bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Neural Signatures of Shame, Embarrassment, and Guilt: A Voxel-Based Meta-Analysis on Functional Neuroimaging Studies
Authors: Piretti Luca , Pappaianni Edoardo , Garbin Claudia , Rumiati Raffaella Ida , Job Remo , Grecucci Alessandro
Published: March 2023

Self-conscious emotions, such as shame and guilt, play a fundamental role in regulating moral behaviour and in promoting the welfare of society. Despite their relevance, the neural bases of these emotions are uncertain. In the present meta-analysis, we performed a systematic literature review in order to single out functional neuroimaging studies on healthy individuals specifically investigating the neural substrates of shame, embarrassment, and guilt. Seventeen studies investigating the neural correlates of shame/embarrassment and seventeen studies investigating guilt brain representation met our inclusion criteria. The analyses revealed that both guilt and shame/embarrassment were associated with the activation of the left anterior insula, involved in emotional awareness processing and arousal. Guilt-specific areas were located within the left temporo-parietal junction, which is thought to be involved in social cognitive processes. Moreover, specific activations for shame/embarrassment involved areas related to social pain (dorsal anterior cingulate and thalamus) and behavioural inhibition (premotor cortex) networks. This pattern of results might reflect the distinct action tendencies associated with the two emotions.
Is Cardiorespiratory Fitness Independently Associated with Fatigue in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke?
Authors: Deijle Inger A. , Van Wegen Erwin E. H. , Van den Berg-Vos Renske M. , Kwakkel Gert
Published: March 2023

Fatigue is a common complaint and a disabling symptom among patients following transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. In patients with stroke, decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is believed to be related to increased severity of post-stroke fatigue (PSF). However, this association between PSF and CRF in patients with TIA or minor stroke has been less investigated, and currently there is no proven treatment for PSF. We aimed to determine the association between PSF and CRF in patients with TIA or minor stroke and to find out whether this association was distorted by confounders. A cross-sectional association study was conducted among a total of 119 patients with TIA or minor stroke. PSF was measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and CRF was quantified by maximal exercise capacity (V̇O2max). The FSS showed a significant association with V̇O2max (ß = −0.061, SE: 0.022; p = 0.007). This association was confounded by anxiety (ß = −0.044, SE: 0.020; p = 0.028) and depression (ß = −0.030, SE: 0.022; p = 0.177) as measured by the subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). After controlling for HADS scores on depression and anxiety, the univariate relationship between V̇O2max and FSS was no longer significant. These results suggest that the association between PSF and CRF in patients with TIA or minor stroke is weak and significantly confounded by the factors of depression and anxiety.
The Dual Effect of Participation Level on Consumer Participation in Participatory CSR: The Role of CSR Fit and Social Support
Authors: Yoo Dongho
Published: March 2023

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) provides companies with two benefits: creating social value and strengthening consumer relationships. Companies implement various types of CSR to maximize the positive effects of CSR, participatory CSR being one of these types. However, although the number of companies using participatory CSR in practice is increasing, academic interest in the effectiveness of participatory CSR has been insufficient. In particular, prior studies on the consumer perception of the participation level presented in participatory CSR do not show clear results. This study examines the influence of the participation level based on CSR fit and social support. The results of this study indicate that when there is a high CSR fit, consumers perceive the participation level as a benefit. However, when the CSR fit is low, consumers perceive the participation level as a cost. Additionally, the results show that the interactive effect of the participation level and CSR fit occurs only when there is less social support. When there is strong social support, consumers perceive the participation level as a benefit regardless of the CSR fit. Finally, the academic and practical implications of the results of this study are presented.
Physical Activity and Health: Social Psychology Perspective
Authors: Fermino Rogério César
Published: March 2023

Physical inactivity is a significant global health problem [...]
Introducing a Conceptual Model for Assessing the Present State of Preservation in Heritage Buildings: Utilizing Building Adaptation as an Approach
Authors: Miran Fenk D. , Husein Husein A.
Published: March 2023

Building adaptation comprises a variety of construction actions that enhance current condition and extend the life span of buildings. Architectural adaptation involves refurbishing, retrofitting, restoration, renovation, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, material reuse, conservation, and preservation, as well as other activities to improve building conditions. In this study, the most relevant definitions, implementations, and ranges of the specified terminologies are examined; on the basis of this classification, a conceptual model is constructed to facilitate accurate categorization of building adaptations and its application in various case studies. The current state of heritage buildings in Erbil (the Erbil Citadel as a World Heritage Site and the buffer zone as cultural heritage) is evaluated. We aimed to investigate their current conservation status and determine whether the Erbil Citadel’s heritage building adaptation has addressed the issue of energy retrofitting to realize green and passive construction. The results indicate that the framework model is an effective assessment tool in the field of conserving heritage buildings. The majority of Erbil’s heritage buildings have been restored and rehabilitated for public interaction; nevertheless, additional interventions are required to improve the buildings’ energy efficiency and conservation for this to be recognized as sustainable heritage development. In the future, academics and practitioners may use the suggested framework to clearly and consistently describe the scope of the work in their building adaptation, thereby eliminating the high costs of correcting code and specification requirements that were not met.
Evaluation of Optimal Mechanical Ventilation Strategies for Schools for Reducing Risks of Airborne Viral Infection
Authors: Almaimani Ayad , Alaidroos Alaa , Krarti Moncef , Qurnfulah Emad , Tiwari Alok
Published: March 2023

Ventilation systems are one of the most effective strategies to reduce the risk of viral infection transmission in buildings. However, insufficient ventilation rates in crowded spaces, such as schools, would lead to high risks of infection transmission. On the other hand, excessive ventilation rates might significantly increase cooling energy consumption. Therefore, energy-efficient control methods, such as Demand Control Ventilation systems (DCV), are typically considered to maintain acceptable indoor air quality. However, it is unclear if the DCV-based controls can supply adequate ventilation rates to minimize the probability of infection (POI) in indoor spaces. This paper investigates the benefits of optimized ventilation strategies, including conventional mechanical systems (MV) and DCV, in reducing the POI and cooling energy consumption through a detailed sensitivity analysis. The study also evaluates the impact of the ventilation rate, social distancing, and number of infectors on the performance of the ventilation systems. A coupling approach of a calibrated energy model of a school building in Jeddah, KSA, with a validated Wells–Riley model is implemented. Based on the findings of this study, proper adjustment of the DCV set point is necessary to supply adequate ventilation rates and reduce POI levels. Moreover, optimal values of 2 ACH for ventilation rate and 2 m for social distance are recommended to deliver acceptable POI levels, cooling energy use, and indoor CO2 concentration for the school building. Finally, this study confirms that increasing the ventilation rate is more effective than increasing social distancing in reducing the POI levels. However, this POI reduction is achieved at the cost of a higher increase in the cooling energy.
Trajectories of Quality of Life among an International Sample of Women during the First Year after the Diagnosis of Early Breast Cancer: A Latent Growth Curve Analysis
Authors: Pat-Horenczyk Ruth , Kelada Lauren , Kolokotroni Eleni , Stamatakos Georgios , Dahabre Rawan , Bentley Gabriella , Perry Shlomit , Karademas Evangelos C. , Simos Panagiotis , Poikonen-Saksela Paula , Mazzocco Ketti , Sousa Berta , Oliveira-Maia Albino J. , Roziner Ilan
Published: March 2023

The current study aimed to track the trajectory of quality of life (QoL) among subgroups of women with breast cancer in the first 12 months post-diagnosis. We also aimed to assess the number and portion of women classified into each distinct trajectory and the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with these trajectories. The international sample included 699 participants who were recruited soon after being diagnosed with breast cancer as part of the BOUNCE Project. QoL was assessed at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and we used Latent Class Growth Analysis to identify trajectory subgroups. Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors at baseline were used to predict latent class membership. Four distinct QoL trajectories were identified in the first 12 months after a breast cancer diagnosis: medium and stable (26% of participants); medium and improving (47%); high and improving (18%); and low and stable (9%). Thus, most women experienced improvements in QoL during the first year post-diagnosis. However, approximately one-third of women experienced consistently low-to-medium QoL. Cancer stage was the only variable which was related to the QoL trajectory in the multivariate analysis. Early interventions which specifically target women who are at risk of ongoing low QoL are needed.
Ten-Year Outcome and Development of Virtual-Assisted Lung Mapping in Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Nagano Masaaki , Sato Masaaki
Published: March 2023

Virtual-assisted lung mapping (VAL-MAP) is a preoperative bronchoscopic multispot dye-marking technique used in sublobar lung resection of barely palpable lung nodules. This review summarizes the history and outcomes of the VAL-MAP procedure. VAL-MAP was developed in 2012, and long-term outcomes of lung resection using VAL-MAP have recently been verified. Problems associated with conventional VAL-MAP include a prerequisite of post-mapping computed tomography (CT), occasional inability to see dye marks during surgery, and infrequent resection failure due to deep resection margins; various techniques have been developed to address these issues. VAL-MAP using electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy with on-site adjustment can omit post-mapping CT. The use of indocyanine green in VAL-MAP has increased the success rate of marking detection during surgery without causing additional complications. VAL-MAP 2.0—a three-dimensional mapping technique that involves the intrabronchial placement of a microcoil—has increased the accuracy of sublobar resection, particularly for deeply located tumors. Although these promising new techniques have some limitations, they are beneficial for sublobar lung resection.
Motivational Interviewing Counseling to Increase Endocrine Therapy Adherence in Diverse Patients
Authors: Wheeler Stephanie B. , Spencer Jennifer , Drier Sarah W. , Fray Niasha , Reeder-Hayes Katherine E.
Published: March 2023

Background: Oral endocrine therapy (ET) is an inexpensive and effective therapy for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer that prevents recurrence but relies upon long-term adherence for up to ten years. More than 80% of breast cancer patients have an HR+ phenotype and are candidates for ET, but approximately half discontinue or become non-adherent by five years. ET underuse is more prevalent in Black and young (<50 yrs) women, which may contribute to outcome disparities in these groups. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of a patient-centered counseling intervention to enhance ET adherence, with a focus on the needs of Black and younger women. Methods: We conducted a single-arm pilot study of a twelve-month motivational interviewing (MI) intervention consisting of five MI counseling sessions, an interactive workbook, a resource guide, and an educational video developed and revised with iterative patient and clinician input. The eligible participants were >18 years old, English speaking, and with stage I–III HR+ breast cancer. Participants were recruited across a large academic medical center and four community sites. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by measures of participant recruitment, retention, session participation, and patient-reported satisfaction. ET adherence at 12 months was assessed by self-report and medication event monitoring system (MEMS) caps using a continuous measure of the proportion of days covered (PDC) as well as a dichotomous measure of the optimal adherence, defined as >80% PDC. Results: Forty-two women initiated the intervention, of whom thirty-five participants (83%) completed outcome assessments at 12 months, including thirteen Black and twenty-two non-Black participants. The average participant age was 54.8 years (range: 25–73). Overall, 97% completed at least three MI sessions and 83% completed at least four sessions. Participant retention and satisfaction were high, particularly among Black women. Self-reported adherence at 12 months was 88% overall (100% in Black women and 81% in non-Black women). The majority of women also achieved 80% of days adherent using MEMS caps, with a greater adherence in Black women. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility, acceptability, and early promise of the effectiveness of an MI counseling-based intervention to promote ET adherence and prevent breast cancer recurrence in diverse populations.
Mathematical Model of Clonal Evolution Proposes a Personalised Multi-Modal Therapy for High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Italia Matteo , Wertheim Kenneth Y. , Taschner-Mandl Sabine , Walker Dawn , Dercole Fabio
Published: March 2023

Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumour in children. Despite multi-modal therapy, over half of the high-risk patients will succumb. One contributing factor is the one-size-fits-all nature of multi-modal therapy. For example, during the first step (induction chemotherapy), the standard regimen (rapid COJEC) administers fixed doses of chemotherapeutic agents in eight two-week cycles. Perhaps because of differences in resistance, this standard regimen results in highly heterogeneous outcomes in different tumours. In this study, we formulated a mathematical model comprising ordinary differential equations. The equations describe the clonal evolution within a neuroblastoma tumour being treated with vincristine and cyclophosphamide, which are used in the rapid COJEC regimen, including genetically conferred and phenotypic drug resistance. The equations also describe the agents’ pharmacokinetics. We devised an optimisation algorithm to find the best chemotherapy schedules for tumours with different pre-treatment clonal compositions. The optimised chemotherapy schedules exploit the cytotoxic difference between the two drugs and intra-tumoural clonal competition to shrink the tumours as much as possible during induction chemotherapy and before surgical removal. They indicate that induction chemotherapy can be improved by finding and using personalised schedules. More broadly, we propose that the overall multi-modal therapy can be enhanced by employing targeted therapies against the mutations and oncogenic pathways enriched and activated by the chemotherapeutic agents. To translate the proposed personalised multi-modal therapy into clinical use, patient-specific model calibration and treatment optimisation are necessary. This entails a decision support system informed by emerging medical technologies such as multi-region sequencing and liquid biopsies. The results and tools presented in this paper could be the foundation of this decision support system.
The Beneficial Effect of Mitochondrial Transfer Therapy in 5XFAD Mice via Liver–Serum–Brain Response
Authors: Sweetat Sahar , Nitzan Keren , Suissa Nir , Haimovich Yael , Lichtenstein Michal , Zabit Samar , Benhamron Sandrine , Akarieh Karameh , Mishra Kumudesh , Barasch Dinorah , Saada Ann , Ziv Tamar , Kakhlon Or , Lorberboum-Galski Haya , Rosenmann Hanna
Published: March 2023

We recently reported the benefit of the IV transferring of active exogenous mitochondria in a short-term pharmacological AD (Alzheimer’s disease) model. We have now explored the efficacy of mitochondrial transfer in 5XFAD transgenic mice, aiming to explore the underlying mechanism by which the IV-injected mitochondria affect the diseased brain. Mitochondrial transfer in 5XFAD ameliorated cognitive impairment, amyloid burden, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Exogenously injected mitochondria were detected in the liver but not in the brain. We detected alterations in brain proteome, implicating synapse-related processes, ubiquitination/proteasome-related processes, phagocytosis, and mitochondria-related factors, which may lead to the amelioration of disease. These changes were accompanied by proteome/metabolome alterations in the liver, including pathways of glucose, glutathione, amino acids, biogenic amines, and sphingolipids. Altered liver metabolites were also detected in the serum of the treated mice, particularly metabolites that are known to affect neurodegenerative processes, such as carnosine, putrescine, C24:1-OH sphingomyelin, and amino acids, which serve as neurotransmitters or their precursors. Our results suggest that the beneficial effect of mitochondrial transfer in the 5XFAD mice is mediated by metabolic signaling from the liver via the serum to the brain, where it induces protective effects. The high efficacy of the mitochondrial transfer may offer a novel AD therapy.
Low-Intensity Blue Light Exposure Reduces Melanopsin Expression in Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells and Damages Mitochondria in Retinal Ganglion Cells in Wistar Rats
Authors: Ziółkowska Natalia , Lewczuk Bogdan , Szyryńska Natalia , Rawicka Aleksandra , Vyniarska Alla
Published: March 2023

This study investigated the effect of low-intensity blue light on the albino Wistar rat retina, including intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Three groups of nine albino Wistar rats were used. One group was continuously exposed to blue light (150 lx) for 2 d (STE); one was exposed to 12 h of blue light and 12 h of darkness for 10 d (LTE); one was maintained in 12 h of white light (150 lx) and 12 h of darkness for 10 d (control). Melanopsin (Opn4) was immunolabelled on retinal whole-mounts. To count and measure Opn4-positive ipRGC somas and dendrites (including Sholl profiles), Neuron J was used. Retinal cryosections were immunolabeled for glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) and with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling for apoptosis detection. LTE reduced the length of Opn4-positive ipRGC dendrites (p = 0.03) and decreased Opn4-immunoreactivity in ipRGC outer stratifying dendrites. LTE and STE decreased the complexity of dendritic arborization (Sholl profile; p < 0.001, p = 0.03, respectively), increased retinal GFAP immunoreactivity (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively), and caused outer segment vesiculation and outer nuclear layer apoptosis. Ultrastructural analysis showed that LTE damaged mitochondria in retinal ganglion cells and in the inner plexiform layer. Thus, LTE to low-intensity blue light harms the retinas of albino Wistar rats.
Proteomic Landscape of Human Sperm in Patients with Different Spermatogenic Impairments
Authors: Becker Lea Simone , Al Smadi Mohammad A. , Raeschle Markus , Rishik Shusruto , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim , Meese Eckart , Abu-Halima Masood
Published: March 2023

Although the proteome of sperm has been characterized, there is still a lack of high-throughput studies on dysregulated proteins in sperm from subfertile men, with only a few studies on the sperm proteome in asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic men. Using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) along with bioinformatics analyses, we investigated the proteomic landscape of sperm collected from subfertile men (n = 22), i.e., asthenozoospermic men (n = 13), oligoasthenozoospermic men (n = 9) and normozoospermic controls (n = 31). We identified 4412 proteins in human sperm. Out of these, 1336 differentially abundant proteins were identified in 70% of the samples. In subfertile men, 32 proteins showed a lower abundance level and 34 showed a higher abundance level when compared with normozoospermic men. Compared to normozoospermic controls, 95 and 8 proteins showed a lower abundance level, and 86 and 1 proteins showed a higher abundance level in asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic men, respectively. Sperm motility and count were negatively correlated with 13 and 35 and positively correlated with 37 and 20 differentially abundant proteins in asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic men, respectively. The combination of the proteins APCS, APOE, and FLOT1 discriminates subfertile males from normozoospermic controls with an AUC value of 0.95. Combined APOE and FN1 proteins discriminate asthenozoospermic men form controls with an AUC of 1, and combined RUVBL1 and TFKC oligoasthenozoospermic men with an AUC of 0.93. Using a proteomic approach, we revealed the proteomic landscape of sperm collected from asthenozoospermic or oligoasthenozoospermic men. Identified abundance changes of several specific proteins are likely to impact sperm function leading to subfertility. The data also provide evidence for the usefulness of specific proteins or protein combinations to support future diagnosis of male subfertility.
Monitoring of Osmotic Swelling Induced Filling Degree Changes in WOW Double Emulsions Using Raman Technologies
Authors: Hufnagel Thomas , Leister Nico , Stoy Richard , Rädle Matthias , Karbstein Heike P.
Published: March 2023

Due to their nested structure, double emulsions have the potential to encapsulate value-adding substances until their application, making them of interest to various industries. However, the complex, nested structure negatively affects the stability of double emulsions. Still, there is a lack of suitable measurement technology to fundamentally understand the cause of the instability mechanisms taking place. This study presents a novel measurement method to continuously track filling degree changes due to water diffusion in a water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) double emulsion droplet. The measurement method is based on the Raman effect and provides both photometric and spectrometric data. No sample preparation is required, and the measurement does not affect the double emulsion droplet.
Electrospun Nanofibers as Chemosensors for Detecting Environmental Pollutants: A Review
Authors: Du Yutong , Yu Deng-Guang , Yi Tao
Published: March 2023

Electrospun nanofibers have shown their advantages for applications in a wide variety of scientific fields thanks to their unique properties. Meanwhile, electrospinning is closely following the fast development of nano science and nanotechnology to move forward to smaller (pico-technology), more complicated nanostructures/nanodevices and more order (all kinds of nano arrays). Particularly, multiple-fluid electrospinning has the strong capability of creating nanostructures from a structural spinneret in a single-step and a straightforward “top-down” manner, holding great promise for creation on a large scale. This review is just to conclude the state-of-art studies on the related topics and also point out that the future directions of environmental detection require chemosensors, while the improvement of sensors requires new chemically synthesized functional substances, new nanostructured materials, application convenience, and functional integration or synergy. Based on the developments of electrospinning, more and more possibilities can be drawn out for detecting environmental pollutants with electrospun nanostructures as the strong support platform.
Fabrication of Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanorods Modified with Dense Silver Nanoparticles as Effective SERS Substrates
Authors: Li Na , Xu Gengsheng , Yan Manqing , Chen Bensong , Yuan Yupeng , Zhu Chuhong
Published: March 2023

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has attracted increasing attention due to its high spectral reproducibility and unique selectivity to target molecules. Here, a facile approach is proposed to prepare Ag nanoparticles modified ZnO nanorod arrays (Ag/ZnO NR arrays). Ag nanoparticles were densely decorated on the surface of ZnO nanorods through silver mirror reaction and subsequent seed-assisted electrodeposition. The prepared Ag/ZnO NR arrays can be used as a sensitive, uniform, and repeatable SERS substrate for the rapid detection of organic dye molecules and biomolecules with concentrations higher than the corresponding limits of detection (LODs). The LODs for rhodamine 6G (R6G), 4-aminothiophenol (PATP) and adenine are calculated to be 1.0 × 10−13 M, 1.6 × 10−12 M and 3 × 10−11 M, respectively. The enhancement factor (EF) of the SERS substrate is estimated to be as high as ~2.7 × 108 when detecting 10−10 M R6G. Particularly, the as-synthesized substrate exhibits high selectivity to multiple components. In addition, the fabricated Ag/ZnO NR arrays can be recycled due to their superior self-cleaning ability and can realize photocatalytic degradation of R6G in water within 1 h driven by UV light, showing that the three-dimensional recyclable SERS substrates have wide applications in environmental pollution monitoring and biomedical analysis.
Ultra-Low Detection of Perfluorooctanoic Acid Using a Novel Plasmonic Sensing Approach Combined with Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
Authors: Pitruzzella Rosalba , Arcadio Francesco , Perri Chiara , Del Prete Domenico , Porto Giovanni , Zeni Luigi , Cennamo Nunzio
Published: March 2023

In this work, a novel optical fiber sensor system for ultra-low perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) detection in aqueous solutions is proposed. It is based on the connection, in series, of two different plastic optical fiber (POF) platforms: the first is a chemical chip realized by using a D-shaped POF with microholes filled with a specific molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP); the second is a typical surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on a D-shaped POF. In particular, the MIP-based chemical chip was used to launch the light inside the SPR–POF chip to change the SPR phenomenon by exploiting the PFOA–MIP interaction in the microholes. At first, experimental results were performed in water to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed sensing approach for measuring PFOA (or C8) in a concentration range of 1 ppt to 750 ppt, obtaining an ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) equal to about 0.81 ppt. Then, experimental results were carried out in simulated seawater to implement a complex matrix. The obtained results denoted a slight matrix effect, paving the way for the applicability of the proposed chemical sensing mechanism in several aqueous solutions.
Advancement and Perspectives of Sulfite-Based Chemiluminescence, Its Mechanism, and Sensing
Authors: Shah Syed Niaz Ali , Gul Eman , Hayat Faisal , Rehman Ziaur , Khan Mashooq
Published: March 2023

This review sums up in detail the sulfite-based chemiluminescence (CL) systems and the impact of various enhancers such as metal ions and their complexes, solvents, nanomaterials (NMs), and carbon dots (CDs) on the CL system. Recent developments and strategies employed to enhance the sulfite-based CL systems are under lengthy discussion, especially in view of the emitting species and the reaction mechanism. The production of free radicals in the systems is thought to be critical for the improvement of the sulfite CL system due to their potential to degrade organic pollutants via advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). However, different chemicals can either favor or disfavor the formation of free radicals, ultimately having a positive or negative impact on CL response. Interestingly, these reagents can be easily differentiated by observing fluctuations in CL response with changes in concentration. We anticipate that an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of action of the sulfite CL system and the role of various enhancers on the efficiency of the system will be helpful in designing a highly selective and sensitive CL system for the detection of specific reagents. The development of improved sulfite CL systems, which use reagents that give a linear CL response with concentration, and their use in chemical, food and agricultural, forensic, pharmaceutical, clinical, agricultural, and environmental analysis is judiciously highlighted.
Social Challenges as a Consequence of the COVID-19 Pandemic among South Florida Preschool Children with Disability and Obesity
Authors: Natale Ruby A. , Cardenas Erika Paola Viana , Varanloo Parisa , Ma Ruixuan , Agosto Yaray , Palenzuela Joanne , Hernandez Julieta , Schladant Michelle , Bloyer Martha , Messiah Sarah E.
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the childcare industry over the past two years. This study examined how pandemic-related challenges impacted preschool-aged children by disability and obesity status. Participants were 216 children (80% Hispanic, 14% non-Hispanic Black) aged 2 to 5 years in 10 South Florida childcare centers. In November/December 2021, parents completed a COVID-19 Risk and Resiliency Questionnaire, and body mass index percentile (BMI) was collected. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association of COVID-19 pandemic-related social challenges (transportation, employment) and child BMI and disability status. As compared to normal-weight children, those families with a child who was obese were more likely to report pandemic-related transportation (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.03–6.28) challenges and food insecurity (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.05–6.43). Parents of children with disabilities were less likely to report that food did not last (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.07–0.48) and that they could not afford balanced meals (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13–0.85). Spanish-speaking caregivers were more likely to have a child who was obese (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.19–8.52). The results suggest that COVID-19 impacts obese preschool children from Hispanic backgrounds, while disability was a protective factor.
First Reported Case of Gabriele-de Vries Syndrome with Spinal Dysraphism
Authors: Koruga Nenad , Pušeljić Silvija , Babić Marko , Ćuk Mario , Cvitković Roić Andrea , Vrtarić Vjenceslav , Soldo Koruga Anamarija , Rončević Alen , Tomac Višnja , Rotim Tatjana , Turk Tajana , Kretić Domagoj , Pušeljić Nora , Nađ Rebeka , Serdarušić Ivana
Published: March 2023

Gabriele-de Vries syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease caused by de novo pathogenic variants in the Yin Yang 1 (YY1) gene. Individuals with this syndrome present with multiple congenital anomalies, as well as a delay in development and intellectual disability. Herein, we report the case of a newborn male patient with a novel de novo pathogenic variant in the Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein, Alpha Stimulating (GNAS) gene, which was identified by whole-exome sequencing. Our patient suffered from a large open spinal dysraphism which was treated surgically immediately after birth. During the follow-up, facial dysmorphism, bladder and bowel incontinence, and mildly delayed motor and speech development were observed. Congenital central nervous system disorders were also confirmed radiologically. In this case report, we present our diagnostic and treatment approaches to this patient. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Gabriele-de Vries syndrome presenting with spinal dysraphism. Extensive genetic evaluation is the cornerstone in treatment of patients with suspected Gabriele-de Vries syndrome. However, in cases with potentially life-threatening conditions, surgery should be strongly considered.
Scissor Bite in Growing Patients: Case Report Treated with Clear Aligners
Authors: Pinho Teresa , Gonçalves Sara , Rocha Duarte , Martins Maria Luís
Published: March 2023

Scissor bite (SB.) is a rare malocclusion that is challenging to diagnose and is often associated with a retrognathic mandible and a series of functional and structural abnormalities that negatively affect the patient. This article intends to analyze the treatment approaches applied to growing patients younger than 16 years old, comparing the conventional appliances described in the literature and a clinical case treated with clear aligners with mandibular advancement (MA.). SB is primarily related to skeletal Class I and II, according to Angle classification. In the various cases analyzed, it can also be mentioned as a significant number of cases with SB of dental origin (seven of dental and four of skeletal) in young patients. In children and adolescents who still have growth potential, the therapeutic possibilities are numerous. A comprehensive literature search was manually performed from 2002 until January 2023, in PubMed and BVS databases with the following conjugated keywords: “scissor bite OR brodie bite” AND “malocclusion” AND “treatment OR correction OR therapeutics”. The present case report on a young patient demonstrated the efficiency of the clear aligners with MA to correct an SB, associated with several functional and structural anomalies such as Class II division 1 with an increased overjet and overbite as well as a severe curve of Spee in a hypodivergent biotype.
Perioperative Acetaminophen Dosing in Obese Children
Authors: Anderson Brian Joseph , Cortinez Luis Ignacio
Published: March 2023

Acetaminophen is a commonly used perioperative analgesic drug in children. The use of a preoperative loading dose achieves a target concentration of 10 mg/L associated with a target analgesic effect that is 2.6 pain units (visual analogue scale 1–10). Postoperative maintenance dosing is used to keep this effect at a steady-state concentration. The loading dose in children is commonly prescribed per kilogram. That dose is consistent with the linear relationship between the volume of distribution and total body weight. Total body weight is made up of both fat and fat-free mass. The fat mass has little influence on the volume of distribution of acetaminophen but fat mass should be considered for maintenance dosing that is determined by clearance. The relationship between the pharmacokinetic parameter, clearance, and size is not linear. A number of size metrics (e.g., fat-free and normal fat mass, ideal body weight and lean body weight) have been proposed to scale clearance and all consequent dosing schedules recognize curvilinear relationships between clearance and size. This relationship can be described using allometric theory. Fat mass also has an indirect influence on clearance that is independent of its effects due to increased body mass. Normal fat mass, used in conjunction with allometry, has proven a useful size metric for acetaminophen; it is calculated using fat-free mass and a fraction (Ffat) of the additional mass contributing to total body weight. However, the Ffat for acetaminophen is large (Ffat = 0.82), pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameter variability high, and the concentration–response slope gentle at the target concentration. Consequently, total body weight with allometry is acceptable for the calculation of maintenance dose. The dose of acetaminophen is tempered by concerns about adverse effects, notably hepatotoxicity associated with use after 2–3 days at doses greater than 90 mg/kg/day.
Electrochemical Synthesis of a WO3/MoSx Heterostructured Bifunctional Catalyst for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Levinas Ramūnas , Tsyntsaru Natalia , Cesiulis Henrikas , Viter Roman , Grundsteins Karlis , Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė Loreta , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: March 2023

Photo-/electrochemical water splitting can be a suitable method to produce “green” hydrogen and oxygen by utilizing renewable energy or even direct sunlight. In order to carry out photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, a photoanode based on transition metal oxides, which absorbs photons and produces photoexcited electron–hole pairs, is needed. The positively charged holes can then participate in the water oxidation reaction. Meanwhile, a cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can occur more efficiently with electrocatalytic materials that enhance the adsorption of H+, such as MoS2. In this study, it was shown that WO3/MoSx heterostructured materials can be synthesized by an electrochemical method called plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). During this process, many micro-breakdowns of the oxide layer occur, causing ionization of the oxide and electrolyte. The ionized mixture then cools and solidifies, resulting in crystalline WO3 with incorporated MoSx. The surface and cross-sectional morphology were characterized by SEM-FIB, and the coatings could reach up to 3.48 μm thickness. Inclusion of MoSx was confirmed by EDX as well as XPS. Synthesis conditions were found to have an influence on the band gap, with the lowest value being 2.38 eV. Scanning electrochemical microscopy was used to map the local HER activity and correlate the activity hotspots to MoSx’s content and surface topography. The bifunctional catalyst based on a WO3/MoSx heterostructure was evaluated for PEC and HER water-splitting activities. As a photoanode, it could reach up to 6% photon conversion efficiency. For HER in acidic media, a Tafel slope of 42.6 mV·dec−1 can be reached.
Characterization and Control of Residual Stress in Plasma-Sprayed Silicon Coatings on SiC/SiC Composites
Authors: Guo Mengqiu , Cui Yongjing , Wang Changliang , Jiao Jian , Bi Xiaofang , Tao Chunhu
Published: March 2023

In order to reveal the relationship between residual stress in Si layers of SiC/SiC composites and the different parameters used in their preparation, the residual stress of the coating surface was tested using X-ray sin2ψ technology and laser Raman spectroscopy. Then, the Raman shift–stress coefficient (P) and the Raman shift with free stress (ω0) were calculated as −201.41 MPa/cm−1 and 520.591 cm−1 via linear fitting with the least squares method. The results showed that all the as-sprayed Si coatings exhibited tensile stress on the surface, ranging from 53.5 to 65.9 MPa. The parameters of the spraying distance and second gas (H2) flow rate were considered to be the most important for controlling the residual stress on the coating surface. Additionally, the surface tensile stress of the Si layers could be eliminated and even changed into compressive stress by annealing above 800 °C. Furthermore, the residual stress distribution in the cross-section of the Si layers was evaluated using laser Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, the particle characteristics, such as in-flight velocity and temperature, were investigated using a diagnostic system. The results of this research contribute to increasing the understanding and control of residual stress in APS Si bond layers.
Cutting Energy Consumption Modelling of End Milling Cutter Coated with AlTiCrN
Authors: Meng Yue , Sun Xinsheng , Dong Shengming , Wang Yue , Liu Xianli
Published: March 2023

As an indispensable piece of equipment in the manufacturing industry, the machine tool is low-energy-efficiency and high-energy-consumption in operation. Therefore, it is urgent to establish a cutting energy consumption model to guide production and reduce the energy consumption of the machining process. In this paper, the AlTiCrN-coated cutting tool is taken as the object of study, and the cutting energy consumption model is established. The cutting energy consumption model is composed of a machining time model and a cutting power model. The cutting power model can be divided into the shear deformation power model of the workpiece, the friction power model of the flank surface and the friction power model of the rake surface. The influence of the edge shape is taken into account in the establishment of the friction power model of the flank surface. The machining time model considering the S-type acceleration and deceleration stage is established. The accuracy of the model was verified by experiments. Experimental results show that the model has high accuracy. The Taguchi method was used to carry out the numerical experiment with the cutting energy consumption of the machine tool as the response. The influences of cutting parameters on energy consumption are analyzed. Cutting width is the most important factor, followed by cutting depth, then feed rate and spindle speed. The physical principle of the influence of cutting parameters on cutting energy consumption is revealed.
Some Properties of the Computation of the Modular Inverse with Applications in Cryptography
Authors: Bufalo Michele , Bufalo Daniele , Orlando Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

In the field of cryptography, many algorithms rely on the computation of modular multiplicative inverses to ensure the security of their systems. In this study, we build upon our previous research by introducing a novel sequence, (zj)j≥0, that can calculate the modular inverse of a given pair of integers (a,n), i.e., a−1;mod,n. The computational complexity of this approach is O(a), which is more efficient than the traditional Euler’s phi function method, O(n,ln,n). Furthermore, we investigate the properties of the sequence (zj)j≥0 and demonstrate that all solutions of the problem belong to a specific set, I, that only contains the minimum values of (zj)j≥0. This results in a reduction of the computational complexity of our method, especially when a∼n and it also opens new opportunities for discovering closed-form solutions for the modular inverse.
Pump-Probe X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy of Free-Standing Graphane
Authors: Costantini Roberto , Marchiani Dario , Betti Maria Grazia , Mariani Carlo , Jeong Samuel , Ito Yoshikazu , Morgante Alberto , Dell’Angela Martina
Published: March 2023

Free-standing nanoporous graphene was hydrogenated at about 60 at.% H uptake, as determined by the emerging of the sp3 bonding component in the C 1s core level investigated by high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Fully unsupported graphane was investigated by XPS under optical excitation at 2.4 eV. At a laser fluence of 1.6 mJ/cm2, a partial irreversible dehydrogenation of the graphane was observed, which could be attributed either to the local temperature increase or to a photo-induced softening of the H-to-C stretching mode. The sub-ns dynamics of the energy shift and peak broadening of the C 1s core level revealed two different decay constants: 210 ps and 130 ps, respectively, the former associated with photovoltage dynamics and the latter with thermal heating on a time scale comparable with the synchrotron temporal resolution.
Current Insights into the Formulation and Delivery of Therapeutic and Cosmeceutical Agents for Aging Skin
Authors: Altay Benetti Ayça , Tarbox Tamara , Benetti Camillo
Published: March 2023

“Successful aging” counters the traditional idea of aging as a disease and is increasingly equated with minimizing age signs on the skin, face, and body. From this stems the interest in preventative aesthetic dermatology that might help with the healthy aging of skin, help treat or prevent certain cutaneous disorders, such as skin cancer, and help delay skin aging by combining local and systemic methods of therapy, instrumental devices, and invasive procedures. This review will discuss the main mechanisms of skin aging and the potential mechanisms of action for commercial products already on the market, highlighting the issues related to the permeation of the skin from different classes of compounds, the site of action, and the techniques employed to overcome aging. The purpose is to give an overall perspective on the main challenges in formulation development, especially nanoparticle formulations, which aims to defeat or slow down skin aging, and to highlight new market segments, such as matrikines and matrikine-like peptides. In conclusion, by applying enabling technologies such as those delivery systems outlined here, existing agents can be repurposed or fine-tuned, and traditional but unproven treatments can be optimized for efficacious dosing and safety.
Denoising of the Poisson-Noise Statistics 2D Image Patterns in the Computer X-ray Diffraction Tomography
Authors: Chukhovskii Felix N. , Konarev Petr V. , Volkov Vladimir V.
Published: March 2023

A central point of validity of computer X-ray diffraction micro tomography is to improve the digital contrast and spatial resolution of the 3D-recovered nano-scaled objects in crystals. In this respect, the denoising issue of the 2D image patterns data involved in the 3D high-resolution recovery processing has been treated. The Poisson-noise simulation of 2D image patterns data was performed; afterwards, it was employed for recovering nano-scaled crystal structures. By using the statistical average and geometric means methods of the acquired 2D image frames, we showed that the statistical average hypothesis works well, at least in the case of 2D Poisson-noise image data related to the Coulomb-type point defect in a crystal Si(111). The validation of results related to the de-noised 2D IPs data obtained was carried out by both the 3D recovery processing of the Coulomb-type point defect in a crystal Si(111) and using the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) criterion.
Polarization Modulation on Charge Transfer and Band Structures of GaN/MoS2 Polar Heterojunctions
Authors: Tian Feng , Kong Delin , Qiu Peng , Liu Heng , Zhu Xiaoli , Wei Huiyun , Song Yimeng , Chen Hong , Zheng Xinhe , Peng Mingzeng
Published: March 2023

As important third-generation semiconductors, wurtzite III nitrides have strong spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization effects. They can be used to construct multifunctional polar heterojunctions or quantum structures with other emerging two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors. Here, we investigate the polarization effect of GaN on the interfacial charge transfer and electronic properties of GaN/MoS2 polar heterojunctions by first-principles calculations. From the binding energy, the N-polarity GaN/MoS2 heterojunctions show stronger structural stability than the Ga-polarity counterparts. Both the Ga-polarity and N-polarity GaN/MoS2 polar heterojunctions have type-II energy band alignments, but with opposite directions of both the built-in electric field and interfacial charge transfer. In addition, their heterostructure types can be effectively modulated by applying in-plane biaxial strains on GaN/MoS2 polar heterojunctions, which can undergo energy band transitions from type II to type I. As a result, it provides a feasible solution for the structural design and integrated applications of hybrid 3D/2D polar heterojunctions in advanced electronics and optoelectronics.