bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripherally Modified Poly(amido amine) Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Stimuli‐Responsive Self‐Healing, High Tensile Strength, and Selective Superadsorption Poperties
Authors: Bharathan Jeneena Kollady , Vivek Balachandran
Published: December 2023

Smart materials with dual functionalities demonstrate considerable potential in various applications. Designing and synthesizing hydrogels with excellent stimuli‐responsive self‐healing and high mechanical strength is extremely challenging. The present study initiates the development of a new generation of smart materials with selective superadsorption capacity. Here, we introduce a novel anthracene‐modified poly (amido amine) (PAMAM)‐N‐isopropyl acrylamide hydrogel (PAMNG). The hydrogel becomes hybrid as we incorporate the silica nanoparticle. PAMAM dendrimer‐based organic/inorganic hybrid silica nanoparticles (PAMAGN) have been characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electrone microscopy (TEM) and rheology. The developed hybrid gel exhibited excellent near‐infrared (IR) responsive self‐healing character. The hybrid gel had excellent mechanical strength, which was as high as 106 Pa. Further, the gel was used for superadsorption studies and showed selective adsorption of methyl orange from water. The adsorption was 96 %, which is remarkable. The results taken together suggest that the PMNG gel can be a promising candidate for developing multifunctional smart materials. In the future, we aim to explore how this self‐healing mechanism applies to biological applications.
Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of 2′‐Modified L‐Nucleoside Analogues
Authors: Penjarla Srishylam , Reddy Paidi Yella , Penta Santhosh , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Eyer Luděk , Štefánik Michal , Krátka Zuzana , Růžek Daniel , Banerjee Shyamapada
Published: December 2023

Nucleoside analogues have been the foundation of antiviral therapy over the past few decades. D‐nucleosides with natural stereochemistry occupies the lion share of the marketed antiviral agents. However, much less effort have been put towards the development of L‐nucleosides as antiviral agents. Herein, our effort towards the synthesis of 2′ ‐substituted L‐nucleoside analogues is reported as an emerging class of antiviral agents. Biological activity of the synthesized L‐nucleosided was evaluated against two viruses of importance, tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A459) and Vero cells. Ring opening of L‐2, 2′‐Anhydrouridine (2) with various nucleophiles to make several 2‘‐substituted L‐nucleosides is the key synthetic outcome. This development has paved the way in the synthesis of many new analogues of 2‘‐substituted L‐nucleosides for numerous applications.
Symmetric and Dissymmetric Pseudo‐gemini Amphiphiles Based on Propoxylated Ethyl Piperazine and Fatty Acids
Authors: Hasanov Elgun E. , Rahimov Ravan A. , Abdullayev Yusif , Ahmadova Gulnara A.
Published: December 2023

Novel symmetric and dissymmetric pseudo‐gemini surfactants are synthesized using ethylpiperazine, propylene oxide and six different fatty acids (capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic) as starting materials. The synthesis follows a simple pathway excluding heating or catalyst. Important surface activity properties including critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension at CMC (γCMC), surface pressure at CMC (πCMC), negative logarithm of concentration to achieve 20 mN/m reduction in surface tension (pC20), minimum area at interface (Amin) and maximum surface excess concentration (Γmax) are obtained through surface tension and electrolytic conductivity measurements. Antimicrobial properties of the synthesized amphiphiles are evaluated using disk diffusion method and are compared to those of standard antibiotic agents. Particle size distribution patterns are obtained using dynamic light scattering (DLS). This work investigates the effect of dissymmetry on various surface activity and antimicrobial properties. Dissymmetric pseudo‐gemini amphiphiles have a few times higher CMC compared to analogous symmetric surfactants. However, better antimicrobial properties are observed when there is some dissymmetry between hydrophobic groups.
How is the loss of a parent in youth related to attachment and adult separation anxiety among women?
Authors: Peleg Ora , Shalev Ronit , Cohen Adva , Hadar Efrat
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to examine attachment and adult separation anxiety (ASA) among women who lost a parent in their youth. We hypothesized that insecure attachment and increased ASA from a romantic partner would be found among women who have lost a parent in youth, compared to women whose parents were both alive. Sixty women who lost one or both parents in their youth and 60 who had living parents participated in the study (mean age: 32.3, range: 18–62 years). Participants filled out the ASA and Short Attachment questionnaires. Women who lost a parent reported higher levels of anxious attachment and ASA from partner; the two groups did not differ, however, in terms of avoidant attachment. Additionally, similar effects on ASA and attachment were found among adult women who lost a father or a mother in their youth. In conclusion, the loss of a parent early in life may be associated with an insecure attachment style and increased ASA.
Adaptation in viable systems is an evolutionary process driven by the system's political identity
Authors: Osejo‐Bucheli Camilo
Published: December 2023

This note aims to establish the influence of a system's political identity on its viability. Using an argumentative analysis of evolutionary theory, organisational cybernetics and other systems traditions, this paper demonstrates the importance of identity to the adaptability of viable systems. It demonstrates how the environment shapes viable systems and how natural selection makes certain political identities viable in systems. The conclusion of the paper presents some ideas for adaptation in viable systems and asserts that these ideas are anarchist in origin.
A Smart Amorphous Wire Composite with Tunable Electromagnetic Shielding
Authors: Dai Xiao , Zhou Jia , Ma Zenan , Chen Jiali , Shen Bin , Mu Chunyang , He Aina , Dong Yaqiang , Man Qikui , Li Jiawei
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, in view of the increasingly serious problems of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radiation pollution, smart EMI shielding materials with tunable shielding effectiveness (SE), especially “On/Off” switchable capability, are highly desirable. Herein, Co‐based amorphous wires (AWs) with excellent soft magnetic and mechanical properties are regularly arranged on a 3D‐printed mold as tunable EMI shielding composites. The EMI SE can be easily tuned in the range of ≈0.6–24.7 dB by way of rotation, which has been confirmed to be an effective way to achieve free tuning of EMI SE by simulation. In addition, by compositing AWs with reduced graphene oxide and constructing a double‐layer structure with a gap of 1/4 wavelength in the X‐band, a much wider SE tuning range of ≈1.0–57.7 dB is further realized. The representative “On/Off” switchable shielding capability that can switch between EM transmission and effective shielding, together with the wide SE tuning range larger than 50 dB, shows the great potential of Co‐based AW composites in smart EMI shielding applications.
Consensus on safety management of novel hormonal therapy for advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Han Sujun , Cheng Shudong , Ding Degang , Guo Jianming , He Zhisong , Jin Baiye , Ji Zhigang , Lin Tianxin , Niu Yuanjie , Qin Weijun , Shi Benkang , Shao Jinkai , Sheng Xi'nan , Wei Qiang , Wang Xin , Wang Xinghuan , Xia Shujie , Xu Wanhai , Zou Qing , Zu Xiongbing , Eapen Renu , Ng Chi‐Fai , Uemura Hirotsugu , Uemura Hiroji , Kwak Cheol , Joung Jae Young , Saad Marniza , Chiong Edmund , Xing Nianzeng
Published: December 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors in men, accompanied by high incidence and mortality rates. Novel hormonal therapy (NHT) has emerged as the primary treatment for advanced PCa, providing noticeable clinical benefits. However, the diverse range of adverse events (AEs) associated with NHT may influence both treatment efficacy and patients' quality of life. In light of the latest international clinical research evidence and recommendations from domestic and foreign guidelines, this consensus aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the common AEs experienced during NHT for advanced PCa patients. Additionally, it seeks to develop a hierarchical approach to more efficiently manage AEs, presenting valuable insights for clinical medication and adverse reaction management.
Soil carbon determination for long‐term monitoring revisited using thermo‐gravimetric analysis
Authors: Lebron Inmaculada , Cooper David M. , Brentegani Michele A. , Bentley Laura A. , Dos Santos Pereira Gloria , Keenan Patrick , Cosby Jack Bernard , Emmet Bridget , Robinson David A.
Published: December 2023

Soils and the vadose zone are the major terrestrial repository of carbon (C) in the form of soil organic matter (SOM), more resistant black carbon (BC), and inorganic carbonate. Differentiating between these pools is important for assessing vulnerability to degradation and changes in the C cycle affecting soil health and climate regulation. Major monitoring programs from field to continent are now being undertaken to track changes in soil carbon (SC). Inexpensive, robust measures that can differentiate small changes in the C pools in a single measurement are highly desirable for long‐term monitoring. In this study, we assess the accuracy and precision of thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) using organic matter standards, clay minerals, and soils from a national data set. We investigate the use of TGA to routinely differentiate between C pools, something no single measurement has yet achieved. Based on the kinetic nature of thermal oxidation of SC combined with the different thermodynamic stabilities of the molecules, we designed a new method to quantify the inorganic and organic SC and further separate the organic biogeochemically active SOM (as loss on ignition, LOI) from the resistant BC in soils. We analyze the TGA spectrums of a national soil monitoring data set (n = 456) and measure total carbon (TC) using thermal oxidation and also demonstrate a TC/LOI relationship of 0.55 for soils ranging from mineral soils to peat for the United Kingdom consistent with previous monitoring campaigns.
Digital Labor, Platforms, and AI
Authors: Munn Luke
Published: December 2023

This chapter examines the role that platform labor plays in the development of contemporary AI systems. While such systems are often touted as magical innovations, they are typically propped up by vast amounts of human laborers, who clean the data, manually label key features, and moderate toxic content, among other tasks. Proponents claim these tasks offer flexibility and pay; critics counter that this work is exploitative and precarious, taking advantage of the already marginalized. This chapter surfaces this often-invisible labor, highlighting several key issues around its poor or nonexistent remuneration, exploitative mechanisms, negative impact on well-being, and extractive colonial logics. The chapter suggests several interventions, from concrete policy to corporate responsibility, that might lead to improvements. As AI technologies proliferate into many domains, the hidden labor required to develop them—and the negative impacts this has on lives and livelihoods—becomes an increasingly urgent issue.
Dismal prognosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Riedhammer C , Düll J , Kestler C , Kadel S , Franz J , Weis P , Eisele F , Zhou X , Steinhardt M , Scheller L , Mersi J , Waldschmidt J. M , Einsele H , Turnwald D , Kortüm K. M , Surat G , Rasche L
Published: December 2023

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are at high risk for infections, including opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with MM developing PJP over a 6-year period between January 2016 and December 2021 at the University Hospital of Würzburg by screening cases of microbiologically documented PJP. A total of 201 positive results for P. jirovecii in respiratory specimens were retrospectively retrieved through our microbiology database. Of these cases, 13 patients with MM fulfilled the definition of probable PJP according to EORTC fungal disease definitions. We observed two peaks in PJP incidence, one after stem cell transplantation during first-line treatment (n = 5) and the other in heavily pretreated patients with six or more prior lines of therapy (n = 6). There was high morbidity with nine (69%) patients admitted to the ICU, seven of whom (78%) required mechanical ventilation, and high mortality (62%, n = 8). Notably, only two of the 13 patients (15%) had received PJP prophylaxis. The main reason for discontinuation of prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was grade IV neutropenia. The observed morbidity and mortality of PJP in MM patients are significant and even higher than reported for patients with other hematologic malignancies. According to most current guidelines, the use of prophylaxis would have been clearly recommended in no more than three (23%) of the 13 patients. This illustrates the need to critically reconsider the indications for PJP prophylaxis, which remain incompletely defined.
Medical graphics to improve patient understanding and anxiety in elderly and cognitively impaired patients scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)
Authors: Brand A. , Hornig C. , Crayen C. , Hamann A. , Martineck S. , Leistner D. M. , Dreger H. , Sündermann S. , Unbehaun A. , Sherif M. , Haghikia A. , Bischoff S. , Lueg J. , Kühnle Y. , Paul O. , Squier S. , Stangl K. , Falk V. , Landmesser U. , Stangl V.
Published: December 2023

Background

Anxiety and limited patient comprehension may pose significant barriers when informing elderly patients about complex procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the utility of medical graphics to improve the patient informed consent (IC) before TAVI.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized dual center study, 301 patients were assigned to a patient brochure containing medical graphics (Comic group, n = 153) or sham information (Control group, n = 148) on top of usual IC. Primary outcomes were patient understanding of central IC-related aspects and periprocedural anxiety assessed by the validated Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), both analyzed by cognitive status according to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Results

Patient understanding was significantly higher in the Comic group [mean number of correct answers 12.8 (SD 1.2) vs. 11.3 (1.8); mean difference 1.5 (95% CI 1.2–1.8); p < 0.001]. This effect was more pronounced in the presence of cognitive dysfunction (MoCA < 26) [12.6 (1.2) in the Comic vs. 10.9 (1.6) in the Control group; mean difference 1.8 (1.4–2.2), p < 0.001]. Mean STAI score declined by 5.7 (95% CI 5.1–6.3; p < 0.001) in the Comic and 0.8 points (0.2–1.4; p = 0.015) in the Control group. Finally, mean STAI score decreased in the Comic group by 4.7 (3.8–5.6) in cognitively impaired patients and by 6.6 (95% CI 5.8 to 7.5) in patients with normal cognitive function (p < 0.001 each).

Conclusions

Our results prove beneficial effects for using medical graphics to inform elderly patients about TAVI by improving patient understanding and reducing periprocedural anxiety (DRKS00021661; 23/Oct/2020).

Graphical Abstract

Medical graphics entailed significant beneficial effects on the primary endpoints, patient understanding and periprocedural anxiety, compared to the usual patient informed consent (IC) procedure. Patient understanding of IC-related aspects was significantly higher in the Comic group, with a more pronounced benefit in patients with cognitive impairment (p for IC method and cognitive status < 0.001, respectively; p for IC method x MoCA category interaction = 0.017). There further was a significant decline of periprocedural anxiety in patients with and without cognitive impairment (p for IC method x measuring time point < 0.001; p for IC method x MoCA category x measuring time point interaction = 0.018)
A perspective–retrospective analysis of diversity in signature-based open-source network intrusion detection systems
Authors: Asad H. , Adhikari S. , Gashi Ilir
Published: December 2023

The signature-based network intrusion detection systems (IDSs) entail relying on a pre-established signatures and IP addresses that are frequently updated to keep up with the rapidly evolving threat landscape. To effectively evaluate the efficacy of these updates, a comprehensive, long-term assessment of the IDSs’ performance is required. This article presents a perspective–retrospective analysis of the Snort and Suricata IDSs using rules that were collected over a 4-year period. The study examines how these IDSs perform when monitoring malicious traffic using rules from the past, as well as how they behave when monitoring the same traffic using updated rules in the future. To accomplish this, a set of Snort Subscribed and Suricata Emerging Threats rules were collected from 2017 to 2020, and a labeled PCAP data from 2017 to 2018 was analyzed using past and future rules relative to the PCAP date. In addition to exploring the evolution of Snort and Suricata IDSs, the study also analyses the functional diversity that exists between these IDSs. By examining the evolutionary behavior of signature-based IDSs and their diverse configurations, the research provides valuable insights into how their performance can be impacted. These insights can aid security architects in combining and layering IDSs in a defence-in-depth deployment.
Modeling more software performance antipatterns in cyber-physical systems
Authors: Pinciroli Riccardo , Smith Connie U. , Trubiani Catia
Published: December 2023

The design of cyber-physical systems (CPS) is challenging due to the heterogeneity of software and hardware components that operate in uncertain environments (e.g., fluctuating workloads), hence they are prone to performance issues. Software performance antipatterns could be a key means to tackle this challenge since they recognize design problems that may lead to unacceptable system performance. This manuscript focuses on modeling and analyzing a variegate set of software performance antipatterns with the goal of quantifying their performance impact on CPS. Starting from the specification of eight software performance antipatterns, we build a baseline queuing network performance model that is properly extended to account for the corresponding bad practices. The approach is applied to a CPS consisting of a network of sensors and experimental results show that performance degradation can be traced back to software performance antipatterns. Sensitivity analysis investigates the peculiar characteristics of antipatterns, such as the frequency of checking the status of resources, that provides quantitative information to software designers to help them identify potential performance problems and their root causes. Quantifying the performance impact of antipatterns on CPS paves the way for future work enabling the automated refactoring of systems to remove these bad practices.
Quantum-secured time transfer between precise timing facilities: a field trial with simulated satellite links
Authors: Picciariello Francesco , Vedovato Francesco , Orsucci Davide , Dominguez Pablo Nahuel , Zechel Thomas , Avesani Marco , Padovan Matteo , Foletto Giulio , Calderaro Luca , Dequal Daniele , Shrestha Amita , Blümel Ludwig , Furthner Johann , Vallone Giuseppe , Villoresi Paolo , Schmidt Tobias D. , Moll Florian
Published: December 2023

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), such as GPS and Galileo, provide precise time and space coordinates globally and constitute part of the critical infrastructure of modern society. To reliably operate GNSS, a highly accurate and stable system time is required, such as the one provided by several independent clocks hosted in Precise Timing Facilities (PTFs) around the world. The relative clock offset between PTFs is periodically measured to have a fallback system to synchronize the GNSS satellite clocks. The security and integrity of the communication between PTFs is of paramount importance: if compromised, it could lead to disruptions to the GNSS service. Therefore, securing the communication between PTFs is a compelling use-case for protection via Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), since this technology provides information-theoretic security. We have performed a field trial demonstration of such a use-case by sharing encrypted time synchronization information between two PTFs, one located in Oberpfaffenhofen (Germany) and one in Matera (Italy)—more than 900 km apart. To bridge this large distance, a satellite-QKD system is required, plus a “last-mile” terrestrial link to connect the optical ground station (OGS) to the actual location of the PTF. In our demonstration, we have deployed two full QKD systems to protect the last-mile connection at both locations and have shown via simulation that upcoming QKD satellites will be able to distribute keys between Oberpfaffenhofen and Matera, exploiting already existing OGSs.
Pre-auction optimization for the selection of shared customers in the last-mile delivery
Authors: Antit Amina , Jaoua Amel , Layeb Safa Bhar , Triki Chefi
Published: December 2023

Companies are constantly looking for new strategies to improve their logistics performance and ensure their competitiveness in the global market. This article provides a new scheme for managing the selection of shared customers for a logistics company. The new mechanism proposes the use of the auction as a tool to manage the selection of shared clients through the coalition pool. Thus, all unprofitable shared customers will be pushed to the pool for outsourcing by the other collaborating carriers. Then, some profitable auctioned ones will be selected. The selection system is designed based on solving a vehicle routing problem that aims to maximize the carrier's profit in a decentralized context. At first, a mixed integer linear programing model is derived to solve the deterministic version of the problem. Then in order to efficiently address the stochastic version of the problem, a simulation-based optimization model is developed. This model is employed to solve a real case study of a parcel delivery company, considering the travel times as a bimodal distribution. A comparative study is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the auction approach in managing shared customers. The results of our study reveal that the proposed auction approach efficiently manages the shared customers which leads to the substantial increase of 22.65% in profits for the delivery company. These findings have significant implications for logistics companies seeking to improve their performance and competitiveness in the global market.
Core Components and Implementation Determinants of Multilevel Service Delivery Frameworks Across Child Mental Health Service Settings
Authors: Moore Stephanie A. , Cooper Jennifer McGrory , Malloy JoAnne , Lyon Aaron R.
Published: December 2023

Multilevel service delivery frameworks are approaches to structuring and organizing a spectrum of evidence-based services and supports, focused on assessment, prevention, and intervention designed for the local context. Exemplar frameworks in child mental health include positive behavioral interventions and supports in education, collaborative care in primary care, and systems of care in community mental health settings. Yet, their high-quality implementation has lagged. This work proposes a conceptual foundation for multilevel service delivery frameworks spanning diverse mental health service settings that can inform development of strategic implementation supports. We draw upon the existing literature for three exemplar multilevel service delivery frameworks in different child mental health service settings to (1) identify core components common to each framework, and (2) to highlight prominent implementation determinants that interface with each core component. Six interrelated components of multilevel service delivery frameworks were identified, including, (1) a systems-level approach, (2) data-driven problem solving and decision-making, (3) multiple levels of service intensity using evidence-based practices, (4) cross-linking service sectors, (5) multiple providers working together, including in teams, and (6) built-in implementation strategies that facilitate delivery of the overall model. Implementation determinants that interface with core components were identified at each contextual level. The conceptual foundation provided in this paper has the potential to facilitate cross-sector knowledge sharing, promote generalization across service settings, and provide direction for researchers, system leaders, and implementation intermediaries/practitioners working to strategically support the high-quality implementation of these frameworks.
Radium-223 in women with hormone receptor-positive bone-metastatic breast cancer receiving endocrine therapy: pooled analysis of two international, phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials
Authors: Rugo Hope S. , Van Poznak Catherine H. , Neven Patrick , Danielewicz Iwona , Lee Soo Chin , Campone Mario , Chik Jeannie Y. K. , Vega Alonso Estela , Naume Bjørn , Brain Etienne , Siegel Jonathan M. , Li Rui , Uema Deise , Wagner Volker J. , Coleman Robert E.
Published: December 2023

Background

Most women with advanced breast cancer have skeletal metastases. Radium-223 is an alpha-emitting radionuclide that selectively targets areas of bone metastases.

Methods

Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of radium-223 were conducted in women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), bone-predominant metastatic breast cancer. All patients received endocrine therapy (ET), as a single agent of the investigator’s choice (Study A) or exemestane + everolimus (Study B). Patients were randomized to receive radium-223 (55 kBq/kg) or placebo intravenously every 4 weeks for six doses. Accrual was halted following unblinded interim analyses per protocol amendments, and both studies were terminated. We report pooled analyses of symptomatic skeletal event-free survival (SSE-FS; primary endpoint), radiologic progression-free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS; secondary), and time to bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP) progression (exploratory).

Results

In total, 382 patients were enrolled, and 196 SSE-FS events (70% planned total) were recorded. Hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) and nominal p values for radium-223 + ET versus placebo + ET were: SSE-FS 0.809 (0.610–1.072), p = 0.1389; rPFS 0.956 (0.759–1.205), p = 0.7039; OS 0.889 (0.660–1.199), p = 0.4410; and time to bone ALP progression 0.593 (0.379–0.926), p = 0.0195. Radium-223- or placebo-related treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 50.3% versus 35.1% of patients (grade 3/4: 25.7% vs. 8.5%), with fractures/bone-associated events in 23.5% versus 23.9%.

Conclusions

In patients with HR+ bone-metastatic breast cancer, numeric differences favoring radium-223 + ET over placebo + ET for the primary SSE-FS endpoint were suggestive of efficacy, in line with the primary outcome measure used in the underlying phase 2 studies. No similar evidence of efficacy was observed for secondary progression or survival endpoints. Adverse events were more frequent with radium-223 + ET versus placebo + ET, but the safety profile of the combination was consistent with the safety profiles of the component drugs.

Clinical trial registration numbers

Study A: NCT02258464, registered October 7, 2014.

Study B: NCT02258451, registered October 7, 2014.
The Infarct-Limiting Effect of Remote Ischemic Conditioning in Rats Is Not Affected by Aspirin
Authors: Basalay M. V. , Downey James M. , Davidson S. M. , Yellon D. M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has been shown to be a powerful cardioprotective therapy in animal models. However, a protective effect in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction has failed to be confirmed. A recent pre-clinical study reported that aspirin which is routinely given to patients undergoing reperfusion therapy blocked the infarct-limiting effect of ischemic postconditioning. The present study was designed to test whether aspirin could also be blocking the infarct-limiting effect of RIC.

Methods

This was investigated in vivo using male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 5 to 6 per group) subjected to either 30 min of regional myocardial ischemia, followed by 120-min reperfusion, or additionally to a RIC protocol initiated after 20-min myocardial ischemia. The RIC protocol included four cycles of 5-min hind limb ischemia interspersed with 5-min reperfusion. Intravenous aspirin (30 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline) was administered after 15-min myocardial ischemia.

Results

RIC significantly reduced infarct size (IS) normalized to the area at risk, by 47%. Aspirin administration did not affect IS nor did it attenuate the infarct-limiting effect of RIC.

Conclusion

Aspirin administration in the setting of myocardial infarction is not likely to interfere with the cardioprotective effect of RIC.
Wear behavior at high temperature of ZrO2–Y2O3 (YSZ) plasma-sprayed coatings
Authors: Franco D. , Vargas F. , López E. , Ageorges H.
Published: December 2023

The wear behavior of two plasma-sprayed zirconia–yttria coatings was studied at high temperatures. Agglomerated and sintered, as well as fused and crushed zirconia–yttria feedstock powders were used to manufacture bimodal and monomodal coatings by atmospheric plasma spraying onto an INCONEL 718 substrate previously coated with a NiCrAlY bond coat. The structure of the coatings was analyzed by SEM on their cross section and surface. The samples were subjected to wear conditions by sliding contact through a ball-on-disk test up to 1000 °C, using an alumina ball 6 mm in diameter as the counterbody, on which a load of 5 N was applied. The samples were rotated during 20000 cycles, reaching a speed of 0.10 m·s−1 at the contact area with the counterbody. The porosity, phase, and mechanical properties were determined before and after wear tests. The results indicate that at 25 °C, both coatings have enough mechanical resistance to withstand the tribological conditions they were exposed to. Therefore, low wear rates were produced by ductile deformation. The tribological conditions became more aggressive as the thermal stresses increased with the test temperature, producing cracking, and detaching particles in the coatings tested at 500 and 750 °C. Consequently, high wear rates related to brittle deformation were obtained. However, the transformation of the amorphous phase to the t′-zirconia phase, produced at 1000 °C, increased the hardness of both coatings and, consequently, their wear resistance; thus, the predominant mechanism of damage was ductile deformation, with wear rates similar to those obtained when the coatings were tested at 25 °C.
Enhanced methylene blue adsorption by double alkali activation of highly porous glass microspheres prepared from waste glass
Authors: Mahmoud Mokhtar , Kraxner Jozef , Elsayed Hamada , Stabile Franco Matías , Michálková Monika , Galusek Dušan , Bernardo Enrico
Published: December 2023

The remediation of water from organic pollutants, such as dyes and related compounds and the reuse of discarded glasses, represents fundamental challenges in highly industrialized countries. Porous glass microspheres have been proposed as efficient adsorbents in wastewater treatment, but their real application is problematic, especially from the perspective of their reuse and recycling. For the first time, the present paper describes the process of preparation and use of highly porous bodies with a specific surface area of nearly 20 m2/g fabricated from alkali activated glass microspheres and applicable for the removal of methylene blue as a model organic dye from wastewater. Alkali activation is applied both as an intermediate step (using 9 M KOH) for the conversion of waste glass into porous microspheres by flame spheroidization process, and as a final step (using 2.5 M NaOH), facilitating low temperature consolidation of the microspheres, and their transformation into porous structures. The experimental adsorption capacity of porous glass microspheres pellet was 122 mg/g. The high correlation coefficient indicates the applicability of Langmuir isotherm adsorption model.
Synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol as potential drug carriers for cancer treatment
Authors: Peréz D. LLamosa , Puentes I. , Romero G. A. Murillo , Gaona I. M. Saavedra , Vargas C. A. Parra , Rincón R. J.
Published: December 2023

Current cancer treatments are not selective in delivering drugs to cancer cells, affecting healthy tissues and especially rapidly dividing cells. This work describes the development of superparamagnetic nanoparticles for drug delivery through green synthesis, mediated by Musa paradisiaca peel extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The nanoparticles’ structural, morphological, magnetic and chemical properties were evaluated. The XRDs showed a cubic crystal structure with the space group of Fd3m (No. 227), typical of magnetite. Through SEM and TEM, it was determined that the mean size of the nanoparticles was 11.61 nm. FTIR and EDS confirmed the successful synthesis of Fe3O4 nuclei, covered with polyethylene glycol and loaded with doxorubicin. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposites obtained were measured using VSM, evidencing a superparamagnetic behaviour with a Ms = 72.75 emu/g. Finally, MTT assays on the HeLa tumour line showed a 45.5% decrease in cell viability. The determined properties allow the application of the nanocomposite produced as a potential candidate for cancer treatment.

Graphical Abstract
(How) Do Pre-service Teachers Use YouTube Features in the Selection of Instructional Videos for Physics Teaching?
Authors: Bitzenbauer Philipp , Teußner Tom , Veith Joaquin M. , Kulgemeyer Christoph
Published: December 2023

This mixed-methods study examines how pre-service teachers select instructional videos on YouTube for physics teaching. The study focuses on the role of surface features that YouTube provides (e.g., likes, views, thumbnails) and the comments underneath the videos in the decision-making process using videos on quantum physics topics as an example. The study consists of two phases: In phase 1, N = 24 (pre-service) physics teachers were randomly assigned to one of three groups, each covering a different quantum topic (entanglement, quantum tunneling, or quantum computing, respectively). From eight options provided, they selected a suitable video for teaching while their eye movements were tracked using a stationary eye tracker in a laboratory setting, and think-aloud data was collected. In the subsequent phase 2, participants were allowed to freely choose one YouTube video on a second topic of the above-mentioned ones while thinking aloud. The results reveal a significant emphasis on video thumbnails during selection, with over one-third of the fixation time directed towards them. Think-aloud data confirms the importance of thumbnails in decision-making, e.g., as evidenced by a categorization of the study participants’ arguments and thoughts voiced. A detailed analysis identifies that participants did not rely on (content-related) comments despite they have been found to be significantly correlated with the videos’ explaining quality. Instead, decisions were influenced by surface features and pragmatic factors such as channel familiarity. Retrospective reflections through a questionnaire including rating scale items support these observations. Building on the existing empirical evidence, a decision tree is proposed to help teachers identify high-quality videos considering duration, likes, comments, and interactions. The decision tree can serve as a hypothesis for future research and needs to be evaluated in terms of how it can help systematize the process of selecting high-quality YouTube videos for science teaching.
The Fibre Resolved OpticAl and Near-Ultraviolet Czerny–Turner Imaging Spectropolarimeter (francis)
Authors: Jess David B. , Grant Samuel D. T. , Bate William , Liu Jiajia , Jafarzadeh Shahin , Keys Peter H. , Vieira Luís E. A. , Dal Lago Alisson , Guarnieri Fernando L. , Christian Damian J. , Gilliam Doug , Banerjee Dipankar
Published: December 2023

The solar physics community is entering a golden era that is ripe with next-generation ground- and space-based facilities, advanced spectral inversion techniques, and realistic simulations that are becoming more computationally streamlined and efficient. With ever-increasing resolving power stemming from the newest observational telescopes, it becomes more challenging to obtain (near-)simultaneous measurements at high spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions, while operating at the diffraction limit of these new facilities. Hence, in recent years there has been increased interest in the capabilities integral field units (IFUs) offer towards obtaining the trifecta of high spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions contemporaneously. To date, IFUs developed for solar physics research have focused on mid-optical and infrared measurements. Here, we present an IFU prototype that has been designed for operation within the near-ultraviolet to mid-optical wavelength range, which enables key spectral lines (e.g., Ca ii H/K, H$\beta $
β
, Sr ii, Na i D1/D2, etc.) to be studied, hence providing additional spectral coverage to the instrument suites developed to date. The IFU was constructed as a low-budget proof-of-concept for the upcoming $2\text{ m}$
2
 m
class Indian National Large Solar Telescope and employs circular cross-section fibres to guide light into a Czerny–Turner configuration spectrograph, with the resulting spectra captured using a high quantum efficiency scientific CMOS camera. Mapping of each input fibre allows for the reconstruction of two-dimensional spectral images, with frame rates exceeding $20\text{ s}^{-1}$
20

 s

−
1

possible while operating in a non-polarimetric configuration. Initial commissioning of the instrument was performed at the Dunn Solar Telescope, USA, during August 2022. The science verification data presented here highlights the suitability of fibre-fed IFUs operating at near-ultraviolet wavelengths for solar physics research. Importantly, the successful demonstration of this type of instrument paves the way for further technological developments to make a future variant suitable for upcoming ground-based and space-borne telescope facilities.
A mini-review on in vitro methods for virus elimination from Prunus sp. fruit trees
Authors: Szabó Luca Krisztina , Desiderio Francesco , Kirilla Zoltán , Hegedűs Attila , Várallyay Éva , Preininger Éva
Published: December 2023

Several viruses are known to infect stone fruit trees and cause serious problems in their cultivation; hence, it is essential to use virus-free and healthy propagation material to establish a plantation. As stone fruit trees are propagated vegetatively, both the scion and the rootstock should be pathogen-free. The traditional method for plant virus eradication is meristem culture after in vivo thermotherapy. Prunus species are extremely sensitive to high temperature and have low regeneration capacity from meristem explants which makes it difficult to apply the conventional method. To avoid the application of meristem culture it has become necessary to search for additional methods. The most widespread elimination methods are based on in vitro shoot cultures. It is a challenge to find an optimal method with high efficacy in virus elimination that has little harmful effect on plantlets. In the present study, we collected the elements of current knowledge about viruses and viroids that are able to infect Prunus species and reviewed recent methods that have been used efficiently to eliminate them from Prunus species, applying thermotherapy alone or in combination with shoot tip excision, chemotherapy, cryotherapy or electrotherapy. The key factors influencing the effectivity of virus elimination procedure and in vitro culture survival are also discussed.
On the Shear-Thinning of Alkanes
Authors: Gao Hongyu , Müser Martin H.
Published: December 2023

The approximate power law dependence of the apparent viscosity of liquids on shear rate is often argued to arise from a distribution of energy barriers. However, recent work on the Prandtl model, which consists of a point mass being dragged by a damped, harmonic spring past a sinusoidal potential, revealed a similar dependence of the friction on velocity as that of many liquids. Here, we demonstrate that this correlation is not only qualitative but can also be made quantitative over a broad temperature range using merely three dimensionless parameters, at least for alkanes, in particular n-hexadecane, at elevated pressure p. These and other observations made on our all-atom alkane simulations at elevated pressure point to the existence of an elementary instability causing shear-thinning. In addition, the equilibrium viscosity shows power law dependence on p near the cavitation pressure but an exponential dependence at large p, while the additional parameter(s) in the Carreau–Yasuda equation compared to other rheological models turn out justifiable.
Do corporate regulations deter or stimulate investment? The effect of the OECD anti-bribery convention on FDI
Authors: Crippa Lorenzo
Published: December 2023

Countries prohibit firms’ transnational financial crime by coordinating their regulations under international organizations (IOs). Under these IOs, states threaten to prosecute firms’ foreign misconduct at home. Such threats can help conscript companies to diffuse sustainable business models abroad. This paper studies the effect of corporate criminal regulations on firms’ foreign direct investment (FDI). Critics of these policies claim they push firms’ investment away from host economies where financial crime is more likely to happen. Yet, regulations should also cut informal costs of crime and favor investment. I reconcile these opposed expectations and show they are special cases of the same argument. I claim that the effect of multilateral anti-bribery policies on FDI depends on the level of corruption of the host economy. It is null in non-corrupt countries. It is positive where corruption is moderate: here, laws provide legal leverage to refuse paying bribes and cut corruption costs. The effect is negative where corruption is endemic: here, anti-bribery laws expose firms to additional regulatory costs. I support the argument with multiple evidence. Company-level data on investment by 3871 firms between 2006 and 2011 show that regulated corporations have a $$27\%$$

27
%

higher probability of investing in moderately corrupt economies than unregulated firms, which plummets to $$-52\%$$

-
52
%

in extremely corrupt countries. A synthetic counterfactual design using country-dyadic FDI flows corroborates this finding. Results show that regulatory policies harmonized by IOs change international competition for FDI in ways that do not necessarily harm regulated firms.
Multiple myeloma in people of working age in Czechia, Germany, and Poland: findings from a qualitative interview study
Authors: Forbat Liz
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The study sought to understand the experiences of working age adults with myeloma and their partner/family members, living in Czechia, Germany, and Poland.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 36 working age adults living with myeloma, and three family members. Data were collected from May to October 2022. Thematic analysis was applied to the data.

Results

Healthcare and state support within each country are described. The degree of work engagement was informed by patients’ symptom burden, treatment needs, state financial aid, and family/financial obligations. Many did not conceptualise their status as involving ‘return to work’ as they had continued to be engaged with their jobs throughout. For some, remote working enabled them to manage treatments/side-effects and their job, while avoiding infection. In some cases, patients did not tell their employer or colleagues about their illness, for fear of discrimination.

Conclusion

While experiences varied between countries, common across accounts was a struggle to balance ongoing treatments with employment, at a time when participants were expected to finance their own households and maintain their income and roles.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

To improve quality of life, clinical discussions around treatment decision-making should take into account patients’ attitudes/approach to work, type of work engaged in, and other activities considered important to them. European Union and national cancer plans should set out optimum standards for employers, to ensure an equitable benchmark for how employees are supported. Such approaches would improve legal protections and better enforcement of employer policies to accommodate patients’ limitations in the workplace.
Latin-American consensus on the transition into adult life of patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia
Authors: Kastelic Maria Sofia , Roman-González Alejandro , De Paula Colares Neto Guido , De Paula Francisco J. A. , Reza-Albarrán Alfredo Adolfo , Morales Lilian Reyes , Tormo Silvina , Meza-Martínez Adriana Isabel
Published: December 2023

Introduction

X-linked hypophosphatemia is an orphan disease of genetic origin and multisystem involvement. It is characterized by a mutation of the PHEX gene which results in excess FGF23 production, with abnormal renal and intestinal phosphorus metabolism, hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia secondary to chronic renal excretion of phosphate. Clinical manifestations include hypophosphatemic rickets leading to growth abnormalities and osteomalacia, myopathy, bone pain and dental abscesses. The transition of these patients to adult life continues to pose challenges to health systems, medical practitioners, patients and families. For this reason, the aim of this consensus is to provide a set of recommendations to facilitate this process and ensure adequate management and follow-up, as well as the quality of life for patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia as they transition to adult life.

Materials and Methods

Eight Latin American experts on the subject participated in the consensus and two of them were appointed as coordinators. The consensus work was done in accordance with the nominal group technique in 6 phases: (1) question standardization, (2) definition of the maximum number of choices, (3) production of individual solutions or answers, (4) individual question review, (5) analysis and synthesis of the information and (6) synchronic meetings for clarification and voting. An agreement was determined to exist with 80% votes in favor in three voting cycles.

Results and Discussion

Transition to adult life in patients with hypophosphatemia is a complex process that requires a comprehensive approach, taking into consideration medical interventions and associated care, but also the psychosocial components of adult life and the participation of multiple stakeholders to ensure a successful process. The consensus proposes a total of 33 recommendations based on the evidence and the knowledge and experience of the experts. The goal of the recommendations is to optimize the management of these patients during their transition to adulthood, bearing in mind the need for multidisciplinary management, as well as the most relevant medical and psychosocial factors in the region.