bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Expansion of Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Perottoni Cláudio A. , Zorzi Janete E.
Published: September 2024

A heuristic model is proposed for the dependence with temperature of the linear coefficients of thermal expansion (TEC) of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) parallel to the crystallographic a and c axes, namely and . The model proposed for the linear TECs of hBN is consistent with physical constraints at the low‐ and high‐temperature limits. The model's free parameters are determined by a multi‐objective fitting to literature data on lattice parameters and linear TECs versus temperature, as determined experimentally by X‐ray diffraction and interferometric techniques. For hBN, is negative up to 1290(170) K (more than twice the corresponding temperature for graphite), with a minimum of around 230 K. According to the calculations and literature data, the linear TEC should remain negative at least up to 9 GPa. Furthermore, the linear coefficient of thermal expansion should decrease with pressure as  = .
A Concise Review on Microwave Assisted Synthetic Approches of Sulfonamides
Authors: Meena Lakshman R. , Soni Jigar Y. , Battula Satyanarayana
Published: September 2024

Sulfonamides have been played a critical role in the history of medicinal chemistry development for decades. In particular, sulfonamides display a broad spectrum in pharmaceutical drugs synthesis. This review presents a short discussion of the microwave‐assisted synthetic approaches, enhancement of sulfonamides moieties and their pharmacological applications are being discussed. During the past few decades, microwave‐assisted technology in organic synthesis has been highlighted to introducing ‐SO2NH functional group in the multi synthetic routes for the development of bioactive molecule and also assisted in the estimation of their credible mechanistic routes for the reactions.
Synthesis and Characterization of Air‐Stable Palladium(II) and Copper(I) Ph‐Garphos Complexes and their Applications to Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Lorraine Shannen C. , Green Kerry‐Ann , Abdur‐Rashid Kamaluddin , Lough Alan J. , Maragh Paul T.
Published: September 2024

Air‐stable palladium(II) and copper(I) complexes containing the 4,4′,6,6′‐tetramethoxybiphenyl‐2,2′‐diyl)bis(diphenylphosphine) ligands, (R)‐Ph‐Garphos ((R)‐L1) and ((S)‐Ph‐Garphos ((S)‐L1), were synthesized and characterized by 1H‐, 13C‐, and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The PdCl2((R)‐Ph‐Garphos) ((R)‐1) and PdCl2((S)‐Ph‐Garphos) ((S)‐1) complexes were assessed for the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling of aryl halides with phenylboronic acid under ambient conditions, or naphthyl substrates under reflux. X‐ray crystal structures of the copper complexes revealed that [Cu((R)‐Ph‐Garphos)I] ((R)‐2) crystallized as a three‐coordinate monomer in the orthorhombic space group P212121 whereas [Cu((S)‐Ph‐Garphos)I] ((S)‐2) crystallized as a tetrahedral (μ‐I) dimer in the same crystal system. The synthesis of the analogous [Cu((R)‐Ph‐Garphos)OAc] ((R)‐3) is also described. Complexes (R)‐2 and (R)‐3 were evaluated for the asymmetric hydrosilylation of ketones wherein enantioselectivities of up to 83 % ee were achieved.
The Role of Silanization of Barium Strontium Titanate Nanopowders on the Dielectric Constant and Thermal Stability of Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Chu Ngoc Chau , Phan Thi Tuyet Mai , Bui Duc Trung , Xuan Hoan Nguyen , Carriere Pascal
Published: September 2024

This paper reports polymer composites′ microstructure and dielectric properties based on an epoxy resin matrix containing different amounts (from 2–10 wt. %) of barium strontium titanate nanoparticles. (Ba,Sr)TiO3 was prepared using the hydrothermal method, showing an average particle size of 100 nm. The composites′ thermal properties and morphology were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Our studies show that the (Ba,Sr)TiO3 nanoparticles were well dispersed in the epoxy resin matrix thanks to controlled silane functionalization. Accordingly, the glass transition temperature (Tg) value of the nanocomposites was found to be 159.0 °C at 10 wt. % (Ba,Sr)TiO3 loading and is higher than the neat epoxy resin Tg (Tg=154.7 °C). Moreover, the dielectric composite properties were investigated comprehensively via a wide range of frequencies from 10 Hz to 100 kHz. The results indicate that (Ba,Sr)TiO3 nanopowders and the surface modifying filler play a crucial role in the significant increase of the dielectric constants, approximately 1.5 times at the optimum added amount (Ba,Sr)TiO3. The limited functionalization of (Ba,Sr)TiO3 nanoparticles by the silane affords to control the nanocomposite dielectric loss. Furthermore, the nanocomposites also exhibited good thermal stability.
Strong Laser Emission Modulation by Coherent Perfect Absorption Inside Complex‐Coupled Distributed Feedback Laser Diodes
Authors: Liang Yaoyao , Coudevylle Jean‐René , Benisty Henri , Ramdane Abderrahim , Lupu Anatole
Published: September 2024

The proof‐of‐concept of the exploitation of Coherent Perfect Absorption (CPA) in electrically‐injected distributed‐feedback laser sources is reported. Capitalizing on the essence of CPA as “light extinction by light”, an integrated laser‐modulator scheme emerges. The key ingredient compared to conventional single‐frequency laser diodes is a careful periodic in‐phase modulation of both real and imaginary parts of the complex grating index profile that enables both single‐frequency operation and 40 dB line purity at the Bragg frequency. It is shown that this combination is most apt for the operation of CPA as a modulation mechanism that respects the laser spectral purity. The specific proof‐of‐concept is based on an ultra‐short external cavity formed by a metallic micro‐mirror, whose role is to generate the second beam of more conventional CPA interferometric approaches. The implemented complex‐coupled grating is compatible with existing industrial technologies and promising for real‐life laser source applications. Furthermore, the concept can be directly transferred to other material platforms and other wavelengths ranging from terahertz to ultraviolet.
1D MXenes: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Mehdi Syed Muhammad Zain , Seo Yongho
Published: September 2024

The fascinating properties and versatile nature of 2D MXenes have generated significant interest in the scientific community. This has led to extensive research on expanding these materials into 1D and 0D forms. This review investigates the synthesis, properties, and applications of 1D MXenes, elucidating their potential across various fields. 1D MXenes, including nanowires, nanoribbons, nanorods, and nanotubes, inherit the remarkable properties of their 2D counterparts while also exhibiting unique anisotropic characteristics that enhance their performance in various applications. The review explores various methods for synthesizing 1D MXenes and examines their structural, electronic, and optical properties. The transition from 2D to 1D results in MXenes that offer superior properties, which are advantageous for various next‐generation systems. The increased aspect ratio and surface area of 1D MXenes broaden their usage in energy storage, photothermal therapy, oxygen evolution reactions (OER), hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), microwave absorption, filtration membranes, gas sensors, metal detection, etc. The review also addresses the challenges associated with 1D MXenes, such as limited synthesis methods, scalable production, size customization, preservation of structural integrity, and stability. Furthermore, potential opportunities and future directions in the field of 1D MXenes have also been proposed.
Multiple Topological Phases with Electronic Correlation in Intrinsic Ferromagnetic Semimetal VI3 Monolayer
Authors: Zhao Xiaosong , An Yukai
Published: September 2024

2D topological materials with magnetic ordering have become hot topics due to their nontrivial band topology and quantum states. In this work, the second‐order topological states and evolution of linear band crossing are successfully predicted utilizing the effective k· p and tight binding models in the intrinsic ferromagnetic VI3 monolayer under various effective Hubble interaction Ueff. Upon inclusion of spin orbit coupling, a small bandgap (Eg‐1) of 12.7 meV is opened with a Chern invariant C = −1 at Ueff = 0 eV. The Eg‐1 undergoes a transition from the non‐trivial state to trivial state at Ueff = 0.80 eV, accompanied by the appearance of Dirac cone. Remarkably, the increase of Ueff causes the band inversion and adjustment of crystal symmetry, resulting in two unreported coexisting topological bandgaps (Eg‐2 and Eg‐3). Furthermore, a gapless node‐loop appears at Ueff = 1.06 eV and disappears at Ueff = 1.09 eV around Γ point. Moreover, for the first time, the existence of second‐order topological states with quantized corner fractional charges (e/3) is also observed in the VI3 monolayer at Ueff ≥0.96 eV. These results make the VI3 monolayer a compelling candidate for exploring topological devices.
Mn─O Covalency as a Lever for Na⁺ Intercalation Kinetics: The Role of Oxygen Edge‐Sharing Co Octahedral Sites in MnO₂
Authors: Liu Yuanming , Fu Weijie , Yao Shuyun , Wang Shiyu , Ji Yingjie , Li Jingxian , Shi Lanlan , Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Feike , Yang Jinghua , Liu Ruilong , Xie Jiangzhou , Yang Zhiyu , Yan Yi‐Ming
Published: September 2024

The strategic enhancement of manganese–oxygen (Mn─O) covalency is a promising approach to improve the intercalation kinetics of sodium ions (Na⁺) in manganese dioxide (MnO2). In this study, an augmenting Mn─O covalency in MnO2 by strategically incorporating cobalt at oxygen edge‐sharing Co octahedral sites is focused on. Both experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal an increased electron polarization from oxygen to manganese, surpassing that directed toward cobalt, thereby facilitating enhanced electron transfer and strengthening covalency. The synthesized Co–MnO2 material exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance, demonstrating a superior specific capacitance of 388 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and maintaining 97.21% capacity retention after 12000 cycles. Additionally, an asymmetric supercapacitor constructed using Co–MnO2 achieved a high energy density of 35 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1000 W kg−1, underscoring the efficacy of this material in practical applications. This work highlights the critical role of transition metal–oxygen interactions in optimizing electrode materials and introduces a robust approach to enhance the functional properties of manganese oxides, thereby advancing high‐performance energy storage technologies.
Functionalized sp2 Carbon‐Conjugated Covalent Organic Frameworks for Interfacial Modulation of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Abuzeid Hesham R. , Tay Darrell Jun Jie , Febriansyah Benny , Kanwat Anil , Salim Teddy , Zhumekenov Ayan A. , Pullarkat Sumod A. , Mathews Nripan
Published: September 2024

Interfacial modulation utilizing functional materials is proven to be crucial for obtaining high photovoltaic performance in lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This study investigates, for the first time, the utilization of a pyrene‐based sp2 carbon‐conjugated covalent organic framework (sp2c‐COF) as an interfacial layer in inverted PSCs. Functionalized with cyano (–CN) Lewis base groups, the sp2c‐COF exhibits a dual effect, simultaneously passivating both the NiOx and the perovskite layers. Detailed characterization results highlight the role of sp2c‐COF in reducing the Ni3+ defect density in NiOx films and forming Lewis acid‐base adducts with undercoordinated Pb2+ on the perovskite surfaces, thereby inhibiting interfacial redox reactions and suppressing non‐radiative recombination. Moreover, sp2c‐COF leads to improved crystallinity of perovskite films. Benefiting from the synergistic effects, sp2c‐COF‐modified devices delivered a champion efficiency of 17.64%. These findings underscore the potential of sp2c‐COF as a functional interface material for PSCs, offering enhanced efficiency and stability. The study contributes to advancing the understanding and application of covalent organic frameworks in photovoltaic technologies.
Magnetic Anisotropy Dominates over Physical and Magnetic Structure in Performance of Magnetic Nanoflowers
Authors: Borchers Julie , Krycka Kathryn , Bosch‐Santos Brianna , de Lima Correa Eduardo , Sharma Anirudh , Carlton Hayden , Dang Yanliu , Donahue Michael , Grüttner Cordula , Ivkov Robert , Dennis Cindi L.
Published: September 2024

Magnetic nanoparticles are indispensable in many biomedical applications, but it remains unclear how the composition and structure will influence the application specific performance. We consider two compositions, ferrite and cobalt ferrite, synthesized under conditions that create aggregated multi‐core nanoparticles, called nanoflowers. Each nanoflower has an ionic surfactant or dextran to provide colloid stability in water. The composition, but not the coating, greatly impacts the heating output and the magnetic particle imaging tracer quality (with cobalt ferrite significantly reduced compared to ferrite). The cobalt ferrite nanoflowers have a core/shell structure with a reduced magnetization, which limits the effective magnetic anisotropy of the individual cobalt ferrite nanoflowers as well as the magnetic interactions among the nanoflowers. Both limitations significantly reduce the overall increase in the magnetic anisotropy with increasing magnetic field and consequently the nanoflowers’ efficacy for heating and imaging. Despite this, the formation of denser‐packed clusters and chains with external magnetic field in the ionic surfactant‐cobalt ferrite nanoflowers overcomes some of the shell's detrimental effects, resulting in better heating and imaging properties compared to the dextran‐cobalt ferrite. In short, the magnetic anisotropy dominates over physical and magnetic structure in the performance of the studied nanoflowers for heating and imaging applications.
Recommendation of consensus definition of sea turtle fibropapillomatosis
Authors: Saladin Claire , Freggi Daniela
Published: September 2024

Sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) is an emerging transboundary contagious disease that affected concomitantly two different marine hot spots in the Northern Atlantic Ocean and in the South China Sea at the beginning of the twentieth century. FP reached a panzootic status in the 1990s in green turtle (Chelonia mydas) populations, with increased risks of emergence and spread of the disease which have been correlated with climate induced terrestrial and oceanic physical and chemical changes. During 2023–2024, scientific experts performed a bibliographic review and recommend the consensus definition of sea turtle fibropapillomatosis. FP is an emerging transboundary viral terrestrial and aquatic contagious neoplastic syndrome involving cancerous molecular transmission pathways, which may affect all species of sea turtles at all life stages. The diagnosis of the most common verrucous form of FP is pathognomonic by visual examination of a sea turtle. We summarize the main clinical characteristics of FP, moderated by a degree of confidence of research findings adapted from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment reports. We recommend the implementation of a universal and transparent monitoring strategy of sea turtle fibropapillomatosis in sentinel bays, under the governance of the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Effects of Random Feeding Schedule on Pacing in Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persicus)
Authors: Fitskie Leonie , Kappelhof Jeroen , Cunha Filipe
Published: September 2024

For large felids in the wild, intervals between feeding events are irregular since these depend on prey availability and individual hunting success. In contrast, many zoos feed their large felids on fixed schedules. Predictable feeding schedules could induce food anticipatory behavior, like pacing, and randomizing feeding schedules may reduce this anticipatory behavior. Furthermore, random feeding schedules create more variability in the animals environment, which may reduce frustration or boredom. This case study aimed to investigate the effects of a random feeding schedule on pacing behavior of captive Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) in the Rotterdam Zoo, The Netherlands. Study animals were observed directly under two treatments: “fixed feeding” (i.e., two fixed feeding days per week) and “random feeding” (i.e., two semi‐randomly picked feeding days per week). Under the random feeding schedule, the mean pacing proportion of lions significantly decreased compared to the fixed feeding schedule. These findings suggest that a random feeding schedule could reduce pacing, either of anticipatory or stereotypic nature, in Asiatic lions. Random feeding schedules do pose a few logistic challenges, such as zookeeper schedules and transport or storage of feed. Nevertheless, random feeding could be a relatively inexpensive strategy to reduce pacing.
Konservative Therapie der Patellaerstluxation
Authors: Valle C. , Balcarek P.
Published: September 2024

Eine Patellaerstluxation ist eine häufige Verletzung im Bereich des Kniegelenks, insbesondere bei jungen, sportlich aktiven Personen. Diese Verletzung entsteht typischerweise durch ein plötzliches Verdrehungstrauma oder direkte Krafteinwirkung auf das Kniegelenk und ereignet sich meistens nach lateral. Neben dem Trauma gibt es unterschiedliche Risikofaktoren, wie z. B. eine Patella alta oder Trochleadysplasie, die die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Reluxation signifikant erhöhen. Diagnostisch ist neben der klinischen Untersuchung daher v. a. eine ausführlich Anamnese entscheidend, um Risikofaktoren abzuschätzen – unterstützt durch bildgebende Verfahren wie Röntgenaufnahmen und MRT, um Begleitverletzungen zu identifizieren und anatomische Risikofaktoren zu bestimmen. Ziel ist nach der Primärversorgung und ggf. der Adressierung von Begleitverletzungen stets das Vermeiden einer Reluxation. Nach Algorithmen-adaptierter Abschätzung des Reluxationsrisikos wird die Entscheidung einer weiteren konservativen oder operativen Therapie getroffen. Eine frühzeitige und angemessene Therapie ist essenziell, um die langfristige Funktion des Kniegelenks zu sichern und das Risiko von erneuten Luxationen und chronischer Instabilität zu minimieren.
Voting equilibria and public funding of political parties
Authors: Correa-Lopera Guadalupe , Moreno Bernardo
Published: September 2024

Direct public funding to political parties exists in most OECD countries and its allocation is executed on the basis of two principles: (i) proportional to the votes (or alternatively the number of seats), and (ii) equal distribution. We consider a situation in which there are two scenarios and two policies, where the optimal policy for each scenario is different. We study which policy is implemented when public political funding is introduced and voters are uncertain about the realized scenario. First, when the goal is to implement the optimal policy, we find that direct public funding to political parties is necessary if voters are more likely to be right than wrong about the scenario. Second, we characterize all equilibria based on voters’ beliefs, the amount of money proportionally allocated, and the parties’ preferences over the pairs scenario-policy and being in office.
Unterbringungsgesetz (UbG) Novelle 2023
Authors: Baldinger-Melich Pia , Frey Richard
Published: September 2024

Seit dem 1. Juli 2023 ist die Novellierung des Unterbringungsgesetzes in Kraft. Diese hat einige wesentliche Neuerungen mit sich gebracht, wie die Unterscheidung zwischen entscheidungs- und nicht entscheidungsfähigen Patient:innen im Behandlungsrecht und die explizite Erwähnung im Gesetzestext einer Unterstützung der Betroffenen durch eine sogenannte Vertrauensperson. Diese Reform steht im Zeichen einer Förderung der Selbstbestimmung psychisch kranker Personen und verschärft die Aufklärungs‑, Verständigungs- und Dokumentationspflichten des medizinischen Personals, das sich nachweislich um die Einbindung der Patient:innen und ihrer Vertrauenspersonen in Behandlungsentscheidungen bemühen muss. Anhand mehrerer Fallbeispiele sollen die gesetzlichen Neuerungen kritisch diskutiert, die Umsetzbarkeit ebendieser sowie Vor- und Nachteile veranschaulicht werden.
Web-Based DICOM Viewers: A Survey and a Performance Classification
Authors: Pereira Hugo , Romero Luis , Miguel Faria Pedro
Published: September 2024

The standard for managing image data in healthcare is the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) protocol. DICOM web-viewers provide flexible and accessible platforms for their users to view and analyze DICOM images remotely. This article presents a comprehensive evaluation of various web-based DICOM viewers, emphasizing their performance in different rendering scenarios, browsers, and operating systems. The study includes a total of 16 web-based viewers, of which 12 were surveyed, and 7 were compared performance-wise based on the availability of an online demo. The criteria for examination include accessibility features, such as available information or requirements for usage, interface features, such as loading capabilities or cloud storage, two-dimensional (2D) viewing features, such as the ability to perform measurements or alter the viewing window, and three-dimensional (3D) viewing features, such as volume rendering or secondary reconstruction. Only 4 of the viewers allow for the viewing of local DICOM files in 3D (other than MPR(Multiplanar reconstruction)). Premium software offers a large amount of features with overall good performance. One of the free alternatives demonstrated the best efficiency in both 2D and 3D rendering but faces challenges with missing 3D rendering features in its interface, which is still in development. Other free options exhibited slower performance, especially in 2D rendering but have more ready-to-use features on their web app. The evaluation also underscores the importance of browser choice, with some browsers performing much better than the competition, and highlights the significance of hardware when dealing with rendering tasks.
Food safety aspects of carbon dots: a review
Authors: Nguyen Duyen H. H. , El-Ramady Hassan , Prokisch József
Published: September 2024

Discovered in 2004, carbon dots have garnered a major attention due to their unique optical properties, nanoscale size, and cost-effectiveness. Their potential uses are applicable for bioimaging, electronics, and the food industry. Carbon dots are promising tools for detecting contaminants, identifying harmful bacteria, and monitoring essential nutrients. Here, we review the safety risks associated with applying carbon dots in the food industry, focusing on their integration into global food safety frameworks. We highlight recent advancements in the detection capabilities of carbon dots, showcasing their sensitivity and specificity in identifying foodborne pathogens and contaminants. We discuss strategies to mitigate potential health risks, such as optimizing carbon dot synthesis to minimize their toxicity and ensuring thorough regulatory assessments. Current research shows that carbon dots improve food safety, but research is needed to address safety concerns and ensure consumer confidence.
Climate change and non-native species in the Spanish Network of National Parks
Authors: Gallardo Belinda , Capdevila-Argüelles Laura
Published: September 2024

The Iberian Peninsula is a primary entry point for non-native species (NNS) into Europe via maritime routes, and is a significant tourist destination. This positions the highly diverse Spanish National Parks at high risk from invasive species, necessitating proactive adaptation and mitigation strategies. We present a comprehensive analysis of the risks posed by NNS to the network of 15 continental and marine National Parks in Spain under climate change, aiming to align management strategies with international Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets. We identified 200 NNS across the network of National Parks, including 78 listed in national NNS regulations. Park managers helped identify 22 priority NNS, including the water hyacinth, American mink, Cape fig and wakame, among others. Over half of the 22 priority NNS (55%) were classified as having a “Major” impact on native biodiversity according to EICAT standards, with another 23% considered “Massive”. Distribution models suggest that rising minimum temperatures could enable NNS to expand in altitude within the parks, particularly in high-mountain parks. Species like the barbary sheep, water hyacinth and largemouth bass may particularly benefit from global warming. Our findings prioritize national parks most vulnerable to the double threat posed by climate change and invasive species, such as Islas Atlánticas, Doñana and Archipelago de Cabrera. We conclude that, in order to progress towards achieving GBF goals, it is essential to: (i) coordinate NNS management efforts across administrations (national and regional), (ii) integrate resources and expertise in a unified strategy against invasion across the network and (iii) enhance public awareness about the risks of introduction and impact of NNS.
70-Gene signature-guided adjuvant systemic treatment adjustments in early-stage ER+ breast cancer patients: 7-year follow-up of a prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Verreck Eline E. F. , Kuijer Anne , van Steenhoven Julia E. C. , Volders José H. , van der Velden Annette W. G. , Siesling Sabine , Timmer-Bonte Anja N. H. , Smilde Tineke J. , Imholz Alex L. T. , Blanken-Peeters Charlotte F. J. M. , de Valk Bart , Vrijaldenhoven Suzan , Lastdrager Willem B. , Haringhuizen Annebeth W. , Hunting Jarmo C. B. , Hovenga Sjoerd , Nieboer Peter , Zuetenhorst Hanneke M. , Tetteroo Geert W. M. , Smorenburg Carolien H. , van Maaren Marissa C. , van Dalen Thijs
Published: September 2024

Background

A previous prospective multicenter study revealed the change of the oncologists’ chemotherapy advice due to the 70-Gene signature (GS) test result in half of the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) invasive early-stage breast cancer patients with disputable chemotherapy indication. This resulted in less patients receiving chemotherapy. This study aims to complement these results by the 7-year oncological outcomes according to the 70-GS test result and the oncologists’ pre-test advice.

Methods

Patients operated for early-stage ER+ breast cancer with disputable chemotherapy indication, had been prospectively included between 2013 and 2015. Oncologists were asked whether they intended to administer adjuvant chemotherapy before deployment of the 70-GS test. Information on adjuvant systemic treatment and oncological outcome was obtained through active follow-up by data managers of the Netherlands Cancer Registry. The primary endpoint of this study was distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) according to the genomic risk. Exploratory analyses were done to evaluate DMFS in relation to the oncologists’ pre-test advice.

Results

After a median follow-up of 7 years, distant metastases were diagnosed in 23 of the 606 patients (3.8%) and 36 (5.9%) patients had died. The DMFS rate for the 357 70-GS genomic low-risk patients was 94.2% (95% CI 91.2–96.2) and 89.1% for the 249 genomic high-risk patients (95% CI 84.3–92.4). Of the low-risk patients 3% had received chemotherapy compared to 80% of the high-risk patients. For the subgroups based on the pre-test oncologists’ advice (no chemotherapy/chemotherapy/unsure) there were no clinically relevant differences in DMFS (89.8, 93.2 and 92.0%, respectively), while comparable proportions of patients had received chemotherapy.

Conclusions

In patients with early-stage ER+ breast cancer with a disputable chemotherapy indication it is sensible to deploy the 70-GS to better select patients for adjuvant chemotherapy.
Selective mycobacterial capture with ultraviolet-polymerized poly-dimethyldiallyl chloride functionalized surfaces
Authors: Jiang Xuesong , Mathekga Bonolo S. P. , Singh Digvijay , Coon Devin , Sinha Anjana , Armstrong Derek , Acharya Soumyadipta , Mao Hai-Quan , Manabe Yukari C.
Published: September 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is the top cause of death from a single infectious pathogen after COVID-19. Despite molecular diagnostic advances, two-thirds of the 10 million annual TB cases are still diagnosed using direct smear microscopy which has ~50% sensitivity. To increase the analytical performance of smear microscopy, we developed and characterized a novel polymer (Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride [PDADMAC]) engraftment on inexpensive polystyrene (PS) specifically functionalized for mycobacterial capture. Engraftment is achieved via UV photopolymerization of DADMAC monomer on plasma-activated PS. The platform was tested on sputum from presumptive TB cases in Kampala, Uganda (n = 50), with an increased overall sensitivity of 81.8% (27/33) vs. fluorescent smear microscopy 57% (19/33) compared to a molecular (Cepheid GeneXpert MTB/RIF) gold standard. Frugal smear diagnostic innovation that is rapid and does not require dedicated instrumentation may offer an important solution to bridge the TB diagnostic gap.

Graphical Abstract
Bounds for the Gutman–Milovanović index and some applications
Authors: Granados Ana , Portilla Ana , Quintana Yamilet , Tourís Eva
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we examine the Gutman–Milovanović index and establish new upper and lower bounds for it. These bounds include terms related to the general sum connectivity index, the general second Zagreb index, and the hyperbolicity constant of the underlying graph. Also, we model physicochemical properties of polyaromatic hydrocarbons using the Gutman–Milovanović index.
Upregulation of Apoptosis Related Genes in Clinically Normal Tongue Contralateral to Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Tongue, an Effort to Maintain Tissue Homeostasis
Authors: Attaran Nima , Coates Philip J , Zborayova Katarina , Sgaramella Nicola , Nylander Karin , Gu Xiaolian
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The field cancerization concept indicates the presence of pre-cancerous changes in clinically normal tissue surrounding the tumor. In squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT) which is infrequently linked to human papillomavirus infection, we have previously reported that clinically normal tongue contralateral to tumor (NTCT) is molecularly abnormal. Here, combining our transcriptomic and genomic data, we aimed to investigate the contribution of molecular changes in NTCT to cancer development.

Methods

Microarray gene expression data of 14 healthy controls, 23 NTCT and 29 SCCOT samples were investigated to characterize transcriptional profiles in NTCT. Whole exome sequencing and RNA-sequencing data of paired NTCT and tumor samples from 15 SCCOT patients were used to study correlation between copy number variation and differential gene expression.

Results

Using supervised multivariate partial least squares discriminant analysis, a total of 61 mRNAs that distinguish NTCT from healthy tongue were selected. Functional enrichment analysis of the 22 upregulated genes showed increased “positive regulation of nitrogen compound metabolic process” in NTCT. All 12 genes involved in this process have roles in apoptosis (anti- and/or pro-apoptotic). Compared to healthy controls, Zinc Finger Protein 395 (ZNF395), a pro-apoptotic tumor suppressor located on chromosome 8p, was the only gene showing increased mRNA level in NTCT whereas decreased in SCCOT. Given the frequent loss of chromosome 8p in SCCOT, the impact of ZNF395 copy number variation on gene expression was further examined, revealing a positive correlation between copy number and mRNA level (correlation coefficient = 0.572, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

NTCT is susceptible to malignant transformation, where tissue homeostasis is maintained at least partly through regulation of apoptosis. Loss of the pro-apoptotic gene ZNF395 could thus initiate cancer development.
CNDP2: An Enzyme Linking Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases?
Authors: Ocariza Moizle Grace Castro , Paton Louise Nancy , Templeton Evelyn Mary , Pemberton Christopher Joseph , Pilbrow Anna Pauline , Appleby Sarah
Published: September 2024

The heart requires a substantial amount of energy to function, utilising various substrates including lipids, glucose and lactate as energy sources. In times of increased stress, lactate becomes the primary energy source of the heart, but persistently elevated lactate levels are linked to poor patient outcomes and increased mortality. Recently, carnosine dipeptidase II (CNDP2) was discovered to catalyse the formation of Lac-Phe, an exercise-induced metabolite derived from lactate, which has been shown to suppress appetite in mice and reduce adipose tissue in humans. This review discusses CNDP2, including its role in lactate clearance, carnosine hydrolysis, oxidative stress regulation, and involvement in metabolite regulation. The association between CNDP2 and cardiometabolic and renal diseases is also explored, and knowledge gaps are highlighted. CNDP2 appears to be a complex participant in human physiological processes and disease, necessitating additional research to unveil its functions and potential therapeutic applications.

Graphical Abstract
The Jerusalem pilgrimage road in the second temple period: an anthropological and archaeological perspective
Authors: Abadi Omri , Szypuła Bartłomiej , Marciak Michał
Published: September 2024

The pilgrimage to the Second Temple included ceremonial elements of strong spiritual significance that elevated the participants to spiritual exaltation. This ceremonial process began with the first steps pilgrims took from their homes towards Jerusalem and concluded when they reached the Temple. This article presents the ceremonial element of the pilgrimage in light of archaeological and anthropological research, integrated with historical sources and with reference to the topography of Jerusalem and its surroundings (including the use of geographic information systems). These tools are used to retrace the path that pilgrims walked and present what the pilgrimage meant for them. The article also investigates whether the physical act of walking can shape the pilgrimage experience and, if so, how this occurs. It is also argued that the main approach to the Temple Mount for Jewish pilgrims led from the south (via the Kidron and Hinnom valleys), and that the construction of this route was designed with geophysical and architectural details meant to enhance the spiritual experience of the pilgrims.
The role of the ceRNA network mediated by lncRNA SNHG3 in the progression of cancer
Authors: Peng Ying , Long Xi-Dai
Published: September 2024

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a distinct class of RNAs with longer than 200 base pairs that are not translated into proteins. Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 3 (SNHG3) is a lncRNA and frequently dysregulated in various human cancers.

Objective

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current research on lncRNA SNHG3, focusing on its role within the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and its implications in cancer.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed up to October 2023. The search strategy included keywords such as “lncRNA SNHG3”, “competitive endogenous RNA”, “cancer”, and related terms. Studies were selected based on relevance to SNHG3's involvement in cancer pathogenesis and progression.

Results

Disruptions in the ceRNA network involving lncRNA SNHG3 can impair normal cell growth and differentiation, significantly contributing to disease pathogenesis, particularly cancer. This review highlights SNHG3's substantial impact on various cancer processes and its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for aggressive cancers.

Conclusion

The findings underscore SNHG3's pivotal role in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, laying a foundation for future research in cancer management. Insights from this review emphasize the necessity for further exploration and development of SNHG3-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Automated Provenance-Based Screening of ML Data Preparation Pipelines
Authors: Schelter Sebastian , Guha Shubha , Grafberger Stefan
Published: September 2024

Software systems that learn from data via machine learning (ML) are being deployed in increasing numbers in real world application scenarios. These ML applications contain complex data preparation pipelines, which take several raw inputs, integrate, filter and encode them to produce the input data for model training. This is in stark contrast to academic studies and benchmarks, which typically work with static, already prepared datasets. It is a difficult and tedious task to ensure at development time that the data preparation pipelines for such ML applications adhere to sound experimentation practices and compliance requirements. Identifying potential correctness issues currently requires a high degree of discipline, knowledge, and time from data scientists, and they often only implement one-off solutions, based on specialised frameworks that are incompatible with the rest of the data science ecosystem.

We discuss how to model data preparation pipelines as dataflow computations from relational inputs to matrix outputs, and propose techniques that use record-level provenance to automatically screen these pipelines for many common correctness issues (e.g., data leakage between train and test data). We design a prototypical system to screen such data preparation pipelines and furthermore enable the automatic computation of important metadata such as group fairness metrics. We discuss how to extract the semantics and the data provenance of common artifacts in supervised learning tasks and evaluate our system on several example pipelines with real-world data.
Ervaringen en behoeften van jongeren in de (urologische) transitie naar volwassenheid/volwassenenzorg
Authors: van Wijk Iris , Kalsbeek C. J. C. Cecilia , Verrijt Neeltje , Been Max
Published: September 2024

Samenvatting

In het Net als jij-project zijn de behoeften onderzocht van jongeren met een beperking in de overgang van kinderzorg naar volwassenenzorg en in de fase van het volwassen worden (12–25 jaar). Met deze informatie is in cocreatie met jongeren en ouders informatiemateriaal ontwikkeld waarin zij zich herkennen en dat aansluit bij hun behoeften. Al deze tools, ervaringsverhalen en aanvullende informatie staan op de openbare website www.netalsjij.nl en geven ook professionals handvatten om de zorg in de transitiefase voor jongeren met een beperking te verbeteren. In dit artikel delen Max en Neeltje (twee jongeren met spina bifida) hun ervaringen en tips.
Locus of Control, Learning Styles, and Academic Achievement of Saudi Pre-professional Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Althubaiti Suha M. , Alharbi Nouf S. , Althubaiti Alaa , Alzahrani Amal , Agha Sajida
Published: September 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe medical students’ learning styles and locus of control (LOC) and to determine their association with academic achievement.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed at a health science university in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 158 medical students completed Kolb’s learning style and locus of control scales. The authors measured academic achievement by grade point average (GPA) and collected demographic characteristics.

Results

Most students’ learning styles were classified as convergent (51.3%), whereas the rest adopted divergent (23.4%), accommodative (18.4%), and assimilative (7%) styles. Analysis revealed that students with a lower LOC tend to have higher GPAs than those with a higher LOC. However, no association was found between Kolb’s learning styles and LOC or GPA.

Conclusions

The findings of this study provide educators with essential insights into factors that enhance students’ academic achievements. We conclude that locus of control plays a crucial role in academic success. Medical educators should consider diverse student learning styles to adopt appropriate teaching methods that meet students’ needs, ultimately improving educational practices and outcomes in medical education.
Gendered Racial Microaggressions and Depressive Symptoms Among Emerging Adult Asian American Women: Racial/Ethnic Differences Among Asian and White Romantic Partners
Authors: Wong Michele J. , Keum Brian TaeHyuk , Nguyen Mary , Na Jung Yun
Published: September 2024

Discrimination can contribute to adverse mental health outcomes among individuals in romantic partnerships. However, research has yet to examine how differences in partner race/ethnicity can shape the link between gendered racial microaggressions, an intersectional form of discrimination, and depressive symptoms among Asian American women. Accordingly, we assessed the link between gendered racial microaggressions and depressive symptoms, and whether partner race/ethnicity (White vs. Asian) moderated the link. Using a sample of 156 Asian American women (Mage = 26.5, SD = 5.33), we conducted multiple regressions to assess the main effects between four gendered racial microaggression stress subscale factors and depressive symptoms. We then examined partner race/ethnicity as a moderator in these associations. All four gendered racial microaggression stress subscale factors of ascribed submissiveness, assumptions of universal appearance, Asian fetishism, and media invalidation significantly predicted greater depressive symptoms. However, only Asian fetishism experiences maintained a significant and positive association with depressive symptoms for Asian American women with White male partners. The association between Asian fetishism and depressive symptoms was no longer significant for Asian American women with Asian male partners. Results indicate that Asian fetishization may be a uniquely oppressive experience for Asian American women with White partners that can contribute to greater depressive symptoms. These findings demonstrate an increased need for the development of critical consciousness in individual and couples counseling sessions to help Asian American women and their romantic partners identify and mitigate the negative effects of gendered racial microaggressions.
Verbal Mediation During Auditory Equivalence Class Formation Using Go/No-Go Successive Matching-to-Sample
Authors: Dingus Charles S. , Hanson Robbie J. , Miguel Caio F. , Stern Sydney , Brand Denys
Published: September 2024

Successive matching-to-sample (S-MTS) with a go/no-go response requirement has previously produced equivalence classes with nonverbal auditory stimuli among college students. When participants are required to talk aloud during posttests (protocol analysis), their verbal behavior tends to match their selection performance. However, in some cases, the protocol analysis seems to interfere with posttests, in that equivalence yields are lower when participants are required to talk aloud. Thus, the current study replicated and extended previous research by requiring participants to complete emergence posttests before introducing training for the protocol analysis. Subsequently, participants completed one additional block of the transitivity/equivalence posttest with the talk-aloud requirement. Additionally, participants completed tact and intraverbal tests following emergence posttests to further assess possible verbal-mediation strategies. The results showed that six of eight college students formed equivalence classes, suggesting that previous failures could have been influenced by the talk-aloud requirement. Further, there was a positive correlation between verbal and nonverbal (selection) responses suggesting the possibility that verbal mediation may have contributed to equivalence-class formation.
Cushing syndrome in paediatric population: who and how to screen
Authors: Chioma Laura , Patti Giuseppa , Cappa Marco , Maghnie Mohamad
Published: September 2024

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is characterised by signs and symptoms resulting from excessive and prolonged exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids or endogenous hypercortisolism. In childhood, exogenous CS represents the main cause of CS due to the widespread therapeutic use of glucocorticoids, while endogenous CS is very rare and accounts for about 10% of CS cases. According to the origin of the hypercortisolism, the ACTH-dependent form due to pituitary ACTH-secreting tumours is the most common form of endogenous CS in paediatric age (about 75–80% of cases), following by adrenal causes (about 15–20% of cases) including adenoma, carcinoma (which has a peak of incidence in the first decade), bilateral adrenal hyperplasia or Carney complex, with a different distribution by age. Ectopic ACTH-secreting CS, genetic forms of pituitary adenomas are more uncommon. The insidious onset of hypercortisolism and the absence of salient early signs make the diagnosis of endogenous CS difficult. Facial changes, weight gain with simultaneous growth failure, prepubertal virilisation, or hypogonadism in adolescence represent some of the key features of CS. The diagnostic workup is essentially aimed at confirming hypercortisolism through screening tests whose diagnostic accuracy is not 100% and therefore the combination of more than two tests is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis of CS.
Einflussfaktoren auf die Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz nach Gewaltereignissen in Gesundheits- und Sozialberufen
Authors: Kozak Agnessa , Adler Mareike , Nienhaus Albert
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Beschäftigte in Gesundheits- und Sozialberufen sind häufig von Gewalt am Arbeitsplatz betroffen. Um eine erfolgreiche Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz nach einem traumatischen Gewaltereignis zu gewährleisten, kann eine nachhaltige Unterstützung erforderlich sein. Es fehlen jedoch Kenntnisse über die Einflussfaktoren, die diesen Prozess beeinflussen. Ziel ist es, förderliche und hinderliche Faktoren für die Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz zu identifizieren und Unterstützungsangebote aufzuzeigen.

Methodik

Für den Zeitraum von Januar 2000 bis August 2022 wurden in vier Datenbanken in Google Scholar sowie in Referenzlisten 115 Volltexte identifiziert. Davon wurden acht Studien in die thematische Analyse eingeschlossen, sechs mit einem qualitativen Design und zwei mit einem Mixed-Methods-Design.

Ergebnisse

Als förderliche Faktoren werden soziale Unterstützung durch Kolleginnen/Kollegen, Vorgesetzte oder Familienangehörige, Veränderungen der Arbeitsumgebung und -organisation zur Gewährleistung der Arbeitssicherheit sowie individuelle Bewältigungsstrategien zur Wiedererlangung des Sicherheitsgefühls und der Kontrolle über die Situation diskutiert. Zu den hinderlichen Faktoren zählen destruktive soziale Beziehungen im Team wie mangelndes Vertrauen oder Stigmatisierung. Auch fehlende Sicherheitsvorkehrungen und Nachsorgeangebote sowie ungünstig veränderte Arbeitsbedingungen, wie ein neuer Einsatzort oder neue Tätigkeiten, können die Rückkehr erschweren. Wir haben keine Studien zu betrieblichen Unterstützungsangeboten oder Rückkehrprogrammen identifiziert.

Diskussion

Diese Ergebnisse unterstreichen, dass die Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz nach Gewaltereignissen weitgehend unerforscht ist und sich in erster Linie auf die pflegerischen Berufe bezieht. Angesichts der hohen Prävalenz in diesen Branchen besteht dringender Handlungsbedarf, die Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz nach erlebten Gewaltereignissen intensiver zu erforschen und Maßnahmen zu entwickeln, die an den Bedürfnissen der Betroffenen und der Organisation ausgerichtet sind.