bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of CuO/TiO2‐chitosan‐farnesol nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities on melanoma cells SK‐MEL‐3
Authors: Indumathi Thangavelu , Suriyaprakash Jagadeesh , Alarfaj Abdullah A. , Hirad Abdurahman Hajinur , Jaganathan Ravindran , Mathanmohun Maghimaa
Published: November 2023

The current investigation focuses on synthesizing copper oxide (CuO)‐titanium oxide (TiO2)‐chitosan‐farnesol nanocomposites with potential antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties against Melanoma cells (melanoma cells [SK‐MEL‐3]). The nanocomposites were synthesized using the standard acetic acid method and subsequently characterized using an X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results from the antibacterial tests against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Stapylococcus aureus demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy. Additionally, the antifungal studies using Candida albicans through the agar diffusion method displayed a considerable antifungal effect. For evaluating the anticancer activity, various assays such as MTT assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) analysis were conducted on SK‐MEL‐3 cells. The nanocomposites exhibited the ability to induce ROS generation, decrease MMP levels, and trigger apoptosis in SK‐MEL‐3 cells. Collectively, the findings demonstrated a distinct pattern for the synthesized bimetallic nanocomposites. Furthermore, these nanocomposites also displayed significant (p < 0.05) antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer effects when tested on the SK‐MEL‐3 cell line.
Creativity and the Cyber Shock: The Ultimate Paradox
Authors: Cropley David , Cropley Arthur
Published: November 2023

The “Sputnik Shock” of 1957 led to acceptance of the usefulness of creativity, while the still developing “Cyber Shock” derives from emergence of the apparent production of creativity by CPSs and AI. The ultimate paradox of creativity, which draws on both these shocks, has given rise to the idea of algorithmic creativity. However, the rise of “Society 5.0” means that it is increasingly necessary to understand creativity in terms of disruptive solutions. Although generative AI is a major tool it risks blocking the pathway to disruptive creativity because it produces only incremental novelty based on the already known. What is required is a strong focus on genesis.
Parenteral nutrition‐related complications in older patients with acute intestinal failure: A descriptive cohort study
Authors: Kang Garrett , Cheah Mark Chang Chuen , Yen Poh Bee , Tan Lee Boo , Chong Janet Ngian Choo , Cheang Lai Ye , Goh Rachel Jia Ling , Lee Miaw Sim , Tan Travis Kim Chye , Salazar Ennaliza
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Reported outcomes for parenteral nutrition (PN)–related complications in older adult patients with acute intestinal failure who are receiving PN in the acute hospital setting are limited. Our study aims to compare PN‐related complications between older and younger adult patients.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study of inpatients who were administered PN from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, was performed. Patients were categorized into older (≥65 years old) and younger (<65 years old) adult groups.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐five patients were included. There were 103 patients in the older adult group (mean age: 73.9 [SD: 6.9] years) and 132 patients in the younger adult group (mean age: 52.4 [SD: 12.5] years). There was a significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score and lower Karnofsky score in the older adult group. The older adult group received significantly lower total energy (20.8 [SD: 7.8] vs 22.8 [SD: 6.3] kcal/kg/day), dextrose (3.1 [SD: 1.4] vs 3.6 [SD: 1.4] g/kg/day), and protein (1.1 [SD: 0.4] vs 1.2 [SD: 0.3] g/kg/day) than the younger group received. The mean length of stay was significantly shorter in the older adult group (35.9 [SD: 21.3] vs 59.8 [SD: 55.3]; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in PN‐related complications and clinical outcomes (catheter‐related bloodstream infections, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, fluid overload, or inpatient mortality) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Despite more comorbidities in the older adult, the usage of PN in older adult patients with acute intestinal failure was associated with neither an increased rate of PN‐related complications nor worse clinical outcomes when compared with that of younger patients.
Dupilumab normalizes correlates of lysosomal function in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Bürgler Christina , Dutoit Danielle , Radonjic‐Hoesli Susanne , Thormann Kathrin , Lehmann Mathias , Yousefi Shida , Simon Hans‐Uwe , Simon Dagmar
Published: November 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by skin barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. Autophagy, which is important for the epidermal differentiation, is impaired in AD. The treatment with dupilumab, an interleukin (IL)‐4/IL‐13 receptor blocker, has been shown to reduce skin inflammation and restore the skin barrier.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dupilumab on the expression of key proteins involved in autophagy and lysosomal degradation.

Methods

We performed immunofluorescence staining and microscopic analyses of skin specimens of AD patients, taken before and under (6–10 weeks) therapy with dupilumab, to investigate the expression of autophagy‐related (ATG) 5 and ATG7 proteins, beclin‐1, microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC3B), sequestosome‐1 (p62), lysosomal proteases (cathepsins B, D and L), serine protease inhibitors (SERPINB3, SERPINB4) as well as IL‐33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP).

Results

The expression of LC3B and p62 as well as SERPINB3 and SERPINB4 was highly increased in untreated AD skin compared to non‐lesional skin and normal skin and decreased upon dupilumab therapy. In contrast, the AD‐associated increased expression of both ATG5 and ATG7 further increased under therapy. Before therapy, cathepsin D and L expression levels were significantly lower compared to normal skin, but increased following the initiation of dupilumab therapy. The increased expression of IL‐33 and TSLP in the epidermis of AD patients correlated with that of LC3B and p62.

Conclusions

Our study provides further evidence that autophagy is inhibited in lesional AD skin owing to lysosomal dysfunction. Upon dupilumab therapy, a restoration of dysregulated key players of autophagy is observed.
Hypermobility in patients with epidermolysis bullosa—A retrospective observational study from a national referral center
Authors: Bageta Maria L. , Wood Michelle , Lopez Balboa Pablo , Petrof Gabriela , Martinez Anna E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an inherited genodermatosis of variable severity characterised by skin and mucosal fragility commonly associated with altered gait patterns and hypermobility.

Objectives

To define the altered gait pattern and identify possible causes in patients with EB.

Methods

Retrospective review of the EB database to identify children with EB with at least one physiotherapy assessment between 2009 and 2022.

Results

Forty‐eight children out of 59 referrals to physiotherapy with an altered gait pattern were identified (81.3%); 23 (48%) had recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB), 17 (36%) EB simplex, five (10%) Junctional EB (JEB) and three (6%) dominant dystrophic EB (DDEB). The patho‐mechanical altered gait patterns were characterised by altered load‐bearing surface in contact with the floor (63%), short shuffling pattern with high cadence and decreased single support (42%) and equinovarus (toe walking) (6%). Hypermobility (as defined by the Beighton score) was present in 67% of patients: 43% in RDEB, 88% in EBS, 100% in JEB and 67% in DDEB.

Conclusions

In this study, we provide the first accurate data for the causes of altered gait patterns in children with EB. Healthcare professionals should be aware of joint hypermobility and its effect on gait in this patient cohort.
Salvianolic acid A improves nerve regeneration and repairs nerve defects in rats with brain injury by downregulating miR‐212‐3p‐mediated SOX7
Authors: Huang Shuai , Wang Hong‐Liang
Published: November 2023

This study was to probe the protective effects and mechanisms of salvianolic acid A (SAA) on cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI). The middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO) was established in rats. Rats' behavior, neurological deficits, brain injury, inflammation, and apoptosis in the brain tissue were evaluated. The inflammatory response and apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) were detected. SAA‐mediated changes in miR‐212‐3p, SOX7, and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway were determined, and the targeting relationship between miR‐212‐3p and SOX7 was clarified. SAA alleviated the neurological deficits and brain injury of MCAO rats and inhibited the inflammatory response and apoptosis of OGD/R‐conditioned PC‐12 cells. SAA upregulated miR‐212‐3p, Wnt3a, and β‐catenin, whereas inhibited SOX7 levels. Silencing miR‐212‐3p counteracted the protective effect of SAA in the context of CIRI. SOX7 was a target protein of miR‐212‐3p. Silencing SOX7 based on SAA and miR‐212‐3p knockdown suppressed OGD/R‐induced inflammation and apoptosis and increased Wnt3a and β‐catenin levels in PC12 cells. SAA can improve the brain and nervous system injury caused by cerebral ischemia–reperfusion by upregulating miR‐212‐3p, thereby inhibiting SOX7 and activating the Wnt/βcatenin signaling pathway.
Project creates messaging efforts about MH to boost 988 use
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2023

Informing culturally sensitive, responsive, and effective messaging development to help individuals access the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in times of crisis is just one of the major aims of a new project borne out of a collaborative partnership that includes the Ad Council Research Institute, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, with support by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The speed‐in‐action problem for the nonlinear hyperbolic equation with a nonlocal condition
Authors: Guliyev Hamlet , Tagiyev Hikmet , Gasimov Yusif
Published: November 2023

In the paper the speed‐in‐action problem is investigated for the second‐order nonlinear hyperbolic equation. The main feature of the paper is that for the first time the problem is considered with a nonlocal condition in differ from many works devoted the similar problems. A theorem on the existence of the optimal control is proved. Freshet differentiability of the corresponding functional is shown. The necessary optimality conditions are derived in the form of variational inequalities.
Afterword: Kinship Possibilities in Water Futures
Authors: McCormack Fiona
Published: November 2023

This special issue of Oceania interrogates the material and cultural factors underpinning water socio‐economies in Australia; a critical project given the wet and dry crises now unfolding in the Anthropocene. Three themes inform the collection – materialities, imaginaries and temporalities – each of which animates a diverse array of ethnographic inquiry into transformative water futures. The radical potential of kinship is also a cross‐cutting theme, with the articles collectively revealing how kin relatedness works to disrupt the categorical framing of ‘modern water’ as an extractive resource.
Joint spatial–temporal association of response codes (STEARC) effect: Mental timelines embodied interpersonally
Authors: Ren Weicong , Guo Xiujuan , Wang Fusui , Zhang Zhijie
Published: November 2023

A co‐action task was used to explore the effect of social interactions on temporal judgements, in comparison with an individual‐task condition. In Experiment 1, the co‐actors sat either individually (individual condition) or alongside a partner (joint condition) in front of a monitor and then responded to time‐related words (e.g. yesterday, tomorrow). In Experiment 2, co‐actors sat separately in front of two monitors and categorized the words either individually or jointly. Participants' response times to past‐ and future‐related words in the individual conditions of both experiments had no significant difference. However, in the joint conditions, the responses were faster when the past‐time words were mapped toward the participants on the left than when future‐time words were mapped toward them. Our data support the existence of a specific mapping between past‐time–left space and future‐time–right space. This suggests that the two cooperators probably shared a similar mental timeline.
Development of the Delusional Interpretation Scale and examination of related variables
Authors: Ito Satsuki , Matsumoto Junya , Hashimoto Ryota , Ishimaru Keiichiro
Published: November 2023

Aim

Delusions are a common symptom in schizophrenia. Some scales have been developed to measure delusional tendencies in healthy people, and nonpathological delusional thinking can occur even among these individuals. The existing scales measure the presence and frequency of delusional thoughts, distress levels, and confidence levels. However, these scales are limited because they do not consider the context of the delusions (i.e., where, with whom, and when). In this study, we developed a new scale that presents detailed scenes using illustrations and sentences and measures the tendency toward delusional interpretations.

Methods

Factor analysis was conducted to confirm the factor structure of the new scale. To examine the validity of the scale, we analyzed the correlations between delusional tendencies and related variables and verified the consistency between the current scale and previously developed tools.

Results

Factor analysis confirmed that the new scale has a two‐factor structure, including “internal attribution and paranoid tendency” and “external attribution tendency.” The new scale was found to have acceptable reliability and validity. The internal attribution and paranoid tendency factor was negatively correlated with self‐esteem and decentering. Furthermore, the internal attribution and paranoid tendency factor showed a moderate positive correlation with depressive state and anxiety tendency and a very weak positive correlation with experiences of bullying or harassment.

Conclusion

The correlations between the new scale and related variables confirmed the construct validity and replicated the results reported in previous studies. This new scale enables the measurement of delusional tendencies in healthy subjects based on the social context.
Views on the delivery plan for recovering access to primary care
Authors: Dowden Angela
Published: November 2023

NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have published a delivery plan outlining commitments to tackle the 8am rush for GP appointments and make it easier for patients to get the help they need from primary care. The plan focuses on a much bigger role for pharmacists in managing patients’ common ailments, but does the already‐overstretched pharmacy sector feel supported enough to take it on?
Spreading the word about the value of pharmacists
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: November 2023

Thorrun Govind is a community pharmacist, lawyer and former Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) English Pharmacy Board with extensive media experience in radio, television and social media. Here, she talks to Joy Ogden about how she is spreading the word about the value of pharmacists in the community as well as their further potential.
Coherent subsiding structures in large‐eddy simulations of atmospheric boundary layers
Authors: Brient Florent , Couvreux Fleur , Rio Catherine , Honnert Rachel
Published: November 2023

Coherent structures are characterized in high‐resolution simulations of three atmospheric boundary layers: dry convection, marine cumulus, and stratocumulus. Based on radioactive‐decaying tracers emitted at different altitudes (surface, top of well‐mixed layer, and cloud top), an object‐oriented methodology allows individual characterization of coherent tridimensional plumes within the flow. Each boundary layer shows updraft structures surrounded by subsiding shells that have similar thermodynamical characteristics. Well‐mixed downdrafts are located relatively close to updrafts and entrain dry, warm air from the free troposphere. While updrafts primarily carry the majority of heat and moisture within well‐mixed layers, accounting for 62‐70% of the total resolved flux, it is noteworthy that well‐mixed downdrafts also contibute a significant portion, ranging from 14% to 35%. Identified in all boundary layers, these subsiding structures are triggered by air mass convergence linked to updrafts' divergence and are thus part of an overturning circulation in well‐mixed layers. Close to the surface, downdrafts' divergence constrain updrafts' locations and thus shape a mesoscale cellular organization with cell sizes scaling with the boundary‐layer height (aspect ratio of around 2). Active cumulus formation does not strongly perturb the spatial organization of the sub‐cloud well‐mixed layer. The stratocumulus‐topped boundary layer also shares similarities with the overturning circulation despite having condensation and cloud‐radiation diabatic effects within the mixed layer. However, the visible mesoscale organization of stratocumulus shows larger cells than the boundary‐layer depth (aspect ratio 10) that suggest deviations from the clear‐sky conceptual view. The boundary‐layer decoupling influences mass fluxes of coherent structures and thus potentially plays a role in shaping the spatial organization. Since well‐mixed downdrafts contribute to a significant part of resolved flux of heat and moisture, our results suggest that downdraft properties in well‐mixed layers should be represented at the subgrid scale in climate models through non‐local mass‐flux parametrizations.
Student employment program delivers more than just a job
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2023

When students become employed in the campus recreation department at the University of Mississippi, they sign on for much more than just a job. And that's thanks to Peter Tulchinsky, Ed.D., who launched the student employment professional competency program when he became Director of Campus Recreation at Ole Miss in September 2014.
Bioinspired Nanotubes by Soft‐template Electropolymerization from Fully Conjugated Monomers
Authors: Dione Pape Diene , Dramé Abdoulaye , Diouf Alioune , Guittard Frédéric , Darmanin Thierry
Published: November 2023

Bioinspired by the strong water‐adhesive forces of gecko foot or rose petals, here, nanotubular structures are prepared by soft‐template electropolymerization. Water is mixed to a solvent of low water‐solubility to form a micellar solution in the presence of tetrabutylammonium perchlorate as the electrolyte and surfactant. As the monomer, a benzene is trifunctionalized with various thiophene and carbazole moieties. The monomers are fully conjugated to favor the deposition compared to polymerization, as confirmed by cyclic voltammetry experiments. The surface nanostructures (nanotubes, nano‐ribbons, coral‐like structures) are highly dependent on the monomer and the water content but less on the deposition method. The maximum water contact angle is 158.1° accompanied with strong water adhesive force. These surfaces are highly interesting for applications in water‐harvesting systems or in sensing platforms.
Construction of Embedded Sulfur‐Doped g‐C3N4/BiOBr S‐Scheme Heterojunction for Highly Efficient Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Compound Rhodamine B
Authors: Lin Sen , Sun Zhangwei , Qiu Xiaoyu , Li Han , Ren Peidong , Xie Haijiao , Guo Li
Published: November 2023

Constructing S‐scheme heterojunction catalysts is a key challenge in visible‐light catalysed degradation of organic pollutants. Most heterojunction materials are reported to face significant obstacles in the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs owing to differences in the material size and energy barriers. In this study, sulfur‐doped g‐C3N4 oxidative‐type semiconductor materials are synthesized and then coupled with BiOBr reductive‐type semiconductor to form S‐g‐C3N4/BiOBr S‐scheme heterojunction. A strong and efficient internal electric field is established between the two materials, facilitating the separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. Notably, in situ XPS proved that after visible light irradiation, Bi3+ is converted into Bi(3+ɑ)+, and a large number of photogenerated holes are produced on the surface of BiOBr, which oxidized and activated H2O into •OH.  •OH cooperated with •O2− and 1O2 to attack Rhodamine B (RhB) molecules to achieve deep oxidation mineralization. The composite material is designed with a LUMO energy level higher than that of RhB, promoting the sensitization of RhB by injecting photogenerated electrons into the heterojunction, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic performance to 22.44 times that of pure g‐C3N4. This study provides a new perspective on the efficient degradation of organic molecules using visible light catalysis.
Bamboo Inspired Silicon Anodes with Ultrahigh Initial Coulombic Efficiency and High Capacity for the Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Wencan , Wu Haomin , Long Teng , Cai Yifeng , Yu Zhiao , Liu Caixia , Fang Guigan , Zhang Qiuhong , Jia Xudong
Published: November 2023

Silicon is regarded as the most promising candidate due to its ultrahigh theoretical energy density (4200 mAh g−1). However, the large volume expansion of silicon nanoparticles would result in the destruction of electrodes and a shortened cycle lifetime. Here, inspired by the natural structure of bamboo, the silicon anode with vascular bundle‐like structure is proposed to improve the electrochemical performance for the first time. The dense channel wall in the silicon anode can accommodate the volume change of silicon nanoparticles and the transport of ions and electrons is also enhanced. The obtained silicon anodes display excellent mechanical properties (50% compression resilience and the average peel force of 4.34 N) and good wettability. What more, the silicon anodes exhibit high initial coulombic efficiency (94.5%), excellent cycle stability (2100 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles) which stands out among the silicon anodes. Specially, the silicon anode with impressive areal capacity of 36.36 mAh cm−2 and initial coulombic efficiency of 84% is also achieved. This work offers a novel and efficient strategy for the preparation of the flexible electrodes with outstanding performance.
Extending Cycling Life Beyond 300 000 Cycles in Aqueous Zinc Ion Capacitors Through Additive Interface Engineering
Authors: Shi Wenchao , Song Zhenjun , Sun Weiyi , Liu Yu , Jiang Yalong , Li Qi , An Qinyou
Published: November 2023

Developing low‐cost and long‐cycling‐life aqueous zinc (Zn) ion capacitors (AZICs) for large‐scale electrochemical energy storage still faces the challenges of dendritic Zn deposition and interfacial side reactions. Here, an interface engineering strategy utilizing a dibenzenesulfonimide (BBI) additive is employed to enhance the stability of the Zn metal anode/electrolyte interface. The first‐principles calculation results demonstrate that BBI anions can be chemically adsorbed on Zn metal. Meanwhile, the experimental results confirm that the BBI‐Zn interfacial layer converts the original water‐richelectric double layer (EDL) into a water‐poor EDL, effectively inhibiting the water related parasitic reaction at the electrode/electrolyte interface. In addition, the BBI‐Zn interfacial layer introduces an additional Zn ions (Zn2+) migration energy barrier, increasing the Zn2+ de‐solvation activation energy, consequently raising the Zn2+ nucleation overpotential, and thus achieving the compact and uniform Zn deposition behavior. Furthermore, the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer derived from the BBI‐Zn interfacial layer during cycling can further maintain the interfacial stability of the Zn anode. Owing to the above favorable features, the assembled AZIC exhibits an ultra‐long cycling life of over 300 000 cycles based on the additive engineering strategy, which shows application prospects in high‐performance AZICs.
Kilogram‐Scale Synthesis of Extremely Small Gadolinium Oxide Nanoparticles as a T1‐Weighted Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wu Lihe , Lu Xuanyi , Lu Yudie , Shi Meng , Guo Shuai , Feng Jie , Yang Sugeun , Xiong Wei , Xu Yikai , Yan Chenggong , Shen Zheyu
Published: November 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents are frequently used in clinics to enhance the contrast between diseased and normal tissues. The previously reported poly(acrylic acid) stabilized exceedingly small gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (ES‐GdON‐PAA) overcame the problems of commercial Gd chelates, but limitations still exist, i.e., high r2/r1 ratio, long blood circulation half‐life, and no data for large scale synthesis and formulation optimization. In this study, polymaleic acid (PMA) is found to be an ideal stabilizer to synthesize ES‐GdONs. Compared with ES‐GdON‐PAA, the PMA‐stabilized ES‐GdON (ES‐GdON‐PMA) has a lower r2/r1 ratio (2.05, 7.0 T) and a lower blood circulation half‐life (37.51 min). The optimized ES‐GdON‐PMA‐9 has an exceedingly small particle size (2.1 nm), excellent water dispersibility, and stability. A facile, efficient, and environmental friendly synthetic method is developed for large‐scale synthesis of the ES‐GdONs‐PMA. The weight of the optimized freeze–dried ES‐GdON‐PMA‐26 synthesized in a 20 L of reactor reaches the kilogram level. The formulation optimization is also finished, and the concentrated ES‐GdON‐PMA‐26 formulation (CGd = 100 mm) after high‐pressure steam sterilization possesses eligible physicochemical properties (i.e., pH value, osmolality, viscosity, and density) for investigational new drug application.
HBCU graduate works to bolster Black colleges
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: November 2023

Dr. Dietra Y. Trent, like many students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, was a Pell Grant recipient from a rural area when she entered Hampton University in Virginia.
Body composition parameters predict survival in pancreatic cancer—A retrospective multicenter analysis
Authors: Damm Marko , Efremov Ljupcho , Jalal Mustafa , Nadeem Nabeegh , Dober Johannes , Michl Patrick , Wohlgemuth Walter A. , Wadsley Jonathan , Hopper Andrew D. , Krug Sebastian , Rosendahl Jonas
Published: November 2023

Background

Parameters to adapt individual treatment strategies for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are urgently needed. The present study aimed to evaluate body composition parameters as predictors of overall survival (OS) in PDAC patients.

Methods

Measurements of body composition parameters were performed on computed tomography scans at diagnosis. Height‐standardized and Body Mass Index‐ and sex‐adjusted regression formulas deriving cut‐offs from a healthy population were used. The Kaplan‐Meier method with the log‐rank test was performed for survival analysis. Independent prognostic factors were identified with uni‐ and multivariable Cox regression analyses.

Results

In total, 354 patients were analyzed. In a multivariable Cox model, besides tumor stage and resection status, only myosteatosis (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.10–2.14, p = 0.01) was an independent prognostic factor of OS among body composition parameters. Subgroup analyses revealed that the prognostic impact of myosteatosis was higher in patients ≤68 years of age, with advanced tumor stages and patients without curative intended resection.

Conclusions

The analysis of one of the largest Caucasian cohorts to date, demonstrated myosteatosis to be an independent prognostic factor of OS in PDAC. To improve outcomes, prospective trials aiming to investigate the utility of an early assessment of myosteatosis with subsequent intervention by dieticians, sports medicine physicians, and physiotherapists are warranted.
Substrate dependent cracking behavior of CrAlN coatings
Authors: Bobzin Kirsten , Kalscheuer Christian , Tayyab Muhammad
Published: November 2023

The present study investigated the effect of substrate deformation behavior on crack resistance of CrAlN coatings under quasi‐static and cyclic loads using nanoindentation. (Cr47Al53)N coatings were deposited on cemented carbide WC‐Co and high‐speed steel HS652C substrates through physical vapor deposition (PVD) und characterized. In order to study the coating cracking behavior, the coated substrates were subjected to quasi‐static nanoindentations with indentation force Fmax = 1 N, Fmax = 1.5 N and Fmax = 2 N. Moreover, the crack resistance under cyclic loading with frequency f = 0.16 Hz was analyzed at F = 1 N and F = 1.5 N after n = 900 cycles. A conical diamond indenter was used for the tests. At the end, the indentation imprints were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The substrate dependency was apparent in cracking behavior of the coating. Albeit the lower indentation depth compared to the variant with HS6‐5‐2C substrate, the CrAlN coating on WC‐Co substrate showed surface cracks under quasi‐static and cyclic loading. These cracks on the coated surface were absent in the variant with HS6‐5‐2C substrate. This could be related to higher resistance of cemented carbide substrates against plastic deformation, prompting earlier crack initiation in CrAlN coating for effective energy dissipation during indentation.
Unequal trust: Bottled water consumption, distrust in tap water, and economic and racial inequality in the United States
Authors: Jaffee Daniel
Published: November 2023

Reviewing public health, nutrition, and social science literature, this article examines how bottled water consumption and spending in the United States differ along lines of race, ethnicity, and income, how these consumption patterns have changed in recent years, and how those shifts map onto perceptions of the safety and trustworthiness of tap water supplies, both before and since the Flint water disaster. It also addresses the differential impact of bottled water spending on household income. The findings challenge the truism that bottled water consumption is positively correlated with income, instead showing a bimodal racial and class consumption pattern that reflects widely divergent perceptions—and the uneven distribution—of threats to tap water safety. Bottled water consumption and spending, as well as distrust of tap water, are highest among low‐income, Black, and Latino/a households, exacerbating social inequality. The article also addresses how the bottled water industry is responding to these dynamics, and considers potential routes to restoring both public water infrastructure and trust in tap water supplies. This contribution links several current and salient topics: the relationship between bottled water's growth and tap water consumption; the dynamics of growing racial and income inequality; historical legacies of systemic racism and economic marginalization; and the uneven effects of disinvestment in US water infrastructure on tap water safety, access, and affordability.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Human Water

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Rights to Water

Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation
Influence of orientation of fibres on surface wave in fibre‐induced anisotropic elastic medium
Authors: Sharma M. D.
Published: November 2023

An isotropic elastic solid reinforced with a family of parallel fibres behaves anisotropic to any deformation. With orientation of all fibres along a coordinate axis in rectangular Cartesian system, this anisotropy reduces to transverse isotropy. Else with arbitrary orientation of fibre‐family, induced anisotropy lacks any symmetry. In this composite medium with arbitrary anisotropy, three‐dimensional wave motion decaying with depth propagates as a surface wave along all directions on plane boundary. Real phase velocity for this surface wave lies implicit in a system of three equations with complex coefficients. An appropriate transformation of this system yields a real characteristic equation, which is solved to get the anisotropic phase velocity of generalised surface wave. This phase velocity defines a complex slowness vector, which is used to calculate the particle motion at any point in the medium. Effects of fibre‐orientation are analysed, numerically, on the phase velocity and polarisation of surface wave. For example, in the reinforced fibres alters the contours of particle motion through increased ellipticity. However, in the presence of fibres, the decay of particle motion with depth slows down.
Introduction
Authors: Hirsch Dennis , Bartley Timothy , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Norris Davon , Parthasarathy Srinivasan , Turner Piers Norris
Published: November 2023

Business use of artificial intelligence (AI) can produce tremendous insights and benefits.
But it can also invade privacy, perpetuate bias, and produce other harms that injure
people and damage business reputation. To succeed in today’s economy, companies need
to implement AI in a responsible and ethical way. The question is: How to do this? This
book points the way. The authors interviewed and surveyed AI ethics managers at leading
companies. They asked why these experts see AI ethics as important, and how they seek
to achieve it. This book conveys the results of that research on a concise, accessible way
that readers should be able to apply to their own organizations. Much of the existing
writing on AI ethics focuses either on macro-level AI ethics principles, or on micro-level
product design and tooling. The interviews showed that companies need a third
component: data and AI ethics management. This third component consists of the management
structures, processes, training and substantive benchmarks that companies use to
operationalize their high-level data and AI ethics principles and to guide and hold accountable
their developers. AI ethics management is the connective tissue that makes AI ethics
principles real. It is the focus of this book.
Risks: From Privacy and Manipulation to Bias and Displacement
Authors: Hirsch Dennis , Bartley Timothy , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Norris Davon , Parthasarathy Srinivasan , Turner Piers Norris
Published: November 2023

This chapter leverages findings from both our semi-structured interviews and original survey to discuss the types of risks central to how data ethics managers and their advisors think about advanced analytics and AI. Both survey respondents and interview participants highlighted a broad range of concerns raised by their use of advanced analytics ranging from invasion of privacy and manipulation to bias against protected classes and concerns about power imbalances. While the risks were wide ranging, some risks received more attention than others. Respondents were far more focused on privacy, bias, errors and problems of opacity than on concerns of manipulation or the negative effects technology can have on displacing labor. Understanding the variation in the types of concerns and the unevenness in attention to different risks is critical as such variation likely lends itself to differences in the types of processes and structures organizations develop to manage those risks.
Motivations—Why Do Companies Pursue Data Ethics?
Authors: Hirsch Dennis , Bartley Timothy , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Norris Davon , Parthasarathy Srinivasan , Turner Piers Norris
Published: November 2023

This chapter examines the reasons that companies go beyond compliance to engage in data ethics management. Our research suggests that a range of different pressures and incentives may encourage companies to adopt data ethics policies. These include issues of corporate and industry reputation (particularly in the wake of scandals), emerging or looming regulation (in both the U.S. and other jurisdictions, especially the EU), demand from employees, and strategic interests in improving decision-making and gaining competitive advantages. Delving into reputational dynamics, the chapter considers the role of data ethics policies in gaining trust not only with consumers/users but also with regulators and business partners. Using our survey data, we examine how types of markets (business-to-business vs. business-to-consumer), media and stakeholder pressures, and perceptions of regulation may be related to whether companies have a data ethics policy or not.
Management Structures and Functions
Authors: Hirsch Dennis , Bartley Timothy , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Norris Davon , Parthasarathy Srinivasan , Turner Piers Norris
Published: November 2023

This chapter discusses the organizational challenges that businesses face when they pursue data ethics management and the development, in response to these challenges, of new organizational roles and structures to manage data ethics. The nature of data ethics management requires organizations to move away from traditional compliance or quality control check modes and towards prevention of ethically problematic actions. Some organizations have proactively begun to develop new organizational roles and structures that can help standardize data ethics management practices. New roles, such as the Data Ethics Officer, have emerged, as have new entities such as the Data or AI Ethics Committee. These new positions and committees make difficult data ethics decisions and translate new knowledge about data ethics into organizational practices. After introducing these new structures and functions, we discuss the importance of role clarity (i.e., who is responsible for data ethics) within organizations and its relationship with developing organizational structure to support data ethics management.
Molecular Biological Tools Used in Assessment and Remediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil and Groundwater
Authors: Taggart Dora M. , Key Trent A.
Published: November 2023

Molecular biological tools (MBTs) are used to assess and characterize the microbiology and associated biological processes at contaminated sites, including ecological roles, phylogenetic diversity, and metabolic and co-metabolic capabilities related to contaminant biodegradation and biotransformation. MBTs have changed our approach to the assessment and remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment. In contaminated-site management, several MBTs and stable isotope analysis methods can be used to measure the presence, abundance, and activity of petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms and transformation pathways: (1) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify microorganisms and genes encoding enzymes for biodegradation or biotransformation, (2) DNA sequencing to comprehensively identify the microorganisms presence and microbial community structure, (3) stable isotope probing (SIP) provides conclusive evidence of biodegradation through the use of 13C-labeled surrogate compounds of petroleum hydrocarbons that microbes use as carbon and/or energy sources, and (4) compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) measures the ratio of naturally occurring stable isotopes within a contaminant to indicate (bio)degradation. This chapter discusses the use, benefits, and limitations of MBTs. Several real-world case studies are provided to demonstrate how to investigate the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon constituents under varying field conditions to better characterize governing biogeochemical processes and to better inform remedial decisions.
LNAPL Transmissivity, Mobility and Recoverability—Utility and Complications
Authors: Beckett G. D.
Published: November 2023

Light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) mobility, transmissivity (Tn), and recoverability are controlled by a suite of factors, namely release characteristics, the environment in which it resides, its age, physical/chemical properties, and others. LNAPL plumes are dynamic, but typically trend toward field stability after a release stops. Unlike groundwater mobility, finite LNAPL releases represent an ever-diminishing mobile mass due to degradation, residualization, and other factors that will be subsequently examined. For these and other reasons, mobility aspects vary both spatially and temporally. Tn is a useful, but complex, related parameter. It is commonly used to determine the applicability of LNAPL hydraulic recovery. But since it is not constant, a cutoff must be carefully considered, along with its manner of determination. Further, even if a plume is theoretically “recoverable” on a Tn rate basis that has very little relationship to whether that action would be expected to have any net environmental benefit. LNAPL hydraulic recovery is inherently self-limiting and has little net benefit unless a plume is mobile (and contained) or a significant mass recovery percentile is possible, which is rare.
Historical Development of Constitutive Relations for Addressing Subsurface LNAPL Contamination
Authors: Lenhard Robert J. , García-Rincón Jonás
Published: November 2023

An overview of the historical development of k-S-P relations (constitutive relations) to model potential flow of light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) in the subsurface is presented in this chapter. The focus is advancements proposed by Parker, Lenhard, and colleagues over time. Discussion includes constitutive relations for incorporation in numerical multiphase flow models as well as constitutive relations for predicting subsurface LNAPL volumes and transmissivities from fluid levels measured in monitoring groundwater wells. LNAPL saturation distributions are given for various subsurface properties and layering sequences.
Spatial Characterization of Shallow Structures in the Revell Batholith Integrating Seismic Imaging Techniques
Authors: Villamizar Brian J. G. , DesRoches Aaron , Parmenter Andrew , Sykes Eric
Published: November 2023

The Revell Site, located in Northwestern Ontario within the Canadian Shield, is being assessed as a potential Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s used nuclear fuel. Effective DGR establishment requires comprehensive subsurface assessment, particularly in evaluating structural stability, hydrogeological attributes, geological composition, and geochemical properties. Key among these considerations is understanding the three-dimensional characteristics of structural features to ensure the site’s suitability for long-term containment of radioactive materials. This case study focuses on imaging and characterizing structures within the predominantly intact biotite granodiorite-tonalite host rock at the Revell Site. Borehole data reveals these structures as mostly sub-horizontal mafic intrusions, with thicknesses of up to 3.5 m. They appear either as separate, discrete entities or in stacked configurations. Despite their limited thickness, most of these intrusions exhibit discernible attributes in surface seismic images due to their distinct physical properties. Some, however, exhibit velocity variations that decrease their overall reflectivity properties. An integrative approach employing surface seismic, Vertical Seismic Profiles (VSP), and borehole data facilitates the spatial identification of over 30 of these mafic structures. This comprehensive characterization not only lays the foundational framework for future discrete fracture network models but also provides important support for simulations related to fluid flow dynamics, groundwater behavior, contaminant dispersion, and heat transport mechanisms within the Revell Site. This study underscores the critical role of in-depth subsurface characterization in ensuring the secure, long-term management of radioactive materials in DGRs.
Age-dependent effects of the β3 adrenoceptor agonist CL316,243 on human and rat detrusor muscle strips
Authors: Petereit Charlotte , Porath Katrin , Rackow Simone , Kernig Karoline , Hakenberg Oliver W. , Köhling Rüdiger , Kirschstein Timo
Published: November 2023

Motility of detrusor smooth muscle includes adrenergic relaxation and cholinergic contraction. Since the latter may be deregulated in overactive bladder (OAB) pathophysiology, anticholinergics are the standard therapy but occasionally less tolerated due to side effects such as dry mouth and constipation. β3 adrenoceptor agonists also alleviate OAB symptoms by relaxing the detrusor muscle. Their age dependence, however, is far from understood. To address this issue, we induced contractions with KCl (60 mM) and carbachol (from 10 nM to 100 μM) in the presence of the β3 adrenoceptor agonist CL316,243 (from 0.1 to 10 μM) in both human and rat muscle strips. Our results confirmed that both contractions were attenuated by β3 adrenoceptor activation in both species, but with differing age dependence. In humans, specimens from mid-life subjects showed a significantly more pronounced effect of CL316,243 in attenuating carbachol-induced contractions than those from aged subjects (Cohen’s d of maximal attenuation: 1.82 in mid-life versus 0.13 in aged) without altering EC50. Conversely, attenuation of KCl responses by CL316,243 increased during ageing (Spearman correlation coefficient = -0.584, P<0.01). In rats, both KCl- and carbachol-induced contractions were significantly more attenuated by CL316,243 in samples from adolescent as compared to aged samples. Immunohistochemistry in human detrusor sections proved β3 adrenoreceptor abundance to remain unaltered during ageing. In conclusion, our findings suggest differential age-dependent changes in human β3 adrenoceptor-dependent attenuation of detrusor contraction in terms of electromechanical versus pharmacomechanical coupling; they may help understand the differential responsiveness of OAB patients to β3 agents.
The puzzling etiologies of transient black discoloration in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) intensively cultured under RAS system
Authors: Eissa Alaa Eldin , Attia Marwa M. , El Zlitne Rabia A. , Magdy Ayad A. , Edrees Asmaa , Sharaf Mahmoud S. , Mahmoud Abeer E. , Abdelbaky Awad A. , Abd ElMaged Rehab R. , Ismael Elshaimaa , Qorany Rehab A. , El Moghazi Doaa F. , Prince Abdelbary , Afiffy Emad A. , El Behiri Said , Younis Nehal A.
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to identify the hidden etiologies of the black chromo-shifting transient phenomenon affecting Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, farmed in RAS-controlled ponds together with the assessment of the immunological reaction against the chronic irritating effects of the invasive agent. A total of 100 Nile Tilapia were collected from a private farm at Kafrelsheikh Province, located on the northern side of the Egyptian Nile Delta. The clinical history of the affected fish farm showed an unknown chromo-shifting phenomenon where tilapias were exhibiting severe black skin coloration, which gradually disappeared after removal from the tank’s water. A comprehensive gross examination of the collected fish; including parasitological examination of skin and gill scraps, was performed. Blood biochemical testing was performed on the infested blackish O. niloticus and control non-infested fish. The current study showed that the monogenean parasite, Gyrodactylus cichlidarum, was the abundant parasite detected in the infested fish leading to abnormal black discoloration of skin and disruption of the immune system represented by significant increase of cortisol levels, lysozyme activity and different liver enzymes compared to the control. Treatment trials have been applied with moderate degrees of success, where the monogenean count was sharply decreased, and the normal skin color was remarkably restored, at the end of day 14 post-treatment. A triple treatment plan was initiated through 7 days’ application of 0.7 g/m3 copper sulfates pentahydrate preceded by 1.5 ml/m3 hydrogen peroxide 40% solution for the same period. One day after the end of the initial treatment, a maintenance dosage of 0.095 ml/m3 of glutaraldehyde (15%)/quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) mixture was administered for 3 days. As a supportive/immune-stimulant regimen, a weekly dosage of vitamin C (0.45 g g/m3) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (0.45 g/m3) was added into the tank’s water to improve the general fish health.