bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disclosure and comfort during genetic counseling sessions with LGBTQ+ patients: An updated assessment
Authors: Valentine Rozalia , Mills Rachel , Nichols Tracy , Doyle Lauren
Published: February 2023

Disclosure is the act of sharing a stigmatized identity, and members of the LGBTQ+ community make decisions related to disclosure multiple times throughout their life. Disclosure in medical settings can impact perceptions of care and outcomes for LGBTQ+ patients; however, little is understood about the process of decision‐making regarding disclosure in the genetic counseling setting. As such, this study aimed to explore LGBTQ+ experiences in genetic counseling sessions and their disclosure behaviors. Fifty‐five LGBTQ+ individuals who attended a genetic counseling session and 91 genetic counselors completed online surveys. The patient survey assessed for disclosure behaviors, experiences of discrimination, and comfort in genetic counseling sessions. The counselor survey evaluated comfort with the LGBTQ+ population in a counseling setting, whether counselors facilitate disclosure in sessions, and whether counseling is tailored for the LGBTQ+ population. Eighty‐two percent of genetic counselors “rarely” or “never” ask about sexual orientation, and 69% “rarely” or “never” ask about gender identity. The majority of patients indicated they were not asked about their sexual orientation (87%) or gender identity (80%). Some patients reported experiencing discrimination or homo/transphobia in their genetic counseling sessions, with 6.12% of LGBQ+ patients experiencing discrimination and 24.1% of trans+ patients reporting discrimination. Over half of genetic counselors reported receiving training in LGBTQ+ healthcare and the majority reported comfort with providing care to LGBTQ+ patients. However, discrepancies between patient‐reported experiences and genetic counselors' descriptions of their care for the LGBTQ+ population warrant further research and suggest additional training or changes in practice may be necessary.
Trajectories of re‐engagement: factors and mechanisms enabling patient return to HIV care in Zambia
Authors: Beres Laura K. , Mwamba Chanda , Bolton‐Moore Carolyn , Kennedy Caitlin E. , Simbeza Sandra , Topp Stephanie M. , Sikombe Kombatende , Mukamba Njekwa , Mody Aaloke , Schwartz Sheree R. , Geng Elvin , Holmes Charles B. , Sikazwe Izukanji , Denison Julie A.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

While disengagement from HIV care threatens the health of persons living with HIV (PLWH) and incidence‐reduction targets, re‐engagement is a critical step towards positive outcomes. Studies that establish a deeper understanding of successful return to clinical care among previously disengaged PLWH and the factors supporting re‐engagement are essential to facilitate long‐term care continuity.

Methods

We conducted narrative, patient‐centred, in‐depth interviews between January and June 2019 with 20 PLWH in Lusaka, Zambia, who had disengaged and then re‐engaged in HIV care, identified through electronic medical records (EMRs). We applied narrative analysis techniques, and deductive and inductive thematic analysis to identify engagement patterns and enablers of return.

Results

We inductively identified five trajectories of care engagement, suggesting patterns in patient characteristics, experienced barriers and return facilitators that may aid intervention targeting including: (1) intermittent engagement;(2) mostly engaged; (3) delayed linkage after testing; (4) needs time to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART); and (5) re‐engagement with ART initiation. Patient‐identified periods of disengagement from care did not always align with care gaps indicated in the EMR. Key, interactive re‐engagement facilitators experienced by participants, with varied importance across trajectories, included a desire for physical wellness and social support manifested through verbal encouragement, facility outreach or personal facility connections and family instrumental support. The mechanisms through which facilitators led to return were: (1) the promising of living out one's life priorities; (2) feeling valued; (3) fostering interpersonal accountability; (4) re‐entry navigation support; (5) facilitated care and treatment access; and (6) management of significant barriers, such as depression.

Conclusions

While preliminary, the identified trajectories may guide interventions to support re‐engagement, such as offering flexible ART access to patients with intermittent engagement patterns instead of stable patients only. Further, for re‐engagement interventions to achieve impact, they must activate mechanisms underlying re‐engagement behaviours. For example, facility outreach that reminds a patient to return to care but does not affirm a patient's value or navigate re‐entry is unlikely to be effective. The demonstrated importance of positive health facility connections reinforces a growing call for patient‐centred care. Additionally, interventions should consider the important role communities play in fostering treatment motivation and overcoming practical barriers.
Persistent bone and joint disease despite current treatments for mucopolysaccharidosis types I, II, and VI: Data from a 10‐year prospective study
Authors: Miller Bradley S. , Fung Ellen B. , White Klane K. , Lund Troy C. , Harmatz Paul , Orchard Paul J. , Whitley Chester B. , Polgreen Lynda E.
Published: February 2023

The mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) disorders have many potential new therapies on the horizon. Thus, historic control data on disease progression and variability are urgently needed. We conducted a 10‐year prospective observational study of 55 children with MPS IH (N = 23), MPS IA (N = 10), non‐neuronopathic MPS II (N = 13), and MPS VI (N = 9) to systematically evaluate bone and joint disease. Annual measurements included height, weight, and goniometry. Mixed effects modeling was used to evaluate changes over time. All participants had been treated with hematopoietic cell transplantation and/or enzyme replacement therapy. Height z‐score decreased over time in MPS IH, MPS II, and MPS VI, but not MPS IA. Adult heights were 136 ± 10 cm in MPS IH, 161 ± 11 cm in MPS IA, 161 ± 14 cm in MPS II, and 128 ± 15 cm in MPS VI. Adult average BMI percentiles were high: 75 ± 30%ile in MPS IH, 71 ± 37%ile in MPS IA, 71 ± 25%ile in MPS II, and 60 ± 42%ile in MPS VI. Every participant had joint contractures of the shoulders, elbows, hips, and/or knees. Joint contractures remained stable over time. In conclusion, despite current treatments for MPS I, II, and VI, short stature and joint contractures persist. The elevation in average BMI may be related, in part, to physical inactivity due to the ongoing bone and joint disease. Data from this longitudinal historical control study may be used to expedite testing of experimental bone and joint directed therapies and to highlight the need for weight management as part of routine clinical care for patients with MPS.
Land footprint and GHG emissions from global food loss
Authors: Abbade Eduardo Botti
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Efficient land use represents a global challenge in the context of high levels of food loss (FL) and waste (FLW) and increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global agricultural activities. This study aimed to estimate the land footprint (LF) associated with FL worldwide. It also estimated the GHG emissions from crop residues and their burning, and their relationship with food loss for the main crops worldwide. The study analyzed data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) regarding land use, FL, and global GHG emissions from crop residues.

RESULTS

The findings suggest that the average LF associated with FL worldwide is about 69 million ha per year, and the main food items responsible for most of the LF associated with FL are maize, wheat, and rice. The annual average emissions derived from burning crop residues of FL are 48.8 kilotons year−1 of CH4 and 1.26 kilotons year−1 of N2O, and the emission of N2O derived from crop residues of FL is about 24.1 kilotons year−1, considering the three crops.

CONCLUSION

Food loss implies high levels of LF and GHG emissions, reinforcing the need for proper public and private initiatives worldwide to reduce FL and waste (FLW). Organizations such as the FAO and the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) should incorporate indicators regarding FLW reduction to evaluate and monitor countries’ performance. An international agreement also needs to be addressed to engage the world's nations in the reduction of FLW levels. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Canada lynx occupancy and density in Glacier National Park
Authors: Anderson Alissa K. , Waller John S. , Thornton Daniel H.
Published: February 2023

Protected areas are the cornerstone of conservation strategies for threatened and endangered species. Because protected areas often are insulated from many anthropogenic threats, and contain substantial topographic relief, they may be particularly important as climatic refugia for cold‐adapted, at‐risk species. Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) are a cold‐adapted, threatened species, and reach the southern limits of their distribution in the contiguous United States, where they exist in several disjunct populations largely on multiple‐use lands (e.g., national forests). Glacier National Park (GNP) is one of the few, large, protected areas located within Canada lynx range in the contiguous United States, and therefore a potentially important lynx stronghold within the Northern Rockies lynx recovery unit. Despite its potential importance, knowledge of lynx populations within the park is extremely limited. We completed a park‐wide occupancy survey of lynx using an array of motion‐sensitive cameras during summers in 2018–2021. Within a smaller area of the park, we also estimated lynx density by identifying individuals from subtle markings on the inside of the front leg and employing spatially explicit capture‐recapture analysis. Finally, we linked park‐wide predictions of occupancy with local density to estimate lynx population size across GNP. Lynx were distributed across much of the park in summer and occupancy was influenced by a combination of snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) relative abundance, forest associations, climate, and fire. We were able to successfully identify approximately 75% of lynx captures to individual based on coat markings. Although average park‐wide lynx density was low (1.28/100 km2) compared to populations in the core of the range, park‐wide abundance was substantial for this threatened predator (52; 95% CI = 30–92). Based on our results, we propose that GNP should be considered as a potentially important area for lynx habitat refugia in a warming climate. Moreover, our ability to rapidly assess distribution and density using camera deployments in summer could be useful for long‐term monitoring and recovery assessment.
Critical assessment of approach towards estimation of microplastics in environmental matrices
Authors: Raj Deep , Maiti Subodh Kumar
Published: February 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are the contaminants of growing concern due to their persistent properties in the environment. This review compares the global data on MPs concentration in soil, sediment, salt, sand, biosolids, and water. Previous studies have also developed various methods to estimate MPs for different environmental matrices, which were generally based on salt‐based density separation, physical (microscopy), chemical characterization (spectroscopy), and visual counting for extraction, identification, and quantification, respectively. In most of the existing field‐based studies, MPs are usually identified and detected by microscopic observation and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, which maximize the probability of error in the estimation process. A combination of thermogravimetric analysis‐FTIR spectroscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, optical photothermal infrared, and pyrolysis/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry are used for the identification, recognition, and quantification of MPs in the heterogeneous solid and liquid matrices for minimizing the interference and misinterpretation of the other constituents (organic matter) present in the samples, especially soil, sediments, and biosolids.
Resorcinol‐Derived Vitrimers and Their Flax Fiber‐Reinforced Composites Based on Fast Siloxane Exchange
Authors: Debsharma Tapas , Engelen Stéphanie , De Baere Ives , Van Paepegem Wim , Du Prez Filip
Published: February 2023

Natural fiber‐reinforced composites are gaining increased interest for their significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional glass or carbon fiber‐based counterparts. In this study, natural fibers are used in a resorcinol‐based epoxy resin that is thermally reshapable at higher temperatures (>180 °C) by using fast exchanging siloxane bonds, catalyzed by 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene. Stress relaxation times of only about 6 s at 220 °C can be reached. A resorcinol‐based epoxy compound is selected because it can be derived from cellulose, opening ways for more sustainable and reshapable composite materials. In a last step of the research, the low viscosity vitrimer formulation (<200 mPa s) is applied to make a flax fiber‐reinforced composite using an industrially relevant vacuum‐assisted resin infusion process. A section of this composite is successfully reshaped, which allows for envisioning a second life for natural fiber‐reinforced composites.
Long‐Duration Response to Levodopa, Motor Learning, and Neuroplasticity in Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sciacca Giorgia , Mostile Giovanni , Disilvestro Ivano , Donzuso Giulia , Nicoletti Alessandra , Zappia Mario
Published: February 2023

Background

Long‐duration response (LDR) to levodopa and motor learning could be involved in changes in neuroplasticity of cortical excitability in Parkinson's disease (PD). P300, motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and Bereitschaftspotential (BP) are neurophysiological surrogate markers of neuroplasticity.

Objective

We aimed to define in PD the effects of LDR and motor learning on neurophysiological parameters involved in neuroplasticity.

Methods

Drug‐naive PD patients underwent a 15‐day treatment with levodopa/carbidopa 250/25 mg daily. Achievement of LDR was assessed on the 15th day of treatment (T15). Patients were grouped based on the achievement of a sustained LDR (LDR+) or no LDR (LDR−) and to the assignment of a learning motor exercise (LME) or no motor exercise (NME). Patients underwent clinical and neurophysiological (P300, MEPs, and BP) assessments at baseline (T0) and on T15.

Results

Forty‐one PD patients and 24 age‐ and sex‐matched normal controls (NCs) were enrolled. Neurophysiological parameters differed between untreated PD patients and NCs. Four groups of patients were obtained at the end of treatments: trained patients with a sustained LDR (LDR + LME group), untrained patients with a sustained LDR (LDR + NME group), trained patients without LDR (LDR‐LME group), and untrained patients without LDR (LDR‐NME group). At baseline, no differences in clinical and neurophysiological parameters were evident among the groups. After the treatments, significant improvements in neurophysiological parameters were observed in the LDR + LME group. No modifications were found in the groups without LDR.

Conclusions

The achievement of a sustained LDR may act synergistically with motor learning to induce adaptive changes in neuroplasticity in basal ganglia and cortical networks. Our findings support LDR as a pharmacological outcome possibly facilitating the action of motor learning on neuroplasticity in early PD. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A neural ordinary differential equation model for visualizing deep neural network behaviors in multi‐parametric MRI‐based glioma segmentation
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Hu Zongsheng , Ji Hangjie , Lafata Kyle , Vaios Eugene , Floyd Scott , Yin Fang‐Fang , Wang Chunhao
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To develop a neural ordinary differential equation (ODE) model for visualizing deep neural network behavior during multi‐parametric MRI‐based glioma segmentation as a method to enhance deep learning explainability.

Methods

By hypothesizing that deep feature extraction can be modeled as a spatiotemporally continuous process, we implemented a novel deep learning model, Neural ODE, in which deep feature extraction was governed by an ODE parameterized by a neural network. The dynamics of (1) MR images after interactions with the deep neural network and (2) segmentation formation can thus be visualized after solving the ODE. An accumulative contribution curve (ACC) was designed to quantitatively evaluate each MR image's utilization by the deep neural network toward the final segmentation results.

The proposed Neural ODE model was demonstrated using 369 glioma patients with a 4‐modality multi‐parametric MRI protocol: T1, contrast‐enhanced T1 (T1‐Ce), T2, and FLAIR. Three Neural ODE models were trained to segment enhancing tumor (ET), tumor core (TC), and whole tumor (WT), respectively. The key MRI modalities with significant utilization by deep neural networks were identified based on ACC analysis. Segmentation results by deep neural networks using only the key MRI modalities were compared to those using all four MRI modalities in terms of Dice coefficient, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

Results

All Neural ODE models successfully illustrated image dynamics as expected. ACC analysis identified T1‐Ce as the only key modality in ET and TC segmentations, while both FLAIR and T2 were key modalities in WT segmentation. Compared to the U‐Net results using all four MRI modalities, the Dice coefficient of ET (0.784→0.775), TC (0.760→0.758), and WT (0.841→0.837) using the key modalities only had minimal differences without significance. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity results demonstrated the same patterns.

Conclusion

The Neural ODE model offers a new tool for optimizing the deep learning model inputs with enhanced explainability. The presented methodology can be generalized to other medical image‐related deep‐learning applications.
Challenge, threat, coping potential: How primary and secondary appraisals of job demands predict nurses' affective states during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Fernandez De Henestrosa Martha , Sischka Philipp E. , Steffgen Georges
Published: February 2023

Aim

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a rapid raise of work‐related stress among nurses, affecting their emotional well‐being. This study examined how nurses appraise job demands (i.e. time pressure, emotional demands and physical demands) during the pandemic, and how primary (i.e. challenge and threat) and secondary appraisals (i.e. coping potential) of job demands predict nurses' affective states (i.e. positive affect, anger and anxiety).

Design

A cross‐sectional online survey.

Methods

419 nurses completed self‐report measures of job demands and related appraisals. Data analyses comprised correlation analysis, factor analysis, hierarchical linear regression analysis and dominance analysis.

Results

Emotional and physical demands correlated exclusively with threat appraisal, while time pressure correlated with challenge and threat appraisal. Time pressure, emotional demands and threat appraisals of job demands predicted negative affective states, while challenge appraisals of emotional and physical demands predicted positive affect. Coping potential was identified as the most important predictor variable of nurses' affective states.

Public Contribution

The current study identified statistically significant risk and protective factors in view of nurses' affective states experienced during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Occupational well‐being of the work community in social and health care education during the COVID‐19 pandemic—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vauhkonen Anneli , Honkalampi Kirsi , Hult Marja , Hujo Mika , Saaranen Terhi
Published: February 2023

Aim

To evaluate factors related to the occupational well‐being of social and health care educators' work communities during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among social and health care educators in Finland 2020.

Methods

Data (n = 552) were collected through a questionnaire containing continuous, Likert scale and categorical variables. Descriptive, exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression modelling were used for analysing the data.

Results

Educators regarded their work as meaningful and experienced collegiality. Age and work experience were related to experiences on work community subscales and community occupational well‐being. Personal occupational well‐being and activities promoting occupational well‐being on the community level were most related to experiences of the work community and its well‐being. The activities that promote occupational well‐being on the work community level should be emphasized.
Perceptions of healthcare professional about the “PACE Steps to Success” palliative care program for long‐term care: A qualitative study in Switzerland
Authors: Charmillot Pierre‐Alain , Van den Block Lieve , Oosterveld‐Vlug Mariska , Pautex Sophie
Published: February 2023

Aim

This study aimed to examine the healthcare professionals' perceptions after implementing the “PACE Steps to Success” program in the French‐speaking part of Switzerland.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Thematic analysis of semi‐structured face‐to‐face and group interviews with health professionals, PACE coordinators, and managers purposely invited in the four long‐term home facilities that had previously participated in the PACE cluster randomized clinical trial intervention group.

Results

The PACE program implementation has improved communication with residents regarding end‐of‐life issues and helped identify patients' needs. The introduction of codified tools can complete internal tools and support decision‐making. In addition, the training has promoted inter‐professional collaboration, particularly in the case of care assistants, by defining each profession's specific responsibilities in providing care for older adults.
The lived experience of family members of older people who have died by suicide in rural China
Authors: Chen Mengyun , Zhang Xiubin , McCormack Brendan
Published: February 2023

Aim

The aim of the study is to provide insight and facilitate a deeper understanding of family members who have experienced their older family member's suicide.

Design

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study.

Methods

Semi‐structured individual interviews with five family members of older people who died by suicide recruited from a rural area of Shanxi Province, China. Smith's (2009) six steps of IPA was used for data analysis.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the study: (a) Initial psychological reactions; (b) Long‐term life effects; (c) Social attitudes. The study shows how the family members of older people who died by suicide have experienced stigmatization and felt largely ignored. A suicide event poses a challenge to the future living quality of the family members. The study also highlights that it is necessary to pay attention to families of older people who died by suicide and providing support is required to improve the quality of life of these family members in rural China.

Conclusion

The study adds to the understanding of the lived experience of family members of older people who died by suicide in less economically developed rural areas.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and the public were not involved in the design, conduct or reporting of this study. Participants of this study helped with recruitment via snowball sampling.
Two‐level methods based on the Arrow–Hurwicz iteration for the steady incompressible magnetohydrodynamic system
Authors: Du Binbin , Huang Jianguo , Al Mahbub Md. Abdullah , Zheng Haibiao
Published: February 2023

We consider the two‐level methods based on Arrow–Hurwicz (A‐H) iteration for solving the stationary incompressible magnetohydrodynamics problem. The methods carry out some A‐H iterations on the coarse mesh, improve the obtained solutions by using one‐step scheme on the fine mesh. Such methods enjoy some advantages including that the number of A‐H iterations can be flexibly and controllably selected, and they are valid for high hydrodynamic Reynolds number. The convergence analyses are established and various numerical experiments are performed to validate and illustrate the stability, accuracy, and efficiency of the new methods.
Polyvinylidene fluoride—An advanced smart polymer for electromagnetic interference shielding applications—A novel review
Authors: Nivedhitha Durgam Muralidharan , Jeyanthi Subramanian
Published: February 2023

Emerging technology and modernization have become a worldwide threat to human life in all aspects. Worldwide, all countries are in the race to develop the most advanced electronic devices and gadgets as they reflect the country's superiority and economic development. Specialists have forecasted that during and after the pandemic, the addiction toward modern gadgets have increased by 40% among the people irrespective of age. A few researchers have reported that the world economy is dependent on and dominated by countries manufacturing semiconductors, mobiles, electronic chips, and so on. People started sensing that modern devices are like a boon, as their lives seem to be more connected and comfortable with all their needs and wants being fulfilled at their doorsteps. But this boon is slowly whirling as a severe threat to human lives. Due to this rapid usage of electronic devices, electromagnetic interference (EMI) is drastically growing, which is considered a global warning issue for commercial and biological systems. So advanced countries have decided to make EMI shielding a compulsory entity to be implemented in all advanced electronic devices. Though traditional materials like metals and carbon allotropes have excellent shielding properties, they cannot cope with today's mass production of modern devices. Thus, researchers had to find a suitable substitute material that should possess properties such as sustainability and biocompatibility to overcome problems faced by the conventional materials. Thus, polymers have come into the world of EMI shielding applications. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a non‐conductive polymer from the family of Fluorocarbons, is creating history in the field of EMI shielding applications. PVDF astonished researchers with its versatile features, such as light weight, flexibility, and easy processibility with excellent dielectric and piezoelectric properties. Though they are poor in electrically conductive properties, incorporating metals, carbon allotropes, and metal oxides as fillers make them superior to the existing conventional materials. Thus, the main objective of this review article is to highlight the uniqueness of PVDF as an advanced polymer for EMI shielding applications. It has been noted that PVDF is more suitable for EMI shielding in X, K, and Ku band frequencies. But overall, we noticed that the performance of PVDF has a great impact by incorporating a combination of metal and carbon allotrope enhances the shielding effectiveness up to 65 dB in the Ku‐band (Kurz‐under) frequency band range of (12–18 GHz).
Receiving uncertain results from prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis: Women's decisions on continuation or termination of pregnancy
Authors: Libman Vitalia , Friedlander Yechiel , Chalk Michal , Hochner Hagit , Shkedi‐Rafid Shiri
Published: February 2023

Background

Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) may detect variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) and susceptibility loci (SL) with incomplete penetrance for neurodevelopmental disorders. This qualitative study provides empirical data on women's experiences with receiving such findings in pregnancy and their decisions regarding continuation or termination of the pregnancy.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with women who received a VUS and/or SL from prenatal CMA in the last 2–4 years and were analyzed using Grounded Theory.

Results

The vast majority of women recalled being stressed by the findings. All women sought further advice and information to be able to decide whether to continue or terminate their pregnancy. The three pregnancies that were terminated have in common a de novo SL with a 10%–20% penetrance. Similar reasoning (coping with uncertainty, the quest for a perfect child, and a chance for recurrence in future pregnancies) led different women to contradicting conclusions regarding their pregnancies. All women felt satisfied with their decisions.

Conclusion

Although uncertain/probabilistic information commonly involves a psychological burden, it may also be perceived as valuable and actionable. Pre‐test parental choice regarding the disclosure of such information could allow personalized utilization of advanced genomic tests in pregnancy.
Synthesis and Characterization of Sol–Gel‐Derived SiO2–CaO Particles: Size Impact on Glass (Bio)Properties
Authors: Fandzloch Marzena , Bodylska Weronika , Roszek Katarzyna , Szymański Damian , Jaromin Anna , Lukowiak Anna
Published: February 2023

Four highly bioactive glasses in a binary SiO2–CaO system are prepared following a sol−gel method using Ca(OH)2 as a calcium precursor. In the synthesis of glass according to the modified Stöber method, Ca(OH)2 suspended in polyethylene glycol allows the elimination of the presence of calcite and the increase of ammonia concentration causes formation of spherical particles with different sizes in the range of 26–266 nm. The relation among the size and properties, including bioactivity, of the glass particles is evaluated. New glasses that vary in composition (10–25 wt% CaO), porosity (15–113 m2 g−1), and hydroxyl groups content greatly enhance the formation process of hydroxyapatite (HA) in simulated physiological fluids. For all glasses, superior apatite‐mineralization ability in time as short as 2 h in the physiological‐like buffer is achieved, thus exceeding the bioactivity of the known bioactive glasses, including 45S5 glass (Bioglass). The assessment of the safety and toxicity profile of the obtained glasses is verified in a wide range of concentrations (1–1000 µg mL−1) against human dermal fibroblasts and MC3T3 mouse osteoblast precursors, but also to human erythrocytes by determining hemocompatibility. Two glasses of different sizes, 73 and 266 nm, are promising and warrant further research.
Effects of biodiesel on thermal safety and detonation characteristics of emulsion explosive**
Authors: Li Hong‐wei , Yang Ce , Sun Jian‐hui , Cheng Yang‐fan
Published: February 2023

Biodiesel as a typical green energy and having of environmental and economic values is therefore suitable for emulsion explosive. Herein, we have demonstrated the use of biodiesel as a partial substitute of composite wax of emulsion explosives (EE), and mainly focused on the effects of biodiesel content on the thermal safety and explosion characteristics of EE. Compared with the EE without biodiesel, the average particle size of the internal phase decreases by 45.66 %, and the activation energy of the thermal decomposition reaction increases by 44.90 % when the biodiesel substitution amount is 2 %. The detonation velocity and lead column compression ratio are 5185 m/s and 0.4219 respectively, which were almost consistent with the sample without biodiesel. It follows that biodiesel addition increased the thermal safety of emulsion explosive simultaneously guaranteed explosive performance. Consequently, biodiesel can be developed as a promising oil phase substitute for EE.
Modeling the zinc effect on OsASR5‐STAR1 promoter interaction by molecular dynamics
Authors: Barros Nicolle Louise Ferreira , Siqueira Andrei Santos , Arenhart Rafael Augusto , Margis‐Pinheiro Marcia
Published: February 2023

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) have numerous dynamic conformations. Given the difficulties in tracking temporarily folded states of this kind of protein, methods such as molecular modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations make the process less costly, less laborious, and more detailed. Few plant IDPs have been characterized so far, such as proteins from the Abscisic acid, Stress and Ripening (ASR) family. The present work applied, for the first time, the two above‐mentioned tools to test the feasibility of determining a three‐dimensional transition model of OsASR5 and to investigate the relationship between OsASR5 and zinc. We found that one of OsASR5's conformers contains α‐helices, turns, and loops and that the metal binding resulted in a predominance of α‐helix. This stability is possibly imperative for the transcription factor activity. The promoter region of a sugar transporter was chosen to test this hypothesis and free energy calculations showed how the ion is mandatory for this complex formation. The results produced here aim to clarify which conformation the protein in the bound state assumes and which residues are involved in the process, besides developing the understanding of how the flexibility of these proteins can contribute to the response to environmental stresses.
Finite‐time constrained attitude regulation for spacecraft formation with disturbances on SO(3)$$ SO(3) $$
Authors: Zhu Shengjie , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zong Xiaofeng , Li Renfu
Published: February 2023

This paper addresses the finite‐time constrained attitude regulation problem for spacecraft formation with disturbances on . An artificial potential function (APF) is constructed based on the rotation matrix to handle the attitude constraints. By combining the terminal sliding mode control technique with the APF, a robust control law is proposed to achieve the almost globally constrained attitude regulation for spacecraft formation with disturbances in finite time. Then a leader‐following robust control law is developed using a modified finite‐time distributed observer when some spacecraft cannot obtain the desired attitude directly. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory and Artstein's transformation, the sufficient conditions are strictly derived for spacecraft formation to guarantee the almost globally leader‐following finite‐time constrained attitude regulation with disturbances and communication delay. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control laws.
Kemeny's constant for nonbacktracking random walks
Authors: Breen Jane , Faught Nolan , Glover Cory , Kempton Mark , Knudson Adam , Oveson Alice
Published: February 2023

Kemeny's constant for a connected graph is the expected time for a random walk to reach a randomly chosen vertex , regardless of the choice of the initial vertex. We extend the definition of Kemeny's constant to nonbacktracking random walks and compare it to Kemeny's constant for simple random walks. We explore the relationship between these two parameters for several families of graphs and provide closed‐form expressions for regular and biregular graphs. In nearly all cases, the nonbacktracking variant yields the smaller Kemeny's constant.
Edge Coordination of Ni Single Atoms on Hard Carbon Promotes the Potassium Storage and Reversibility
Authors: Chen Yuwen , Fu Ning , Shen Bingxin , Yan Yurong , Shao Wei , Wang Tiantian , Xie Haijiao , Yang Zhenglong
Published: February 2023

Hard carbon is the most promising anode for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) due to its low cost and abundance, but its limited storage capacity remains a major challenge. Herein, edge coordination of metal single atoms is proved to be an effective strategy for promoting potassium storage in hard carbon for the first time, taking B, N co‐doped hard carbon nanotubes anchored by edge Ni‐N4‐B atomic sites (Ni@BNHC) as an example. It is revealed that edge Ni‐N4‐B can provide active sites for interlayer adsorption of K+ and that Ni atoms can facilitate the reversibility of K+ storage on N and B atoms. Furthermore, an unprecedentedly reversible K+ storage capacity of 694 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 is realized by introducing commercial carbon nanotubes. This work provides a new perspective for the application of single‐atom engineering and the design of high‐performance carbon anodes for PIBs.
Patterning of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Gold and Magnetite Nanoparticles by Dip Pen Nanolithography
Authors: Schlichter Lisa , Bosse Florian , Tyler Bonnie J. , Arlinghaus Heinrich F. , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: February 2023

Nanoparticles offer unique physical and chemical properties. Dip pen nanolithography of nanoparticles enables versatile patterning and nanofabrication with potential application in electronics and sensing, but is not well studied yet. Herein, the patterned deposition of various nanoparticles onto unmodified silicon substrates is presented. It is shown that aqueous solutions of hydrophilic citrate and cyclodextrin functionalized gold nanoparticles as well as poly(acrylic) acid decorated magnetite nanoparticles are feasible for writing nanostructures. Both smaller and larger nanoparticles can be patterned. Hydrophobic oleylamine or n‐dodecylamine capped gold nanoparticles and oleic acid decorated magnetite nanoparticles are deposited from toluene. Tip loading is carried out by dip‐coating, and writing succeeds fast within 0.1 s. Also, coating with longer tip dwell times, at different relative humidity and varying frequency are studied for deposition of nanoparticle clusters. The resulting feature size is between 300 and 1780 nm as determined by scanning electron microscopy. Atomic force microscopy confirms that the heights of the deposited structures correspond to a single or double layer of nanoparticles. Higher writing speeds lead to smaller line thicknesses, offering possibilities to more complex structures. Dip pen nanolithography can hence be used to pattern nanoparticles on silicon substrates independent of the surface chemistry.
Observation of Exchange Interaction in Iron(II) Spin Crossover Molecules in Contact with Passivated Ferromagnetic Surface of Co/Au(111)
Authors: Chen Hongyan , Yang Hung‐Hsiang , Frauhammer Timo , You Haoran , Sun Qing , Nagel Peter , Schuppler Stefan , Gaspar Ana Belén , Real José Antonio , Wulfhekel Wulf
Published: February 2023

Spin crossover (SCO) complexes sensitively react on changes of the environment by a change in the spin of the central metallic ion making them ideal candidates for molecular spintronics. In particular, the composite of SCO complexes and ferromagnetic (FM) surfaces would allow spin‐state switching of the molecules in combination with the magnetic exchange interaction to the magnetic substrate. Unfortunately, when depositing SCO complexes on ferromagnetic surfaces, spin‐state switching is blocked by the relatively strong interaction between the adsorbed molecules and the surface. Here, the Fe(II) SCO complex [FeII(Pyrz)2] (Pyrz = 3,5‐dimethylpyrazolylborate) with sub‐monolayer thickness in contact with a passivated FM film of Co on Au(111) is studied. In this case, the molecules preserve thermal spin crossover and at the same time the high‐spin species show a sizable exchange interaction of > 0.9 T with the FM Co substrate. These observations provide a feasible design strategy in fabricating SCO‐FM hybrid devices.
Nanoheterostructure by Liquid Metal Sandwich‐Based Interfacial Galvanic Replacement for Cancer Targeted Theranostics
Authors: Guo Zhenhu , Xie Wensheng , Gao Xiaohan , Lu Jingsong , Ye Jielin , Li Ying , Fahad Abdul , Zhang Guifeng , Zhao Lingyun
Published: February 2023

Nanoheterostructures with exquisite interface and heterostructure design find numerous applications in catalysis, plasmonics, electronics, and biomedicine. In the current study, series core–shell metal or metal oxide‐based heterogeneous nanocomposite have been successfully fabricated by employing sandwiched liquid metal (LM) layer (i.e., LM oxide/LM/LM oxide) as interfacial galvanic replacement reaction environment. A self‐limiting thin oxide layer, which would naturally occur at the metal–air interface under ambient conditions, could be readily delaminated onto the surface of core metal (Fe, Bi, carbonyl iron, Zn, Mo) or metal oxide (Fe3O4, Fe2O3, MoO3, ZrO2, TiO2) nano‐ or micro‐particles by van der Waals (vdW) exfoliation. Further on, the sandwiched LM layer could be formed immediately and acted as the reaction site of galvanic replacement where metals (Au, Ag, and Cu) or metal oxide (MnO2) with higher reduction potential could be deposited as shell structure. Such strategy provides facile and versatile approaches to design and fabricate nanoheterostructures. As a model, nanocomposite of Fe@Sandwiched‐GaIn‐Au (Fe@SW‐GaIn‐Au) is constructed and their application in targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided photothermal tumor ablation and chemodynamic therapy (CDT), as well as the enhanced radiotherapy (RT) against tumors, have been systematically investigated.
Forming Control Method of Single‐Layer Multi‐Pass Welding in the Intersection for T/K/Y Joints of Jacket
Authors: Huang Xu , Hong Xiaorong , Yu Xiwei , Lian Guofu , Chen Changrong
Published: February 2023

Multi‐layer multi‐pass welding is required for complicated welding of the intersecting seam in the jacket. Traditional manual welding of intersecting curves with low efficiency and poor consistency has been gradually replaced by robotic welding. However, this process cannot eliminate the defects during the welding forming process, resulting in welding deviations. It is difficult to meet the requirements in all‐position welding of intersecting curves. To achieve accurate layering and routing for robotic welding, it is necessary to study the weld forming control and prediction method in the jacket. Response surface methodology adhering to central composite design is used to establish a mathematical model to correlate the effects of input process parameters (voltage, current, speed, weaving amplitude) on response variables, i.e., aspect ratio, cross‐sectional area, and side wetting angle. The confirmation experiments and analysis of variance results validate that the percentage error between the predicted and actual values is less than 5%, which demonstrates the developed models are reliable. Prediction of filling weld forming changes of intersecting joints in jackets can be achieved.
CircRNA circSTIL inhibits ferroptosis in colorectal cancer via miR‐431/SLC7A11 axis
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Kaimin , Guo Qinying , Yang Tao
Published: February 2023

Ferroptosis is an emerging programmed cell death and plays essential roles in tumorigenesis, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study intended to disclose the role of a novel oncogene circular RNA (circRNA) circSTIL in CRC phenotypes, especially ferroptosis. The expression of circSTIL was measured in CRC tissues and cells. Then, the impacts of circSTIL expression on the proliferation and ferroptosis of CRC cells were examined by loss‐of‐function assays in vitro. Bioinformatics, luciferase reporter assay and cell rescue assay were further performed to reveal the ceRNA‐associated mechanism of circSTIL. CircSTIL was significantly upregulated in CRC. Cell proliferation was suppressed while ferroptosis was induced with the silencing of circSTIL in CRC cells. Interestingly, circSTIL competed with miR‐431 for solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) binding. Additionally, miR‐431 suppression or SLC7A11 overexpression overturned circSTIL silencing‐mediated cell phenotypes in CRC cells. CircSTIL promotes CRC cell proliferation and suppresses ferroptosis in vitro via miR‐431/SLC7A11 signaling, revealing the pathogenesis of CRC, and providing potential therapeutic targets of CRC.
Lead intoxication‐induced exosomes promote autophagy and apoptosis in renal proximal tubule cells by activating the adenosine 5'‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase signaling
Authors: Jiang Qian , Feng Xuefang , Shen Jie , Wang Yanan , Zhang Yinghui , Zhou Rong
Published: February 2023

Lead (Pb) intoxication is known to damage the proximal tubules of kidney. Autophagy and apoptosis have been shown to be involved in a variety of renal injuries, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we constructed a mice model of Pb intoxication and validated it against lead concentrations in blood and urine. Electron microscopy revealed that Pb promoted the accumulation of autophagosomes. Subsequent immunofluorescence and western blotting revealed that Pb intoxication suppressed the autophagic flux. Next, exosomes were isolated and extracted through ultracentrifugation, and were further identified by diameter analysis and marker detection. We also demonstrated that autophagy and apoptosis were enhanced in renal cells with exosomes of Pb expose. Furthermore, the specific mechanisms were explored by RNA sequencing and it was found that several targeted genes regulated by differential exosomal miRNAs and lncRNAs. Target genes accumulated in several signaling pathways, especially the adenosine 5'‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. We found that Pb intoxication‐induced exosomes activated the AMPK signaling in renal proximal tubule cells. Furthermore, autophagy and apoptosis assays showed that GSK‐690693, an AMPK inhibitor, significantly alleviated exosome‐induced renal injuries by Pb intoxication. In conclusion, Pb‐mediated exosome‐induced autophagy and apoptosis via activating the AMPK signaling contributing to Pb‐induced nephrotoxicity in renal cells.
Modeling Measurement and Its Quality
Authors: Mari Luca , Wilson Mark , Maul Andrew
Published: February 2023

This chapter aims to propose a general model of a measurement process, consistent with the ontological and epistemological commitments developed in the previous chapters. Starting from the premise that any measurement is grounded on an empirical process, we propose a characterization of measurement methods related to the complementary roles of empirical and informational components, by broadly distinguishing between direct and indirect methods of measurement, where indirect measurements necessarily include at least one direct measurement. The stages of direct measurement are then analyzed and exemplified in reference to both physical and psychosocial properties. This is the basis for discussing once again the quality of measurement, now described in terms of the complementary requirements of object-relatedness (“objectivity”) and subject-independence (“intersubjectivity”).
Multi-purpose Management of the Walloon Waterways, from Local to Global Control of the Structures
Authors: Bertouille Nathan , Ludovic Gouverneur , Tim Franken , Philippe Dierickx , Céline Savary , Pieter Meert
Published: February 2023

Given current issues such as climate change and traffic growth, Walloon Region, located at the heart of the European waterway network, decided to develop Orhyx, a tool that allows a harmonized, global and digital management of the waterways. The main goal of Orhyx is to optimize the management of an entire waterway network in order to enhance security and navigability, improve environmental safety and optimize energy production and consumption. This optimization tool is a modular web application built around three main modules being visualization and monitoring of the current state of the system, forecasting the future state of the system and optimization of the operational and real-time management of the system. A preliminary version was developed on a reduced area of the Walloon waterways network. Tests are planned on an operational point of view in order to upgrade Orhyx to cover the whole network. Extensive offline validation of the optimization and the web application shows encouraging results and outlines the benefits of using a global, centralized and optimized management as well as al the challenges that arise with such operational systems.