bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of surface integrity on short crack growth behavior in HFMI-treated welded joints
Authors: Ono Y. , Remes H.
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the influence of surface integrity and the localized fatigue phenomena on the initiation and propagation of short fatigue cracks in high-frequency mechanical impact (HFMI)-treated welded joints. The treated surface region, characterized by a compressive residual stress field, smooth notch geometry, and work hardening layer, improves welded joints’ fatigue strength. However, how these surface conditions influence the fatigue damage process zone during short crack initiation and growth is not yet well known. Therefore, this study systematically investigates the influence of different surface characteristics on fatigue life modeling of HFMI-treated welded joints made of high-strength steel. This is achieved using a non-local continuum damage mechanics-based approach of crack growth and elastic–plastic finite element simulation, explicitly modeling treated surface conditions. The simulated fatigue life is first verified with experiments and then applied to various surface conditions. The simulation results show that most of the fatigue life is spent until a crack size of 0.2 mm. The compressive residual stress field greatly extends both short crack initiation and propagation life, with its degree of contribution highly dependent on loading history and residual stress change. The role of the work hardening layer is mainly concentrated on improving fatigue life during short crack initiation and the very beginning of short crack growth.
Mut zur Lücke? Impfstatus von Beschäftigten in der arbeitsmedizinischen Vorsorge
Authors: Jungbluth Michael , Otte Nelly , Kaifie Andrea , Kraus Thomas , Krabbe Julia
Published: December 2024

Einleitung

Umfassende Erhebungen zeigen Impflücken bei allen für Erwachsene empfohlenen Standardimpfungen in Deutschland. Arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorge könnte dazu beitragen, diese Impflücken zu schließen.

Methoden

Die ärztliche Impfdokumentation von 5999 arbeitsmedizinischen Vorsorgen wurde retrospektiv untersucht. Bei 1126 Beschäftigten mit einer arbeitsmedizinischen Vorsorge für Tätigkeiten mit biologischen Arbeitsstoffen (Infektionsgefährdung) und bei 184 Beschäftigten mit anderen Vorsorgeanlässen, wurden die Impfquoten für Tetanus, Diphtherie, Poliomyelitis, Pertussis und Masern ausgewertet. Als mögliche Einflussfaktoren wurden Geschlecht, Alter, Wirtschaftszweig und sozioökonomische Position (SEP) erfasst.

Ergebnisse

In der Analyse von 1310 Beschäftigten aus 47 Betrieben zeigten sich bei 73,1 % Impflücken für die Standardimpfungen. Der Anlass der Vorsorge hatte keinen Einfluss auf die Impfquoten. Für Beschäftigte wurde die Impfquote im Impfpass für Tetanus von Geschlecht und Wirtschaftszweig beeinflusst und für Masern vornehmlich vom Alter. Die sozioökonomische Position hatte keinen direkten Einfluss auf den Impfstatus. Insgesamt wurde für alle Standardimpfungen ein Impfbedarf festgestellt.

Diskussion

Vom Impfpass ausgehend, zeigte sich eine erhebliche Impflücke, die im betriebsärztlichen Setting unabhängig vom Vorsorgeanlass geschlossen werden könnte. Dafür sollte jeder betriebsärztliche Kontakt genutzt werden. Da es Hinweise auf eine unvollständige Dokumentation bereits durchgeführter Impfungen gab, scheint sich der Aufwand für eine elektronische Dokumentation zu lohnen, um den Immunstatus und somit den Impfbedarf valide und lückenlos erfassen zu können. In Kombination mit einer sektorenübergreifenden Zugänglichkeit könnten so unnötige Impfungen vermieden werden.
Exploring key stakeholders’ perspectives on integrating the EU AI Act with the MDR for certifying AI medical devices
Authors: Balogun Edmund , Dcosta Dion , Boch Auxane , Luetge Christoph
Published: December 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms are transforming healthcare by advancing the capabilities of medical devices. These algorithms can now analyze X-ray images to help detect and interpret medical conditions, particularly in radiology and pathology. The growing use of AI in medicine highlights the importance of strict regulations to prioritize patient safety during the development and deployment of AI in medical devices. Despite extensive research, there are limited empirical studies on stakeholders’ perspectives regarding the challenges of implementing AI regulatory frameworks alongside existing legally binding regulations specific to medical devices. This study uses semi-structured interviews to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies and medical device manufacturers, to understand the potential implications of integrating the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act with the Medical Device Regulation to certify AI-embedded medical devices. Through inductive-thematic analysis and adopting activity theory to further synthesize the interviews, the findings reveal stakeholders’ challenges, including uncertainty about implementing different regulations, resource limitations, and the potential impact of complex regulations on healthcare quality. Additionally, the results indicate that key stakeholders did not explicitly identify the absence of a comprehensive ethical framework for AI-enabled medical devices in both regulations as a major challenge. This underscores the need to develop a harmonized ethical framework for certifying AI used in healthcare.
Advances in management algorithm in clear cell carcinoma of cervix
Authors: Peng Xuanwei , Xu Dongdong , Lu Huaiwu , Lin Zhongqiu
Published: December 2024

This comprehensive review critically assesses tailored management strategies for clear cell carcinoma of the cervix (cCCC), an uncommon subtype of cervical adenocarcinomas. A globally prevalent condition, cCCC affects individuals across diverse racial and ethnic groups. Notably, a significant risk factor associated with cCCC is intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen historically prescribed to address pregnancy-related complications.

Intriguingly, almost two-thirds of cCCC cases are linked to DES exposure. Studies reveal a notable surge in cCCC incidence among offspring born to women administered DES during pregnancy, with DES-exposed daughters facing a staggering 40-fold higher risk compared to their non-DES-exposed counterparts.

Turning to the molecular intricacies of cCCC, gene expressions within this subtype exhibit intriguing parallels with clear cell carcinomas found in the ovary, endometrium, and kidney. Additionally, there is a noteworthy exploration of cervical endometriosis as a potential precursor to cCCC. Molecular pathways, specifically the PI3K/AKT and Hippo pathways, have garnered attention in understanding the pathogenesis of cCCC.

From a prognostic standpoint, disparities emerge, with non-DES-related cCCC cases generally exhibiting a grimmer prognosis than their DES-related counterparts. This discrepancy becomes starkly evident in advanced disease stages. Early detection proves crucial, as patients diagnosed in initial stages experience commendable outcomes, markedly superior to those facing advanced or recurrent manifestations. Fertility-preserving treatments are highly endorsed for early-stage patients.

Simultaneously, the therapeutic landscape is evolving, with PD-L1 inhibitors gaining prominence as a burgeoning treatment modality, particularly beneficial for those navigating advanced stages of cCCC. Furthermore, the combination of PARP inhibitors (PARPi) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) emerges as a promising and innovative treatment alternative for cCCC.

In summary, this review encompasses a detailed exploration of cCCC, spanning risk factors, molecular intricacies, prognostic considerations, early detection strategies, and evolving treatment modalities, presenting a comprehensive understanding of the management approaches tailored for this unique subtype of cervical adenocarcinomas.
Nordic Bronze Age Economies
Authors: Horn Christian , Austvoll Knut Ivar , Artursson Magnus , Ling Johan
Published: December 2024

Provides a multi-scalar synthesis of Nordic Bronze Age economies (1800/1700–500 BCE) that is organized around six sections: an introduction to the Nordic Bronze Age, macro-economic perspectives, defining local communities, economic interaction, conflict and alliances, political formations, and encountering Europe. Despite a unifying material culture, the Bronze Age of Scandinavia was complex and multi- layered with constantly shifting and changing networks of competitors and partners. The social structure in this highly mobile and dynamic macroregional setting was affected by subsistence economies based on agropastoralism, maritime sectors, the production of elaborate metal wealth, trade in a wide range of goods, as well as raiding and warfare. For this reason, the focus of this book is on the integration and interaction of subsistence and political economies in a comparative analyses between different local constellations within the macro-economic setting of prehistoric Europe. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core
The African Mood Perspective on God and the Problem of Evil
Authors: Agada Ada
Published: December 2024

This Element concisely and critically explores the African limited God perspective that denies that the categories of omnipotence, omniscience, and omnibenevolence are applicable to the God of African Traditional Religion (ATR). The Element teases out the intricate conceptual nuances in the limitation thesis and interrogates the divergent stances of proponents of the limited God view, with special focus on the mood perspective of the philosophy of consolationism. Proponents of the limitation thesis may be limited God theists who accept that the limited God is a creator-deity or, at least, a world-designer, or limited God non-theists who deny the limited God personality and agency. The Element expands the frontiers of research in African philosophy of religion by showing that the limitation thesis raises the question of a limited God's moral responsibility for some of the evil in the world in his capacity as a world-creator or world-designer.
Archaeological Studies on Gender in Early East Asia
Authors: Wu Mandy Jui-man , Linduff Katheryn M.
Published: December 2024

Gendered archaeology in Asia has been studied by archaeologists since the 1990s and scholars have posed questions such as the role and construction of gendered identities in ancient societies. In this Element, the authors review secondary literature, report on to what stage the research has evolved, evaluate methodologies, and use the concept of networking to examine the issues across East Asia, including China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Interestingly, those literatures are not entirely parallel with each other – the authors found, for example, that archaeological investigation was largely bound by national guidelines, by local intellectual traditions, and by changing historiographic interpretations of past events, as well as funding. The complexion of recent studies on gender and archaeology in Asia has often been focused on providing a framework for a grand narrative of each national 'civilization' as the emergence of institutional political structures, including traditional values placed on men and women.
Minimal strong foliations in skew-products of iterated function systems
Authors: BARRIENTOS PABLO G. , CISNEROS JOEL ANGEL
Published: December 2024

We study locally constant skew-product maps over full shifts of finite symbols with arbitrary compact metric spaces as fiber spaces. We introduce a new criterion to determine the density of leaves of the strong unstable (and strong stable) foliation, that is, for its minimality. When the fiber space is a circle, we show that both strong foliations are minimal for an open and dense set of robustly transitive skew-products. We provide examples where either one foliation is minimal or neither is minimal. Our approach involves investigating the dynamics of the associated iterated function system (IFS). We establish the asymptotic stability of the phase space of the IFS when it is a strict attractor of the system. We also show that any transitive IFS consisting of circle diffeomorphisms that preserve orientation can be approximated by a robust forward and backward minimal, expanding, and ergodic (with respect to Lebesgue) IFS. Lastly, we provide examples of smooth robustly transitive IFSs where either the forward or the backward minimal fails, or both.
Improved effective Łojasiewicz inequality and applications
Authors: Basu Saugata , Mohammad-Nezhad Ali
Published: December 2024

Let

$\mathrm {R}$

be a real closed field. Given a closed and bounded semialgebraic set

$A \subset \mathrm {R}^n$

and semialgebraic continuous functions

$f,g:A \rightarrow \mathrm {R}$

such that

$f^{-1}(0) \subset g^{-1}(0)$

, there exist an integer

$N> 0$

and

$c \in \mathrm {R}$

such that the inequality (Łojasiewicz inequality)

$|g(x)|^N \le c \cdot |f(x)|$

holds for all

$x \in A$

. In this paper, we consider the case when A is defined by a quantifier-free formula with atoms of the form

$P = 0, P>0, P \in \mathcal {P}$

for some finite subset of polynomials

$\mathcal {P} \subset \mathrm {R}[X_1,\ldots ,X_n]_{\leq d}$

, and the graphs of

$f,g$

are also defined by quantifier-free formulas with atoms of the form

$Q = 0, Q>0, Q \in \mathcal {Q}$

, for some finite set

$\mathcal {Q} \subset \mathrm {R}[X_1,\ldots ,X_n,Y]_{\leq d}$

. We prove that the Łojasiewicz exponent in this case is bounded by

$(8 d)^{2(n+7)}$

. Our bound depends on d and n but is independent of the combinatorial parameters, namely the cardinalities of

$\mathcal {P}$

and

$\mathcal {Q}$

. The previous best-known upper bound in this generality appeared in P. Solernó, Effective Łojasiewicz Inequalities in Semi-Algebraic Geometry, Applicable Algebra in Engineering, Communication and Computing (1991) and depended on the sum of degrees of the polynomials defining

$A,f,g$

and thus implicitly on the cardinalities of

$\mathcal {P}$

and

$\mathcal {Q}$

. As a consequence, we improve the current best error bounds for polynomial systems under some conditions. Finally, we prove a version of Łojasiewicz inequality in polynomially bounded o-minimal structures. We prove the existence of a common upper bound on the Łojasiewicz exponent for certain combinatorially defined infinite (but not necessarily definable) families of pairs of functions. This improves a prior result of Chris Miller (C. Miller, Expansions of the real field with power functions, Ann. Pure Appl. Logic (1994)).
Strongly outer actions of certain torsion-free amenable groups on the Razak–Jacelon algebra
Authors: Nawata Norio
Published: December 2024

Let

$\mathfrak{C}$

be the smallest class of countable discrete groups with the following properties: (i)

$\mathfrak{C}$

contains the trivial group, (ii)

$\mathfrak{C}$

is closed under isomorphisms, countable increasing unions and extensions by

$\mathbb{Z}$

. Note that

$\mathfrak{C}$

contains all countable discrete torsion-free abelian groups and poly-

$\mathbb{Z}$

groups. Also,

$\mathfrak{C}$

is a subclass of the class of countable discrete torsion-free elementary amenable groups. In this article, we show that if

$\Gamma\in \mathfrak{C}$

, then all strongly outer actions of Γ on the Razak–Jacelon algebra

$\mathcal{W}$

are cocycle conjugate to each other. This can be regarded as an analogous result of Szabó’s result for strongly self-absorbing C

$^*$

-algebras.
Sleep apnoea symptoms and sleepiness associate with future diet quality: a prospective analysis in the Bogalusa Heart Study
Authors: Potts Kaitlin S. , Wallace Maeve E. , Gustat Jeanette , Ley Sylvia H. , Qi Lu , Bazzano Lydia A.
Published: December 2024

Sleep apnoea is a known risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), but it is unknown whether sleep apnoea or its symptoms contribute to increased CMD through an association with diet quality. This study assessed the association between sleep apnoea symptoms on future diet quality in the Bogalusa Heart Study (BHS). This prospective study included 445 participants who completed a sleep apnoea questionnaire in 2007–2010 and a FFQ in 2013–2016 (mean follow-up: 5·8 years; age 43·5 years; 34 % male; 71 % White/29 % Black persons). Diet quality was measured with the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) 2010, the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015 and the alternate Mediterranean diet score. Adjusted mean differences in dietary patterns by sleep apnoea risk, excessive snoring and daytime sleepiness were estimated with multivariable linear regression. Models included multi-level socio-economic factors, lifestyle and health characteristics including BMI, physical activity and depressive symptoms. Those with high sleep apnoea risk, compared with low, had lower diet quality 5·8 years later (percentage difference in AHEI (95 % CI −2·1 % (–3·5 %, −0·7 %)). Daytime sleepiness was associated with lower diet quality. After adjusting for dietary pattern scores from 2001 to 2002, having high sleep apnoea risk and excessive sleepiness were associated with 1·5 % (P < 0·05) and 3·1 % (P < 0·001) lower future AHEI scores, respectively. These findings suggest that individuals with sleep apnea or excessive sleepiness should be monitored for diet quality and targeted for dietary interventions to improve CMD risk.
Ramsey simplicity of random graphs
Authors: Boyadzhiyska Simona , Clemens Dennis , Das Shagnik , Gupta Pranshu
Published: December 2024

A graph
$G$
is
$q$
-Ramsey for another graph
$H$
if in any
$q$
-edge-colouring of
$G$
there is a monochromatic copy of
$H$
, and the classic Ramsey problem asks for the minimum number of vertices in such a graph. This was broadened in the seminal work of Burr, Erdős, and Lovász to the investigation of other extremal parameters of Ramsey graphs, including the minimum degree.

It is not hard to see that if
$G$
is minimally
$q$
-Ramsey for
$H$
we must have
$\delta (G) \ge q(\delta (H) - 1) + 1$
, and we say that a graph
$H$
is
$q$
-Ramsey simple if this bound can be attained. Grinshpun showed that this is typical of rather sparse graphs, proving that the random graph
$G(n,p)$
is almost surely
$2$
-Ramsey simple when
$\frac{\log n}{n} \ll p \ll n^{-2/3}$
. In this paper, we explore this question further, asking for which pairs
$p = p(n)$
and
$q = q(n,p)$
we can expect
$G(n,p)$
to be
$q$
-Ramsey simple.

We first extend Grinshpun’s result by showing that
$G(n,p)$
is not just
$2$
-Ramsey simple, but is in fact
$q$
-Ramsey simple for any
$q = q(n)$
, provided
$p \ll n^{-1}$
or
$\frac{\log n}{n} \ll p \ll n^{-2/3}$
. Next, when
$p \gg \left ( \frac{\log n}{n} \right )^{1/2}$
, we find that
$G(n,p)$
is not
$q$
-Ramsey simple for any
$q \ge 2$
. Finally, we uncover some interesting behaviour for intermediate edge probabilities. When
$n^{-2/3} \ll p \ll n^{-1/2}$
, we find that there is some finite threshold
$\tilde{q} = \tilde{q}(H)$
, depending on the structure of the instance
$H \sim G(n,p)$
of the random graph, such that
$H$
is
$q$
-Ramsey simple if and only if
$q \le \tilde{q}$
. Aside from a couple of logarithmic factors, this resolves the qualitative nature of the Ramsey simplicity of the random graph over the full spectrum of edge probabilities.
Epi-microRNA mediated metabolic reprogramming counteracts hypoxia to preserve affinity maturation
Authors: Nakagawa Rinako , Llorian Miriam , Varsani-Brown Sunita , Chakravarty Probir , Camarillo Jeannie M. , Barry David , George Roger , Blackledge Neil P. , Duddy Graham , Kelleher Neil L. , Klose Robert J. , Turner Martin , Calado Dinis P.
Published: December 2024

To increase antibody affinity against pathogens, positively selected GC-B cells initiate cell division in the light zone (LZ) of germinal centers (GCs). Among these, higher-affinity clones migrate to the dark zone (DZ) and vigorously proliferate by utilizing energy provided by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). However, it remains unknown how positively selected GC-B cells adapt their metabolism for cell division in the glycolysis-dominant, cell cycle arrest-inducing, hypoxic LZ microenvironment. Here, we show that microRNA (miR)−155 mediates metabolic reprogramming during positive selection to protect high-affinity clones. Mechanistically, miR-155 regulates H3K36me2 levels in hypoxic conditions by directly repressing the histone lysine demethylase, Kdm2a, whose expression increases in response to hypoxia. The miR-155-Kdm2a interaction is crucial for enhancing OXPHOS through optimizing the expression of vital nuclear mitochondrial genes under hypoxia, thereby preventing excessive production of reactive oxygen species and subsequent apoptosis. Thus, miR-155-mediated epigenetic regulation promotes mitochondrial fitness in high-affinity GC-B cells, ensuring their expansion and consequently affinity maturation.
Non-random mating patterns within and across education and mental and somatic health
Authors: Torvik Fartein Ask , Sunde Hans Fredrik , Cheesman Rosa , Eftedal Nikolai Haahjem , Keller Matthew C. , Ystrom Eivind , Eilertsen Espen Moen
Published: December 2024

Partners resemble each other in health and education, but studies usually examine one trait at a time in established couples. Using data from all Norwegian first-time parents (N = 187,926) between 2016–2020, we analyse grade point average at age 16, educational attainment, and medical records of 10 mental and 10 somatic health conditions measured 10 to 5 years before childbirth. We find stronger partner similarity in mental (median r = 0.14) than in somatic health conditions (median r = 0.04), with ubiquitous cross-trait correlations in mental health (median r = 0.13). High grade point average or education is associated with better partner mental (median r = −0.16) and somatic (median r = −0.08) health. Elevated mental health correlations (median r = 0.25) in established couples indicate convergence. Analyses of siblings and in-laws suggest that health similarity is influenced by indirect assortment based on related traits. Adjusting for grade point average or education reduces partner health correlations by 30–40%. These findings have implications for the distribution of risk factors among children, genetic studies, and intergenerational transmission.
Plant microbiota feedbacks through dose-responsive expression of general non-self response genes
Authors: Keppler Andreas , Roulier Michelle , Pfeilmeier Sebastian , Petti Gabriella C. , Sintsova Anna , Maier Benjamin A. , Bortfeld-Miller Miriam , Sunagawa Shinichi , Zipfel Cyril , Vorholt Julia A.
Published: December 2024

The ability of plants to perceive and react to biotic and abiotic stresses is critical for their health. We recently identified a core set of genes consistently induced by members of the leaf microbiota, termed general non-self response (GNSR) genes. Here we show that GNSR components conversely impact leaf microbiota composition. Specific strains that benefited from this altered assembly triggered strong plant responses, suggesting that the GNSR is a dynamic system that modulates colonization by certain strains. Examination of the GNSR to live and inactivated bacteria revealed that bacterial abundance, cellular composition and exposure time collectively determine the extent of the host response. We link the GNSR to pattern-triggered immunity, as diverse microbe- or danger-associated molecular patterns cause dynamic GNSR gene expression. Our findings suggest that the GNSR is the result of a dose-responsive perception and signalling system that feeds back to the leaf microbiota and contributes to the intricate balance of plant–microbiome interactions.
Assessment of molecular modulation by multifrequency electromagnetic pulses to preferably eradicate tumorigenic cells
Authors: Piredda Roberta , Martínez Luis G. Rodríguez , Stamatakis Konstantinos , Martinez-Ortega Jorge , Ferráz Alejandro López , Almendral José M. , Revilla Yolanda
Published: December 2024

Physics methods of cancer therapy are extensively used in clinical practice, but they are invasive and often confront undesired side effects. A fully new equipment that allows sustained emission of intense and time-controlled non-ionizing multifrequency electromagnetic pulse (MEMP), has been applied to eukaryotic cells in culture. The equipment discriminates the overall electronegative charge of the cell cultures, and its subsequent proportional emission may thereby become higher and lethal to cancer cells of generally high metabolic activity. In contrast, low tumorigenic cells would be much less affected. We tested the specificity and efficacy of the equipment against a collection of (i) highly tumorigenic cells of human (glioblastoma, cervical carcinoma, and skin) and mouse (colon adenocarcinoma) origin; (ii) cell lines of much lower tumorigenicity (non-human primate kidney and mouse fibroblasts), and (iii) primary porcine macrophages lacking tumorigenicity. Time and intensity control of the MEMP allowed progressive decay of viability fairly correlating to cell tumorigenicity, which was provoked by a proportional alteration of the cytoplasmic membrane permeability, cell cycle arrest at G2, and general collapse of the actin cytoskeleton to the perinuclear region. Correspondingly, these effects drastically inhibited the proliferative capacity of the most tumorigenic cells in clonogenic assays. Moreover, MEMP suppressed in a dose-dependent manner the tumorigenicity of retrovirally transduced luciferase expressing colon adenocarcinoma cells in xenografted immune-competent mice, as determined by tumor growth in a bioluminescence imaging system. Our results support MEMP as an anti-cancer non-invasive physical treatment of substantial specificity for tumorigenic cells with promising therapeutic potential in oncology.
Pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with an altered maternal metabolome and reduced Flt3L expression in preterm birth
Authors: Sebina Ismail , Bidgood Charles , Stalley Felicity , Hartel Gunter , Stark Terra , Callaway Leonie , Amoako Akwasi , Lehner Christoph , Dekker Nitert Marloes , Phipps Simon
Published: December 2024

Mechanisms linking pre-pregnancy obesity to increased preterm birth risk are unclear. Here, we examined the impact of pre-pregnancy obesity on metabolites, Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), and proinflammatory cytokine profiles in preterm birth. We used cytokine bead array, ELISA and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine cytokine and metabolite profiles in maternal and cord blood samples from 124 pregnant women in Australia, who gave birth at term (n = 86) or preterm (n = 38). Besides the expected variations in birth weight and gestational age, all demographic characteristics, including pre-pregnancy body mass index, were similar between the term and preterm birth groups. Mothers in the preterm birth group had reduced Flt3L (P = 0.002) and elevated IL-6 (P = 0.002) compared with term birthing mothers. Among mothers who gave birth preterm, those with pre-pregnancy obesity had lower Flt3L levels (P = 0.02) compared with lean mothers. Flt3L and IL-6 were similar in cord blood across both groups, but TNFα levels (P = 0.02) were reduced in preterm newborns. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant shifts in essential metabolites in women with pre-pregnancy obesity, some of which were linked to preterm births. Our findings suggest that maternal pre-pregnancy obesity alters the metabolome and reduces Flt3L expression, potentially increasing risk of preterm birth.
In situ grown Ru-doped Ni(OH)2 nanosheets on nickel foam for stable electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhou Ting , Ye Shanshan , Gao Jing , Zhang Hang , Zhong Shengliang
Published: December 2024

Ru/Ni(OH)2–NF was grown in situ on the backbone of nickel foam using a simple one-pot hydrothermal method as an excellent electrocatalyst for HER.
Data efficiency of classification strategies for chemical and materials design
Authors: Gallagher Quinn M. , Webb Michael A.
Published: December 2024

We benchmark the performance of space-filling and active learning algorithms on classification problems in materials science, revealing trends in optimally data-efficient algorithms.
Mechanochemical kilogram-scale synthesis of rac-ibuprofen:nicotinamide co-crystals using a drum mill
Authors: Schöbel Jan-Hendrik , Winkelmann Frederik , Bicker Joel , Felderhoff Michael
Published: December 2024

An eco-friendly mechanochemical process for synthesizing rac-ibuprofen:nicotinamide co-crystals using a drum mill at kilogram scale is presented. This method yields 99% pure co-crystals in 90 min with minimal metal contamination.
Mechanism of CO2 flooding in shale reservoirs – insights from nanofluids
Authors: Pan Xiuxiu , Sun Linghui , Liu Qingjie , Huo Xu , Chen Feiyu , Wang Yuhan , Feng Chun , Zhang Zhirong , Ni Shumin
Published: December 2024

The flooding behavior of CO2 in three types of micro-nano networks was investigated, and the degree of inter-fracture matrix utilization was studied for the first time using visualization techniques.
Construction of a circularly polarized luminescence sensor based on self-assembly of carbon dots and G-quartet chiral nanofibers
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhang Zhiwei , Yan Xuetao , Li Tianliang , Chen Yingying , Li Zhenzhen , Feng Lingyan
Published: December 2024

This study develops a highly sensitive chiroptical sensor for detecting Hg2+ and I− ions through the co-assembly of G-quartet nanofibers and N–S-CDs.
The impact of ligand chain length on the HER performance of atomically precise Pt6(SR)12 nanoclusters
Authors: Sahoo Lipipuspa , Dutta Supriti , Devi Aarti , Rashi  , Pati Swapan K. , Patra Amitava
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of ligand chain length on the electrocatalytic HER performance of atomically precise Pt6(thiolate ligand, SR)12 nanoclusters. Analysis reveals that a shorter ligand chain enhances the electrocatalytic performance.
Internally diketopyrrolopyrrole-bridged bis-anthracene macrocycle: a multifunctional fluorescent platform
Authors: Zhou Huan , Zhang Yuxuan , Zheng Zhiye , Wan Junhua , Zhang Hui , Lin Kunhua , Sessler Jonathan L. , Wang Hongyu
Published: December 2024

A covalently bridged macrocycle exhibits multifunctional properties, including dual-state emission, intramolecular energy transfer, Cu2+ sensing, and mechanochromism, while permitting latent finger print imaging.
The energetic landscape of CH–π interactions in protein–carbohydrate binding
Authors: Keys Allison M. , Kastner David W. , Kiessling Laura L. , Kulik Heather J.
Published: December 2024

Over hundreds of PDB structures of protein–sugar complexes, our work demonstrates the prevalence of CH–π stacking interactions, and energetic analysis shows that numerous orientations allow for highly favorable interaction strengths.
Semiclassical description of nuclear quantum effects in solvated and condensed phase molecular systems
Authors: Conte Riccardo , Mandelli Giacomo , Botti Giacomo , Moscato Davide , Lanzi Cecilia , Cazzaniga Marco , Aieta Chiara , Ceotto Michele
Published: December 2024

In this perspective we demonstrate the suitability of semiclassical initial value representation methods to investigate the vibrational spectroscopy and kinetics of solvated and condensed phase molecular systems.
Molten salt-assisted synthesis of a nitrogen-doped biochar catalyst at low temperature for enhanced degradation of acetaminophen
Authors: Feng Gongyong , Li Wenhao , Ye Haibo , Wang Teng , Liu Yang , Jing Binghua , Nie Chunyang , Li Didi , Ao Zhimin
Published: December 2024

Nitrogen (N) doping is an efficient modification route to improve the catalytic performance of biochar in peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation, and molten salt-assisted pyrolysis is an effective and eco-friendly approach to increase the N doping level.
Non-Ti MXenes: new biocompatible and biodegradable candidates for biomedical applications
Authors: Gayathri Vijayakumar G , Richard Bartholomew , Chacko Jithin Thomas , Bayry Jagadeesh , Rasheed P Abdul
Published: December 2024

This review discusses the properties of non-Ti MXenes, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, antibacterial activity, and neuroprotective effects, highlighting their potential in various biomedical applications in comparison with Ti MXenes.
Investigating the effect of hydrothermal carbonisation reaction times on the photoluminescence of bio-oil-derived carbon polymer dots
Authors: Bruce Lawrence A. , Desmond Liam , Seddon Abigail A. , Bowen Leon , Mutch Greg A. , Phan Anh N. , Gibson Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2024

Carbon polymer dots (CPDs) have favourable properties such as broad spectral absorption, strong photoluminescence, low toxicity, and high specific surface area.
The effect of positional deuterium substitution on the acceptor moiety for TADF
Authors: Shin Da Yeon , Lee Jun Sung , Yoo Jeong-Yeol , Bin Jong-Kwan , Lee Chil Won
Published: December 2024

Influence of the position of deuteration of 5CzBN on the stability and operational lifetime of TADF OLEDs.
Toward an usage of americium-241 for filter calibration
Authors: Dougniaux
Published: December 2024

In nuclear safety and environmental studies, it is necessary to measure the activity of aerosols collected on filters. The calibration of these filters' measurement chains currently involves producing a reference filter with a controlled deposit of aerosol marked by a specific radionuclide. In France, commonly used radionuclides include 137Cs for gamma or beta emitters, 90Sr/90Y for beta emitters, and 239Pu for alpha emitters.
However, using 239Pu presents several issues, notably the destruction of the filter required to determine its traceable activity and the associated uncertainties. The challenge of this project is to propose a radionuclide enabling non-destructive, SI-traceable measurement while retaining the reference filter. The proposed radionuclide is 241Am, which is both alpha and gamma-emitting and allows for precise non-destructive measurements.
Reference filters are produced on the IRSN’s ICARE test bench with calibrated aerosols tagged with 241Am. The reference activity of theses filters is measured by gamma spectrometry on CEA/LNHB reference counter.
A series of tests confirmed that 241Am provides accurate activity determination with minimal uncertainty. Consequently, adopting 241Am can significantly improve the reliability of radioactive contamination monitoring while avoiding practical challenges associated with plutonium.
Enzymersatztherapien für lysosomale Speichererkrankungen
Authors: Hennermann Julia B.
Published: December 2024

Lysosomale Speichererkrankungen (LSDs) stellen eine Gruppe von > 70 Erkrankungen dar, die alle durch einen angeborenen Defekt der lysosomalen Funktion bedingt sind. Der klinische Verlauf ist durch Progredienz und Multiorganerkrankung mit u. a. Organomegalie, Skelettbeteiligung und z. T. Neurodegeneration charakterisiert.

Wichtigste Therapieoption der LSDs ist die Enzymersatztherapie (EET). Aktuell sind in Europa 17 Medikamente zur EET für 12 LSDs zugelassen. Langzeitdaten zeigen, dass die EET zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung einer Vielzahl von Krankheitsmanifestationen, der Lebensqualität sowie des Überlebens führt. Nebenwirkungen der EET sind v. a. immunologische Reaktionen, die zu allergischen Reaktionen oder zur Inaktivierung des infundierten Enzyms führen können. Nicht alle Organsysteme können durch die EET erreicht werden; hierzu zählt auch das zentrale Nervensystem, da die infundierten Enzyme nicht die Bluthirnschranke überwinden können.

Neue Präparate mit veränderter chemischer Struktur, die die erwähnten Limitationen der EET umgehen sollen, sind seit kurzem zugelassen oder noch in (prä)klinischer Entwicklung. Von ihnen ist eine weitere Verbesserung des Auskommens der Patient*innen mit LSDs zu erwarten.
Recent Advancements in the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Drug Molecular Generation and Synthesis Planning
Authors: Ma Buyong , Wang Yiguo , Li Xingzi , Shen Chang , Lin Hao , Du Chenxi , Yang Shanlin , Zeng Ruoqing , Tang Xuyang , Hu Jinglei , Yang Yukun , Wang Jingwen , Zhu Jiawei , Shan Xingqian , Zhang Yu , Hu Jiaqing
Published: December 2024

The design and synthesis of drug molecules is a pivotal stage in drug development that traditionally requires significant investment in time and finances. However, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug design accelerates the identification of potential drug candidates, optimizes the drug development process, and contributes to more informed decision-making. The application of AI in molecular generation is changing the way researchers explore the chemical space and design novel compounds. It accelerates the process of drug discovery and materials science, enabling rapid exploration of the vast chemical landscapes for the identification of promising candidates for further experimental validation. The application of AI in predicting reaction products accelerates the synthesis planning process, contributes to the automation of synthetic chemistry tasks, and supports chemists in making informed decisions during drug discovery. This paper reviewed the recent advances in two interrelated areas: the application of AI in molecular generation and synthesis routes. It will provide insights into the innovative ways in which AI is transforming traditional approaches in drug development and predict its future progress in these key fields.
Exploring Nontraumatic Brain Hemorrhage in Sudden and Unexpected Deaths: A Novel Autopsy-Based Investigation
Authors: Kanani Jayeshkumar , Sheikh Mohammed Iliyas
Published: December 2024

Background There has been a surge in sudden and unexpected deaths, presenting a significant challenge for health policymakers and researchers. These individuals showed no signs of recent or past illnesses and died suddenly during routine activities like walking, standing, or working.

Objective This study focuses on exploring nontraumatic brain hemorrhage as a cause of death in autopsies of individuals without prior illnesses. The research aims to explore patterns, prevalence, and risk factors associated with nontraumatic brain hemorrhage, specifically obesity in sudden and unexpected deaths.

Materials and Methods This retrospective, observational study was conducted using autopsy cases with nontraumatic brain hemorrhage as the identified cause of sudden and unexpected deaths. Information on demographic details, medical history, and circumstances surrounding the deaths was collected. The cases were classified based on the body mass index according to the classification of the World Health Organization.

Results From April 2023 to January 2024, 10 cases of sudden and unexpected deaths due to nontraumatic brain hemorrhage were identified. Key findings included predominantly cases of obesity or overweight, deaths occurring predominantly between 8 p.m. and midnight, and all cases being males.

Conclusion The study sheds light on the surge in sudden deaths, specifically attributed to nontraumatic brain hemorrhage. The findings reveal a significant association between obesity and brain hemorrhage in sudden deaths, especially among males. The study's temporal analysis adds depth to understanding these patterns.
Studies on remediation of neutral red using water insoluble β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymers in aqueous solution
Authors: Jayanayak Guruprasad M. , Shashikanth S. , Ahmed Shamsuddin , Karunakar Prashantha , Ukkund Shareefraza J. , Majdi Hasan Sh. , Alfaisal Faisal M. , Alam Shamshad
Published: December 2024

The increasing global contamination of dyes in natural waters has highlighted the need for versatile and effective cleanup methods. In this study, water-insoluble β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymers, including CA/β-CD, MA/β-CD, and TA/β-CD, were synthesized by cross-linking β-cyclodextrin with three different organic acids: citric acid (CA), tartaric acid (TA), and malic acid (MA). This synthesis aimed to create polymers with distinct properties by incorporating these acids into the β-Cyclodextrin framework. The resulting polymers were characterized using various advanced analytical techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry. The synthesized polymers were then used to adsorb neutral red dye from aqueous solutions. The study explored various conditions for adsorption, including pH, adsorbent mass, dye concentration, temperature, and contact time, as well as adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Among the polymers, CA/β-CD, with its higher content of carboxyl groups, showed the highest efficiency in adsorbing neutral red dye under all tested conditions. The CA/β-CD adsorbent achieved 92% removal efficiency, with the dye being attracted to the negatively charged carboxyl ions through electrostatic forces, effectively removing it from water. These findings suggest that water-insoluble cyclodextrin-based polymers could be cost-effective adsorbents for removing dye from aqueous solutions.
Non-perturbative solutions of hierarchies of evolution equations for colliding particles
Authors: Gerasimenko V. , Gapyak I.
Published: December 2024

The article deals with the challenge of the construction of solutions to hierarchies of fundamental evolution equations for many colliding particles. The method of cluster expansions of the groups of operators of the Liouville equations for observables and a state is used to establish the generating operators of expansions representing solutions of the Cauchy problems of the BBGKY hierarchy (Bogolyubov–Born–Green–Kirkwood–Yvon) as well as of the dual BBGKY hierarchy, respectively.
Synthesis of multifunctional di-cationic ionic liquids: Unveiling antibacterial activity across diverse strains
Authors: Kanwal Ayesha , Arshad Amina , Younas Bushra , Demir Muslum , Haider Sajjad , Shafiq Muhammad , Ul-Haq Zaheer , Alam Kamran , Iqbal Mudassir
Published: December 2024

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance poses a significant global risk to public health. Therefore, there is an urgent necessity to discover innovative antibacterial materials. In this study, we introduced a novel synthesis method that yielded 18 unique di-cationic ionic liquids (DILs), intricately crafted through a fusion of quaternization and metathesis reactions. These innovative compounds boasted imidazolium, pyridinium, and quaternary ammonium as their cationic constituents, accompanied by acetate and bisulfate ions as their anionic counterparts. The incorporation of spacer chains, specifically trans-1,4-dibromo-2-butene and α, α′-dibromo-p-xylene, facilitated the synthesis of these di-cations. Thorough characterization of the synthesized DILs was conducted using advanced spectroscopic techniques, including FTIR and nuclear magnetic resonance, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their structural attributes. The central objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of these DILs in combating a diverse spectrum of resilient bacterial strains commonly encountered in various environmental settings. This evaluation encompassed both gram-positive and gram-negative species.
Laser interaction with undercritical foams of different spatial structures
Authors: Limpouch J. , Tikhonchuk V. , Renner O. , Agarwal Sh. , Burian T. , Červenka J. , Dostál J. , Dudžák R. , Ettel D. , Gintrand A. , Hudec L. , Juha L. , Klimo O. , Krupka M. , Krus M. , Lastovicka T. , Liska R. , Nazarov W. , Singh S. K. , Šilhavík M. , Weber S.
Published: December 2024

The interaction of high-power laser pulses with undercritical foams produced by different techniques but with the same average density is studied at the PALS laser facility. The spatial–temporal evolution of X-ray emission is observed using an X-ray streak camera, electron and ion temperatures are measured by X-ray spectroscopy, and hot-electron production is characterized by monochromatic X-ray imaging. Transmission of a femtosecond laser probe pulse through foams is observed in the near and far fields. In spite of large differences in pore size and foam structure, the velocity of ionization front propagation is quite similar for all the foams studied and is slower than that in a homogeneous material of the same average density. The ion temperature in the plasma behind the ionization front is a few times higher than the electron temperature. Hot-electron production in plastic foams with small pores is strongly suppressed compared with that in solid targets, whereas in foams produced by additive manufacturing, it is significantly increased to the level observed in bare copper foil targets.
Low-carbon integrated energy system optimization dispatch considering wind and solar uncertainties
Authors: Liang Chunhui , Liu Renjie , Huang Chenglong , Li Jinfa , Zuo Xiaoyang
Published: December 2024

In efforts to mitigate global warming, reducing greenhouse gas emissions represented by carbon dioxide, this paper introduces a stepped carbon trading mechanism for local Integrated Energy Systems (IES) that are not yet engaged in carbon trading markets as a tool for carbon emission rights trading. To minimize both overall system costs and carbon trading expenses, we propose a refined Power-to-Gas (P2G) model that includes a waste heat recovery process. In addition, all gas-fired units within the IES are retrofitted to support low-carbon operations, and a coupled operation mode of carbon capture power plants and P2G is introduced. To manage uncertainties in wind and solar power output, Latin hypercube sampling and K-means clustering methods are employed. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheduling strategy significantly reduces system operating costs while realizing an ∼16.2% reduction in carbon emissions.
A machine learning model with crude estimation of property strategy for performance prediction of perovskite solar cells based on process optimization
Authors: Li Dan , Mid Ernie Che , Basah Shafriza Nisha , Liu Xiaochun , Tang Jian , Cui Hongyan , Su Huilong , Xiao Qianliang , Gong Shiyin
Published: December 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted significant attention due to their high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and affordability. However, optimizing the preparation parameters for PSCs is crucial. This study establishes a machine learning model incorporating a crude estimation of property (CEP) strategy to enhance prediction accuracy and precisely control process parameters. The model’s evaluation metrics improved by utilizing excess non-stoichiometric components (Ensc) and perovskite additive compounds (Pac) as CEP. Notably, the coefficient of determination (R2) on the test set increased by 16.14%, while the root mean square error decreased by 20.44%, respectively. Nine machine learning algorithms, including decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), CatBoost, LassoLarsCV, histogram gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), K nearest neighbor, ridge regression (Ridge), and linear regression (Linear R), were employed to optimize PSC preparation and assess its impact on device performance. The best-performing models, DT and RF, were combined to create a stacking model demonstrating the most stable overall performance on training and test sets. The study identified key process parameters affecting PCE based on the stacking model. Among these, adding Ensc was the most critical factor, followed by perovskite thickness, thermal annealing time (Ta-ti), perovskite deposition solvent (Pds), solvent mixing ratio, and Pac. Experimental verification showed that PSCs with a 10% excess of PbI2 exhibited higher PCE compared to those with 5% excess, confirming that adding Ensc can effectively enhance PCE. These findings offer a valuable reference for optimizing PSC process parameters and improving performance, thereby saving time and labor costs.