bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advancements and Future Prospects in Lithium‐Ion Battery Thermal Management Techniques
Authors: Nema Puneet Kumar , Vijaya  , Muthukumar P. , Thangavel Ranjith
Published: November 2024

Lithium‐ion batteries (LiBs) are the leading choice for powering electric vehicles due to their advantageous characteristics, including low self‐discharge rates and high energy and power density. However, the degradation in the performance and sustainability of lithium‐ion battery packs over the long term in electric vehicles is affected due to the elevated temperatures induced by charge and discharge cycles. Moreover, the thermal runaway (TR) issues due to the heat generated during the electrochemical reactions are the most significant safety concern for LiBs, as inadequate heat dissipation can be potentially hazardous, leading to explosions and fires. Considering the safety of EVs and for better performance, understanding the mechanism of TR is of paramount importance. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the TR phenomenon and underlying electrochemical principles governing heat accumulation during charge and discharge cycles. Furthermore, the article explores the cell modeling and thermal management techniques intended for both individual lithium‐ion battery cells and larger battery packs, with a particular emphasis on enhancing fire prevention and safety measures. The main goal of this review paper is to offer new insights to the developing battery community, assisting in the development of efficient battery thermal management systems (BTMS) using enhanced cooling methodologies. This article could also support the advancement of next‐generation electric vehicle battery packs equipped with built‐in safety features to improve the cycle life of LiBs and prevent thermal runaway accidents.
Exploring the Nexus Between Emulsifier Characteristics and Salmonella Typhimurium Viability in Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions
Authors: Tsai Shawn , Tikekar Rohan V.
Published: November 2024

Molecular characteristics of emulsifiers such as their molecular weight (MW) and surface charge, not only affect the stability of the emulsion but also can have an impact on its capacity to either inhibit or promote microbial proliferation. These characteristics can affect the behavior of pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium in emulsion systems. The growth and thermal resistance of S. Typhimurium were monitored at different oil content levels (20%, 40%, and 60%) in emulsions stabilized by three whey protein‐based emulsifiers: whey protein isolate (WPI), whey protein hydrolysate (WPH), and a modified WPI with an alteration of charge (WPI+). Our study revealed that emulsifier itself with different MW and surface charge had no effect on bacterial growth and inactivation without oil inclusion (p > 0.05). However, it was found that higher bacterial growth rate at 60% oil content emulsion stabilized with WPI+ (0.65 ± 0.03 log CFU/h) than WPI (0.19 ± 0.04 log CFU/h), which showed the charge of emulsifiers has different effects on microbial dynamics in oil‐in‐water emulsion. Interestingly, WPI+ in emulsions also seemed to convey protection against thermal inactivation of bacteria. These data describe a complex interrelationship between the physicochemical characteristics of the emulsifier and its interacting nature with bacterial cells. They throw even more light on the insight about the importance of a strategic approach toward emulsifier selection in food formulations. This is crucial for the food safety and stability of products.
Knowledge and perception of dental educators regarding relative value units: A pilot study
Authors: Puranik Chaitanya , Pickett‐Nairne Kaci , Antonellou Ekaterini , De Souza Grace M. , Khandelwal Namita , Perrine Valerie , Subramani Karthikeyan , Robinson Michelle
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the knowledge and perception among dental educators regarding the use of relative value units (RVUs) in medicine, perceived benefits in dentistry, and the relative ranking of the components to define RVUs in dentistry.

Methods

A convenience sample of dental educators participating in the American Dental Education Association's Leadership Institute (2023–2024) cohort was surveyed for their knowledge and perception regarding RVUs. The responses were stratified based on experience with RVUs prior to statistical analyses (α = 0.05).

Results

Twenty‐six dental educators from 18 different North American dental schools and nine different dental specialties participated in this pilot study. Although not significant, a higher proportion of dental educators with prior experience perceived RVUs as a valuable tool in dental practice for assigning chair time, developing payment models, and tracking student–resident progress in a clinical course. There was a lack of consensus among dental educators regarding the components for determining dental procedural RVUs.

Conclusion

This pilot study provides limited evidence that prior knowledge of RVUs may be related to its perceived benefits among dental educators, but a broader study design is needed to draw meaningful conclusions and universally acceptable components for determining RVUs in dentistry.
The Influence of Perspective on Perception: Assessing Residue Across Planes of Videofluoroscopy
Authors: Jones‐Rastelli R. Brynn , Crossman Claire , Price D'manda , Stal Frederick , Molfenter Sonja
Published: November 2024

Objectives

(1) To determine whether perception of pharyngeal residue severity differs by view plane on videofluoroscopy. (2) To explore whether the Bolus Clearance Ratio (BCR) can be reliably applied in the anterior–posterior (AP) plane. (3) To investigate the relationship between perception of residue severity and BCR measures across view planes.

Methods

Images of the same bolus condition in lateral and AP were rated using a simple 5‐point ordinal descriptive scale (none, trace, mild, moderate, severe) by 225 speech‐language pathologists via electronic survey. BCR measures were obtained for the same set of images from four trained raters. Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and cumulative mixed modeling were used to compare ratings by plane. BCR reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Perceptual ratings were compared with BCR measures using Spearman correlations.

Result

(1) Perception of residue severity was not consistent across plane in 9/10 image pairs (p < 0.05), with a significant fixed effect of plane on severity rating (β = 0.41; z = 7.27; p < 0.001). The directionality of differences varied by case. (2) Inter‐rater reliability for BCR measures was good across lateral (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.82) and AP (ICC = 0.87) planes, with superior intra‐rater reliability in AP (lateral ICC = 0.85; AP ICC = 0.98). (3) There was a strong positive correlation between perceptual ratings and BCR measures in both planes.

Conclusions

Perception of pharyngeal residue severity differs between lateral and AP planes with inconsistent directionality raising important questions about the clinical implications of single plane studies. The BCR shows good‐excellent reliability and strong correlation with perception across planes, offering a promising method for cross‐plane quantification.

Level of Evidence

Level III, diagnostic study with a gold standard Laryngoscope, 2024
Successful treatment with olanzapine and aripiprazole of a schizophrenic patient who developed priapism after switching from risperidone to paliperidone
Authors: Kawahara Saki , Watanabe Kazuyuki , Inazumi Kazuhiko , Kimura Makoto , Hirose Yuki , Koishikawa Hiraki
Published: November 2024

Background

Ischemic priapism is a rare pathological condition, and delayed intervention can result in irreversible sequelae. Most cases are attributed to the use of antipsychotics. The blockade of α1‐adrenergic receptors is thought to be associated with the disease onset, although data supporting this hypothesis are lacking. No consensus regarding the optimal choice of medication is available.

Case Presentation

A 59‐year‐old man with schizophrenia, who had been receiving long‐acting injections of risperidone, developed ischemic priapism after receiving paliperidone treatment. Following improvement in ischemic priapism, we administered a combination of aripiprazole and olanzapine, which improved his psychiatric symptoms. We did not observe any recurrence of ischemic priapism.

Conclusions

Switching the antipsychotic drug causing ischemic priapism to patients having a relatively low affinity for α1‐adrenergic receptors may enable the treatment of schizophrenia without recurrence of ischemic priapism. In addition to the affinity for α1‐adrenergic receptor, differences in metabolic enzyme types and antipsychotic doses may be involved in the occurrence of ischemic priapism. Accumulating evidence is necessary to establish guidelines for selecting medication of patients with ischemic priapism.
Mechanical characterization of a 3D printed lattice core sandwich structure
Authors: Fareed Muhammad Irfan , Wu Chang‐Mou , Sood Mohit
Published: November 2024

Sandwich structures have garnered interest as versatile structures for applications in advanced engineering structures. To fabricate sandwich structures, plastics have replaced conventional materials; however, most of these plastics remain in the environment beyond their functional lifespan. This study describes the fabrication of sustainable hybrid sandwich structures with 3D printed poly‐lactic acid (PLA) cores and self‐reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (srPET) face sheets. The mechanical responses of the hybrid sandwich structures with three types of lattice cores, S‐90, S‐45, and S‐V, were compared with those of the parent material sandwich structures after performing bending and impact tests. The face sheet in the hybrid sandwich structure transferred the load to the core without failure. The hybrid sandwich structure containing the S‐90 core exhibited a higher fracture strength (52.4 MPa) and tangent modulus of elasticity (2860 MPa) than those of the other structures. S‐V exhibited the highest fracture strains of 3.3% and 5% for parent material and hybrid sandwich structures, respectively. This study highlights the sandwich structures with excellent mechanical properties for structural applications.

Highlights

Novel sandwich structures with 3D printed PLA cores are fabricated.

Three‐point bending and low‐velocity impact tests are performed.

Failure occurred in the core, but the Sr‐PET face sheets did not deform.

Hybrid sandwich structures significantly improve mechanical performance.
Regulation of melanization in aphids by parasitoid wasp venom proteins enhances mummification
Authors: Zhao Jin , Wang Zheng‐Wu , Shen Guangmao , Hu Die , Zhong Yi , Ye Chao , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: November 2024

Background

Interactions between parasitic insects and their hosts demonstrate the complexity of evolutionary processes. Specifically, the parasitoid wasp Aphidius ervi manipulates its host, the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, through strategic venom injection to enhance mummification. This study explores how this venom affects the aphid's immune system, particularly targeting the activity of the phenoloxidase (PO) enzyme.

Results

Following the injection of venom from A. ervi, significant changes were observed in the expression of immune‐related genes in A. pisum, especially notable expression changes of ApPPOs and a reduction of PO activity. Multi‐omics sequencing identified 74 potential venom proteins in the venom gland of A. ervi, including serine protease homolog 1 (AeSPH1) and serine protease inhibitor (AeSPN1), hypothesized to regulate PO activity. The injection of recombinant protein AeSPH1 and AeSPN1 into the A. pisum hemocoel selectively reduced the expression of ApPPO1, without affecting ApPPO2, and effectively suppressed melanization. Moreover, RNAi targeting AeSPH1 significantly reduced the mummification rate in A. pisum population parasitized by A. ervi.

Conclusion

Our findings clarify the complex biochemical mechanisms underlying host‐wasp interactions and highlight potential avenues for developing targeted biological control strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Conceptual Site Model for Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Water Supply Impacts in a Residential Community
Authors: Raup Jenna , Eberle Michael , Denly Elizabeth , Glass David , Stefansky Jasmine , Dyber Jeffrey , Scharf Brianna , Saucier Sarah
Published: November 2024

At a Class 4 State Superfund site located in a densely developed residential/commercial area in a suburb of New York City, emerging contaminant sampling for PFAS was performed as part of a statewide data‐gathering project. Two per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), were detected at concentrations in excess of drinking water standards in bedrock and overburden monitoring wells at the State Superfund site. A bedrock private water supply well sampling program and a PFAS source investigation, consisting of overburden investigations near potential sources (i.e., sites with a history of known or suspected use, storage, or discharge of PFAS), were undertaken to assess exposures and identify and potentially eliminate sources of PFAS contaminants in the bedrock drinking water supply.

Relative ratios of PFAS (i.e., PFAS signatures) were plotted geospatially to facilitate comparison of the characteristics of overburden groundwater sampling results to that of nearby bedrock private water supply sampling results. In addition, total PFAS concentrations in overburden groundwater and bedrock private water supply samples were compared to identify potential sources of bedrock groundwater impacts. The PFAS signature analysis revealed that (1) PFAS signatures of overburden groundwater samples were generally consistent with nearby bedrock private water supply samples; (2) total PFAS concentrations detected in overburden groundwater samples were marginally higher than concentrations detected in nearby bedrock private water supplies; (3) there was generally low variability in PFAS signatures throughout the study area (Assessment Area); and (4) overburden groundwater and bedrock private water supply PFAS signatures were similar to that of the nearby wastewater treatment plant effluent discharge, which represents a composite average PFAS signature for domestic wastewater from the area. Finally, septic system tracers were also detected in bedrock private water supply and overburden groundwater samples. Based on the results of the investigation, multiple lines of evidence support the Conceptual Site Model, which is likely applicable to many PFAS‐contaminated drinking water supplies with conditions similar to the Assessment Area: consumer product use and discharge to domestic septic systems in a densely developed residential area, lacking area‐wide municipal water and sewer, with shallow groundwater and bedrock, and a vertical downward groundwater gradient, have resulted in the widespread presence of PFAS in private water supply wells.
Regulated Cu Diatomic Distance Promoting Carbon−Carbon Coupling During CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Guan Hongxin , Zhang Yuxiang , Fan Wenjun , Yang Kang , Li Guang , Chen Sheng , Li Laiquan , Duan Jingjing
Published: November 2024

To address the bottle‐neck carbon‐carbon coupling issue during electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (eCO2RR) to multicarbon (C2+) products, this work develops an anion‐directed strategy (Cl−, NO3−, and SO42−) to regulate interatomic distance of Cu diatoms. In comparison to pristine Cu (with a typical Cu‐Cu distance of 2.53 Å), Cu‐boroimidazole frameworks (BIF)/SO4, NO3, and Cl material shows elongated diatomic distance of 3.90 Å, 4.21 Å, and 3.30 Å, respectively. Among them, the Cu‐BIF/Cl exhibits an outstanding eCO2RR performance with a Faradaic efficiency of 72.12% for C2+ products and an industrial‐level current density of 539.0 mA cm−2 at −1.75 V versus RHE. Significantly, according to theoretical and in situ experimental investigation, the highly electronegative Cl− ion lifts d‐band center of Cu sites of Cu‐BIF/Cl, facilitating *CO adsorption with a low Gibbs free energy and its later dimerization overcoming a small energy barrier. In addition, this strategy to manipulate interatomic distance for diatomic catalysts, can also be adaptable to other reactions involving intermediate coupling and following the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood mechanism, such as carbon‐nitrogen coupling, nitrogen‐nitrogen coupling, etc.
Longitudinal Piezoelectricity and Polarization‐Insensitive Oxidation in Janus vdWs Nb3SeI7
Authors: Wang Jiapeng , Yuan Xiaojia , Fang Yuqiang , Chen Xinfeng , Zhong Zhengbo , Lin Shui , Qu Jiafan , Fu Jierui , Liu Yue , Li Zhipeng , Gao Bo , Gou Gaoyang , Zhen Liang , Xu Chengyan , Cai Jun , Huang Fuqiang , You Lu , Li Yang
Published: November 2024

As a newly discovered Janus van der Waals (vdW) material, semiconducting Nb3SeI7 offers several notable advantages, including spontaneous out‐of‐plane polarization, facile exfoliation to the monolayer limit, and significant out‐of‐plane emission dipole in second harmonic generation. These properties make it a promising candidate for piezoelectric and piezophototronic applications in highly efficient energy conversion. However, Nb3SeI7 is prone to oxidation when exposed to oxygen, which can severely limit the exploration and utilization of these intriguing physical properties. Therefore, understanding the oxidation mechanism of pristine Nb3SeI7 and its correlation with electrical polarization—an area that remains largely unexplored—is highly significant. In this study, the out‐of‐plane piezoelectricity of Nb3SeI7 is experimentally demonstrated, with a piezoelectric coefficient (|d33eff|) of 0.76 nm V−1. Furthermore, by combining near ambient‐pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP‐XPS), Time‐of‐Flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), and Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is revealed that the oxidation of Nb3SeI7 is self‐limiting and independent of its electrical polarization, owing to the similar defect formation energies of Se and I atoms. This self‐limiting and polarization‐insensitive oxidation provides valuable insights into the stabilization mechanisms and expands the potential applications of out‐of‐plane piezoelectricity and other intriguing physical properties in Janus vdW Nb3SeI7.
In‐Plane Uniaxial Helical‐Axis Alignment in Chiral‐Nematic Liquid Crystal Polymer Films Using Photogradient Polymerization
Authors: Shikata Yuki , Sugiyama Shohei , Matsumoto Kohsuke , Hisano Kyohei , Tsutsumi Osamu
Published: November 2024

Chiral‐nematic liquid‐crystal (N* LC) polymer films with uniaxially controlled helical‐axis alignments have attracted increasing attention for developing next‐generation materials with promising mechanical, optical, and electronic properties. These functionalities in N* LC polymer films can be realized by controlling their helical‐axis alignment. However, achieving precise control over helical‐axis alignment in polymer films remains challenging. This study presents a simple and effective method for controlling uniaxial helical‐axis alignment in polymer films through photogradient polymerization. This approach induces a direction‐controlled isotropic‐to‐N* LC phase transition driven by a polymer concentration gradient, resulting in uniaxial helical‐axis alignment along the phase transition direction. The proposed method offers valuable insights for the facile fabrication of N* LC polymer films with controlled helical‐axis alignments.
Lateral deflections of slender RC columns under eccentric compression loading with different end conditions
Authors: Mahmoud Khaled A. , Abdel Raheem Shehata E. , Mansour Mahmoud H.
Published: November 2024

In the literature, several methods have focused mostly on determining the lateral deflection of columns with pinned end conditions. This paper presents a powerful method that allows the calculation of lateral deflection for columns of different end conditions, with particular attention to reinforced concrete (RC) columns. By utilizing the moment–curvature relations, a numerical procedure to compute slopes and deflections of pin‐ended columns is proposed, in which the slopes and deflections are corrected via an efficient and fast technique. Accordingly, slopes and deflections of columns with different end conditions are determined via procedures that rely on a simple searching technique. The second‐order analysis is individually included in the calculations; therefore, the complexity arising from the direct impact of the axial load on the lateral deflection is averted. Therefore, the method has the potential for inclusion in many numerical models for different structural members. The equations derived via the developed method have identical responses to the expressions obtained via the exact methods. A series of numerical examples are presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method to RC columns with different loadings and end conditions. Finally, the proposed method is evaluated, and its accuracy is demonstrated via parametric verification. As the axial load increased, the lateral displacement increased somewhat. The greater the eccentricity is, the greater the lateral displacement. As the eccentricity increased, the failure mode of the RC column changed from compression failure to bending failure.
Rubizhne Institute – A Birthplace of Photochromic Molecules
Authors: Lvov Andrey G. , Berdnikova Daria V.
Published: November 2024

We introduce the community to the remarkable fact that two significant discoveries in the field of organic photoswitches are associated to the Rubizhne (Rubezhnoe) branch of the Research Institute of Organic Intermediates and Dyes during the last century. The institute in Rubizhne was a place where researchers of various nationalities carried out studies of organic dyes for printing and textiles. These efforts resulted in the discoveries of photoswitchable hemithioindigos by M. A. Mostoslavskii and peri‐aryloxyquinones by Yu. E. Gerasimenko. Herein, based on the available literature, we reconstruct the circumstances surrounding these outstanding findings and highlight the unique role of the Rubizhne institute as a research center. Furthermore, we demonstrate the impact of the results of the Rubizhne researchers on the field of photoswitchable molecules.
Introduction: Imagining a New Gender Equality Contract for Europe
Authors: Petö Andrea , Thissen Laeticia , Clavaud Amandine
Published: November 2024

As alluded to in the title, the idea for this publication is to build on previous workon gender politics by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and Fondation Jean Jaurès, whilst taking inspiration from the works of contemporary progressive feminist thinkers, to apply a notion of feminism that works for everyone, with particular attention paid to the European Union (EU) policy context in a way that feminism is actually a project for society which promotes unity—rather than division—between citizens across the EU, regardless of their gender, social or cultural diversity.

The aim is, therefore, to gather progressive voices with multidisciplinary backgrounds to launch a comprehensive reflection on how to move away from the “gender backlash” rhetoric by making room to imagine a “new gender contract” for a fairer, more equal Europe. By drawing on solid academic knowledge and concrete policy proposals, this participatory project endeavours to launch a true political reflection towards an inclusive and all-encompassing feminism for policymakers to unite around, across every policy field in the EU. Ultimately, the underlying intention is to offer a set of concrete contributions in the context of the new EU political cycle that started in June 2024.
Imagining a New Gender Contract for Labour
Authors: Silvera Rachel
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this chapter is to show how, for the future of Europe, more than ever, the issues of work are central to the renewal of feminism, even if this cause is sometimes relegated to the background in debates in society. As long as women do not have full economic autonomy, as long as gender inequalities at work and in life are not really curbed, the European project of a fair and egalitarian society will be in vain. Admittedly, the European foundation is solid and constitutes an inescapable point of support. But the reality—real equality in the workplace—is still a long way off. Each crisis, and in particular that linked to Covid-19, has revealed all the inequalities suffered by women, particularly in the workplace. The aim of this chapter is to look back at the current trends and challenges facing women in the workplace, and to sketch out the contours of a genuine feminist democratisation of work.
Imagining a New Gender Contract for Education
Authors: Petö Andrea
Published: November 2024

The chapter argues for preparing European institutions for the transformation of knowledge production. Firstly, it delineates the current challenges, refocusing attention on the real dangers. The neoliberalisation of knowledge production, research and educational institutions fundamentally weakens the infrastructure and the transformative potential of knowledge produced. It also contributes to the decentralisation of science, which is driven by transnational cooperations outside the national quality assurance institution. Secondly, it discusses three key elements for a new gender contract—access, content and staff—explaining their relevance. Feminists have been struggling to break the hierarchies and exclusionary practices shaped and transmitted by higher education for centuries. This chapter analyses responses to the recent challenges of de-democratisation, by arguing that scholars should take action to start separate institutions, and decentralisation of science, by arguing that the internationalisation of science can be as threatening to the original mission of education as re-nationalisation. Thirdly, it proposes key policy recommendations. In the end, it argues for a policy change in European Union policies, especially due to the influx of refugee scholars for rethinking Europe. This chapter argues that the seemingly paralysed and non-responsive actors contribute to the spreading of illiberal alternatives in Europe.
Imagining a New Gender Contract for Cultural Rights
Authors: Dâmaso Mafalda
Published: November 2024

How can tensions between cultural and human rights be navigated? And how can cultural diversity be supported without legitimising the rhetorical weaponisation of difference in favour of abuses of power? To answer these questions, this chapter identifies a set of principles that could underpin the development of a decolonial and feminist approach to the management of cultural diversity. Intellectuals have debated the issue of cultural diversity for decades; the result is a rich corpus of philosophical, ethical and political discussions that is only now beginning to receive the attention it deserves beyond the field of feminist studies. However, this body of work is not yet reflected in policy debates, let alone in discussions regarding the management of cultural diversity, in a sustained manner. To address this gap, the chapter proposes to connect decolonial and feminist thinking with ongoing debates focused on cultural rights. Specifically, it attempts to make sense of a tension that is evident in reports by holders of the post of United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, which support cultural diversity but, at the same time, refer negatively to cultural relativism. Rather, and in close engagement with such reports, the chapter argues that cultural relativism and cultural diversity are inseparable in a decolonial and feminist approach to the management of cultural diversity. Finally, the chapter provides policy recommendations inspired by this work to begin to address the aforementioned contradiction.
Imagining a New Gender Contract for Climate
Authors: Kronsell Annica
Published: November 2024

In Europe, climate change has largely been governed through the logic of ecological modernisation with a preference for market and growth mechanisms, efficiency, technical solutions and innovation. This has several gender effects: it has maintained the exclusion of women from climate governance; and led to the invisibility of gender and a denied dependency on social reproduction and nature. This chapter develops this critique. Based on the transformative scholarship of ecological feminism, the chapter sketches an alternative climate governance rationality to address what is needed to change the norms of the climate change governance agenda to become more just, equitable and equal. By introducing the notion of emphatic rationality, it argues for an alternative based on a rationality of policymaking grounded in care through responsiveness, empathy and solidarity with others. This alternative governance practice is explained and illustrated in some detail with concrete options for policymakers.
Imagining a New Feminist Contract for Foreign Policy
Authors: Rosamond Annika Bergman , Cheung Jessica
Published: November 2024

Sweden was the first European Union (EU) member to adopt a feminist foreign policy (FFP) in 2014, inspiring other members to adopt FFPs. This feminist turn can be juxtaposed against the EU’s broader external approach towards gender equality. In most FFPs, we identify broad (neo)liberal feminist principles rather than a thoroughgoing and meaningful set of transformative and radical objectives. Nonetheless, FFP can provide a productive space for deliberations on how to transform global politics and shed light on what an EU-wide FFP could look like. We locate our discussion within FFP research and propose that an EU-wide FFP could be based on authenticity, accountability and ambition (Bergman Rosamond, A., Duncanson, C., & Gentry, C. (2022, July 25). Opinion paper: Scotland the brave? An authentic, ambitious and accountable feminist foreign policy. The Scottish Council on Global Affairs, Retrieved from https://scga.scot/2022/07/25/opinion-paper-feminist-foreign-policy/). While recognising that the adoption of an EU FFP is an ambition unlikely to become a reality anytime soon, it can still provide a discursive space for dialogue, and, as such be a symbolic progressive glue. We complement our theorisation with a set of policy recommendations that the EU could consider prior to adopting a FFP platform.
Four-point correlators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM from AdS5 bubbling geometries
Authors: Turton David , Tyukov Alexander
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Four-point correlation functions are observables of significant interest in holographic field theories. We compute an infinite family of four-point correlation functions of operators in short multiplets of 4D $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills theory in the supergravity regime, by studying the quadratic fluctuations around non-trivial supergravity backgrounds. The supergravity backgrounds are supersymmetric smooth geometries in the family derived by Lin, Lunin and Maldacena. The light probes comprise an infinite sequence of Kaluza-Klein harmonics of the dilaton/axion. For generic parameter values, the supergravity backgrounds are dual to heavy CFT states. However we focus on the limit in which the dual CFT states become light single-particle states. The resulting all-light four-point correlators are related by superconformal Ward identities to previously known four-point correlators of half-BPS chiral primary operators. By verifying that the Ward identities are satisfied, we confirm the validity of the supergravity method.
Asymptotic behaviour of massless fields and kinematic duality between interior null cones and null infinity
Authors: Bekaert Xavier , Raj S. I. Aadharsh
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The relation between two branches of solutions (radiative and subradiative) of wave equations on Minkowski spacetime is investigated, for any integer spin, in flat Bondi coordinates where remarkable simplifications occur and allow for exact boundary-to-bulk formulae. Each branch carries a unitary irreducible representation of the Poincaré group, though an exotic one for the subradiative sector. These two branches of solutions are related by an inversion and, together, span a single representation of the conformal group. While radiative modes are realised in the familiar holographic way (either as boundary data at null infinity or as bulk fields with radiative asymptotic behavior), the whole tower of subradiative modes forms an indecomposable representation of the usual Poincaré group, which can be encoded into a single boundary field living on an interior null cone. Lorentz transformations are realised in both cases as conformal transformations of the celestial sphere. The vector space of all subradiative modes carries a unitary representation of a group isomorphic to the Poincaré group, where bulk conformal boosts play the role of bulk translations.
Assessing 3D volumetric asymmetry in facial palsy patients via advanced multi-view landmarks and radial curves
Authors: Büchner Tim , Sickert Sven , Volk Gerd F. , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Denzler Joachim
Published: November 2024

The research on facial palsy, a unilateral palsy of the facial nerve, is a complex field with many different causes and symptoms. Even modern approaches to evaluate the facial palsy state rely mainly on stills and 2D videos of the face and rarely on dynamic 3D information. Many of these analysis and visualization methods require manual intervention, which is time-consuming and error-prone. Moreover, they often depend on alignment algorithms or Euclidean measurements and consider only static facial expressions. Volumetric changes by muscle movement are essential for facial palsy analysis but require manual extraction. We propose to extract an estimated unilateral volumetric description for dynamic expressions from 3D scans. Accurate landmark positioning is required for processing the unstructured facial scans. In our case, it is attained via a multi-view method compatible with any existing 2D predictors. We analyze prediction stability and robustness against head rotation during video sequences. Further, we investigate volume changes in static and dynamic facial expressions for 34 patients with unilateral facial palsy and visualize volumetric disparities on the face surface. In a case study, we observe a decrease in the volumetric difference between the face sides during happy expressions at the beginning (13.8 ± 10.0

$$\hbox {mm}^{3}$$

mm
3

) and end (12.8 ± 10.3

$$\hbox {mm}^{3}$$

mm
3

) of a ten-day biofeedback therapy. The neutral face kept a consistent volume range of 11.8

$$-$$

-

12.1

$$\hbox {mm}^3$$

mm
3

. The reduced volumetric difference after therapy indicates less facial asymmetry during movement, which can be used to monitor and guide treatment decisions. Our approach minimizes human intervention, simplifying the clinical routine and interaction with 3D scans to provide a more comprehensive analysis of facial palsy.
Shifts in the habitat suitability for large hammerhead sharks under climate change
Authors: Santos Catarina Pereira , Borges Francisco Oliveira , Guerreiro Miguel , Pissarra Vasco , Varela Jaquelino , Frazão-Santos Catarina , Rosa Rui
Published: November 2024

One of the chief consequences of climate change is the worldwide redistribution of species in the pursuit of physiologically and ecologically favourable conditions. As part of one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates, assessing how climate change may affect the distribution patterns of key shark species is essential for their long-term conservation and management. The present study aims to assess how climate change projections (based on the representative concentration pathways 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5) for the middle and end of the century may affect the global patterns of habitat suitability (HS) for large hammerhead sharks – a unique and particularly threatened group of elasmobranchs. Here, a decline in the global average HS is projected for both Sphyrna lewini and Sphyrna zygaena, with the scale of HS decline generally increasing with time and RCP severity, while a global increase in HS is generally projected for Sphyrna mokarran, albeit reduced over the long-term and overturned under long-term RCP8.5. Meanwhile, poleward shifts are projected for all three species, with considerable tropical declines for both S. lewini and S. zygaena. Additionally, regional shifts in suitability have the potential to affect population connectivity, the access to key habitats, and levels of exposure to other anthropogenic pressures, along with the effectiveness of conservation and management efforts. Taken together, these results showcase the importance of climate change for species’ extinction risk assessments and the urgency of the consideration of climate change within the design and implementation of conservation measures.
High-efficiency 5-watt wavelength-tunable UV output from an Alexandrite laser
Authors: Xiao Huaifeng , Damzen Michael J.
Published: November 2024

We investigate the performance of continuous-wave wavelength-tunable ultraviolet output from a diode-pumped Alexandrite laser by intra-cavity second harmonic generation. At 385 nm, ultraviolet output power of 5.05 W is achieved which is the highest continuous-wave ultraviolet power to date for intra-cavity frequency doubled diode-pumped Alexandrite lasers and highest optical-to-optical efficiency of 16.2% is achieved with respect to absorbed red pump power. An excellent ultraviolet wavelength tunable range, 38 nm, is achieved from 364 nm to 402 nm. Cavity mode analysis is performed for design of the resonator including cavity analysis and the modelling of output power from this wavelength tunable ultraviolet laser.
Does the timing of postprandial glucose monitoring affect the obstetric and neonatal outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes? A prospective study comparing 1 and 2-h postprandial monitoring
Authors: Ben Shoshan Noa , Mizrachi Yossi , Tamayev Liliya , Ben-Ari Tal , Weiner Eran , Barda Giulia
Published: November 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who had postprandial glucose monitoring 1 vs. 2 h following meals.

Study design

In this prospective cohort study, we included patients with GDM who were referred to our medical center between July 2019 and June 2021. Patients chose the timing of postprandial glucose monitoring based on their own preferences. Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes, as well as patient satisfaction, were compared between patients who performed postprandial glucose monitoring 1 and 2 h after meals (PPG1 vs. PPG2). The primary outcome was birth weight. The study was powered to detect a 250 g increase in birth weight.

Results

Overall, 99 patients were included: 50 in the PPG1 group and 49 in the PPG2 group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. Neonates in the PPG1 and PPG2 groups had similar birth weights (3319 ± 355 vs. 3319 ± 520 g, respectively, p = 0.99). Glycemic control, mode of delivery, gestational age at delivery, and satisfaction rates were also similar between the study groups.

Conclusion

In patients with GDM, performing1 vs. 2 h following meals resulted in similar obstetrical and neonatal outcomes and similar satisfaction rates. We therefore recommend counseling patients to choose either strategy based on their personal preference.
Evaluation of a novel forward-looking optical coherence tomography probe for endoscopic applications: an ex vivo feasibility study
Authors: Jacobs Femke J. C. , Groenhuis Vincent , de Jong Ibeltje M. , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Rovers Maroeska M. , Bulte Geert J. , Fütterer Jurgen J.
Published: November 2024

Background

As a result of recent advances in the development of small microelectromechanical system mirrors, a novel forward-looking optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe with a uniquely large field of view is being commercially developed. The aim of this study is to prospectively assess the feasibility of this advanced OCT probe in interpreting ex vivo images of colorectal polyp tissue and to identify necessary steps for further development.

Methods

A total of 13 colorectal lesions from 9 patients, removed during endoscopic resection, were imaged ex vivo with the OCT device and compared with histopathological images that served as the gold standard for diagnostics. Normal tissue from one patient, removed during the endoscopic procedure, was imaged as a negative control. We assessed the presence of features indicative for polyp type and degree of dysplasia, by comparing OCT images to histopathological images and by evaluating the presence of OCT-specific features identified by previous studies, such as effacement (loss of layered tissue structure), a hyperreflective epithelial layer, and irregularity of the surface.

Results

As verified by corresponding histological images, tissue structures such as blood vessels and tissue layers could be distinguished in OCT images of the normal tissue sample. Detailed structures on histological images such as crypts and cell nuclei could not be identified in the OCT images. However, we did identify OCT features specific for colorectal lesions, such as effacement and a hyperreflective epithelial layer. In general, the imaging depth was about 1 mm.

Conclusion

Some relevant tissue structures could be observed in OCT images of the novel device. However, some adaptations, such as increasing imaging depth using a laser with a longer central wavelength, are required to improve its clinical value for the imaging of colorectal lesions.

Graphical abstract
Polynomial approximation of discounted moments
Authors: Zhao Chenyu , van Beek Misha , Spreij Peter , Ba Makhtar
Published: November 2024

We introduce an approximation strategy for the discounted moments of a stochastic process that can approximate the true moments for a large class of problems. These moments appear in pricing formulas of financial products such as bonds and credit derivatives. The approximation relies on a high-order power series expansion of the infinitesimal generator and draws parallels with the theory of polynomial processes. We demonstrate applications to bond pricing and credit derivatives. In the special cases that allow an analytical solution, the approximation error decreases to around 10 to 100 times machine precision for higher orders. When no analytical solution exists, we numerically compare the approximation with existing numerical techniques.
Antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity potentials of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Helichrysum cymosum
Authors: Nkemzi Achasih Q. , Okaiyeto Kunle , Oyenihi Omolola , Opuwari Chinyerum S. , Ekpo Okobi E. , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi O.
Published: November 2024

The current research involved the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using an aqueous extract of Helichrysum cymosum shoots, and subsequent characterization via different analytical methods, such as UV–Vis spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), and zeta potential. The biological effects of the ZnO-NPs were then tested against C3A hepatocyte cells and L6 myocyte cell lines via series of analysis, including cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effect via enzymatic inhibition. The UV–Vis analysis showed a maximum absorption spectrum at 360, and the TEM analysis reveals a spherical and hexagonal structures, with an average dimension of 28.05–58.3 nm, and the XRD reveals a crystalline hexagonal structure. The zeta potential evaluation indicated that the ZnO-NPs are relatively stable at − 20 mV, and the FTIR analysis identified some important functional group associated with phenolics, carboxylic acid, and amides that are responsible for reducing and stabilizing the ZnO-NPs. The synthesized ZnO-NPs demonstrated cytotoxic effects on the cell lines at higher concentrations (125 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL), complicating the interpretation of the results of the inflammatory and antioxidant assays. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the inhibitions of pancreatic lipase, alpha-glucosidase, and alpha-amylase, indicating beneficial antidiabetic effects.
Development and validation of a tumor size-stratified prognostic nomogram for patients with gastric signet ring cell carcinoma
Authors: Hui Xin , Zhou Guangbo , Zheng Ya , Wang Yuping , Guo Qinghong
Published: November 2024

Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRC) is a rare malignancy without a commonly acknowledged prognostic assessment and treatment system. This study aimed to determine the optimal cut-off value of tumor size (TS), and construct a prognostic nomogram in combination with other independent prognostic factors (PFs) to predict 3 year and 5 year overall survival (OS) in GSRC patients. From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, this study collected 4744 patients diagnosed with GSRC. These patients were randomized into a training cohort (n = 2320,) and a validation cohort (n = 1142). A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to determine the cut-off value for TS, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed in the training cohort to identified significant predictors. A prognostic nomogram was constructed to predict OS at 3 and 5 years. Concordance index (C index), receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC curve), area under curve (AUC), and calibration curve were used to test the predictive accuracy of the model. A non-linear relationship was observed between TS and the risk of OS in GSRC, with TS thresholds at 4.4 cm and 9.6 cm. Survival was significantly lower in GSRC patients with TS > 4.4 cm. Age, marriage, chemotherapy, surgery, TS, SEER stage, regional lymph node status, and total number were independent predictors of OS. The C index in the training cohort was 0.748, and the AUC values for both 3- and 5-year OS were higher than 0.80. Similar results were observed in the validation cohort. In addition, the calibration curves showed good agreement between the predicted 3 year and 5 year OS and the actual OS. TS is a key prognostic factor for patients with GSRC, and patients with a TS of 4.4–9.6 cm and > 9.6 cm may have a poorer prognosis than those with a TS of < 4.4 cm. The TS-stratified nomogram we constructed and validated has favorable accuracy and calibration precision, and may be helpful in predicting the survival rate of patients.