bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of 13C4‐labeled 4‐cyano‐2‐oxobutyraldehyde semicarbazone: A metabolite of nitrofurazone
Authors: Singh Anuradha , Smith David J. , Strahan Gary D. , Lehotay Steven J.
Published: December 2023

Nitrofurazone usage in food‐producing animals is prohibited in most countries, including the United States. Regulatory agencies regularly monitor its use in domestic, export/import animals' food products by measuring the semicarbazide (SEM) metabolite as a biomarker of nitrofurazone exposure. However, the use of SEM is controversial because it is also produced in food naturally and thus gives false positive results. A cyano‐metabolite, 4‐cyano‐2‐oxobutyraldehyde semicarbazone (COBS), is proposed as an alternate specific marker of nitrofurazone to distinguish nitrofurazone from treated or untreated animals. A synthetic method was developed to produce COBS via metallic hydrogenation of nitrofurazone. The product was isolated and characterized by one‐ and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (NMR) experiments, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and mass spectrometry. The developed synthetic procedure was further extended to synthesize isotopically labeled 4‐[13C]‐cyano‐2‐oxo‐ [2, 3, 4‐13C3]‐butyraldehyde semicarbazone. Labeled COBS is useful as an internal standard for its quantification in food‐producing animals. Thus, the developed method provides a possibility for its commercial synthesis to procure COBS. This is the first synthesis of the alternate specific marker metabolite of nitrofurazone for possible usage in regulatory analysis to solve a real‐world problem.
Integrated transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional analysis to characterize the tissue‐specific small extracellular vesicle network of breast cancer
Authors: Shen Lesang , Huang Huanhuan , Wei Zichen , Chen Wuzhen , Li Jiaxin , Yao Yao , Zhou Jun , Liu Jian , Sun Shanshan , Xia Wenjie , Zhang Ting , Yu Xiuyan , Shen Jun , Wang Weilan , Jiang Jingxin , Huang Jian , Jiang Ming , Ni Chao
Published: December 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are essential mediators of intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although the biological features of sEVs have been characterized based on in vitro culture models, recent evidence indicates significant differences between sEVs derived from tissue and those derived from in vitro models in terms of both content and biological function. However, comprehensive comparisons and functional analyses are still limited. Here, we collected sEVs from breast cancer tissues (T‐sEVs), paired normal tissues (N‐sEVs), corresponding plasma (B‐sEVs), and tumor organoids (O‐sEVs) to characterize their transcriptomic and proteomic profiles. We identified the actual cancer‐specific sEV signatures characterized by enriched cell adhesion and immunomodulatory molecules. Furthermore, we revealed the significant contribution of cancer‐associated fibroblasts in the sEV network within the TME. In vitro model‐derived sEVs did not entirely inherit the extracellular matrix‐ and immunity regulation‐related features of T‐sEVs. Also, we demonstrated the greater immunostimulatory ability of T‐sEVs on macrophages and CD8+ T cells compared to O‐sEVs. Moreover, certain sEV biomarkers derived from noncancer cells in the circulation exhibited promising diagnostic potential. This study provides valuable insights into the functional characteristics of tumor tissue‐derived sEVs, highlighting their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic agents for breast cancer.
Nobiletin Alleviated Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocytes in Liver Fibrosis Based on Autophagy—Hippo/YAP Pathway
Authors: Hao Yuting , Feng Dongliang , Ye Huarui , Liao Wenzhen
Published: December 2023

Scope

The current researches indicated that the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatocytes plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis. To date, there is a paucity of literature regarding the impact of nobiletin (NOB) on liver fibrosis. This study investigates the inhibitory effect of NOB on EMT in hepatocytes during the progression of liver fibrosis and its underlying mechanism.

Methods and results

The findings demonstrated that NOB significantly suppresses liver fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced mice by reducing inflammation and fiber deposition in the liver. Moreover, NOB mitigates EMT in hepatocytes, concurrently alleviating inflammatory status and reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The comprehensive investigation reveals that the hepatoprotective effect of NOB in liver fibrosis is attributed to autophagy activation, as evidenced by a significant increase in LC3 II expression and p62 degradation upon NOB treatment. Additionally, NOB activates the Hippo/YAP pathway by downregulating YAP and its downstream targets in liver fibrosis, which is regulated by autophagy based on experiments with chloroquine (CQ), 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA), and siYAP intervention.

Conclusion

Therefore, this study provides evidences that NOB can protect hepatocytes from undergoing EMT during liver fibrosis by inducing autophagy and subsequently modulating the Hippo/YAP pathway.
Ultra‐low dose CT scanning for PET/CT
Authors: Mostafapour Samaneh , Greuter Marcel , van Snick Johannes H. , Brouwers Adrienne H. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , van Sluis Joyce , Lammertsma Adriaan A. , Tsoumpas Charalampos
Published: December 2023

Background

The use of computed tomography (CT) for attenuation correction (AC) in whole‐body PET/CT can result in a significant contribution to radiation exposure. This can become a limiting factor for reducing considerably the overall radiation exposure of the patient when using the new long axial field of view (LAFOV) PET scanners. However, recent CT technology have introduced features such as the tin (Sn) filter, which can substantially reduce the CT radiation dose.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ultra‐low dose CT for attenuation correction using the Sn filter together with other dose reduction options such as tube current (mAs) reduction. We explore the impact of dose reduction in the context of AC‐CT and how it affects PET image quality.

Methods

The study evaluated a range of ultra‐low dose CT protocols using five physical phantoms that represented a broad collection of tissue electron densities. A long axial field of view (LAFOV) PET/CT scanner was used to scan all phantoms, applying various CT dose reduction parameters such as reducing tube current (mAs), increasing the pitch value, and applying the Sn filter. The effective dose resulting from the CT scans was determined using the CTDIVol reported by the scanner. Several voxel‐based and volumes of interest (VOI)‐based comparisons were performed to compare the ultra‐low dose CT images, the generated attenuation maps, and corresponding PET images against those images acquired with the standard low dose CT protocol. Finally, two patient datasets were acquired using one of the suggested ultra‐low dose CT settings.

Results

By incorporating the Sn filter and adjusting mAs to the lowest available value, the radiation dose in CT images of PBU‐60 phantom was significantly reduced; resulting in an effective dose of nearly 2% compared to the routine low dose CT protocols currently in clinical use. The assessment of PET images using VOI and voxel‐based comparisons indicated relative differences (RD%) of under 6% for mean activity concentration (AC) in the torso phantom and patient dataset and under 8% for a source point in the CIRS phantom. The maximum RD% value of AC was 14% for the point source in the CIRS phantom. Increasing the tube current from 6 mAs to 30 mAs in patients with high BMI, or with arms down, can suppress the photon starvation artifact, whilst still preserving a dose reduction of 90%.

Conclusions

Introducing a Sn filter in CT imaging lowers radiation dose by more than 90%. This reduction has minimal effect on PET image quantification at least for patients without Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 30. Notably, this study results need validation using a larger clinical PET/CT dataset in the future, including patients with higher BMI.
Enablers and barriers to accessing self‐management support services for those living with and beyond cancer: A qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework
Authors: Pallin Nickola D. , McHugh Sheena M. , Carvalho Márcia , Hegarty Josephine , Connolly Roisin M. , Browne John P.
Published: December 2023

Background

Supporting those living with and beyond cancer to self‐manage their health can optimise health‐related quality of life and reduce symptom burden. Self‐management support (SMS) programmes have been shown to be effective, but uptake is often low. This qualitative study aimed to identify experienced and perceived enablers and barriers to accessing SMS services among those who had completed primary cancer treatment and were living with and beyond cancer.

Methods

Participants were recruited through social media and cancer advocacy groups. Semi‐structured telephone and online interviews were conducted. Transcripts were coded inductively based on participants' reported experiences. Statements related to factors that enable or inhibit access to SMS were then mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Results

Twenty‐six people participated. Six themes explain the factors that act as barriers and enablers which mapped to 11 TDF domains. Lack of knowledge of available SMS was a prominent barrier, as well as inaccessible services due to timing and place of delivery. Lack of confidence and emotional factors including fear were barriers to seeking SMS. Social influences shaped knowledge, attitudes and readiness to access SMS. Perceptions of SMS service goals and if in alignment with self‐identity, intentions and goals also shaped decisions around accessing support.

Conclusions

While lack of knowledge and provider signposting were common barriers, findings suggest that other psychosocial and emotional factors may be barriers, even if SMS services are accessible. Findings are relevant for oncology healthcare services developing strategies to increase reach of SMS for those living with and beyond cancer.
Modulating Aryl Azide Photolysis: Synthesis of a Room‐Temperature Phosphorescent Carboline in Cucurbit[7]uril Host
Authors: Qiu Xujun , Wang Yichuan , Leopold Sonja , Lebedkin Sergei , Schepers Ute , Kappes Manfred M. , Biedermann Frank , Bräse Stefan
Published: December 2023

Cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), a supramolecular host, is employed to control the pathway of photolysis of an aryl azide in an aqueous medium. Normally, photolysis of aryl azides in bulk water culminates predominantly in the formation of azepine derivatives via intramolecular rearrangement. Remarkably, however, when this process unfolds within the protective confinement of the CB7 cavity, it results in a carboline derivative, as a consequence of a C─H amination reaction. The resulting carboline caged by CB7 reveals long‐lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in the solid state, with lifetimes extending up to 2.1 s. These findings underscore the potential of supramolecular hosts to modulate the photolysis of aryl azides and to facilitate novel phosphorescent materials.
Operando Spatial and Temporal Tracking of Axial Stresses and Interfaces in Solid‐state Batteries
Authors: Mičky Simon , Šimon Erik , Todt Juraj , Végsö Karol , Nádaždy Peter , Krížik Peter , Majková Eva , Keckes Jozef , Li Ju , Siffalovic Peter
Published: December 2023

Solid‐state batteries have the potential to replace the current generation of liquid electrolyte batteries. However, the major limitation resulting from their solid‐state architecture is the gradual loss of ionic conductivity due to the loss of physical contact between the individual battery components during charging/discharging. This is mainly due to mechanical stresses caused by volume changes in the cathode and anode during lithiation and delithiation. To date, limited research has been devoted to understanding the spatio‐temporal distribution of stresses during battery operation. Here, operando scanning high‐energy X‐ray diffraction to quantify cross‐sectional axial stresses with a spatial resolution of 10 µm is used. It is shown how a non‐monotonous stress distribution evolves over time during the cycling of the solid‐state battery. In addition, degradation of the solid‐state electrolyte in the vicinity of the lithium anode is observed and tracked periodic changes in the unit cell volume in the cathode. The presented methodology of tracking the chemo‐mechanically induced stresses and interface morphology in real time in correlation with other battery parameters is believed, can provide a valuable platform for the future optimization of solid‐state batteries.
Bioinspired Light‐Driven Proton Pump: Engineering Band Alignment of WS2 with PEDOT:PSS and PDINN
Authors: Zhou Min , Zhang Peikun , Zhang Ming , Jin Xiaoyan , Zhang Yuhui , Liu Biying , Quan Di , Jia Meijuan , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhang Zhuhua , Kong Xiang‐Yu , Jiang Lei
Published: December 2023

Bioinspired two‐dimensional (2D) nanofluidic systems for photo‐induced ion transport have attracted great attention, as they open a new pathway to enabling light‐to‐ionic energy conversion. However, there is still a great challenge in achieving a satisfactory performance. It is noticed that organic solar cells (OSCs, light‐harvesting device based on photovoltaic effect) commonly require hole/electron transport layer materials (TLMs), PEDOT:PSS (PE) and PDINN (PD), respectively, to promote the energy conversion. Inspired by such a strategy, an artificial proton pump by coupling a nanofluidic system with TLMs is proposed, in which the PE‐ and PD‐functionalized tungsten disulfide (WS2) multilayers construct a heterogeneous membrane, realizing an excellent output power of ≈1.13 nW. The proton transport is fine‐regulated due to the TLMs‐engineered band structure of WS2. Clearly, the incorporating TLMs of OSCs into 2D nanofluidic systems offers a feasible and promising approach for band edge engineering and promoting the light‐to‐ionic energy conversion.
A survey on energy‐efficient workflow scheduling algorithms in cloud computing
Authors: Verma Prateek , Maurya Ashish Kumar , Yadav Rama Shankar
Published: December 2023

The advancements in computing and storage capabilities of machines and their fusion with new technologies like the Internet of Thing (IoT), 5G networks, and artificial intelligence, to name a few, has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way computing is done in a cloud environment. In addition, the ever‐increasing user demand for cloud services and resources has resulted in cloud service providers (CSPs) expanding the scale of their data center facilities. This has increased energy consumption leading to more carbon dioxide emission levels. Hence, it becomes all the more important to design scheduling algorithms that optimize the use of cloud resources with minimum energy consumption. This paper surveys state‐of‐the‐art algorithms for scheduling workflow tasks to cloud resources with a focus on reducing energy consumption. For this, we categorize different workflow scheduling algorithms based on the scheduling approaches used and provide an analytical discussion of the algorithms covered in the paper. Further, we provide a detailed classification of different energy‐efficient strategies used by CSPs for energy saving in data centers. Finally, we describe some of the popular real‐world workflow applications as well as highlight important emerging trends and open issues in cloud computing for future research directions.
Analysis of the pattern of solid waste production in greater Amman Municipality, Jordan
Authors: Hayajneh Badreh , Makhamreh Zeyad , AL‐Souliman Basem
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study is to investigate the spatial distribution of municipal waste production and its impact on urban environmental sustainability in greater Amman. The GIS techniques were used to analyze the distribution pattern within the municipality regions and the factors that affect this pattern. The analysis shows that the presence of a positive correlation is significant at a 0.01 confidence level between the population size, and education level type graduate, postgraduate, and read and write with 0.888, 0.754, and 0.687, respectively. There is an obvious positive relationship between the income level and waste production, and this is shown clearly in the Western part of Amman. On the other hand, the low‐income level in the Eastern part of Amman has resulted in a lower amount of municipal solid waste production. The amount of waste generated in the city of Amman represents a significant increase in the rates of municipal solid waste production, rising from 0.77 kg per capita per day in 2007 to 0.84 kg per capita per day over the past 15 years. The increase in economic and commercial activities in some regions has played the main role in increasing the quantities of solid waste produced in the central business regions. This result provides a better vision for the environmental management planners and decision‐makers regarding solid waste production management in Amman municipality.
Splenic artery embolisation for splenic injury during colonoscopy: A systematic review
Authors: Lukies Matthew , Clements Warren
Published: December 2023

Background

Splenic injury due to colonoscopy is rare, but has high mortality. While historically treated conservatively for low‐grade injuries or with splenectomy for high‐grade injuries, splenic artery embolisation is increasingly utilised, reflecting modern treatment guidelines for external blunt trauma. This systematic review evaluates outcomes of published cases of splenic injury due to colonoscopy treated with splenic artery embolisation.

Methods

A systematic review was performed of published articles concerning splenic injury during colonoscopy treated primarily with splenic artery embolisation, splenectomy, or splenorrhaphy from 1977 to 2022. Datapoints included demographics, past surgical history, indication for colonoscopy, delay to diagnosis, treatment, grade of injury, splenic artery embolisation location, splenic preservation (salvage), and mortality.

Results

The 30 patients treated with splenic artery embolisation were of mean age 65 (SD 9) years and 67% female, with 83% avoiding splenectomy and 6.7% mortality. Splenic artery embolisation was proximal to the splenic hilum in 81%. The 163 patients treated with splenectomy were of mean age 65 (SD 11) years and 66% female, with 5.5% mortality. Three patients treated with splenorrhaphy of median age 60 (range 59–70) years all avoided splenectomy with no mortality. There was no difference in mortality between splenic artery embolisation and splenectomy cohorts (p = 0.81).

Conclusions

Splenic artery embolisation is an effective treatment option in splenic injury due to colonoscopy. Given the known benefits of splenic salvage compared to splenectomy, including preserved immune function against encapsulated organisms, low cost, and shorter hospital length of stay, embolisation should be incorporated into treatment pathways for splenic injury due to colonoscopy in suitable patients.
The cognitive neuroscience of self‐awareness: Current framework, clinical implications, and future research directions
Authors: Mograbi Daniel C. , Hall Simon , Arantes Beatriz , Huntley Jonathan
Published: December 2023

Self‐awareness, the ability to take oneself as the object of awareness, has been an enigma for our species, with different answers to this question being provided by religion, philosophy, and, more recently, science. The current review aims to discuss the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying self‐awareness. The multidimensional nature of self‐awareness will be explored, suggesting how it can be thought of as an emergent property observed in different cognitive complexity levels, within a predictive coding approach. A presentation of alterations of self‐awareness in neuropsychiatric conditions will ground a discussion on alternative frameworks to understand this phenomenon, in health and psychopathology, with future research directions being indicated to fill current gaps in the literature.

This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Consciousness

Psychology > Brain Function and Dysfunction

Neuroscience > Cognition
Endoscopic maxillary sinus drainage combined with buccal fat pad flaps for repairing large oroantral fistulas in patients with odontogenic maxillary sinusitis
Authors: Liu Shu‐Sen , Heng Wei‐Wei , Jiang Ping , Li Chang‐Zheng , Hu Xiang‐Hai , Li Song
Published: December 2023

Background

Oroantral fistula (OAF) is a pathological channel formed between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. A large size of OAF (≥5 mm) increases the risk of surgical failure, and an optimal surgical approach should be cautiously selected.

Objective

This study aims to characterize the application of nasal endoscopy and buccal fat pad (BFP) flaps to repair large OAFs in patients with odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS).

Methods

A total of 32 patients with large OAF combined with OMS after dental extraction who were treated in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nanjing Renpin ENT Hospital from 2018 to 2022, were retrospectively recruited. A thorough preoperative evaluation was performed and all patients were first treated with nasal endoscopy, followed by the repair of OAFs using BFP flaps under general anesthesia. The cure rate and postoperative pain score were used as outcome indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure.

Results

All patients completed a 12‐month follow‐up. The results showed that OFAs were cured in 25 (32 in total, 78.1%) patients by the second postoperative week. OFAs were healed in all patients at week 8 postoperatively. OMS was healed in 25 (32 in total, 78.1%) patients at the first postoperative week and all patients were healed by the disappearance of symptoms associated with OMS at week 8 postoperatively. At the second postoperative week, complete relief of pain symptoms was obtained in 18 (32 in total, 56.3%) patients (visual analog scale = 0 score), in 25 (32 in total, 78.1%) patients at the fourth postoperative week, and by the eighth postoperative week, all patients had complete resolution of pain symptoms.

Conclusions

Secondary maxillary sinusitis is not a contraindication to the treatment of large OAFs. Large OAFs can be effectively closed using BFP flaps combined with endoscopic maxillary sinus drainage.
A new compact micro‐XRF spectrometer with polychromatic x‐ray sample excitation
Authors: Wobrauschek Peter , Ingerle Dieter , Prost Josef , Dhara Sangita , Mishra Nand Lal , Iro Michael , Streli Christina
Published: December 2023

A new compact micro‐x‐ray fluorescence (μ‐XRF) spectrometer covering wide range of elements was developed and fabricated. The working capabilities of this new compact custom‐made μ‐XRF spectrometer are presented. The spectrometer uses a low power Rh target x‐ray tube for sample excitation. Polycapillary optics focuses the polychromatic beam down to 40 μm. The emitted radiation is measured by a peltier cooled silicon drift detector of 30 mm2 crystal size. It was observed that the polychromatic excitation provides sufficient photons for an efficient excitation of the sample to achieve good detection limit and area resolution. The detection limits are comparable with that one obtained by TXRF for a thin film sample. The advantage of the present setup, is the fact that it is suitable for specific applications for example, for radioactive and toxic samples requiring instrument adoption in glove boxes or fume hoods because of its good analytical features accompanied by simple and compact instrumentation.
On Some Generalized Topologies Satisfying all Separation Axioms
Authors: Hejduk Jacek , Loranty Anna
Published: December 2023

The properties of generalized topological spaces generated by some kind of density operators are presented. Moreover, the separation axioms of such generalized topological spaces are investigated. The examples of generalized topological spaces satisfing all separation axioms are included.
A tale of four studios: Evolving planning and architecture education towards mixed modality in a post-pandemic world
Authors: Hewidy Hossam , Purkarthofer Eva , Eräranta Susa
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed urgent challenges for educational institutions. The sudden shift from on-site teaching to online distance learning offered the possibility to examine new settings of the studio, a core element of planning and architecture education. Although the pandemic is now over, online learning has secured a fixed place in university education, and consequently, educational institutions need to reconsider studio education based on the lessons learned during the pandemic. Through studying four studios taught at Aalto University, Finland, in 2020 and 2021, this article examines student-teacher experiences, and proposes opportunities for evolving studio education. The findings show that distance learning has in general sustained the objectives of studio education. However, challenges remain especially regarding the social aspects of learning. The degree of success of online teaching varied greatly depending on the tasks and the orientation of the studio (design or strategy). Technological aids and devices also had an influence on fulfilling the pedagogical objectives of learning. Professional socialization was highly affected by the online environment both in design and planning studios and the architectural representation witnessed difficulties specifically in design studios. To evolve the studio setting, the article suggests a mixed modality model supporting the social dimension of studio teaching by combining on-site and online learning activities to enrich the learning process. Such a model can harmonize the intended learning objectives and activities with the teaching methods and modality, thus improving the social dimension of studio teaching.
Innovation to Impact: Introduction to the Special Issue on Evidence from the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Experiment with Innovation
Authors: Laferriere Elizabeth , Bennett Nicole , Forrester Emily , Rice Tara , Ruiz Jaclyn
Published: December 2023

Congress has provided funding for the federal Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program since 2009 for spending beginning in Fiscal Year 2010. Designated TPP programs develop, test, and evaluate innovations for reducing teen pregnancy, teen pregnancy disparities, and associated risk factors and for promoting positive youth development. Since its inception, the TPP Program has experimented with multiple uniquely structured cohorts of innovation and demonstration projects, producing critical insights into equitable and effective public health innovation while also serving as a highly productive contributor of evidence-based, TPP innovations for scale. This article briefly documents the innovation history of the TPP Program and its iterations in response to the shifting needs of the field. We then synthesize findings from the fifteen TPP innovators published in this special edition. We highlight emergent priorities of the TPP Program informed by this federal experiment in rigorous adolescent sexual health innovation development, testing, evaluation, and scaling and conclude by discussing how the TPP program adapted and refined its approach for fostering dynamic innovation-to-scale projects over time.
Variational inference for semiparametric Bayesian novelty detection in large datasets
Authors: Benedetti Luca , Boniardi Eric , Chiani Leonardo , Ghirri Jacopo , Mastropietro Marta , Cappozzo Andrea , Denti Francesco
Published: December 2023

After being trained on a fully-labeled training set, where the observations are grouped into a certain number of known classes, novelty detection methods aim to classify the instances of an unlabeled test set while allowing for the presence of previously unseen classes. These models are valuable in many areas, ranging from social network and food adulteration analyses to biology, where an evolving population may be present. In this paper, we focus on a two-stage Bayesian semiparametric novelty detector, also known as Brand, recently introduced in the literature. Leveraging on a model-based mixture representation, Brand allows clustering the test observations into known training terms or a single novelty term. Furthermore, the novelty term is modeled with a Dirichlet Process mixture model to flexibly capture any departure from the known patterns. Brand was originally estimated using MCMC schemes, which are prohibitively costly when applied to high-dimensional data. To scale up Brand applicability to large datasets, we propose to resort to a variational Bayes approach, providing an efficient algorithm for posterior approximation. We demonstrate a significant gain in efficiency and excellent classification performance with thorough simulation studies. Finally, to showcase its applicability, we perform a novelty detection analysis using the openly-available dataset, a large collection of satellite imaging spectra, to search for novel soil types.
Islamic Perspectives on Polygenic Testing and Selection of IVF Embryos (PGT-P) for Optimal Intelligence and Other Non–Disease-Related Socially Desirable Traits
Authors: Chin A. H. B. , Al-Balas Q. , Ahmad M. F. , Alsomali N. , Ghaly M.
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the genetic testing and selection of IVF embryos, known as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), has gained much traction in clinical assisted reproduction for preventing transmission of genetic defects. However, a more recent ethically and morally controversial development in PGT is its possible use in selecting IVF embryos for optimal intelligence quotient (IQ) and other non–disease-related socially desirable traits, such as tallness, fair complexion, athletic ability, and eye and hair colour, based on polygenic risk scores (PRS), in what is referred to as PGT-P. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning–based analysis of big data sets collated from genome sequencing of specific human ethnic populations can be used to estimate an individual embryo’s likelihood of developing such multifactorial traits by analysing the combination of specific genetic variants within its genome. Superficially, this technique appears compliant with Islamic principles and ethics. Because there is no modification of the human genome, there is no tampering with Allah’s creation (taghyīr khalq Allah). Nevertheless, a more critical analysis based on the five maxims of Islamic jurisprudence (qawa'id fiqhiyyah) that are often utilized in discourses on Islamic bioethics, namely qaṣd (intention), yaqın̄ (certainty), ḍarar (injury), ḍarūra (necessity), and `urf (custom), would instead reveal some major ethical and moral flaws of this new medical technology in the selection of non–disease-related socially desirable traits, and its non-compliance with the spirit and essence of Islamic law (shariah). Muslim scholars, jurists, doctors, and biomedical scientists should debate this further and issue a fatwa on this new medical technology platform.
Rethinking the Impact and Management of Diabetes in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Schütt Katharina
Published: December 2023

Purpose of Review

The following overview article summarizes the most important aspects of diagnosis and screening and provides an overview on the current evidence of glucose-lowering and heart failure treatment in patients with diabetes.

Recent Findings

Patients with diabetes exhibit an increased risk to develop heart failure and the presence of both comorbidities has a major impact on the prognosis of these patients. Thus, it is of utmost importance to detect heart failure in patients with diabetes and to screen all patients with heart failure for the presence of diabetes. Moreover, the diagnosis of heart failure in diabetes often requires an adjustment of medical therapy.

The presence of the 2 comorbidities, heart failure and diabetes, in a given patient which has a major impact on the prognosis and implementation of guideline-directed therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk in this high-risk population is of critical importance.
Relationships between crystallization behavior and application properties of chemically coupled PAI-PTFE coatings
Authors: Gedan-Smolka Michaela , Jehnichen Dieter , Malanin Mikhail , Schmidt Thomas , Marschner Anne , Schneider Antje , Göbel Michael
Published: December 2023

Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) is well known for its very low friction coefficient and thus widely used for antifriction applications, e.g., sliding lacquers, for many years. Because of the high wear rate and cold flow of the original polymer, PTFE is usually added in higher amounts to other polymer matrices as a lubricant. However, the incompatibility of PTFE requires lots of efforts to perform a homogeneous breaking down of agglomerates and particle distribution as well as dispersion stabilization of the physical mixtures during application and curing. PTFE can be functionalized by high energy irradiation and subsequently compatibilized with a polymer matrix by reactive extrusion resulting in chemical bonding of both polymers via suitable reactive groups. In this manner, poly(amide imide) (PAI) was coupled to γ-radiation modified PTFE micro-powder prior to the dispersion procedure. This study deals with the thermal and crystallization behavior of the PTFE lubricant in chemical bonded (cb) PAI-PTFEcb compound thin layers in comparison with those of the plain radiation modified PTFE depending on the cooling rate by DSC, Flash-DSC and WAXS. A morphological characterization of the extrudate as well as the coating gives information about the fragmentation and distribution of the PTFE phase in the PAI matrix. Furthermore, mechanical and surface properties of sliding lacquer films were analyzed after application on steel substrates by varying dry film thickness and curing.

Graphical Abstract
Thyroglobulin as a Sensitive Biomarker of Iodine Status in Mildly and Moderately Iodine-Deficient Pregnant Women
Authors: Jiang Yujie , Gu Simeng , Mo Zhe , Li Xueqing , Liu Chenyang , Li Yahui , Mao Guangming , Wang Yuanyang , Guo Fanjia , Lou Xiaoming , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2023

Pregnant women are more susceptible to iodine deficiency. However, there are limitations in existing indicators for the evaluation of iodine nutrition in pregnant women. The study aimed to explore whether thyroglobulin (Tg) can be used as a more sensitive biomarker for pregnant women with mild and moderate iodine deficiency. A repeated-measure study was conducted among 1332 pregnant women in Zhejiang Province, China. Serum and urine specimens were collected at a mean of 10, 17, and 32 weeks of pregnancy, respectively; thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Tg, and urinary iodine concentrations were measured. Linear mixed effects models were used to determine the associations between interaction of iodine concentrations and increasing gestation week and TSH and Tg, where participants were divided by urinary iodine concentration (UIC). The median Tg concentration was 11.56, 11.45, and 12.43 μg/L in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. After controlling the covariates, the interaction effects between the iodine status and gestation week were significant for both TSH and Tg (p = 0.038 and p = 0.007, respectively). TSH increased with the week of gestation in both iodine concentration groups. Tg increased with advancing pregnancy in the iodine-deficient group whereas it did not in the iodine-sufficient group. There was no significant variation in TSH at each trimester, and Tg was higher in the iodine-deficient group than in the iodine-sufficient group. Tg may be a more sensitive iodine status biomarker than TSH for pregnant women with mild-to-moderate iodine insufficiency.
Significance and current approaches to vascular graft infection
Authors: Mestres Carlos–Alberto , Van Hemelrijck Mathias , Quintana Eduard , Smit Francis Edwin
Published: December 2023

Vascular graft/endograft infection (VGEI) is a constant in cardiovascular surgery with published rates between 1 and 5%. Every graft type and anatomical location is a potential target for infectious complications. These patients are sick patients with high frailty burden. Management of VGEI entails a multidisciplinary and multimodality approach. Here we review some aspects of the problem of VGEI including prevention, diagnosis, and surgical therapy with focus on recent developments in the field.
An Annotated Checklist of Cyrtandra, Cyrtandropsis and Sepikea (Gesneriaceae) in New Guinea
Authors: Bramley G. L. C. , Atkins H. J. , Kartonegoro A. , Jimbo T.
Published: December 2023

Ninety-two New Guinea Cyrtandra J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. names, nine Cyrtandropsis Lauterb. names and one species of Sepikea Schltr. are recognised here, presented in alphabetical order with notes on typification based on the literature and preliminary herbarium observations. A new name, Cyrtandra schlechteri, is proposed for the illegitimate name C. glabrata Schltr. Lectotypes are selected for 66 Cyrtandra names and nine Cyrtandropsis names; neotypes are designated for four Cyrtandra names. Seventeen Cyrtandra names and eight Cyrtandropsis names are considered incertae sedis due to missing type material.
Photoinduced superlubricity on TiO2 surfaces
Authors: Han Ke , Ma Liran , Tian Yu , Luo Jianbin
Published: December 2023

Superlubricity control is of great interest in both industry and scientific research, and several methods have been proposed to achieve this goal. In this work, ultraviolet (UV) light was introduced into titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) tribosystems to accomplish photoinduced superlubricity. The friction coefficients (COFs) between Si3N4 balls and TiO2 plates in the mixtures of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution and glycerol solution were obviously reduced, and the system entered the superlubricity region (COF < 0.01) after UV illumination at a speed of 56 mm/s. However, the COF was much larger without UV treatment than that with UV treatment. The formation of silica (SiO2) layers on the surfaces of Si3N4 balls and the elastohydrodynamic effects were determined to be fundamental to the low friction in this experiment, and the enhancement of the combination between the TiO2 surface and the hydroxy group of glycerol by UV illumination was the key to the photoinduced superlubricity in this system. These findings showed one method for achieving superlubricity by introducing a light field that could be further applied to special working conditions.
Hydration lubrication modulated by water structure at TiO2-aqueous interfaces
Authors: Ma Pingsu , Liu Yuan , Han Ke , Tian Yu , Ma Liran
Published: December 2023

The nature of solid–liquid interfaces is of great significance in lubrication. Remarkable advances have been made in lubrication based on hydration effects. However, a detailed molecular-level understanding is still lacking. Here, we investigated water molecule behaviors at the TiO2–aqueous interfaces by the sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG-VS) and atomic force microscope (AFM) to elucidate the fundamental role of solid–liquid interfaces in lubrication. Combined contributions of water structures and hydration effects were revealed, where water structures played the dominant role in lubrication for TiO2 surfaces of varying hydrophilicity, while hydration effects dominated with the increasing of ion concentrations. Superior lubrication is observed on the initial TiO2 surfaces with strongly H-bonded water molecules compared to the hydrophilic TiO2 surfaces with more disordered water. The stable ordered water arrangement with strong hydrogen bonds and the shear plane occurring between the ordered water layer and subsequent water layer may play a significant role in achieving lower friction. More adsorbed hydrated molecules with the increasing ionic concentration perturb ordered water but lead to the enhancement of hydration effects, which is the main reason for the improved lubrication for both TiO2. This work provides more insights into the detailed molecular-level understanding of the mechanism of hydration lubrication.
Tribological behavior of shape-specific microplate-enriched synovial fluids on a linear two-axis tribometer
Authors: Fragassi Agnese , Greco Antonietta , Di Francesco Martina , Ceseracciu Luca , Abu Ammar Aiman , Dvir Israel , Moore Thomas Lee , Kasem Haytam , Decuzzi Paolo
Published: December 2023

Nano- and micro-particles are being increasingly used to tune interfacial frictional properties in diverse applications, from friction modifiers in industrial lubrication to enhanced biological fluids in human osteoarthritic joints. Here, we assessed the tribological properties of a simulated synovial fluid enriched with non-spherical, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles (µPL) that have been previously demonstrated for the pharmacological management of osteoarthritis (OA). Three different µPL configurations were fabricated presenting a 20 µm × 20 µm square base and a thickness of 5 µm (thin, 5H µPL), 10 µm (10H µPL), and 20 µm (cubical, 20H µPL). After extensive morphological and physicochemical characterizations, the apparent Young’s modulus of the µPL was quantified under compressive loading returning an average value of ∼ 6 kPa, independently of the particle morphology. Then, using a linear two-axis tribometer, the static (µs) and dynamic (µd) friction coefficients of the µPL-enriched simulated synovial fluid were determined in terms of particle configuration and concentration, varying from 0 (fluid only) to 6µ105 µPL/mL. The particle morphology had a modest influence on friction, possibly because the µPL were fully squeezed between two mating surfaces by a 5.8 N normal load realizing boundary-like lubrication conditions. Differently, friction was observed to depend on the dimensionless parameter Ω, defined as the ratio between the total volume of the µPL enriching the simulated synovial fluid and the volume of the fluid itself. Both coefficients of friction were documented to grow with Ω reaching a plateau of µs ∼ 0.4 and µd ∼ 0.15, already at Ω ∼ 2×10−3. Future investigations will have to systematically analyze the effect of sliding velocity, normal load, and rigidity of the mating surfaces to elucidate in full the tribological behavior of µPL in the context of osteoarthritis.
Finite element analysis and experimental validation of polymer–metal contacts in block-on-ring configuration
Authors: Awwad K. Y. Eayal , Fallahnezhad Khosro , Yousif B. F. , Mostafa Ahmad , Alajarmeh Omar , Shalwan A. , Zeng Xuesen
Published: December 2023

The wear profile analysis, obtained by different tribometers, is essential to characterise the wear mechanisms. However, most of the available methods did not take the stress distribution over the wear profile in consideration, which causes inaccurate analysis. In this study, the wear profile of polymer–metal contact, obtained by block-on-ring configuration under dry sliding conditions, was analysed using finite element modelling (FEM) and experimental investigation. Archard’s wear equation was integrated into a developed FORTRAN–UMESHMOTION code linked with Abaqus software. A varying wear coefficient (k) values covering both running-in and steady state regions, and a range of applied loads involving both mild and severe wear regions were measured and implemented in the FEM. The FEM was in good agreement with the experiments. The model reproduced the stress distribution profiles under variable testing conditions, while their values were affected by the sliding direction and maximum wear depth (hmax). The largest area of the wear profile, exposed to the average contact stresses, is defined as the normal zone. Whereas the critical zones were characterized by high stress concentrations reaching up to 10 times of that at the normal zone. The wear profile was mapped to identify the critical zone where the stress concentration is the key point in this definition. The surface features were examined in different regions using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Ultimately, SEM analysis showed severer damage features in the critical zone than that in the normal zone as proven by FEM. However, the literature data presented and considered the wear features the same at any point of the wear profile. In this study, the normal zone was determined at a stress value of about 0.5 MPa, whereas the critical zone was at about 5.5 MPa. The wear behaviour of these two zones showed totally different features from one another.
Mechanisms behind the environmental sensitivity of carbon fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Authors: Johansson P. , Marklund P. , Björling M. , Shi Y.
Published: December 2023

Carbon fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (CF/PTFE) composites are known for their exceptional tribological performance when sliding against steel or cast iron in inert gas environments. Compared to experiments in humid air, about an order of magnitude lower wear rate and several times lower coefficient of friction have been reported for tests conducted in dry nitrogen and hydrogen. Moreover, trace moisture has been shown to affect the friction and wear significantly of this tribosystem, although a possible effect of oxygen cannot be ruled out due to uncertainties regarding the oxygen concentrations. While several studies have pointed out the environmental sensitivity of CF/PTFE, the understanding of the underlying mechanisms are very limited. The objective of this research is to investigate the individual and combined effect of oxygen and moisture on the tribological behavior of CF/PTFE sliding against steel. Additionally, this study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that govern the environmental sensitivity of the system. Climate-controlled three-pin-on-disc experiments were conducted in nitrogen atmospheres at various concentrations of oxygen and moisture. The tribological results clearly demonstrate that both moisture and oxygen contribute to increased friction and wear. However, the adverse effect was much more pronounced for oxygen than moisture. A qualitative method was developed to estimate the tribofilm coverage on the CF/PTFE surface. Results showed strong correlation between high coverage of strongly adhered tribofilm and low wear rate. Moreover, a loosely adhered tribofilm was observed on top of the CF/PTFE surface in presence of moisture. FTIR analysis indicated that the loosely adhered tribofilm found in the moisture-enriched environment contained a significant amount of adsorbed water, which may explain the lower coefficient of friction in presence of moisture compared to oxygen. The adsorbed water in the loosely adhered tribofilm could be an indication of moisture-driven lubrication by the non-graphitic carbon in the tribofilm.
Dynamics and implications of the age profiles of inter-provincial migration in China
Authors: Zhou Hao , Chen Xiaoxiong
Published: December 2023

This research examines the shifts in age profiles among migrants in China, utilizing microdata derived from four national censuses and two 1% population sample surveys conducted since 1990. Our findings indicate: (1) there has been a surge in age-specific migration intensity across all age groups over the past two decades; (2) the age profiles of the flow floating population differ from both the entire and the residual migrant populations; and (3) the age profiles of China's flow floating population exhibit a blend of Asian and Western patterns—a prevalence among individuals in their early 20s, typical of Asian patterns, and a broad range of ages post-peak, indicative of Western patterns. Consequently, we propose that future population projections prioritize the flow floating population over the traditionally employed entire floating population. Furthermore, recognizing heterogeneity is critical for accurately understanding migrants in China, necessitating a comprehensive migration policy that safeguards the rights and welfare of these individuals.