bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pistachio green hull and pomegranate peel extracts as two natural antiglycation agents
Authors: Roudbari Mozhgan , Barzegar Mohsen , Sahari Mohammad Ali
Published: February 2024

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed in the final step of the nonenzymatic Maillard reaction, which can contribute to various health problems such as diabetes mellitus, renal failure, and chronic inflammation. Bioactive compounds with antiglycation properties have the potential to inhibit AGE‐related diseases. This study investigated the antiglycation potential of pistachio green hull (PGH) and pomegranate peel (PP) extracts, which are polyphenol‐rich agro‐residues, against fluorescent AGE formation and compared the results with pyridoxine (vitamin B6), metformin, and EDTA (as usual chemical antiglycation agents). The results showed that PGH and PP effectively inhibited the formation of AGEs in bovine serum albumin–glucose (BSA‐Glu) and BSA–fructose (BSA‐Fru) with antiglycation activities ranging from 92% to 97%. PP extract (with an IC50 of 94 mg ml−1) had a greater antiglycation ability than PGH extract (with an IC50 of 142 mg ml−1). Also, results indicated that the antiglycation activities of the extracts were comparable to that of pyridoxine, and higher than metformin and EDTA. These findings suggest that the two studied extracts can be used for sustainable production of high‐added‐value food products with a positive effect on consumers' health.
Improving fresh‐cut fruit salad quality and longevity with chitosan coating enriched with poppy seed phenolics
Authors: Demircan Bahar , Velioglu Yakup Sedat
Published: February 2024

This innovative study introduces the application of a 5% (v/v) poppy seed phenolic extract‐infused edible chitosan coating on fresh‐cut fruit salads (comprising apple, pineapple, pomegranate, and kiwi) stored at +4°C for 12 days. Non‐coated samples experienced notable changes: 4.30% weight loss, 25% decay, pH level at 3.59, titratable acidity of 0.18%, and browning index of 1.71. In contrast, fruit salads coated with chitosan–poppy seed phenolic extract exhibited significant improvements: weight loss reduced to 3.10%, decay limited to 3.13%, pH increased to 3.76, titratable acidity enhanced to 0.20%, and browning index notably decreased to 0.33. Soluble solids ranged from 11.83 to 14.71, L* from −8.13 to 18.64, a* from −1.85 to 22.35, and b* from 8.26 to 27.89 in non‐coated salads. Adding poppy seed phenolic extract to the coated fruits slightly expanded these ranges. Sensory evaluations consistently rated non‐coated samples between 1 and 3, while the coated samples received higher ratings between 6 and 7. These assessments consistently highlighted enhanced attributes, including intensified aroma, enriched color, improved taste, texture, and overall acceptability. Moreover, incorporating poppy seed phenolic extract amplified sensory qualities and significantly improved microbial safety (<106 CFU/g). In summary, the chitosan‐based coating, enriched with poppy seed phenolic extract, effectively extended the shelf life of fresh‐cut fruit salads. This integrated approach preserves key attributes, ensures microbial quality, and enhances the sensory characteristics of these products. The study's results emphasize its potential as a pivotal innovation in food preservation by providing specific and tangible outcomes.
Anti‐Toxoplasma gondii activity of rose hip oil–solid lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Mohammad Rahimi Hanieh , Hesari Zahra , Mirsamadi Elnaz Sadat , Nemati Sara , Mirjalali Hamed
Published: February 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent pathogen, reported from almost all geographical regions of the world. Current anti‐T. gondii drugs are not effective enough in immunocompromised patients, encephalitis, chorioretinitis, and congenital toxoplasmosis. Therefore, the prescription of these drugs has been limited. Rose hip oil (RhO) is a natural plant compound, which shows antibacterial, anticancer, and anti‐inflammatory activities. In the current study, the anti‐T. gondii and cell toxicity effects of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded by RhO (RhO‐SLNs) were evaluated. Emulsification sonicated‐homogenization method was used to prepare SLNs. RhO‐SLNs were characterized, and their anti‐T. gondii and cell toxicity effects were evaluated using in vitro analyses. The particle size and the zeta potential of the nanoparticles were 152.09 nm and −15.3 mV nm, respectively. The entrapment efficiency percentage was 79.1%. In the present study, the inhibitory concentration (IC)50 against T. gondii was >1 μg/mL (p‐value <.0001). The cell toxicity assay showed cytotoxicity concentration (CC)50 >10 mg/mL (p‐value = .017). In addition, at least 75% of T. gondii‐infected Vero cells remained alive at concentrations >10 mg/mL. The concentration of 1 mg/mL showed highest anti‐Toxoplasma activity and lowest cell toxicity against the Vero cell. Our findings suggest that carrying natural plant compounds with SLNs could be considered an effective option for treatment strategies against T. gondii infections.
A bibliometric analysis of the research status and trends in studies on polymyositis and dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease from 2000 to 2022 using Web of Science
Authors: Ma Xiao‐Na , Feng Wei , Chen Shu‐Lin , Zhong Xiao‐Qin , Zheng Xue‐Xia , Lin Chang‐Song , Xu Qiang
Published: February 2024

Background

The main subtypes of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs)—polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM)—are often presented as interstitial lung disease (ILD) in clinical practice; therefore, many researchers have combined the three studies into PM/DM with ILD.

Methods

Using bibliometrics, the research status, progress, and hotspots of PM/DM with ILD between 2000 and 2022 were studied. Literature data on PM/DM with ILD were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database for the research period. Visualization software, including VOSviewer, Pajek, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica were used for bibliometric analysis.

Results

A total of 1555 relevant articles were obtained, and the overall research in this field showed an increasing trend. Regarding contributing countries and venues, Japan published the most articles while Rheumatology was the most prolific journal. Regarding authors, the most published article was by Wang Guochun from Changchun University of Technology in China. Keyword analysis and cocited literature cluster analysis showed that diagnosis, classification, autoantibodies, antibodies, prognosis, complications, and treatment of PM/DM with ILD have been hot topics in this field recently. Moreover, our study shows that anti‐mda5 antibody, mortality, gene 5 antibody, IIMs, double‐blind, and prognostic factors, among others, may be new hot topics.

Conclusion

This study found that research on PM/DM with ILD has increased over time, and scholars are paying more attention to this field. The development of new drugs for the management, treatment, and prevention of PM/DM with ILD is the primary task of researchers and a direction for future research in this field.
Cotyledon‐Specific Flow Evaluation of Rhesus Macaque Placental Injury Using Ferumoxytol Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI
Authors: Chen Ruiming , Seiter Daniel , Keding Logan T. , Vazquez Jessica , Antony Kathleen M. , Simmons Heather A. , Basu Puja , Mejia Andres F. , Johnson Kevin M. , Stanic Aleksandar K. , Liu Ruo‐Yu , Shah Dinesh M. , Golos Thaddeus G. , Wieben Oliver
Published: February 2024

Background

Recently, dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI with ferumoxytol as contrast agent has recently been introduced for the noninvasive assessment of placental structure and function throughout. However, it has not been demonstrated under pathological conditions.

Purpose

To measure cotyledon‐specific rhesus macaque maternal placental blood flow using ferumoxytol DCE MRI in a novel animal model for local placental injury.

Study Type

Prospective animal model.

Subjects

Placental injections of Tisseel (three with 0.5 mL and two with 1.5 mL), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (three with 100 μg), and three with saline as controls were performed in a total of 11 rhesus macaque pregnancies at approximate gestational day (GD 101). DCE MRI scans were performed prior (GD 100) and after (GD 115 and GD 145) the injection (term = GD 165).

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T, T1‐weighted spoiled gradient echo sequence (product sequence, DISCO).

Assessment

Source images were inspected for motion artefacts from the mother or fetus. Placenta segmentation and DCE processing were performed for the dynamic image series to measure cotyledon specific volume, flow, and normalized flow. Overall placental histopathology was conducted for controls, Tisseel, and MCP‐1 animals and regions of tissue infarctions and necrosis were documented. Visual inspections for potential necrotic tissue were conducted for the two Tisseelx3 animals.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon rank sum test, significance level P < 0.05.

Results

No motion artefacts were observed. For the group treated with 1.5 mL of Tisseel, significantly lower cotyledon volume, flow, and normalized flow per cotyledon were observed for the third gestational time point of imaging (day ~145), with mean normalized flow of 0.53 minute−1. Preliminary histopathological analysis shows areas of tissue necrosis from a selected cotyledon in one Tisseel‐treated (single dose) animal and both Tisseelx3 (triple dose) animals.

Data Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility of cotyledon‐specific functional analysis at multiple gestational time points and injury detection in a placental rhesus macaque model through ferumoxytol‐enhanced DCE MRI.

Level of Evidence

NA

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Clonal propagation, scale dependent assembly, and nucleation drives natural regeneration in a restinga sandy coastal plain
Authors: Matias Lidiane , Demetrio Guilherme Ramos , da Silva Milena Dutra , Moura Flávia
Published: February 2024

On the sandy coastal plains, environmental filters that limit seedling establishment and survival create a naturally heterogeneous landscape, formed by vegetation patches inserted in a matrix of bare sandy soil. The succession processes in these ecosystems depend on some pioneer species that facilitate the recruitment and survival of other species. Here, we evaluated the spatial pattern and changes of vegetation patches of restinga (i.e., coastal sandy plain vegetation) over one decade (2011–2021). The research was carried out in Alagoas State, Northeast of Brazil. We considered as patches the vegetation islands inserted in a matrix of bare sandy soil and applied methodologies of photointerpretation. Landscape metrics included patch area, edge, shape, and core area. To test the effect of landscape metrics on species occurrence and species richness per patch, we applied generalized linear models (GLM) with binomial and quasi‐Poisson distributions, respectively. We used the “betapart” package to evaluate the importance of turnover and nestedness as drivers of beta diversity among patches. Our data indicate that a key plant (Myrciaria floribunda), which can propagate by root suckers, initiates a succession process, creating regeneration nuclei, which seem to follow a deterministic succession pattern until the patch reaches 10 m2 in area. In the successional sequence, the patches grow and coalesce with neighboring patches. Species richness of patches presented an unimodal response to patch size. Overall, there is a greater contribution of species turnover to among‐patch beta diversity. However, for patches smaller than 10 m2, beta diversity was mostly driven by nestedness, reflecting a process of species addition to the growing patches. The succession pattern found in the study area should be considered for the formulation of nature‐based restoration models, expected to be more efficient and effective for ecosystems with similar environmental filters.
Understanding of ZnO‐Catalyzed Polyurethane Synthesis from Bisurea for Further Exploration of One‐Pot Synthesis and Property Evaluation Thereof
Authors: Yang Yiyin , Zhang Lei , Meng Fansen , Tang Donglin
Published: February 2024

ZnO is considered to be a good catalyst for the synthesis of polyurethanes (PUs) by alcoholysis of bisureas (BUs). ZnO tends to form Zn(NCO)2(NH3)2 in the presence of urea at high temperature, so does it in the alcoholysis of BUs. Here, attempt is made to understand the role Zn(NCO)2(NH3)2 plays in the alcoholysis of BUs. A loading of Zn(NCO)2(NH3)2 at 5 mol% is found to be sufficient to catalyze the polymerization and the reaction time is greatly cut from 40 h (catalyzed by ZnO) to 26 h, with similar chemical structures and properties. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and toughness for PU–Zn‐5 can reach 43.8 MPa, 330%, and 94.0 J cm−3, respectively. One‐pot synthetic strategy is then further introduced to improve the efficiency of the polymerization. Zn(NCO)2(NH3)2, BU, and PU can be synthesized in one‐pot, by adding ZnO, urea, diamine, LiBr, and diol sequentially. The feasibility of this one‐pot method is verified, indicated by the similar reaction time, chemical structures, molecular weight, thermal and mechanical properties. This one‐pot synthetic strategy offers an efficient way to synthesize PUs directly and simply from urea, diamines, and diols, which is beneficial for improving the molecular diversity of PUs.
Second sensor to improve near‐infrared spectroscopy flap monitor utility: A prospective study
Authors: Harper Jonathan , Slade Emily , Cornette Adrianne , Kejner Alexandra E.
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study assesses whether use of continuous noninvasive near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor on head and neck free flap (FF) with a second sensor on nonoperated tissue improves distinction between systemic hypoperfusion and FF compromise.

Methods

Single‐institution, prospective study of patients undergoing head and neck FF reconstruction from December 2018 to April 2020. FFs were continuously monitored using NIRS on a monitor paddle with a second (control) sensor on the shoulder. Crude StO2 and percent change in StO2 were compared between the FF and control sensors on each patient, and percent change and percent difference between the control and the monitor paddle were documented to assess for congruity. Sentinel events (e.g., hypotension and hematoma) were documented to assess the association with change in StO2. These events and timing of StO2 changes were noted to assess associations with change in StO2.

Results

A total of 48 patients had complete data. Donor sites included 35 soft‐tissue FFs and 13 fibula FFs. Average StO2 was 73.7 ± 5.5 for FFs and 71.4 ± 5.0 for control sensors. There were seven sentinel events during the study. At the time of the events, StO2 dropped significantly more for the FF than the control sensor (FF = 52.2% drop; control = 6.2% drop; p = .016). NIRS signal denoted change prior to changes in implantable arterial Doppler in all cases.

Conclusions

The addition of a second sensor when using NIRS as a primary modality for FF monitoring may improve distinction between FF compromise events and systemic hypoperfusion. By increasing accuracy of the monitor, there is a potential for decreased resident burden and decreased use of higher level of care nursing, which could reduce overall costs.
Application of machine learning‐based read‐across structure‐property relationship (RASPR) as a new tool for predictive modelling: Prediction of power conversion efficiency (PCE) for selected classes of organic dyes in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)
Authors: Pore Souvik , Banerjee Arkaprava , Roy Kunal
Published: February 2024

The application of various in‐silico‐based approaches for the prediction of various properties of materials has been an effective alternative to experimental methods. Recently, the concepts of Quantitative structure‐property relationship (QSPR) and read‐across (RA) methods were merged to develop a new emerging chemoinformatic tool: read‐across structure‐property relationship (RASPR). The RASPR method can be applicable to both large and small datasets as it uses various similarity and error‐based measures. It has also been observed that RASPR models tend to have an increased external predictivity compared to the corresponding QSPR models. In this study, we have modeled the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic dyes used in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by using the quantitative RASPR (q‐RASPR) method. We have used relatively larger classes of organic dyes–Phenothiazines (n=207), Porphyrins (n=281), and Triphenylamines (n=229) for the modelling purpose. We have divided each of the datasets into training and test sets in 3 different combinations, and with the training sets we have developed three different QSPR models with structural and physicochemical descriptors and validated them with the corresponding test sets. These corresponding modeled descriptors were used to calculate the RASPR descriptors using a Java‐based tool RASAR Descriptor Calculator v2.0 (https://sites.google.com/jadavpuruniversity.in/dtc‐lab‐software/home), and then data fusion was performed by pooling the previously selected structural and physicochemical descriptors with the calculated RASPR descriptors. Further feature selection algorithm was employed to develop the final RASPR PLS models. Here, we also developed different machine learning (ML) models with the descriptors selected in the QSPR PLS and RASPR PLS models, and it was found that models with RASPR descriptors superseded in external predictivity the models with only structural and physicochemical descriptors: RMSEP reduced for phenothiazines from 1.16–1.25 to 1.07–1.18, for porphyrins from 1.60–1.79 to 1.45–1.53, for triphenylamines from 1.27–1.54 to 1.20–1.47.
Global exponential stability of quaternion bidirectional associative memory neural networks with multiple delays
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Liang Xue , Lan Jinbao , Zhang Xian
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the global exponential stability of quaternion BAM neural networks with mixed delays is investigated. The involved delays include multiple time‐varying transmission delays and unbounded distributed delays. Existence and uniqueness of equilibrium point of the considered neural networks are investigated by using the homeomorphism theory between topology spaces. To show sufficient conditions for global exponential stability of the unique equilibrium point, a method based on estimation of solutions is presented. The acquired stability conditions contain only several simple linear scalar inequalities, which can be easily solved. The availability of theoretical results is shown by a numerical example. A point worth emphasizing is that the method based on estimation of solutions is applicable for models of many time‐delay systems after a minor modification.
Block preconditioning strategies for generalized continuum models with micropolar and nonlocal damage formulations
Authors: Alkmim Nasser , Gamnitzer Peter , Neuner Matthias , Hofstetter Günter
Published: February 2024

In this work, preconditioning strategies are developed in the context of generalized continuum formulations used to regularize multifield models for simulating localized failure of quasi‐brittle materials. Specifically, a micropolar continuum extended by a nonlocal damage formulation is considered for regularizing both, shear dominated failure and tensile cracking. For such models, additional microrotation and nonlocal damage fields, and their interactions, increase the complexity and size of the arising linear systems. This increases the demand for specialized preconditioning strategies when iterative solvers are adopted. Herein, a block preconditioning strategy, employing algebraic multigrid methods (AMG) for approximating the application of sub‐block inverses, is developed and tested in three steps. First, a block preconditioner is introduced for linear systems resulting from micropolar models. For this case, a simple sparse Schur complement approximation, which is practical to compute, is proposed and analyzed. It is tested for three different discretizations. Second, the developed preconditioner is extended to reflect the additional nonlocal damage field. This extended three‐field preconditioner is tested on the simulation of a compression test on a sandstone sample. All numerical tests show an improved performance of the block preconditioning approach in comparison to a black‐box monolithic AMG approach. Finally, a problem‐adapted preconditioner setup strategy is proposed, which involves a reuse of the multigrid hierarchy during nonlinear iterations, and additionally accounts for the different stages occurring in the simulation of localized failure. The problem‐adapted preconditioning strategy has the potential to further reduce the total computation time.
The associations of “weekend warrior” and regularly active physical activity with abdominal and general adiposity in US adults
Authors: Lei Lubi , Li Jingkuo , Wang Wei , Yu Yanwu , Pu Boxuan , Peng Yue , Zhang Lihua , Zhao Zhenyan
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study examined the association between physical activity patterns and abdominal and general adiposity.

Methods

Data were extracted among 20‐ to 59‐year‐old participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. Abdominal and general adiposity was assessed by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and anthropometric measures. DXA‐measured indicators were further normalized into z scores. Physical activity levels were collected by questionnaire and classified as inactive, “weekend warrior” (WW), and regularly active (RA). Survey linear regression models were used to assess associations between physical activity patterns and adiposity indicators.

Results

Among 9629 participants, 772 (8.2%) reported the WW pattern and 3277 (36.9%) reported the RA pattern. Compared with inactive, both WW and RA had lower DXA‐measured abdominal adiposity (WW: β: −0.24, 95% CI: −0.38 to −0.10; RA: −0.18, 95% CI: −0.29 to −0.07), waist circumference (WW: β: −1.94, 95% CI: −3.16 to −0.73; RA: −1.31, 95% CI: −2.32 to −0.29), whole‐body fat mass (WW: β: −0.16, 95% CI: −0.25 to −0.08; RA: −0.11, 95% CI: −0.18 to −0.04), and BMI (WW: β: −0.78, 95% CI: −1.27 to −0.28; RA: −0.47, 95% CI: −0.89 to −0.04).

Conclusions

The WW pattern was associated with similarly lower abdominal and general adiposity to the RA pattern versus the inactive pattern.
The impact of parental benefits on disadvantaged households
Authors: Havet Nathalie , Lacroix Guy , Plantier Morgane
Published: February 2024

Over the past 25 years, the Government of Quebec (Canada) has introduced a number of relatively novel policies aimed at fighting poverty such as the Universal Child Care Program (UCCP) in 1997 and the Quebec Parental Insurance Program (QPIP) in 2006. Since its inception, the QPIP has provided a means‐tested supplementary benefits scheme for disadvantaged households. The scheme yields a well‐defined kink in the benefits schedule with respect to two entirely exogenous criteria. Using the QPIP administrative data files from 2006 to 2017, we estimate the causal impact of the supplemental benefits on leave duration and participation of poor households within a sharp Regression Kink Design (RKD) approach. Our results indicate that single mothers are relatively responsive to additional benefits. Conversely, partnered mothers are not found to respond to the supplemental benefits, irrespective of fathers’ own participation in the parental leave. The Canadian government is currently considering introducing a similar parental leave program. Our results may prove useful for the design of the program.
Preparation and properties of PC/PCTG blends with excellent optical properties and solvent resistance
Authors: Yu DaYang , Zhong Jiachun , Wu Fang , Zheng Pan , Xiang Yu , Zhu Rongli , Wang Xu , Yue Mengjie , Pu Zejun
Published: February 2024

Blends of polycarbonate (PC) and poly(1,4‐cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate glycol) (PCTG) were synthesized using a twin‐screw extruder. Four distinct PC/PCTG blends were produced with PCTG constituting 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of the total weight. Comprehensive evaluations were performed to investigate their thermal properties, solvent resistance, light transmittance, mechanical characteristics, and melt flow index. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated a single glass transition temperature in the PC/PCTG blends, indicating high compatibility. The incorporation of PCTG was observed to affect the blends' thermal stability. The data revealed a progressive increase in solvent resistance, light transmittance, and melt flow index with increasing PCTG content. The light transmittance of the blend reached 87.5%, and the melt flow index was recorded at 124.2 g (10 min)−1. Mechanical tests showed that the tensile and bending strengths were relatively stable with the addition of PCTG, but there was a noticeable reduction in notched impact strength as the proportion of PCTG increased. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
The effect of hybrid thermal fillers on thermal conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate composites
Authors: Yenier Zafer , Seki Yoldas , Aker Sibel , Öner Ferhat , Altay Lutfiye , Sarikanat Mehmet
Published: February 2024

The use of functional polymeric composites with superior thermal properties, capable of replacing conventional polymers, has increased in recent years, particularly in the electrical‐electronics sector where thermal management is crucial. Carbon fiber (CF) polymer–matrix structural composites have relatively high in‐plane thermal conductivity but low through‐plane conductivity. In order to further enhance the through‐plane and in‐plane conductivity of CF‐reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) composite, a hybrid loading approach was employed, incorporating synthetic graphite (SG), boron nitride (hBN), aluminium nitride (AlN) and graphene (G) in composite formulations. It was found that the in‐plane conductivity of PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3G and the through‐plane conductivity of PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3AlN are 69% and 25% higher, respectively, than those of PBT‐40CF. However, the mechanical properties of hybrid composites exhibit lower values compared to those of CF‐reinforced PBT composites. The tensile strength value of PBT‐40CF is about 33% and 57% higher than those of PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3G and PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3AlN. Moreover, the flexural strength of PBT‐40CF is about 48% and 38% higher than those of PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3G and PBT‐20CF‐20SG‐3AlN, respectively. The density value of PBT‐40CF is lower than that of the composites of PBT‐20CF‐20SG. From TGA it was observed that the thermal stability of PBT‐40CF is comparable to that of the composites PBT‐20CF‐20SG. From the conducted study, it can be proposed that the hybrid combination of SG, hBN, AlN and G can be utilized to achieve higher thermal conductivity values, instead of relying solely on CF in the composites. © 2024 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Photooxidation of organic compounds by mesoporous silica functionalized with rose bengal
Authors: Bittencourt Catiunaiara R. , Gomes Julia C. , Bazani Heitor A. G. , Gerola Adriana P.
Published: February 2024

The reuse of waste and the use of renewable materials are of great environmental and economic interest. With that in mind, the synthesis of mesoporous silica can be performed using rice husk ash, which is an industrial waste generated in large quantities. This mesoporous material can be functionalized with photoactive molecules, enabling application in photocatalysis. In this work, we used mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with rose bengal dye (RB) for photooxidation reactions of organic molecules, such as the antibiotic cefuroxime 1‐acetoxyethyl ester (cefuroxime axetil). The characterization results showed the formation of one‐dimensional channels with uniform size and two‐dimensional hexagonal arrangement, with surface area and pore diameter of 230 m2 g−1 and 5 nm, respectively. The infrared and UV‐Vis spectroscopy indicated the functionalization of silica with photoactive molecules. Finally, SBA‐15/RB was applied for the photooxidation of ascorbic acid and antibiotic cefuroxime axetil under irradiation with green light, proving to be efficient for the degradation of cefuroxime axetil. Investigation of the reactive oxygen species involved in photodegradation showed that the photooxidation mechanism mainly involves singlet oxygen.
First‐Principles Study of Schottky Barrier Heights on Metal/4H‐SiC Polar Interfaces
Authors: Ji Wen , Tang Xi , Cao Ruyue , Jiang Ming , Guo Yuzheng , Zhou Shuxing , Hu Cungang , Zhang Zhaofu
Published: February 2024

4H‐SiC based devices have garnered significant interest within the realm of high‐voltage and high‐frequency electronic equipment. Schottky barrier heights (SBHs) play a pivotal role in determining the properties of metal/4H‐SiC contacts and holding significance for electrical performance of 4H‐SiC devices. Herein, the first‐principles method is utilized to investigate the interface properties between various metals (Sc, Mg, Zr, Ag, Al, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ni, Au, Ir, and Pt) and 4H‐SiC. The results reveal an approximate linear relationship between SBH and work function of these metals. Fermi‐level pinning factors are determined to be 0.27 and 0.32 for the Si‐face and C‐face interfaces, respectively. The disparity in pinning factors arises from polarization differences between the two interfaces, which stem from uneven net charge distribution on the Si‐face and C‐face. Meanwhile, the SBH values indicate a strong pinning effect, due to the charge transfer occurring at the metal/4H‐SiC interface. Through further analysis of layer density and differential charge density, the interatomic interaction and charge transfer between metal and SiC atoms are analyzed. This work offers fundamental insights into the structural changes in metal/4H‐SiC interfaces and provides valuable guidance in the potential prediction and optimization of device performance.
Modeling matrix variate time series via hidden Markov models with skewed emissions
Authors: Gallaugher Michael P. B. , Zhu Xuwen
Published: February 2024

Data collected today have increasingly become more complex and cannot be analyzed using regular statistical methods. Matrix variate time series data is one such example where the observations in the time series are matrices. Herein, we introduce a set of three hidden Markov models using skewed matrix variate emission distributions for modeling matrix variate time series data. Compared to the hidden Markov model with matrix variate normal emissions, the proposed models present greater flexibility and are capable of modeling skewness in time series data. Parameter estimation is performed using an expectation maximization algorithm. We then look at both simulated data and salary data for public Texas universities.
Triphasic Ni2P–Ni12P5–Ru with Amorphous Interface Engineering Promoted by Co Nano‐Surface for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Malhotra Deepanshu , Nguyen Thanh Hai , Tran Duy Thanh , Dinh Van An , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: February 2024

This research designs a triphasic Ni2P–Ni12P5–Ru heterostructure with amorphous interface engineering strongly coupled by a cobalt nano‐surface (Co@NimPn–Ru) to form a hierarchical 3D interconnected architecture. The Co@NimPn–Ru material promotes unique reactivities toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. The material delivers an overpotential of 30 mV for HER at 10 mA cm−2 and 320 mV for OER at 50 mA cm−2 in freshwater. The electrolyzer cell derived from Co@NimPn–Ru(+,−) requires a small cell voltage of only 1.43 V in alkaline freshwater or 1.44 V in natural seawater to produce 10 mA cm−2 at a working temperature of 80 °C, along with high performance retention after 76 h. The solar energy‐powered electrolyzer system also shows a prospective solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency and sufficient durability, confirming its good potential for economic and sustainable hydrogen production. The results are ascribed to the synergistic effects by an exclusive combination of multi‐phasic crystalline Ni2P, Ni12P5, and Ru clusters in presence of amorphous phosphate interface attached onto cobalt nano‐surface, thereby producing rich exposed active sites with optimized free energy and multi open channels for rapid charge transfer and ion diffusion to promote the reaction kinetics.
Blockchain and explainable AI for enhanced decision making in cyber threat detection
Authors: Kumar Prabhat , Javeed Danish , Kumar Randhir , Islam A.K.M Najmul
Published: February 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) based cyber threat detection tools are widely used to process and analyze a large amount of data for improved intrusion detection performance. However, these models are often considered as black box by the cybersecurity experts due to their inability to comprehend or interpret the reasoning behind the decisions. Moreover, AI‐based threat hunting is data‐driven and is usually modeled using the data provided by multiple cloud vendors. This is another critical challenge, as a malicious cloud can provide false information (i.e., insider attacks) and can degrade the threat‐hunting capability. In this paper, we present a blockchain‐enabled eXplainable AI (XAI) for enhancing the decision‐making capability of cyber threat detection in the context of Smart Healthcare Systems. Specifically, first, we use blockchain to validate and store data between multiple cloud vendors by implementing a Clique Proof‐of‐Authority (C‐PoA) consensus. Second, a novel deep learning‐based threat‐hunting model is built by combining Parallel Stacked Long Short Term Memory (PSLSTM) networks with a multi‐head attention mechanism for improved attack detection. The extensive experiment confirms its potential to be used as an enhanced decision support system by cybersecurity analysts.
Acute decompensation of cirrhosis versus acute‐on‐chronic liver failure: What are the clinical implications?
Authors: Xu Manman , Chen Yu , Artru Florent
Published: February 2024

It is essential to identify the subgroup of patients who experience poorer outcomes in order to adapt clinical management effectively. In the context of liver disease, the earlier the identification occurs, the greater the range of therapeutic options that can be offered to patients. In the past, patients with acute decompensation (AD) of chronic liver disease were treated as a homogeneous group, with emphasis on identifying those at the highest risk of death. In the last 15 years, a differentiation has emerged between acute‐on‐chronic liver failure syndrome (ACLF) and AD, primarily due to indications that the latter is linked to a less favorable short‐term prognosis. Nevertheless, the definition of ACLF varies among the different knowledge societies, making it challenging to assess its true impact compared with AD. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide a detailed analysis emphasizing the critical importance of identifying ACLF in the field of advanced liver disease. We will discuss the differences between Eastern and Western approaches, particularly in relation to the occurrence of liver failure and disease onset. Common characteristics, such as the dynamic nature of the disease course, will be highlighted. Finally, we will focus on two key clinical implications arising from these considerations: the prevention of ACLF before its onset and the clinical management strategies once it develops, including liver transplantation and withdrawal of care.
Symptomatic gallstone disease: Recurrence patterns and risk factors for relapse after first admission, the RELAPSTONE study
Authors: Velamazán Raúl , López‐Guillén Pablo , Martínez‐Domínguez Samuel J. , Abad Baroja Daniel , Oyón Daniel , Arnau Anna , Ruiz‐Belmonte Lara M. , Tejedor‐Tejada Javier , Zapater Raul , Martín‐Vicente Noelia , Fernández‐Esparcia Pedro José , Julián Gomara Ana Belén , Sastre Lozano Violeta , Manzanares García Juan José , Chivato Martín‐Falquina Irene , Andrés Pascual Laura , Torres Monclus Nuria , Zaragoza Velasco Natividad , Rojo Eukene , Lapeña‐Muñoz Berta , Flores Virginia , Díaz Gómez Arantxa , Cañamares‐Orbís Pablo , Vinzo Abizanda Isabel , Marcos Carrasco Natalia , Pardo Grau Laura , García‐Rayado Guillermo , Millastre Bocos Judith , Garcia Garcia de Paredes Ana , Vaamonde Lorenzo María , Izagirre Arostegi Arantzazu , Lozada‐Hernández Edgard Efrén , Velarde‐Ruiz Velasco José Antonio , de‐Madaria Enrique
Published: February 2024

Background

Delayed cholecystectomy in patients with symptomatic gallstone disease is associated with recurrence. Limited data on the recurrence patterns and the factors that determine them are available.

Objective

We aimed to determine the pattern of relapse in each symptomatic gallstone disease (acute pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholangitis, symptomatic choledocholithiasis, and biliary colic) and determine the associated factors.

Methods

RELAPSTONE was an international multicenter retrospective cohort study. Patients (n = 3016) from 18 tertiary centers who suffered a first episode of symptomatic gallstone disease from 2018 to 2020 and had not undergone cholecystectomy during admission were included. The main outcome was relapse‐free survival. Kaplan–Meier curves were used in the bivariate analysis. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to identify prognostic factors associated with relapses.

Results

Mean age was 76.6 [IQR: 59.7–84.1], and 51% were male. The median follow‐up was 5.3 months [IQR 2.1–12.4]. Relapse‐free survival was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.77–0.80) at 3 months, 0.71 (95% CI: 0.69–0.73) at 6 months, and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.61–0.65) at 12 months. In multivariable analysis, older age (HR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.49–0.66), sphincterotomy (HR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.49–0.68) and higher leukocyte count (HR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.70–0.90) were independently associated with lower risk of relapse, whereas higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (HR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02–1.46) and multiple cholelithiasis (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05–1.34) were associated with higher relapse rates.

Conclusion

The relapse rate is high and different in each symptomatic gallstone disease. Our independent predictors could be useful for prioritizing patients on the waiting list for cholecystectomies.
Gesammelte Grundlagen schnell zur Hand
Authors: Voss Gerhard
Published: February 2024

Gelernt ist gelernt – Wer das kann, kann Vakuum.

In dieser Ausgabe der ViP sind die bis heute vorhandenen 18 Artikel der Serie „Gelernt ist gelernt“ erstmals zusammengefasst, was ein schnelles Nachschlagen von wichtigen Begriffen, mathematischen Formeln und praktischen Vorgehensweisen in der Vakuumtechnik ermöglicht.
Dental erosion following clopidogrel administration in a dog: A case‐based study
Authors: Kim Se Eun
Published: February 2024

A 10‐year‐old neutered male Chihuahua presented with unilateral dental erosion that occurred after several months of oral medications mixed with honey. A pH test was performed on all oral medications administered to the dogs to determine the cause of enamel erosion. Among the medications, the only acidic medication was clopidogrel (pH 2.65). To evaluate the effect of clopidogrel on the tooth surface under the same conditions as in the present patient, an additional preliminary study was designed in which two extracted teeth of another dog were immersed in a clopidogrel–honey mixture or only in honey. After a 3‐week soaking of the extracted tooth in the clopidogrel–honey mixture, field‐emission scanning electron microscope analysis revealed a rougher surface, whereas energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis showed a reduced Ca/C ratio compared to the control tooth. In this case, prolonged exposure of the tooth surface to clopidogrel may be a cause of dental erosion.
Disturbance‐related redistribution of western capercaillie Tetrao urogallus away from woodland tracks
Authors: Moss Robert , Leckie Fiona , Jones Sorrel , Kortland Kenny
Published: February 2024

Wild vertebrates usually avoid ground disturbed by humans with uncertain effects on their distribution and density. We report on a natural experiment that confirms and extends previous conclusions about how the local distribution of capercaillie is affected by track‐based disturbance. We surveyed the birds' droppings in two periods, before and after a predicted increase in disturbance adjacent to an expanding Scottish village, and model the probability of finding droppings in relation to period plus two disturbance gradients – distance to a much disturbed ‘entry zone' with a high density of tracks lying adjacent to the village, plus distance to the nearest track. Throughout the study, no droppings were found within the entry zone and their density was depressed up to 400 m from it. Density of droppings was also depressed within 100–120 m of tracks but, compared to a notional scenario without tracks, was threefold greater on ground 120–250 m from tracks. Although the number of cocks counted at the lek in spring showed a small increase, there was an almost threefold decline in the probability of finding capercaillie droppings on and within about 40 m of tracks. We infer that, after the development, birds were less likely to use or cross tracks in pursuit of their daily living requirements, with unknown consequences for their population dynamics and vital rates. Our results have implications for refuge design. Birds on roughly half of a 50 ha refuge should be undisturbed by direct effects of track‐based activities. However, birds shifting away from tracks may themselves cause local increases in density and associated, indirect disturbance such that a refuge would need to be over 300 ha to keep half of it undisturbed.
Error Estimation
Authors: Ryckelynck David , Casenave Fabien , Akkari Nissrine
Published: February 2024

Consider first data-based machine learning techniques. They rely on large sets of examples provided during the training stage and do not learn with equations. Dealing with a situation that do not belong to the training set variability, namely an out-of-distribution sample, can be very challenging for these techniques. Trusting them could imply being able to guarantee that the training set covers the operational domain of the system to be trained. Besides, data-based AI can lack in robustness: examples have been given of adversarial attacks in which a classifier was tricked to infer a wrong class only by changing a very small percentage of the pixels of the input image. These models often also lack explainability: it is hard to understand what is exactly learned, what phenomenon occurs through the layers of a neural network. In some cases, information on the background of a picture is used by the network in the prediction of the class of an object, or bias present in the training data will be learned by the AI model, like gender bias in recruitment processes.
Applications and Extensions: A Survey of Literature
Authors: Ryckelynck David , Casenave Fabien , Akkari Nissrine
Published: February 2024

This chapter contains a literature survey of the work published by the authors in the timeframe of their collaboration, where the concepts presented in this book have been applied to real-life industrial settings, and new methodologies have been developed. The listed contributions are grouped into the following themes: linear manifold learning, nonlinear dimensionality reduction via auto-encoder, piecewise linear dimensionality reduction via dictionary-based ROMnets and manifold learning of physics problems assisted by black-box regressors.
Diabetes and infection: review of the epidemiology, mechanisms and principles of treatment
Authors: Holt Richard I. G. , Cockram Clive S. , Ma Ronald C. W. , Luk Andrea O. Y.
Published: February 2024

An association between diabetes and infection has been recognised for many years, with infection being an important cause of death and morbidity in people with diabetes. The COVID-19 pandemic has re-kindled an interest in the complex relationship between diabetes and infection. Some infections occur almost exclusively in people with diabetes, often with high mortality rates without early diagnosis and treatment. However, more commonly, diabetes is a complicating factor in many infections. A reciprocal relationship occurs whereby certain infections and their treatments may also increase the risk of diabetes. People with diabetes have a 1.5- to 4-fold increased risk of infection. The risks are the most pronounced for kidney infection, osteomyelitis and foot infection, but are also increased for pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, skin infection and general sepsis. Outcomes from infection are worse in people with diabetes, with the most notable example being a twofold higher rate of death from COVID-19. Hyperglycaemia has deleterious effects on the immune response. Vascular insufficiency and neuropathy, together with altered skin, mucosal and gut microbial colonisation, contribute to the increased risk of infection. Vaccination is important in people with diabetes although the efficacy of certain immunisations may be compromised, particularly in the presence of hyperglycaemia. The principles of treatment largely follow those of the general population with certain notable exceptions.

Graphical Abstract
Towards advanced piezoelectric metamaterial design via combined topology and shape optimization
Authors: Stankiewicz Gabriel , Dev Chaitanya , Weichelt Michelle , Fey Tobias , Steinmann Paul
Published: February 2024

Metamaterials open up a spectrum of artificially engineered properties otherwise unreachable in conventional bulk materials. For electromechanical energy conversion systems, lightweight materials with high hydrostatic piezoelectric coupling coefficients and negative Poisson’s ratio can be obtained. Thus, in this contribution, we explore the possibilities of piezoelectric metamaterials design by employing structural optimization. More specifically, we apply a sequential framework of topology and shape optimization to design piezoelectric metamaterials with negative Poisson’s ratio for electromechanical energy conversion under uniform pressure. Topology optimization is employed to generate the initial layout, whereas shape optimization fine tunes the design and improves durability and manufacturability of the structures with the help of a curvature constraint. An embedding domain discretization (EDD) method with adaptive domain and shape refinement is utilized for an efficient and accurate computation of the state problem in the shape optimization stage. Multiple case studies are conducted to determine the importance of desired stiffness characteristics, symmetry conditions and objective formulations on the design of piezoelectric metamaterials. Results show that the obtained designs are highly dependent on the desired stiffness characteristics. Moreover, the addition of the EDD-based shape optimization step introduces significant changes to the designs, confirming the usability of the sequential framework.
Unveiling the synergistic potency of chlorhexidine and azithromycin in combined action
Authors: Samgane Gizem , Karaçam Sevinç , Tunçer Çağlayan Sinem
Published: February 2024

The growing challenge of antibiotic resistance necessitates novel approaches for combating bacterial infections. This study explores the distinctive synergy between chlorhexidine, an antiseptic and disinfectant agent, and azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, in their impact on bacterial growth and virulence factors using Escherichia coli strain Crooks (ATCC 8739) as a model. Our findings reveal that the chlorhexidine and azithromycin combination demonstrates enhanced anti-bacterial effects compared to individual treatments. Intriguingly, the combination induced oxidative stress, decreased flagellin expression, impaired bacterial motility, and enhanced bacterial autoaggregation. Notably, the combined treatment also demonstrated a substantial reduction in bacterial adherence to colon epithelial cells and downregulated NF-κB in the epithelial cells. In conclusion, these results shed light on the potential of the chlorhexidine and azithromycin synergy as a compelling strategy to address the rising challenge of antibiotic resistance and may pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions in tackling bacterial infections.