bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes and perceptions of Irish health care professionals regarding functional neurological disorder: A national survey
Authors: Vance Roisin , Clarke Sarah , O'Keeffe Fiadhnait , Galligan Toni , Doherty Anne , Flynn Cora , Kelleher Eric , Laffan Aoife , Doherty Colin , Gillan Diane
Published: February 2024

Background

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common and often disabling condition. Limited access to services for FND poses challenges both for patients and their health care providers. This survey explored the attitudes, experiences, support needs and training needs of health care professionals (HCPs) who provide care to individuals with FND in Ireland.

Methods

A broad range of HCPs working with patients with FND in Ireland partook in an anonymous online 12‐item survey. Participants were recruited via professional bodies and snowball convenience sampling utilising social media and email invitation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze data.

Results

A total of 314 HCPs working in Ireland completed the survey. 80% were female and over half worked in their current role for more than 10 years.   75% of the sample encountered three or less individuals with FND per month. Identified service‐related challenges to effective patient care included insufficient clinic time, lack of confidence explaining the diagnosis, and the need for greater access to specialist support.  Data revealed persisting negative attitudes toward FND patients among a proportion of respondents. The majority of respondents did not feel they received adequate education on FND, with the exception of neurologists, of whom 65% felt adequately trained.  The majority of respondents (85%) also felt that people with FND did not have access to appropriate FND services in Ireland.

Conclusion

This study indicates that there is a significant need to improve FND education among HCPs in Ireland, in addition to developing appropriately resourced, integrated, multidisciplinary care pathways for the FND patient group.
Yerba Mate as a Protectant against Lipoproteins Oxidation
Authors: Mayer Mariana Spanamberg , Portella Amanda Felipe , Maçalai Camila , Zambra Andressa Leal , Mori Natacha Cossettin , Kessler Nunes Viviane Cecília , Bortolotto Josiane Woutheres , Azzolin Gabriela Bonfanti , Parisi Mariana Migliorini
Published: February 2024

Oxidative modification of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) and high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) are important factors determining cardiovascular risk. This study investigated the antioxidant mechanisms and potential protective effect of a hydroethanolic extract of yerba mate (Ilex paraguaiensis; EHEM) on the in vitro oxidation of LDL and HDL. EHEM was found to possess ferric reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, metal chelating activity, and NO radical scavenging activity. In addition, EHEM reduced the lipoperoxidation induced by α,α′‐Azodiisobutyramidine dihydrochloride (AAPH) in HDL and LDL at all tested concentrations. In this study, we demonstrate the antioxidant properties of yerba mate and its phytochemical compounds. These properties may effectively prevent the in vitro oxidation of LDL and HDL molecules, a phenomenon linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Neuromodulation of Acid‐Sensitive Ion Channels (ASICs) and Anti‐Inflammatory Potential by Lichenxanthone in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio): Experimental and Docking Studies
Authors: Ribeiro Liberato Hortência , Bezerra Maciel Jéssica , Wlisses Da Silva Antônio , Eduarda Uchoa Bezerra Maria , San De Oliveira Brito Luana , Silva Jacilene , Kuerislene Amâncio Ferreira Maria , Machado Marinho Marcia , Marinho Gabrielle S , Deusdênia Loiola Pessoa Otília , Guedes Maria Izabel F , Goberlânio De Barros Silva Paulo , Ferreira de Castro Gomes Andreia , Silva Alencar De Menezes Jane Eire , Silva Dos Santos Hélcio
Published: February 2024

The xanthone lichenxanthone did not show toxic effects (LC50>1.0 mg/mL). lichenxanthone prevented nociceptive behavior induced by acidic saline, and its analgesic effect was blocked by amiloride, highlighting the involvement of neuromodulation of acid‐sensitive ion channels (ASICs). In the analysis of anti‐inflammatory activity, concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 mg/mL of lichenxanthone reduced the edema induced by k‐carrageenan 3.5 %, observed from the fourth hour of analysis. This effect was similar to that observed with ibuprofen (positive control). No leukocyte infiltrates were observed in lichenxanthone, suggesting that the compound acts in the acute inflammatory response. The results of the molecular docking study revealed that lichenxanthone exhibited better affinity energy when compared to the ibuprofen control against the two targets evaluated.
Case report: Endovascular treatment of transplant renal artery stenosis in patient with normal color duplex ultrasound of the renal artery
Authors: Jalili Javad , Khosroshahi Hamid Tayebi , Malekshoar Mehran , Dehghan Mahshid , Akhgari Aisan , Ghafouri Asbagh Amirhosein
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

Proper diagnosis and treatment of vascular stenosis which is a possible complication of renal transplant is important in improving patients' quality of life and prognosis.

One known consequence among recipients of renal transplants is graft renal artery stenosis. Early identification and therapy are crucial to avoid graft malfunction and the serious consequences that might arise due to elevated hypertension in several organs. We report a rare case of transplant renal artery stenosis in a mid‐aged woman who presented with edema, hypertension, and increased creatinine 2 months after kidney transplant. The patient had normal renal arterial resistive index (RI) and perfusion index (PI), and there was only a modest decrease in perfusion on duplex ultrasound. Following the patient's renal stenting treatment, angiographic resolution was observed. After 14 days of regulated blood pressure following renal artery stenting, she was discharged from the hospital with her edema resolved. Considering complications in patients with clinical manifestations such as hypertension resistant to treatment and graft dysfunction, vascular stenosis is a notable issue to consider even in the context of normal renal arterial RI, PI, and duplex ultrasound. Proper diagnosis and treatment are of importance to improve patients' quality of life and prognosis.
Construction of metal endocrown for a short clinical second molar crown
Authors: AlHazzani Saad , AlAnazi Entessar , AlMazam Abdulrhman
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

This case highlights where a metal endocrown was used as a novel technique. The metal endocrown showed promising outcomes during the 5‐year follow‐up, utilizing a resin base to preserve tissue and act as a stress breaker. This approach was used to preserve the tooth and avoid extraction or periodontal surgery.
Impacts of Graphene Nanoribbon Production Methods on Oxygen‐Reduction Electrocatalysis in Different Environments
Authors: Cardoso Eduardo S. F. , Fortunato Guilherme V. , Rodrigues Clauber D. , Júnior Fausto E. B , Ledendecker Marc , Lanza Marcos R. V. , Maia Gilberto
Published: February 2024

Invited for this issue's Front Cover is the group of Prof. Dr. Gilberto Maia. The cover picture schematically illustrates ways to optimize graphene nanoribbons for use in energy‐related electrocatalytic processes, specifically in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Emphasis is placed on the interplay between edge defects, oxygenated groups inherited from the CNT opening process, and their collective influence on the N‐ and P‐doping process. This modulation affects the ORR performance and H2O2 selectivity for specific conditions. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202300505.
Ti3C2Tx MXene/carbon composites for advanced supercapacitors: Synthesis, progress, and perspectives
Authors: Cai Yanqing , Chen Xinggang , Xu Ying , Zhang Yalin , Liu Huijun , Zhang Hongjuan , Tang Jing
Published: February 2024

MXenes are a family of two‐dimensional (2D) layered transition metal carbides/nitrides that show promising potential for energy storage applications due to their high‐specific surface areas, excellent electron conductivity, good hydrophilicity, and tunable terminations. Among various types of MXenes, Ti3C2Tx is the most widely studied for use in capacitive energy storage applications, especially in supercapacitors (SCs). However, the stacking and oxidation of MXene sheets inevitably lead to a significant loss of electrochemically active sites. To overcome such challenges, carbon materials are frequently incorporated into MXenes to enhance their electrochemical properties. This review introduces the common strategies used for synthesizing Ti3C2Tx, followed by a comprehensive overview of recent developments in Ti3C2Tx/carbon composites as electrode materials for SCs. Ti3C2Tx/carbon composites are categorized based on the dimensions of carbons, including 0D carbon dots, 1D carbon nanotubes and fibers, 2D graphene, and 3D carbon materials (activated carbon, polymer‐derived carbon, etc.). Finally, this review also provides a perspective on developing novel MXenes/carbon composites as electrodes for application in SCs.
Hypoxia: Intriguing Feature in Cancer Cell Biology
Authors: Chowdhury Monalisa , Das Prasanta Kumar
Published: February 2024

Hypoxia, a key aspect of the tumor microenvironment, plays a vital role in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metabolism, and the immune response within tumors. These factors collectively promote tumor advancement, aggressiveness, metastasis and result in a poor prognosis. Hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α), activated under low oxygen conditions, mediates many of these effects by altering drug target expression, metabolic regulation, and oxygen consumption. These changes promote cancer cell growth and survival. Hypoxic tumor cells develop aggressive traits and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leading to increased mortality. Targeting hypoxic tumor offers a potential solution to overcome the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity and can be used in designing diagnostic and therapeutic nanocarriers for various solid cancers. This concept provides an overview of the intricate relationship between hypoxia and the tumor microenvironment, highlighting its potential as a promising tool for cancer therapies. The article explores the development of hypoxia in cancer cells and its role in cancer progression, along with the latest advancements in hypoxia‐triggered cancer treatment.
The Therapeutic Potential in Cancer of Terpyridine‐Based Metal Complexes Featuring Group 11 Elements
Authors: Gil‐Moles María , Concepción Gimeno M.
Published: February 2024

Terpyridine‐based complexes with group 11 metals emerge as potent metallodrugs in cancer therapy. This comprehensive review focuses on the current landscape of anticancer examples, particularly highlighting the mechanisms of action. While Cu(II) complexes, featuring diverse ancillary ligands, dominate the field, exploration of silver and gold species remains limited. These complexes exhibit significant cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines with a commendable selectivity for non‐tumorigenic cells. DNA interactions, employing intercalation and groove binding, are pivotal and finely tuned through terpyridine ligand functionalization. In addition, copper complexes showcase nuclease activity, triggering apoptosis through ROS generation. Despite silver‘s high affinity for nitrogen donor atoms, its exploration is relatively sparse, with indications of acting as intercalating agents causing DNA hydrolytic cleavage. Gold(III) compounds, overshadowing gold(I) due to stability concerns, not only intercalate but also induce apoptosis and disrupt the mitochondrial membrane. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of these compounds, highlighting the necessity of exploring additional biological targets for these promising metallodrugs.
Research on denoising and enhancing methods of medical images based on convolutional neural networks
Authors: Beibei Wu
Published: February 2024

In the process of modern medical diagnosis, medical image‐assisted diagnosis plays a very important role. However, the process of medical image acquisition, will be affected by various types and degrees of noise, and there will be a certain probability of producing strip artifacts, which will interfere with the doctor's diagnosis, analysis, and treatment of diseases to a certain extent. However, the traditional medical image denoising method will cause problems such as image edge blurring and detail loss, and it is difficult to achieve the balance between noise removal and detail information retention. Therefore, denoising medical images and improving the accuracy of denoising as much as possible have very important scientific research significance and clinical application value. Based on this, this article proposes a medical image denoising method based on a double residual convolutional neural network and compares it with traditional medical images denoising methods such as K‐SVD, BM3D, and PNLM3. Experimental results show that the medical image denoising method based on the double residual convolutional neural network proposed in this article has excellent performance.
Ambient ionisation mass spectrometry for drug and toxin analysis: A review of the recent literature
Authors: Henderson Alisha , Heaney Liam M. , Rankin‐Turner Stephanie
Published: February 2024

Ambient ionisation mass spectrometry (AIMS) is a form of mass spectrometry whereby analyte ionisation occurs outside of a vacuum source under ambient conditions. This enables the direct analysis of samples in their native state, with little or no sample preparation and without chromatographic separation. The removal of these steps facilitates a much faster analytical process, enabling the direct analysis of samples within minutes if not seconds. Consequently, AIMS has gained rapid popularity across a diverse range of applications, in particular the analysis of drugs and toxins. Numerous fields rely upon mass spectrometry for the detection and identification of drugs, including clinical diagnostics, forensic chemistry, and food safety. However, all of these fields are hindered by the time‐consuming and laboratory‐confined nature of traditional techniques. As such, the potential for AIMS to resolve these challenges has resulted in a growing interest in ambient ionisation for drug and toxin analysis. Since the early 2000s, forensic science, diagnostic testing, anti‐doping, pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis and food safety have all seen a marked increase in AIMS applications, foreshadowing a new future for drug testing. In this review, some of the most promising AIMS techniques for drug analysis will be discussed, alongside different applications of AIMS published over a 5‐year period, to provide a summary of the recent research activity for ambient ionisation for drug and toxin analysis.
Evaluating genotyping‐in‐thousands by sequencing as a genetic monitoring tool for a climate sentinel mammal using non‐invasive and archival samples
Authors: Arpin Kate E. , Schmidt Danielle A. , Sjodin Bryson M. F. , Einfeldt Anthony L. , Galbreath Kurt , Russello Michael A.
Published: February 2024

Genetic tools for wildlife monitoring can provide valuable information on spatiotemporal population trends and connectivity, particularly in systems experiencing rapid environmental change. Multiplexed targeted amplicon sequencing techniques, such as genotyping‐in‐thousands by sequencing (GT‐seq), can provide cost‐effective approaches for collecting genetic data from low‐quality and quantity DNA samples, making them potentially useful for long‐term wildlife monitoring using non‐invasive and archival samples. Here, we developed a GT‐seq panel as a potential monitoring tool for the American pika (Ochotona princeps) and evaluated its performance when applied to traditional, non‐invasive, and archival samples, respectively. Specifically, we optimized a GT‐seq panel (307 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) that included neutral, sex‐associated, and putatively adaptive SNPs using contemporary tissue samples (n = 77) from the Northern Rocky Mountains lineage of American pikas. The panel demonstrated high genotyping success (94.7%), low genotyping error (0.001%), and excellent performance identifying individuals, sex, relatedness, and population structure. We subsequently applied the GT‐seq panel to archival tissue (n = 17) and contemporary fecal pellet samples (n = 129) collected within the Canadian Rocky Mountains to evaluate its effectiveness. Although the panel demonstrated high efficacy with archival tissue samples (90.5% genotyping success, 0.0% genotyping error), this was not the case for the fecal pellet samples (79.7% genotyping success, 28.4% genotyping error) likely due to the exceptionally low quality/quantity of recovered DNA using the approaches implemented. Overall, our study reinforced GT‐seq as an effective tool using contemporary and archival tissue samples, providing future opportunities for temporal applications using historical specimens. Our results further highlight the need for additional optimization of sample and genetic data collection techniques prior to broader‐scale implementation of a non‐invasive genetic monitoring tool for American pikas.
Experimental evolution of hybrid populations to identify Dobzhansky–Muller incompatibility loci
Authors: Szabo Nicole , Cutter Asher D.
Published: February 2024

Epistatic interactions between loci that reduce fitness in interspecies hybrids, Dobzhansky–Muller incompatibilities (DMIs), contribute genetically to the inviability and infertility within hybrid populations. It remains a challenge, however, to identify the loci that contribute to DMIs as causes of reproductive isolation between species. Here, we assess through forward simulation the power of evolve‐and‐resequence (E&R) experimental evolution of hybrid populations to map DMI loci. We document conditions under which such a mapping strategy may be most feasible and demonstrate how mapping power is sensitive to biologically relevant parameters such as one‐way versus two‐way incompatibility type, selection strength, recombination rate, and dominance interactions. We also assess the influence of parameters under direct control of an experimenter, including duration of experimental evolution and number of replicate populations. We conclude that an E&R strategy for mapping DMI loci, and other cases of epistasis, can be a viable option under some circumstances for study systems with short generation times like Caenorhabditis nematodes.
Does size‐selective harvesting erode adaptive potential to thermal stress?
Authors: Sadler Daniel E. , van Dijk Stephan , Karjalainen Juha , Watts Phillip C. , Uusi‐Heikkilä Silva
Published: February 2024

Overharvesting is a serious threat to many fish populations. High mortality and directional selection on body size can cause evolutionary change in exploited populations via selection for a specific phenotype and a potential reduction in phenotypic diversity. Whether the loss of phenotypic diversity that accompanies directional selection impairs response to environmental stress is not known. To address this question, we exposed three zebrafish selection lines to thermal stress. Two lines had experienced directional selection for (1) large and (2) small body size, and one was (3) subject to random removal of individuals with respect to body size (i.e. line with no directional selection). Selection lines were exposed to three temperatures (elevated, 34°C; ambient, 28°C; low, 22°C) to determine the response to an environmental stressor (thermal stress). We assessed differences among selection lines in their life history (growth and reproduction), physiological traits (metabolic rate and critical thermal max) and behaviour (activity and feeding behaviour) when reared at different temperatures. Lines experiencing directional selection (i.e. size selected) showed reduced growth rate and a shift in average phenotype in response to lower or elevated thermal stress compared with fish from the random‐selected line. Our data indicate that populations exposed to directional selection can have a more limited capacity to respond to thermal stress compared with fish that experience a comparable reduction in population size (but without directional selection). Future studies should aim to understand the impacts of environmental stressors on natural fish stocks.
Lithium Sulfur Batteries: Insights from Solvation Chemistry to Feasibility Designing Strategies for Practical Applications
Authors: Tan Jian , Ma Longli , Wang Yuan , Yi Pengshu , Ye Chuming , Fang Zhan , Li Zhiheng , Ye Mingxin , Shen Jianfeng
Published: February 2024

Rechargeable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, featuring high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness, have been dubbed as one of the most promising candidates to replace current commercial rechargeable Li‐ion batteries. However, their practical deployment has long been plagued by the infamous “shuttle effect” of soluble Li polysulfides (LiPSs) and the rampant growth of Li dendrites. Therefore, it is important to specifically elucidate the solvation structure in the Li–S system and systematically summarize the feasibility strategies that can simultaneously suppress the shuttle effect and the growth of Li dendrites for practical applications. This review attempts to achieve this goal. In this review, we first introduce the importance of developing Li–S batteries and highlight the key challenges. Then, we revisit the working principles of Li–S batteries and underscore the fundamental understanding of LiPSs. Next, we summarize some representative characterization techniques and theoretical calculations applied to characterize the solvation structure of LiPSs. Afterward, we overview feasible designing strategies that can simultaneously suppress the shuttle effect of soluble LiPSs and the growth of Li dendrites. Finally, we conclude and propose personal insights and perspectives on the future development of Li–S batteries. We envisage that this timely review can provide some inspiration to build better Li–S batteries for promoting practical applications.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Thioesters from Amides and Disulfides
Authors: Mai Wen‐Peng , Zhao Yu , Lv Ming‐Xiu , Zhang Wan‐Ru , Xiao Yong‐Mei , Yuan Jin‐Wei , Yang Liang‐Ru
Published: February 2024

A novel nickel‐catalyzed practical and simple synthesis of thioesters from amides and disulfides has been developed. Diverse substituted aromatic amides are capable of coupling with diaryl or dialkyl disulfides via C−N/S−S bonds cleavage to produce the desirable thioesters in moderate to good yields. This procedure features cheap metals, novel and easily preparative substrates, providing a simple and practical access to a variety of thioesters without toxic thiols or CO gas.
Study of Thermal Management of Li‐Ion Batteries with an Encapsulated Phase‐Change Material and Internal Liquid Channels
Authors: Debbarma Ajoy
Published: February 2024

ANSYS Fluent is used to simulate battery thermal management (BTM). A new concept design of cooling techniques with encapsulated phase‐change material (PCM) and internal coolant channels is proposed. In this study, the passive mode of cooling (MODEL‐A: without internal cooling) and proposed design incorporating with internal liquid channels (MODEL‐B, MODEL‐C, MODEL‐D, MODEL‐E, and MODEL‐F) are considered. The upper section of the chamber is the starting point for the melting progression, which then moves toward the downward lower section of the chamber. Two design concept cooling techniques are used: straight and spiral coolant channels. At the point 15 mm, the PCM gets initiated melting at 1000 s for MODEL‐A (no coolant channels), and only a heating up of PCM is observed for MODEL‐B and MODEL‐C. Faster initiation of melting period over and above 35 mm position and at higher position point 55 mm, which reaches a liquidus temperature 328.6 K at below 2000 and 1000 s, respectively. MODEL‐D, MODEL‐E, and MODEL‐F show the PCM temperature reduction across the axial length due to the presence of coolant channels. The spiral channels can maintain the liquid fraction for longer periods, which allows liquid to contribute to the sustainability of a longer‐lasting thermal storage system.
LoRaSync: Energy efficient synchronization for scalable LoRaWAN
Authors: Chasserat Laurent , Accettura Nicola , Berthou Pascal
Published: February 2024

Low‐power wide‐area networks connect a large number of battery‐powered wireless devices over long distances. Among them, long range wide area networks (LoRaWAN) implement a pure ALOHA medium access scheme to save device energy by minimizing the radio usage. However, frame collisions restrain the network scalability when the traffic load increases. In this context, synchronization can be used to exploit the available bandwidth more efficiently by controlling the timing of frame transmissions and reducing the collision probability. Such strategy allows to increase the network throughput at the cost of an extra energy demand due to the inherent overhead. In that, the entailed network scenario is still supposed to address low power applications. Therefore this article timely presents LoRaSync, an energy‐efficient synchronization scheme designed for LoRa networks of any size. An accurate clock drift model was established based on measurements made on real cheap devices, and leveraged to support the design of LoRaSync. Our mechanism has been used to evaluate the same ALOHA‐based random access but on a time‐slotted basis, thus increasing the maximum achievable throughput compared to the legacy access. Throughput and energy efficiency models are established to evaluate the performances of a LoRaSync‐operated network. These models are validated with a simulation environment mimicking large‐scale deployments, and then used to determine the most energy efficient slot size for any traffic load. As a final proof of concept, LoRaSync has been implemented and tested on a LoRa testbed to demonstrate the feasibility of our solution on real hardware.
Opposition‐based improved memetic algorithm for placement of concurrentInternet of Thingsapplications in fog computing
Authors: Malathy N. , Revathi T.
Published: February 2024

The transpiration of a new computing standard, Fog computing exploits the computing resources immediacy to the Internet of Things (IoT) devices and hence together with the cloud servers bestow the required resources promptly. Even though the fog server provides timely services due to the fewer resources it cannot tackle the resource‐consuming applications developed by more IoT devices. Hence the placement of applications in the fog computing paradigm with more cloud and fog servers is a major challenging problem. To overcome this problem and to minimize the execution time and energy consumption of the IoT applications in a computing platform consisting of numerous IoT devices, and several fog and cloud servers, a weighted cost model is proposed. The number of parallel jobs for concurrent execution is increased due to the heterogeneity of IoT applications, and hence a pre‐scheduling technique is presented to accomplish this. In addition to that, a novel application placement method using the Opposition‐based Improved Memetic Algorithm (OBIMA) is adapted to formulate the placement of parallel IoT operations. The experimental results show that the proposed model outperforms well compared to other state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Infrastructure Permitting and Friction in the Energy Transition
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: February 2024

The ambitious energy transition envisioned by the Biden Administration in the series of enacted statutes, culminating in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and similarly moving forward in a number of states, attempts to walk a tightrope of changing essentially everyone's sources of energy seamlessly, without a premature failure of existing sources. The idea is similar to Al Gore's dream of “flipping a switch.”1 However, as has been previously discussed in this column, there are a lot of headwinds in trying to achieve that goal.
Innovative Strategies for Photons Management on Ultrathin Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Li Ning , Fratalocchi Andrea
Published: February 2024

Silicon (Si), the eighth most common element in the known universe by mass and widely applied in the industry of electronics chips and solar cells, rarely emerges as a pure element in the Earth's crust. Optimizing its manufacturing can be crucial in the global challenge of reducing the cost of renewable energy modules and implementing sustainable development goals in the future. In the industry of solar cells, this challenge is stimulating studies of ultrathin Si‐based architectures, which are rapidly attracting broad attention. Ultrathin solar cells require up to two orders of magnitude less Si than conventional solar cells, and owning to a flexible nature, they are opening applications in different industries that conventional cells do not yet serve. Despite these attractive factors, a difficulty in ultrathin Si solar cells is overcoming the weak light absorption at near‐infrared wavelengths. The primary goal in addressing this problem is scaling up cost‐effective and innovative textures for anti‐reflection and light‐trapping with shallower depth junctions, which can offer similar performances to traditional thick modules. This review provides an overview of this area of research, discussing this field both as science and engineering and highlighting present progress and future outlooks.
Multitemporal landslide inventory and susceptibility map for the Arun River Basin, Nepal
Authors: Amatya Pukar , Emberson Robert , Kirschbaum Dalia
Published: February 2024

The transboundary Arun River Basin (ARB) spreads across Nepal and Tibet. Nearly 95% of the basin lies in Tibet through which the Pumqu River flows, forming the Arun River once it enters Nepal. The ARB has five large hydropower projects undergoing construction or planned for the future. Rainfall and earthquake‐induced landslides, landslide‐dammed lakes and landslide‐induced glacial lake outburst floods pose major risks to smooth operation of these projects. To safeguard upcoming hydropower projects, areas susceptible to landslides in the ARB must be identified. We used high‐resolution satellite imagery and open‐source tools to generate a multitemporal landslide inventory for the basin. The rigorously quality‐controlled inventory represents a yearly record of landslides from 2011 to 2020. A data‐driven approach was used to map areas susceptible to landslides within the ARB. The multitemporal landslide inventory combined with other readily available Earth observation‐based variables was used to create a landslide susceptibility map. The susceptibility analysis provides a valuable initial estimate of where landslides are likely to initiate. These landslide products could form the basis of more comprehensive local studies to inform hydropower project development.
Degradation protection and enhanced biocompatibility of Mg alloys pretreated with plasma proteins
Authors: Wei Xian , Meng Jiajia , Ma Sujie , Li Yanchun , Qing Hong , Peng Xubiao , Zhao Qing
Published: February 2024

After implantation of the Mg alloy in the human body, the adsorption of plasma protein on surface will cause a series of cell reactions and affect the degradation of Mg alloys. Herein, in vitro biological reactions of the ZK60 and AZ31 Mg alloys are analyzed in plasma protein environment. Combined with mass spectrometry analysis of the type of adsorbed proteins, it is shown that proteins such as fibrinogen, vitronectin, fibronectin, and prothrombin are prone to get adsorbed on the surface of the alloys than other proteins, leading to the promotion of MG63 cell adhesion and proliferation. The effect of selected proteins (fibrinogen, fibronectin, and prothrombin) on degradation of ZK60 and AZ31 Mg alloys is investigated using immersion tests. The degradation of AZ31 Mg alloy is significantly restrained with the presence of proteins. This is due to the protein adsorption effect on the sample surface. The molecular dynamics simulation results indicate that both fibrinogen and fibronectin tend to adsorb onto the AZ31 rather than ZK60, forming a stable protein layer on the AZ31 Mg alloy retarding the degradation of the samples. As to ZK60 alloy, the addition of protein inhibits the degradation in the short term, however, the degradation increases after a long time of immersion. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in fibronectin solution.
Novel machine learning insights into the QM7b and QM9 quantum mechanics datasets
Authors: Valdés Julio J. , Tchagang Alain B.
Published: February 2024

This paper (i) explores the internal structure of two quantum mechanics datasets (QM7b, QM9), composed of several thousands of organic molecules and described in terms of electronic properties, and (ii) further explores an inverse design approach to molecular design consisting of using machine learning methods to approximate the atomic composition of molecules, using QM9 data. Understanding the structure and characteristics of this kind of data is important when predicting the atomic composition from physical‐chemical properties in inverse molecular designs. Intrinsic dimension analysis, clustering, and outlier detection methods were used in the study. They revealed that for both datasets the intrinsic dimensionality is several times smaller than the descriptive dimensions. The QM7b data is composed of well‐defined clusters related to atomic composition. The QM9 data consists of an outer region predominantly composed of outliers, and an inner, core region that concentrates clustered inliner objects. A significant relationship exists between the number of atoms in the molecule and its outlier/inliner nature. The spatial structure exhibits a relationship with molecular weight. Despite the structural differences between the two datasets, the predictability of variables of interest for inverse molecular design is high. This is exemplified by models estimating the number of atoms of the molecule from both the original properties and from lower dimensional embedding spaces. In the generative approach the input is given by a set of desired properties of the molecule and the output is an approximation of the atomic composition in terms of its constituent chemical elements. This could serve as the starting region for further search in the huge space determined by the set of possible chemical compounds. The quantum mechanic's dataset QM9 is used in the study, composed of 133,885 small organic molecules and 19 electronic properties. Different multi‐target regression approaches were considered for predicting the atomic composition from the properties, including feature engineering techniques in an auto‐machine learning framework. High‐quality models were found that predict the atomic composition of the molecules from their electronic properties, as well as from a subset of only 52.6% size. Feature selection worked better than feature generation. The results validate the generative approach to inverse molecular design.
Constructing MRD codes by switching
Authors: Shi Minjia , Krotov Denis S. , Özbudak Ferruh
Published: February 2024

Maximum rank‐distance (MRD) codes are (not necessarily linear) maximum codes in the rank‐distance metric space on ‐by‐ matrices over a finite field . They are diameter perfect and have the cardinality if . We define switching in MRD codes as the replacement of special MRD subcodes by other subcodes with the same parameters. We consider constructions of MRD codes admitting switching, such as punctured twisted Gabidulin codes and direct‐product codes. Using switching, we construct a huge class of MRD codes whose cardinality grows doubly exponentially in if the other parameters (, the code distance) are fixed. Moreover, we construct MRD codes with different affine ranks and aperiodic MRD codes.
Role of c‐Fos in DNA damage repair
Authors: Yao Haiyang , Wu Yilun , Zhong Yiming , Huang Chenxuan , Guo Zimo , Jin Yinpeng , Wang Xianli
Published: February 2024

c‐Fos, a member of the immediate early gene, serves as a widely used marker of neuronal activation induced by various types of brain damage. In addition, c‐Fos is believed to play a regulatory role in DNA damage repair. This paper reviews the literature on c‐Fos' involvement in the regulation of DNA damage repair and indicates that genes of the Fos family can be induced by various forms of DNA damage. In addition, cells lacking c‐Fos have difficulties in DNA repair. c‐Fos is involved in tumorigenesis and progression as a proto‐oncogene that maintains cancer cell survival, which may also be related to DNA repair. c‐Fos may impact the repair of DNA damage by regulating the expression of downstream proteins, including ATR, ERCC1, XPF, and others. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms necessitate further exploration.
To be a transit link: Similarity in the structure of colonial system of integration and communication pores in autozooids and avicularia of Terminoflustra membranaceotruncata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata)
Authors: Shunatova Natalia
Published: February 2024

Bryozoan colonies consist of zooids, which can differ in structure and function. Most heteromorphic zooids are unable to feed and autozooids supply them with nutrients. The structure of the tissues providing nutrient transfer is poorly investigated. Here, I present a detailed description of the colonial system of integration (CSI) and communication pores in autozooids and avicularia of the cheilosome bryozoan Terminoflustra membranaceotruncata. The CSI is the nutrient transport and distribution system in the colony. In both autozooids and avicularia it consists of a single cell type, that is, elongated cells, and has a variable branching pattern, except for the presence of a peripheral cord. The general similarity in the CSI structure in avicularia and autozooids is probably due to the interzooidal type of the avicularium. Interzooidal avicularia are likely to consume only a part of the nutrients delivered to them by the CSI, and they transit the rest of the nutrients further. The variability and irregularity of branching pattern of the CSI may be explained by the presence of single communication pores and their varying number. The structure of communication pores is similar regardless of their location (in the transverse or lateral wall) and the type of zooid in contact. Rosette complexes include a cincture cell, a few special cells, and a few limiting cells. Along each zooidal wall, there are communication pores with both unidirectional and bidirectional polarity of special cells. However, the total number of nucleus‐containing lobes of special cells is approximately the same on each side of any zooidal wall. Supposing the polarity of special cells reflects the direction of nutrient transport, the pattern of special cells polarity is probably related to the need for bidirectional transport through each zooidal wall. The possibility for such transport is important in large perennial colonies with wide zones of autozooids undergoing polypide degeneration.
Influence of sidewall retention and interference fit in total ankle replacement on implant‐bone micromotion: A finite element study
Authors: Johnson Joshua E. , Clarke Gabriel A. , de Cesar Netto Cesar , Anderson Donald D.
Published: February 2024

The success of uncemented total ankle replacement (TAR) is linked to initial stability because bony ingrowth depends upon limited early micromotion. Tibial implant design fixation features resist micromotion aided by bony sidewall retention and interference fit. Our goal was to investigate factors influencing implant‐bone micromotion in TAR. Two TAR tibial components were virtually inserted into CT‐derived computer models of two distal tibias from patients with end‐stage ankle arthritis. Density‐based inhomogeneous material assignment was used to model bone compaction during press‐fit. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to simulate three fixation cases: (1) no sidewalls + line‐to‐line fit, (2) sidewalls + line‐to‐line fit, and (3) sidewalls + 50, 100, or 200 µm interference fit. Kinetic profiles from the stance phase of gait were simulated and micromotions computed from FEA output. Without sidewalls or interference fit, micromotions were largest in early and late stance, with largest micromotions (averaging ~150–250 µm) observed near heel strike. Micromotions decreased 39%–62% when sidewalls were retained. When interference fit was also modeled, micromotions decreased another 37%–61% to ~10 µm. Micromotion differences between patients persisted with sidewall retention but largely disappeared with interference fit. This study presents new insights into the effects of TAR fixation features on implant‐bone micromotion. Stability appeared to be influenced by surrounding bone quality, but this influence was greatly diminished when interference fit was introduced. More complete understanding of TAR implant features and performance is needed, but our results show the importance of bone quality and interference fit in the stability of uncemented TAR.
From oligotrophy to dystrophy: the ontogeny of a humic lake in an extrazonal boreal taiga in Central Europe
Authors: Bitušík Peter , Chamutiová Tímea , Vidhya Marina , Horáčková Šárka , Pipík Radovan , Starek Dušan , Milovský Rastislav , Žatková Lucia , Hamerlík Ladislav
Published: February 2024

While humic lakes are common in northern Europe, in central Europe they are rare and our understanding of their ontogeny is insufficient. Here, we present the reconstruction of the development of a humic lake in the Tatra Mountains (Slovakia) over the last 8000 years using chironomids along with diatoms, pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs. The compositional changes in aquatic proxies suggest three developmental stages. Since its formation the lake has been oligotrophic (phase 1), and its chemistry was controlled by subsurface waters rich in base cations buffering the effect of acid humic substances from forest and peat that were already present in the catchment. The beginning of the transition to phase 2 (~4400 cal a bp) is marked by simultaneous alterations in all proxies. Climate change combined with the local geochemistry was able to alter the limnological conditions supporting unique chironomid assemblages that have no analogues in recent Carpathian lakes. At ~3400 cal a 
bp the lake shifted to a phase when acidophilic/acidotolerant taxa indicate characteristic humic lake conditions (phase 3). Some chironomid taxa appearing ~2000 years ago for the first time indicate a dystrophic state in which the lake has remained until now. Human activities have been detected in the area since the Aeneolithic but had no direct influence on the lake.
Effects of removing phytic acid on the bioaccessibility of Ca/Fe/Zn and protein digestion in soymilk
Authors: Lv Wenwen , Chen Wei , Tan Shengjie , Ba Genna , Sun Chao , Feng Fanqing , Sun Qian , Xu Duoxia
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Soymilk is a high‐quality source of protein and minerals, such as calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). However, phytic acid in soymilk restricts mineral and protein availability. We here investigated the effects of removing phytic acid on the physicochemical properties, mineral (Ca, Fe, and Zn) bioaccessibility, and protein digestibility of soymilk.

RESULTS

Physicochemical property analysis revealed that the removal of phytic acid reduced protein accumulation at the gastric stage, thereby facilitating soymilk matrix digestion. The removal of phytic acid significantly increased Zn bioaccessibility by 18.19% in low‐protein soymilk and Ca and Fe bioaccessibility by 31.20% and 30.03%, respectively, in high‐protein soymilk.

CONCLUSION

Removing phytic acid was beneficial for the hydrolysis of high‐molecular‐weight proteins and increased the soluble protein content in soymilk, which was conducive to protein digestion. This study offers a feasible guide for developing plant‐based milk with high nutrient bioaccessibility. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Neuromuscular ultrasound findings in gunshot wounds
Authors: Fagan Patrick , Geiger Christopher D. , Chenji Gaurav , Preston David C.
Published: February 2024

Introduction/Aims

A spectrum of peripheral nerve injuries is associated with gunshot wounds (GSWs). Due to Wallerian degeneration, distal nerve lesions may go undetected on electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing. In patients with GSW undergoing high‐resolution ultrasound (HRUS) for evaluation of neurological deficits, we have observed distal nerve morphological changes, but these have not been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to characterize changes on HRUS in nerves at and distal to gunshot injuries and to identify the frequency with which these changes occur.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients referred for HRUS with peripheral nerve injuries from GSW. The primary injured nerve(s) were assessed along with distal segments of the same nerve and those of adjacent nerves. Findings were also compared to EDX studies.

Results

Twenty‐two of the 28 nerves injured proximally by GSW were evaluated distally and of these, 68% showed abnormal ultrasound findings, including enlarged cross sectional area (59%), fascicular enlargement (50%), and decreased nerve echogenicity (59%). In 17 patients, adjacent nerves were evaluated and 8 of the patients (47%) showed abnormalities in at least one distal adjacent nerve, including enlarged cross sectional area (41%), fascicular enlargement (41%), and decreased nerve echogenicity (35%).

Discussion

This study demonstrated morphological changes at the site of the GSW but also in distal nerve segments including nerve enlargement, fascicular enlargement, and changes in nerve echogenicity. The complementary use of HRUS with EDX was highlighted in evaluation of GSW victims to assess the extent of peripheral nerve injury.
Disordered eating behaviors in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease in remission or mild‐moderate disease activity
Authors: Vickers Maggie , Whitworth John , Alvarez Lybil Mendoza , Bowden Michelle
Published: February 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Disordered eating describes irregular eating behaviors that may be a precursor to an eating disorder diagnosis. Higher rates of disordered eating have been described in chronic diseases. Screening for disordered eating is not performed in pediatric patients with IBD. The goal of this longitudinal study was to use the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT‐26) to screen pediatric patients with IBD for disordered eating, estimate our population's prevalence, identify potential risk factors, and correlate positive EAT‐26 screen results with evaluation in adolescent medicine clinic.

Methods

Eighty patients with IBD between 10 and 21 years completed the EAT‐26 questionnaire during gastroenterology clinic visit. Disease activity was measured using Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) and Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI). Patients also rated their own disease activity on a numerical scale.

Results

Five patients had a positive EAT‐26 screen and were evaluated in the adolescent medicine clinic. One hundred percent of those who screened positive were diagnosed with a concomitant eating disorder once evaluated. Only 20% of those who screened positive had active IBD. Higher weight, body mass index, and patient perception of disease activity were associated with increased EAT‐26 score.

Conclusion

Pediatric patients with IBD are at risk for disordered eating, with a prevalence of 6% in our population, which is twice the prevalence of disordered eating in the general population. The EAT‐26 questionnaire is a feasible tool to screen pediatric IBD patients for disordered eating.