bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic impacts on double diffusion of a non‐Newtonian NEPCM in a grooved cavity: ANN model with ISPH simulations
Authors: Alsedias Noura , Aly Abdelraheem M.
Published: May 2024

Employing phase change materials (PCMs) offers the advantage of storing and releasing thermal energy while ensuring temperature stability. This characteristic makes PCMs valuable for reducing energy usage across various industrial applications. To explore the magnetic effects on double diffusion of a non‐Newtonian nano‐encapsulated phase change material (NEPCM) in a grooved cavity, the present study combined the incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (ISPH) approach with an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The grooved shape is made up of three constructed grooves: triangular, curved, and rectangular grooves. In the cavity's walls, three segments of boundaries are considered as , , and . The ANN model correctly predicted the mean Nusselt number and Sherwood number when merged with current ISPH simulations. The study's novelty lies in exploring three distinct thermal and mass scenarios regarding double diffusion of a non‐Newtonian NEPCM within an innovative grooved domain. The relevant parameters include the fractional‐time derivative , power‐law index , Rayleigh number , Hartmann number , Soret–Dufour numbers (Sr and Du), and Lewis number Le. The obtained simulations present the significance of distinct boundary conditions in changing the velocity field, heat capacity ratio, temperature, and concentration in a grooved cavity. The fractional parameter accelerates the shift from unstable to steady condition. The increase in from 1.1 to 1.5 results in a 44.5% drop in the velocity maximum. Because of the Lorentz effect of a magnetic field, increasing from 0 to 50 reduces the maximum velocity by 20.9%.
Rapid heat source layout optimization in three‐dimensional integrated circuits using artificial neural network reduced‐order model in combination with Bayesian optimization
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Song Jianhao , Rao Xixin , Liu Huizhong , Xiao Chengdi
Published: May 2024

In this study, an efficient optimization framework was developed to determine the parameters of through‐silicon vias and the layout of heat sources in three‐dimensional integrated circuits (3D ICs), employing an artificial neural network (ANN) reduced‐order model in conjunction with a Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithm. The proposed method effectively predicts the temperature distribution in 3D ICs and refines their thermal parameters, offering solutions to thermal management challenges. Latin hypercube sampling was utilized for data sampling, enhancing the previously established rapid thermal analysis method through parameterization of heat source locations. The temperature distribution data for varying hotspot locations in 3D ICs were fitted using an appropriately defined objective function, leading to the development of a reduced‐order ANN model that accelerates temperature prediction. The computational results demonstrate that the neural network model exhibits a deviation in predicted values of less than 2%, and the coefficient of determination R2 approximately 0.93, underscoring high predictive accuracy. Additionally, the optimization outcomes and the efficiency of the selected BO algorithm were thoroughly evaluated. Notably, the BO algorithm achieved the global optimum in just 4.07 s across 250 iterations, demonstrating an effective power distribution strategy for the 3D ICs model.
Sex gaps and age differences in the structure of academic cyberloafing from early to middle adolescence: A network analysis
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Yang Xiantong , Akintunde Tosin Yinka
Published: May 2024

Background

Academic cyberloafing refers to students’ engagement in non‐learning‐related online activities during online courses, which can negatively affect their academic performance. Prior studies investigated cyberloafing primarily in the workplace, neglecting core behaviors and interactions among academic cyberloafing in educational contexts.

Aims

This study employed network analysis to capture academic cyberloafing as an interactive behavior network to explore the core behavioral patterns of academic cyberloafing and the interactions between these behaviors.

Materials & Methods

A total of 3537 adolescents (Mage = 12.49; 53.7% boys and 46.3% girls) in China were included in this study.

Results

The findings indicated that “seeking gossip news” and “watching short videos” are central behaviors. Among boys, “browsing nonacademic web pages” and “watching short videos” are central behaviors; “seeking gossip news” is the most central behavior among girls. Furthermore, in early adolescence, central behaviors encompass “chatting privately” and “seeking gossip news”; in middle adolescence, central behaviors include “seeking gossip news” and “watching short videos.” Additionally, the comparisons indicated that academic cyberloafing networks (between boys and girls; between early and middle adolescence) show a similar structure and global strength but differ in specific academic cyberloafing associations.

Conclusion

As adolescents of different sexes and ages engage in academic cyberloafing differently, tailored education interventions can be implemented to address unregulated cyberloafing.
Carbon‐14 Labeling Synthesis of RORγt Inhibitor JNJ‐61803534
Authors: Song Fengbin , Salter Rhys , Chen Lu
Published: May 2024

Carbon‐14 labeling synthesis of RORγt inhibitor JNJ‐61803534 (1) was accomplished in four steps with the C14 label located at the thiazole‐2‐carboxamide carbon. The synthesis featured a highly efficient conversion of nitrile [14C]‐12 to ester [14C]‐17 under mild conditions via an imidate intermediate, overcoming the unsuccessful direct hydrolysis of nitrile 12 under either acidic or basic conditions. Since carbon‐14 labeling via [14C]‐nitrile installation and subsequent conversion to [14C]‐carboxylic acid derivatives is a common labeling strategy, an efficient conversion of a nitrile to an ester under mild conditions could be of use for the future C14 labeling syntheses.
The influence of accelerated brain aging on coactivation pattern dynamics in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Yan Su , Lu Jun , Zhu Hongquan , Tian Tian , Qin Yuanyuan , Li Yuanhao , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: May 2024

Aging is widely acknowledged as the primary risk factor for brain degeneration, with Parkinson's disease (PD) tending to follow accelerated aging trajectories. We aim to investigate the impact of structural brain aging on the temporal dynamics of a large‐scale functional network in PD. We enrolled 62 PD patients and 32 healthy controls (HCs). The level of brain aging was determined by calculating global and local brain age gap estimates (G‐brainAGE and L‐brainAGE) from structural images. The neural network activity of the whole brain was captured by identifying coactivation patterns (CAPs) from resting‐state functional images. Intergroup differences were assessed using the general linear model. Subsequently, a spatial correlation analysis between the L‐brainAGE difference map and CAPs was conducted to uncover the anatomical underpinnings of functional alterations. Compared to HCs (−3.73 years), G‐brainAGE was significantly higher in PD patients (+1.93 years), who also exhibited widespread elevation in L‐brainAGE. G‐brainAGE was correlated with disease severity and duration. PD patients spent less time in CAPs involving activated default mode and the fronto‐parietal network (DMN‐FPN), as well as the sensorimotor and salience network (SMN‐SN), and had a reduced transition frequency from other CAPs to the DMN‐FPN and SMN‐SN CAPs. Furthermore, the pattern of localized brain age acceleration showed spatial similarities with the SMN‐SN CAP. Accelerated structural brain aging in PD adversely affects brain function, manifesting as dysregulated brain network dynamics. These findings provide insights into the neuropathological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and imply the possibility of interventions for modifying PD progression by slowing the brain aging process.
Osteomesopyknosis associated with a novel ALOX5 variant that impacts the RANKL pathway
Authors: Fernandez‐Luna Jose L. , Hernández José L. , Curiel‐Olmo Soraya , Martínez‐Amador Néstor A. , Vega Ana I. , Quirce Remedios , Montes‐Moreno Santiago , Gutierrez Olga , del Real Alvaro , Sañudo Carolina , Riancho Jose A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Bone tissue homeostasis relies on the coordinated activity of the bone‐forming osteoblasts and bone‐resorbing osteoclasts. Osteomesopyknosis is considered a distinctive rare sclerosing skeletal disorder of unelucidated pathophysiology and presumably autosomal dominant transmission. However, the causal genes are unknown.

Methods

We present a case report encompassing clinical assessments, imaging studies, and whole‐exome sequencing analysis, complemented by functional in vitro experiments.

Results

This new case of osteomesopyknosis was associated with a missense ALOX5 variant predicted to induce protein misfolding and proteasomal degradation. Transfection experiments demonstrated that the variant was associated with reduced protein levels restored by proteasomal inhibition with bortezomib. Likewise, gene expression analysis showed that the mutated gene was associated with a decreased RANKL/OPG ratio, which is a critical driver of osteoclast precursor differentiation.

Conclusion

Our data indicate impaired bone resorption as the underlying mechanism of this rare osteosclerosis, implicating ALOX5 pathogenic variants as potential etiological factors.
Clinical research nurses perceive their role as being like the hub of a wheel without real power: Empirical qualitative research
Authors: Backman Lönn Beatrice , Hornsten Åsa , Styrke Johan , Hajdarevic Senada
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study aimed to explore the experiences of being a clinical research nurse (CRN), in Sweden.

Design

A qualitative study analysing individual interview data.

Methods

Interviews with 10 participants were conducted in April 2017 and repeated with five participants in May 2022. A semi‐structured interview guide was used to cover topics such as experiences of working in a new role and professional challenges related to the role. The transcribed interviews were analysed inductively using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The main theme revealed that the CRNs experienced their work role as being like a hub in a wheel, using an ethical compass, but without real power. The six themes identified showed that CRNs worked independently and relied on clinical experiences as nurses but needed more education. They not only had a sense of duty but also too large responsibilities. Furthermore, they viewed their work as valuable and important. However, they needed an accentuated ethical compass and were also affected by power relations that negatively impacted work.

Conclusion

Working as a CRN means being in a central position and working independently, which requires diverse skills and competencies. CRNs, however, face and manage complex ethical and practical challenges without real power. They experience huge responsibilities but need education and acknowledgement, indicating a need for improvement. This is an important message to stakeholders and managers about the necessity of taking adequate action to support CRNs who are crucial resources in clinical research.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
What influences antibiotic initiation? Developing a scale to measure nursing behaviour in residential aged‐care facilities
Authors: Singh Saniya , Degeling Chris , Drury Peta , Montgomery Amy , Caputi Peter , Deane Frank P.
Published: May 2024

Aim

The purpose of the current study was to develop and assess the psychometric properties of a measure that captures nursing behaviours that have the potential to influence the initiation of antibiotics in residential aged‐care facilities.

Design

Cross‐sectional online survey.

Method

One hundred and fifty‐seven nurses completed an online survey. The survey consisted of two clinical vignettes and measures of tolerance of uncertainty and anxiety. The vignettes consisted of the most common presentations (urinary tract infections and upper respiratory tract infections) of two hypothetical residents in aged‐care facilities. The vignettes provided participants with incremental information with varying levels of symptoms, input from other people and availability of test results. Both vignettes were subjected to exploratory factor analysis.

Results

The results focus on the 16 items in the second vignette which resulted in the extraction of three factors. The derived factors were labelled as follows: (i) Noting and Calling GP, (ii) Consult a Colleague and (iii) Immediate Assessment and Antibiotics. Reliability analysis revealed excellent to satisfactory reliability. All three scales were significantly correlated with measures of clinical tolerance of uncertainty, and the ‘noting and calling GP’ scale was also negatively correlated with measures of anxiety and general tolerance of uncertainty. The measure showed satisfactory reliability and validity for capturing nursing behaviours that have the potential to influence decisions regarding antibiotics. As such, the current study provides a first step towards addressing the lack of ecologically valid measures that capture the complex and nuanced context of nurses’ behaviours in RACF that have the potential to inform future stewardship interventions.
Associations between regional adipose tissue distribution and skeletal muscle bioenergetics in older men and women
Authors: Brennan Andrea M. , Coen Paul M. , Mau Theresa , Hetherington‐Rauth Megan , Toledo Frederico G. S. , Kershaw Erin E. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Kramer Philip A. , Ramos Sofhia V. , Newman Anne B. , Cummings Steven R. , Forman Daniel E. , Yeo Reichelle X. , Distefano Giovanna , Miljkovic Iva , Justice Jamie N. , Molina Anthony J. A. , Jurczak Michael J. , Sparks Lauren M. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Goodpaster Bret H.
Published: May 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine associations of ectopic adipose tissue (AT) with skeletal muscle (SM) mitochondrial bioenergetics in older adults.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from 829 adults ≥70 years of age were used. Abdominal, subcutaneous, and visceral AT and thigh muscle fat infiltration (MFI) were quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. SM mitochondrial energetics were characterized in vivo (31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy; ATPmax) and ex vivo (high‐resolution respirometry maximal oxidative phosphorylation [OXPHOS]). ActivPal was used to measure physical activity ([PA]; step count). Linear regression adjusted for covariates was applied, with sequential adjustment for BMI and PA.

Results

Independent of BMI, total abdominal AT (standardized [Std.] β = −0.21; R2 = 0.09) and visceral AT (Std. β = −0.16; R2 = 0.09) were associated with ATPmax (p < 0.01; n = 770) but not following adjustment for PA (p ≥ 0.05; n = 658). Visceral AT (Std. β = −0.16; R2 = 0.25) and thigh MFI (Std. β = −0.11; R2 = 0.24) were associated with carbohydrate‐supported maximal OXPHOS independent of BMI and PA (p < 0.05; n = 609). Total abdominal AT (Std. β = −0.19; R2 = 0.24) and visceral AT (Std. β = −0.17; R2 = 0.24) were associated with fatty acid‐supported maximal OXPHOS independent of BMI and PA (p < 0.05; n = 447).

Conclusions

Skeletal MFI and abdominal visceral, but not subcutaneous, AT are inversely associated with SM mitochondrial bioenergetics in older adults independent of BMI. Associations between ectopic AT and in vivo mitochondrial bioenergetics are attenuated by PA.
Guaifenesin: The Ubiquitous Orphan
Authors: Eyassu Daniel G. , McCoul Edward D.
Published: May 2024

Guaifenesin, a widely used ingredient in over‐the‐counter cough and cold medications, has been a subject of debate regarding its efficacy in treating respiratory conditions. Despite its historical use and US Food and Drug Administration approval, recent studies have questioned its claimed expectorant effect and its effectiveness in managing symptoms. This article examines the available evidence, highlighting the lack of significant benefits over placebo for upper respiratory disease. The rationale for clinical use is examined alongside the potential downside and alternatives to recommending guaifenesin as a treatment option.
Establishing the Preface for a Unified Otolaryngology Residency Curriculum: Implications and Considerations
Authors: Nadeem Wasiq , Lee Matthew K. , Lind Meredith Merz , Simons Jeffrey P. , Denneny James C. , Malekzadeh Sonya
Published: May 2024

Otolaryngology residency training, along with the world of online medical education, has been continuously evolving and refining methods to educate and produce competent otolaryngologists. Numerous resources have been developed to assist otolaryngology residents in enhancing their clinical training. Although these resources greatly enhance clinical training, the growing volume of material presents a challenge within the constrained schedule of otolaryngology residents. This challenge is compounded by the variability in quality among resources which lack standardization or validation. Recently, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation has proposed a unified otolaryngology curriculum designed to address these issues. This curriculum aims to incorporate high‐quality educational materials, evidence‐based adult learning principles, accessible learning sources, and diverse instructional methods within a structured program. Such a curriculum promises a significant positive impact, mirroring successes observed in various other surgical specialties.
Novel triply periodic minimal surfaces sandwich structures: Mechanical performance and failure analysis
Authors: Guo Anfu , Li Shuo , Wang Shaoqing , Zhai Zhilin , Qu Peng , Guo Shuai , Kong He , Tang Rongji , Wang Lu , Meng Weiyun , Liu Chang
Published: May 2024

Sandwich structures are known for their exceptional mechanical properties and widespread applications. This study integrates additive manufacturing (AM) technology, experiments, theoretical equations, and numerical simulations to investigate a novel lightweight sandwich structure with a core based on Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS). The core incorporates Primitive, Neovius, and Diamond structures and is designed and manufactured using AM. Three‐point bending experiments are conducted to assess bending performance, failure modes, and energy absorption capability. A numerical model is established to analyze behavior under bending loads, validated through comparison with theoretical equations and numerical simulations, focusing on stress concentration areas. A parametric study investigates the effects of skin material, thickness, and TPMS core relative density on bending performance and energy absorption capacity. Furthermore, a functionally graded core layer with a gradient change in relative density is designed to study its influence on bending performance. The parameters of the core have a decisive impact on TPMS sandwich panel performance. This study demonstrates that sandwich structures with TPMS cores can be designed to possess desirable bending performance and energy absorption capacity, providing insights for future engineering applications.

Highlights

A novel TPMS sandwich structure is fabricated using 3D printing technology.

The gradient relative density core is introduced.

The bending performance and failure behavior of the structure are evaluated.

A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects on performance.
Editor's Note
Authors: Snyder Mick Connie
Published: May 2024

This note from the editor provides a brief summary of the articles contained in this issue and invites readers to respond and submit their own articles.
Primary tracheal schwannoma: Bronchoscopic management of a rare tracheal tumour
Authors: Acibal Krizelle , Vidyasagar Belgundi Preeti , Gonuguntla Harikishan
Published: May 2024

Primary tracheal tumours are extremely rare, that originate from Schwann cells. We report a case of a primary tracheal schwannoma. A 60‐year‐old male who presented with noisy breathing, shortness of breath, and blood streaked phlegm. Chest CT scan showed an endotracheal mass which was resected bronchoscopically using Rigid bronchoscopy, electrocautery snare and cryoextraction. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma.
Sample size determination for prediction models via learning‐type curves
Authors: Dayimu Alimu , Simidjievski Nikola , Demiris Nikolaos , Abraham Jean
Published: May 2024

This article is concerned with sample size determination methodology for prediction models. We propose to combine the individual calculations via learning‐type curves. We suggest two distinct ways of doing so, a deterministic skeleton of a learning curve and a Gaussian process centered upon its deterministic counterpart. We employ several learning algorithms for modeling the primary endpoint and distinct measures for trial efficacy. We find that the performance may vary with the sample size, but borrowing information across sample size universally improves the performance of such calculations. The Gaussian process‐based learning curve appears more robust and statistically efficient, while computational efficiency is comparable. We suggest that anchoring against historical evidence when extrapolating sample sizes should be adopted when such data are available. The methods are illustrated on binary and survival endpoints.
Phase Engineering and Dispersion Stabilization of Cobalt toward Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Chao , Luo Yihang , Fu Nianqing , Mu Songlin , Peng Jihua , Liu Yan , Zhang Guoge
Published: May 2024

Phase engineering is promising to increase the intrinsic activity of the catalyst toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the polymorphism interface is unstable due to the presence of metastable phases. Herein, phase engineering and dispersion stabilization are applied simultaneously to boost the HER activity of cobalt without sacrificing the stability. A fast and facile approach (plasma cathodic electro deposition) is developed to prepare cobalt film with a hetero‐phase structure. The polymorphs of cobalt are realized through reduced stacking fault energy due to the doping of Mo, and the high temperature treatment resulted from the plasma discharge. Meanwhile, homogeneously dispersed oxide/carbide nanoparticles are produced from the reaction of plasma‐induced oxygen/carbon atoms with electro‐deposited metal. The existence of rich polymorphism interface and oxide/carbide help to facilitate H2 production by the tuning of electronic structure and the increase of active sites. Furthermore, oxide/carbide dispersoid effectively prevents the phase transition through a pinning effect on the grain boundary. As‐prepared Co‐hybrid/CoO_MoC exhibits both high HER activity and robust stability (44 mV at 10 mA cm−2, Tafel slope of 53.2 mV dec−1, no degradation after 100 h test). The work reported here provides an alternate approach to the design of advanced HER catalysts for real application.
Rubidium Doped Cs2AgBiBr6 Hierarchical Microsphere for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Jiang Xinyan , Xu Hongpeng , Wang Jin , Zhang Meng , Pan Danrui , Jiang Guocan , Shahid Malik Zeeshan , Li Zhengquan
Published: May 2024

Halide perovskites have garnered significant attention for their unique optoelectronic properties in solar‐to‐fuel conversions. However, the efficiency of halide perovskites in the field of photocatalytic CO2 reduction is largely limited by serious charge recombination and a lack of efficient active sites. In this work, a rubidium (Rb) doped Cs2AgBiBr6 (Rb:CABB) hierarchical microsphere is developed for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Experimental and theoretical analysis discloses that partially substituting Rb+ for Ag+ can effectively modulate the electronic structure of CABB, favoring charge separation and making adjacent Bi atoms an electron‐rich active site. Further investigations indicated that Rb doping also reduces the energy barriers of the rate‐determining step in CO2 reduction. As a result, Rb:CABB demonstrated an enhanced CO yield compared to its undoped counterpart. This work presents a promising approach to optimizing the electronic structures of photocatalysts and paving a new way for exploring halide perovskites for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Glutathione‐responsive Aggregation‐induced Emission Photosensitizers for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy of Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Feiyi , Chen Yuyang , Lam Kristy W. K. , Du Wutong , Liu Qingqing , Han Fei , Li Dan , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Sun Jianwei , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2024

Lung cancer, a highly prevalent and lethal form of cancer, is often associated with oxidative stress. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising alternative therapeutic tool in cancer treatments, but its efficacy is closely correlated to the photosensitizers generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant capacity of tumor cells. In particular, glutathione (GSH) can reduce the ROS and thus compromise PDT efficacy. In this study, a GSH‐responsive near‐infrared photosensitizer (TBPPN) based on aggregation‐induced emission for real‐time monitoring of GSH levels and enhanced PDT for lung cancer treatment is developed. The strategic design of TBPPN, consisting of a donor–acceptor structure and incorporation of dinitrobenzene, enables dual functionality by not only the fluorescence being activated by GSH but also depleting GSH to enhance the cytotoxic effect of PDT. TBPPN demonstrates synergistic PDT efficacy in vitro against A549 lung cancer cells by specifically targeting different cellular compartments and depleting intracellular GSH. In vivo studies further confirm that TBPPN can effectively inhibit tumor growth in a mouse model with lung cancer, highlighting its potential as an integrated agent for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. This approach enhances the effectiveness of PDT for lung cancer and deserves further exploration of its potential for clinical application.
Bifunctional Protein TC1 Mediated One‐Pot Strategy for Robust Immobilization of DNA with High Accessibility
Authors: Zhou Kun , Zhou Juan , Cao Shanshan , Zheng Ying , Zhang Xin‐Yu , Chen Chen , Zhang Xian‐En , Men Dong
Published: May 2024

Immobilizing DNA with high accessibility at the interface is attractive but challenging. Current methods often involve multiple chemical reactions and derivatives. In this study, an endonuclease, TC1, is introduced to develop a robust strategy for immobilizing DNA with enhanced accessibility. TC1 enables direct immobilization of DNA onto a solid support through self‐catalytic DNA covalent coupling and robust solid adsorption capabilities. This method demonstrates high accessibility to target molecules, supported by the improved sensitivity of DNA hybridization and aptamer‐target recognition assays. TC1‐mediated DNA immobilization is a one‐pot reaction that does not require chemical derivatives, making it promising for the development of high‐performance DNA materials and technologies.
Direct Fabrication of Atomically Defined Pores in MXenes Using Feedback‐Driven STEM
Authors: Boebinger Matthew G. , Yilmaz Dundar E. , Ghosh Ayana , Misra Sudhajit , Mathis Tyler S. , Kalinin Sergei V. , Jesse Stephen , Gogotsi Yury , van Duin Adri C. T. , Unocic Raymond R.
Published: May 2024

Controlled fabrication of nanopores in 2D materials offer the means to create robust membranes needed for ion transport and nanofiltration. Techniques for creating nanopores have relied upon either plasma etching or direct irradiation; however, aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) offers the advantage of combining a sub‐Å sized electron beam for atomic manipulation along with atomic resolution imaging. Here, a method for automated nanopore fabrication is utilized with real‐time atomic visualization to enhance the mechanistic understanding of beam‐induced transformations. Additionally, an electron beam simulation technique, Electron‐Beam Simulator (E‐BeamSim) is developed to observe the atomic movements and interactions resulting from electron beam irradiation. Using the MXene Ti3C2Tx, the influence of temperature on nanopore fabrication is explored by tracking atomic transformations and find that at room temperature the electron beam irradiation induces random displacement and results in titanium pileups at the nanopore edge, which is confirmed by E‐BeamSim. At elevated temperatures, after removal of the surface functional groups and with the increased mobility of atoms results in atomic transformations that lead to the selective removal of atoms layer by layer. This work can lead to the development of defect engineering techniques within functionalized MXene layers and other 2D materials.
Lanthanide‐Sensitized Upconversion Iridium Complex via Triplet Energy Transfer
Authors: Xu Kui , Zheng Lifeng , Bao Song‐Song , Ma Jing , Xie Xiaoji , Zheng Li‐Min
Published: May 2024

Cyclometalated iridium (Ir) complexes demonstrate impressive capabilities across a range of fields, including biology and photocatalysis, due to their tunable optical characteristics and structure flexibility. However, generating upconversion luminescence of Ir complexes under near‐infrared light excitation is challenging. Herein, by employing lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as the sensitizer, a new strategy is demonstrated to gain upconversion luminescence of Ir complexes via triplet energy transfer. This design relies on a rationally designed hybrid of core‐shell structured NaYbF4:Tb@NaTbF4 UCNPs and new Ir phosphonate complexes, in which UCNPs can migrate upconverted energy to the surface of nanoparticles through Tb3+‐mediated energy migration and then sensitize the upconversion luminescence of Ir complexes upon 980 nm excitation. Both experimental and theoretical investigations highlight the significance of triplet energy transfer from excited Tb3+ ions to the triplet state of Ir complexes in the sensitization of upconversion luminescence of Ir complexes. These findings may open exciting avenues for fabricating hybrid Ir materials with new functions and driving the development of UCNP‐based nanomaterials.
Cultivating Diverse Environmental Children's Picturebooks Using Rudine Sim Bishop's Framework for Multicultural Texts
Authors: Holyoke Erica , Fletcher Lauren
Published: May 2024

This article applies Rudine Sims Bishop's multicultural framework of children's literature to environmental picturebooks. The paper provides an analysis of nearly 150 picturebooks paired with preservice teachers’ responses to the texts to highlight the importance of diverse narratives and storytelling in environmentalism. The paper argues for the necessity for reading broadly and prioritizing diverse representations of which stories are told regarding environmentalism. Bishop's framework prioritizes the depth and breadth of who can be protagonists in environmentalism narratives, real and imagined, as well as how those protagonists enact responses to climate crises and the range of environmental issues that they respond to. The paper underscores the role of educators in fostering critical perspectives on environmentalism, advocating for disrupting single stories, and ensuring that a collection of texts that includes justice‐oriented and intersectional narratives is used with young readers. The article challenges dominant cultural narratives and promotes inclusivity in environmental activism.
Young Adults’ Aspiration for Intimacy in Post-collectivist China
Authors: Constantin Sandra V.
Published: May 2024

This chapter delves into the dynamics of marital choices in contemporary China. The chapter presents contrasting responses between men and women regarding parental influence. While men often assert independence, women frequently seek parental advice in their marital decisions. Notably, several women employ strategic approaches to circumvent parental disagreement, reflecting a delicate balance between individual autonomy and familial harmony. The analysis unveils a complex interplay of societal norms and aspirations, indicating that, despite legal emphasis on free choice, familial considerations continue to shape marital decisions.

Additionally, the chapter explores social homogamy and hypergamy trends, revealing gendered patterns in the importance placed on education, income, and family background in partner selection.

Furthermore, the findings shed light on a growing form of intimacy in post-collectivist China: cohabitation before marriage. Encountering social resistance, particularly from older generations, a new concept surfaced: “trial marriage” (shihun). This strategic term emerged among young adults seeking to legitimize living together before formalizing the union. It bridges the gap between societal norms and evolving practices.

The findings reveal a complex interplay between societal expectations, individual choices, and the enduring influence of Confucian values in shaping attitudes towards cohabitation and marriage in contemporary China.
The ambient space formalism
Authors: Parisini Enrico , Skenderis Kostas , Withers Benjamin
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We present a new formalism to solve the kinematical constraints due to Weyl invariance for CFTs in curved backgrounds and/or non-trivial states, and we apply it to thermal CFTs and to CFTs on squashed spheres. The ambient space formalism is based on constructing a class of geometric objects that are Weyl covariant and identifying them as natural building blocks of correlation functions. We construct (scalar) n-point functions and we illustrate the formalism with a detailed computation of 2-point functions. We compare our results for thermal 2-point functions with results that follow from thermal OPEs and holographic computations, finding exact agreement. In our holographic computation we also obtain the OPE coefficient of the leading double-twist contribution, and we discuss how the double-twist coefficients may be computed from the multi-energy-momentum contributions, given knowledge of the analytic structure of the correlator. The 2-point function for the CFT on squashed spheres is a new result. We also discuss the relation of our work to flat holography.
On β-function of N = 2 supersymmetric integrable sigma-models
Authors: Alfimov Mikhail , Kalinichenko Ivan , Litvinov Alexey
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We study the regularization scheme dependence of Kähler (N = 2) supersymmetric sigma models. At the one-loop order the metric β function is the same as in the non-supersymmetric case and it coincides with the Ricci tensor. The first correction in the MS scheme is known to appear in the fourth loop [1, 2]. We show that for certain integrable Kähler backgrounds, such as the complete T-dual of η-deformed $$ \mathbbm{CP}(n) $$
CP

n

sigma models, there is a scheme in which the fourth loop contribution vanishes.
Rationale, Modelle und Wirkung arbeitsplatznaher psychotherapeutischer Angebote
Authors: Angerer Peter , Gündel Harald , Kröger Christoph , Rothermund Eva
Published: May 2024

Psychische Erkrankungen und Verhaltensstörungen sind auch in der erwerbstätigen Bevölkerung sehr häufig. Sie betreffen bis zu ein Drittel der Beschäftigten pro Jahr und gehen mit erheblichem Leidensdruck, dem Risiko der Chronifizierung und des Ausscheidens aus der Erwerbstätigkeit einher. Wirtschaftlich verursachen sie hohe Kosten. Um diese Folgen abzumildern und die Genesungschancen zu erhöhen, sind eine rasche Diagnostik, ggf. eine frühzeitige adäquate Therapie und – über die übliche Vorgehensweise der Psychotherapie hinaus – eine Beachtung der arbeitsbedingten Ursachen von entscheidender Bedeutung.

Die Psychotherapeutische Sprechstunde am Arbeitsplatz (PT-A) versucht, diesen Anforderungen gerecht zu werden. Sie bietet kurzfristig und in Arbeitsplatznähe psychotherapeutische Hilfe für psychisch belastete Beschäftigte an, leistet – je nach Problemlage – Beratung, Diagnostik, Prävention und kurzzeitige bzw. überbrückende Therapie und unterstützt bei der Wiedereingliederung nach längerer psychischer Erkrankung. Hilfreich ist eine enge Kooperation mit dem betriebsärztlichen Dienst, der die PT‑A zu Rate zieht, an sie überweist, Kenntnisse zur betrieblichen Situation beisteuern und ggf. die Wiedereingliederung begleiten kann. Die Finanzierung übernimmt häufig der Betrieb, ggf. aber auch Krankenkassen in Modellen der integrierten Versorgung.

In dem vorliegenden Beitrag werden zunächst die Geschichte und die Grundlagen von PT‑A sowie die Rolle von Arbeitsstress bei der Entstehung psychischer und psychosomatischer Störungen beschrieben. Die Umsetzung der PT‑A wird an 2 Beispielen skizziert. Abschließend wird die aktuelle Studie „Frühe Intervention am Arbeitsplatz“ (friaa) kurz vorgestellt, auf die sich mehrere Artikel in diesem Themenheft beziehen.
The evaluation of skin sensitization potential of the UVCB substance diisopentyl phthalate by in silico and in vitro methods
Authors: de Souza Isisdoris Rodrigues , Iulini Martina , Galbiati Valentina , Rodrigues Ana Carolina , Gradia Daniela Fiori , Andrade Anderson J. M. , Firman James W. , Pestana Cynthia , Leme Daniela Morais , Corsini Emanuela
Published: May 2024

Diisopentyl phthalate (DiPeP) is primarily used as a plasticizer or additive within the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and has many additional industrial applications. Its metabolites were recently found in urinary samples of pregnant women; thus, this substance is of concern as relates to human exposure. Depending upon the nature of the alcohol used in its synthesis, DiPeP may exist either as a mixture consisting of several branched positional isomers, or as a single defined structure. This article investigates the skin sensitization potential and immunomodulatory effects of DiPeP CAS No. 84777-06-0, which is currently marketed and classified as a UVCB substance, by in silico and in vitro methods. Our findings showed an immunomodulatory effect for DiPeP in LPS-induced THP-1 activation assay (increased CD54 expression). In silico predictions using QSAR TOOLBOX 4.5, ToxTree, and VEGA did not identify DiPeP, in the form of a discrete compound, as a skin sensitizer. The keratinocyte activation (Key Event 2 (KE2) of the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) for skin sensitization) was evaluated by two different test methods (HaCaT assay and RHE assay), and results were discordant. While the HaCaT assay showed that DiPeP can activate keratinocytes (increased levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1α, and ILA gene expression), in the RHE assay, DiPeP slightly increased IL-6 release. Although inconclusive for KE2, the role of DiPeP in KE3 (dendritic cell activation) was demonstrated by the increased levels of CD54 and IL-8 and TNF-α in THP-1 cells (THP-1 activation assay). Altogether, findings were inconclusive regarding the skin sensitization potential of the UVCB DiPeP—disagreeing with the results of DiPeP in the form of discrete compound (skin sensitizer by the LLNA assay). Additional studies are needed to elucidate the differences between DiPeP isomer forms, and to better understand the applicability domains of non-animal methods in identifying skin sensitization hazards of UVCB substances.
The efficacy and safety of Zuranolone for treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fayoud Aya M. , Orebi Hisham Ahmed , Elshnoudy Iman Abdelhady , Elsebaie Mai Alaaeldin Temraz , Elewidi Mariam Mahmoud Mohamed , Sabra Hamdy Khaled
Published: May 2024

Rationale

Zuranolone, a newly FDA-approved synthetic neurosteroid, shows promise in treating depression.

Objectives

Our aim is to evaluate Zuranolone's efficacy and safety in treating depression.

Methods

Five databases were searched until September 2023 for relevant randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of zuranolone. The potential risk of bias in the included trials was evaluated by the Cochrane Risk of Bias II guideline Data were extracted and pooled using Review Manager Software (RevMan 5.3).

Results

An analysis of eight studies highlights Zuranolone's efficacy in treating depression compared to placebo across most of the outcomes. Notably, the 30mg and 50mg doses demonstrated significant improvements in reducing HAM-D scores by over 50% within a 15-day follow-up (RR) of 1.46 (95% CI [1.27, 1.68], p < 0.0001) and 1.14 (95% CI [1.01, 1.3], p = 0.04). Additionally, the HAM-D ≤ 7% score analysis revealed significant enhancements with the 30mg dose over both 15-day (RR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.44, 2.31], p < 0.0001) and 45-day (RR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.16, 1.77], p = 0.0008) durations. Adverse Events Drug Discontinuation demonstrated no overall significant difference (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: [0.79, 2.23], p = 0.282). Further, specific adverse events, such as headache, showed no significant overall difference between Zuranolone and placebo (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: [0.84, 1.47], p = 0.47), with dose-dependent analysis revealing less headache in the 30 mg group.

Conclusion

Zuranolone demonstrates favorable tolerability and safety, particularly at 30mg and 50mg doses after 15 days, suggesting its potential and effective treatment for depression.
Gauge Field Marginal of an Abelian Higgs Model
Authors: Chandra Ajay , Chevyrev Ilya
Published: May 2024

We study the gauge field marginal of an Abelian Higgs model with Villain action defined on a 2D lattice in finite volume. Our first main result, which holds for gauge theories on arbitrary finite graphs and does not assume that the structure group is Abelian, is a loop expansion of the Radon–Nikodym derivative of the law of the gauge field marginal with respect to that of the pure gauge theory. This expansion is similar to the one of Seiler (Gauge theories as a problem of constructive quantum field theory and statistical mechanics, volume 159 of lecture notes in physics, Springer, Berlin, p v+192. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-11559-5, 1982) but holds in greater generality and uses a different graph theoretic approach. Furthermore, we show ultraviolet stability for the gauge field marginal of the model in a fixed gauge. More specifically, we show that moments of the Hölder–Besov-type norms introduced in Chevyrev (Commun Math Phys 372(3):1027–1058. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00220-019-03567-5, 2019) are bounded uniformly in the lattice spacing. This latter result relies on a quantitative diamagnetic inequality that in turn follows from the loop expansion and elementary properties of Gaussian random variables.
BPS Spectra and Algebraic Solutions of Discrete Integrable Systems
Authors: Del Monte Fabrizio
Published: May 2024

This paper extends the correspondence between discrete Cluster Integrable Systems and BPS spectra of five-dimensional $${\mathcal {N}}=1$$

N
=
1

QFTs on $${\mathbb {R}}^4\times S^1$$

R

4

×

S
1

by proving that algebraic solutions of the integrable systems are exact solutions for the system of TBA equations arising from the BPS spectral problem. This statement is exemplified in the case of M-theory compactifications on local del Pezzo Calabi–Yau threefolds, corresponding to q-Painlevé equations and SU(2) gauge theories with matter. A degeneration scheme is introduced, allowing to obtain closed-form expression for the BPS spectrum also in systems without algebraic solutions. By studying the example of local del Pezzo 3, it is shown that when the region in moduli space associated to an algebraic solution is a “wall of marginal stability”, the BPS spectrum contains states of arbitrarily high spin, and corresponds to a 5d uplift of a four-dimensional nonlagrangian theory.
Nonlinear Asymptotic Stability and Transition Threshold for 2D Taylor–Couette Flows in Sobolev Spaces
Authors: An Xinliang , He Taoran , Li Te
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we investigate the stability of the 2-dimensional (2D) Taylor–Couette (TC) flow for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The explicit form of velocity for 2D TC flow is given by $$u=(Ar+\frac{B}{r})(-\sin \theta , \cos \theta )^T$$

u
=

(
A
r
+

B
r

)

(
-
sin
θ
,
cos
θ
)

T

with $$(r, \theta )\in [1, R]\times \mathbb {S}^1$$

(
r
,
θ
)

∈

[
1
,
R
]

×

S

1

being an annulus and A, B being constants. Here, A, B encode the rotational effect and R is the ratio of the outer and inner radii of the annular region. Our focus is the long-term behavior of solutions around the steady 2D TC flow. While the laminar solution is known to be a global attractor for 2D channel flows and plane flows, it is unclear whether this is still true for rotating flows with curved geometries. In this article, we prove that the 2D Taylor–Couette flow is asymptotically stable, even at high Reynolds number ($$Re\sim \nu ^{-1}$$

R
e
∼

ν

-
1

), with a sharp exponential decay rate of $$\exp (-\nu ^{\frac{1}{3}}|B|^{\frac{2}{3}}R^{-2}t)$$

exp
(
-

ν

1
3

|
B

|

2
3

R

-
2

t
)

as long as the initial perturbation is less than or equal to $$\nu ^\frac{1}{2} |B|^{\frac{1}{2}}R^{-2}$$

ν

1
2

|
B
|

1
2

R

-
2

in Sobolev space. The powers of $$\nu $$
ν
and B in this decay estimate are optimal. It is derived using the method of resolvent estimates and is commonly recognized as the enhanced dissipative effect. Compared to the Couette flow, the enhanced dissipation of the rotating Taylor–Couette flow not only depends on the Reynolds number but also reflects the rotational aspect via the rotational coefficient B. The larger the |B|, the faster the long-time dissipation takes effect. We also conduct space-time estimates describing inviscid-damping mechanism in our proof. To obtain these inviscid-damping estimates, we find and construct a new set of explicit orthonormal basis of the weighted eigenfunctions for the Laplace operators corresponding to the circular flows. These provide new insights into the mathematical understanding of the 2D Taylor–Couette flows.