline influence signing?
Authors: Preti Alice Naomi , Diana Lorenzo , Castaldo Rita , Pischedda Francesca , Difonzo Teresa , Fumagalli Giorgio , Arighi Andrea , Sartori Giuseppe , Zago Stefano , Bolognini Nadia
Published: September 2023

Objective

The study explored the change in handwritten signature in neurodegenerative diseases by using of a rater-based approach.

Methods

Four independent observers were required to compare a pair of signatures (on average, 5 years elapsed between the two signatures) made by 103 patients (mean age 72 years) with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and by 31 healthy participants (HC; mean age 73 years), judging their change according to a 0–1 rating scale (0 = similar or 1 = different). If a signature change was detected, the rater had also to report which signature features (spatial layout, omitted/added/switched letters or names, shape of letter, pen-flow) changed on the same 0–1 scale. For the AD and FTD groups, one signature was collected prior to the diagnosis of dementia, the other subsequent.

Results

A signature change was reported by raters in 36% of AD patients, 44% of FTD, and 17% of HC, with significant differences between both clinical groups and HC (vs. AD, p = .01; vs. FTD, p = .001). There was not a distinctive marker of the signature change (i.e., feature change) in patients with dementia. Moreover, the signature changes in neurological patients were unrelated to their clinical and demographic characteristics (age, sex, education, time elapsed between the two signatures, Mini-mental State Examination score).

Conclusion

The findings suggest a resistance of handwritten signature in neurodegenerative diseases and in physiological aging, also suggesting that the signature may be an unreliable indicator of the cognitive status in AD and FTD, at least if subjectively evaluated.
Individuelle Lernunterstützung in der Arbeitsphase einer standardisierten Mathematikstunde im ersten Schuljahr – eine Videostudie
Authors: Foster Manuela , Diener Marion , Schnepel Susanne , Moser Opitz Elisabeth
Published: September 2023

Die individuellen Lernunterstützung von Schüler*innen ist eine wichtige Aufgabe von Lehrkräften. Bisherige Untersuchungen zeigen, dass es große Unterschiede zwischen einzelnen Lehrkräften gibt, sowohl hinsichtlich der Durchführung als auch des Anregungsgehalts der Lernunterstützung. Ausgehend davon wird diskutiert, ob diese Ergebnisse – zumindest teilweise – auf die jeweiligen unterschiedlichen Unterrichtssituationen zurückzuführen sind und ob sich die Unterschiede zwischen den Lehrkräften auch in Situationen, die vergleichbar sind, zeigen. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Lernunterstützung in standardisierten Mathematiklektionen im ersten Schuljahr. Analysiert wird, wie Lehrkräfte kooperative Arbeitsphasen im Unterricht für eine individuelle Lernunterstützung nutzen, welche Formen der Lernunterstützung zu beobachten sind und inwieweit diese Formen das Potenzial enthalten, die Lernprozesse wirksam zu unterstützen. Hierfür wurde die Lernunterstützung von Lehrkräften während einer kooperativen Arbeitsphase mittels videobasierter Unterrichtsanalyse untersucht. Als Datenbasis standen Unterrichtsvideos von 32 standardisierten Mathematiklektionen zur Verfügung. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass Lehrkräfte während knapp der Hälfte der Zeit der kooperativen Arbeitsphase einzelne Kinder oder kleine Gruppen individuell und fachbezogen in ihrem Lernen unterstützten. Dabei überwogen Formen der Lernunterstützung ohne hohes Lernpotenzial. Zudem zeigten sich trotz der hohen Standardisierung der Unterrichtssituation große Unterschiede zwischen den Lehrkräften, sowohl in Bezug auf die zeitliche Dauer als auch in Bezug auf die angewendeten Formen der Lernunterstützung. Im Rahmen weiterer Forschung wäre insbesondere zu analysieren, inwieweit die Gestaltung einer individuellen Lernunterstützung mit hohem Lernpotenzial durch konkrete Impulse und Hinweise gefördert werden kann.
Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: An Overview
Authors: Kaliyaperumal Yuvashri , Sivadasan Shalini , Aiyalu Rajasekaran
Published: September 2023

Background

This review elaborates on the definition, incidence, risk factors and treatment options for contrast-induced acute renal injury and highlights the potential therapeutic options to prevent this condition. Contrast-induced nephropathy is a subclinical and acute form of renal failure characterized by an unexplained worsening of renal function within 48–72 h after the administration of iodinated contrast media.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed to identify studies published in English and focused on contrast-induced nephropathy using specific keywords:: contrast-induced nephropathy, acute renal failure, iodinated contrast agent, chronic renal failure, and percutaneous coronary intervention.

Results

The risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy increases in the presence of certain factors, including pre-existing renal dysfunction, diabetes, congestive heart failure, advanced age, and the concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs; this risk varies from 5% in patients with mild renal dysfunction to 50% in patients with diabetes and severe renal dysfunction.

Conclusions

Over recent years, many patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, do not opt to receive iodinated contrast agents due to the risk of acute renal failure, thus compromising diagnostic procedures. However, recent studies have shown that contrast-induced nephropathy occurs less frequently in patients with normal renal function than in those with pre-existing chronic renal failure and/or diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, over recent years, preventive strategies using intravenous fluids, pharmaceuticals, and renal replacement therapy, have reduced the occurrence of contrast-induced nephropathy. However, as diagnostic and therapeutic intervention paradigms evolve, some questions remain unanswered.
Artificial Intelligence Assisted Enhanced Energy Efficient Model for Device-to-Device Communication in 5G Networks
Authors: Mishra Shailendra
Published: September 2023

Device-to-device (D2D) communications promise spectral and energy efficiency, total system capacity, and excellent data rates. These improvements in network performance led to much D2D research, but it revealed significant difficulties before their full potential could be realized in 5G networks. D2D communication in 5G networks can bring about performance gains regarding spectral and energy efficiency, total system capacity, and data rate. The major challenge in the 5G network is to meet latency, bandwidth, and traffic density requirements. In addition, the next generation of cellular networks must have increased throughput, decreased power consumption, and guaranteed Quality of Service. This potential, however, is associated with substantial difficulties. To address these challenges and improve the system capabilities of D2D networks, a deep learning-based Improved D2D communication (DLID2DC) model has been proposed. The proposed model is explicitly intended for 5G networks, using the exterior public cloud to replace automation with an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) method to analyze communication needs. The communicated needs allow a selection of methodologies to transfer machine data from the remote server to the smart devices. The model utilizes deep learning algorithms for resource allocation in D2D communication to maximize the utilization of available spectrum resources. Experimental tests prove that the DLID2DC model brings about better throughput, lower end-to-end delay, better fairness, and improved energy efficiency than traditional methods.
Calcium phosphate ceramic as a model for enamel substitute material in dental applications
Authors: Rujiraprasert Phakvalunch , Suriyasangpetch Sarat , Srijunbarl Anucharte , Singthong Thawanrat , Makornpan Chalermkwan , Nampuksa Katanchalee , Osathanon Thanaphum , Nantanapiboon Dusit , Monmaturapoj Naruporn
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to develop enamel substitute material using a mechanochemical technique.

Materials and Methods

Hydroxyapatite was synthesized with and without tricalcium phosphate under uniaxial pressing of 10 and 17 MPa (HA10, HA17, BCP10, and BCP17), followed by sintering at 1250 °C for 2 h. Human enamel and dentin blocks were used as control groups. The mechanical properties were determined by compressive strength test and Vickers microhardness. The data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and LSD post-hoc test (α = 0.05). The phase formation and morphology of the specimens were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

HA17 and HA10 had compressive strength values comparable to enamel and dentin, respectively (p > 0.05). The microhardness of all synthesized groups was significantly higher than that of tooth structures (p < 0.05). From the XRD graphs, only the hydroxyapatite peak was observed in the control and HA groups. SEM images showed homogeneous hydroxyapatite grains in all groups, while the BCP groups contained higher porosities.

Conclusions

Both HA10 and HA17 are suitable for use as the inorganic part of dentin and enamel substitutes.
Efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Jing , Chen Yexin , Liu Yan , Lin Lin , Lin Xiujuan , Gong Wenxiu , Xia Rongmu , He Jianquan , Sheng Jianwen , Cai Huimei , Xiao Chuanxing
Published: September 2023

To explore the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a treatment approach for ulcerative colitis (UC), a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. To collect and evaluate randomized controlled trials of high quality on FMT for UC, we searched a number of databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and Medline, for studies published between the establishment of the databases and March 2023. We conducted a meta-analysis of the studies using Review Manager software (version 5.4.1) to determine the differences in rates of remission and adverse reactions between the FMT group and the control group, utilizing the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to combine our findings. A total of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of FMT in patients with UC were included in the study, in which 580 patients participated, including 293 patients treated with FMT and 287 control subjects. Meta-analysis revealed that clinical remission was significantly better in the FMT group than in the control group [RR = 1.73; 95% CI = (1.41, 2.12); P < 0.00001]; endoscopic remission was significantly better in the FMT group than in the control group [RR = 1.74; 95% CI = (1.24, 2.44); P = 0.001]. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups [RR = 1.00; 95% CI = (0.86, 1.15); P = 0.96]. Fecal microbiota transplantation has shown potential as a therapeutic intervention for inducing clinical remission in ulcerative colitis UC; nevertheless, the attainment of endoscopic remission and the maintenance of long-term remission continue to present challenges. Safety concerns persist throughout the treatment process, necessitating the implementation of measures to augment both safety and success rates.