bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation and normative data on the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale RCADS‐25 in a Swedish national probability sample of children and adolescents aged 4–17 years
Authors: Carlander Anders , Cassel Sophie , J‐Son Höök Malin , Lundgren Oskar , Löf Marie
Published: January 2024

Background

Mental health problems among children and adolescents are a growing public health concern. Self‐report questionnaires are pivotal for screening and early detection of mental health issues. We evaluate the psychometric properties and provide norm data of the 25‐item child and 25‐item parent‐report versions of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS).

Methods

A random probability sample of 29,000 children and adolescents (ages 4–17) from the Swedish population registry was invited. Data collection occurred from September 2021 to January 2022, accompanied by one postal and four SMS reminders.

Results

Participants (N = 7045, 48.98% girls) demonstrate that the RCADS‐25 possesses relatively sound psychometric properties, albeit that the child‐report version assessed with children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years rendered relatively better psychometric properties (e.g., ω = 0.87–0.92, CFI = 0.89) compared with the parent‐report version and the children 4 to 7 years old (e.g., ω = 0.72–0.82, CFI = 0.84).

Conclusion

The RCADS‐25 instruments may be used as an effective instrument for the initial assessment of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents in Sweden.
hsd17b1 is a key gene for ovarian differentiation of the Siberian sturgeon
Authors: Lasalle André , Benech‐Correa Germán , Brunet Frédéric G. , Vizziano‐Cantonnet Denise
Published: January 2024

This is the first work using gonads from undifferentiated, genetically‐sexed Siberian sturgeon describing expression changes in genes related to steroid synthesis and female and male sex differentiation. One factor identified as relevant for ovarian differentiation was the gene coding for the enzyme Hsd17b1, which converts estrone into estradiol‐17β. hsd17b1 was highly activated in female gonads at 2.5 months of age, around the onset of sex differentiation, preceding activation of two other genes involved in estrogen production (cyp19a1 and foxl2). hsd17b1 was also strongly repressed in males. Two known foxl2 paralogs are found in Siberian sturgeon—foxl2 and foxl2l—but only foxl2 appeared to be associated with ovarian differentiation. With regard to the male pathway, neither 11‐oxygenated androgens nor classic male genes (amh, dmrt1, sox9, and dhh) were found to be involved in male sex differentiation, leaving open the question of which genes participate in early male gonad development in this ancient fish. Taken together, these results indicate an estrogen‐dependence of female sex differentiation and 11‐oxygenated androgen‐independence of male sex differentiation.
Dynamics of seminal fluid production after mating
Authors: Kortsmit Yvonne , Mariën Janine , Koene Joris M. , Nakadera Yumi
Published: January 2024

Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) play vital roles for optimizing reproductive success in diverse animals. Underlining their significance, SFP production and transfer are highly plastic, e.g., depending on the presence of rivals or mating status of partners. However, surprisingly little is known about replenishing SFPs after mating. This is especially relevant in species that mate multiple times, as they continuously produce and use SFPs throughout their reproductive life. Here we examined the expression pattern of SFP genes after mating in the great pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis. Our results show that two out of the six SFP genes investigated here were upregulated 1 week after mating. Surprisingly, most SFP genes did not change their expression immediately after mating. Even after 1 week, when supposedly seminal fluid is fully replenished, the expression of SFP genes is rather high. In addition, the difference with previous studies hints at the possibility that SFP production after mating is plastic and depends on the mating history of female‐acting snails. Our results shed light on unexplored aspects of SFP production, thereby expanding the understanding of reproductive strategies in animals.
Distinguishing metabolic signals of liver tumors from surrounding liver cells using hyperpolarized 13C MRI and gadoxetate
Authors: Agarwal Shubhangi , Gordon Jeremy , Bok Robert A. , von Morze Cornelius , Vigneron Daniel B. , Kurhanewicz John , Ohliger Michael A.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To use the hepatocyte‐specific gadolinium‐based contrast agent gadoxetate combined with hyperpolarized (HP) [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI to selectively suppress metabolic signals from normal hepatocytes while preserving the signals arising from tumors.

Methods

Simulations were performed to determine the expected changes in HP 13C MR signal in liver and tumor under the influence of gadoxetate. CC531 colon cancer cells were implanted into the livers of five Wag/Rij rats. Liver and tumor metabolism were imaged at 3 T using HP [1‐13C] pyruvate chemical shift imaging before and 15 min after injection of gadoxetate. Area under the curve for pyruvate and lactate were measured from voxels containing at least 75% of normal‐appearing liver or tumor.

Results

Numerical simulations predicted a 36% decrease in lactate‐to‐pyruvate (L/P) ratio in liver and 16% decrease in tumor. In vivo, baseline L/P ratio was 0.44 ± 0.25 in tumors versus 0.21 ± 0.08 in liver (p = 0.09). Following administration of gadoxetate, mean L/P ratio decreased by an average of 0.11 ± 0.06 (p < 0.01) in normal‐appearing liver. In tumors, mean L/P ratio post‐gadoxetate did not show a statistically significant change from baseline. Compared to baseline levels, the relative decrease in L/P ratio was significantly greater in liver than in tumors (−0.52 ± 0.16 vs. −0.19 ± 0.25, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The intracellular hepatobiliary contrast agent showed a greater effect suppressing HP 13C MRI metabolic signals (through T1 shortening) in normal‐appearing liver when compared to tumors. The combined use of HP MRI with selective gadolinium contrast agents may allow more selective imaging in HP 13C MRI.
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: A Caution About Good Intentions and Where It May Lead
Authors: Lee Walter T.
Published: January 2024

Implementing Artificial Intelligence in medicine is revolutionizing how medicine is practiced. It has much promise in bringing about improved clinical outcomes and efficiency while decreasing costs. There are also concerns and unintended consequences that are being realized and significant efforts to consider ethical principles in the implementation of Artificial Intelligence in medicine. One potential consequence may be the loss of what has been described as the soul of medicine: the physician‐patient relationship. This relationship is especially precious in the context of what the US Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy MD has called an “Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” This commentary describes considerations and potential steps to protect this vital relationship while implementing Artificial Intelligence approaches to improving patient care. If not vigilant, Artificial Intelligence may unintentionally erode the physician‐patient relationship resulting in physician/patient isolation.
Molar mass determination via linear regression from SEC measurements: The case of polylactide, polycaprolactone and poly(2,2‐dimethylthrimethylene carbonate)
Authors: Kost Bartłomiej , Socka Marta , Cichoń Karolina , Brzeziński Marek , Basko Malgorzata , Biela Tadeusz
Published: January 2024

Molar mass correction coefficients (cc) were determined for calculating the absolute molar masses of polylactide (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and poly(2,2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate) (PDTC) in the range of 2,5–190 kg/mol, using calibration based on polystyrene standards (PS). Linear PLAs, PCLs, and PDTCs with a wide range of molar masses were synthesized using tin (II) octoate and diol as a catalyst/initiator system. Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) coupled with a Refractive Index detector (SEC‐RI) or a Multi‐Angle Laser Light Scattering detector (SEC‐MALLS) was utilized to determine the relative molar mass or absolute molar mass of the samples under investigation. Additionally, for comparison, the absolute molar mass of low molar mass PLA, PCL, or PDTC was calculated based on end‐group analysis using the 1H NMR method. Correction coefficients were subsequently calculated by comparing the molar mass obtained from SEC‐MALLS and SEC‐RI. The calculated correction coefficients ranged from 0.40 to 0.87 and increased with the rising molar mass of the polymers. The derived equation could be used to evaluate the absolute molar masses from PS standards over a broad range for the analyzed polymers.
Electrospun nanofiber interleaving through double infusion method to induce pseudo‐ductile damage resistance response in carbon/epoxy composites
Authors: Shakil Usaid Ahmed , Hassan Shukur Abu , Yahya Mohd Yazid , San Khoo Pui , Wahit Mat Uzir
Published: January 2024

Carbon composites are susceptible to invisible damage development such as matrix cracking, fiber kinking, and interfacial debonding upon external transverse loading. These incipient damages may interact to evolve into life‐limiting delamination propagating both in in‐plane and transverse directions. This study addressed that by interleaving carbon/epoxy composites with electrospun nylon 6 nanofibers adopting a double infusion method. Damage resistance results showed that the optimum nanofiber areal weight (17.35 g/m2) offered a 27% improvement in specific total toughness. The emergence of pseudo‐ductility substantially enhanced the plastic toughness (46.15%) of interleaved composites. The load required for initial matrix cracking was 65.49% higher, and number of matrix cracking events was suppressed by 84.11% at the optimum areal weight of interleave. Fractography revealed frequent interlaminar crossings and delamination crack bridging as two major toughness mechanisms. Both the external damage area and delaminated area increased with increment in nanofiber areal weight.

Highlights

Electrospun nanofibre interleaved carbon/epoxy composites were fabricated through a double infusion method to characterize damage resistance.

Acoustic data of matrix cracking was rationalized to show the effectiveness of nanofiber interleaves in suppressing this damage type.

Microstructural factors and mechanisms contributing to the improved toughness of optimally interleaved composites were identified.

External damage/delaminated areas of interleaved composites were correlated with nanofiber areal weights.
Approaches for III‐V/Si tandem solar cells and comparative studies on Si tandem solar cells
Authors: Yamaguchi Masafumi , Takamoto Tatsuya , Juso Hiroyuki , Nakamura Kyotaro , Ozaki Ryo , Masuda Taizo , Mabuchi Takashi , Okumura Kenichi , Kojima Nobuaki , Ohshita Yoshio
Published: January 2024

Photovoltaic (PV)‐powered vehicle applications are very attractive for reducing CO2 emission and creation of new market. Development of Si tandem solar cells is very promising for high‐efficiency and low‐cost solar cells. This paper presents our approaches for III–V/Si 3‐junction tandem solar cells. In this paper, 24.9% efficiency Si heterojunction solar cells and mechanically stacked four‐terminal 35.8% InGaP/GaAs/Si three‐junction tandem solar cell are shown. Roadmap for realizing high‐efficacy three‐junction tandem solar cells of more than 40% is discussed in this paper. Because efficiencies of record cell of 36.1% with III–V/Si three‐junction tandem cells and 33.9% with perovskite/Si two‐junction cells are lower compared to 39.5% with III–V three‐junction solar cells, it is necessary to clarify and reduce several losses of Si tandem solar cells. This paper presents high efficiency potential of III–V/Si three‐junction and perovskite/Si two‐junction solar cells analyzed by using our analytical procedure and discusses about non‐radiative recombination, optical, and resistance losses in those Si tandem cells. Current status of various solar cell module efficiencies including our new record efficiency Si tandem solar cell module with an efficiency of 33.66% is also analyzed.
Monitoring and supporting development in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Ozalp Akin Ezgi , Bingoler Pekcici Bahar
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Each child on home invasive mechanical ventilation is unique with different diagnoses, co‐morbidities, families, environment, needs, and developmental conditions. While studies mostly focused on survival and morbidities of these children, every child on home invasive mechanical ventilation has the right to reach his/her optimal developmental potential.

Objectives

This can be achieved by monitoring and supporting child development holistically, especially in the early childhood period when brain development is happening rapidly and plasticity is highest.

Materials and Methods

Key theory‐based frameworks should be used as universal principles to address child development. These are bioecological theory, family‐centered care, World Health Organisation International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health framework, monitoring approach, child‐friendly healthcare approach, and transdisciplinary care.

Results

Monitoring and supporting the development of children on home invasive mechanical ventilation aims to support children in reaching their own full developmental potential, to keep track of children's development, know and support the child's and family's strengths and vulnerabilities over time, address risk factors, support the child's development with the family, use specialized services when needed.

Conclusions

When all these principles are put together for children on home invasive mechanical ventilation, monitoring and supporting child development should be a standard approach urgently and holistically in cognitive, receptive, and expressive language, fine and gross motor, relating, play and self help domains, while committing to strengths‐based family‐centered care, functionality, participation in life, avoidance of stigma, and providing transdisciplinary follow‐up.
Quasinormal Modes and Greybody Factors of de Sitter Black Holes Surrounded by Quintessence in Rastall Gravity
Authors: Gogoi Dhruba Jyoti , Heidari Narges , K̆rí̆z Jan , Hassanabadi Hassan
Published: January 2024

In this work, the quasinormal mode, greybody factors, and absorption cross section of de Sitter Reissner‐Nordström black hole surrounded by quintessence field in Rastall gravity are studied. The violation of energy‐momentum conservation has a non‐linear effect on the quasinormal modes. With an increase in the black hole charge, both real parts of quasinormal modes i.e. oscillation frequency of ring‐down Gravitational Waves (GWs) and damping or decay rate of GWs increase non‐linearly. A similar observation is made for the black hole structural parameter also, however in this case the variation is almost linear. The remnant mass of a black hole depends on different physical parameters of a black hole. In the case of greybody factors also, both parameters have similar impacts are observed. With an increase in these parameters, greybody factors decrease. Moreover, the null geodesics and the impact of Rastall gravity on the light trajectory are also investigated. Our study suggests that the presence of a surrounding quintessence field may shadow the existence of black hole charges in such black hole configurations.
All‐hydrocarbon stapling enables improvement of antimicrobial activity and proteolytic stability of peptide Figainin 2
Authors: Xue Jingwen , Fu Yinxue , Li Huang , Zhang Ting , Cong Wei , Hu Honggang , Lu Zhiyuan , Yan Fang , Li Yulei
Published: January 2024

Figainin 2 is a cationic, hydrophobic, α‐helical host‐defense peptide with 28 residues, which was isolated from the skin secretions of the Chaco tree frog. It shows potent inhibitory activity against both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive pathogens and has garnered considerable interest in developing novel classes of natural antibacterial agents. However, as a linear peptide, conformational flexibility and poor proteolytic stability hindered its development as antibacterial agent. To alleviate its susceptibility to proteolytic degradation and improve its antibacterial activity, a series of hydrocarbon‐stable analogs of Figainin 2 were synthesized and evaluated for their secondary structure, protease stability, antimicrobial, and hemolytic activities. Among them, F2‐12 showed significant improvement in protease resistance and antimicrobial activity compared to that of the template peptide. This study provides a promising strategy for the development of antimicrobial drugs.
Revisiting the Quasiparticle Band Structure and Optical Properties of Few‐Layer InSe
Authors: Wu Minghui , Yang Hongping , Xie Fengyan
Published: January 2024

The many‐body GW combined with the Bethe–Salpeter equation (BSE) method including the spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) effect has been adopted to revisit the band structure and optical absorption spectra evolution of single‐layer, double‐layer, three‐layer, and bulk InSe. The many‐body effect is found to play an important role in both the band structure and the optical properties of InSe structures. Not only the band gap but also the energy dispersion is influenced by the electron–electron many‐body interaction. Electron–hole interaction strongly affects the optical properties of InSe structures, especially the single‐layer InSe. Compared with previous reports, the calculations show that, including SOC, two bound excitonic peaks have emerged for monolayer InSe, with the strong bound exciton being s‐state‐like, while the other p‐state‐like. BSE also predicts abundance of bounded “dark” excitons exists for monolayer InSe, indicating that monolayer InSe is a proper platform for studying excitons. Although the spin‐orbit interaction influence on the highest valence band and the lowest conducted band seems trivial, its effect on the optical properties of InSe is remarkable.
A New Lead‐Free Cs12Zn3.1Mn0.9Cl20 Perovskite Material for Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhu Zhenzhen , Wang Yurou , Li Yihan , Yu Yuntao , Zhang Dawei , Wu Honge , Zhang Zongrui
Published: January 2024

Lead‐containing halide perovskite materials’ toxicity and instability severely restrict their ability to be used in further commercial applications. Herein, a new lead‐free and thermal stable Cs12Zn3.1Mn0.9Cl20 perovskite material obtained via a simple room temperature precipitation method is reported. A high photoluminescence quantum yield of 83.1% can be obtained from the perovskite material Cs12Zn3.1Mn0.9Cl20, which is typically made up of tetragonal vertices and is excitable by ultraviolet (UV) light. More importantly, the relative photoluminescence (PL) intensity still retains roughly 60% of that at 30 °C when the temperature continuously increases to 130 °C. The time‐resolved PL decay lifetime is calculated to be 3.40 ms. With the color coordinates at (0.208 and 0.683) provided by the Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage (CIE), a bright green light‐emitting diode (LED) can be created using the green‐emitting Cs12Zn3.1Mn0.9Cl20 perovskite material. Meanwhile, a warm white LED device with the CIE color coordinates at (0.374, 0.289) and a low color‐correlated temperature of 3245 K is fabricated by the Cs12Zn3.1Mn0.9Cl20 perovskite material combining with a commercial blue and red‐emitting phosphors on a UV InGaN chip.
Patients with CTEPH and mild hemodynamic severity of disease improve to a similar level of exercise capacity after pulmonary endarterectomy compared to patients with severe hemodynamic disease
Authors: van Kan Coen , Tramper Jelco , Bresser Paul , J. Meijboom Lilian , Symersky Petr , Winkelman Jacobus A. , Nossent Esther J. , Aman Jurjan , Bogaard Harm Jan , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , van Es Josien
Published: January 2024

The correlation between hemodynamics and degree of pulmonary vascular obstruction (PVO) is known to be poor in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), which makes the selection of patients eligible for pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) challenging. It can be postulated that patients with similar PVO but different hemodynamic severity have different postoperative hemodynamics and exercise capacity. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effects of PEA on hemodynamics and exercise physiology in mild and severe CTEPH patients. We retrospectively studied 18 CTEPH patients with a mild hemodynamic profile (mean pulmonary arterial pressure [mPAP] between 25 and 30 mmHg at rest) and CTEPH patients with a more severe hemodynamic profile (mPAP > 30 mmHg), matched by age, gender, and PVO. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters were evaluated at baseline and 18 months following PEA. At baseline, exercise capacity, defined as oxygen uptake, was less severely impaired in the mild CTEPH group compared to the severe CTEPH group. After PEA, in the mild CTEPH group, ventilatory efficiency and oxygen pulse improved significantly (p < 0.05), however, the change in ventilatory efficiency and oxygen pulse was smaller compared to the severe CTEPH group. Only in the severe CTEPH group exercise capacity improved significantly (p < 0.001). Hence, in the present study, postoperative hemodynamic outcome and the CPET‐determined recovery of exercise capacity in mild CTEPH patients did not differ from a matched group of severe CTEPH patients.
Quantum Metrology Assisted by Machine Learning
Authors: Huang Jiahao , Zhuang Min , Zhou Jungeng , Shen Yi , Lee Chaohong
Published: January 2024

Quantum metrology aims to measure physical quantities based on fundamental quantum principles, enhancing measurement precision through resources like quantum entanglement and quantum correlations. This field holds promise for advancing quantum‐enhanced sensors, including atomic clocks and magnetometers. However, practical constraints exist in the four fundamental steps of quantum metrology, including initialization, sensing, readout, and estimation. Valuable resources, such as coherence time, impose limitations on the performance of quantum sensors. Machine learning, enabling learning and prediction without explicit knowledge, provides a powerful tool in optimizing quantum metrology with limited resources. This article reviews the fundamental principles, potential applications, and recent advancements in quantum metrology assisted by machine learning.
Access, equity and redress: Towards a sustainable funding framework for public universities in South Africa
Authors: Mbhalati Oliver Jan
Published: January 2024

This article aims to understand how access, equity and redress challenges are addressed at South Africa's public universities based on their current funding frameworks. Relying on a pragmatic research approach combining desk‐research literature review and secondary data analysis, government funding and tuition fees were found to be the primary sources of funding in most universities, while third stream income from universities' own commercial activities lagged far behind. Secondary data from the public universities' audited annual financial statements for the period 2015 to 2020 further revealed that investment source income superseded third‐stream income in most universities. There is consensus in literature on the pivotal role of equity‐based funding mechanisms such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in providing tuition cover and living expenses for students from poor households. Based on the agency theory, government funding is used to influence public universities to pursue transformation goals. The general trends observed in various countries is the inclusion of equity‐based indicators in a funding model to ensure that students are not denied the opportunity for university education solely based on their poor backgrounds. It is argued in this paper that the NSFAS remains an appropriate vehicle to achieve South Africa's transformational goals in its public universities.

Context and implications

Rationale for the study The rationale for this article is to provide exploratory evidence on the link between funding and transformation at public universities.

Why the new findings matter The new findings matter because public universities cannot escape the imperative to address the challenges of transformation in developing countries with a history of unequal distribution of financial resources.

Implications for policy makers, university management, funders and students Policy makers can use the findings from this article to inform how the National Student Financial Aid Scheme can be streamlined to ensure it continues to achieve its mandate. Based on the findings of this study, university management can develop more interventions to assist at‐risk students, particularly those from disadvantaged families succeed in their study. Funders can use the findings of this study to budget for and direct funding to academically deserving at‐risk students. Finally, students could benefit from these findings as the study identifies challenges to academic success as well as relevant interventions.
Nonparametric Bayesian functional clustering with applications to racial disparities in breast cancer
Authors: Gao Wenyu , Kim Inyoung , Nam Wonil , Ren Xiang , Zhou Wei , Agah Masoud
Published: January 2024

As we have easier access to massive data sets, functional analyses have gained more interest. However, such data sets often contain large heterogeneities, noises, and dimensionalities. When generalizing the analyses from vectors to functions, classical methods might not work directly. This paper considers noisy information reduction in functional analyses from two perspectives: functional clustering to group similar observations and thus reduce the sample size and functional variable selection to reduce the dimensionality. The complicated data structures and relations can be easily modeled by a Bayesian hierarchical model due to its flexibility. Hence, this paper proposes a nonparametric Bayesian functional clustering and peak point selection method via weighted Dirichlet process mixture (WDPM) modeling that automatically clusters and provides accurate estimations, together with conditional Laplace prior, which is a conjugate variable selection prior. The proposed method is named WDPM‐VS for short, and is able to simultaneously perform the following tasks: (1) Automatic cluster without specifying the number of clusters or cluster centers beforehand; (2) Cluster for heterogeneously behaved functions; (3) Select vibrational peak points; and (4) Reduce noisy information from the two perspectives: sample size and dimensionality. The method will greatly outperform its comparison methods in root mean squared errors. Based on this proposed method, we are able to identify biological factors that can explain the breast cancer racial disparities.
Organic Nucleation: Water Rearrangement Reveals the Pathway of Ibuprofen
Authors: Lu Hao , Macht Moritz , Rosenberg Rose , Wiedenbeck Eduard , Lukas Max , Qi Daizong , Maltseva Daria , Zahn Dirk , Cölfen Helmut , Bonn Mischa
Published: January 2024

The organic nucleation of the pharmaceutical ibuprofen is investigated, as triggered by the protonation of ibuprofen sodium salt at elevated pH. The growth and aggregation of nanoscale solution species by Analytical Ultracentrifugation and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations is tracked. Both approaches reveal solvated molecules, oligomers, and prenucleation clusters, their size as well as their hydration at different reaction stages. By combining surface‐specific vibrational spectroscopy and MD simulations, water interacting with ibuprofen at the air–water interface during nucleation is probed. The results show the structure of water changes upon ibuprofen protonation in response to the charge neutralization. Remarkably, the water structure continues to evolve despite the saturation of protonated ibuprofen at the hydrophobic interface. This further water rearrangement is associated with the formation of larger aggregates of ibuprofen molecules at a late prenucleation stage. The nucleation of ibuprofen involves ibuprofen protonation and their hydrophobic assembly. The results highlight that these processes are accompanied by substantial water reorganization. The critical role of water is possibly relevant for organic nucleation in aqueous environments in general.
Advanced Electrolyte Formula for Robust Operation of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Nguyen Tam D. , Whitehead Adam , Wai Nyunt , Scherer Günther G. , Simonov Alexandr N. , Xu Zhichuan J. , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: January 2024

Insufficient thermal stability of vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) electrolytes at elevated temperatures (>40 °C) remains a challenge in the development and commercialization of this technology, which otherwise presents a broad range of technological advantages for the long‐term storage of intermittent renewable energy. Herein, a new concept of combined additives is presented, which significantly increases thermal stability of the battery, enabling safe operation to the highest temperature (50 °C) tested to date. This is achieved by combining two chemically distinct additives—inorganic ammonium phosphate and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) surfactant, which collectively decelerate both protonation and agglomeration of the oxo‐vanadium species in solution and thereby significantly suppress detrimental formation of precipitates. Specifically, the precipitation rate is reduced by nearly 75% under static conditions at 50° C. This improvement is reflected in the robust operation of a complete VRFB device for over 300 h of continuous operation at 50 °C, achieving an impressive 83% voltage efficiency at 100 mA cm‒2 current density, with no precipitation detected in either the electrode/flow‐frame or electrolyte tank.
Late Ordovician and early Silurian virgianid and stricklandioid brachiopods from North Greenland: implications for a warm‐water faunal province
Authors: Jin Jisuo , Rasmussen Christian M. Ø. , Sheehan Peter M. , Harper David A. T.
Published: January 2024

An unusually rich and diverse suite of virgianid brachiopods, hitherto poorly known, is systematically described here for the first time from the Ordovician–Silurian boundary interval (late Katian – Aeronian) of North Greenland. The Late Ordovician virgianids comprise typical taxa of the warm‐water Tcherskidium fauna (e.g. Tcherskidium tenuicostatum, Proconchidium schleyi, Holorhynchus giganteus and Deloprosopus dawesi sp. nov.). Among the early Silurian taxa, Virgiana hursti sp. nov. occurs as abundant shell beds, similar to other congeneric species in Laurentia, but has somewhat larger internal skeletal structures, albeit not as extravagantly developed as in the late Katian virgianids; Borealoides balderi gen. et sp. nov. shows extreme thickening of the shell wall and internal structures, approaching the extravagant calcification of Katian virgianids. The highly distinctive mid‐Aeronian stricklandioid brachiopod genus, Kulumbella, characterized by a shell with criss‐cross (divaricate) ribbing, also occurs in North Greenland, represented by K. heimdali sp. nov., which has the largest and most strongly biconvex shells for the genus. Palaeogeographically, the Late Ordovician virgianid fauna of Laurentia was highly distinct, confined to the low–mid tropical latitudes north of the palaeoequator. In comparison, the early Silurian (Rhuddanian) Virgiana and some related taxa in Laurentia spanned the tropics of both hemispheres, forming extensive shell beds in carbonate basins, although Borealis and Borealoides gen. nov. remained confined largely to the northern hemisphere, suggesting a certain level of provincialism extending into the earliest Silurian. A palaeoecological preference for warm‐water carbonate settings would explain the unusual abundance and richness of the virgianid faunas in North Greenland.
Report of the Nomenclature Committee for Bryophytes: 15
Authors: Klazenga Niels
Published: January 2024

The following four names of bryophytes are recommended for conservation: Cololejeunea against Metzgeriopsis, Colurolejeunea tenuicornis against Lejeunea ceratophora, Dicranaceae, and Rhabdoweisiaceae. Furthermore, the name Aphanolejeunea angustissima is recommended for rejection.
A survey of autonomous monitoring systems in mental health
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Abinaya , Gururajan Raj , Zhou Xujuan , Venkataraman Revathi , Chan Ka Ching , Higgins Niall
Published: January 2024

Smartphones and personal sensing technologies have made collecting data continuously and in real time feasible. The promise of pervasive sensing technologies in the realm of mental health has recently garnered increased attention. Using Artificial Intelligence methods, it is possible to forecast a person's emotional state based on contextual information such as their current location, movement patterns, and so on. As a result, conditions like anxiety, stress, depression, and others might be tracked automatically and in real‐time. The objective of this research was to survey the state‐of‐the‐art autonomous psychological health monitoring (APHM) approaches, including those that make use of sensor data, virtual chatbot communication, and artificial intelligence methods like Machine learning and deep learning algorithms. We discussed the main processing phases of APHM from the sensing layer to the application layer and an observation taxonomy deals with various observation devices, observation duration, and phenomena related to APHM. Our goal in this study includes research works pertaining to working of APHM to predict the various mental disorders and difficulties encountered by researchers working in this sector and potential application for future clinical use highlighted.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Machine Learning

Technologies > Prediction

Application Areas > Health Care
What can be measured asymptotically?
Authors: Caron-Huot Simon , Giroux Mathieu , Hannesdottir Holmfridur S. , Mizera Sebastian
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We consider asymptotic observables in quantum field theories in which the S-matrix makes sense. We argue that in addition to scattering amplitudes, a whole compendium of inclusive observables exists where the time-ordering is relaxed. These include expectation values of electromagnetic or gravitational radiation fields as well as out-of-time-order amplitudes. We explain how to calculate them in two ways: by relating them to amplitudes and products of amplitudes, and by using a generalization of the LSZ reduction formula. As an application, we discuss one-loop master integrals contributing to gravitational radiation in the post-Minkowski expansion, emphasizing the role of classical cut contributions and highlighting the different infrared physics of in-in observables.
Fluid flow past a freely moving body in a straight or distorted channel
Authors: Yazar Samire , Liu Qingsong , Smith Frank T.
Published: January 2024

The focus here is on a thin solid body passing through a channel flow and interacting with the flow. Unsteady two-dimensional interactive properties from modelling, analysis and computation are presented along with comparisons. These include the effects of a finite dilation or constriction, as the body travels through, and the effects of a continuing expansion of the vessel. Finite-time clashing of the body with the channel walls is investigated as well as the means to avoid clashing. Sustained oscillations are found to be possible. Wake properties behind the body are obtained, and broad agreement in trends between full-system and reduced-system responses is found for increased body mass.

Graphical abstract
Development of a molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemical sensor for the selective detection of nerve agent VX metabolite ethyl methylphosphonic acid in human plasma and urine samples
Authors: Sezigen Sermet , Kaya S. Irem , Bakirhan Nurgul K. , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on the detection of ethyl methyl phosphonic acid (EMPA), a metabolite of the banned organophosphorus nerve agent VX. We developed an electrochemical sensor utilizing the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based on 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) and tetraethyl orthosilicate for the selective detection of EMPA in human plasma and urine samples. The 4-ABA@EMPA/MIP/GCE sensor was constructed by a thermal polymerization process on a glassy carbon electrode and sensor characterization was performed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The 4-ABA@EMPA/MIP/GCE sensor demonstrated impressive linear ranges 1.0 × 10–10 M–2.5 × 10–9 M for the standard solution, 1.0 × 10–10 M–2.5 × 10–9 M for the urine sample, and 1.0 × 10–10 M–1 × 10–9 M of EMPA for the plasma sample with outstanding detection limits of 2.75 × 10−11 M (standard solution), 2.11 × 10−11 M (urine), and 2.36 × 10−11 M (plasma). The sensor exhibited excellent recovery percentages ranging from 99.86 to 101.30% in urine samples and 100.62 to 101.08% in plasma samples. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the 4-ABA@EMPA/MIP/GCE as a straightforward, highly sensitive, and selective interface capable of detecting the target analyte EMPA in human plasma and urine samples.
Almost Global Existence for Some Hamiltonian PDEs with Small Cauchy Data on General Tori
Authors: Bambusi D. , Feola R. , Montalto R.
Published: January 2024

In this paper we prove a result of almost global existence for some abstract nonlinear PDEs on flat tori and apply it to some concrete equations, namely a nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a convolution potential, a beam equation and a quantum hydrodinamical equation. We also apply it to the stability of plane waves in NLS. The main point is that the abstract result is based on a nonresonance condition much weaker than the usual ones, which rely on the celebrated Bourgain’s Lemma which provides a partition of the “resonant sites” of the Laplace operator on irrational tori.
Increasing multidrug resistance in leech borne infections. Should we adjust antibiotic treatment regime in plastic surgery? A systematic review
Authors: Wagner Till , Ulrich Dietmar
Published: January 2024

Background

A growing number of reports of serious wound infections during medical leech therapy over the last decades caused by the leech gut symbiont Aeromonas spp. led to the standard use of single antibiotics. With more published data about raising multidrug resistance of Aeromonas species in leech guts, there is probably a need for adjustment of existing treatment regimens.

Methods

We screened PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using relevant keywords including the last five decades addressing this issue. The review process was based on the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers screened the abstracts; extracted data were pooled and analyzed for antimicrobial resistance. Meta-analysis was not conducted, based on the poor quality of the included studies.

Result

A total of 43 studies were included in this review. All of the studies were reports or case series—except one—and the quality was combined overall good. Evidence was not found for using special antimicrobial agents as first line therapy.

Conclusions

Concluding this work, the survey revealed a growing number of more resistant or partially multi-resistant bacterial strains against different commonly used antibiotics, most probably based on increasing resistance in the environment. Taking these data into account, we advise combining leech therapy with minimal dual antibiotic drug administration with ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazol in the first place and leech gut sampling before inset for antibiotic drug resistance monitoring, and increased awareness during and after leech therapy.

Level of Evidence: Not ratable
Lung Function in Fontan Patients Over a Ten-Year Period: Is the Fontan Circulation Impairing Lung Development?
Authors: Ravndal Maren , Idorn Lars , Nielsen Kim Gjerum , Hjortdal Vibeke
Published: January 2024

Few studies have investigated how the Fontan circulation affects lung function, and no studies have investigated the development of lung function over longer time in these patients. We aimed to describe the development of lung function in Fontan patients over a 10-year period. Pulmonary function tests (PFT), including spirometry and diffusion capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) and Nitric Oxide (DLNO), were conducted in a Danish Fontan cohort in 2011 (PFT-I). In 2021, re-investigations were performed (PFT-II). We investigated changes in percent predicted (%pred) lung function from PFT-I to PFT-II. Patients were categorized into a pediatric group (age under 18 at PFT-I) and an adult group (age 18 or older at PFT-I). Out of the 81 patients completing PFT-I, 48 completed PFT-II. In the pediatric group (32 patients), there were significant declines in %pred forced expiratory volume in 1s (99.7 (92.4, 104.4)–89.3 (84.9, 97.2), p < 0,001), forced vital capacity (98.3 (87.8, 106.1)–96.7 (86.7, 100.6), p = 0.008), and alveolar volume (95.5 (89.5, 101.6)–89.5 (79.7, 93.2), p < 0.001). The corresponding measurements remained stable in the adult group. However, the median %pred DLNO significantly declined in the adult group (58.4 (53.3, 63.5)–53.7 (44.1, 57.3), p = 0.005). Over a 10-year period, several lung function parameters declined significantly in the younger Fontan patients, suggesting possible impairments in lung development during growth. The decline in %pred DLNO in the adult patient group indicates deterioration of the membrane component of diffusion capacity, implying that the Fontan circulation might negatively affect the alveolar membrane over time.
Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against porcine gasdermin D protein
Authors: Yang Minhui , Ge Xinna , Zhou Lei , Guo Xin , Han Jun , Zhang Yongning , Yang Hanchun
Published: January 2024

Pyroptosis is a newly discovered type of pro-inflammatory programmed cell death that plays a vital role in various processes such as inflammations, immune responses, and pathogen infections. As one of the main executioners of pyroptosis, gasdermin D (GSDMD) is a membrane pore-forming protein that typically exists in a self-inhibitory state. Once activated, GSDMD will be cleaved into an N-terminal fragment with pore-forming activity, becoming the key indicator of pyroptosis activation, and a C-terminal fragment. Although commercial antibodies against human and murine GSDMD proteins are currently available, their reactivity with porcine GSDMD (pGSDMD) is poor, which limits research on the biological functions of pGSDMD and pyroptosis in pigs in vivo and in vitro. Here, five monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared by immunizing BALB/c mice with procaryotically expressed full-length pGSDMD, all of which did not cross react with human and murine GSDMD proteins. Epitope mapping demonstrated that 15H6 recognizes amino acids (aa) at positions 28–34 of pGSDMD (LQTSDRF), 19H3 recognizes 257–260aa (PPQF), 23H10 and 27A10 recognize 78–82aa (GPFYF), and 25E2 recognizes 429–435aa (PPTLLGS). The affinity constant and isotype of 15H6, 19H3, 23H10, 27A10, and 25E2 mAbs were determined to be 1.32 × 10−9, 3.66 × 10−9, 9.04 × 10−9, 1.83 × 10−9, and 8.00 × 10−8 mol/L and IgG1/κ, IgG2a/κ, IgG2a/κ, IgG1/κ, and IgG1/κ, respectively. Heavy- and light-chain variable regions sequencing showed that the heavy-chain complementarity-determining region (CDR) sequences of all five mAbs are completely different, while the light-chain CDR sequences of the four mAbs that recognize the N-terminus of pGSDMD are identical. Our prepared mAbs provide valuable materials for studying pGSDMD function and pyroptosis.

Key points

• A total of five mouse anti-pGSDMD mAbs were prepared, of which four recognize the N-terminus of pGSDMD and one recognize its C-terminus.

• The main performance parameters of the five mAbs, including epitope, antibody titer, affinity constant, isotype, and heavy- and light-chain CDR, were characterized.

• All five mAbs specifically recognize pGSDMD protein and do not cross react with human and murine GSDMD proteins.
Long-Term Follow-up and Mortality Rate of Patients of the Randomized Freeway Stent Study
Authors: Hausegger Klaus , Kurre Wiebke , Schröder Henrik , Dambach Johannes , Stahnke Stefanie , Loewe Christian , Schürmann Karl , Fischbach Roman , Textor Jochen , Schäfer Stephan , Müller-Hülsbeck Stephan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This follow-up study was designed as a reopen of the completed Freeway Stent Study and collected mortality and clinical outcome data for at least 5 years after enrollment to evaluate long-term patient safety and treatment efficacy. The primary study enrolled 204 patients with stenosis or occlusion in the superficial femoral artery and proximal popliteal artery. Patients were randomized to primary nitinol stenting followed by standard PTA or primary nitinol stenting followed by FREEWAY™ paclitaxel-eluting balloon PTA.

Methods

Previous patients were recontacted by phone or during a routine hospital visit, and medical records were reviewed. Vital and clinical status information was collected.

Results

No increased late mortality was observed at 5 years, with an all-cause mortality rate of 12.0% in the FREEWAY drug-eluting balloon group versus 15.0% in the non-paclitaxel PTA group. No accumulation of any cause of death was observed in either group, nor was there any correlation with the dose of paclitaxel used. Freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization at 5 years was significantly higher in the FREEWAY drug eluting balloon group (85.3%) compared to standard PTA group (72.7%) Log-rank p = 0.032.

Conclusion

The safety results presented support the recent conclusions that the use of paclitaxel technology does not lead to an increase in mortality. At the same time, the efficacy results clearly demonstrate that the potential benefits of drug-eluting balloon treatment are maintained over a 5-year period.

Graphical Abstract
Multi-period descriptive sampling for scenario generation applied to the stochastic capacitated lot-sizing problem
Authors: Stadtler Hartmut , Heinrichs Nikolai
Published: January 2024

Using scenarios to model a stochastic system’s behavior poses a dilemma. While a large(r) set of scenarios usually improves the model’s accuracy, it also causes drastic increases in the model’s size and the computational effort required. Multi-period descriptive sampling (MPDS) is a new way to generate a small(er) set of scenarios that yield a good fit both to the periods’ probability distributions and to the convoluted probability distributions of stochastic variables (e.g., period demands) over time. MPDS uses descriptive sampling to draw a sample of S representative random numbers from a period’s known (demand) distribution. Now, to create a set of S representative scenarios, MPDS heuristically combines these random numbers (period demands) period by period so that a good fit is achieved to the convoluted (demand) distributions up to any period in the planning interval. A further contribution of this paper is an (accuracy) improvement heuristic, called fine-tuning, executed once the fix-and-optimize (FO) heuristic to solve a scenario-based mixed integer programming model has been completed. Fine-tuning uses linear programming (LP) with fixed binary variables (e.g., setup decisions) generated by FO and iteratively adapts production quantities so that compliance with given expected service level constraints is reached. The LP is solved with relatively little computational effort, even for large(r) sets of scenarios. We show the advancements possible with MPDS and fine-tuning by solving numerous test instances of the stochastic capacitated lot-sizing problem under a static uncertainty approach.