bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating hydrological responses of satellite precipitation products over an Indian tropical catchment through a distributed physical model
Authors: Kalura Praveen , Pandey Ashish , Chowdary V. M. , Dayal Deen
Published: September 2024

Significant advancements in satellite‐based precipitation retrieval algorithms have led to the development of continuous, quasi‐global precipitation products, offering unique opportunities for hydrometeorological and climate research. In this context, six satellite‐based precipitation products (SPPs), including CHIRPS, CMORPH, GSMaP, IMERG, MSWEP, and PERSIANN, were thoroughly investigated for their application in hydrological simulations over the Wardha River basin in India. The observed gridded precipitation product developed by India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been used as reference data to evaluate the performance of SPPs. Hydrological variables such as runoff, soil moisture (SM) and evapotranspiration (ET) were simulated using the Variable Infiltration Capacity model. The performances of SPPs are critically assessed using various statistical metrics, including Pearson's correlation coefficient (R), Klinga‐Gupta Efficiency (KGE), Percent Bias (PBIAS), root mean square error (RMSE), and the RMSE to standard deviation ratio (RSR). The model‐simulated discharge was compared with streamflow observations at a single gauging site, while a spatially distributed comparison was conducted between simulated SM and ET and satellite‐based SM and ET. The IMD dataset consistently shows superior performance for discharge simulation at both daily and monthly scales, with KGE values of 0.85 and 0.91, respectively. Among SPPs, MSWEP and CHIRPS excel in simulating daily and monthly discharge, respectively. For ET simulation, CHIRPS outperforms IMD and other SPPs, achieving an overall KGE value of 0.37. In contrast, PERSIANN is the most effective for simulating SM compared to other precipitation products.
Application of adhesives in the treatment of cartilage repair
Authors: Feng Haoyang , Ang Kai , Guan Pengfei , Li Junji , Meng Huan , Yang Jian , Fan Lei , Sun Yongjian
Published: September 2024

From degeneration causing intervertebral disc issues to trauma‐induced meniscus tears, diverse factors can injure the different types of cartilage. This review highlights adhesives as a promising and rapidly implemented repair strategy. Compared to traditional techniques such as sutures and wires, adhesives offer several advantages. Importantly, they seamlessly connect with the injured tissue, deliver bioactive substances directly to the repair site, and potentially alleviate secondary problems like inflammation or degeneration. This review delves into the cutting‐edge advancements in adhesive technology, specifically focusing on their effectiveness in cartilage injury treatment and their underlying mechanisms. We begin by exploring the material characteristics of adhesives used in cartilage tissue, focusing on essential aspects like adhesion, biocompatibility, and degradability. Subsequently, we investigate the various types of adhesives currently employed in this context. Our discussion then moves to the unique role adhesives play in addressing different cartilage injuries. Finally, we acknowledge the challenges currently faced by this promising technology.
Relational processes of cultural humility in counseling: A structural equation modeling study
Authors: Zhu Peitao , Luke Melissa M. , Wang Qiu , Liu Yanhong
Published: September 2024

The relational nature of cultural humility (CH) has been evident since the beginning of its conceptual and empirical explorations in multicultural counseling. However, few studies have intentionally used a theory‐driven framework to examine the relational processes of CH. In the current study, we used a structural equation modeling approach to examine the relationships between CH, empathy, therapeutic working alliance, and real relationship through a common factors framework. Using a sample of 610 adult counseling clients, we found that CH accounted for approximately 60% of the variance in the working alliance and 58% of the variance in the real relationship. Moreover, we found that empathy partially mediated the dispositional and situational effects of CH on both relational outcomes. We discussed strategies to cultivate CH in counseling relationships. We also recommended future researchers identify other theoretically related mediators and moderators.
The activity of the quorum sensing regulator HapR is modulated by the bacterial extracellular vesicle (BEV)‐associated protein ObfA of Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Ebenberger Stephan P. , Cakar Fatih , Chen Yi‐Chi , Pressler Katharina , Eberl Leo , Schild Stefan
Published: September 2024

Vibrio cholerae, a facultative human pathogen and causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera, transits between the human intestinal tract and aquatic reservoirs. Like other bacterial species, V. cholerae continuously releases bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) from its surface, which have been recently characterised for their role during in vivo colonisation. However, between epidemic outbreaks, V. cholerae persists in the biofilm mode for extended periods in aquatic reservoirs, which enhances environmental fitness and host transition. In this study, we investigated the effect of V. cholerae BEVs on biofilm formation, a critical feature for ex vivo survival. In contrast to BEVs from planktonic cultures, our results show that physiological concentrations of BEVs from dynamic biofilm cultures facilitate V. cholerae biofilm formation, which could be linked to a proteinaceous factor. Comparative proteomic analyses of planktonic‐ and biofilm‐derived BEVs identified a previously uncharacterised outer membrane protein as an abundant component of dynamic biofilm‐derived BEVs, which was found to be responsible for the BEV‐dependent enhancement of biofilm production. Consequently, this protein was named outer membrane‐associated biofilm facilitating protein A (ObfA). Comprehensive molecular studies unravelled ObfA as a negative modulator of HapR activity. HapR is a key transcriptional regulator of the V. cholerae quorum sensing (QS) cascade acting as a potent repressor of biofilm formation and virulence. Consistently, obfA mutants not only exhibited reduced biofilm production but also reduced colonisation fitness. Surprisingly, our results demonstrate that ObfA does not affect HapR through the canonical QS system but via the Csr‐cascade altering the expression of the small regulatory RNAs CsrC and CsrD. In summary, this study elucidates a novel intraspecies BEV‐based communication in V. cholerae that influences biofilm formation and colonisation fitness via a new regulatory pathway involving HapR, Csr‐cascade and the BEV‐associated protein ObfA.
Maintaining psychological well‐being when living at risk of Huntington's disease: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Cooper Hollie , Simpson Jane , Dale Maria , Eccles Fiona J. R.
Published: September 2024

Living at risk of a genetically inherited disease can be a challenging experience causing psychological distress as well as the possibility of the genetic disease leading to physical health problems. Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic, neurodegenerative condition. It causes motor dysfunction, cognitive decline and, during the progression of the disease, different psychological difficulties are common. A total of 12 participants living at risk of HD were interviewed and interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology was used to understand their experiences of maintaining psychological well‐being. This resulted in three themes: (1) “you're constantly in limbo”: living in two worlds; (2) “I have to live, just bloody live”: managing the possibility of a time‐limited lifespan; and (3) “I try and try my hardest to look past the disease”: the exhausting quest to keep living well. The findings indicated a need for improved knowledge within professional settings, such as for family doctors, counselors, and other health professionals, specific strategies that genetic counselors can use to support this group, and provision of accessible support and implementation of systemic interventions that would offer support for psychological coping strategies and communication around well‐being to the individual and their family unit. Future research could contribute to the formation of such knowledge and the provision of HD‐aligned services to help support the psychological well‐being of people living at risk of HD.
Endoscopic assessment of minor papilla morphology: Predictors of successful cannulation and procedural pancreatitis risk in minor papilla endotherapy
Authors: Kuraishi Yasuhiro , Nakamura Akira , Kondo Shohei , Yanagisawa Takumi , Horiuchi Ichitaro , Minamisawa Masafumi , Sasaki Nobukazu , Iwaya Yugo , Nagaya Tadanobu , Umemura Takeji
Published: September 2024

Background

We evaluated for predictors of successful cannulation and post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) in minor papilla endotherapy (MPE), emphasizing endoscopic minor papilla morphology.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 232 MPEs in 65 patients, assessing minor papilla morphology based on three features: bulge as “prominent” or “subtle,” mucosal appearance as “papilla‐like” resembling the main papilla or “SMT‐like” akin to a gastrointestinal submucosal tumor, and orifice visibility as “clear” or “unclear.” Cannulation success was evaluated in 65 enrolled patients, with PEP risk assessed in all 232 MPEs.

Results

Minor papilla morphology was categorized as prominent/subtle bulge in 42/23 patients, papilla‐like/SMT‐like mucosal appearance in 42/23, and clear/unclear orifice visibility in 24/41. Cannulation succeeded in 54/65 patients (83%). A papilla‐like appearance and clear orifice visibility was significantly associated with cannulation success. PEP incidence was 5.2% and predominantly mild. A papilla‐like appearance significantly decreased PEP incidence, while precutting technique and orifice dilation significantly increased PEP risk.

Conclusion

Evaluating minor papilla morphology may help predict cannulation success and PEP risk in MPE. A papilla‐like mucosal appearance prognosticates cannulation success and reduced PEP risk, with clear orifice visibility serving as a success predictor. These findings provide practical guidance for preprocedural planning by emphasizing the importance of minor papilla morphology evaluation.
Evaluation of early treatment with intravenous idursulfase and intrathecal idursulfase‐IT on cognitive function in siblings with neuronopathic mucopolysaccharidosis II
Authors: Muenzer Joseph , Burton Barbara K. , Harmatz Paul , Gutiérrez‐Solana Luis González , Ruiz‐Garcia Matilde , Jones Simon A. , Guffon Nathalie , Inbar‐Feigenberg Michal , Bratkovic Drago , Rust Stewart , Hale Michael , Wu Yuna , Yee Karen S. , Whiteman David A. H. , Alexanderian David
Published: September 2024

Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II; Hunter syndrome; OMIM 309900) is a rare, X‐linked, heterogeneous lysosomal storage disease. Approximately two‐thirds of patients develop cognitive impairment, which is difficult to assess in clinical trials, partly owing to the variable nature of cognitive impairment. Analyzing data from siblings can help to minimize this heterogeneity. We report analyses of cognitive function from siblings with MPS II enrolled in clinical trials: a natural history study (NCT01822184), a randomized, open‐label, phase 2/3 study of intravenous (IV) idursulfase with or without intrathecal idursulfase (idursulfase‐IT; NCT02055118), and its extension (NCT2412787). Cognitive function was assessed using Differential Abilities Scales, Second Edition General Conceptual Ability (DAS‐II GCA) scores; Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition; and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition Adaptive Behavior Composite (VABS‐II ABC). Seven sets of siblings (six pairs and one set of three) were included. All patients received IV idursulfase and 10 received subsequent idursulfase‐IT. Younger siblings initiated IV idursulfase at an earlier age than their older sibling(s) in six of the sets; the younger sibling started treatment before 1 year of age in three sets. Monthly idursulfase‐IT was generally associated with a stabilization of cognitive function: DAS‐II GCA and VABS‐II ABC scores were higher at age‐matched assessments in the majority of those who either received idursulfase‐IT earlier than their sibling or who received idursulfase‐IT versus no idursulfase‐IT. These data suggest that early initiation of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy may stabilize or slow cognitive decline in some patients with neuronopathic MPS II.
Development and characterization of fibrous high moisture extrudates based on pea protein isolate and whey protein
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yuan Jingyi , Han Xunze , Li Quanhong , Liao Xiaojun , Zhao Jing
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Construction of meat analogs based on pea protein isolate (PPI) alone by high moisture extrusion (HME) is diffocult as a result of the lack of anisotropic structures. In the present study, 0%–15% of whey protein (WP) was introduced to PPI to make hybrid blends, which were used to construct HME extrudates.

RESULTS

WP enhanced the hardness, adhesive, cohesiveness and gumminess of the extrudates and facilitated the formation of a distinct anisotropic structure of PPI. The fibrous degrees of the extrudates containing 10% and 15% WP were around 1.50. The addition of WP, which has more ‐SH groups, increased the disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonding in the extrudates, leading to a denser cross‐linked structure. Particle size distribution and Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that WP induced more compact structured aggregates and more β‐sheet structures in the extrudates. Furthermore, the higher hydration capacity of WP may also help form a dilute melt and generate a more pronounced plug flow, assisting the formation of fiber structures of PPI.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that WP is a potential modifier, which could be used to improve the structure of PPI‐based meat analogs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Global population size and conservation priority areas for the endangered Titicaca grebe
Authors: Villar D. A. , Velásquez‐Noriega Paola , Gutiérrez Tito Edwin R. , Paca‐Condori Anahi Cosky , Moreno Terrazas Edmundo G. , Hinojosa Cárdenas Ronald , Balcón Cuno Alfredo , Villanueva Carmen , Chapman Patrick , Quispe Jhazel , Marino Jorgelina , Gosler Andrew G.
Published: September 2024

The Titicaca grebe (Rollandia microptera) is a poorly studied endangered species, only found in the Lake Titicaca watershed of Peru and Bolivia. Population surveys undertaken in the early twenty‐first century suggested that the species had declined in number by >70%. We conducted a population survey of the grebe between March and August 2022 in Peru and Bolivia, using both maximum entropy and Bayesian occupancy models to estimate factors affecting habitat suitability for the grebe. We conducted surveys between March and August 2022 in Peru and Bolivia. Contrary to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) population estimates of <1,000 individuals, there are likely tens of thousands of individual grebes. The population estimation was sensitive to the type of model used. Distance from shore and fishing intensity were the most significant factors influencing grebe populations. The Reserva Nacional del Titicaca, the only protected area in the lake, covers some of the most suitable Titicaca grebe habitat across its entire range. The population of the Titicaca grebe is significantly higher than previous estimates, but we do not recommend a change to its conservation status because of the lack of conservation efforts for this species, and the long‐term risks associated with global warming and fisheries bycatch.
Play is a privilege in both humans and animals: how our recreation influences wildlife
Authors: Berger Joel , Cassidy Kira A.
Published: September 2024

Nature‐based tourism nets roughly 8 billion annual travelers globally to all regions of Earth, with many visiting around 200,000 formally protected areas. Financially well‐off tourists pay for playful activities and effects on wildlife are potentially large and relatively uncertain. Our commentary makes 3 points. First, variation in resource privileges and associated benefits characterizes not only humans but other species. Among animals, well‐nurtured populations engage in more playful and leisurely activities than do those nutritionally impoverished. Privilege depends partially on birth sites, parents, and local conditions, but for humans recreation expands with monetary advantage. Second, nature‐based tourism has 2 generalizable effects on wildlife, each involving degree of habituation. Among non‐habituated populations, local site abandonment is frequent and modulated by seasonality, individuals' physiological states, and whether recreation is motorized or not. For habituated populations, tolerance emerges to increasing recreational exposure with some populations of species learning to rely on humans to shield as a buffer against possible predation. Third, desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) offer a robust example of the issues surrounding the effects of tourism on wildlife because of the geographically complicated relationship between recreational pursuit and wildlife on public lands of the western United States. While protected for decades, females have failed to habituate to different forms of recreation at certain sites. The result has been flight or site abandonment. Biodiversity protection at numerous scales has made strong gains but is still needed where progress is stymied by income disparities, privilege, and increasing recreation ventures.
Annual variation in attribute importance to upland game hunter satisfaction in Nebraska
Authors: Gruntorad Matthew P. , Lusk Jeffery J. , Chizinski Christopher J.
Published: September 2024

To sustain recreational hunting participation, we need to identify what makes a hunting experience satisfying. Merely identifying which factors are important to hunter satisfaction may be insufficient, however, as factor importance could vary across consecutive hunting seasons. Using online surveys, completed by individuals who hunted upland game in Nebraska, USA, from 2018 to 2022, we applied importance grid analysis (IGA) and penalty–reward contrast analysis (PRCA) to examine how activity‐specific factors influenced satisfaction across 5 consecutive hunting seasons. Results suggested consistent differences between the explicit (perceived importance) and implicit (performance) importance of factors for each hunting season. Factors related to seeing birds and harvest held greater implicit importance than expected based on explicit importance ratings (τ > 0.55, P < 0.05), whereas factors relating to access and other hunters held relatively lower implicit importance (τ < 0.31, P < 0.05). The PRCA method consistently identified seeing game birds as a minimum requirement to upland game hunting (penalty β < −0.26, P < 0.01). However, factors relating to harvest, access, and other hunters emerged as important only within certain seasons. Using IGA and PRCA provided valuable insights about the importance of hunters seeing game birds, and how aspects of different hunting seasons may improve satisfaction for hunters.
Postbreeding ecology of wood ducks in the Illinois River Valley
Authors: Gilbert Andrew D. , Yetter Aaron P. , Hine Christopher S. , Lancaster Joseph D. , Osborn Joshua M. , Kross Chelsea S. , Fournier Auriel M. V.
Published: September 2024

The wood duck (Aix sponsa) consistently ranks within the top 5 harvested duck species for both Illinois and the Mississippi Flyway. While substantial research has been done on wood ducks, especially their breeding ecology, few studies have investigated the postbreeding ecology of the species. We captured and marked wood ducks with either a very high frequency (VHF) radio transmitter or a solar‐charged global system of mobile communication (GSM) transmitter during the postbreeding period from August through September 2018–2020. Capture locations were within the La Grange Pool of the Illinois River extending from near Pekin, Illinois to the La Grange Lock and Dam near Meredosia, Illinois, USA. We used conventional radio‐telemetry techniques to track wood ducks to determine cover type use, home range size, daily movement patterns, survival, and migration chronology. Home range size (95% minimum convex polygon) for wood ducks averaged 6,820 ± 572 ha (SE) and we did not find evidence for a difference by age, sex, or transmitter type. Daily movement distance in August (2,031 ± 51 m) was similar to daily movement distance in September (1,922 ± 44 m), but daily movement distances for August and September were less than daily movement distance for October (3,509 ± 53 m) and November (3,347 ± 106 m). Wood ducks primarily used wetlands with woody (45.0%) and emergent vegetation (40.4%), and the most commonly used wetland types by wood ducks were impounded wetlands (53.8%), lakes (17.6%), and ponds (10.7%). Model‐derived survival during the postbreeding period was 0.79 (95% CI = 0.74–0.84). Daily survival was positively related to increased river level and had a mean increase of 4.06 ± 0.67% for every 0.3‐m increase in the Illinois River level at low river levels (1.5–3.0 m) and a mean increase of 1.38 ± 0.32% for every 0.3‐m increase in the Illinois River level at high river levels (4.0–5.5 m). Average departure date of wood ducks leaving the Illinois River Valley was 27 October (range =13 August–15 December), and adult male wood ducks left the study area 11–16 days earlier than the other age and sex cohorts (H2 = 11.6, P = 0.01). Providing additional waterfowl sanctuaries that contain wooded wetlands, especially in years of low river levels, may increase survival for wood ducks during the postbreeding period.
Multilayer Reconfigurable 3D Photonics Integrated Circuits Based on Deposition Method
Authors: Xu Xinru , Zhang Daming , Zhang Peng , Tang Bo , Yin Yuexin
Published: September 2024

Photonics integrated circuits (PICs) can overcome the bottlenecks in communication capacity. 3D PIC technology is an attractive method for increasing density effectively and combining different materials on one chip for functional integration. In this study, a low‐cost and reconfigurable 3D integrated silicon photonics (SiPhs) platform is proposed fabricated by depositing polycrystalline silicon (poly‐Si) on crystalline silicon (c‐Si), which is patterned through deep ultraviolet (DUV) stepper‐based manufacturing process. The high mobility of poly‐Si ensures high‐speed and power‐efficient modulation. Based on the proposed 3D SiPhs platform, an 8 × 8 optical switch whose units are separated in different layers is fabricated and packaged. The switch shows average insertion losses of −13.98 and −15.86 dB, while working in “all‐cross” and “all‐bar” states, respectively. The crosstalk is lower than −19 and −11 dB for “all‐cross” and “all‐bar” states. Additionally, an overlayer switch located on the 1st and 3rd layers is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, which offers overlapping capabilities that are more compact compared with switches in a single‐layer platform. This validates the possibility of the large‐density integration scalability of the platform.
Effects of Cryolipolysis on the Conversion of White Adipose Tissue: Pilot Study
Authors: Palauro Christiane Rodrigues Tofoli , Meyer Patrícia Froes , Soares Ciro Dantas , de Morais Carreiro Eneida , de Paiva Dumaresq Flávio , de Oliveira Fernando Cesar Camara , de Andrade Ana Laura Martins , da S. P. S. Daumas Priscila
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Cryolipolysis (CLL) is a widely employed noninvasive procedure for body fat reduction. It operates by inducing cooling, leading to the crystallization of cytoplasmic lipids, loss of cellular integrity, and apoptosis/necrosis of adipocytes, accompanied by local inflammation. Ongoing discussions revolve around CLL's potential to transform white adipocytes into brown adipocytes, potentially yielding more significant effects compared to alternative procedures.

Objective

Thus, this randomized, blinded clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of CLL on adipose tissue and elucidate the mechanisms involved in its application and capacity for adipocyte conversion.

Methodology

Tissue samples from six patients were assessed at intervals of 45, 60, and 90 days following the application of the CLL protocol during abdominoplasty surgeries.

Results

The samples underwent immunohistochemical analyses targeting various markers, revealing higher expression of PPAR‐gamma, PPAR‐alpha, and UCP‐1 markers in CLL‐treated samples.

Conclusion

Therefore, the present study suggests that CLL has the ability to intervene in adipocyte conversion.
Functionalized Polyisobutylene and Polyisobutylene‐Based Block Copolymers by Mechanistic Transformation from Cationic to Radical Process
Authors: Cakir Yusra Bahar , Makarevich Miraslau , Bohdan Mikalai , Celiker Tugba , Hulnik Maksim , Vasilenko Irina V. , Kiskan Baris , Kostjuk Sergei V.
Published: September 2024

The strategy for the preparation of polyisobutylene‐based block copolymers via mechanistic transformation from cationic to radical polymerization is reported. This strategy involves the synthesis of 2‐bromo‐2‐methylpropanoyl‐terminated difunctional polyisobutylene macroinitiator (BiBB‐PIB‐BiBB) via consecutive cationic polymerization, in situ preparation of hydroxyl‐terminated polyisobutylene and its acylation by 2‐bromo‐2‐methylpropanoyl bromide. The Mn2(CO)10−triggered photo‐induced radical polymerization of styrene in bulk using this macroinitiator leads to the formation of multiblock copolymer, while predominantly triblock copolymer is generated during the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. The possibility to functionalize the polyisobutylene by pyrene via photo‐induced radical addition of 1‐bromomethyl pyrene in the presence of Mn2(CO)10 is also demonstrated in this work.
The Use of Low‐Quality Cotton‐Derived Cellulose Films as Templates for In Situ Conductive Polymer Synthesis as Promising Biomaterials in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Demirci Sahin , Sahiner Mehtap , Rumi Shaida S. , Suner Selin S. , Abidi Noureddine , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: September 2024

Here, the use of cellulose films (CFs) produced from low‐quality cotton is reported as a template for in situ synthesis of well‐known conductive polymers, e.g., polyaniline (PANI) and polypyrrole (PPY) via oxidative polymerization. Three successive monomer loading/polymerization cycles of aniline (ANI) and pyrrole (PY) within CFs as PANI@CF or PPY@CF are carried out to increase the amount of conductive polymer content. The contact angle (CA) for three times ANI and PPY loaded and polymerized CFs as 3PANI@CF and 3PPY@CF are determined as 26.3±2.8 and 42.3±0.6 degrees, respectively. As the electrical conductivity is increased with increased number of conductive polymer synthesis within CF, the higher conductivity values, 3×10−4±8.1×10−5 S.cm−1 and 2.1×10−3±5.8×10−4 S.cm−1, respectively are measured for 3PANI@CF and 3PPY@CF composites. It is found that PANI@CF composites are hemolytic, whereas PPY@CF composites are not at 1 mg mL−1 concentrations. All PPY@CF composites exhibit better biocompatibility than PANI@CF composites on L929 fibroblast cells with more than 70±8% viability at 1 mg of CF‐based conductive polymer composites. Moreover, MIC and MBC values of 3PPY@CF composites for Escherichia coli (ATCC8739) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538) are determined as 2.5 and 5.0 mg.mL−1, whereas these values are estimated as 5 and 10 mg.mL−1 for Candida albicans (ATCC10231).
Enhanced Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Performance with New Amphoteric Ion Exchange Membranes
Authors: Yang Jingshuai , Peng Zhen , Tang Weiqin , Lv Peiru , Wang Qian
Published: September 2024

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) depend on the separator membrane for their efficiency and cycle life. Herein, two amphoteric ion exchange membranes are synthesized, based on sulfonic acid group‐grafted poly(p‐terphenyl piperidinium), for VRFBs. Using ether‐free poly(p‐terphenyl piperidine) (PTP) as the polymer matrix, and sodium 2‐bromoethanesulphonate (ES) and 1,4‐butane sultone (BS) as grafting agents, We achieve quaternization of PTP through an environmentally friendly process without alkaline catalysts. PTP‐ES and PTP‐BS membranes exhibit low area resistance, high H+ permeability, and significantly reduced vanadium ion permeability, leading to exceptional ion selectivity, which is 3.06 × 106 S min cm−3 and 4.34 × 106 S min cm−3, respectively, three orders of magnitude higher than that of Nafion115 (0.27 × 104 S min cm−3). The VRFB with PTP‐BS achieves a self‐discharge duration of 190 h, compared to 86 h for Nafion 115. Additionally, under current densities of 40—160 mA cm−2, PTP‐BS shows coulombic efficiencies of 98.1–99.1% and energy efficiencies of 92.0–82.1%, outperforming Nafion 115. The VRFB with PTP‐BS also demonstrates excellent cycle stability and discharge capacity retention over 300 cycles at 100 mA cm−2. Therefore, the amphoteric PTP‐BS membrane shows remarkable performance, offering significant potential for VRFB applications.
Amelioration of Focal Hand Dystonia via Low‐Frequency Repetitive Somatosensory Stimulation
Authors: Rocchi Lorenzo , Latorre Anna , Menozzi Elisa , Rispoli Vittorio , Rothwell John C. , Berardelli Alfredo , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: September 2024

Background

Dystonia presents a growing concern based on evolving prevalence insights. Previous research found that, in cervical dystonia, high‐frequency repetitive somatosensory stimulation (RSS; HF‐RSS) applied on digital nerves paradoxically diminishes sensorimotor inhibitory mechanisms, whereas low‐frequency RSS (LF‐RSS) increases them. However, direct testing on affected body parts was not conducted.

Objective

This study aims to investigate whether RSS applied directly to forearm muscles involved in focal hand dystonia can modulate cortical inhibitory mechanisms and clinical symptoms.

Methods

We applied HF‐RSS and LF‐RSS, the latter either synchronously or asynchronously, on forearm muscles involved in dystonia. Outcome measures included paired‐pulse somatosensory evoked potentials, spatial lateral inhibition measured by double‐pulse somatosensory evoked potentials, short intracortical inhibition tested with transcranial magnetic stimulation, electromyographic activity from dystonic muscles, and behavioral measures of hand function.

Results

Both synchronous and asynchronous low‐frequency somatosensory stimulation improved cortical inhibitory interactions, indicated by increased short intracortical inhibition and lateral spatial inhibition, as well as decreased amplitude of paired‐pulse somatosensory evoked potentials. Opposite effects were observed with high‐frequency stimulation. Changes in electrophysiological markers were paralleled by behavioral outcomes: although low‐frequency stimulations improved hand function tests and reduced activation of dystonic muscles, high‐frequency stimulation operated in an opposite direction.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the presence of abnormal homeostatic plasticity in response to RSS in the sensorimotor system of patients with dystonia, specifically in inhibitory circuits. Importantly, this aberrant response can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes through the application of low‐frequency electrical stimulation directly over dystonic muscles. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Bayesian inversion of a fractional elliptic system derived from seismic exploration
Authors: Li Yujiao
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we concentrate on the Bayesian inversion of a dispersion‐dominated fractional Helmholtz (DDFH) equation, which has been introduced in studies concerning seismic exploration. To establish the inversion theory, we meticulously examine the DDFH equation. We transform it into a system comprising both fractional‐ and integer‐order elliptic equations, extending the conventional definition of the spectral fractional Laplace operator to accommodate non‐homogeneous boundary conditions. Subsequently, we establish the well‐posedness theory for scenarios involving both small and large wavenumbers. Our proof hinges upon the regularity attributes of select fractional elliptic equations and capitalizes fully on the structural peculiarities of the elliptic system, which distinguish it from classical cases. Thereafter, we focus on the inverse medium scattering problem pertinent to the DDFH equation, framed within the Bayesian statistical framework. We address two scenarios: one devoid of model reduction errors and another characterized by such errors—arising from the implementation of certain absorbing boundary conditions. More precisely, based on the properties of the forward operator, well‐posedness of the posterior measures have been proved in both cases, which provide an opportunity to quantify the uncertainties of this problem.
Translation and Cross‐Cultural Adaptation of the Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale Into Turkish
Authors: Ata Tay Hilal , Acar Gönül , Gündoğdu Mert , Kaya Murat , Muratli Hasan Hilmi , Darlow Ben
Published: September 2024

Background

The Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale (OAKS) is a validated tool for assessing knowledge about hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, to date, there has been no translation and adaptation of the OAKS for the Turkish population.

Objectives

To translate and cross‐culturally adapt the OAKS into Turkish and to assess its psychometric properties in the Turkish population with and without hip or knee OA.

Methods

The OAKS was translated following accepted guidelines. A validation study assessed internal consistency, test–retest reliability and measurement error. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess the factor structure.

Results

A total of 278 participants (n = 70 with hip OA, n = 105 with knee OA, and n = 103 without OA) were included. Internal consistency was 0.72, 0.79 and 0.79 for participants with hip OA, knee OA, and no OA, respectively. The test–retest intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.72 (95% CI; 0.45–0.85), 0.89 (95% CI; 0.82–0.93) and 0.88 (95% CI; 0.79–0.93) for participants with hip OA, knee OA and no OA, respectively. It had three principal components accounting for 57.2% of the total variance.

Conclusions

The Turkish version of the OAKS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring OA knowledge in the Turkish population, including those with and without hip and knee OA. Test–retest reliability was below acceptable levels in the population with hip OA only. Therefore, we recommend that the ICC be interpreted with caution when used in this population.
Magnetic resonance neurography in the diagnosis of neurological subtypes of thoracic outlet syndrome
Authors: Davidson Emily J. , Tan Ek T. , Sneag Darryl B.
Published: September 2024

Neurological thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can be challenging to diagnose, particularly given its described subtypes of neurogenic TOS (NTOS) and disputed TOS (DTOS) that exhibit variable clinical presentations and etiologies. The diagnostic workup of TOS often includes magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) of the brachial plexus. Specific MRN imaging modifications for TOS evaluation are required to maximize spatial and contrast resolution to increase the conspicuity of nerve segments and their relationships to surrounding osseous structures. Dynamic assessment with arm positioning is used to evaluate outlet narrowing and compression of the plexus. Individual nerve segments are interrogated for their longitudinal and cross‐sectional morphologies and signal characteristics. In patients with NTOS, MRN may reveal focal impingement of the C8/T1 nerve roots and/or lower trunk with accompanying abnormal T2‐weighted signal hyperintensity. Predisposing anatomical entities include cervical ribs, rib synostoses, hypertrophic callous following clavicular fracture, remnant first thoracic rib from prior incomplete resection, and variable perineural scarring. In comparison, DTOS patients frequently demonstrate signal hyperintensity and enlargement of the mid plexus (trunk and division level), with narrowing of the costoclavicular interval. Following comprehensive diagnostic workup that frequently includes electrodiagnostic testing, patients are directed to different management pathways. Nonsurgical management is considered for all cases of DTOS; all patients with NTOS or DTOS who fail conservative treatment warrant referral for a surgical opinion. If surgery is pursued, MRN can be helpful in preoperative planning.
Can the stress be managed? Stress mindset as a mitigating factor in the influence of job demands on burnout
Authors: Zhou Yaoying , Jin Tingting , Zhang Leigang
Published: September 2024

Aim

Despite the serious consequences of exposure to high job demands for nursing staff, few studies have identified pathways that could reduce the influence of high job demands on burnout. The current study aimed to exaime whether a stress mindset mitigates the positive relationship between job demands and burnout.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was adopted and data were collected employing self‐report questionnaires.

Methods

A convenience sample of 676 nurses recruited from six regional hospitals in China were invited to complete a demographic questionnaire, the Psychological Job Demand Scale, the Stress Mindset Scale and the Burnout Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis and simple slope analysis were used to examine the moderating role of stress mindset.

Results

Higher job demands were positively linked to burnout, and stress mindset was negatively linked to burnout. Stress mindset moderated the positive relationship between job demands and burnout. Specifically, compared to nurses with a stress‐is‐debilitating mindset, the relationship will be smaller for nurses holding a stress‐is‐enhancing mindset.

Patient or Public Contributions

Based on these findings, nursing leaders should foster nurses' stress‐is‐enhancing mindset, which can ameliorate the adverse effect of job demands.
The Impact of Living in a Low Food Access/Low Income Area on Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Punjabi Nihal , Watson WayAnne , Vacaru Alexandra , Martin Samuel , Levy‐Licorish Erica , Inman Jared C.
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess differences in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)‐related health parameters between residents of low income/low access (LILA) census tracts—food deserts—and non‐LILA residents

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Single institution serving a large region in Southern California from 2017 to 2023.

Methods

Census tracts are defined as LILA if a significant proportion of residents live below the poverty threshold and far from healthy food vendors. Adults newly diagnosed with OSA on polysomnography were included. Food access status was determined by searching patient addresses in the US Department of Agriculture Food Access Research Atlas. Baseline and 1‐year follow‐up body mass index (BMI) and vitals were collected and compared based on food access and other demographic variables.

Results

A total of 379 patients in the LILA+ group and 2281 patients in the LILA− group met inclusion criteria. BMI was higher in the LILA group (36.6 ± 9.4 vs 35.2 ± 8.9; P = .006). The effect of food access was most significant in certain demographic groups: patients aged < 65, males, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and patients with Medicaid coverage all had a higher BMI when in the LILA+ group compared to the LILA− group. When considering insurance, LILA+ patients with Medicaid coverage had a significantly higher BMI than LILA− patients with non‐Medicaid coverage (40.4 ± 10.3 vs 34.2 ± 8.4, P < .001. Blood pressure, heart rate, and apnea‐hypopnea index were also significantly higher in LILA+/Medicaid group. BMI change across all demographic groups was minimal at 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

Living in a LILA census tract may result in worse OSA‐related health parameters. When accounting for insurance status, the effects are even more profound. Intensive counseling on the importance of weight management should begin at the diagnosis of OSA.
Collaboration or Hierarchy: Experimental Evidence on Governance Modes and Legitimacy Perceptions
Authors: Hillo Jaakko , Vento Isak , Sjöblom Stefan
Published: September 2024

Amidst growing interest in collaborative governance as means to enhance the legitimacy of public governance, this article investigates public officials' perceptions of this governance mode. Despite theoretical propositions linking collaborative governance to enhanced legitimacy, empirical validation is scarce. Using a factorial survey experiment with 932 public officials in the Finnish central administration, the article investigates if collaborative governance promotes legitimacy compared with hierarchical bureaucracy. The results are clear: collaborative governance does not inherently boost perceived legitimacy, but rather undermines it. This study captures the causal relationships between governance modes, key governance traits (stakeholder opposition/support and majority opposition/support), and perceived legitimacy, thereby challenging prevailing theoretical assumptions about the merits of collaborative governance.
An approach simulating interacting solid, liquid, and gas domains for dynamic seal applications
Authors: Graf Matthias , Lankenau Tobias , Ottink Kathrin , Ebel Thomas
Published: September 2024

In seal applications a solid elastic body (the seal) ensures the separation of a liquid (e.g., hydraulic oil in one chamber) from a gas (e.g., air in another chamber). In the case of a dynamic seal, the rod is moving and transports a thin liquid film from the liquid chamber into the air chamber. The seal gap consists of a converging gap, a minimum distance between seal and rod and a diverging gap, where transported liquid detaches from the seal. Between the three states of matter (gas, liquid, gas) appear the following contact conditions: liquid‐to‐solid, gas‐to‐liquid, and gas‐to‐solid. A classical fluid‐structure‐interaction is technically possible with limited effort, but is not sufficient to distinguish between the liquid and the gas. A solution can make use of the fact, that the liquid has significant dimensions only in the liquid chamber and is pressurized only there. There is a thin liquid film on the rod in the air chamber, but it has dimensions clearly lower than the air chamber and has the same pressure as the air. Therefore a simulation is possible with the “variable viscosity approach”: Liquid and gas are modeled in one single fluid domain. Differences between liquid and gas are included by pressure‐dependent fluid parameters, especially viscosity and density. The resulting violation of the mass balance is very small as the low mass flow through the seal lip is low. The presented approach allows to apply a fluid‐structure simulation with special fluid properties to model a system with three states of matter. Advantages are a less complex model with less complex contact conditions and a reduced simulation time.
Determination of critical local straining conditions for solidification cracking at laser beam welding by experimental and numerical methods
Authors: Bakir Nasim , Gumenyuk Andrey , Rethmeier Michael
Published: September 2024

The phenomenon of solidification cracking has been the subject of numerous research projects over the years. Great efforts have been made to understand the fundamentals of hot cracking. It is generally agreed that solidification cracks form in the solidification range between the liquidus and solidus temperatures under the combination of thermal, metallurgical and mechanical factors. There is still a need to determine the time‐resolved strain distribution in the crack‐sensitive region in order to analyse the local critical conditions for solidification cracking phenomena. This was a strong motivation for the development of a measurement system used in this study to estimate the local strains and strain rates in the zone where the solidification crack is expected to occur. The laser beam welding experiments were conducted using the Controlled‐Tensile‐Weldability test (CTW test) to apply an external strain condition during welding to generate solidification cracks. The CTW test is a test method for investigating the susceptibility of laser‐welded joints to solidification cracking, in which the sample can be subjected to a defined strain at a defined strain rate during welding.

In combination with experimental investigations, numerical simulations provide spatially detailed and time‐dependent information about the strain development during the welding process, especially regarding the critical conditions for solidification cracking. Therefore, this tool was also used in the present study to evaluate the accuracy of measurement methods and to estimate experimentally derived values and their concrete influence on the formation of solidification cracks. By integrating experimental methods and numerical simulations, this study investigates the spatially resolved and temporally changing development of strain during welding, with a particular focus on the critical conditions that lead to the formation of solidification cracks. The use of numerical simulations serves a dual purpose by validating the accuracy of measurement methods and examining experimentally determined values for their actual influence on the formation of solidification cracks. A three‐dimensional finite element (FE) model implemented with ANSYS is used to simulate strains and stresses during welding. The credibility of the model was first established by validation using experimental temperature measurements. Subsequently, structural simulations were carried out under external load. The results of the simulations showed commendable agreement with the strain measurements performed using the developed technique.
Numerical detection of shaft misalignments using a sensor‐integrating jaw coupling
Authors: Menning Johannes D. M. , Ewert Arthur , Prokopchuk Artem , Vorrath Ernst‐Friedrich Markus , Schlecht Berthold , Wallmersperger Thomas
Published: September 2024

Shaft misalignments are one of the main causes of damage to couplings in machines. If they are not detected in time, they can lead to machine downtimes. When assembling a machine, however, it is not always possible to align the shafts perfectly. Elastic couplings are able to compensate for such misalignments up to a certain degree. To detect the present radial misalignment, the concept of a sensor‐integrating jaw coupling, developed to determine the transmitted torque, is used. In the teeth of the gear rim, boreholes are drilled and dielectric elastomer sensors (DES) are inserted. If the teeth deform during use of the coupling the DES will deform as well, leading to a change in capacitance, which can be detected. If the two shafts, which the coupling connects, are perfectly aligned to each other, each of the loaded teeth will deform uniformly. However, if there is a radial or angular misalignment, the deformation is different for each tooth, which can be determined with the help of the DES. To demonstrate this effect, a finite element model of the sensor‐integrating jaw coupling with misalignments is created, and numerical simulations are conducted. In this model, the hyper‐viscoelastic material behavior of (i) the gear rim of the jaw coupling and (ii) the DES is taken into account. From the mechanical simulation, the deformed state of the DES is obtained, which is used to compute the capacitance of the sensor. With the results of the numerical simulations, a symbolic regression is performed. The result is an analytical formula that makes the accurate detection of the present radial misalignment possible. The developed framework can later be easily programmed on a microcontroller which is integrated in the sensor‐integrating jaw coupling.