bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consensus Guideline on the Management of Epilepsy in Egypt: A National Delphi Consensus Study
Authors: Kishk Nirmeen , Hosny Hassan , Badry Reda , Elmenshawi Ibrahim , Hamdy Mohamed M. , Shaker Ehab , Shehata Hatem S. , Magdy Rehab , Ramzy Gihan M. , Hemeda Mahmoud , Gaber Ahmed , Abdelhamed Mohamed , Abohagar Ahmed , Yassine Imane A. , Abbas Mohammed , Shaheen Hala A. , Abdel Moety Mahmoud , Metwally Hussein M. H. , Saeed Mohammad Ali , Essmat Ahmed , Abdou Ashraf , Soliman Rasha Hassan , Oraby Mohammed I. , Morad Abd El‐Naser , Kasem Shaimaa Mohammed , Aidaros Magdy , El Heneedy Yasser , ElNemr Ahmed , Elkady Ahmed , Amin Ramy , Abdel Ghany Walid A. , Morsy Ahmed A. , Hamdi Hussein , Shamloul Reham
Published: May 2024

Objective

In epilepsy, early diagnosis, accurate determination of epilepsy type, proper selection of antiseizure medication, and monitoring are all essential. However, despite recent therapeutic advances and conceptual reconsiderations in the classification and management of epilepsy, serious gaps are still encountered in day‐to‐day practice in Egypt as well as several other resource‐limited countries. Premature mortality, poor quality of life, socio‐economic burden, cognitive problems, poor treatment outcomes, and comorbidities are major challenges that require urgent actions to be implemented at all levels. In recognition of this, a group of Egyptian epilepsy experts met through a series of consecutive meetings to specify the main concepts concerning the diagnosis and management of epilepsy, with the ultimate goal of establishing a nationwide Egyptian consensus.

Methods

The consensus was developed through a modified Delphi methodology. A thorough review of the most recent relevant literature and international guidelines was performed to evaluate their applicability to the Egyptian situation. Afterward, several remote and live rounds were scheduled to reach a final agreement for all listed statements.

Results

Of 278 statements reviewed in the first round, 256 achieved ≥80% agreement. Live discussion and refinement of the 22 statements that did not reach consensus during the first round took place, followed by final live voting then consensus was achieved for all remaining statements.

Significance

With the implementation of these unified recommendations, we believe this will bring about substantial improvements in both the quality of care and treatment outcomes for persons with epilepsy in Egypt.

Plain Language Summary

This work represents the efforts of a group of medical experts to reach an agreement on the best medical practice related to people with epilepsy based on previously published recommendations while taking into consideration applicable options in resource‐limited countries. The publication of this document is expected to minimize many malpractice issues and pave the way for better healthcare services on both individual and governmental levels.
Foredune morphology: Regional patterns and surfzone–beach–dune interactions along the New South Wales coast, Australia
Authors: Doyle Thomas B. , Hesp Patrick A. , Woodroffe Colin D.
Published: May 2024

Foredunes constitute a fundamental part of the coastal environment, acting as a buffer against storm erosion and natural coastal defence. Foredune size and volume play a pivotal role in determining coastal vulnerability to marine hazards, and the governing processes driving variations in foredune morphology, particularly over regional, or larger spatial scales, are still relatively poorly understood. This paper presents a regional‐scale investigation into foredune morphology along the New South Wales (NSW) coast (SE Australia), comprising not only a state‐wide inventory of foredune morphology for use in management/hazard assessment, but also testing long‐standing hypotheses and conceptual models of the physical processes that are driving, or influencing, foredune size. We applied a remote sensing protocol to 47 foredune environments, covering the length of the NSW coastline, comparing morphology (including dune height, width, shape, and volume) of established and incipient foredunes both along, and between, sandy embayments. Results, at regional spatial scales, show that the largest foredunes (volumes up to 850 m3 m−1) occur along the central coast as large, steep landforms; intermediate‐sized dunes (550–650 m3 m−1) were found on both the Mid‐north and Far North coast, and the smallest foredunes (334–380 m3 m−1) occur on the south coast as wider dunes with steep stoss slopes. Surfzone–beach state was found to be the most significant factor influencing foredune size and volume. The more energetic and more dissipative/high‐energy intermediate surfzone–beach states were correlated with larger foredunes (i.e. greater dune volume, width and crest elevation), whereas the lower‐energy surfzone–beach states generally had smaller dunes. Changes in vegetation cover, shoreline orientation and associated onshore (and alongshore) wind systems were also demonstrated to be important factors in determining foredune morphology. The largest foredunes in NSW generally occur to the north of embayments, with dune size decreasing southward with decreasing exposure to wind/wave energy.
Effect of time‐of‐day nivolumab and stereotactic body radiotherapy in metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A secondary analysis of a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Janopaul‐Naylor James R. , Boe Lillian , Yu Yao , Sherman Eric J. , Pfister David G. , Lee Nancy Y. , McBride Sean
Published: May 2024

Background

Prior work documented circadian rhythm impacts on efficacy and toxicity of cancer therapies.

Methods

Secondary analysis of prospective, phase II trial of metastatic HNSCC randomized to nivolumab+/−SBRT. Used cutoffs of 1100 and 1630. Timing classified by first infusion or majority of SBRT (e.g., PM SBRT defined by two or three fractions after 1630).

Results

Of 62 patients, there was no significant difference in median PFS between AM nivolumab (n = 7, 175 days), PM nivolumab (n = 21, 58 days), or Mid‐Day nivolumab (n = 34, 67 days; p = 0.8). There was no significant difference in median PFS with AM SBRT (n = 4, 78 days), PM SBRT (n = 13, 111 days), or Mid‐Day SBRT (n = 15, 63 days; p = 0.8). There was no significant difference in Grade 3–4 toxicity or ORR. Sensitivity analyses with other timepoints were negative.

Conclusions

Further work may elucidate circadian impacts on select patients, tumors, and therapies; however, we found no significant effect in this study.
Effective prediction of SnO2 conduction band edge potential: The key role of surface oxygen vacancies
Authors: Sannino Gennaro Vincenzo , Pecoraro Adriana , Veneri Paola Delli , Pavone Michele , Muñoz‐García Ana Belén
Published: May 2024

Several theoretical studies at different levels of theory have attempted to calculate the absolute position of the SnO2 conduction band, whose knowledge is key for its effective application in optoelectronic devices such us, for example, perovskite solar cells. However, the predicted band edges fall outside the experimentally measured range. In this work, we introduce a computational scheme designed to calculate the conduction band minimum values of SnO2, yielding results aligned with experiments. Our analysis points out the fundamental role of encompassing surface oxygen vacancies to properly describe the electronic profile of this material. We explore the impact of both bridge and in‐plane oxygen vacancy defects on the structural and electronic properties of SnO2, explaining from an atomistic perspective the experimental observables. The results underscore the importance of simulating both types of defects to accurately predict SnO2 features and provide new fundamental insights that can guide future studies concerning design and optimization of SnO2‐based materials and functional interfaces.
Size‐consistency and orbital‐invariance issues revealed by VQE‐UCCSD calculations with the FMO scheme
Authors: Sugisaki Kenji , Nakano Tatsuya , Mochizuki Yuji
Published: May 2024

The fragment molecular orbital (FMO) scheme is one of the popular fragmentation‐based methods and has the potential advantage of making the circuit shallow for quantum chemical calculations on quantum computers. In this study, we used a GPU‐accelerated quantum simulator (cuQuantum) to perform the electron correlation part of the FMO calculation as unitary coupled‐cluster singles and doubles (UCCSD) with the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) for hydrogen‐bonded (FH) and (FH)‐HO systems with the STO‐3G basis set. VQE‐UCCSD calculations were performed using both canonical and localized MO sets, and the results were examined from the point of view of size‐consistency and orbital‐invariance affected by the Trotter error. It was found that the use of localized MO leads to better results, especially for (FH)‐HO. The GPU acceleration was substantial for the simulations with larger numbers of qubits, and was about a factor of 6.7–7.7 for 18 qubit systems.
The interaction of thiocyanate with peptides—A computational study
Authors: Crescenzi Orlando , Graziano Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

According to the Hofmeister series, thiocyanate is the strongest “salting in” anion. In fact, it has a strong denaturant activity against the native state of globular proteins. A molecular level rationalization of the Hofmeister series is still missing, and therefore the denaturant activity of thiocyanate also awaits a robust explanation. In the last years, different types of experimental studies have shown that thiocyanate is capable to directly interact with both polar and nonpolar groups of polypeptide chains. This finding has been scrutinized via a careful computational procedure based on density functional theory approaches. The results indicate that thiocyanate is able to make H‐bonds via both the nitrogen and sulfur atom, and to make strong van der Waals interactions with almost all the groups of polypeptide chains, regardless of their polarity.
Enhanced personal protective equipment and dental students’ experience and quality of a restorative procedure in a simulated clinical setting
Authors: Miletic Vesna , Avuthu Rajiv , Zaprzala Patrick , Divnic‐Resnik Tihana , Savic‐Stankovic Tatjana , Cabunac Jovan , Stasic Jovana N. , Matic Tamara
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of enhanced personal protective equipment (Enhanced_PPE) on student‐operator's experience and restorative procedure.

Methods

Student‐operators (N = 29 Year 3 dental students) performed Class II composite restorations (SimpliShade, Kerr) in typodont upper molars (OneDental) equipped with N95 respirators, full‐face shields, disposable headwear and gowns (Enhanced_PPE) or surgical masks, protective glasses/goggles and non‐disposable gowns (Standard_PPE) 2 weeks later. Cavity dimensions were measured on cone beam computed tomography images. The quality of composite restorations was assessed using selected FDI criteria and Vickers hardness. A questionnaire assessed the operators' discomfort, anxiety, confidence, ability to perform, and procedure outcome. Data were analyzed using paired t‐test and McNemar test (alpha = 0.05).

Results

Student‐operators experienced greater discomfort and anxiety, reduced confidence and ability to perform, and rated the procedure as less satisfactory with Enhanced_PPE (p < 0.05). Differences in proximal box width were marginally significant (Enhanced_PPE 1.8 ± 0.4 mm, Standard_PPE 1.6 ± 0.3 mm) (p = 0.047). Other cavity dimensions were similar between groups (p > 0.05) as were restorations regarding surface luster, anatomical form, marginal adaptation, proximal contour, and contact (p > 0.05). There were no differences in the hardness of composite restorations (top p = 0.349, bottom p = 0.334).

Conclusions

Enhanced_PPE led to student‐operator discomfort, anxiety, and reduced confidence, but did not impact the quality of Class II preparation and composite restorations versus Standard_PPE.
Restoration of hippocampal adult neurogenesis by CDRI‐08 (Bacopa monnieri extract) relates with the recovery of BDNF–TrkB levels in male rats with moderate grade hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Mallick Debasmit , Acharjee Arup , Acharjee Papia , Trigun Surendra Kumar
Published: May 2024

Modulation of in vivo adult neurogenesis (AN) is an evolving concept in managing neurodegenerative diseases. CDRI‐08, a bacoside‐enriched fraction of Bacopa monnieri, has been demonstrated for its neuroprotective actions, but its effect on AN remains unexplored. This article describes the status of AN by monitoring neuronal stem cells (NSCs) proliferation, differentiation/maturation markers and BDNF–TrkB levels (NSCs signalling players) vs. the level of neurodegeneration and their modulations by CDRI‐08 in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of male rats with moderate grade hepatic encephalopathy (MoHE). For NSC proliferation, 10 mg/kg b.w. 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered i.p. during the last 3 days, and for the NSC differentiation study, it was given during the first 3 days to the control, the MoHE (developed by 100 mg/kg b.w. of thioacetamide i.p. up to 10 days) and to the MoHE male rats co‐treated with 350 mg/kg b.w. CDRI‐08. Compared with the control rats, the hippocampus DG region of MoHE rats showed significant decreases in the number of Nestin+/BrdU+ and SOX2+/BrdU+ (proliferating) and DCX+/BrdU+ and NeuN+/BrdU+ (differentiating) NSCs. This was consistent with a similar decline in BDNF+/TrkB+ NSCs. However, all these NSC marker positive cells were observed to be recovered to their control levels, with a concordant restoration of total cell numbers in the DG of the CDRI‐08‐treated MoHE rats. The findings suggest that the restoration of hippocampal AN by CDRI‐08 is consistent with the recovery of BDNF–TrkB‐expressing NSCs in the MoHE rat model of neurodegeneration.
Infilling of high‐dimensional rainfall networks through multiple imputation by chained equations
Authors: O'Sullivan Brian , Kelly Gabrielle
Published: May 2024

Accurate precipitation records are an essential component when monitoring the climate and studying its changes. However, analysis is typically limited by the large quantities of missing values present. This article proposes two new imputation techniques for incomplete monthly data collected from a rainfall monitoring network in the Republic of Ireland from 1981 to 2010. The data considered is high‐dimensional due to the large number of over 1100 rain gauge stations present, and the methods presented are designed to handle such cases. These are Elastic‐Net Chained Equations (ENCE) and Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations with Direct use of Regularized Regression by elastic‐net (MICE DURR). Both methods predict missing data by a series of regularized regression models, where MICE DURR differs from ENCE by also using multiple imputation. Through various evaluations across different levels of missingness, ENCE and MICE DURR consistently outperformed existing imputation methods in terms of RMSE and . Moreover, they have provided the best results both seasonally and for accurately predicting extreme values. An RMSE of 14.16 and 14.17 mm per month were reported for ENCE and MICE DURR, respectively, when stations that were at least 50% complete during the study period were included. For increasingly sparser data, the imputation accuracy achieved from MICE DURR surpasses ENCE, demonstrating the efficacy of multiple imputation when handling a substantial amount of missing data. Validation metrics indicate that these methods compare very favourably to existing methods in the literature, such as those that use random forests or multiple linear regression.
Anisotropic stress observation of 4H‐SiC trench metal‐oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistor test structures by scanning near‐field optical Raman microscope
Authors: Yoshikawa Masanobu , Murakami Masataka , Ushida Tomoyuki , Samejima Junichiro , Mitsuzawa Kana , Matoba Nobuhiro , Lim Minwho , Rusch Oleg , Rommel Mathias
Published: May 2024

We prepared two types of trench‐test metal‐oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) structures on m‐ and a‐faces in 4H silicon carbide (4H‐SiC) and investigated the anisotropic stress distribution of small trenches with a depth of 1 μm using a scanning near‐field optical Raman microscope (SNOM) that we developed. The stress distributions of σ11 (a‐axis) under the bottom of the trench for m‐face were approximately 100 MPa larger than those for a‐face, and the stress distributions of σ33 (c‐axis) under the bottom of the trench for m‐face were almost the same as those for a‐face. The experimental result agrees well with that calculated by the finite element method (FEM). These results indicate that the anisotropic stress distributions of σ11 components around the apex of the trenches of 4H‐SiC trench‐test MOSFET occur in m‐ and a‐faces. Thus, it is possible that the differences in mobilities for m‐ and a‐faces might be caused by the anisotropic stresses.
Resonance Raman studies on phonon softening, phonon lifetime, Fano resonance, and multipeak analysis of MoS2 nanoflakes
Authors: Balagopalan Susmitha , Karthikeyan Balasubramanian
Published: May 2024

In this study, the resonance Raman spectra of hydrothermally produced 2H‐MoS2 nanoflakes excited by a 633‐nm laser were examined. Spectral observations include both fundamental MoS2 modes and additional Raman lines, which arise from alterations in the energy states of the semiconductor owing to the incidence of laser radiation. Phonon softening and alterations in the phonon lifetime were computed for different laser powers. The Fano resonance, which causes asymmetry in the Raman spectral lines, was analyzed at different laser powers. The Fano line‐shape function is used to fit the asymmetry in the in‐plane vibrational mode whereas multi‐peak fitting using the Fano‐Lorentzian function is used to fit the out‐of‐the‐plane fundamental mode, which is coupled with “b” mode. A direct study of the electron–phonon interaction was carried out with the “b” mode. The shift in laser wavenumber was then investigated using the 2LA(M) modes observed in the resonance Raman spectra. These findings provide new optoelectronic device designers with an understanding of the intricate electron–phonon interactions in transition metal dichalcogenides.
Time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy study of rapid compressed silicon and its potential as a Raman pressure scale in a dynamic diamond anvil cell
Authors: Chen XiaoHui , Zhang Yi , Liu Lei , Ye Shijia , Li Shourui , Jing Qiumin , Gao Junjie , Wang Hao , Lin Chuanlong , Li Jun
Published: May 2024

The nature of the nonequilibrium states of materials upon rapid compression/decompression processes in the intermediate regime, between static and shock compression, is an emerging field of high pressure research. Rapid compression experiments were performed to examine the structural response of silicon (Si) up to 11 GPa and over compression rates ranging from 0.011 to 0.325 GPa/s, using a piezo‐driven dynamic diamond anvil cell (dDAC) coupled with time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy. The observed structural stability and the remarkable consistency in the pressure‐dependent Raman shift of the diamond cubic Si (Si‐I) showed its high potential as a Raman pressure scale for compression rate below 0.325 GPa/s. The validity of the derived Si scale was verified by in situ continuously monitoring pressure of two rapid compressed samples, that is, gypsum and ZnO. Results indicated that pressures determined using Si were in good agreement with those estimated from the ruby scale. Success in pressure calibration with Si, during time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy measurements of material under rapid compression using a dDAC, will greatly simplify the required hardware system in home‐laboratory and may also help in reaching a higher signal‐to‐noise in Raman measurement on a short time scale.
Expanding the horizons: Raman probe development and spectra preprocessing evaluation for recognition of large hydroxyapatite‐based samples
Authors: Pessanha Sofia , Otel Iulian , Vassilenko Valentina , Silveira João M. , Ribeiro Paulo
Published: May 2024

This paper addresses the challenge posed by the size of certain objects that do not conform to the constraints of microscope‐coupled Raman spectrometers, making sample collection impossible due to their inherent value or nature. Specifically, materials like hydroxyapatite‐based substances used in artistic and ornamental carvings, such as bone or ivory, fall within this problematic category. The focus of this study is the enhancement of analytical capabilities in the context of large objects using a Raman microscope system. The study details the innovation involving a remote probe integrated with fiber optics, elaborating on the design and performance aspects, and emphasizing the appropriateness of chosen components in the analysis of ivory artifacts belonging to private collectors. In order to assess the robustness of our discriminative approaches, an archaeological bone and the exposed dentine in a human tooth were also evaluated and compared. Results showed that using an 805‐nm longpass dichroic mirror successfully directed the near‐infrared laser onto the samples and significantly suppressed the Rayleigh scattering contribution to the spectrum. Regarding the preprocessing methods to spectra evaluation essayed, the most promising approach was the use of principal component analysis for dimension reduction followed by k‐means cluster analysis. By leveraging the complementary strengths of PCA and k‐means clustering, the robustness and interpretability of clustering analyses are enhanced.
Effects of water and exogenous glucose on apple seedling growth and soil enzyme activity in semiarid area
Authors: Yang Pingguo , Liu Jian , Shi Xiaorong , Long Huaiyu , Li Lei
Published: May 2024

Background

Soil water and organic carbon (C) are key factors affecting the growth and development of apple seedlings. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of different soil moisture and glucose supplies on apple seedling growth and soil enzyme activities. We hypothesized that the growth of apple seedlings was affected by soil water and C content through their effects on root structure, plant physiological properties and soil enzymatic activities. A pot experiment consisting of nine treatments was set up, including three water treatments with soil moisture contents at 75–85% (normal irrigation, CK), 65–75% (light water stress, LS), and 55–65% (mild water stress, MS) of the soil field capacity, in combination with three glucose treatments with carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 7.5 (C1, no adding glucose), 10 (C2) and 15 (C3), respectively.

Results

Results showed that the LSC2 treatment significantly increased plant height by 7%, stem diameter by 5% and leaf area by 17%, as compared with LSC1. Also, LSC2 significantly increased root dry weight, root vitality and soil enzyme activities. Moreover, results of leaf photosynthetic, malondialdehyde (MDA), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and proline contents also proved that adding glucose improved the drought resistance of plants.

Conclusion

LSC2 treatment is more conducive to the growth of apple seedlings, and application of carbon has a good alleviation effect on plant water stress. The study demonstrated that addition of exogenous glucose alleviated light water deficiency, significantly affected root vitality, and promoted apple seedling growth. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Why clinical trials in disc regeneration strive to achieve completion: Insights from publication status and funding sources
Authors: Ambrosio Luca , Petrucci Giorgia , Russo Fabrizio , Cicione Claudia , Papalia Rocco , Vadalà Gianluca , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: May 2024

Background

Chronic discogenic low back pain (LBP) poses a significant global burden, yet effective therapeutic interventions directly targeting the underlying degenerative process remain elusive. After demonstrating promising results in preclinical studies, intradiscal injection of cell‐based treatments has been increasingly investigated in the clinical setting. However, most clinical trials failed to reach publication, with the few available reports showing only minor improvements. The aim of this study was to analyze the prospective clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov investigating cell therapies for LBP, with a specific emphasis on identifying critical obstacles hindering study completion, including trial design and funding sources.

Methods

A systematic search of prospective clinical trials investigating cell‐based treatments for chronic LBP due to intervertebral disc degeneration was performed on ClinicalTrials.gov. Extracted data encompassed study design, recruitment, experimental treatment modalities, investigated outcomes, current status, completion date, publication status, and funding sources. Fisher's exact test assessed associations between categorical variables, while a multiple logistic regression model aimed to identify factors potentially linked to the publication status of the studies.

Results

Our search identified 26 clinical trials. Among these, only 7 (26.9%) were published, and none of the other studies marked as completed reported any results on ClinicalTrials.gov. Fifty percent of included trials were funded by universities, whereas the rest was sponsored by industry (38.5%) or private institutions (11.5%). Experimental treatments primarily involved cell‐based or cell‐derived products of varying sources and concentrations. Products containing carriers, such as hyaluronic acid or fibrin, were more frequently funded by industry and private organizations (p = 0.0112). No significant differences emerged when comparing published and nonpublished studies based on funding, as well as between publication status and other variables.

Conclusion

Most clinical trials exploring cell‐based disc regenerative therapies for chronic LBP have never reached completion, with only a small fraction reporting preliminary data in publications.
The stock characters in the editorial boards of journals run by predatory publishers
Authors: Downes Mike
Published: May 2024

This study sets out to detail the deceptive practice of including stock characters in the editorial boards of journals run by predatory publishers. Stock characters are defined by the author as those that currently (2023) appear 20 or more times on these editorial boards. Predatory publishers are in turn defined by the author as open access publishers in violation of three or more out of eight egregiously ‘fatal’ criteria such as identity theft and token (or no) peer review. Stock characters (and stolen academic names and affiliations in general) are included in editorial boards to give them an unwarranted appearance of quality and excellence. Ninety‐six of these stock characters were identified, with their numbers of board memberships ranging from 20 to 503 in the current year (2023). Some were cases of total identity theft, some partial identity theft, and some willing compliance. Academics in the latter category could also have records of publications with the predatory publishers in question. Universities typically warn staff and postgraduate students about the dangers of engaging with predatory publishers, but they can be unresponsive or otherwise negative when alerted to instances of such engagements involving their staff.
Integrated Ultra‐Wideband Dynamic Microwave Frequency Identification System in Lithium Niobate on Insulator
Authors: Wang LiHeng , Han Zhen , Zheng Yong , Zhang Pu , Jiang YongHeng , Xiao HuiFu , Wang BinJie , Low Mei Xian , Dubey Aditya , Nguyen Thach Giang , Boes Andreas , Ren Guanghui , Li Ming , Mitchell Arnan , Tian Yonghui
Published: May 2024

The capability to identify the frequency of unknown microwave signals with an ultra‐wide measurement bandwidth is highly desirable in radar astronomy, satellite communication, and 6G networks. Compared to electronic solutions, the integrated photonic technology‐enabled dynamic instantaneous frequency measurement (DIFM) approach is attractive as it offers unique advantages, such as ultra‐wide frequency measurement bandwidth, high flexibility, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. However, so far the bandwidth of the reported DIFM systems based on integrated photonic technology is limited to below 30 GHz due to the finite bandwidth of electro‐optical modulators (EOMs), limiting their applications, particularly in the field of millimeter wave technology (30–300 GHz). Here, the first integrated dynamic microwave instantaneous frequency measurement system with a record‐breaking operation bandwidth (ranging from 5 to 65 GHz) and low root‐mean‐square (RMS) error (≈300 MHz) is presented on the lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) integrated photonic platform. This demonstration paves the way for high‐performance millimeter wave photonic integrated devices using the LNOI platform.
Synthesis of Aldehyde‐Functionalized Fluorescent Micelles by Self‐Assembly of a Hybrid Polymer Constructed by Hyperbranched Conjugated Polymer Core with Aldehyde End groups and Polyethylene Glycol Shell
Authors: Tan Qinglan , Liang Hui
Published: May 2024

Water‐dispersible fluorescent nano‐/microspheres have been widely used as fluorescent probes in many fields. In this paper, aldehyde‐functionalized fluorescent micelles are synthesized by self‐assembly of end‐modified hyperbranched poly(m‐phenyleneethynylene‐alter‐p‐phenyleneethynylene)(hb‐PMPE). First, hb‐PMPE with ‐Br end‐groups(hb‐PMPE‐Br) is obtained by the polymerization of AB2 monomer PhBr2–C≡C–Ph–C≡CH, then the reaction of hb‐PMPE‐Br with 4‐ethynylbenzaldehyde (EBA) gives end aldehyde‐functionalized hyperbranched polymer hb‐PMPE‐CHO. Hence, hb‐PMPE‐CHO is reacted with aminooxy methoxypolyethylene glycol‐2000 (NH2O‐MPEG2000) to link poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains to the ends of hb‐PMPE‐CHO with partial residual aldehyde end‐groups, resulting in aldehyde‐functionalized amphiphilic polymer hb‐PMPE‐PEG. Fluorescent micelles with aldehyde‐containing fluorescent hb‐PMPE core and PEG shell are obtained by self‐assembling hb‐PMPE‐PEG in water. The micelle diameter is determined by the PEG content in hb‐PMPE‐PEG, which can be controlled by the reaction weight ratio of NH2O‐MPEG2000/hb‐PMPE‐CHO. When the ratio of NH2O‐MPEG2000/hb‐PMPE‐CHO > 0.75/1, micelles with a diameter < 50 nm are obtained. The water dispersion of hb‐PMPE‐PEG‐1/2 micelles (28.9 nm) emits bright green fluorescence with λmax ≈ 490 nm under UV irradiation, and the emission intensity increases with increasing concentration.
Gut Epithelial Barrier Function is Impacted by Hyperglycemia and Secondary Bile Acids in Vitro: Possible Rescuing Effects of Specific Pectins
Authors: Tang Xin , Chen Xiaochen , Ferrari Michela , Walvoort Marthe T. C. , de Vos Paul
Published: May 2024

Gut epithelial barrier disruption is commonly observed in Western diseases like diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Enhanced epithelial permeability triggers inflammatory responses and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Reduced bacterial diversity in IBD affects gut microbiota metabolism, altering microbial products such as secondary bile acids (BAs), which potentially play a role in gut barrier regulation and immunity. Dietary fibers such as pectin may substitute effects of these BAs.

The study examines transepithelial electrical resistance of gut epithelial T84 cells and the gene expression of tight junctions after exposure to (un)sulfated secondary BAs. This is compared to the impact of the dietary fiber pectin with different degrees of methylation (DM) and blockiness (DB), with disruption induced by calcium ionophore A23187 under both normal and hyperglycemic conditions.

Unsulfated lithocholic acid (LCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA) show a stronger rescuing effect, particularly evident under 20 mM glucose levels. DM19 with high DB (HB) and DM43HB pectin exhibit rescuing effects under both glucose conditions. Notably, DM19HB and DM43HB display higher rescue effects under 20 mM glucose compared to 5 mM glucose. The study demonstrates that specific pectins such as DM19HB and DM43HB may serve as alternatives for preventing barrier disruption in the case of disturbed DCA metabolism.
Living with non‐cardiac chest pain – An inductive qualitative interview study of spouses' perspectives
Authors: Eriksson‐Liebon Magda , Kärner Köhler Anita , Johansson Peter , Mourad Ghassan
Published: May 2024

Aim

To explore spouses’ experiences of living with a partner suffering from non‐cardiac chest pain (NCPP).

Design

An inductive qualitative study.

Methods

Individual interviews (n = 10) were performed with spouses of partners having NCCP and cardiac anxiety. The analysis was performed according to Patton's guide for content analysis of qualitative data.

Results

Three categories and seven subcategories were identified. First, ‘a feeling of being neglected’, where spouses felt ignored by healthcare professionals and excluded by their partners. Secondly, ‘a tension between hope and despair’ encompassed feelings of faith, support, unpreparedness for chest pain and situational frustration. Lastly, in ‘a threat to ordinary life’, spouses noted chest pain‐induced changes impacting daily life, finances, leisure and relationships. To conclude, NCCP in partners significantly affects their spouses emotionally and practically. Spouses felt neglected and isolated, oscillating between hope and despair and experiencing faith, powerlessness and frustration. They also faced challenges in daily life and relationships.
Infantile pyknocytosis, a neonatal hemolytic anemia with Heinz bodies: A cohort study
Authors: Drouilly Marie , Jourdan Laurélia , Gérard Delphine , Russello Jennifer , Bobée Victor , Audouy Alexia , Phulpin Aurélie , Perrin Julien
Published: May 2024

Infantile pyknocytosis (IP) is a rare, probably misestimated, cause of non‐immune neonatal hemolytic anemia evolving in two phases: an initial phase with severe jaundice, followed by a second phase with hemolytic anemia, which may require neonatal intensive care. The diagnosis of IP is based on the transient presence on blood smear of hyperdense, contracted, and/or spiculated red blood cells (pyknocytes), associated with the spontaneous resolution of clinico‐biological features and the exclusion of other causes. If the etiology remains undetermined, some contributing factors, such as oxidative stress, have been proposed. We report the description of 16 patients with IP aiming at clarifying the circumstances associated with the development of this acquired disorder. In the acute phase, the mean hemoglobin nadir and pyknocyte count were 7.8 g/dL and 11%, respectively, and strikingly, Heinz bodies were evident in 50% of the newborns, but in 100% after prolonged incubation (4 hours). A high proportion of Mediterranean or African ancestry was noted in newborns, as well as a significant number of peripartum events, such as respiratory distress. If the etiology of IP is certainly multifactorial, our series reinforces the role of oxidative stress, which may, at least in part, find origin in desaturation episodes in newborns.
Tribological synergy of copper‐based metal–organic frameworks, carbon fibers and SiO2 in modifying the friction and wear properties of epoxy composites
Authors: Zhang Zhancheng , Pei Xianqiang , Yu Zihui , Wang Yan , Lin Leyu , Wang Qihua , Wang Tingmei
Published: May 2024

Copper‐based metal–organic frameworks is anticipated to find applications in the field of friction materials owing to its plentiful surface‐active groups and distinctive framework structure. In this study, copper‐based metal–organic frameworks was synthesized through ultrasound‐assisted method and incorporated alone into carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites or together with SiO2 nanoparticles towards the goal of improving the composites' friction and wear properties. It is revealed that copper‐based metal–organic frameworks alone cannot improve the friction and wear of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites simultaneously. The combination of copper‐based metal–organic frameworks and SiO2 nanoparticles was more effective in enhancing both the mechanical and tribological properties of studied composites. The composite material exhibits a friction coefficient of 0.104 under the specified test conditions of 10 MPa and 3.75 m/s. Additionally, the specific wear rate is impressively low, measuring only 5.64 × 10−7 mm3 N/m. Through morphological and chemical analysis on the worn surfaces and transfer films, the functioning mechanism of copper‐based metal–organic frameworks in modifying the mechanical and tribological properties was discussed. It was discovered that a tribological synergy exists between short carbon fibers, copper‐based metal–organic frameworks, and SiO2 fillers, leading to a shift in the wear mechanism of the composite materials from abrasive wear to adhesive wear. Concurrently, a shear‐prone transfer film forms on the surface of the counter steel surfaces. Findings of the present study pave a new route of designing high performance epoxy based tribo‐composites by using metal–organic frameworks.

Highlights

Cu‐BDC nanosheets were synthesized using ultrasound‐assisted techniques and incorporated as tribological fillers in EP composites.

The combined use of Cu‐BDC, SiO2, and SCF fillers synergistically enhances the mechanical and tribological properties of EP composites.

The composite material exhibits a friction coefficient of 0.104 under the specified test conditions of 10 MPa and 3.75 m/s, the specific wear rate is impressively low, measuring only 5.64 × 10−7 mm3N/m.

During the sliding friction process of the composite materials, Cu‐BDC and SiO2 play a crucial role in reducing SCF pull‐out wear through their anchoring effect.

The dynamic coordination bond structure of Cu‐BDC contributes to the formation of uniform and continuous transfer films on counter metal surfaces.
Spectral entropy as a measure of the metaproteome complexity
Authors: Duan Haonan , Ning Zhibin , Zhang Ailing , Figeys Daniel
Published: May 2024

The diversity and complexity of the microbiome's genomic landscape are not always mirrored in its proteomic profile. Despite the anticipated proteomic diversity, observed complexities of microbiome samples are often lower than expected. Two main factors contribute to this discrepancy: limitations in mass spectrometry's detection sensitivity and bioinformatics challenges in metaproteomics identification. This study introduces a novel approach to evaluating sample complexity directly at the full mass spectrum (MS1) level rather than relying on peptide identifications. When analyzing under identical mass spectrometry conditions, microbiome samples displayed significantly higher complexity, as evidenced by the spectral entropy and peptide candidate entropy, compared to single‐species samples. The research provides solid evidence for the complexity of microbiome in proteomics indicating the optimization potential of the bioinformatics workflow.
Ultra‐Small Au Nanoclusters with Tailored Photoluminescence Properties using Modified Thiol Ligands: A Computational and Experimental Demonstration
Authors: Chahande Anurag M. , Maibam Ashakiran , Krishnamurty Sailaja , Devi R. Nandini
Published: May 2024

Au nanoclusters with tailored photoluminescence can be obtained through controlled nanoparticle ligand interface chemistry. The present work reports molecular gold nanoclusters with tuneable photoluminescence emission from 600 to 700 nm using N,N′,N″‐trialkyl (11‐mercaptoundecyl)ammonium chloride ligands as capping‐agents. The tunability within red spectral region is regulated through specific interface chemistry between gold nanoclusters of molecular range and functional groups of the quaternary ammonium head over N,N′,N″‐trialkyl(11‐mercaptoundecyl)ammonium chloride. Combined understanding obtained from the spectroscopy, microscopy, and density functional theory studies demonstrate that the functional group specific electronic interactions at the interfaces steer the emission characteristics of “molecular” Au nanoparticles. The study clearly identifies that bulkier functional groups, i.e., triethyl, tripropyl, tributyl, and dimethyl benzene over N+ (of thiol ligand) through their steric effects minimize the particle size giving rise to tunable photoluminescence emission in red spectral region. However, the red shift seen in the emission Au nanoclusters with N‐(11‐mercaptoundecyl)‐N,N′‐dimethylbenzenammonium chloride ligand in contradiction to particle size effect is computationally proved to be due to the delocalization of electron density from benzene aromatic ring to N+ of ammonium head leading to a reduction in the HOMO‐LUMO energy gap.
Silencing of lncRNA UCA1 Reverses Doxorubicin Resistance of Breast Cancer Through Inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Suicmez Menderes , Namalir Gamze , Konus Metin , Ozdil Hilal
Published: May 2024

The role of silencing of long non coding RNA UCA1 gene in the development of resistance to doxorubicin in breast cancer was employed. We initially induced resistance to doxorubicin in MCF‐7 cells, reaching a level of 0.64 μM. Next, we employed the cytotoxicity test to assess the progression of doxorubicin resistance in both sensitive cells (MCF‐7/S) and the resistant cells (MCF‐7/Dox). IC50 values of MCF‐7/S and MCF‐7/Dox were determined as 1.65 μM and 128.5 μM, respectively. Then, UCA1 siRNA was transfected to MCF‐7/Dox and MCF‐7/S cells by lipofectamine method. After that, the expression levels of AKT1, PTEN, AKT2 and mTOR genes, which are involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, were analyzed by qPCR. Finally, it was determined that the mRNA level of the UCA1 gene suppressed by siRNA was significantly decreased in MCF‐7/S and MCF‐7/Dox cells, except PTEN, compared to the control groups. These results emphasized that silencing of lncRNA UCA1 gene negatively regulates cell growth, differentiation and proliferation.
Iron, Tungsten Dual‐Doped Nickel Sulfide as Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Sangni , Yuan Ding , Sun Sihan , Huang Shuhan , Wu Yuheng , Zhang Lei , Dou Shi Xue , Liu Hua Kun , Dou Yuhai , Xu Jiantie
Published: May 2024

Developing low‐cost and highly efficient bifunctional catalysts for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a challenging problem in electrochemical overall water splitting. Here, iron, tungsten dual‐doped nickel sulfide catalyst (Fe/W‐Ni3S2) is synthesized on the nickel foam, and it exhibits excellent OER and HER performance. As a result, the water electrolyze based on Fe/W‐Ni3S2 bifunctional catalyst illustrates 10 mA cm−2 at 1.69 V (without iR‐compensation) and highly durable overall water splitting over 100 h tested under 500 mA cm−2. Experimental results and DFT calculations indicate that the synergistic interaction between Fe doping and Ni vacancy induced by W leaching during the in situ oxidation process can maximize exposed OER active sites on the reconstructed NiOOH species for accelerating OER kinetics, while the Fe/W dual‐doping optimizes the electronic structure of Fe/W‐Ni3S2 and the binding strength of intermediates for boosting HER. This study unlocks the different promoting mechanisms of incorporating Fe and W for boosting the OER and HER activity of Ni3S2 for water splitting, which provides significant guidance for designing high‐performance bifunctional catalysts for overall water splitting.
Supramolecular Complexation Reinforced Polymer Frustrated Packing: Controllable Dual Porosity for Improved Permselectivity of Coordination Nanocage Mixed Matrix Membranes
Authors: Liu Yuan , Xue Binghui , Chen Jiadong , Lai Yuyan , Cai Linkun , Yin Panchao
Published: May 2024

The developments of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are severely hindered by the complex inter‐phase interaction and the resulting poor utilization of inorganics’ microporosity. Herein, a dual porosity framework is constructed in MMMs to enhance the accessibility of inorganics’ microporosity to external gas molecules for the effective application of microporosity for gas separation. Nanocomposite organogels are first prepared from the supramolecular complexation of rigid polymers and 2 nm microporous coordination nanocages (CNCs). The network structures can be maintained with microporous features after solvent removal originated from the rigid nature of polymers, and the strong coordination and hydrogen bond between the two components. Moreover, the strong supramolecular attraction reinforces the frustrated packing of the rigid polymers on CNC surface, leading to polymer networks’ extrinsic pores and the interconnection of CNCs’ micro‐cavities for the fast gas transportation. The gas permeabilities of the MMMs are 869 times for H2 and 1099 times for CO2 higher than those of pure polymers. The open metal sites from nanocage also contribute to the enhanced gas selectivity and the overall performance surpasses 2008 H2/CO2 Robeson upper bound. The supramolecular complexation reinforced packing frustration strategy offers a simple and practical solution to achieve improved gas permselectivity in MMMs.
One‐Step Molten‐Salt‐Assisted Approach for Direct Preparation and Regeneration of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 Cathode
Authors: Wang Runting , Li Qin , Wang Fengmei , Ding Jibo , An Baihong , Ruan Jiafeng , Sun Dalin , Fang Fang , Wang Fei
Published: May 2024

Single‐crystal lithium–nickel–manganese–cobalt‐oxide (SC‐NMC) is attracting increasing attention due to its excellent structural stability. However, its practical production faces challenges associated with complex precursor preparation processes and severe lithium–nickel cation mixing at high temperatures, which restricts its widespread application. Here, a molten‐salt‐assisted method is proposed using low‐melting‐point carbonates. This method obviates the necessity for precursor processes and simplified the synthetic procedure for SC‐NMC down to a single isothermal sintering step. Multiple characterizations indicate that the acquired SC‐LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (SC‐622) exhibits favorable structural capability against intra‐granular fracture and suppressive Li+/Ni2+ cation mixing. Consequently, the SC‐622 exhibits superior electrochemical performance with a high initial specific capacity (174 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, 3.0–4.3 V) and excellent capacity retention (87.5% after 300 cycles at 1C). Moreover, this molten‐salt‐assisted method exhibits its effectiveness in directly regenerating SC‐622 from spent NMC materials. The recovered material delivered a capacity of 125.4 mAh g−1 and retained 99.4% of the initial capacity after 250 cycles at 1 C. This work highlights the importance of understanding the process‐structure‐property relationships and can broadly guide the synthesis of other SC Ni‐rich cathode materials.
Electrochemically Dealloying Engineering toward Integrated Monolithic Electrodes with Superior Electrochemical Li‐Storage Properties
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Li Ziheng , Chong Boyang , Kang Jianli , Zhang Sheng , Chen Mingming , Wang Chengyang , Ji Kemeng
Published: May 2024

Integrated monolithic electrodes (IMEs) free of inactive components demonstrate great potential in boosting energy‐power densities and cycling life of lithium‐ion batteries. However, their practical applications are significantly limited by low active substance loading (< 4.0 mg cm−2 and 1.0 g cm−3), complicated manufacturing process, and high fabrication cost. Herein, employing industrial Cu‐Mn alloy foil as a precursor, a simple neutral salt solution‐mediated electrochemical dealloying strategy is proposed to address such problems. The resultant Cu‐Mn IMEs achieve not only a significantly larger active material loading due to the in situ generated Cu2O and MnOx (ca. 16.0 mg cm−2 and 1.78 g cm−3), simultaneously fast transport of ions and electrons due to the well‐formed nanoporous structure and built‐in Cu current collector, but also high structural stability due to the interconnected ligaments and suitable free space to relieve the volume expansion upon lithiation. As a result, they demonstrate remarkable performances including large specific capacities (> 5.7 mAh cm−2), remarkable pseudocapacitive effect despite the battery‐type constitutes, long cycling life, and good working condition in a lithium‐ion full cell. This study sheds new light on the further development of IMEs, enriches the existing dealloying techniques, and builds a bridge between the two.