bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grain and Grain Boundary Conduction Channels in Copper Iodide Thin Films
Authors: Stralka Tillmann , Bar Michael , Schöppach Fabian , Selle Susanne , Yang Chang , von Wenckstern Holger , Grundmann Marius
Published: January 2023

Due to the textured nature of random in‐plane orientation of sputtered γ‐CuI (111) thin films, the crystalline grains and grain boundaries (GBs) influence charge carrier transport. Herein, current probe atomic force microscopy (cp‐AFM) measurements for differentiation and correlation of these morphological features and their contribution to electrical conductivity are presented, thus showing a clear difference between the conductive behavior of grains and GBs. A localized high and linearly voltage‐dependent current at the boundaries as well as a rectifying behavior between the platinum‐coated AFM tip and the grain surfaces is observed. Also, a different temporal evolution of voltage‐dependent conductivity is observed for grains and GBs. Further, the charge carrier transport through the surface vanishes with time. It is suspected that atmospheric oxygen causes these time‐dependent surface changes because accelerated degradation of the conductivity after oxygen plasma treatment is also measured.
Resonance Expansion of Quadratic Quantities with Regularized Quasinormal Modes
Authors: Betz Fridtjof , Binkowski Felix , Hammerschmidt Martin , Zschiedrich Lin , Burger Sven
Published: January 2023

Resonance expansions are an intuitive approach to capture the interaction of an optical resonator with light. Herein, a quasinormal mode expansion approach for quadratic observables is presented. The approach exploits the rigorous Riesz projection method. A numerical implementation of a state‐of‐the‐art quantum light source demonstrates the applicability with emphasis on modal expansions outside the underlying nanophotonic resonator.
Characterization of exhaustion disorder and identification of outcomes that matter to patients: Qualitative content analysis of a Swedish national online survey
Authors: Lindsäter Elin , Svärdman Frank , Rosquist Patrik , Wallert John , Ivanova Ekaterina , Lekander Mats , Söderholm Anna , Rück Christian
Published: January 2023

Fatigue is a common presenting problem in healthcare settings, often attributed to chronic psychosocial stress. Understanding of fatigue and development of evidence‐based treatments is hampered by a lack of consensus regarding diagnostic definitions and outcomes to be measured in clinical trials. This study aimed to map outcome domains of importance to the Swedish diagnosis stress‐induced exhaustion disorder (ED; ICD‐10, code F43.8 A). An online survey was distributed nationwide in Sweden to individuals who reported to have been diagnosed with ED and to healthcare professionals working with ED patients. To identify outcome domains, participants replied anonymously to four open‐ended questions about symptoms and expectations for ED‐treatment. Qualitative content analysis was conducted of a randomized subsample of respondents, using a mathematical model to determine data saturation. Six hundred seventy participants (573 with reported ED, 97 healthcare professionals) completed the survey. Qualitative content analysis of answers supplied by 105 randomized participants identified 87 outcomes of importance to ED encompassing physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms as well as functional disability. Self‐rating scales indicated that many ED participants, beyond reporting fatigue, also reported symptoms of moderate to severe depression, anxiety, insomnia, poor self‐rated health, and sickness behavior. This study presents a map of outcome domains of importance for ED. Results shed light on the panorama of issues that individuals with ED deal with and can be used as a step to further understand the condition and to reach consensus regarding outcome domains to measure in clinical trials of chronic stress and fatigue. Preregistration: Open Science Framework (osf.io) with DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/4VUAG
Titanium‐Based Nanoarchitectures for Sonodynamic Therapy‐Involved Multimodal Treatments
Authors: Maleki Aziz , Seyedhamzeh Mohammad , Yuan Meng , Agarwal Tarun , Sharifi Ibrahim , Mohammadi Abbas , Kelicen‐Uğur Pelin , Hamidi Mehrdad , Malaki Massoud , Al Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Cheng Ziyong , Lin Jun
Published: January 2023

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has considerably revolutionized the healthcare sector as a viable noninvasive therapeutic procedure. It employs a combination of low‐intensity ultrasound and chemical entities, known as a sonosensitizer, to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) for cancer and antimicrobial therapies. With nanotechnology, several unique nanoplatforms are introduced as a sonosensitizers, including, titanium‐based nanomaterials, thanks to their high biocompatibility, catalytic efficiency, and customizable physicochemical features. Additionally, developing titanium‐based sonosensitizers facilitates the integration of SDT with other treatment modalities (for example, chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and immunotherapy), hence increasing overall therapeutic results. This review summarizes the most recent developments in cancer therapy and tissue engineering using titanium nanoplatforms mediated SDT. The synthesis strategies and biosafety aspects of Titanium‐based nanoplatforms for SDT are also discussed. Finally, various challenges and prospects for its further development and potential clinical translation are highlighted.
Nanostructured Silicon Matrix for Materials Engineering
Authors: Liu Poting , Schleusener Alexander , Zieger Gabriel , Bochmann Arne , van Spronsen Matthijs A. , Sivakov Vladimir
Published: January 2023

Tin‐containing layers with different degrees of oxidation are uniformly distributed along the length of silicon nanowires formed by a top‐down method by applying metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The electronic and atomic structure of the obtained layers is investigated by applying nondestructive surface‐sensitive X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation. The results demonstrated, for the first time, a distribution effect of the tin‐containing phases in the nanostructured silicon matrix compared to the results obtained for planar structures at the same deposition temperatures. The amount and distribution of tin‐containing phases can be effectively varied and controlled by adjusting the geometric parameters (pore diameter and length) of the initial matrix of nanostructured silicon. Due to the occurrence of intense interactions between precursor molecules and decomposition by‐products in the nanocapillary, as a consequence of random thermal motion of molecules in the nanocapillary, which leads to additional kinetic energy and formation of reducing agents, resulting in effective reduction of tin‐based compounds to a metallic tin state for molecules with the highest penetration depth in the nanostructured silicon matrix. This effect will enable clear control of the phase distributions of functional materials in 3D matrices for a wide range of applications.
Probing Bidirectional Plasmon‐Plasmon Coupling‐Induced Hot Charge Carriers in Dual Plasmonic Au/CuS Nanocrystals
Authors: Bessel Patrick , Niebur André , Kranz Daniel , Lauth Jannika , Dorfs Dirk
Published: January 2023

Heterostructured Au/CuS nanocrystals (NCs) exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) centered at two different wavelengths (551 and 1051 nm) with a slight broadening compared to respective homostructured Au and CuS NC spectra. By applying ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy we show that a resonant excitation at the respective LSPR maxima of the heterostructured Au/CuS NCs leads to the characteristic hot charge carrier relaxation associated with both LSPRs in both cases. A comparison of the dual plasmonic heterostructure with a colloidal mixture of homostructured Au and CuS NCs shows that the coupled dual plasmonic interaction is only active in the heterostructured Au/CuS NCs. By investigating the charge carrier dynamics of the process, we find that the observed interaction is faster than phononic or thermal processes (< 100 fs). The relaxation of the generated hot charge carriers is faster for heterostructured nanocrystals and indicates that the interaction occurs as an energy transfer (we propose Landau damping or interaction via LSPR beat oscillations as possible mechanisms) or charge carrier transfer between both materials. Our results strengthen the understanding of multiplasmonic interactions in heterostructured Au/CuS NCs and will significantly advance applications where these interactions are essential, such as catalytic reactions.
Terminal Group‐Oriented Self‐Assembly to Controllably Synthesize a Layer‐by‐Layer SnSe2 and MXene Heterostructure for Ultrastable Lithium Storage
Authors: Kong Xianglong , Zhao Xiaohan , Li Chen , Jia Zhuoming , Yang Chengkai , Wu Zhuoyan , Zhao Xudong , Zhao Ying , He Fei , Ren Yueming , Yang Piaoping , Liu Zhiliang
Published: January 2023

Heterostructured materials integrate the advantages of adjustable electronic structure, fast electron/ions transfer kinetics, and robust architectures, which have attracted considerable interest in the fields of rechargeable batteries, photo/electrocatalysis, and supercapacitors. However, the construction of heterostructures still faces some severe problems, such as inferior random packing of components and serious agglomeration. Herein, a terminal group‐oriented self‐assembly strategy to controllably synthesize a homogeneous layer‐by‐layer SnSe2 and MXene heterostructure (LBL‐SnSe2@MXene) is designed. Benefitting from the abundant polar terminal groups on the MXene surface, Sn2+ is induced into the interlayer of MXene with large interlayer spacing, which is selenized in situ to obtain LBL‐SnSe2@MXene. In the heterostructure, SnSe2 layers and MXene layers are uniformly intercalated in each other, superior to other heterostructures formed by random stacking. As an anode for lithium‐ion batteries, the LBL‐SnSe2@MXene is revealed to possess strong lithium adsorption ability, the small activation energy for lithium diffusion, and excellent structure stability, thus achieving outstanding electrochemical performance, especially with high specific capacities (1311 and 839 mAh g−1 for initial discharge and charge respectively) and ultralong cycling stability (410 mAh g−1 at 5C even after 16 000 cycles). This work conveys an inspiration for the controllable design and construction of homogeneous layered heterostructures.
Light Field‐Enhanced Single‐Site Cu Electrocatalyst for Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Qiang , Li Kai , Liu Jia , Mao Jun‐Jie , Lin Yu‐Qing
Published: January 2023

Direct electrocatalytic reduction of N2 to NH3 under mild conditions is attracting considerable interests but still remains enormous challenges in terms of respect of intrinsic catalytic activity and limited electrocatalytic efficiency. Herein, a photo‐enhanced strategy is developed to improve the NRR activity on Cu single atoms catalysts. The atomically dispersed Cu single atoms supported TiO2 nanosheets (Cu SAs/TiO2) achieve a Faradaic Efficiency (12.88%) and NH3 yield rate (6.26 µg h−1 mgcat−1) at −0.05 V versus RHE under the light irradiation field, in which NH3 yield rate is fivefold higher than that under pure electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) process and is remarkably superior in comparison to most of the similar type electrocatalysts. The existence of external light field improves electron transfer ability between CuO and TiO, and thus optimizes the accumulation of surface charges on Cu sites, endowing more electrons involved in nitrogen fixation. This work reveals an atomic‐scale mechanistic understanding of field effect‐enhanced electrochemical performance of catalysts and it provides predictive guidelines for the rational design of photo‐enhanced electrochemical N2 reduction catalysts.
Multiple Stimuli‐Response Polychromatic Carbon Dots for Advanced Information Encryption and Safety
Authors: Wu Youfusheng , Chen Xiao , Wu Wei
Published: January 2023

Optical information encryption and safety have aroused great attention since they are closely correlated to data protection and information safety. The development of multiple stimuli‐response optical materials for constructing large‐capacity information encryption and safety is very important for practical applications. Carbon dots (CDs) have many gratifying merits, such as polychromatic emission, diverse luminous categories, and stable physicochemical properties, and are considered as one of the most ideal candidates for information protection. Herein, carbon core, functional groups, solvents, and other crucial factors are reviewed for outputting polychromatic emission of multiple luminous categories. In particular, substrate engineering strategies have been emphasized for their critical role in yielding excellent optical features of multiple luminous categories. High‐capacity information encryption and safety strategies are reviewed by relying on the rich optical properties of CDs, such as polychromatic emission, multiple luminous categories of fluorescence, afterglow, and upconversion, as well as external‐stimuli‐assisted optical changes. Some perspectives for preparing excellent CDs and further developing information security strategies are proposed. This review provides a good reference for the manipulation of polychromatic CDs and the development of next‐generation information encryption and safety.
Morphological Control Over Gel Structures of Mixed Semiconductor‐Metal Nanoparticle Gel Networks with Multivalent Cations
Authors: Rosebrock Marina , Zámbó Dániel , Rusch Pascal , Graf Rebecca T. , Pluta Denis , Borg Hadir , Dorfs Dirk , Bigall Nadja C.
Published: January 2023

In this work, the influence of two different types of cations on the gel formation and structure of mixed gel networks comprised of semiconductor (namely CdSe/CdS nanorods NR) and Au nanoparticles (NP) as well as on the respective monocomponent gels is investigated. Heteroassemblies built from colloidal building blocks are usually prepared by ligand removal or cross‐linking, thus, both the surface chemistry and the destabilising agent play an essential role in the gelation process. Due to the diversity of the composition, morphology, and optical properties of the nanoparticles, a versatile route to fabricate functional heteroassemblies is of great demand. In the present work, the optics, morphology, and gelation mechanism of pure semiconductor and noble metal as well as their mixed nanoparticle gel networks are revealed. The influence of the gelation agents (bivalent and trivalent cations) on the structure‐property correlation is elucidated by photoluminescence, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy measurements. The selection of cations drastically influences the nano‐ and microstructure of the prepared gel network structures driven by the affinity of the cations to the ligands and the nanoparticle surface. This gelation technique provides a new platform to control the formation of porous assemblies based on semiconductor and metal nanoparticles.
Microfluidics‐based molecular profiling of tumor‐derived exosomes for liquid biopsy
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Wang Shurong , Li Lanting , Zou Yan , Liu Baohong , Fang Xiaoni
Published: January 2023

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that actively secreted by most live cells via endosome pathway. They distribute ubiquitously in body fluids and play important roles in physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies have revealed that exosomes carry cell‐specific cargoes, such as proteins and nucleic acids, which have been recognized as emerging noninvasive biomarkers in liquid biopsy. Therefore, the molecular profiling of tumor‐derived exosomes is crucial in facilitating the discovery of cancer‐related biomarkers. Recently, various techniques have been proposed for sensitive, accurate, and rapid molecular characterization of these small vesicles. To meet the growing demands for multiplexed detection, microfluidics has been integrated with diverse traditional analytical methods as powerful components for exosomes analysis. Taking advantages of their inherent merits of great sensitivity, high analysis performance and system integration, short analysis time, low cost, small volume of sample, improved potential for control, automation, and disposability, microfluidic systems have significantly improved the molecular profiling of exosomes. In this review, we summarized the most recent progresses in microfluidic technologies for molecular profiling of tumor‐derived exosomes, including proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites, lipids. Furthermore, we discussed the major challenges and offered a perspective of the microfluidic strategy‐based exosomal biomarkers discovery. We expected that the in‐depth summary of microfluidic devices–assisted analysis of exosomes will greatly facilitate the discovery of biomarkers, thereby realizing highly efficient and accurate diagnosis, and prediction of cancers. Moreover, in view of the significance of this interesting approach in exosomes‐based liquid biopsy, this review will contribute to the translation of microfluidic technology into clinical applications.
Epidemic of lumpy skin disease in Pakistan
Authors: Khatri Govinda , Rai Aneesh , Aashish  , Shahzaib  , Hyder Saqlain , Priya  , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi
Published: January 2023

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease that affects farm animals including water buffalo. It is caused by the contagious LSD virus, a member of the Poxiviridae family's Capripox genus. Skin sores are thought to be the most common site of infection since the virus may live for lengthy periods in lesions or scabs. The first clinical indications of LSD were described in Zambia, in 1929. Pakistan has also been afflicted by LSD, with a high number of animals infected at many cattle ranches in Karachi, 190,000 cases of LSD have been reported nationwide, with greater than 7500 deaths attributable to the illness. LSD has a huge influence on Pakistan's economic status, resulting in the loss of cattle and a decrease in milk output. The Ministry of Research and National Food Safety in Pakistan has formed a working group to create a framework for controlling the spread of LSD in cattle and buffalo. Official and private veterinarians, both field and slaughterhouse, veterinary students, farmers, cattle merchants, cattle truck drivers, and artificial inseminators should all participate in awareness efforts.
Unconditionally convergent numerical method for the fractional activator–inhibitor system with anomalous diffusion
Authors: Zheng Rumeng , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a novel numerical scheme is proposed to numerically solve the fractional activator–inhibitor system, which is a coupled two‐dimensional nonlinear model. In the temporal direction, we employ the Grünwald–Letnikov formula, in spatial direction, the Legendre spectral method is used. In terms of the error splitting argument technique, an optimal error estimate of the numerical scheme is obtained without any time‐step size conditions, while the usual analysis for high‐dimensional nonlinear fractional problems always required certain time‐step restrictions dependent on the spatial mesh size. Some numerical results are given to justify the theoretical analysis.
Numerical solution and statistical analysis of the unsteady hybrid ferrofluid flow with heat generation subject to a rotating disk
Authors: Khashi'ie Najiyah Safwa , Waini Iskandar , Hamzah Khairum Bin , Mukhtar Mohd Fariduddin , Kasim Abdul Rahman Mohd , Arifin Norihan Md , Pop Ioan
Published: January 2023

The goal of this study is to examine the significant parameter of unsteady Fe3O4‐CoFe2O4/H2O with heat generation flowing on a rotating disk using numerical and statistical approaches. The mathematical model respected to time‐dependent is first transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using similarity variables. The computation is done by employing bvp4c method utilizing MATLAB software. The validation of present model and the output is done by direct comparison with the established report in literature and found to be in a very good agreement. It is worth to mention the presence computation produces up to third solutions. The variations of skin friction coefficient for radial and azimuthal directions including Nusselt number for different value of magnetic parameter, suction parameter, and heat generation parameter are plotted graphically. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is applied to scrutinize the physical parameters that affect the response functions under a given set of assumptions. It is revealed the values of skin friction coefficients significantly affected by the magnetic and suction parameters whereas the values of thermal rate are influenced by magnetic, suction, and heat generation parameters.
Room temperature enhancement of flexural strength in silicon carbide green body via the addition of cellulose nanofiber
Authors: Kanno Teruyoshi , Kurita Hiroki , Narita Fumio
Published: January 2023

Silicon carbide (SiC) green bodies fabricated using robocasting were strengthened by incorporating cellulose nanofiber (CNF) into a SiC slurry and just drying at room temperature. The measured flexural strength of a SiC green body modified via the CNF with a liquid phase weight ratio (water-to-CNF slurry) of 80:20 was 813 ± 37 kPa, 1.5 times larger than the strength of an unmodified green body. The strength was improved due to the increased number of hydrogen-bonding sites between the raw particles and CNF. After annealing at 250 °C, the lowering of the flexural strength indicated the occurrence of the bonding sites via water that was trapped on the CNF. The addition of CNF increased the viscosity and yield stress of the SiC slurry, which remained in the Bingham pseudoplastic behavior regardless of the CNF used. Moreover, this addition showed no effect on the relative densities, microstructures, and crystalline phases of the sintered SiC body. Therefore, the addition of CNF to the SiC slurry aided in handling the green body during processing and showed no detrimental effects on robocasting.
The impact of extended reality on surgery: a scoping review
Authors: Zhang James , Lu Victor , Khanduja Vikas
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Extended reality (XR) is defined as a spectrum of technologies that range from purely virtual environments to enhanced real-world environments. In the past two decades, XR-assisted surgery has seen an increase in its use and also in research and development. This scoping review aims to map out the historical trends in these technologies and their future prospects, with an emphasis on the reported outcomes and ethical considerations on the use of these technologies.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for literature related to XR-assisted surgery and telesurgery was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Primary studies, peer-reviewed articles that described procedures performed by surgeons on human subjects and cadavers, as well as studies describing general surgical education, were included. Non-surgical procedures, bedside procedures, veterinary procedures, procedures performed by medical students, and review articles were excluded.

Studies were classified into the following categories: impact on surgery (pre-operative planning and intra-operative navigation/guidance), impact on the patient (pain and anxiety), and impact on the surgeon (surgical training and surgeon confidence).

Results

One hundred and sixty-eight studies were included for analysis. Thirty-one studies investigated the use of XR for pre-operative planning concluded that virtual reality (VR) enhanced the surgeon’s spatial awareness of important anatomical landmarks. This leads to shorter operating sessions and decreases surgical insult. Forty-nine studies explored the use of XR for intra-operative planning. They noted that augmented reality (AR) headsets highlight key landmarks, as well as important structures to avoid, which lowers the chance of accidental surgical trauma. Eleven studies investigated patients’ pain and noted that VR is able to generate a meditative state. This is beneficial for patients, as it reduces the need for analgesics. Ten studies commented on patient anxiety, suggesting that VR is unsuccessful at altering patients’ physiological parameters such as mean arterial blood pressure or cortisol levels. Sixty studies investigated surgical training whilst seven studies suggested that the use of XR-assisted technology increased surgeon confidence.

Conclusion

The growth of XR-assisted surgery is driven by advances in hardware and software. Whilst augmented virtuality and mixed reality are underexplored, the use of VR is growing especially in the fields of surgical training and pre-operative planning. Real-time intra-operative guidance is key for surgical precision, which is being supplemented with AR technology. XR-assisted surgery is likely to undertake a greater role in the near future, given the effect of COVID-19 limiting physical presence and the increasing complexity of surgical procedures.
Exploratory behaviour divergence between surface populations, cave colonists and a cave population in the water louse, Asellus aquaticus
Authors: Horváth Gergely , Kerekes Kata , Nyitrai Viktória , Balázs Gergely , Berisha Hajriz , Herczeg Gábor
Published: January 2023

Behaviour is considered among the most important factors in colonising new
habitats. While population divergence in behaviour is well-documented, intraspecific
variation in exploratory behaviour in species with populations successfully colonising and
adapting to extreme (compared to the ‘typical’) habitats is less understood. Here, by studying
surface- vs. cave-adapted populations of water louse (Asellus aquaticus), we tested whether (i)
adaptation to the special, ecologically isolated cave habitat includes a decrease in
explorativeness and (ii) recent, surface-type cave colonists are more explorative than their
surface conspecifics from the source population. We repeatedly tested dispersal related novel
area exploration and dispersal speed in both the presence and absence of light. We found that
surface populations showed higher behavioural activity in dark than in light, and they were
more explorative and dispersed faster than their cave conspecifics. Recent colonists showed a
trend of higher dispersal speed compared to their source surface population. We suggest that
extreme and isolated habitats like caves might work as ‘dispersal traps’ following successful
colonisation, because adaptation to these habitats includes the reduction of explorativeness.
Furthermore, we suggest that individuals with higher explorativeness are likely to
colonise markedly new environments. Finally, we provide experimental evidence about
surface A. aquaticus moving more in dark than in light.

Significance statement

Environmental conditions in caves are differing drastically from those of the surface. Consequently, animals colonising subterranean habitats are subject to different selective forces than those experienced by the ancestral surface-living population. Behaviour is believed to be a key factor in successful colonisation to novel habitats; however, intraspecific behavioural variation in species with both surface- and cave-adapted populations is less known. Here, we compared dispersal related novel area exploration and dispersal speed across surface and cave-adapted populations of the freshwater crustacean Asellus aquaticus. Our results show that cave-adapted A. aquaticus are significantly less explorative and disperse slower than surface-type populations, indicating that caves may act as ‘dispersal traps’, where adaptation includes the loss of explorativeness. Also, recent cave colonists show a trend to be faster dispersers than peers from the surface source population, suggesting that individuals with higher explorativeness are likely to colonise markedly different new environments.
What Really Works? Testing Augmented and Virtual Reality Messaging in Terrestrial Invasive Species Management Communications to Impact Visitor Preferences and Deter Visitor Displacement
Authors: Schneider Ingrid , Rannow Brett , Gupta Angela , Russell Matt , Windmuller-Campione Marcella
Published: January 2023

Natural resource management is rapidly shifting to incorporate a deeper understanding of ecological processes and functioning, including attention to invasive species. The shift to understand public perceptions of resource management and invasives is much slower. Information influences both landscape preference and behaviors. Theory suggests that increasingly engaging information should have concurrently greater impacts. This research tested the effect of increasingly engaging information on visitor preferences and intentions to return to landscapes treated in response to emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis). Park visitors in a midwestern-U.S. state randomly received one of four messages about forest management in response to EAB (control, photo, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)). Messaging impacted preferences for three of the four management approaches, but significant changes in displacement intentions emerged in only one of the four. Specifically, VR and AR increased preferences for complete harvest compared to photos/text, but not differently from those who received no information. VR significantly lowered preferences for select harvest with natural regeneration. The photo/text treatment increased preference for select harvest with planted trees over no information. Any information reduced displacement in response to a photo depicting “select harvest, planted trees.” Subsequently judicious use of advanced communications like VR can optimize increasing scarce resources and maintain or optimize ecological services. Future research directions across geographic and content areas are recommended.
Revisiting informed consent in forensic genomics in light of current technologies and the times
Authors: Budowle Bruce , Sajantila Antti
Published: January 2023

Informed consent is based on basic ethical principles that should be considered when conducting biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects. These principles—respect, beneficence, and justice—form the foundations of informed consent which in itself is grounded on three fundamental elements: information, comprehension, and voluntary participation. While informed consent has focused on human subjects and research, the practice has been adopted willingly in the forensic science arena primarily to acquire reference samples from family members to assist in identifying missing persons. With advances in molecular biology technologies, data mining, and access to metadata, it is important to assess whether the past informed consent process and in particular associated risks are concomitant with these increased capabilities. Given the state-of-the-art, areas in which informed consent may need to be modified and augmented are as follows: reference samples from family members in missing persons or unidentified human remains cases; targeted analysis of an individual(s) during forensic genetic genealogy cases to reduce an investigative burden; donors who provide their samples for validation studies (to include population studies and entry into databases that would be applied to forensic statistical calculations) to support implementation of procedures and operations of the forensic laboratory; family members that may contribute samples or obtain genetic information from a molecular autopsy; and use of medical and other acquired samples that could be informative for identification purposes. The informed consent process should cover (1) purpose for collection of samples; (2) process to analyze the samples (to include type of data); (3) benefits (to donor, target, family, community, etc. as applicable); (4) risks (to donor, target, family, community, etc. as applicable); (5) access to data/reports by the donor; (6) sample disposition; (7) removal of data process (i.e., expungement); (8) process to ask questions/assessment of comprehension; (9) follow-up processes; and (10) voluntary, signed, and dated consent. Issues surrounding these topics are discussed with an emphasis on addressing risk factors. Addressing informed consent will allow human subjects to make decisions voluntarily and with autonomy as well as secure the use of samples for intended use.
Steroidal glycoside profile differences among primary roots system and adventitious roots in Solanum dulcamara
Authors: Chiocchio Ilaria , Andrés Nerea Pérez , Anaia Redouan Adam , van Dam Nicole M. , Vergara Fredd
Published: January 2023

Main conclusion

Solanum dulcamara primary and adventitious roots showed qualitative and quantitative differences in their steroidal glycosides profile. This opened new venues to evaluate the bioactivity of these molecules in belowground ecosystems.

The Solanum genus is characterized by the presence of steroidal glycosides (SGs) that confer herbivore resistance and serve as drug precursors in the pharmaceutical industry. Solanum dulcamara is a self-compatible, sexually reproducing species that produces seeds after buzz-pollination. In addition, primordia on the stem facilitate clonal propagation via adventitious root (AR) formation. ARs contain aerenchyma being developmentally and morphologically different from primary roots (PRs). Therefore, we hypothesized that ARs and PRs have different SG profiles. Aiming to assess differences in SGs profiles in S. dulcamara roots in relation to their origins and morphologies, we used liquid chromatography coupled to electron spray ionization quadruple time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-qToF-MS) to profile SGs from PRs and ARs of seven S. dulcamara individuals. Mass fragmentation pattern analysis indicated the presence of 31 SG-type structures, including those with spirostans and furostans moieties. We assigned the 31 structures to 9 classes of steroidal aglycons (SAgls) that differ in hydroxylation and degree of unsaturation. We found that SAgls were conjugated with di-, tri- and tetra saccharides whereby one compound contained a malonylated sugar. Principle component analysis showed that SG profiles of PRs and ARs separated on the first principal component, supporting our hypothesis. Specifically, PRs contain higher number of SGs than ARs with some compounds exclusively present in PRs. Our results reveal a high level of novel chemodiversity in PRs and ARs of Solanum dulcamara. The knowledge gained will deepen our understanding of SGs biosynthesis and their functional role in plant-environment interactions.
The Dump is the Target—A Reversed Mine Plan
Authors: Haindl Angelika
Published: January 2023

Mine plans usually need to consider the tonnage that must be stored in the dumping area and the machine hours required to place material there as a constraint. The Department of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics was involved in a project, in which the whole mine planning procedure had to start with the dump. To start with a dump, formulating the targets for the mine plan did require some adaptation of the standard mine planning procedure. After a proper set-up, the schedule was updated several times to optimize it. In total, six complete scenarios have been created where the dam could be built in the simulation.

For confidentiality reasons no details on the project location or project coordinator are included in the text.
Single-phase grid interface for home energy storage
Authors: Bosnjic Zlatko , Krischan Klaus
Published: January 2023

In this paper, an overview of a novel home energy storage system is presented. The aim of the system is the utilization of community solar panels in urban environments with decentralized energy storage at the household level. An increase in the total energy production from renewable energy sources as well as a reduction in energy costs for the consumer are the obvious benefits of such a system. The key focus of the paper presented is to model, design, and optimize a Dual Active Bridge that serves as a low-voltage grid-battery interface for the proposed storage system. A state-of-the-art loss model of the Dual Active Bridge is presented along with a novel optimization method intended for total power loss minimization.
Effect of depression, anxiety, and distress screeners on the need, intention, and utilization of psychosocial support services among cancer patients
Authors: Springer Franziska , Sautier Leon , Schilling Georgia , Koch-Gromus Uwe , Bokemeyer Carsten , Friedrich Michael , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja , Esser Peter
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In clinical cancer care, distress screening is recommended to identify highly burdened patients in objective need for psychosocial support to improve psychological distress and quality of life and to enhance patient empowerment. It is however unclear whether distress screeners are suitable for psychosocial care planning and thus whether they can predict the willingness that is need, intention, and utilization, to seek psychosocial support.

Methods

In a secondary analysis of a cluster intervention study, we assessed cancer patients with three distress screeners (DT, PHQ-9, GAD-7) at baseline. The willingness to seek psychosocial support services was assessed binary for psychosocial services at 3 and 6 months. Logistic regression models were applied to examine the predictive effect of the screeners on need, intention, and utilization. We corrected all models for multiple testing.

Results

The 660 patients included in the study were on average 60 years, 54% were male. At the 3- and 6-month follow-up, 353 and 259 patients participated, respectively. The screeners were best in predicting the need for support (OR reaching up to 1.15, 1.20, and 1.22 for the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and DT respectively). The intention was predicted by the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, whereas utilization of psychosocial support services was not predicted by the screeners.

Conclusion

The three distress screeners might be useful in psychosocial care planning, as they are able to predict the need and to some degree the intention to seek psychosocial support. Future research needs to examine potential barriers and supporting factors that may explain utilization of psychosocial support.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered (2/2021) at ClinicalTrials.gov (number: NCT04749056).
Effect of TNF inhibitors on arterial stiffness and intima media thickness in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdulmajid Bafrin , Blanken Annelies B. , van Geel Eva H. , Daams Joost G. , Nurmohamed Michael T.
Published: January 2023

Controlling inflammation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is hypothesized to reduce their cardiovascular risk. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of TNF inhibitors on arterial stiffness and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) in RA. MEDLINE, EMBASE, clinicaltrials.gov, and WHO Clinical Trials Registry were searched up to September 2021 for randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and nonrandomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of TNF inhibitors on pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and IMT in RA. A meta-analysis was performed to assess changes of these measures after therapy during different follow-up periods. Risk of bias assessment was performed using an adjusted Downs and Black checklist (INPLASY: 2022-1-0131). Thirty studies were identified from 1436 records, of which 23 were included in the meta-analysis. PWV and AIx showed a decrease after treatment (PWV: mean difference (MD) −0.51 m/s (95% CI: −0.96, −0.06), p=0.027; AIx: MD −0.57% (95% CI: −2.11, 0.96), p=0.463, sensitivity analysis AIx: MD −1.21% (95% CI: −2.60, 0.19), p=0.089). For IMT, there was a slight increase in the first months of follow-up, but this disappeared on the long-term (overall timepoints MD −0.01 mm (95% CI: −0.04, 0.02), p=0.615). Heterogeneity was high in the overall analyses and subgroups with long follow-up periods (≥12 months). The included studies showed mixed results of the effects of TNF inhibitors on the surrogate markers. The pooled results suggest that PWV and AIx decrease over time, while IMT remains stable. This indicates a favorable effect of TNF inhibitors on the cardiovascular disease risk, all the more since these markers also increase with age.
Cyber insurance: state of the art, trends and future directions
Authors: Tsohou Aggeliki , Diamantopoulou Vasiliki , Gritzalis Stefanos , Lambrinoudakis Costas
Published: January 2023

Society has become increasingly dependent on IT infrastructure and services. Additionally, the pandemic of COVID-19 forced the transition of the traditional way of working (i.e., physical presence) into a more modern and flexible one (i.e., working remotely). This has led to an increase of cyberattacks, as a direct consequence of the increase of the attack surface but subsequently also led to an increased necessity for the protection of information systems. Toward the protection of information systems, cyber insurance is considered as a strategy for risk management, where necessary. Cyber insurance is emerging as an important tool to protect organizations against cyberattack-related losses. In this work, we extensively examine the relevant literature on cybersecurity insurance, research and practice, in order to draft the current landscape and present the trends.
DNA methylation-based subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia with distinct prognosis and clinical features
Authors: Jian Jimo , Yuan Chenglu , Ji Chunyan , Hao Hongyuan , Lu Fei
Published: January 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of the stem cell precursors of the myeloid lineage. DNA methylation is an important DNA modification that regulates gene expression. Investigating AML heterogeneity based on DNA methylation could be clinically informative for improving clinical diagnosis and prognosis. The AML subtypes based on DNA methylation were identified by unsupervised consensus clustering. The association of these subtypes with gene mutation, copy number variations, immune infiltration and clinical features were further explored. Finally, univariate, LASSO and multivariate cox regression analyses were used to identify prognosis-associated genes and construct risk model for AML patients. In addition, we validated this model by using other datasets and explored the involved biological functions and pathways of its related genes. Three CpG island methylator phenotypes (CIMP-H, CIMP-M and CIMP-L) were identified using the 91 differential CpG sites. Overall survival, morphology, macrophages M0 and monocytes were distinct from each other. The most frequently mutated gene in CIMP-L was DNMT3A while which in CIMP-M that was RUNX1. In addition, the TIDE scores, used to predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, were significantly different among CIMPs. The CIMP-associated prognosis risk model (CPM) using 32 key genes had convinced accuracy of prediction to forecast 0.5-year, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates. Moreover, the risk score-related genes were significantly enriched in pattern specification process, regionalization, embryonic organ morphogenesis and other critical cancer-related biological functions. We systematically and comprehensively analyzed the DNA methylation in AML. The risk model we constructed is an independent predictor of overall survival in AML and could be used as prognostic factor for AML treatment.
Sales of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Cigarette Sales in the USA: A Trend Break Analysis
Authors: Selya A. , Wissmann R. , Shiffman S. , Chandra S. , Sembower M. , Joselow J. , Kim S.
Published: January 2023

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are a potentially lower-risk tobacco product which could help smokers switch completely away from cigarettes. However, the lack of strong evidence to date of a measurable, population-level effect on reducing smoking has generated skepticism about ENDS’ potential benefits. This study examines whether increased US ENDS sales have been associated with reduced cigarette sales. Retail data on weekly per-capita cigarette and ENDS purchases in the USA during 2014–2019 were obtained from a national sample of brick-and-mortar retail outlets. Trends in cigarette sales were modeled before (2014–2016) ENDS had a substantial market share, and, after adjusting for macroeconomic factors, projected into the post-period (2017–2019). Actual cigarette sales were lower than projected sales (by up to 16% across the post-period), indicating a substantial “cigarette shortfall” in the post-period. To explore whether general (i.e., inclusive of potentially many mechanisms) substitution by ENDS can explain the cigarette shortfall, its association with per-capita ENDS volume sales was examined. Higher ENDS sales were significantly associated with a greater cigarette shortfall: for every additional per-capita ENDS unit, cigarette sales were 1.4 packs-per-capita lower than expected (B = 1.4, p < .0001). Error correction models which account for spurious correlation yielded similar results. These findings support ENDS serving as a substitute for cigarettes (through potentially many mechanisms including cigarette price), causing cigarette consumption to decline. Since ENDS potentially pose lower risk than cigarettes, this general substitution effect suggests that risk-proportionate tobacco regulation could mitigate the tobacco-related health burden.
Spatial distribution and pollution evaluation in dry riverbeds affected by mine tailings
Authors: Cuevas J. G. , Faz A. , Martínez-Martínez S. , Gabarrón M. , Beltrá J. C. , Martínez J. , Acosta J. A.
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of pollution, sources and potential risk of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe and Pb) and arsenic (As) in four dry riverbeds affected by mine tailing, which drain into one of the biggest coastal lagoon of Europe (Mar Menor). El Beal, La Carrasquilla, Las Matildes and Ponce dry riverbeds sediments were sampled along its course (20, 18, 13, 19 samples were collected, respectively), and total/soluble metal(loid)s, water soluble ions, nitrogen, and organic/inorganic carbon contents were analyzed. Spatial distribution, principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), contamination factor (Cf), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to identify the possible sources of metal(loid)s and to assess the sediment pollution status. The results showed that the mean total concentrations of As, Cu, Cd, Mn, Zn and Pb exceeded the natural background levels of the study area, with the highest values located close to the mining areas. Correlation and cluster analysis identified that Cd and Zn were associated mainly with anthropogenic activities for all riverbeds, while Cr and Ni come from parent. PLI graded the four riverbeds as contaminated by heavy metals, while RI manifested that 100% of samples located in El Beal, La Carrasquilla and Las Matildes had a significantly high ecological risk. Therefore, this study suggests that mine wastes are the main source of metal(loids) contamination in the dry riverbeds, which results can be used to design actions and measures to reduce the environmental impact of metal(loid)s in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon.