bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to use communities of practice to support change in learning health systems: A landscape of roles and guidance for management
Authors: Brooks Stephanie P. , Ekpe Adewuyi Esther , Wasylak Tracy , Thomson Denise , Davison Sara N. , Storey Kate
Published: March 2024

Background

Communities of practice support evidence‐based practice and can be, in and of themselves, applied learning spaces in organizations. However, the variety of ways that communities of practice can support learning health systems are poorly characterized. Furthermore, health system leaders have little guidance on designing and resourcing communities of practice to effectively serve learning health systems.

Methods

We conducted a collective case study, examining a cross‐section of Canadian‐based communities of practice dedicated to supporting evidence‐based practice. We held semi‐structured interviews with 21 participants representing 16 communities of practice and 5 community of practice facilitation platforms that provide administration support, tools, and oversight for multiple communities of practice. Using the Conceptual Framework for Value‐Creating Learning Health Systems, we characterized the numerous roles that communities of practice can take to support learning health systems. We also pulled insights from the interviews on properly resourcing and managing communities of practice.

Results

Communities of practice can advance learning health systems across learning cycles (ie, identifying learning priorities, generating data and knowledge, and implementing and evaluating change). They also act as important infrastructure required to share and coordinate across learning health systems. Community of practice facilitation platforms reduce staff members' workload, in turn, creating greater efficiency and effectiveness across community of practice lifespans. Furthermore, these platforms can be a mechanism to coordinate critical activities (e.g., priority alignment, knowledge brokerage/sharing across the broader system).

Conclusion

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to characterize communities of practice across the learning health system landscape. With these results, learning health system leaders have a catalog that clarifies the potential communities of practice roles in knowledge generation, implementation, and uptake of new evidence. Furthermore, the results provide evidence that organizational investment in overarching community of practice facilitation platforms will strengthen and accelerate community of practice supports in learning health systems.
Corrosion mechanisms of Al‐alloyed hot‐dipped zinc coatings in wet supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Saarimaa Ville , Kaleva Aaretti , Ismailov Arnold , Virtanen Markus , Levänen Erkki , Väisänen Pasi
Published: March 2024

Commercial hot‐dip galvanized zinc (Zn‐0.2% Al), galfan (Zn‐5% Al), and galvalume (Zn‐55% Al) coatings were exposed to wet scCO2, followed by an assessment of microstructural changes in the coating structure. Zinc and galfan coatings showed similar surface activity with abundant zinc dissolution and uniform corrosion product deposition. The Al‐rich phases of the galfan coating were intact in the studied atmosphere and eventually became embedded within the deposits. The zinc dissolution ended for zinc and galfan coatings when the free metal surface was blocked from the surrounding medium by a uniform corrosion product layer. Galvalume showed scarce reactivity: dissolution of zinc in the Zn‐rich interdendritic areas proceeded slowly compared to zinc and galfan, and the Al‐rich dendrites (with nm‐scale Zn inclusions) remained intact. The ion beam milling technique combined with modern nm‐resolution energy‐dispersive spectroscopy analysis enabled previously unseen visualization of the discussed corrosion processes.
Precisely Controlled Polymerization of Two‐Dimensional Conducting Polymers in Quasi‐Liquid Layer Enables Ultrahigh Sensing Performance
Authors: Zhu Yucheng , Wei Mengzhen , Ma Xinlei , Ma Hui , Chen Ruoqi , Zhang Huanrong , Wang Xusheng , Ji Junhui , Xue Mianqi
Published: March 2024

Gas sensors based on conducting polymers offer great potential for high‐performance room temperature applications due to their cost‐effectiveness, high‐sensitivity, and operational advantage. However, their current performance is limited by the deficiency of control in conventional polymerization methods, leading to poor crystallinity and inconsistent material properties. Here, the quasi‐liquid layer (QLL) on the ice surface acts as a self‐regulating nano‐reactor for precise control of thermodynamics and kinetics in the polymerization, resulting in a 7.62 nm thick two‐dimensional (2D) polyaniline (PANI) film matching the QLL thickness. The ultra‐thin film optimizes the exposure of active sites, enhancing the detection of analyte gases at low concentrations. It is validated by fabricating a chemiresistive gas sensor with the 2D PANI film, demonstrating stable room‐temperature detection of ammonia down to 10 ppt in ambient air with an impressive 10% response. This achievement represents the highest sensitivity among sensors of this kind while maintaining excellent selectivity and repeatability. Moreover, the QLL‐controlled polymerization strategy offers an alternative route for precise control of the polymerization process for conducting polymers, enabling the creation of advanced materials with enhanced properties.
Assessment of arterial pulsatility of cerebral perforating arteries using 7T high‐resolution dual‐VENC phase‐contrast MRI
Authors: Tang Jianing , Heidari Pahlavian Soroush , Joe Elizabeth , Gamez Maria Tereza , Zhao Tianrui , Ma Samantha J. , Jin Jin , Cen Steven Yong , Chui Helena C. , Yan Lirong
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Directly imaging the function of cerebral perforating arteries could provide valuable insight into the pathology of cerebral small vessel diseases (cSVD). Arterial pulsatility has been identified as a useful biomarker for assessing vascular dysfunction. In this study, we investigate the feasibility and reliability of using dual velocity encoding (VENC) phase‐contrast MRI (PC‐MRI) to measure the pulsatility of cerebral perforating arteries at 7 T.

Methods

Twenty participants, including 12 young volunteers and 8 elder adults, underwent high‐resolution 2D PC‐MRI scans with VENCs of 20 cm/s and 40 cm/s at 7T. The sensitivity of perforator detection and the reliability of pulsatility measurement of cerebral perforating arteries using dual‐VENC PC‐MRI were evaluated by comparison with the single‐VENC data. The effects of temporal resolution in the PC‐MRI acquisition and aging on the pulsatility measurements were investigated.

Results

Compared to the single VENCs, dual‐VENC PC‐MRI provided improved sensitivity of perforator detection and more reliable pulsatility measurements. Temporal resolution impacted the pulsatility measurements, as decreasing temporal resolution led to an underestimation of pulsatility. Elderly adults had elevated pulsatility in cerebral perforating arteries compared to young adults, but there was no difference in the number of detected perforators between the two age groups.

Conclusion

Dual‐VENC PC‐MRI is a reliable imaging method for the assessment of pulsatility of cerebral perforating arteries, which could be useful as a potential imaging biomarker of aging and cSVD.
Electrodiagnostic studies and new diagnostic modalities for evaluation of peripheral nerve disorders
Authors: Hannaford Andrew , Paling Elijah , Silsby Matthew , Vincenten Sanne , van Alfen Nens , Simon Neil G.
Published: March 2024

Electrodiagnostic studies (EDx) are frequently performed in the diagnostic evaluation of peripheral nerve disorders. There is increasing interest in the use of newer, alternative diagnostic modalities, in particular imaging, either to complement or replace established EDx protocols. However, the evidence to support this approach has not been expansively reviewed. In this paper, diagnostic performance data from studies of EDx and other diagnostic modalities in common peripheral nerve disorders have been analyzed and described, with a focus on radiculopathy, plexopathy, compressive neuropathies, and the important neuropathy subtypes of Guillain‐Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), vasculitic neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy. Overall EDx retains its place as a primary diagnostic modality in the evaluated peripheral nerve disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound have developed important complementary diagnostic roles in compressive and traumatic neuropathies and atypical CIDP, but their value is more limited in other neuropathy subtypes. Identification of hourglass constriction in nerves of patients with neuralgic amyotrophy may have therapeutic implications. Investigation of radiculopathy is confounded by poor correlation between clinical features and imaging findings and the lack of a diagnostic gold standard. There is a need to enhance the literature on the utility of these newer diagnostic modalities.
A pilot program to expand career opportunities in conservation for students of color
Authors: Spence Porché L. , Leggett Zakiya H.
Published: March 2024

The Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program (SCLP) is a pilot initiative designed to expand career development opportunities to undergraduate students of color in their senior year who are interested in pursuing a career in conservation and/or employment with a land trust organization. Through SCLP, undergraduate seniors engage in career development activities and events, network with conservation practitioners, receive mentorship from a Conservationist of Color group member with similar career interests, attend the Land Trust Alliance Rally National Land Conservation Conference (LTA Rally Conference), and can qualify for a paid year‐long fellowship with a land trust. This study explores the evidence gathered during the program to determine if the SCLP achieved the initial desired outcomes. Two cohorts of scholars have participated in the pilot program activities and events. Both cohorts were asked to complete surveys before and immediately after attending the LTA Rally Conference as well as 6–9 months following the conference to share their experiences and perspectives about the program. The evidence strongly suggests that the SCLP pilot initiative is achieving the programmatic outcomes of expanding career development opportunities to students of color, increasing their interest in pursuing a career in conservation and/or working with a land trust organization.
Traumatic Events Preceding the Development of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome
Authors: Formeister Eric J. , Krishnan Pavan S. , Schoo Desi P. , Andresen Nicholas , Sayyid Zahra , Wei Oren , Carey John P.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To describe the features of antecedent head trauma in patients with superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

An online survey was sent to 450 adult patients who underwent surgical repair for SCDS patients asking questions about the nature of internal or external traumatic events preceding symptoms.

Results

One‐hundred and thirty‐six patients (avg. age, 51.9 years, 62.8% female) completed the survey, of which 61 (44.9%) described either preceding external head trauma (n = 35, 26%), preceding internal pressure event (n = 33, 25%), or both (8, 6%). Of those endorsing external trauma, 22 (63%) described a singular event (head hit by object (n = 8); head hit ground (n = 5); motor vehicle accident (n = 4); assault (n = 2); other (n = 3). One‐third experienced loss of consciousness because of the trauma. For those describing internal pressure events (n = 33), the most common events were heavy physical exertion (9, 27%); pressure changes while flying (6, 18%); coughing, nose blowing with illness (5, 15%); childbirth (5, 15%); and self contained underwater breathing apparatus diving events (3, 9%). The interval between trauma and onset of symptoms averaged 5.6 years (SD, 10.7 years). One‐third (n = 19) described onset of symptoms immediately after the external trauma or internal pressure event. Symptoms began on the side ipsilateral to the trauma in 91%. Sound‐ and pressure‐induced vertigo/oscillopsia developed more commonly after external trauma versus internal pressure events (68% and 61% vs 44% and 32%, respectively).

Conclusion

Trauma or internal pressure‐related events precede SCDS symptoms in nearly half of cases, with roughly half of preceding events being external.
Adjusting UV‐Vis Spectrum of Alizarin by Insertion of Auxochromes
Authors: Noori Zahra , de P. R. Moreira Ibério , Bofill Josep Maria , Poater Jordi
Published: March 2024

First synthesized in 1868, alizarin became one of the first synthetic dyes and was widely used as a red dye in the textile industry, making it more affordable and readily available than the traditional red dyes derived from natural sources. Despite extensive both experimental and computational analyses on the electronic effects of substituents on the shape of the visible spectrum of alizarin and alizarin Red S, no previous systematic work has been undertaken with the aim to fine tune the dominant absorption region defining its color by introducing other electron‐withdrawing or electron‐donor groups. For such, we have performed a comprehensive study of electronic effects of substituents in position C3 of alizarin by means of a time dependent DFT approach. These auxochromes attached to the chromophore are proven to alter both the wavelength and intensity of absorption. It is shown that the introduction of an electron‐donor group in alizarin causes the transition bands to be significantly red‐shifted whereas electron‐withdrawing groups cause a minor blue‐shifting.
The role of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐based derivatives in skin, nerve, cartilage, and bone tissue engineering applications—An updated review
Authors: Reyna‐Urrutia Víctor A. , Leyva‐Gómez Gerardo , Ríos Camilo , González‐Torres Maykel
Published: March 2024

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) has gained significant attention in the realm of medical applications in recent years. This acceptability is rooted in its bioactive properties and remarkable biocompatibility, as the degradation products exhibit negligible cytotoxicity. PHB boasts commendable mechanical resilience, distinguishing it from other polymers commonly used in tissue engineering. Using PHB in fabricating 3D scaffolds serves various objectives, often involving a combination with other polymers, ceramics, fibers, or regenerative factors. This distinctive approach sets it apart, leading to the creation of composite biomaterials. These incorporated materials enhance characteristics such as brittleness, hydrophobicity, degradation rate, and biocompatibility, within the composite. This review delves into the diverse roles that PHB, its alloys, and its compounds play in the engineering of skin, nerve, cartilage, and bone tissues. We explain these roles by highlighting key methodologies for crafting 3D tissue scaffolds with widely adopted techniques, including polymeric sponges, electrospinning, and salt leaching.
AI‐guided histopathology predicts brain metastasis in lung cancer patients
Authors: Zhou Haowen , Watson Mark , Bernadt Cory T , Lin Steven (Siyu) , Lin Chieh‐yu , Ritter Jon H , Wein Alexander , Mahler Simon , Rawal Sid , Govindan Ramaswamy , Yang Changhuei , Cote Richard J
Published: March 2024

Brain metastases can occur in nearly half of patients with early and locally advanced (stage I–III) non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There are no reliable histopathologic or molecular means to identify those who are likely to develop brain metastases. We sought to determine if deep learning (DL) could be applied to routine H&E‐stained primary tumor tissue sections from stage I–III NSCLC patients to predict the development of brain metastasis. Diagnostic slides from 158 patients with stage I–III NSCLC followed for at least 5 years for the development of brain metastases (Met+, 65 patients) versus no progression (Met−, 93 patients) were subjected to whole‐slide imaging. Three separate iterations were performed by first selecting 118 cases (45 Met+, 73 Met−) to train and validate the DL algorithm, while 40 separate cases (20 Met+, 20 Met−) were used as the test set. The DL algorithm results were compared to a blinded review by four expert pathologists. The DL‐based algorithm was able to distinguish the eventual development of brain metastases with an accuracy of 87% (p < 0.0001) compared with an average of 57.3% by the four pathologists and appears to be particularly useful in predicting brain metastases in stage I patients. The DL algorithm appears to focus on a complex set of histologic features. DL‐based algorithms using routine H&E‐stained slides may identify patients who are likely to develop brain metastases from those who will remain disease free over extended (>5 year) follow‐up and may thus be spared systemic therapy. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Multifunctional boron nitride nanosheets/fluorinated‐polyimide composites with ultra‐low dielectric constant and high thermal conductivity
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Jing‐Wen , Ma Ying‐Jie , Zhang Zi‐Long
Published: March 2024

Thermally conductive polymeric composites with low dielectric constant are highly promising for the packaging materials in the field of modern communication. Therefore, the synergistic improvement of low dielectric constant and high thermal conductivity has become a current research hotspot. In this work, we propose a one‐step alkylation of boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) with ultrasonic stratification using 1‐hexanol, and then hot press the films to make Alkyl‐BNNSs orient in the fluorinated polyimide (f‐PI). The resulting Alkyl‐BNNS/f‐PI composite successfully realizes the synergistic improvement of thermal property and dielectric properties, exhibiting a high heat conductivity coefficient of 2.36 Wm−1 K−1 with a filler content of 4.99 wt.%. Moreover, the permittivity and dielectric loss of the film are as low as 1.76 and 0.0065 at 1 MHz, respectively. This work provides a facile strategy for breaking the bottleneck of making polyimide composites simultaneously with high thermal conduction and low dielectric performance.

Highlights

The composite exhibits a high heat‐conducting coefficient of 2.36 Wm−1 K−1.

Ultra‐low dielectric constant of 1.76 was achieved by the modification of film.

Excellent breakdown resistance and flexibility were endowed with the composites.
First‐principles studies on physical properties for new half‐metallic perovskites AFeO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba): Spintronics and energy harvesting applications
Authors: Erum Nazia , Sharma Ramesh , Ahmad Javed , Ahmad Zubair , Alshomrany Ali S. , Sfina N.
Published: March 2024

In this manuscript, structural, electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric aspects of AFeO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) have been calculated by means of the Full‐Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave Method (FP‐LAPW) using spin‐polarized Density Functional Theory (DFT). The calculated structural parameters have been found to be in good resemblance with previously available work. Enthalpy of formation and cohesive energy along with tolerance factor confirms structural stability. Electronic properties by Trans Blaha modified Becke–Johnson potential (TB‐mBJ) suggest metallic behavior in the spin‐up channel and semi‐conducting behavior in the spin‐down channel that supports half‐metallic behavior with mixed covalent and ionic bonding. Density of States (DOS) analysis confirms the major contribution of Fe‐3d‐states in the conduction band and O‐2p states in the valence band. The half‐metallic nature is further confirmed by the integer value of the total magnetic moment. The real and imaginary parts of dielectric functions, optical conductivities, absorption coefficients, reflectivity, and energy loss function have been calculated to evaluate suitability for optical applications. Thermoelectric properties with temperature range 300–900 K against chemical potential including figure of merit, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivities, and power factor, were examined using BoltzTraP code. Findings suggest that AFeO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) compounds suitable for spintronic, thermoelectric as well as energy harvesting applications.
Stock change accounting overestimates the potential climate benefit of soil carbon storage
Authors: Alexander Jonathan R. , Gamble Joshua D. , Venterea Rodney T.
Published: March 2024

Agriculture is being called upon to increase carbon (C) storage in soils to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) accumulation in the atmosphere. Cropping systems research can be used to support GHG mitigation efforts, but we must quantify land management impacts using appropriate assumptions and unambiguous methods. Soil C sequestration is considered temporary because it can be re‐emitted as carbon dioxide (CO2) if the effecting practice is not maintained and/or the soil–plant system is disturbed, for example, as the result of changing climate. Because of this, the climate benefit of soil C sequestration depends on the time that C is held out of the atmosphere. When assessing the net GHG impact of management practices, soil C storage is often aggregated with non‐CO2 (N2O and CH4) emissions after converting all components to CO2 equivalents (CO2e) and assuming a given time horizon (TH), in what is known as stock change accounting. However, such analyses do not consider potential re‐emission of soil C or apply consistent assumptions about time horizons. Here, we demonstrate that tonne‐year accounting provides a more conservative estimate of the emissions offsetting potential of soil C storage compared to stock change accounting. Tonne‐year accounting can be used to reconcile differences in the context and timeframes of soil C sequestration and non‐CO2 GHG emissions. The approach can be applied post hoc to commonly observed cropping systems data to estimate GHG emissions offsets associated with agricultural land management over given THs and with more clearly defined assumptions.
Effect of Al2O3 thickness and oxidant precursors on the interface composition and contamination in Al2O3/GaN structures
Authors: Spelta Tarek , Martinez Eugénie , Veillerot Marc , Fernandes Paes Pinto Rocha Pedro , Vauche Laura , Salem Bassem , Hyot Bérangère
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we investigate the Al2O3/GaN critical buried interface of the next generation of gallium nitride (GaN)‐based transistors using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) and hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). Results highlight that gallium oxidation at this interface is enhanced when increasing the Al2O3 thickness from 3 up to 20 nm. Gallium oxidation is reduced when using both O3 and H2O as oxidant precursors, compared with only H2O during the growth of Al2O3. In addition, the O3/H2O‐based Al2O3 favors a reduction of contaminants such as hydrogen and carbon but enhances the presence of halides (Cl− and F−) at this Al2O3/GaN interface.
Carbon Fiber Film with Multi‐Hollow Channels to Expedite Oxygen Electrocatalytic Reaction Kinetics for Flexible Zn–Air Battery
Authors: Li Tingzhen , Liu Yijun , Huang Yongfa , Zhang Lei , Chen Zehong , Yang Wu , Shi Ge , Zhou Jiawei , Zou Ren , Gan Jianyun , Zhong Linxin , Peng Xinwen
Published: March 2024

The high oxygen electrocatalytic overpotential of flexible cathodes due to sluggish reaction kinetics result in low energy conversion efficiency of wearable zinc–air batteries (ZABs). Herein, lignin, as a 3D flexible carbon‐rich macromolecule, is employed for partial replacement of polyacrylonitrile and constructing flexible freestanding air electrodes (FFAEs) with large amount of mesopores and multi‐hollow channels via electrospinning combined with annealing strategy. The presence of lignin with disordered structure decreases the graphitization of carbon fibers, increases the structural defects, and optimizes the pore structure, facilitating the enhancement of electron‐transfer kinetics. This unique structure effectively improves the accessibility of graphitic‐N/pyridinic‐N with oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and pyridinic‐N with oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity for FFAEs, accelerating the mass transfer process of oxygen‐active species. The resulting N‐doped hollow carbon fiber films (NHCFs) exhibit superior bifunctional ORR/OER performance with a low potential difference of only 0.60 V. The rechargeable ZABs with NHCFs as metal‐free cathodes possess a long‐term cycling stability. Furthermore, the NHCFs can be used as FFAEs for flexible ZABs which have a high specific capacity and good cycling stability under different bending states. This work paves the way to design and produce highly active metal‐free bifunctional FFAEs for electrochemical energy devices.
Modulating Lattice Oxygen Activity of Iron‐Based Triple‐Conducting Nanoheterostructure Air Electrode via Sc‐Substitution Strategy for Protonic Ceramic Cells
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Yaowen , Xiao Youcheng , Zhang Ying , Wang Xiyang , Wang Fang , He Tianmin
Published: March 2024

Iron‐based perovskite air electrodes for protonic ceramic cells (PCCs) offer broad application prospects owing to their reasonable thermomechanical compatibility and steam tolerance. However, their insufficient electrocatalytic activity has considerably limited further development. Herein, oxygen‐vacancy‐rich BaFe0.6Ce0.2Sc0.2O3−δ (BFCS) perovskite is rationally designed by a facile Sc‐substitution strategy for BaFe0.6Ce0.4O3‐δ (BFC) as efficient and stable air electrode for PCCs. The BFCS electrode with an optimized Fe 3d‐eg orbital occupancy and more oxygen vacancies exhibits a polarization resistance of ≈ 0.175 Ω cm2 at 600 °C, ≈ 1/3 of the BFC electrode (≈0.64 Ω cm2). Simultaneously, BFCS shows favorable proton uptake with a low proton defect formation enthalpy (− 81 kJ mol−1). By combining soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and electrical conductivity relaxation studies, it is revealed that the enhancement of Fe4+–O2− interactions in BFCS promotes the activation and mobility of lattice oxygen, triggering the activity of BFCS in both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER). The single cell achieves encouraging output performance in both fuel cell (1.55 W cm−2) and electrolysis cell (−2.96 A cm−2 at 1.3 V) modes at 700 °C. These results highlight the importance of activating lattice oxygen in air electrodes of PCCs.
Nanoplatform‐Based In Vivo Gene Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Luo Rui , Le Hao , Wu Qinjie , Gong Changyang
Published: March 2024

Gene therapy uses modern molecular biology methods to repair disease‐causing genes. As a burgeoning therapeutic, it has been widely applied for cancer therapy. Since 1989, there have been numerous clinical gene therapy cases worldwide. However, a few are successful. The main challenge of clinical gene therapy is the lack of efficient and safe vectors. Although viral vectors show high transfection efficiency, their application is still limited by immune rejection and packaging capacity. Therefore, the development of non‐viral vectors is overwhelming. Nanoplatform‐based non‐viral vectors become a hotspot in gene therapy. The reasons are mainly as follows. 1) Non‐viral vectors can be engineered to be uptaken by specific types of cells or tissues, providing effective targeting capability. 2) Non‐viral vectors can protect goods that need to be delivered from degradation. 3) Nanoparticles can transport large‐sized cargo such as CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids and nucleoprotein complexes. 4) Nanoparticles are highly biosafe, and they are not mutagenic in themselves compared to viral vectors. 5) Nanoparticles are easy to scale preparation, which is conducive to clinical conversion and application. Here, an overview of the categories of nanoplatform‐based non‐viral gene vectors, the limitations on their development, and their applications in cancer therapy.
A data model for enabling deep learning practices on discovery services of cyber‐physical systems
Authors: Llopis Juan Alberto , Fernández‐García Antonio Jesús , Criado Javier , Iribarne Luis , Corral Antonio
Published: March 2024

The W3C Web of Things (WoT) is a leading technology that facilitates dynamic information management in the Internet of Things (IoT). In most IoT scenarios, devices and their associated information change continuously, generating a large amount of data. Hence, to correctly use the information and the data generated by different devices, a new perspective of managing and ensuring data quality is recommended. Applying Data Science techniques to create the data model can help to manage and ensure data quality by creating a common schema that can be reused in future projects, as well as producing recommendations to facilitate Service Discovery. In addition, due to the dynamic devices that change over time or under specific circumstances, the data model created must be sufficiently abstract to add new instances and to support new requirements that devices should incorporate. The use of models helps to raise the abstraction level, adapting it to the continuous changes of devices by defining instances associated with the data model. This paper proposes two data models: one for Cyber‐Physical Systems (CPS) to define device information fetched by a Discovery Service, and another for applying Deep Learning in natural language problems through a Transformer approach. The latter matches user queries in natural language sentences with WoT devices or services. These data models expand the Thing Description model to help find similar CPSs by giving a confidence level to each CPS based on features such as security and the number of times the device was accessed. The results show how the proposed models support the search process of CPSs in syntactic and natural language searches. Furthermore, the four levels of the FAIR principles are validated for the proposed data models, thus ensuring the data's transparency, reproducibility, and reusability.
Flaw and amendment of Dharminder et al.'s authentication protocol for satellite communication
Authors: Yadav Sonam , Dabra Vivek , Malik Pradeep , Kumari Saru
Published: March 2024

Satellite communication is becoming an increasingly important component of the communication process, as all forms of communication are sent over open networks. As a result, there is an increase in the number of security concerns, and several protocols have been established with this consideration in mind. Recently, Dharminder et al. proposed a post‐quantum secure authentication protocol for satellite communication. The protocol is an improved version of Kumar and Garg's protocol. The authors claimed that the protocol resists the vulnerability of Kumar and Garg's protocol and provides post‐quantum security for satellite communication. Despite their claims, we have found that the protocol is vulnerable to a key mismatch attack and an offline dictionary attack. Further, we have improved Dharminder et al.'s proposed protocol that resists the key mismatch attack and offline dictionary attack and have provided the condition for the correctness of the improved protocol. Our formal security proof and implementation results demonstrate that the improved protocol is secure against quantum attacks.
Ameliorative effects of zinc and vitamin E against phthalates‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats
Authors: Xia Ling‐Zi , Liu Li‐Lan , Yue Jun‐Zhe , Lu Zhen‐Yu , Deng Ru‐Ya , He Xi , Li Can‐Can , Hu Burong , Gao Hai‐Tao
Published: March 2024

Objective

Phthalates (PEs) could cause reproductive harm to males. A mixture of three widely used PEs (MPEs) was used to investigate the ameliorative effects of zinc (Zn) and vitamin E (VE) against male reproductive toxicity.

Methods

Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10). Rats in MPEs group were orally treated with 160 mg/kg/d MPEs, while rats in MPEs combined Zn and/or VE groups were treated with 160 mg/kg/d MPEs plus 25 mg/kg/d Zn and/or 25 mg/kg/d VE. After intervention for 70 days, it's was measured of male reproductive organs' weight, histopathological observation of sperms and testes, serum hormones, PIWI proteins and steroidogenic proteins.

Results

Compared with control, anogenital distance, testes weight, epididymides weight, and sex hormones were significantly decreased, while the sperm malformation rate was markedly increased in MPEs group (p < .05); the testicular tissues were injured in MPEs group with disordered and decreased spermatids, and arrested spermatogenesis. PIWIL1, PIWIL2, StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 were down‐regulated in MPEs group (p < .05). However, the alterations of these parameters were restored in MPEs combined Zn and/or VE groups (p < .05).

Conclusion

Zn and/or VE improved steroid hormone metabolism, and inhibited MPEs' male reproductive toxicity.
A systematic review on the interconnectedness of eco‐innovations and digital transformation
Authors: Dionisio Marcelo , Paula Fábio
Published: March 2024

The growing use of technologies allows enterprises to introduce green processes to reduce the impact of the production on the environment, and to obtain competitive advantage. Green production differs from the conventional production in its emphasis on environmental guidelines, which reduce costs, increase profitability, and make the organizations more competitive. There is very limited normative literature on the relationship between digital transformation and green innovation, therefore this study proposes to answer how digital transformation and environmental innovations are interconnected, and which technologies and green processes are important for achieving a higher level of sustainability. We conducted a systematic review where we combine a bibliometric study to analyze the interconnectedness of environmental innovations and digital transformation and a content analysis with focus on the technologies and processes that promote higher levels of sustainability. We expect that our findings support scholars and practitioners to explore empirical evidence of this relationship.
Marine macro algae‐derived activated carbon an efficient bio‐sorbent for Malachite green removal from wastewater
Authors: Amreen Sayed , Dash Suresh Kumar , Naik Brundabana , Dash Aditya Kishore , Verma Akshaya Kumar , Pradhan Abanti
Published: March 2024

Extensive use of dyes by the textile industries poses a serious threat to the aquatic flora and fauna. Low‐cost bio‐sorbent derived from marine red, Gracilaria verrucosa (RAC), and green macroalgae, Enteromorpha intestinalis (GAC) have been used for effective removal of unsafe Malachite Green (MG) dye. Batch study was conducted to determine the different bio‐sorption parameters such as biochar dosage, pH, initial concentration of MG, and contact time including MG bio‐sorption capacities. The physicochemical characterization results show the presence of lower crystallite sizes, and active functional groups such as carbonyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, sulfate and amine with the mesoporous morphology of the algal biochar. The FT‐IR, XRD and SEM analyses were also performed to characterize the structural investigation of adsorbents. The kinetics of adsorption such as pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order were analyzed and pseudo‐second‐order confirms about the nature of process to be chemisorption. The bio‐sorption test for 20 mg/L of initial MG at an equilibrium time of 90 min by RAC showed maximum removal efficiency of about 97.49% at pH 8 whereas GAC showed a removal efficiency of 93.37% at pH10. Thus, marine macroalgae RAC and GAC can be a substitute for the commercially available adsorbents for degradation of dyes from textile effluents.
Viability of low‐grade heat conversion using liquid piston Stirling engines
Authors: Mazhar Abdur Rehman , Shen Yongliang , Liu Shuli
Published: March 2024

Liquid piston Stirling engines (LPSEs) are low‐cost, simple, maintenance‐free, and flexible external combustion engines with the potential to operate from low‐grade heat sources. This study reviews the major components, operations, and variants of LPSEs along with the mathematical models to assess their performance, which have been developed since the inception of LPSEs. Consequently, the technical feasibility of LPSEs in different applications is deduced from this complete systematic review, especially useful for both theoretical and applied researchers. The operation is based on a four‐stage Stirling cycle with most engines having three main components as per the findings of this study: the displacer columns, the regenerator, and tuning columns. The two main variants categorized by this study are the dry operating fluidyne and the wet operating thermofluidic. The accurate analyses of these engines are mostly within the spheres of experimental and numerical techniques since analytical mathematical models are difficult to develop owing to the complexity of the operating thermo‐physics. Pumping, cooling, and the direct generation of electricity are frequent applications of these engines reported in the literature. However, since their inception in 1969, these engines are yet to be commercialized owing to their low energy efficiency, power density, and reliability. The findings of this research conclude that LPSEs are essential for environment‐friendly pumping applications using low‐grade heat, especially in the irrigation sector of remote regions with limited access to electricity grids. Additionally, by replacing the electricity‐consuming status quo pumps, LPSEs ensure sustainability with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.

This article is categorized under:

Energy and Power Systems > Energy Management

Sustainable Development > Energy‐Water‐Food Nexus

Energy and Power Systems > Distributed Generation

Sustainable Development > Goals
Surgical prevalence and outcomes in ischemic colitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qian Wanyang , Bruinsma Joshua , Mac Curtain Benjamin , Ibraheem Mark , Temperley Hugo C. , Ng Zi Qin
Published: March 2024

Background/Aim

This study reviews the literature to examine the proportion of patients requiring surgical management in ischemic colitis (IC) and identify surgical outcomes.

Method

A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted in accordance with the latest Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) statement. English language studies and adult patients were included. Studies with fewer than 10 patients, and IC post aortic or cardiac surgery was excluded. We present our systematic review and meta‐analysis with pooled proportions of right sided IC distribution and prevalence of surgical treatment.

Results

23 studies with a total of 12,844 patients were included in the systematic review, with 19 studies and 12,420 patients included in the meta‐analysis. Four studies were excluded from the meta‐analysis due to only including specific cohorts of patients—two with cocaine induced colitis, one with phlebosclerotic colitis, and one with IC associated with acute myocardial infarction. The pooled proportion of right sided IC distribution was 15% (CI 14%–17%, p < 0.001), whilst the pooled proportion of surgical management of IC was 15% (CI 13%–16% p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Prevalence of surgical management of IC is rare. Right sided IC is associated with higher mortality and higher rates of surgical management. Reporting of surgical outcomes is scant.
DUNE potential as a new physics probe
Authors: Cherchiglia Adriano , Santiago José
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Neutrino experiments, in the next years, aim to determine with precision all the six parameters of the three-neutrino standard paradigm. The complete success of the experimental program is, nevertheless, attached to the non-existence (or at least smallness) of Non-Standard Interactions (NSI). In this work, anticipating the data taken from long-baseline neutrino experiments, we map all the weakly coupled theories that could induce sizable NSI, with the potential to be determined in these experiments, in particular DUNE. Once present constraints from other experiments are taken into account, in particular charged-lepton flavor violation, we find that only models containing leptoquarks (scalar or vector) and/or neutral isosinglet vector bosons are viable. We provide the explicit matching formulas connecting weakly coupled models and NSI, both in propagation and production. Departing from the weakly coupled completion with masses at TeV scale, we also provide a global fit on all NSI for DUNE, finding that NSI smaller than 10−2 cannot be probed even in the best-case scenario.
Flexible actuation with intrinsic sensing for ram extrusion 3D printing
Authors: Suthithanakom Setthibhak , Sithiwichankit Chaiwuth , Chaiprabha Kantawatchr , Chancharoen Ratchatin
Published: March 2024

Conventional actuation mechanisms used in liquid deposition modeling (LDM) technology limit the flow handling capability and the visibility of the printing materials’ properties. This work presents a flexible actuation system with intrinsic sensing for a ram extrusion printhead used in LDM technology. A mathematical model is used to design and simulate the printhead. The experimental results demonstrate the system’s ability to control the extrusion flow in two modes. The pressure control mode is favorable for the flow in a transient state such as flushing. The volumetric control mode provides a constant printed line width with less than 0.1-mm deviation between each tested material (biogel, chocolate fudge, and silicone sealant). A lower standard deviation for printed lines in the volumetric control mode indicates more precise line printing. The system also incorporates real-time monitoring of extrusion pressure and flow rate. The intrinsic capability to detect printing material properties is validated in both simulation and experiment. It provides valuable insights for further optimization of the printing process. The proposed system offers the advantage of improved pressure and flow control as well as the ability to monitor and respond to the properties of printing material.
Thiacloprid impairs reproductive functions of male Wistar rats
Authors: Mahmoud Aya Abdel Nasser , Ahmed Ebtehal Altohamy , Omar Amel Ramadan
Published: March 2024

Global male infertility correlated to the rise of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including insecticides, has grown into a pressing problem. Thiacloprid is one of the most commonly used neonicotinoids that accounts for more than 25% of the global pesticide industry. However, its impact on the reproductive system and male fertility has not been fully elucidated. The object of this study was to explore the adverse effects of thiacloprid on male Wistar rats’ reproductive system. Thirty healthy male rats were separated into one of three groups: control group, and two groups that were orally administered with low (22.5 mg/kg) and high dose (62.1 mg/kg) of thiacloprid for 56 days. Thiacloprid significantly (p<0.05) reduced body weight and relative testicular weight, as well as sperm quality (count, motility, viability, and morphology), in a dose-dependent manner. THIA-treated groups revealed a large effect (d > 0.8) on semen quality with Cohen’s d of (6.57, 8.82), (20.14, 23.54), and (2.81, 9.10) for count, motility, and viability respectively. Meanwhile, the serum testosterone level dropped while the levels of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones increased. 17ꞵ-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and 3ꞵ-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase levels were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The activity of the tested antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione reduced (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) exhibited a considerable decrease compared to the control group with a significant elevation in the lipid peroxidation activity as indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The testicular histology revealed degenerative changes in spermatogenic cells and interstitial tissue. Comet assay revealed DNA fragmentation in treated groups’ testicular tissue. Thiacloprid exposure interferes with reproductive function and impairs male Wistar rat fertility. Such harmful consequences may also develop in humans frequently exposed to thiacloprid.
Loofah and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nano-fiber-reinforced chitosan hydrogel composite scaffolds with elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) extracts as additives for osteochondral tissue engineering applications
Authors: Baysan Gizem , Yilmaz Pinar Akokay , Albayrak Aylin Ziylan , Havitcioglu Hasan
Published: March 2024

In recent years, people have had more expectations from the developed technology in medicine, especially in the field of orthopedics and traumatology. Tissue engineers are interested in techniques that benefit from patients’ cells and biomaterials, instead of prostheses and implants. On the other hand, researchers have begun to use various medicinal plants for regeneration and anti-cancer studies. In the present study, we aimed to produce cartilage and bone inductive scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering applications with the addition of hawthorn or elderberry extracts. Firstly, wet electro-spun poly (3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) fibers were integrated with a loofah mat. Then, they were impregnated into chitosan solution with/without hawthorn or elderberry extract. Composite hydrogel scaffolds were obtained by cross-linking with 0.3% (w/v) genipin. Fabricated scaffolds had more than 90% porosity and showed swelling capacity in the range of 1500–2200%. Based on the in vitro biocompatibility analyses using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), all the fabricated scaffolds were found to be biocompatible by WST-1, ALP activity, and GAG content analysis. Also, histological/immunohistochemical analyses showed that hawthorn and elderberry extract addition increased MSCs proliferation and collagen type I and II positivity. Consequently, all the scaffolds showed promising features for osteochondral tissue engineering applications.

Graphical abstract
Developing a multivariable prediction model of global health-related quality of life in patients treated for rectal cancer: a prospective study in five countries
Authors: Andersson John , Angenete Eva , Gellerstedt Martin , Haglind Eva
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Rectal cancer and its treatment have a negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). If risk factors for sustained low HRQoL could be identified early, ideally before the start of treatment, individualised interventions could be identified and implemented to maintain or improve HRQoL. The study aimed to develop a multivariable prediction model for global HRQoL 12 months after rectal cancer treatment.

Methods

Within COLOR II, a randomised, multicentre, international trial of laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer, a sub-study on HRQoL included 385 patients in 12 hospitals and five countries. The HRQoL study was optional for hospitals in the COLOR II trial. EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CR38 were analysed preoperatively and at 1 and 12 months postoperatively. In exploratory analyses, correlations between age, sex, fatigue, pain, ASA classification, complications, and symptoms after surgery to HRQoL were studied. Bivariate initial analyses were followed by multivariate regression models.

Results

Patient characteristics and clinical factors explained 4–10% of the variation in global HRQoL. The patient-reported outcomes from EORTC QLQ-C30 explained 55–65% of the variation in global HRQoL. The predominant predictors were fatigue and pain, which significantly impacted global HRQoL at all time points measured.

Conclusion

We found that fatigue and pain were two significant factors associated with posttreatment global HRQoL in patients treated for rectal cancer T1-T3 Nx. Interventions to reduce fatigue and pain could enhance global HRQoL after rectal cancer treatment.

Trial registration

This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT00297791