bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Silico Evaluation of Nanosecond Laser Treatment of Pigmented Lesions Based on Skin Optical Properties Using a Model of Melanosome Disruption Threshold Fluence
Authors: Shimojo Yu , Nishimura Takahiro , Tsuruta Daisuke , Ozawa Toshiyuki , Kono Taro
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanosecond laser treatment of pigmented lesions in silico using a model of melanosome disruption threshold fluence (MDTF) based on skin optical properties.

Methods

Particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy were performed to determine the threshold fluence for melanosome disruption using a nanosecond laser. By inputting the obtained threshold fluence into the MDTF model and considering the variability in skin optical properties, irradiation parameters were calculated and compared with the results from clinical studies.

Results

The threshold fluences for 532 and 755 nm nanosecond laser irradiation were determined to be 3.0 and 15.0 J/cm2, respectively. In silico analysis showed that the incident fluence for moderately pigmented skin should be 1.2 times that for lightly pigmented skin, whereas it should be 50% lower than that for lightly pigmented skin to achieve the same level of energy deposition. Clinically applied fluences for moderately pigmented skin are at the low end of the calculated range of values, suggesting that the clinical fluence is chosen to minimize energy deposition in normal tissues.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the MDTF model can be used to evaluate nanosecond laser treatments and provide clinical guidance on fluence settings based on laser–tissue interactions in moderately pigmented skin. The in silico method can, therefore, provide a robust and quantitative retrospective evaluation of the treatment effects that accounts for variation in irradiation parameters among patients by combining the MDTF model with the in vivo optical properties of individual skin types.
Picosecond 532 nm Laser: An Optimal Device for the Reduction of Acquired Agminated Nevi
Authors: Halle Briana R. , Golbari Nicole M. , Smith Janellen , Zachary Christopher
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Agminated nevi are rare, grouped lesions, which are confined to one anatomic area. Herein, we report a case of successful cosmetic treatment of bilateral, acquired agminated nevi with a picosecond 532 nm Nd:YAG laser device.

Materials and Methods

Literature search was completed on acquired agminated nevi. A healthy 21‐year‐old woman presented with numerous, grouped 1‐mm brown‐to‐dark brown macules in the axillae bilaterally. Biopsies revealed lentiginous junctional nevi with mild atypia, leading to the diagnosis of agminated nevi. She was referred for laser treatment to improve cosmetic appearance. Two different laser devices were utilized initially, a picosecond 532 nm Nd:YAG laser on the left axilla and a millisecond domain 532 nm laser on the right. Greater improvement was noted with the picosecond 532 nm device. Three additional treatments were completed with the picosecond laser with significant improvement in pigmentation of melanocytic nevi.

Results

Various pigmented and melanocytic lesions have been noted to occur in an agminated pattern although their pathway of development remains unknown. While various devices have demonstrated efficacy for pigmented lesions, treatment of agminated nevi specifically is less reported or established. Our patient's presentation is novel because of the axillary location and bilateral distribution of multiple acquired agminated nevi, neither of which have been previously reported in the literature. We also report successful treatment utilizing a picosecond 532 nm laser. While laser can help improve the cosmetic appearance of pigmented lesions, most lasers do not remove all melanocytes, highlighting the need for close monitoring, as atypia and melanoma have been reported to develop in acquired agminated nevi.

Conclusion

Thus, we present a case of acquired agminated nevi in a novel bilateral distribution in a healthy female successfully treated with a picosecond 532 nm laser.
Flexible Composites of Barium Sulfate Modified by Tannic Acid Using Glycerol/Starch for X‐Ray Shielding Applications
Authors: Tokonami Ryoma , Osanai Minoru , Hosoda Masahiro , Tokonami Shinji , Takahashi Tatsuhiro
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the X‐ray shielding properties and mechanical properties of barium sulfate (BaSO4) composites based on a biodegradable matrix composed of glycerol and starch. In addition, tannic acid (TA) is used for surface modification of the BaSO4. Increasing the amount of BaSO4 is necessary to improve the composite's X‐ray shielding properties; however, as the amount of BaSO4 increases, the composite becomes harder. The purpose of this research is to prepare a flexible X‐ray‐shielding composite even when a large amount of filler is added. TA easily coats the BaSO4 surface, and its presence is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Elongation of the composites composed of glycerol, starch, and BaSO4 is increased by 50% because of the formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of glycerol and starch and those of TA. Consequently, the fracture behavior changed from brittle fracture to ductile fracture. However, the X‐ray shielding properties are not changed by the surface modification with TA. The use of glycerol, starch, and BaSO4 is a new approach to the development of biodegradable radiation shielding materials. In addition, as a surface‐modification agent, TA is environmentally friendly. All of the composites are prepared from natural materials.
Emissive Covalent Organic Frameworks: Improved Fluorescence via Flexible Building Blocks and Selective Sensing of Nitroaromatic Explosives
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Wei Dongxue , Zhang Wenzhuo , Zhao Yanning , Luo Xiaolong , Li He
Published: September 2024

2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are attractive for fluorescence sensing due to their lightweight, robust, and highly ordered porous structures. However, the highly conjugated structures between adjacent layers of covalent organic frameworks can often result in aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) properties. Here, the study designs two flexible hydrazone‐linked COFs to suppress ACQ effects, thereby enhancing their luminescent activities. Furthermore, the high density of nitrogen and oxygen atoms on these flexible walls serves as binding sites for hydrogen bonding interactions, indicating sensitivity and selectivity towards 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol detection.
Opinion Piece: New Plant‐Based Food Products Between Technology and Physiology
Authors: Schweiggert‐Weisz Ute , Etzbach Lara , Gola Susanne , Kulling Sabine E. , Diekmann Christina , Egert Sarah , Daniel Hannelore
Published: September 2024

The rapid growth of product sectors for plant‐based meat and dairy alternatives has raised significant scientific interest in their nutritional and ecological benefits. Here, it outlines the fractionation of plant‐based raw materials and describes the technologies applied in the production of meat and dairy substitutes. Moreover, the study describes the effects of these new products on human nutrient supply and metabolic responses. Examples of meat‐like products produced by extrusion technology and dairy alternatives are provided, addressing production challenges and the effects of processing on nutrient digestibility and bioavailability. In contrast to animal‐based products, plant‐based protein ingredients can contain many compounds produced by plants for defense or symbiotic interactions, such as lectins, phytates, and a wide range of secondary metabolites. The intake of these compounds as part of a plant‐based diet can influence the digestion, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of essential nutrients such as minerals and trace elements but also of amino acids. This is a critical factor, especially in regions with limited plant species for human consumption and inadequate technologies to eliminate these compounds. To fully understand these impacts and ensure that plant‐based diets meet human nutritional needs, well‐controlled human studies are needed.
The Inhibitory Effects of the Natural Stilbene Piceatannol on Lactate Transport In Vitro Mediated by Monocarboxylate Transporters
Authors: Ibacache‐Chía Andrés P. , Sierralta Jimena A. , Schüller Andreas
Published: September 2024

Scope

Lactate, a signaling molecule and energy source, crosses membranes through monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). MCT1 and MCT4 are potential cancer drug targets due to their role in metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Stilbenes, plant secondary metabolites found in several food sources, have anticancer effects, though their mechanisms of action are not well understood. This study links the anticancer activity of natural stilbenes to tumor cell lactate metabolism.

Methods and results

The impact of resveratrol, pinostilbene, pterostilbene, rhapontigenin, and piceatannol on lactate transport is studied using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based lactate sensor. The viability and migration of cells expressing MCT1 or MCT4 are also evaluated. Piceatannol inhibits MCT1 effectively at low micromolar concentrations, with less effect on MCT4. All stilbenes significantly reduce cell viability and migration.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that both MCTs are stilbene targets, with piceatannol highlighted as a cost‐effective, low‐toxicity compound for studying MCTs in cancer, providing a new mechanism of action of the therapeutic and nutraceutical effects of natural polyphenols. This enriches the understanding of dietary polyphenols in cancer prevention and therapy.
Nonreciprocity of thermal radiation in attenuated total reflection‐mediated optical waveguide
Authors: Cui Xin , Gu Ziheng , Zheng Gaige
Published: September 2024

Fano resonance (FR) and the triggered nonreciprocal thermal radiation (NTR) in a Weyl semimetal (WSM)‐ incorporated Kretschmann configuration has been observed and analyzed. Employing the anisotropic permittivity tensor, the electromagnetic responses of the proposed layered structure have been studied, and we illustrate that FR and strong nonreciprocity is attributed to the coupling between the planar waveguide mode and surface plasmon polaritons in WSM. It is shown that absorptivity (α) is not consistent with emissivity (e) in the considered angular range, which confirms near‐complete violation of Kirchhoff's law with nonmagnetic WSM. To analyze the physical origin of NTR, we performed numerical calculations for the α, e, nonreciprocity (η), as well as the magnetic field inside each layer. The compre‐hensive investigation of η with regard to geometric parameters suggests great potential for the practical use of perfect absorption and NTR over a wide range of frequencies and layer thicknesses.
Minimale Interaktion für optimale Leistung
Authors: Neumann Stephan
Published: September 2024

Bioinerte (Ultra‐)High‐Performance‐Liquid‐Chromatography‐Systeme sind vielversprechend, um Oligonukleotide zu analysieren: Sie reduzieren die Wechselwirkungen zwischen den reaktiven Biomolekülen und dem System auf ein Minimum. Dies ermöglicht eine verlässliche Analytik, die präziser ist als bisher.
Sonnen‐ und Windenergie speichern
Authors: Roduner Emil , Franz Klaus‐Dieter , Osterland Thomas , Hübinger Wolfgang , Staniek Peter
Published: September 2024

Das größte Problem der Energiewende besteht in der zeitlichen und örtlichen Diskrepanz zwischen Strombereitstellung und ‐nutzung. Deshalb sind flexible Speicherkapazitäten und Batterietypen notwendig. Insgesamt verlangt dies, die heutige Netzstruktur neu zu konzeptionieren. Die Chemie ist über materialwissenschaftliche, elektrochemische und thermodynamische Techniken beteiligt.
Gründerkolumne: Wie lassen sich Gründungen fördern?
Authors: Festel Gunter
Published: September 2024

Wie sich Gründungen fördern lassen
Determination of the effect of the pre‐surgery COVID‐19 fear level and hygiene behaviours of the patients on the personal protective clinical measures developed after the surgery: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Baş Nilgün Sert , Ayhan Hatice
Published: September 2024

Aim

This study aims to examine patients' preoperative COVID‐19 fear levels, hygiene behaviours, postoperative personal protective clinical measures, and their correlations with each other.

Design

This research is a cross‐sectional type of study.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 131 patients hospitalized in the general surgery inpatient ward of a hospital in Turkey. The sample was determined by G‐Power analysis. The data were collected in two stages in a research hospital between 1 April 2021 and 1 March 2022. Sociodemographic and Clinical Information Form, COVID‐19 Fear Scale, COVID‐19 Hygiene Scale were used before surgery; COVID‐19 personal protective clinical measures questionnaire was used after surgery. Descriptive statistics, independent t‐test, ANOVA test, Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data.

Results

It was determined that preoperative COVID‐19 fear levels, hygiene behaviours, and the personal protective clinical measures developed after the surgery were above moderate. A statistically significant and positive correlation was found between the COVID‐19 Fear Scale and the preoperative COVID‐19 Hygiene Scale and postoperative COVID‐19 personal protective clinical prevention questionnaire total score and sub‐dimension score averages. Patients' COVID‐19 fears, preoperative and postoperative hygiene behaviours are statistically significantly associated with each other at a low level; postoperative clinical precautions and preoperative hygiene behaviours are statistically significantly associated with each other at a high level.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that patients are terrified of COVID‐19 while they are hospitalized due to surgical intervention during the pandemic process, and they increase their hygiene measures. It is thought that the results of the study will guide the regulation of clinical measures, patient education, and nursing care to be developed for patients during pandemic periods.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Dissecting the immune infiltrate of primary luminal B‐like breast carcinomas in relation to age
Authors: Hatse Sigrid , Lambrechts Yentl , Antoranz Martinez Asier , De Schepper Maxim , Geukens Tatjana , Vos Hanne , Berben Lieze , Messiaen Julie , Marcelis Lukas , Van Herck Yannick , Neven Patrick , Smeets Ann , Desmedt Christine , De Smet Frederik , Bosisio Francesca Maria , Wildiers Hans , Floris Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

The impact of aging on the immune landscape of luminal breast cancer (Lum‐BC) is poorly characterized. Understanding the age‐related dynamics of immune editing in Lum‐BC is anticipated to improve the therapeutic benefit of immunotherapy in older patients. To this end, here we applied the ‘multiple iterative labeling by antibody neo‐deposition’ (MILAN) technique, a spatially resolved single‐cell multiplex immunohistochemistry method. We created tissue microarrays by sampling both the tumor center and invasive front of luminal breast tumors collected from a cohort of treatment‐naïve patients enrolled in the prospective monocentric IMAGE (IMmune system and AGEing) study. Patients were subdivided into three nonoverlapping age categories (35–45 = ‘young’, n = 12; 55–65 = ‘middle’, n = 15; ≥70 = ‘old’, n = 26). Additionally, depending on localization and amount of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the tumor immune types ‘desert’ (n = 22), ‘excluded’ (n = 19), and ‘inflamed’ (n = 12) were identified. For the MILAN technique we used 58 markers comprising phenotypic and functional markers allowing in‐depth characterization of T and B lymphocytes (T&B‐lym). These were compared between age groups and tumor immune types using Wilcoxon's test and Pearson's correlation. Cytometric analysis revealed a decline of the immune cell compartment with aging. T&B‐lym were numerically less abundant in tumors from middle‐aged and old compared to young patients, regardless of the geographical tumor zone. Likewise, desert‐type tumors showed the smallest immune‐cell compartment and were not represented in the group of young patients. Analysis of immune checkpoint molecules revealed a heterogeneous geographical pattern of expression, indicating higher numbers of PD‐L1 and OX40‐positive T&B‐lym in young compared to old patients. Despite the numerical decline of immune infiltration, old patients retained higher expression levels of OX40 in T helper cells located near cancer cells, compared to middle‐aged and young patients. Aging is associated with important numerical and functional changes of the immune landscape in Lum‐BC. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A latent transition analysis of bullying victimization among Chinese adolescents: Links with peer and teacher–student relationships
Authors: Wang Zhongjie , He Jingke , Wang Xuezhen , Peng Ying , Zheng Juanjuan
Published: September 2024

Bullying victimization is a significant public health concern and has been associated with various mental health problems. This study aims to investigate the heterogeneity and transition patterns of bullying victimization among Chinese adolescents, and the influence of interpersonal relationships on the dynamic process of victimization over a 12‐month period. The valid sample consists of 1246 adolescents (51.8% girls) in seventh–eighth grade, aged 11–15 years (Mage = 13.58, SD = 0.75) at the first measurement. Latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis were utilized to identify latent profiles and transition patterns of victimization among adolescents. The results revealed three subgroups based on the forms and severity of victimization: the high victimized group, the moderately victimized group, and the low victimized group. The low victimized group is the most stable. Individuals who initially belong to low victimized group rarely transition into moderately or high victimized groups over time. The moderately and high victimized groups changed greatly, with both showing a trend of decreasing levels of victimization. Peer relationships played an important role in preventing victimization, but it was not found that teacher–student relationships had a significant predictive effect.
Saving lives, one breath at a time: The key role of noninvasive ventilation interfaces
Authors: Praud Jean‐Paul
Published: September 2024

Home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for children must consider the key role of the interface, in addition to selecting the ventilatory mode and settings. Acceptance and adherence to NIV often depend on the time spent selecting the right mask, as well as on regular and careful attention to preventing and addressing various issues that arise during NIV.
Dynamic movement patterns of commensal rodents Mastomys natalensis and Rattus rattus: determining differential habitat use using Rhodamine B
Authors: Mkomwa Herieth , Makundi Rhodes , Belmain Steven , Rija Alfan A. , Massawe Apia , Ponchon Aurore , Selemani Mwajabu , Espinaze Marcela P.A. , Telfer Sandra
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Understanding movement patterns of rodent pests is essential for planning management strategies. Currently, for many rural village contexts, there is limited information on how rodents move between domestic and peridomestic areas, and the surrounding habitats. We investigated movement of the multimammate rat, Mastomys natalensis and the black rat, Rattus rattus in nine villages in Kilombero District, Tanzania. We used Rhodamine B (RhB) baits placed inside houses (R. rattus preferred habitat) in five villages and placed outside (M. natalensis preferred habitat) in four villages.

RESULTS

Whilst both species were rarely captured in their nonpreferred habitat (5% M. natalensis inside houses; 23% R. rattus outside houses), evidence of RhB consumption when bait was in nonpreferred habitat was high for both species (50% M. natalensis; 57% R. rattus), indicating frequent movement to nonpreferred habitats. Whilst R. rattus movement distances were consistent with previous studies (maximum 81 m), within our village context, M. natalensis moved further (maximum 132 m) compared to previous published studies. Although bait consumption rates varied seasonally, we found no evidence that utilization of nonpreferred habitat varied seasonally. M. natalensis females moved into houses more frequently than males, whilst immature R. rattus moved outside houses more than mature individuals.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the dynamic movement patterns of commensal rodents with implications for control and disease transmission. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessing the Operational Characteristics of the Individual Causal Association as a Metric of Surrogacy in the Binary Continuous Setting
Authors: Ong Fenny , Molenberghs Geert , Callegaro Andrea , Van der Elst Wim , Stijven Florian , Verbeke Geert , Van Keilegom Ingrid , Alonso Ariel
Published: September 2024

In a causal inference framework, a new metric has been proposed to quantify surrogacy for a continuous putative surrogate and a binary true endpoint, based on information theory. The proposed metric, termed the individual causal association (ICA), was quantified using a joint causal inference model for the corresponding potential outcomes. Due to the non‐identifiability inherent in this type of models, a sensitivity analysis was introduced to study the behavior of the ICA as a function of the non‐identifiable parameters characterizing the aforementioned model. In this scenario, to reduce uncertainty, several plausible yet untestable assumptions like monotonicity, independence, conditional independence or homogeneous variance–covariance, are often incorporated into the analysis. We assess the robustness of the methodology regarding these simplifying assumptions via simulation. The practical implications of the findings are demonstrated in the analysis of a randomized clinical trial evaluating an inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine.
Flow dependence of forecast uncertainty in a large convection‐permitting ensemble
Authors: Puh Matjaž , Tempest Kirsten , Keil Christian , Craig George C.
Published: September 2024

The flow dependence of forecast distributions is studied using a 120‐member ICON‐D2 ensemble for two representative case studies of weak and strong synoptic forcing of convection. The bootstrapping technique is used to investigate the convergence of sampling error for a range of surface and midtroposphere variables. Convergence is generally observed for the mean and the standard deviation, but not for the 95th percentile, especially in strong forcing. Additionally, maps of uncertainty are introduced, which allow for a more detailed analysis of the spatial pattern of uncertainty and facilitate the interpretation of the sources and evolution of forecast uncertainty in different synoptic forcing conditions. It is found that convection significantly increases uncertainty in model variables and shapes the spatial uncertainty pattern, with weak forcing leading to patchy uncertainty and strong forcing resulting in a more coherent pattern due to large convective systems. Overall, the main result of this work is the strong connection between uncertainty of forecast variables and convection, with synoptic forcing being crucial in determining the spatial distribution and uncertainty evolution within 24 h.
Impact of Parallel Gating on Gate Fidelities in Linear, Square, and Star Arrays of Noisy Flip‐Flop Qubits
Authors: De Michielis Marco , Ferraro Elena
Published: September 2024

Successfully implementing a quantum algorithm involves maintaining a low logical error rate by ensuring the validity of the quantum fault‐tolerance theorem. The required number of physical qubits arranged in an array depends on the chosen Quantum Error Correction code and the achievable physical qubit error rate. As the qubit count in the array increases, parallel gating —simultaneously manipulating many qubits— becomes a crucial ingredient for successful computation. In this study, small arrays of a type of donor‐ and quantum dot‐based qubits, known as flip‐flop (FF) qubits, are investigated. Simulation results of gate fidelities in linear, square and star arrays of four FF qubits affected by realistic 1/f noise are presented to study the effect of parallel gating. The impact of two, three and four parallel one‐qubit gates, as well as two parallel two‐qubit gates, on fidelity is calculated by comparing different array geometries. The findings can contribute to the optimized manipulation of small FF qubit arrays and the design of larger ones.
Ultrasound Irradiated Synthesis and Characterization of Dispiropyrrolidines Grafted Rhodanine‐3‐acetic Acid Moiety: Anticancer and In Silico Activities
Authors: Sundaram Kaveri , Kannapiran Nagarajan , Ravi Subban , Balamurugan A. , K. N Shivakumara , Almutairi Tahani Mazyad , Raman Gurusamy , Balu Krishnakumar
Published: September 2024

Fourteen dispiropyrrolidines were synthesized through a [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction using ultrasound irradiation involving isatin, sarcosine, and derivatives of 5‐benzylidine rhodanine‐3‐acetic acid and characterized using UV–visible, IR, and NMR analysis. The inhibitory potential of these compounds against the HeLa cell line was assessed using the MTT assay. Compounds 4i and 4j displayed promising activity, showing IC50 values of 71.41 µM and 70.54 µM, respectively. The exhibited inhibitory effects compared to Sorafenib, a reference drug with an IC50 of 10.78 µM. In pursuit of a better understanding of molecular interactions, a molecular docking study was performed employing AutoDock Vina, focusing on the HPV protein. Among the synthesized compounds, the most potent molecules 4i and 4j showed a binding affinity of −7.4 and −7.3 Kcal/mol, respectively.
A Molecular Simulation Study of Sulfonamide HBV Core Protein Allosteric Modulators
Authors: Zang Jieying , Liu Huan , Wang Bingli , Wang Mengmeng , Zhang En , Li Junxia , Ding Lina
Published: September 2024

In recent years, hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) have become a hot spot to develop new anti‐HBV drugs. Sulfonamide analogues are a new class of CpAMs targeting HBV core protein (Cp), while their biological activity is still needed to be improved and the binding mechanism is unclear still. In this study, we utilized molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation to explore the binding mode between the novel compounds and HBV Cp. Combining with binding free energy calculation and decomposition, we inferred that TyrE132, ValE124, ThrE128, ThrD109, and IleD105 were key residues during the binding process, and especially, the conformational change of TryE132 was responsible for the stable binding. Besides, reasonable CoMFA (q2 = 0.515, r2ncv = 0.994, and r2pred = 0.628) and CoMSIA (q2 = 0.602, r2ncv = 0.988, and r2pred = 0.681) models were constructed to explore the 3D structure‐activity relationship of the novel compounds. The results suggested that it was favorable to increase the biological activity of sulfonamide analogues when introducing hydrophobic groups to R1 and electronegative groups to R2. In conclusion, we explored the binding mode and structure‐activity relationship between sulfonamides and HBV Cp and provided a theoretical basis for the optimization of this series of compounds.
Perovskite Crystallization Control for Large, Oriented Grains with Residual Solvent Restrain via Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhang Jindan , Tang Shicheng , Li Chi , Zhu Mengqi , Chen Liangji , Cai Lingjie , Cheng Zhibin , Xiang Shengchang , Zhang Zhangjing
Published: September 2024

Void‐free perovskite films with oriented large grains are considered good performance. However, contradictory requirements on solvent volatilization arise that the growth of large grains requires slow volatilization while the residual solvent problem, which leads to difficult‐handled voids at buried interface, requires quick and complete volatilization. Currently, although grain boundary additives help reach large and oriented grains, the occupation of additives in the grain boundary volatilization channel may further deteriorate the residual solvent problem. Herein, porous structures with “switchable pore” nature are constructed based on flexible hydrogen‐bonded (HOF‐FJU‐2) in perovskite grain boundaries to meet both contradictory requirements with achieving crystallization control and residual solvent restrain. The additive molecules prolongs the perovskite crystallization through the Pb‐O bond and guides the growth of (100) facet based on its strong ordered accumulation trend. The pre‐embedded porous structure opens up the solvent volatilization channel for complete volatilization in annealing stage and then switches to a closed pore state via phase transformation after the solvent completely leaves, preventing the intrusion of the external environment. Combined with theoretical calculations and in situ spectrum tests, the crystallization thermodynamics and dynamics are analyzed. As expected, the target device exhibits enhanced performance (improved from 22.14% to 24.18%) and stability.
Synergy of AI and Blockchain to Secure Electronic Healthcare Records
Authors: Rathore Nitin , Kumari Aparna , Patel Margi , Chudasama Alok , Bhalani Dhyey , Tanwar Sudeep , Alabdulatif Abdulatif
Published: September 2024

In this article, we delve into the intersection of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to fortify the security of electronic health records (EHRs). Existing EHR systems face challenges like interoperability issues, user interface complexities, and data security concerns, hindering seamless patient care and healthcare delivery. This article thoroughly explores the hurdles associated with EHR security and investigates the potential of employing blockchain and AI solutions to mitigate these challenges. The review underscores the necessity for resilient, interoperable systems to protect sensitive health information by pinpointing opportunities for collaborative strategies. In essence, this article contributes valuable perspectives on the dynamic landscape of EHR security, guiding future research and development at the crossroads of blockchain; we presented a case study on EHR security, customized care, predictive analytics, and more efficient healthcare delivery. Using case studies as illustrative examples, the article scrutinizes practical applications, shedding light on successful implementations and areas requiring refinement. Several outcomes for the predictive analytics of patients' surgeries are shown in this case study. Next, we compare blockchain‐based EHR systems with existing, non‐blockchain‐based EHR systems. Finally, we present the concluding remarks with future directions for integrating blockchain, AI, and EHR systems.
Formation of Bainite in a Low‐Carbon Steel at Slow Cooling Rate – Experimental Observations and Thermodynamic Validation
Authors: Chakraborty Poulami , Neogy Suman , Sarkar Nilabja Kanti , Donthula Harish , Ghosh Subir Kumar , Nandi Hillol Kumar , Gopalakrishna Bandarupalli , Balasundar Ilangovan , Tewari Raghvendra
Published: September 2024

Bainitic microstructures in high‐strength steels are obtained either by continuous cooling or isothermal holding. Both scenarios necessitate faster cooling to keep the parent austenite phase untransformed till the bainite‐start temperature. The present study reports the development of bainitic microstructure in a low‐carbon steel with minimal alloying additions, under continuous cooling at very slow rates, similar to furnace cooling. For understanding the related transformation pathways, samples from the forged‐steel ingot are austenitized and cooled at different rates, viz. water quenching, air cooling, and furnace cooling. Microstructural characterization reveals development of acicular microstructures in all samples including the forged one, with gross absence of carbides. X‐ray diffraction confirms the ferritic nature of acicular plates and also indicated retained austenite present in some samples, the content of which could be correlated to the extent of bainitic transformation. Thermodynamic calculations together with microstructural observations (e.g., ferrite plate size) and hardness data established the development of fully martensitic microstructure on water quenching, while that of a mixed microstructure comprising predominantly of bainite in the forged, air cooled, and furnace‐cooled condition. The aforementioned findings could have wider implications in developing fully bainitic microstructures in large components, where uniform rapid cooling is not practically feasible.
Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) Principles in Development and Validation of Stability‐Indicating RP‐HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Diltiazem HCl and Eugenol in Nanoethosomes
Authors: Usgaonkar Purva , Adhyapak Anjana , Koli Rahul
Published: September 2024

The study developed and validated a robust reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) method for a simultaneous estimation of Diltiazem HCl and Eugenol in nanoethosomes using analytical quality by design (AQbD) principles. The optimized method utilized a mobile phase of methanol and 0.1% Orthophosphoric acid (OPA) in a 50:50 % v/v ratio, with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and isocratic elution on a Phenomenex Luna C‐18 column (5 µm, 150 mm × 4.6 mm) at 30°C. This setup resulted in retention times of 6.838 min for Diltiazem HCl and 23.135 min for Eugenol. Validation followed International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Q2 (R1) guidelines, demonstrating excellent linearity with correlation coefficients of 0.9982 for Diltiazem HCl and 0.9991 for Eugenol across the 5–25 µg/mL range. The limits of detection (LOD) were 1.341 µg/mL for Diltiazem HCl and 0.960 µg/mL for Eugenol, with limits of quantification (LOQ) at 4.065 and 2.912 µg/mL, respectively. Stability testing under acidic, alkaline, oxidative, thermal, and photolytic conditions adhered to ICH Q1A (R2) and Q1B guidelines. This AQbD‐based method is effective for routine analysis of Diltiazem HCl and Eugenol in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms, fully complying with ICH standards.
Seropositivity to louping ill virus in dogs in the UK
Authors: Elgueta Iris , Allen Kayleigh , Liatis Theofanis , Gonzalo‐Nadal Verónica , Laming Eleanor , Dagleish Mark P. , Jamieson Pauline M. , Innocent Giles , Rocchi Mara S.
Published: September 2024

Background

Louping ill virus (LIV) is a tick‐borne flavivirus that can cause fatal meningoencephalomyelitis in dogs. Four dogs with confirmed LIV infection and a case series of dogs with suspected flavivirus infection have been reported in the UK. However, underreporting of LIV infection due to lack of testing is suspected.

Methods

Surplus serum/plasma from 220 dogs was used to determine the seroprevalence of LIV by haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) test. Signalment and environmental factors were investigated for potential correlations with a positive titre (serum dilution of 1:20 or more).

Results

Two hundred and two dogs were suitable for inclusion in the study, nine of which (4.5%) were seropositive. Among the dogs investigated for neurological disease (40/202; 19.8%), six (15%) were seropositive. Ectoparasiticide use approached significance (p = 0.055) for being protective against LIV seropositivity.

Limitations

The main limitations were the specificity of the HAI test, the relatively small number of samples, the low number of seropositive dogs, the poor geographical distribution of the samples and the inherent limitations of questionnaire‐based research.

Conclusion

The seroprevalence of LIV in the UK dog population appears to be low. However, LIV should be considered in dogs presenting with unexplained acute or subacute progressive neurological clinical signs, especially because of the recent reports of several dogs with clinical flavivirus infections.
How Working Musicians (Finally) Became a Matter of Mainstream Political Interest
Authors: Hesmondhalgh David , Sun Hyojung
Published: September 2024

The pay and working conditions of musicians have, until recently, very rarely been an issue of explicit public concern—and interest on the part of politicians and policy-makers has been even more unusual. Our chapter recounts how in the UK growing awareness of—and solidarity with—the working conditions of musicians has recently fed an unprecedented degree of political scrutiny of the music industries. We explain the process by which a UK parliamentary inquiry into The Economics of Music Streaming was launched in 2020 by the Committee overseeing the national government’s Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) leading to a substantial report that was surprisingly critical of the music industries. The earnings and well-being of musicians in the age of streaming were central concerns and this political scrutiny became the object of significant media coverage and public debate, internationally as well as in the UK. In addition, a substantial body of research on these and related topics was commissioned by UK government agencies, both before the launch of the Inquiry and as part of the UK government’s mandatory response to it.

As two academics who produced some of the government-commissioned research informing this political scrutiny, we think the politics of these developments are worth analysing. The events we recount illuminate the political forces aligned on different sides of struggles over cultural labour justice—in particular tensions between on the one hand corporate rights-owners and digital platforms and, on the other, less well-resourced “creator” organisations and activist groups. Also the research commissioned as part of the developments summarised here has produced interesting findings, which we believe will be of interest and value to critical researchers of the music industries. Finally, these events represent a fascinating case study of the increasing prominence of questions of cultural labour (and musical labour) justice in public debate.
Co-developing an Autism Research Funding Application to Facilitate Ethical and Participatory Research: The Autism from Menstruation to Menopause Project
Authors: Grant Aimee , Williams Kathryn , Henry Karen , Holloway Willow , Nicolaidis Christina , Kara Helen , Brown Amy
Published: September 2024

Within Autism research, many studies fail to meaningfully involve Autistic people. In this chapter, we report on the co-development of a successful funding application where we specifically aimed to involve Autistic people with and without relevant professional experience as partners from the outset and throughout the research. This includes how Aimee’s online consultation with Autistic people who had been pregnant resulted in a complete shift in the study’s boundaries from considering maternity only, to reproductive health across the life course. Next, we detail the in-depth discussions with Autistic community leaders (Kathryn and Willow) and an Autistic midwife (Karen) that shaped the study’s governance and research design prior to submission. Following this, we report the study’s approach to using creative research methods in an individually tailored way, and how this is an appropriate and ethical strategy when working with a heterogeneous group with differing communication needs and preferences for how they would like to take part in research. Finally, we then identify facilitators that may enable Autism researchers to co-develop ethical and participatory research funding applications. We conclude that participatory approaches which acknowledge Autistic strengths and centre the Autistic community have the best likelihood of the research benefitting Autistic people.
Reflections on Interdisciplinary Collaborations for European Energy Policy and Governance
Authors: Crowther Ami , Foulds Chris , Robison Rosie , Gladkykh Ganna
Published: September 2024

The policy recommendations presented in this book demonstrate the value and opportunities of interdisciplinarity for policymaking. The recommendations produced cover a diverse range of topics and policy areas and are informed by various interdisciplinary collaborative activities. The outputs of the interdisciplinary collaborations evidence: (1) how questions related to energy supply, demand and systems benefit from both Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) perspectives), (2) that the achievement of EU policies can require the participation of multiple actors across multiple scales, (3) how policymaking can be supported not only through research on policy topics, but also by research on the processes of policymaking and their governance environments, and (4) the complex negotiation processes that exist at research-policy interfaces. Yet, there is the need to consider interdisciplinarity, and what this means in practice, critically. In doing so, it demonstrates the value of focusing more on the interdisciplinary processes and experiences in play. Indeed, across the book chapters, there were commonalities in how the interdisciplinary collaborations occurred in practice. This book not only demonstrates the value and opportunities for interdisciplinary research, but also, we hope, will encourage others to engage in interdisciplinary activities.
Support Place-Based and Inclusive Supply Chain, Employment and Skills Strategies for Housing-Energy Retrofit
Authors: Macrorie Rachel , Arbabi Hadi , Eadson Will , Hanna Richard , McCluskey Kaylen Camacho , Simpson Kate , Wade Faye
Published: September 2024

Policy Highlights

To achieve the recommendation stated in the chapter title, we propose the following:

Member States should empower municipalities with resources and training to develop Building Renovation Plans supported by One-Stop Shops focused on inclusive local supply chain development, employment and skills priorities, as well as serving housing retrofit consumers.

Municipalities should use procurement frameworks and Direct Labour Organisations to ensure a pipeline of retrofit work and support training for good quality employment.

Member States should implement licensing or minimum competency standards for housing retrofit professionals, ensuring certification schemes encompass a wider range of skills.

Retrofit is an opportunity to enable new groups to enter the construction sector. Municipalities should co-create partnerships alongside employees, and support unionisation, to promote training and work opportunities for women and minorities.

Developing inclusive pathways to a skilled housing-energy retrofit workforce is a socio-technical problem, requiring insights from social, policy, building and engineering disciplines, because retrofit interweaves human and technical practices and processes.
Promote Integrated Policy Design to Overcome Social and Technical Challenges for Agrivoltaic Deployment
Authors: Sciullo Alessandro , Derin-Güre Pınar , Gordon Ivan , Ciotola Angela , Dittmar Hanna
Published: September 2024

Policy Highlights

To achieve the recommendation stated in the chapter title, we propose the following:

Provide an overarching shared definition of Agrivoltaics (AV) with a precise balance between the agriculture and energy components—general enough to guarantee agriculture will be kept as the primary activity but flexible enough to adapt to the specific conditions.

Fund further Research and Development (R&D) through pilot projects to investigate different technical configurations and crucial parameters to improve the balance between energy production and farming.

Identify an integrated scheme of incentives for AV to prevent agriculture from being abandoned in favour of energy production.

Engage with local communities to develop local and national criteria for implementing AV, support the continuation of agricultural activity, raise local awareness, and foster active community involvement in AV projects to maximise regional economic benefits and avoid extractivist behaviours.

Facilitate the dialogue between Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) communities by constructing a common definition of the AV policy problems at stake.
A Rights-Based Theory for Health Justice
Authors: Seoane José-Antonio
Published: September 2024

Health is a universal need and good that deserves protection, even if there is no consensus on its meaning and scope. Nonetheless, this chapter makes a case for a rights-based theory of health care, considering that its protection should be deemed a public duty of justice. In order to deploy such a theory, the chapter starts by justifying the choice of rights and law as an appropriate and even essential normative foundation. It continues with some conceptual clarifications and examines the key elements and the five-fold philosophical foundation of the rights-based theory. Then it discusses how the theory can be implemented through a two-tiered or two-level model. Finally, the chapter concludes with a brief recapitulation of some of these aspects.
A Lower Semicontinuous Time Separation Function for $$C^0$$ Spacetimes
Authors: Ling Eric
Published: September 2024

The time separation function (or Lorentzian distance function) is a fundamental tool used in Lorentzian geometry. For smooth spacetimes it is known to be lower semicontinuous, and, in fact, continuous for globally hyperbolic spacetimes. Moreover, an axiom for Lorentzian length spaces—a synthetic approach to Lorentzian geometry—is the existence of a lower semicontinuous time separation function. Nevertheless, the usual time separation function is not necessarily lower semicontinuous for $$C^0$$

C
0

spacetimes due to bubbling phenomena. In this paper, we introduce a class of curves called “nearly timelike” and show that the time separation function for $$C^0$$

C
0

spacetimes is lower semicontinuous when defined with respect to nearly timelike curves. Moreover, this time separation function agrees with the usual one when the metric is smooth. Lastly, sufficient conditions are found guaranteeing the existence of nearly timelike maximizers between two points in a $$C^0$$

C
0

spacetime.
Semiclassical Equivalence of Two White Dwarf Models as Ground States of the Relativistic Hartree–Fock and Vlasov–Poisson energies
Authors: Hong Younghun , Jin Sangdon , Seok Jinmyoung
Published: September 2024

We are concerned with the semi-classical limit for ground states of the relativistic Hartree–Fock energies (HF) under a mass constraint, which are considered as the quantum mean-field model of white dwarfs (Lenzmann and Lewin in Duke Math J 152:257–315, 2010). In Jang and Seok (Kinet Relat Models 15:605–620, 2022), fermionic ground states of the relativistic Vlasov–Poisson energy (VP) are constructed as a classical mean-field model of white dwarfs, and are shown to be equivalent to the classical Chandrasekhar model. In this paper, we prove that as the reduced Planck constant $$\hbar $$
ħ
goes to the zero, the $$\hbar $$
ħ
-parameter family of the ground energies and states of (HF) converges to the fermionic ground energy and state of (VP) with the same mass constraint.