bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coinciding Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema Grading With Rat Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Enhanced Capsule Generation Adversarial Network
Authors: Ramshankar N. , Murugesan S. , K. V. Praveen , Prathap P. M. Joe
Published: November 2024

In the worldwide working‐age population, visual disability and blindness are common conditions caused by diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Nowadays, due to diabetes, many people are affected by eye‐related issues. Among these, DR and DME are the two foremost eye diseases, the severity of which may lead to some eye‐related problems and blindness. Early detection of DR and DME is essential to preventing vision loss. Therefore, an enhanced capsule generation adversarial network (ECGAN) optimized with the rat swarm optimization (RSO) approach is proposed in this article to coincide with DR and DME grading (DR‐DME‐ECGAN‐RSO‐ISBI 2018 IDRiD). The input images are obtained from the ISBI 2018 unbalanced DR grading data set. Then, the input fundus images are preprocessed using the Savitzky–Golay (SG) filter filtering technique, which reduces noise from the input image. The preprocessed image is fed to the discrete shearlet transform (DST) for feature extraction. The extracting features of DR‐DME are given to the ECGAN‐RSO algorithm to categorize the grading of DR and DME disorders. The proposed approach is implemented in Python and achieves better accuracy by 7.94%, 36.66%, and 4.88% compared to the existing models, such as the combined DR with DME grading for the cross‐disease attention network (DR‐DME‐CANet‐ISBI 2018 IDRiD), category attention block for unbalanced grading of DR (DR‐DME‐HDLCNN‐MGMO‐ISBI 2018 IDRiD), combined DR‐DME classification with a deep learning‐convolutional neural network‐based modified gray‐wolf optimizer with variable weights (DR‐DME‐ANN‐ISBI 2018 IDRiD).
Predictors of long‐term success after high‐density mapping‐guided substrate ablation procedures for ventricular tachycardia in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Balt J. C. , Abeln B. G. S. , van Dijk V. F. , Wijffels M. C. E. F. , Liebregts M. , Boersma L. V. A.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

High‐density (HD) substrate mapping may increase success of catheter ablation targeting ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, despite its use, recurrent VT is not uncommon. We aim to investigate factors that are associated with outcomes after HD mapping‐guided substrate ablation procedures for VT in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Observational cohort study includes patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent HD mapping‐guided substrate ablation of VT. Baseline and procedural characteristics were associated with outcomes after VT ablation.

Results

VT ablation employing HD mapping was performed in 80 patients. Median follow‐up was 2.3 years. VT‐free survival at one, two, and five years were 65%, 49%, and 40%. One‐, two‐, and five‐year implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock‐free survival rates were 90%, 81%, and 70%. Complications occurred in 3 patients (3.8%, 1 vascular, 2 tamponades). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and 45 W (vs. 35 W) ablation power were associated with VT‐free survival. High ablation power was also associated with shock‐free survival. All‐cause mortality during follow‐up was associated with higher age, the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), LVEF, and urgent ablation.

Conclusions

In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy that had HD substrate mapping‐guided VT ablation, ablation power was associated with both VT‐free and shock‐free survival, underlining the importance of effective target elimination. All‐cause mortality during follow‐up was associated with several factors (age, COPD, LVEF, and urgent vs. elective ablation), which could be used to guide patient selection for VT ablation.
Incidence, diagnostics, therapeutic management and outcomes of paediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction in the Netherlands: A 20‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Demirok Aysenur , Nagelkerke Sjoerd C. J. , Veldt Malou , Gorter Ramon , de Jong Justin R. , Damen Gerard M. , de Koning Barbara A. E. , Meijer Caroline , van Rheenen Patrick F. , Wolters Victorien M. , Benninga Marc A. , Tabbers Merit M.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To describe incidence, clinical course, diagnostic and therapeutic management and long‐term follow‐up of paediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (PIPO) in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2020.

Methods

Multicenter, national, retrospective, observational study including patients aged <18 years diagnosed with PIPO and treated between 2000 and 2020 in Dutch academic medical centres. Outcomes included demographics, incidence, symptoms, diagnostic‐ and treatment methods used during follow‐up, number of hospital admissions and mortality.

Results

Between 2000 and 2020, 43 children (median age 120 months, range 13–301, 54% female) were diagnosed with PIPO in the Netherlands. Mean incidence was 0.008/100,000/years (range 0/100 000–0.029/100 000). Twenty‐six patients developed PIPO in the neonatal period. Initial symptoms were vomiting (n = 21/35, 60%) and abdominal distension (n = 14/35, 40%). Diagnostic strategies included imaging, manometry, histopathology, metabolic‐ and genetic screening, endoscopy and exploratory surgery. Treatment was divided in nutritional support, pharmacotherapy, colonic irrigation and surgical interventions, of which nutrition and surgery were the cornerstones for care. During the observed study period, the median number of hospital admissions was 22.5 (range 1–176) with a median of 157.5 days (range 3–840) during 20‐year follow‐up. Two patients (6%) died: one from sepsis and one due to a severe underlying neurological disease. Heterogeneity in diagnostic‐ en treatment methods existed between patients.

Conclusions

PIPO is a rare, long‐lasting complex disease requiring a high number of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and hospital admissions. However, mortality rate is relatively low. Based on our results, we recommend centralization and standardization of care for this complex rare disease.
Scoping the barriers to influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations from the perspectives of patients with cancer: is there a role for the pharmacist?
Authors: Johnstone Kristoffer , Smithson John , Cooper Joyce , Glass Beverley
Published: November 2024

Background

Routine immunisation for influenza and pneumococcal disease has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer.

Aim

This scoping review aims to determine barriers to influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations from the perspective of patients with cancer and to discuss the potential role of the pharmacist in impacting these barriers.

Design

A systematic search of seven databases, including MEDLINE (Ovid), Cochrane Library, Informit (health), PubMed, and CINAHL (complete), from database inception to 6 June 2023 was conducted. Search terms included: 'cancer', 'vaccination', 'influenza', 'pneumococcal', and 'barrier'. Articles published in English that describe barriers to receiving vaccinations from the perspectives of patients with cancers were included. Barriers were thematically analysed.

Results

Twenty‐five articles met the inclusion criteria. Barriers identified in the literature were analysed into three key themes: healthcare professionals, patients, and healthcare system barriers. A key healthcare professional barrier was lack of recommendations from the treating oncologist or haematologist. Patient barriers included lack of information about the indication for vaccination as part of patients' cancer treatment and fear of side effects. Access to vaccination services was reported as a healthcare system barrier.

Conclusion

This scoping review highlights the significant barriers to influenza and pneumococcal vaccination according to patients with cancer. Healthcare professionals, patients, and health systems were identified as key barriers. Enablers to improve vaccination rates include patient education, increased healthcare professional vaccine recommendations, and improved access. Although pharmacists have a potential role to play in addressing these barriers, the feasibility and impact of their involvement requires further research.
Modular shadowgraph imaging for zooplankton ecological studies in diverse field and mesocosm settings
Authors: Greer Adam T. , Duffy Patrick I. , Walles Tim J. W. , Cousin Charles , Treible Laura M. , Aaron Kyle D. , Nejstgaard Jens C.
Published: November 2024

Various iterations of shadowgraph imaging have been used to quantify zooplankton in situ with high spatial resolution. Because these systems can image relatively large volumes of water, they are especially useful for resolving less common meso‐ or macrozooplankton taxa (< 50 ind. m−3), such as larval fishes and gelatinous animals. However, larger volume imagers are typically integrated with heavy towed vehicles and deployed from research vessels, which introduces high costs and limits sampling approaches. Here we demonstrate that versatile configurations of shadowgraph imaging, including modular benchtop, handheld, and towed, compact vehicle systems (along with customizable software), allow for tailoring sampling to a variety of marine and freshwater settings (including mesocosms). These systems encompass a suite of possible architectures, designed for adapting the imaging depth of field, acquisition rates, sensor configuration, and deployment method to fit a wide range of sampling protocols, with high vertical resolution (~ 5 cm) and adequate taxonomic capabilities for > 0.5 mm organisms. The benchtop system facilitates an interactive approach to observe and quantify zooplankton behaviors and optical properties. Video footage from the benchtop system generates thousands of regions of interest min−1 for target organisms with variable orientations and swimming postures. When used in conjunction with in situ imaging, the benchtop system can build large machine learning training libraries targeted toward rare or morphologically diverse zooplankton, which often includes the larval stages of economically valuable taxa. These modular hardware and software components increase affordability and versatility while broadening the scope of scientific questions addressed by plankton imaging systems.
“I” Value the Future, but “We” Value the Past: The Impact of Self‐Construal on Nostalgia Versus Forestalgia Narrative Ads
Authors: Wu Mei , Shou Zhigang , Su Sarena Jiang , Liu Xiaotian
Published: November 2024

Marketers often use narrative ads as a powerful tool to shape consumer attitudes. These ads deliver key messages through storytelling, but what makes a story effective in the eyes of the consumer remains largely unexplored. Using a Facebook field study and a series of four experimental studies, we examined the interaction between the narrative's temporal type (nostalgia vs. forestalgia) and the characters' self‐construal (interdependent vs. independent) on consumer attitudes. Drawing on regulatory focus theory and regulatory fit theory, we found that consumers prefer forestalgia (vs. nostalgia) narrative ads when paired with an independent (vs. interdependent) character. In addition, this effect was mediated by narrative transportation, which enhanced consumers' attitudes toward the ad. These findings advance our understanding of effective narrative advertising and offer practical insights for marketers by highlighting the importance of aligning the narrative temporal type with the character's self‐construal to create more impactful ads.
Focused Ultrasound Pallidothalamic Tractotomy in Cervical Dystonia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Horisawa Shiro , Saito Ryo , Qian Bohui , Hori Hiroki , Kim Kilsoo , Murakami Masato , Kakegawa Toru , Abe Keiichi , Fukui Atsushi , Kohara Kotaro , Iijima Mutsumi , Kawamata Takakazu , Taira Takaomi
Published: November 2024

Background

No clinical trials have been reported on the use of focused ultrasound (FUS) for treating cervical dystonia.

Objective

We aimed to confirm the efficacy and safety of FUS pallidothalamic tractotomy for cervical dystonia.

Methods

This was a prospective, open‐label, non‐controlled pilot study. The primary outcome was defined as a change in the score for the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) from baseline to 6 months after FUS pallidothalamic tractotomy. The secondary outcomes included a change in the neck scale for the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS), mood scales including Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Apathy Evaluating Scale (AES), and adverse events. Patients were assessed for TWSTRS, BFMDRS, and adverse events at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. BDI, BAI, and AES were assessed at baseline and 6 months after treatment.

Results

Ten patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age of onset of dystonia was 51.6 ± 10.2 years. The TWSTRS at 6 months (29.9 ± 16.0, range: 3–55) was significantly improved by 43.4% (P < 0.001) from baseline. The BFMDRS‐Neck scales at 6 months (4.2 ± 2.8) were significantly improved by 38.2% (P < 0.001) from baseline. The BDI, BAI, and AES at 6 months were improved by 23.2%, 10.9%, and 30.3%, respectively from baseline. Reduced hand dexterity in three patients and weight gain in two patients were confirmed at the last evaluation.

Conclusion

This study suggests that FUS pallidothalamic tractotomy may be an effective treatment option for patients with cervical dystonia. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Risk of Incident Parkinson's Disease: A 13‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Vazirian Fatemeh , Tian Jing , Jane Alty  , Aitken Dawn , Callisaya Michele L. , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme , Pan Feng
Published: November 2024

Background

Chronic musculoskeletal pain often co‐occurs with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, whether individuals with chronic pain have a higher risk of developing PD is unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the associations between chronic pain and incident risk of three neurodegenerative parkinsonism categories including PD, multiple system atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Methods

This study included 355,890 participants (mean [standard deviation] age, 56.51 [8.07] years, 48.40% male) who did not have parkinsonism at baseline from a population‐based cohort. Musculoskeletal pain in the hip, neck/shoulder, back, knee, or “all over the body” was assessed. Chronic pain was defined if pain lasted ≥3 months. Participants were categorized into four groups: no chronic pain, having one or two, three or four sites, and pain “all over the body.” The diagnosis of PD, MSA, and PSP used self‐reports, hospital records, and death registries. Multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression was performed for the analyses.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 13.0 years, 2044 participants developed PD, 77 participants developed MSA, and 126 participants developed PSP. In multivariable analyses, there was a dose–response relationship between number of chronic pain sites and incident risk of PD (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.23). Participants with one or two pain sites and three or four pain sites had an 11% and 49% increased risk of developing PD, respectively. There were no associations between chronic pain and MSA or PSP.

Conclusions

Chronic musculoskeletal pain was independently associated with PD, suggesting that chronic pain could be used to identify individuals at risk of developing PD. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Citizen science promotes knowledge, skills and collective action to monitor and protect freshwater streams
Authors: von Gönner Julia , Masson Torsten , Köhler Sabrina , Fritsche Immo , Bonn Aletta
Published: November 2024

Citizen science has great potential to foster ecological knowledge, skills and collective action for biodiversity conservation. To date, however, there are few experimental studies of behaviour change outcomes induced by citizen science.

We assessed the effects of citizen science in ecological stream monitoring on participants' individual and collective behaviour and action intentions to protect streams beyond the immediate scope of the citizen science project. For this we applied a three‐wave, quasi‐experimental survey design with a citizen science treatment group (N = 213 participants of the project FLOW in Germany) and two control groups (waiting control group: N = 92, panel control group: N = 250). In addition, we analysed citizen science effects on potential predictors of freshwater conservation behaviour, such as knowledge, skills, awareness of stream stressors and group identification.

Results of linear mixed‐model analysis showed that, compared to the control groups, citizen scientists significantly increased their objective stream‐related knowledge, their self‐reported stream monitoring skills and their awareness of stream stressors. These changes remained stable 6 weeks after the citizen science intervention.

Notably, citizen scientists also reported increased identification with their citizen science project group and higher levels of collective and personal behaviour to protect streams at posttest (e.g. contacting local politicians with ideas for stream protection or using biodegradable detergents). Analysis revealed that increases in group identification and collective stream protection behaviour were significantly correlated.

We could show that the citizen science intervention was particularly effective for participants with high intrinsic motivation and for those with low prior knowledge and experience in stream monitoring.

Synthesis and applications. Citizen science can serve as a useful tool to promote ecological understanding, awareness and collective action to conserve freshwater streams. By fostering volunteer skills and community building, citizen science projects can empower participants with different levels of experience to engage in freshwater monitoring and protection. Decision makers should actively support approaches for citizen participation in freshwater monitoring, recognising that collective engagement of diverse community members is needed to finally meet the European Water Framework Directive's goal of restoring the good ecological status of freshwater ecosystems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The benefits of prophylactic defibrotide: Are the tides turning?
Authors: Rahim Mahvish Q. , Rahrig April L. , Dinora Devin , Harrison Jessica , Green Ryanne , Carter Allie , Skiles Jodi
Published: November 2024

Background

Veno‐occlusive disease (VOD) is a life‐threatening endotheliopathy that can occur after stem cell transplant (SCT). Numerous risk factors contribute to the development of VOD during SCT, and the role of prophylactic defibrotide (DF) in mitigating these risks remains unclear.

Objective

We compare not only the incidence of VOD development, but also the severity of VOD and survival outcomes between patients who did and did not develop VOD and did or did not receive prophylactic DF.

Study design

In this single‐center retrospective study of 58 pediatric SCT patients from 2008 to 2022, we compare the demographics, risk profiles, and outcomes within three cohorts: Group 1: prophylactic DF and no VOD (n = 5), Group 2: prophylactic DF and development of VOD (n = 6), and Group 3: treatment DF for patients who developed VOD (n = 47).

Results

Patients with VOD who did not receive prophylactic DF had higher severity classification of disease at onset (very severe 80.9% vs. 66.7%, p = .592) and at maximum severity (very severe 89.4% vs. 83.3%, p = .532), as opposed to mild, moderate, or severe categorization compared to those who did not receive prophylactic DF. Patients who developed VOD and did not receive prophylactic DF had a lower 1‐year survival probability compared to those who received prophylactic DF and still developed VOD (51.1% vs. 75% alive at 1 year, excluding the two subjects without adequate follow‐up time, p = .266).

Conclusion

Although, not statistically significant in our small retrospective study, there is potential overall survival and decreased VOD severity benefits of prophylactic DF.
An organic‐soluble bismaleimide‐grafted aminated para‐polyamide for the molecular reinforcement of bismaleimide/diallyl bisphenol A resin and its carbon fiber composites
Authors: Liu Yue , Yu Boshi , Zhang Yiwei , Jin Yewei , Peng Mao
Published: November 2024

Poly(p‐phenylene terephthamide) (PPTA) is an aromatic para‐polyamide with a rigid rod‐like main chain and superior intrinsic mechanical properties but is insoluble in all organic solvents. It has been demonstrated that introducing amino groups to the phenyl rings on the PPTA main chain yields organic‐soluble aminated para‐polyamide known as poly(p‐aminophenylene aminoterephthalamide) ((NH2)2‐PPTA). In this study, an organic‐soluble bismaleimide (BMI)‐grafted (NH2)2‐PPTA (BMI‐g‐(NH2)2‐PPTA) was synthesized by reacting the amino groups of (NH2)2‐PPTA with the double bonds of BMI via Michael addition reaction. BMI‐g‐(NH2)2‐PPTA was then employed as a new macromolecular reinforcing agent that significantly enhances the mechanical properties of BMI/2,2′‐diallyl bisphenol A (BD) resin. With the addition of merely 0.5 wt% of BMI‐g‐(NH2)2‐PPTA, the strength and toughness of both BD resin and BD/carbon fiber (CF) composite laminates are significantly improved without decreasing the heat resistance of the matrix. The uniform dispersion of BMI‐g‐(NH2)2‐PPTA in BD resin and its strong interaction with the matrix result in a more significant enhancement in the mechanical properties compared to directly incorporating (NH2)2‐PPTA into the matrix, providing a new and efficient method for enhancing the mechanical properties of BD resin and its CF composites.

Highlights

A novel BMI‐grafted aminated para‐polyamide, BMI‐g‐(NH2)2‐PPTA, is synthesized.

BMI‐g‐(NH2)2‐PPTA is organic‐soluble and can disperse uniformly in BD resin.

BMI‐g‐(NH2)2‐PPTA at 0.5 wt% enhances the strength of BD resin by 50.8%.

BMI‐g‐(NH2)2‐PPTA is more efficient than (NH2)2‐PPTA in strengthening BD resin.

Mechanical properties of BD/CF laminates are also enhanced by BMI‐g‐(NH2)2‐PPTA.
Characteristics of bio‐sandwich composites with montmorillonite nanoclay under quasi‐static punch loading
Authors: Sharma Ankush P. , Velmurugan R. , Shukla S. , Bhandari T. , Guha M. , Mukherjee S.
Published: November 2024

The bio‐sandwich composites are lightweight, economical, recyclable, and easily obtainable. Sandwich panels comprising glass fiber/epoxy face sheets and hemp fiber/epoxy core with varying fiber orientations, thickness, and montmorillonite nanoclay are prepared by stirring the epoxy/clay mixture to have uniform dispersion followed by compression molding. The sandwich and monolithic composites are loaded under quasi‐static punch shear. The sandwich panel with 3 wt.% nanoclay shows optimum quasi‐static tensile modulus and strength than the neat panel. Energy absorption, and specific energy absorption of sandwich panels G0/H(0)5/G0‐0%, G0/H(0)10/G0‐0%, G0/H(0)15/G0‐0% are 2%, 76%, 111%, and 28%, 132%, 183% higher than same weight glass/epoxy composites G(0)5‐0%, G(0)8‐0%, G(0)10‐0%. Energy absorption and specific energy absorption of panels G0/H(0)3/G0‐3%, G0/H(0)7/G0‐3%, G0/H(0)9/G0‐3% are similar, 25%, 24%, and 18%, 55%, 57% higher than same thickness composites G(0)5‐0%, G(0)8‐0%, G(0)10‐0%. The energy absorption of sandwich panel G0/90/H(0)15/G90/0‐0% is 49% lower than same weight composite G0/90/(0)9/90/0‐0%. Similar behavior is observed for panels with ±45° face sheets, 0° core, and 0°/90° face sheets, ±45° core compared to composites. Therefore, sandwich panels with 0° face sheets and core outperform composites and can replace them in structural applications in automotive. Particularly, panels show greater improvement over same‐weight composites than same‐thickness ones. Energy absorption of sandwich panels having 0° and ±45° cores is comparable while it is higher than a panel with 0°/90° core, each of 0°/90° face sheets. This is observed for monolithic composites as well.

Highlights

The quasi‐static indentation response of bio‐sandwich composites is examined.

Bio‐sandwich composites outperform synthetic composites, each of the same weight.

Bio‐sandwich panels with 3 wt. % nanoclay perform better than the same thickness synthetic composites.

The behavior of sandwich and monolithic composites varies with fiber orientations.
Bead‐to‐Bead Analysis: Introducing an Innovative Methodology for Accelerated Quantitative Analysis of the Welding Behavior of Bead Foams
Authors: Dippold Marcel , Himsel Alexander , Kuhnigk Justus , Chairopoulou Makrina , Drexler Maximilian , Ruckdäschel Holger
Published: November 2024

Performant lightweight components made of bead foams are essential for a sustainable transformation of industry in multiple areas. An in‐depth understanding of the welding process is key in reaching maximum mechanical properties. This study presents the novel methodology of Bead‐to‐Bead analysis, providing a superior way in directly and quantitatively evaluating the welding behavior of bead foams compared with current approaches. Individual beads of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (ETPU) are welded in a rheometer at defined parameters. A subsequent tensile test in combination with the analysis of the welded surface allows the evaluation of shrinkage/softening of the beads during welding and their tensile strength. For EPS, softening of the amorphous material is observed at the beginning of glass transition (~95°C) in addition to an increased welding quality. Residual stresses in ETPU lead to initial shrinkage followed by softening above 140°C. Welding of ETPU starts at 100°C and reaches a maximum at 140°C. The subsequent thermal analysis of the welded beads show the importance of recrystallization processes during cooling due to the formation of new crystalline domains across the bead interfaces. In the absence of such domains, sufficient bonding between beads is not possible.
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Existential Distress Scale for Palliative Care Cancer Patients
Authors: Chen Ying , Chen Guojuan , Zheng Jianwei , Xiao Huimin
Published: November 2024

Objective

Existential distress is a common phenomenon in palliative care cancer patients. Developing a reliable and easy‐to‐use assessment scale for existential distress of palliative care cancer patients is crucial. The aim of this study was to develop a measurement of existential distress for palliative care cancer patients and test its properties.

Methods

The guidelines for developing a scale proposed by DeVellis were followed. Palliative care cancer patients were invited to test the draft scale. Two‐hundred and nineteen valid questionnaires were included for the item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Three‐hundred and two valid questionnaires were included for confirmatory factor, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and internal consistency reliability analyses. Twenty repeated data were measured for test–retest reliability analysis.

Results

The Existential Distress Scale for Palliative Care Cancer Patients was developed with nine items and three dimensions, including meaninglessness, alienation, and death anxiety. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the developed scale had a stable factor structure. The Cronbach's α for the whole scale was 0.81, and that for each dimension was 0.76, 0.67, and 0.70, respectively. The test–retest reliability of the scale was 0.79, and that of each dimension was 0.58–0.64.

Conclusions

The Existential Distress Scale for Palliative Care Cancer Patients is a simple but reliable and valid tool.
Evaluating Electronic Properties of Self‐Assembled Indium Phosphide Nanomaterials as High‐Efficient Solar Cell
Authors: Zhao Run‐Ning , Jin Hua , Lin Fan , Han Ju‐Guang
Published: November 2024

Geometries and electronic properties associated with relative stabilities and energy gaps of porous (InP)12n (n = 1–12) nanoclusters (NCs) (nanowires and nanosheets) are systemically studied by density functional method. The relative stabilities of (InP)12n NCs through the calculated fragmentation energies and cluster‐binding energies are determined and discussed. Interestingly, the calculated energy gaps of (InP)12n nanowires and nanosheets are localized at regions of visible light energy ranges. (InP)12n are relatively wide‐band semiconductor solar energy nanomaterial. The calculated density of states reveals large‐sized porous (InP)12n nanosheets and nanowires with narrow pore size distribution and slight thickness and a large surface area manifest ultrahigh specific capacitance of trapping solar light energies and high light‐to‐electricity conversion efficiencies in solar energy absorption or conversion or photovoltaicsm. Particularly, (InP)12n NCs maintain their elemental properties of individual (InP)12 clusters in the energy gaps of (InP)12n (n > 4). NCs are almost independent of variable sizes. Specifically, the size‐dependent charge transfers of In atoms in (InP)12n NCs exhibit that ionic and covalent bonding exist in (InP)12n NCs and can stabilize (InP)12n NCs. Comparison with experiment results available is made.
Distribution of phosphorus forms in soil amended with poultry litter of different ages and application rates: Agronomic and environmental perspectives
Authors: Chakraborty Debolina , Prasad Rishi , Feng Hanxiao , Watts Dexter B. , Torbert H. Allen
Published: November 2024

Poultry litter (PL) can be used as a viable alternative to phosphate fertilizers. However, there is a lack of information about phosphorus (P) distribution in inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) forms and its transformation in soils amended with PL of varying age (based on litter clean‐out frequency) and application rate. This study aimed to determine the effect of PL age and application rate on soil P forms and their bioavailability. Soils were amended with 5 and 10 Mg ha−1 PL using 6‐, 18‐, and 30‐month‐old litter and incubated for 6 months. Soil P fractionation was performed following the Hedley protocol. Soil P availability and soil P storage capacity (SPSC) were determined using Mehlich 3 (M3) extraction. Results indicated that P transformation from labile to stable P forms occurred over 150‐day incubation. Litter age had no significant effect on the distribution of soil P forms. However, the highly reactive Pi (HRPi) form was higher for treatments with 10 Mg ha−1 PL on Day 0, indicating a risk for P loss, which was also revealed by negative SPSC for those treatments. At Day 0, M3‐P was positively correlated to HRPi. However, from Day 30 to 150, M3‐P was strongly correlated to both HRPi and moderately reactive Pi (MRPi) forms, indicating MRPi contribution to soil P availability. The negative relationship between HRPi and SPSC further confirms that high HRPi on Day 0 may be an environmental concern.
Modeling Student Negotiation of Assessment‐Related Epistemological Messages in a College Science Course
Authors: Schwarz Cara E. , DeGlopper Kimberly S. , Greco Nicole C. , Russ Rosemary S. , Stowe Ryan L.
Published: November 2024

To prepare students to use science knowledge in their later personal or professional lives, we must attend to what they believe it means to know and learn science (i.e., epistemology). Unfortunately, we have little understanding of how students' epistemologies shift and are stabilized as they navigate their science courses. Researchers have made intuitive arguments that many microscale epistemological messages sum over time to give rise to macro‐scale understandings of knowing and learning, but we have no theoretical model for how this sum unfolds. Here, we begin to build such a theoretical model. To do so, we focus on assessments and related materials in a college chemistry course as potentially consequential sources of messages about valued knowledge products and processes. We then elicited students' evolving understandings of assessment‐related epistemological messages in several one‐on‐one interviews conducted throughout the semester. Analysis of how three students experienced, negotiated, and responded to assessment‐related messages showed that interactions with the course system stabilized a consistent, well‐resolved picture of the ways of knowing and learning that counted in the focal course. Specifically, good knowledge must have specific authority‐mandated features and knowledge is justified primarily via alignment with an instructor‐authored key. Students found utility in different (reliable) processes for achieving the aim of authorized knowledge, and some of these differences were maintained throughout the semester. Implications for modeling students' experience with course‐embedded epistemological messages over time and how this work might inform practice are discussed.
A Retrospective Single-Institute Study Reveals a Vertical Gradient of the Density of Cutaneous Melanoma from Head to Toe
Authors: Musicante Meryl , Ferrer James , Lin Jianjian , Patel Tejesh Surendr , Liu-Smith Feng
Published: November 2024

Background

The bodily distribution of melanoma is frequently reported without consideration of the skin surface area, which could be misleading in melanoma risk regarding anatomical sites.

Objectives

To gain insights into the melanoma distribution on the body surface when the body surface area is considered.

Methods

Cutaneous melanoma data were extracted from a single dermatopathology laboratory, and the relative density from each body site was calculated by taking into consideration the skin surface area. Data from a previous publication were analyzed as a validation. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program data were also used for comparison.

Results

Relative tumour density (RTD) of melanoma in men and women exhibits a moderate head-to-toe linear gradient, with the upper body sites showing higher density than the lower body sites in general. In particular, the ear and face show the highest RTD while the least UVR (ultraviolet radiation)-exposed buttock, abdomen and groin have the lowest, followed by the thigh and lower legs. The trend is similar in both sexes, but more obvious for men.

Conclusions

It was well documented that the trunk and lower legs are the most frequently diagnosed sites for men and women, respectively. However, when the surface area is considered, the melanoma distribution exhibits a rough head-to-toe gradient, which perhaps reflects a combined effect of solar UVR and clothing coverage. UVR protection on the face and ear should be emphasized as these are the sites with the highest RTDs.
On–Off Switching of Singlet Self‐Trapped Exciton Emission Endows Antimony‐Doped Indium Halides with Excitation‐Wavelength‐Dependent Luminescence
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Zhao Hongyuan , Wen Ziying , Bai Yunfei , Meng Qichao , Sun Haibo , Ding Xihong , Jiang Junke , Huang Dan , Yu William W. , Liu Feng
Published: November 2024

Excitation‐wavelength‐dependent (Ex‐De) emitters are a fascinating category of luminescent materials whose emission properties vary with the wavelength of the light used for excitation. Antimony (Sb3+)‐doped indium (In)‐based metal halides are efficient light emitters; however, the peak fluorescence emission of most Sb3+‐activated In‐halide remains independent of the excitation wavelength. Here, the study introduces a new Sb3+‐doped In‐halide cluster, (BDPA)2InCl5:Sb (BDPA+ = C15H18N+, benzyldimethylphenylammonium), which demonstrates efficient Ex‐De emission originating from the on–off switchable fluorescence behavior of singlet self‐trapped exciton (STE) in 5‐coordinate Sb3+ dopant. Interestingly, when excited within the range of 240–370 nm, photoluminescence (PL) spectra of (BDPA)2InCl5:Sb show both singlet and triplet STE emission. However, under excitation wavelengths of 370 to 420 nm, the singlet STE emission is absent, resulting in a noticeable correlated color temperature change from 1700 to 3800 K. The study provides a new approach to designing color‐tunable Sb3+‐based luminophores, and also presents a novel application scenario for the widely recognized Sb3+ doping strategy.
Mo Doping Induced Ni Surface Enrichment of Porous Spherical Core–Shell Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Liu Zhipeng , Xue Jinling , Fan Yibin , Li Yinshi
Published: November 2024

Rational design of efficient and non‐noble metal bifunctional catalysts for alkaline overall water splitting (OWS) electrochemical reactions is of top priority in the development of hydrogen‐based energy. Constructing catalysts with unique structures to optimize the intrinsic activity is a promising strategy. In this work, a newly developed Ni3Co3Mo100‐BTC‐15h catalyst consisting of Ni nanoparticles enriched on the surface along with a core‐shell porous structure is prepared via a hydrothermal process. Due to the unique composition and Ni‐enriched core–shell structure, the Ni3Co3Mo100‐BTC‐15h catalyst exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic properties for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. Under the dual tuning and intermetallic phase, the Ni3Co3Mo100‐BTC‐15h catalyst deliver a lower overpotential of 151 mV and ≈ 136 mV exceeding commercial catalysts for OER and HER. When the Ni3Co3Mo100‐BTC‐15h is used as bifunctional catalyst for OWS in a two‐electrode alkaline electrolyzer, a cell voltage of 1.62 V is required to drive 10 mA·cm−2 comparable to that of commercial Pt/C and RuO2 catalysts. This work proposes a potential strategy for optimizing the electrocatalytic performance of non‐noble metal catalysts for OWS.
Metal‐Coordinated, Dual‐Crosslinked PIM Polymer Membranes for Upgraded CO2 Separation: Aging and Plasticization Resistance
Authors: Hossain Iqubal , Kim Kwan Il , Husna Asmaul , Kang Jun Hyeok , Kim Tae‐Hyun , Park Ho Bum
Published: November 2024

The practical use of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) in CO2 separation is often hindered by their moderate selectivity, performance instability over time, and pressure constraints. To address these limitations, a straightforward approach is presented to enhance the CO2 separation capability of PIM‐1 by incorporating metal ions into uniformly hydrolyzed PIM‐1 (cPIM). This dual linking strategy, achieved via ionic and coordination bonding of metal ions with the polymeric side chains including ─COOH and ─CONH2, restructures the polymer, disrupting hydrogen bonds between cPIM chains and creating active sites for CO2 via π‐complexation. This modification enhances gas permeability while maintaining high selectivity. The optimized zinc‐coordinated membrane achieves an impressive CO2 permeability of ≈2,500 Barrer with CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities of 27.1 and 23, respectively, outperforming pristine cPIM (700 Barrer; CO2/N2 = 27; CO2/CH4 = 19). Notably, this performance surpasses the 2008 Robeson upper‐bound limits for both gas pairs. Additionally, the metal‐coordinated membranes exhibit remarkable long‐term stability, resisting aging effects for up to 20 days and maintaining anti‐plasticization properties at pressures up to 20 bar. These dual‐crosslinked membranes demonstrate promising potential for mixed gas separation, indicating their suitability for real‐world industrial applications.
Interface‐Engineered MoSe2‐Co9S8 Nanoheterostructures with Enhanced Charge Storage Performance for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Singh Sahil , Muhommad Javed , Hassan Md. Samim , Lamba Raman Singh , Jha Varsha , Yadav Priyesh , Deka Sasanka , Sapra Sameer
Published: November 2024

Cobalt‐based chalcogenides have emerged as fascinating materials for supercapacitor applications owing to the presence of various mixed valance oxidation states in their structure along with rich electrochemical properties. However, their limited stability and cyclic performance hinder their viability for practical use in supercapacitors. Herein, a facile hot injection colloidal route is demonstrated to design MoSe2‐Co9S8 nanoheterostructures (NHSs), which entails the epitaxial growth of Co9S8 nanoparticles (NPs) over the basal planes of ultrathin MoSe2 nanosheets (NSs). The interfacial engineering of the basal planes of MoSe2 NSs with Co9S8 NPs regulates the electronic properties and defects at the interfaces and increases the overall specific surface area and conductivity. As a result, MoSe2‐Co9S8 NHSs electrode unveils a substantially higher specific capacitance of 910.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1current density surpassing their individual counterparts. In addition, it demonstrates worthy solidity, retaining ≈90% of its capacitance and coulombic efficiency of 93.3% after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles at a high charge–discharge current density of 15 A g−1. As a proof‐of‐concept, coin cells are fabricated using MoSe2‐Co9S8 NHSs which show 93% Coulomb efficiency and 86% capacitance retention. This study would pave the way for designing transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) – derived NHSs with superior capacitive properties.
A Dual Effect Additive Modified Electrolyte Strategy to Improve the Electrochemical Performance of Zinc‐Based Prussian Blue Analogs Energy Storage Device
Authors: Xiong Qing , Xiong Chuanyin , Zhou Qiusheng , Shen Mengxia , Song Jiangnan , Zhao Mengjie , Zhang Yongkang , An Meng , Ni Yonghao
Published: November 2024

Prussian blue analogs (PBA) exhibit excellent potential for energy storage due to their unique three‐dimensional open framework and abundant redox active sites. However, the dissolution of transition metal ions in water can compromise the structural integrity of PBAs, leading to significant issues such as low cycle life and capacity decay. To address these challenges, we proposed a dual‐effect additive‐modified electrolyte method to alleviate such issues, introducing sodium ferrocyanide (Na4Fe(CN)6) into aqueous alkaline electrolytes. It could not only capture Zn2+ dissolved on the surface of Na1.86Zn1.46[Fe(CN)6]0.87 (ZnHCF) electrode material during the cycling process but also conduct redox reactions on the electrode surface to provide additional capacitance. Through experiments and molecular simulation calculations, it showed that Na4Fe(CN)6 can restrict the movement of Zn dissolution into the electrolyte on the electrode surface. Based on this, an asymmetric supercapacitor based on ZnHCF//activated carbon was assembled with a modified electrolyte. The assembled supercapacitor displayed a specific capacitance of 1,329.65 mF cm−2, a power density of 2,900 mW cm−2, and an energy density of 388.28 mW h cm−2. This study provides a new idea for the design and construction of stable and efficient PBA energy storage materials by inhibiting the leaching of transition metals in PBA.
Advancements in Engineering Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids for Biomedical Innovations
Authors: Fan Qin , Sun Bicheng , Chao Jie
Published: November 2024

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) are renowned for their controllable self‐assembly, exceptional programmability, and excellent biocompatibility, which have led to their widespread application in the biomedical field. Beyond these features, tFNAs demonstrate unique chemical and biological properties including high cellular uptake efficiency, structural bio‐stability, and tissue permeability, which are derived from their distinctive 3D structure. To date, an extensive range of tFNA‐based nanostructures are intelligently designed and developed for various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, gene therapy, biosensing, and tissue engineering, among other emerging fields. In addition to their role in drug delivery systems, tFNAs also possess intrinsic properties that render them highly effective as therapeutic agents in the treatment of complex diseases, including arthritis, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. This dual functionality significantly enhances the utility of tFNAs in biomedical research, presenting valuable opportunities for the development of next‐generation medical technologies across diverse therapeutic and diagnostic platforms. Consequently, this review comprehensively introduces the latest advancements of tFNAs in the biomedical field, with a focus on their benefits and applications as drug delivery nanoplatforms, and their inherent capabilities as therapeutic agents. Furthermore, the current limitations, challenges, and future perspectives of tFNAs are explored.
Guinea Grass Seed Starch Nanoparticles and Their Modification: Characterization and Applications in Pickering Emulsions
Authors: Bist Yograj , Sharanagat Vijay Singh , Saxena Dharmesh Chandra
Published: November 2024

Guinea grass seed starch nanoparticles (GSNPs) Were prepared via nanoprecipitation and dual‐modified with 3% octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 kV cm⁻¹). Native and modified GSNPs Were assessed for cytotoxicity (Caco‐2 cells), in vitro digestibility, and their ability to stabilize Pickering emulsions. The cytotoxicity results showed no significant impact on cell viability or metabolic activity across all concentrations and modifications. The digestibility profile revealed that native GSNPs Were more digestible (62.61%) compared to modified samples (53.49%). The logarithmic slope analysis indicated that the digestion profiles of all samples followed a linear trend (r² 〉 0.86), characterized by first‐order kinetics. Pickering emulsions containing 0.25–2% GSNPs exhibited good stability, with higher concentrations (1–2%) ensuring 100% emulsified phase coverage and excellent storage stability. Droplet sizes ranged from 171.32 to 536.41 nm, and zeta potentials from −28.68 to −9.87 mV over two months. Microscopy confirmed that all emulsion droplets Were spherical, with smaller droplet sizes observed. The emulsions displayed shear‐thinning flow behavior, where apparent viscosity decreased with increasing shear rate, and increased with modification. These findings suggest that GSNPs have significant potential for use in forming stable Pickering emulsions.
Using visual requirements modeling to design human‐centric manufacturing systems for novel products – A comprehensive predictive case study
Authors: Hane Hagström Malin , Bergsjö Dag
Published: November 2024

Efficient production systems are necessary for the realization of products that fulfil customer needs and delivery requirements. However, the process of designing the production system has received little academic attention and today's manufacturing system design processes and architecture are still based on traditional engineering methods. This study covers a case study using visual requirements modeling for the design of a production system for a new product. A comprehensive prescriptive study was designed combined with attempts to verify the methods used. A total of six workshops, development of models to define requirements to select concepts, and two validation studies are documented. A total of 166 persons participated, and up to 15 persons participated in the validation workshops. The analysis shows that the method addressed several of the gaps identified in literature: (1) the lack of systematic and effective systems engineering design methods in production system design, and (2) the lack of inclusion of human aspects in the production system design. The gaps in the effectiveness of the methods remain to be fully evaluated, as the project is still running and will not be concluded until 2025. Recommendations for future work include exploring further the management mechanisms of systems engineering, which type of competences does the future engineer need and how production system design engineers can learn more from other disciplines.