bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing the Sun: A Comprehensive Analysis of India's Solar Energy Sector
Authors: Baranidharan S. , Mohan Chippy , SV Pradeep Kumar , Sandhya D. , Sankarkumar Amirdha Vasani
Published: September 2024

The potential of solar energy to address India's energy challenges is significant, providing a clean, renewable, and domestic source of energy, while reducing India's dependence on fossil fuels, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Moreover, the nation's solar industry has the potential to create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and empower rural communities to achieve energy independence and improve their quality of life. By providing reliable electricity for households, businesses, and essential services, solar energy can stimulate economic growth, enhance education and healthcare, and reduce dependence on polluting fuels. Moreover, it can create job opportunities and foster sustainable development in rural areas. This article highlights the complexities of India's solar energy landscape, analyzing the interplay between policy, technology, and societal factors, and provides a comprehensive analysis of India's solar energy trajectory from the time period 2021 to 2024.
Hexagonal and Trigonal Quasiperiodic Tilings
Authors: Coates Sam , Koga Akihisa , Matsubara Toranosuke , Tamura Ryuji , Sharma Hem Raj , McGrath Ronan , Lifshitz Ron
Published: September 2024

Exploring nonminimal‐rank quasicrystals, which have symmetries that can be found in both periodic and aperiodic crystals, often provides new insight into the physical nature of aperiodic long‐range order in models that are easier to treat. Motivated by the prevalence of experimental systems exhibiting aperiodic long‐range order with hexagonal and trigonal symmetry, we introduce a generic two‐parameter family of 2‐dimensional quasiperiodic tilings with such symmetries. We focus on the special case of trigonal and hexagonal Fibonacci, or golden‐mean, tilings, analogous to the well studied square Fibonacci tiling. We first generate the tilings using a generalized version of de Bruijn's dual grid method. We then discuss their interpretation in terms of projections of a hypercubic lattice from six dimensional superspace. We conclude by concentrating on two of the hexagonal members of the family, and examining a few of their properties more closely, while providing a set of substitution rules for their generation.
The effect of chronic care management on diabetes‐related outcomes in interprofessional care of a medically complex patient population
Authors: Aguiniga Ashlyn , Ebert Didi , Rodriguez Emmanuel , Nguyenly Angel , Wesling Megan
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Chronic Care Management (CCM) services encourage a team‐based approach to improve care management delivery and related patient health outcomes. However, the literature on clinical and financial sustainability from implementation of CCM services by a collaborative, interprofessional team is limited. This study focuses on evaluating diabetes‐related outcomes of an interprofessional CCM program and calculating the return on investment (ROI) of the implemented program.

Methods

In a single‐center, retrospective, pre‐/post‐intervention chart review study, adult Medicare Part B beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes (T2D) enrolled in the CCM program from February to August 2020 were evaluated using non‐parametric tests to compare clinical measures, Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures, and clinical staff time‐on‐task 1 year before and 1 year after the enrollment dates. A ROI analysis describes financial outcomes and viability.

Results

Forty‐two patients met inclusion criteria. The statistically significant pre‐/post‐measures included reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) (7.5% vs. 6.8%, p‐value = 0.003) and the body mass index (BMI) (34.8 vs. 34.0 kg/m2, p‐value < 0.001), and increased clinical staff involvement for pharmacist interventions (9 vs. 36, p‐value < 0.001) and social worker interventions (1 vs. 24, p‐value < 0.001). Additional trends included reductions in blood pressure and increases in patients achieving multiple HEDIS measures. ROI demonstrated that every $1 invested in the CCM program returned $1.29 to the clinic, $3.04 when accounting for A1C reduction.

Conclusion

Incorporation of a collaborative, interprofessional CCM program into a single‐center family medicine clinic proves to have clinical and financial benefits in a medically complex patient population with T2D. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic that emerged during the study period and a small sample size are identified as limitations to the current study. Areas of future research include interprofessional CCM program impact on comprehensive care management, health equity, and facilitation of care management transition from fee‐for‐service to value‐based care.
Optimal multi‐action treatment allocation: A two‐phase field experiment to boost immigrant naturalization
Authors: Ahrens Achim , Stampi‐Bombelli Alessandra , Kurer Selina , Hangartner Dominik
Published: September 2024

Research underscores the role of naturalization in enhancing immigrants' socio‐economic integration, yet application rates remain low. We estimate a policy rule for a letter‐based information campaign encouraging newly eligible immigrants in Zurich, Switzerland, to naturalize. The policy rule assigns one out of three treatment letters to each individual, based on their observed characteristics. We field the policy rule to one‐half of 1717 immigrants, while sending random treatment letters to the other half. Despite only moderate treatment effect heterogeneity, the policy tree yields a larger, albeit insignificant, increase in application rates compared with assigning the same letter to everyone.
A Model‐Based Approach Supporting Abacavir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine Fixed‐Dose Combination Approval in Children Living with HIV‐1
Authors: Chandasana Hardik , Buchanan Ann M. , McKenna Michael , Brothers Cindy , Hyatt Stephen , Adkison Kimberly , Goyal Navin , Tan Lionel K.
Published: September 2024

In March 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration expanded indications of TRIUMEQ, a once‐daily fixed‐dose combination (FDC) containing abacavir (ABC), dolutegravir (DTG), and lamivudine (3TC) to include pediatric patients weighing at least 10 kg for the treatment of HIV‐1. Prior to this extension, the ABC 600 mg/DTG 50 mg/3TC 300 mg FDC tablet was approved for use only in the adult/adolescent population, weighing ≥40 kg while each component of the FDC was approved for its use in pediatric patients at least 3 months and older. A new child‐friendly formulation was developed as an FDC dispersible tablet (DT) of ABC 60 mg/DTG 5 mg/3TC 30 mg for pediatric patients with a body weight ≥ 6 kg. The present work demonstrates the utility of applying a model‐informed drug development (MIDD) approach to expedite ABC/DTG/3TC FDC approval for pediatric patients (≥10 to <40 kg) based on data from the existing individual components and formulation bridging. Population pharmacokinetic models developed for pediatric participants across all three components of ABC/DTG/3TC FDC were employed for exposure prediction and incorporated relative bioavailability data. The predicted plasma exposures of ABC, DTG, and 3TC for FDC doses were consistent with those observed for the single entities in pediatric and adult studies. Thus, safety and efficacy observed in the individual component studies could be adequately extrapolated to the FDC that results in similar exposure. The current work demonstrates the significance of MIDD approaches in facilitating expedited access to child‐friendly formulations in the HIV‐1 therapeutic area.
Electrochemical synthesis of NaClO solutions on Ti/Pt electrodes in current reverse mode
Authors: Girenko Dmitry , Murashevych Bohdan , Demchenko Pavlo , Velichenko Alexander
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The synthesis of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) by classical electrolysis of NaCl solutions on a Ti/Pt anode is characterized by parallel formation of undesirable sodium chlorate (NaClO3) impurities. Oxidation of hypochlorite to chlorate with high current efficiency (CE) is realized on the oxidized, passivated Pt surface. On a Pt surface reduced by cathodic polarization, NaClO synthesis can be realized with the CE close to 90% almost without chlorate accumulation. Long‐term electrolysis leads to passivation of the Pt surface.

RESULTS

Electrolysis while periodically changing the polarity of the electrodes (current reverse mode) increases the time the Pt surface remains in the activated state. Carrying out electrolysis in this way makes it possible to increase CE(NaClO) 1.5–2.0‐fold while simultaneously reducing CE(NaClO3) (sodium chlorate) by ≤10‐fold. This study additionally determined the optimal parameters of reverse electrolysis, examined the effect of changing polarity on the state of the Ti/Pt electrode surface and studied the kinetic patterns of active platinum coating dissolution.

CONCLUSION

The optimal conditions for electrolysis in current reverse mode are current densities of 5–10 mA cm−2 with the period of polarity change close to 30 s. The result of such a process is an isotonic solution containing 500 mg L−1 NaClO with an admixture of <10 mg L−1 NaClO3 and 0.1 mg L−1 Pt in the form of soluble chloride complexes. The rate of Pt accumulation is determined by the frequency of polarity change. The resulting solutions have sufficiently high purity for use in medicine and aerosol air disinfection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Viral respiratory infections requiring hospitalization in early childhood related to subsequent asthma onset and exacerbation risks
Authors: Ha Eun Kyo , Kim Ju Hee , Han Boeun , Shin Jeewon , Lee Eun , Lee Kee‐Jae , Shin Youn Ho , Han Man Yong
Published: September 2024

Viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), including rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus during early childhood, have been linked to subsequent asthma. However, the impact of other respiratory viruses remains unclear. We analyzed nationwide Korean data from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018, utilizing the national health insurance database. Our study focused on 19 169 meticulously selected children exposed to severe respiratory infections requiring hospitalization with documented viral pathogens, matched with 191 690 unexposed children at a ratio of 1:10 using incidence density sampling. Our findings demonstrate that asthma exacerbation rates were higher among the exposed cohort than the unexposed cohort over a mean follow‐up of 7.8 years. We observed elevated risks of asthma exacerbation and newly developed asthma compared to the unexposed cohort. Hospitalization due to rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, metapneumovirus, and adenovirus was related to increased asthma exacerbations. Notably, we found a stronger association in cases of multiple LRTI hospitalizations. In conclusion, our study shows that early childhood respiratory viral infections are related to subsequent asthma exacerbations and new asthma diagnoses.
Enhancing human milk studies: Introducing a less invasive human milk collection technique for the measurement of fatty acids
Authors: Morniroli Daniela , Vizzari Giulia , Turolo Stefano , Syren Eva M. L. , Mazzocchi Alessandra , Milani Gregorio P. , Fumagalli Monica , Giannì Maria L. , Agostoni Carlo
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The fatty acid (FA) supply of human milk (HM) contributes to health outcomes. Sampling fresh HM to analyze its FA content is challenging because of its ever‐changing nature. Also, obtaining samples from lactating mothers is challenging. Facilitating HM collection and analysis is therefore an advantage.

Methods

We have conducted a study to validate a new method for obtaining HM samples for FA analysis, using biological fluid sample collection pretreated sheets to adsorb drops of milk (Whatman 903 BHT‐pretreated biological fluid collection sheet) as an alternative approach to collecting expressed milk. The study population included lactating mothers, enrolled between 24 and 96 h after delivery.

Results

A total of 124 breastmilk samples were analyzed using the two distinct approaches. The results of the free milk analysis were comparable to the analysis of adsorbed milk samples. The FA families saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), omega‐3, and omega‐6 had r2 values of 0.93, 0.91, 0.91, 0.86, and 0.90, respectively. Bland–Altman plots showed a high agreement between fresh and adsorbed milk samples for SFA, MUFA, PUFA, omega‐3, and omega‐6 with a mean bias <2% and 95% limits of agreement within −5% and +5%.

Conclusions

The results show no significant differences in fatty acid composition between fresh and adsorbed milk samples, suggesting the new method is equally effective in collecting representative samples for analysis.
Long‐term gastrointestinal morbidity in patients born with gastroschisis: A national register‐based cohort study
Authors: Caldeman Cecilia , Fogelström Anna , Wester Tomas , Mesas Burgos Carmen , Löf Granström Anna
Published: September 2024

Objectives

In gastroschisis, the intestines are exposed to amniotic fluid during pregnancy. The defect in the abdominal wall may also compress the mesentery and impair the intestinal blood supply. There is a varying degree of intestinal damage at birth. Complex gastroschisis is defined as gastroschisis with severe complications such as intestinal atresia, volvulus, necrosis and perforation. The aim of this study was to investigate long‐term gastrointestinal morbidity and compare simple and complex cases.

Methods

A nation‐wide retrospective cohort study with data from national registers was conducted. All children born with gastroschisis in Sweden from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2016 were included in the study. Exposure was complex gastroschisis and the primary outcomes were intestinal failure and bowel obstruction.

Results

The study included 315 cases with gastroschisis, 260 classifieds as simple gastroschisis and 55 as complex. The median time to follow was 8 years. A significantly higher risk of developing intestinal failure (hazard ratio [HR]: 11.7) was found in complex cases. Nine percent of the complex cases underwent autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery for intestinal failure, none of the simple cases did. The complex cases had a higher risk for bowel obstruction (HR: 4.3) with a higher proportion requiring surgery (18.2% vs. 6.9%) compared to simple cases.

Conclusions

This nationwide study showed that the risk for intestinal failure and bowel obstruction is significantly higher for children with complex gastroschisis compared to simple gastroschisis. Most of the events occurred during the first 2 years of life.
Upadacitinib as salvage therapy in adolescents with acute severe ulcerative colitis refractory to conventional treatments
Authors: Dickerson Andrew , Huang Jeannie S. , Bauman Laura E.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Upadacitinib (UPA), a selective Janus kinase‐1 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in inducing and maintaining remission in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. Current standard management for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) involves intravenous corticosteroids (IVCS) followed by infliximab (IFX) salvage therapy. Limited data exist on the utility of UPA in ASUC, particularly in adolescents. This case series reports the use of UPA as salvage therapy in hospitalized adolescents experiencing ASUC refractory to IFX.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of hospitalized patients with ASUC who received UPA as salvage therapy after initiation of IVCS and failure of IFX.

Results

Three adolescents were hospitalized with ASUC for which IFX infusion treatments were unsuccessful. Initiation of UPA enabled patients to improve their Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index scores to ≤35 and be discharged home. Hospitalization course, complications, and follow‐up information are provided.

Conclusion

UPA is a promising short‐term salvage therapy in adolescent ASUC cases resistant to conventional treatments. Prospective studies are warranted to elucidate its long‐term efficacy and safety in this specific population. These findings provide a novel therapeutic avenue for managing ASUC in adolescents, offering hope for those encountering treatment challenges.
Heterogeneity in survival within age groups of early‐onset colorectal cancer patients: A National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Ray‐Offor Emeka , Garoufalia Zoe , Emile Sameh Hany , Horesh Nir , da Silva Giovanna , Wexner Steven
Published: September 2024

Background

We aimed to identify predictors of and heterogeneity in survival among different age groups of patients with early‐onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used National Cancer Database data from 2004 to 2019. Differences in survival among CRC patients <50 years, subcategorized into age groups (<20, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49 years) were compared for demographic, clinical, and histologic features by univariate and multivariate analyses. Cox hazard regression and Kaplan Meier survival analysis were performed.

Results

134 219 of the 1 240 787 individuals with CRC (10.8%) were <50 years old; 46 639 (34.8%) had rectal and 87 580 (65.3%) had colon cancer. Within the colon cancer cohort, individuals aged between 30 and 39 years had the highest overall survival rate (66.7%) during a median follow‐up of 47.6 months (interquartile range IQR 23.1–89.7). The same age group in the rectal cancer cohort had the lowest survival rate (31%) over a median follow‐up of 54.5 (IQR 28.24–97.31) months. Leading factors affecting survival included tumor stage (HR 8.23 [4.64–14.6]; p < 0.0001), lymphovascular invasion (HR 1.88 [1.70–2.06]; p < 0.0001) and perineural invasion (HR 1.08 [1.02–1.15]; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Survival trends vary within age groups of patients affected with early onset colon cancer compared to rectal cancer. Tumor stage and unfavorable pathological characteristics are the strongest factors predicting survival.
Traveling, Showing Status and Being Conspicuous: The Power of Destination as a Conspicuous Brand
Authors: Šagovnović Ivana , Kovačić Sanja
Published: September 2024

The notion of conspicuous consumption in tourism, along with the perception of destination conspicuousness, is an area that warrants more attention and exploration in tourism research. Thus, to expand the relatively limited literature on tourists' perception of destination conspicuousness, this study aimed to investigate its antecedents and outcomes. Based on the sample of 502 Serbian tourists, the study confirmed that factors such as destination brand experience and destination personality precede the perception of destination conspicuousness, while destination attachment and loyalty were found to be the outcomes. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in the paper.
Broadband and Reconfigurable Dual‐Mode Optical Switch with Low Power‐Consumption
Authors: Sun Shijie , Li Shangrong , Che Yuanhua , Lian Tianhang , Fu Yushu , Wang Xibin , Zhang Daming
Published: September 2024

Mode‐division multiplexing (MDM) technology, as a new way to increase the communication capacity of a single wavelength carrier, has attracted increasing attention. As a fundamental building block for MDM communication systems, multimode optical switch is playing an important role for routing the increasingly complex network. However, it is still very challenging to achieve a multimode optical switch with high flexibility and low power‐consumption in a large bandwidth. Here, a 1 × 2 dual‐mode optical switch is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, where the E11 and E21 modes can be switched output from either of the two output ports simultaneously or individually with low power‐consumption. For the proposed dual‐mode optical switch, three asymmetric Y‐junctions are used as mode (de)multiplexers, two Mach–Zehnder interferometers form a single‐mode switch matrix, and a 2 × 2 multimode interferometer is used as the waveguide crossing. The device is fabricated with simple photolithography and wet‐etching methods. The measurement results show that the driving powers of the device are lower than 8.4 mW, and the crosstalks are less than −12.4 dB in the wavelength range of 1500–1600 nm. By implementing the dynamic control of resources between the guided modes, the proposed device can greatly improve the flexibility and efficiency of reconfigurable MDM networks.
Ultrasensitive Terahertz Fingerprint Retrieval with Multiple‐BIC‐Enabled Meta‐Sensors
Authors: Yang Quanlong , Yao Zhibo , Xu Lei , Dou Yapeng , Ba Lingli , Huang Fan , Xu Quan , Cong Longqing , Gu Jianqiang , Yang Junliang , Rahmani Mohsen , Han Jiaguang , Shadrivov Ilya
Published: September 2024

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) are an excellent platform enabling highly efficient light–matter interaction in applications for lasing, nonlinear generation, and sensing. However, the current focus in implementing BICs has primarily been on single sharp resonances, limiting the extent of electric field enhancement for multiple resonances. In this study, experimental demonstrations are conducted to showcase how metasurfaces can enable the control of symmetry‐broken and Friedrich–Wintgen BICs by leveraging the asymmetry of split resonant rings. This approach allows for the existence of multiple free‐control BIC resonances and tailored enhancement of controlling light–matter interactions. Further experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness and performance of meta‐sensors for the identification of the distinct fingerprint of α‐lactose with high sensitivity using only one single metasurface. These findings present a novel and efficient platform for the development of miniaturized and chip‐scale photonics devices with intense light–matter interaction.
Colloidal Copper(I) Iodide Cluster‐Based Scintillators for High‐Resolution X‑Ray Imaging
Authors: Ni Jingfei , Cao Qian , Xiao Kang , Gang Kun , Liu Shujuan , Liu Xiangmei , Zhao Qiang
Published: September 2024

Copper(I) halide cluster‐based coordination compounds have attracted significant attention in the development of novel scintillators due to their mild synthesis methods, high luminescence efficiency, tunable emission wavelength, high‐Z element incorporation, and large structural diversity. However, a major obstacle for these crystalline materials with covalent/coordination network structures is their insolubility, which poses significant challenges for the low‐cost and large‐scale production of scintillation films. In this study, copper(I) iodide and benzotriazole derivative ligands with diverse cationic substituents are employed to fabricate all‐in‐one (AIO) colloidal copper(I) iodide cluster‐based scintillator suspensions. These suspensions, characterized by distinctive ionic and coordination bonds, are synthesized via confined growth in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Furthermore, they demonstrate exceptional compatibility with polymer matrices, facilitating the production of uniform and flexible scintillation films with highly efficient radioluminescence through blade coating. The resulting films achieved an excellent spatial resolution of 17 lp mm−1. This surfactant‐assisted fabrication method for colloidal scintillators, combined with microelectronic printing for film preparation, demonstrates significant potential for developing flexible scintillation films for high‐resolution X‐ray imaging.
Realizing Near‐Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield in Metal Halide RbCdCl3:Mn2+ Crystals via Phase Transformation Engineering
Authors: Song Yan , Jia Zhen , Gong Pifu , Wang Zhigang , Yuan Changchun , Chen Mingxing , Zhao Jing , Li Xinhui , Zhang Yanjiao , Xia Mingjun
Published: September 2024

All‐inorganic metal halides have merged as auspicious materials for optoelectronic applications due to their predominant tunable and controlled photoluminescence (PL) properties. Despite substantial efforts and advances in the development of these all‐inorganic metal halides, considerable long‐term challenges remain to be solved to realize cutting‐edge material performances. Here, an all‐inorganic metal halide RbCdCl3, featuring a reversible structural phase transformation from non‐perovskite (orthorhombic‐phase) to perovskite (tetragonal‐phase) structure is reported. Intriguingly, via phase transformation regulation engineering, a near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) along with large Stokes shift (275 nm) and long decay lifetime (14.69 ms) is achieved in RbCdCl3:Mn2+ thermochromic fluorescent materials, comparing with the pristine non‐pervoskite structure with an initial PLQY of 3.1%. Moreover, the underlying PL switching mechanisms are systematically elucidated by the in situ optical characterizations and the first‐principles calculations. This work demonstrates a thermochromic fluorescent anti‐counterfeiting material based on the tunable and reversible photoluminescence switching and also provides a phase structure engineering in metal halides to broaden their manifold applications in optoelectronic fields.
Alginate Capsules: Versatile Applications and Production Techniques
Authors: Passannanti Francesca , Gallo Marianna , Lentini Giulia , Colucci Cante Rosa , Nigro Federica , Nigro Roberto , Budelli Andrea
Published: September 2024

Alginate is a natural polysaccharide commonly obtained from brown algae and is usually used in the food industry as an additive, specifically as a thickening, gelling, and emulsifying agent. Due to its polyanionic nature, it can crosslink in the presence of divalent or trivalent cations. This crosslinking process involves the formation of chemical bonds between the carboxylic groups of parallel chains, resulting in a solid structure. In this way, compounds of interest can be enclosed in a capsule or a bead. Thanks to this ability, possible applications of alginate capsules are countless: it is possible to range from the pharmaceutical to the nutritional fields, from the agri‐food industry to the textile or cosmetic sectors. These capsules can protect the encapsulated ingredients, promote their delivery or controlled release, or be imagined as small‐scale reactors. The present review describes the main techniques used to produce alginate capsules, and several examples of possible application fields are shown.
Corrosion Behavior and Evaluation Method of Pipeline Steel Under Dynamic AC Interference: A Study
Authors: Chen Le , Du Yanxia , Guo Lei , Zhu Zhenhong , Liang Yi , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2024

Unlike the stable AC interference caused by AC transmission lines to buried pipelines, high‐speed railways cause dynamic AC interference to nearby buried pipelines. The dynamic fluctuation characteristics of AC interference parameters of buried pipelines near high‐speed railways with different traction power supply modes were obtained through the statistical analysis of field test data. The dynamic AC corrosion simulation experiments were conducted with different interference cycles and levels, as well as cathodic protection (CP) levels. The results show that the dynamic AC corrosion rate increases with the extension of the interference time within each interference cycle. After the JAC ≥ 100 A/m2, the dynamic AC corrosion rate shows a three‐stage change with a negative shift of CP potential, that is, first decreasing, then increasing, and then decreasing again. On the basis of the experimental results, the dynamic AC corrosion risk assessment criteria were proposed, which comprehensively considers the CP level and the proportion of interference time with different AC current densities.
Cell death pathways: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for cancer
Authors: Wang Shaohui , Guo Sa , Guo Jing , Du Qinyun , Wu Cen , Wu Yeke , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2024

Cell death regulation is essential for tissue homeostasis and its dysregulation often underlies cancer development. Understanding the different pathways of cell death can provide novel therapeutic strategies for battling cancer. This review explores several key cell death mechanisms of apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagic cell death, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. The research gap addressed involves a thorough analysis of how these cell death pathways can be precisely targeted for cancer therapy, considering tumor heterogeneity and adaptation. It delves into genetic and epigenetic factors and signaling cascades like the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathways, which are critical for the regulation of cell death. Additionally, the interaction of the microenvironment with tumor cells, and particularly the influence of hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and immune cellular interactions, are explored. Emphasizing therapeutic strategies, this review highlights emerging modulators and inducers such as B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) homology domain 3 (BH3) mimetics, tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL), chloroquine, and innovative approaches to induce ferroptosis and pyroptosis. This review provides insights into cancer therapy's future direction, focusing on multifaceted approaches to influence cell death pathways and circumvent drug resistance. This examination of evolving strategies underlines the considerable clinical potential and the continuous necessity for in‐depth exploration within this scientific domain.
Low‐carbon supplier selection in the presence of government subsidy
Authors: Xia Yang , Hui Yang , Hongfu Huang , Siyuan Zhu , Qingling Yu
Published: September 2024

Given that the impact of consumers' environmental awareness and government subsidies on retailer sourcing has not been adequately examined in previous research, our study examines the impact of government subsidies on a retailer's low‐carbon sourcing strategies. We define a parameter that characterizes the efficiency of government subsidies and build a game theoretical model that includes an ordinary supplier, a low‐carbon supplier, and a retailer. The retailer's sourcing strategies include three options: only ordinary products (O), only low‐carbon products (L), and both ordinary and low‐carbon products (D). Our analysis shows the following results: First, when the retailer's environmental awareness exceeds a certain threshold, the retailer sources either low‐carbon products or a combination of ordinary and low‐carbon products. Otherwise, the retailer sources both ordinary and low‐carbon products. Second, when the retailer's environmental awareness is relatively high, the government adopts a nonsubsidy policy regardless of the product's abatement level. However, when the retailer's environmental awareness is relatively low, the government's policy depends on the abatement level of the product: It provides a subsidy if the abatement level is low and no subsidy if the abatement level is high. Third, government subsidies to the retailer are not always an effective means of increasing social welfare. Our results have important implications for the design of effective government subsidy policies.
The Impact of Increased Body Mass Index on Patient Outcomes and Complications in Microsurgical Lower Extremity Reconstruction
Authors: Stanton Eloise W. , Manasyan Artur , Boudiab Elizabeth , Carey Joseph N. , Daar David A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Elevated body mass index (BMI) is a known perioperative risk factor for complications such as delayed wound healing and infection. However, there is a gap in understanding how elevated BMI impacts outcomes after posttraumatic lower extremity (LE) microvascular reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed at a level 1 trauma center between 2007 and 2022 of patients who underwent posttraumatic microvascular LE reconstruction. Demographics, flap/wound details, complications, and outcomes were recorded. Patients were stratified into BMI Center for Disease Control categories.

Results

A total of 398 patients were included with an average BMI of 28.2 ± 5.8. Nearly half (45%) of LE defects were located in the distal third of the leg, 27.5% in the middle third, and 34.4% in the proximal third. Most reconstructions utilized muscle‐containing flaps (74.4%) compared with fasciocutaneous flaps (16.8%). Surgical approaches included free flaps (47.6%) and local flaps (52.5%). Class III obese patients were significantly more likely to be nonambulatory than nonobese patients (OR: 4.10, 95% CI 1.10–15.2, p = 0.035). At final follow‐up, 30.1% of patients with Class III obesity were ambulatory, requiring either wheelchairs (42.3%) or assistance devices (26.9%). There were no significant differences in complication rates based on obesity status (0.704). The average follow‐up time for the entire cohort was 5.8 years.

Conclusions

BMI is critical for patient care and surgical decision‐making in LE reconstruction. Further research is warranted to optimize outcomes for higher BMI patients, thereby potentially reducing the burden of postoperative complications and enhancing overall patient recovery.
Ultrasound attenuation imaging as a strategy for evaluation of early and late ambulatory functions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Yan Dong , Li Qiang , Chuang Ya‐Wen , Lu Chun‐Hao , Yang Ai‐Ping , Lin Chia‐Wei , Shieh Jeng‐Yi , Weng Wen‐Chin , Tsui Po‐Hsiang
Published: September 2024

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder that leads to mobility loss and life‐threatening cardiac or respiratory complications. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) envelope statistics imaging, which characterizes fat infiltration and fibrosis in muscles, has been extensively used for DMD evaluations.

Purpose

Notably, changes in muscle microstructures also result in acoustic attenuation, potentially serving as another crucial imaging biomarker for DMD. Expanding upon the reference frequency method (RFM), this study contributes to the field by introducing the robust RFM (RRFM) as a novel approach for ultrasound attenuation imaging in DMD.

Methods

The RRFM algorithm was developed using an iterative reweighted least squares technique. We conducted standard phantom measurements with a clinical ultrasound system equipped with a linear array transducer to assess the improvement in attenuation estimation bias by RRFM. Additionally, 161 DMD patients, included in both a validation dataset (n = 130) and a testing dataset (n = 31), underwent ultrasound scanning of the gastrocnemius for RRFM‐based attenuation imaging. The diagnostic performances for ambulatory functions and discrimination between early and late ambulatory stages were evaluated and compared with those of QUS envelope statistics imaging (involving Nakagami distribution, homodyned K distribution, and entropy values) using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

The results indicated that the RRFM method more closely matched the actual attenuation properties of the phantom, reducing measurement bias by 50% compared to conventional RFM. The AUROCs for RRFM‐based attenuation imaging, used to discriminate between early and late ambulatory stages, were 0.88 and 0.92 for the validation and testing datasets, respectively. These performances significantly surpassed those of QUS envelope statistics imaging (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Ultrasound attenuation imaging employing RRFM may serve as a sensitive tool for evaluating the progression of ambulatory function deterioration, offering substantial potential for the health management and follow‐up care of DMD patients.
Thermomechanical analysis of strain recovery in shape memory alloys under variable non‐isothermal conditions
Authors: Descher Stefan , Krooß Philipp , Ewald Felix , Kuhl Detlef
Published: September 2024

The present work focuses on size dependencies in thermo‐mechanical testing of shape memory alloys and a phenomenon occurring for direction‐dependent activation. Emphasis is on strain recovery which is enabled by a martensite‐to‐austenite transformation, modeled using a phenomenological evolution equation. In transient numerical studies performed with the finite element method for a non‐isothermal tension testing case, the influence of the Fourier and Stefan number is investigated. The results indicate that, in experiments, the Fourier number should ideally be much greater than ten to prevent falsification by the current Stefan number. An additional study is carried out for the activation of a beam in its thickness direction. It shows that the gradient in transformation causes bending, which can only be considered in simulations by adequate spatial resolution.
Sharing Indigenous values, practices and priorities as guidance for transforming human–environment relationships
Authors: Menzies Allyson K. , Bowles Ella , McGregor Deborah , Ford Adam T. , Popp Jesse N.
Published: September 2024

Achieving more effective and equitable environmental conservation practices and policies involves shifting from a human‐centric, top‐down perspective of environmental conservation to a perspective that respects and cares for all living and non‐living beings.

Many Indigenous Peoples from around the globe embody approaches to environmental care that are rooted in values such as responsibility, respect and reciprocity (a.k.a. relational values), which, through meaningful engagement and support of Indigenous self‐determination, can guide Western society towards a fundamental shift in perspective, practices and relationships.

We conducted interviews and sharing circles with 40 individuals from 12 Indigenous communities across Canada to describe: (1) the values, teachings and customs that are inherent to the way Indigenous Peoples relate to and care for the Land, (2) how these values and practices have changed over time and (3) ways to create environmental initiatives that are rooted in Indigenous values.

Generally, participants emphasized the critical link between people and place, and how this leads to environmental practices rooted in values such as respect, reciprocity, humility and responsibility. They also reflected on the negative impacts of colonialism, environmental change and modernization on their connections to the Land and opportunities to practice these values, but highlighted that cultural revitalization efforts have started to restore traditional values and practices. To create environmental initiatives that are rooted in important values, research participants called for building better relationships both with nature and with each other through nature.

Ultimately, uplifting Indigenous values systems and, specifically, the ways Indigenous Peoples relate to and care for the natural world stands to heal our relationship with the Land and safeguard it into the future.

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A semi‐automated workflow for DIA‐based global discovery to pathway‐driven PRM analysis
Authors: Guergues Jennifer , Wohlfahrt Jessica , Koomen John M. , Krieger Jonathan R. , Varma Sameer , Stevens Stanley M.
Published: September 2024

Targeted proteomics, which includes parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), is typically utilized for more precise detection and quantitation of key proteins and/or pathways derived from complex discovery proteomics datasets. Initial discovery‐based analysis using data independent acquisition (DIA) can obtain deep proteome coverage with low data missingness while targeted PRM assays can provide additional benefits in further eliminating missing data and optimizing measurement precision. However, PRM method development from bioinformatic predictions can be tedious and time‐consuming because of the DIA output complexity. We address this limitation with a Python script that rapidly generates a PRM method for the TIMS‐TOF platform using DIA data and a user‐defined target list. To evaluate the script, DIA data obtained from HeLa cell lysate (200 ng, 45‐min gradient method) as well as canonical pathway information from Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was utilized to generate a pathway‐driven PRM method. Subsequent PRM analysis of targets within the example pathway, regulation of apoptosis, resulted in improved chromatographic data and enhanced quantitation precision (100% peptides below 10% CV with a median CV of 2.9%, n = 3 technical replicates). The script is freely available at https://github.com/StevensOmicsLab/PRM‐script and provides a framework that can be adapted to multiple DDA/DIA data outputs and instrument‐specific PRM method types.
Geometric optimal filtering for an articulated n‐trailer vehicle with unknown parameters
Authors: Rigo Damiano , Sansonetto Nicola , Muradore Riccardo
Published: September 2024

In this article, we consider the equations of motion for an articulated ‐trailer vehicle with different masses and inertias in the presence of force and torque commands. We design a second‐order optimal filter to estimate the pose of the first vehicle and of the trailers exploiting the Lie group structure and the nonholonomic and hooking constraints. We consider the filtering problem from three different perspectives: in the first masses and inertias are time‐varying and perfectively known, in the second they are known only in the first part of the maneuver, but they are not updated over time. In the last case masses and inertias are considered within the state vector and therefore estimated by the filter. Depending on the needs in real‐life applications (e.g., whether the masses and inertias remain fixed or change during the maneuver and are unknown), the best‐performing filter can be used. The sensing system consists of a GPS‐like configuration (global positioning system) obtained by using an antenna attached to the leading car.
Effect of Surface Dissolution on the Floatability of Brucite in Three Anionic Collector Systems
Authors: Gong Xiufeng , Yao Jin , Yin Wanzhong , Song Ningbo , Wang Yulian
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the relation between the solubility and floatability of the soluble mineral brucite, focusing on the concentration characteristics of dissolved Mg2+ in brucite under three dissolution methods and the surface characteristics after dissolution. Some common rules of brucite flotation in three anionic collectors were discovered. Results of a flotation test showed that for three anionic collector systems of sodium oleate, sodium dodecyl sulfonate, and oxidized paraffin soap, the flotation recovery rate of brucite increased with the time of dissolution and decreased with the removal of dissolved Mg2+, but the flotation recovery rate is lower than that of untreated brucite. Inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy indicated that the content of dissolved Mg2+ in brucite slurry increases with increasing brucite content or dissolution time. Zeta potential measurements showed that the ability of dissolved Mg2+ to increase the surface potential of brucite follows the order of H2SO4 action > HCl action > H2O action. Adsorption capacity measurements showed that the presence of dissolved Mg2+ after dissolution is not beneficial for the adsorption of the three collectors on the surface of brucite. The capacity of the adsorption collectors follows the order of brucite after H2O dissolution > brucite after HCl dissolution > brucite after H2SO4 dissolution. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses indicated that the surface dissolution promoted the dissolution of Mg2+ on brucite surface in the solution, reducing the number of Mg sites on brucite surface and deteriorating the collection effect of the collector.
One‐Step DES‐Mediated Synthesis of Au Nanoparticles Using Eysenhardtia polystachya Extract and Evaluation of Their Proapoptotic and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Sánchez Roxana , Molina Gustavo A. , López‐Miranda J. Luis , Rodríguez‐Torres Angelina , Estévez Miriam , Esparza Rodrigo
Published: September 2024

The synthesis of nanomaterials using plant extracts is considered to be a safer, environmentally friendly, and cost‐effective alternative method. In this work, Eysenhardtia polystachya (EP) extract and choline chloride/urea (ChCl/urea)‐based deep eutectic solvent (DES) were used for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), without an additional stabilizing agent, which is of great interest in the field of biomedicine. The antioxidant capacity of the extract and the phenolic content, involved in the reduction of Au3+ ions of the precursor were evaluated. The AuNPs were characterized by ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, ζ‐potential, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The nanoparticles are mostly quasi‐spherical shape, with a multiply‐twinned structure, an average particle size of 36 nm, and a characteristic absorption peak at 545 nm. The colloidal stability was confirmed with a ζ‐potential value of −32.8 mV. Finally, the AuNPs were tested for their potential in cancer therapy using human prostate adenocarcinoma PC‐3 cells. The anti‐inflammatory activity of the EP extract and AuNPs was also evaluated. The results showed that the synthesized AuNPs could potentially induce cell death and have an anti‐inflammatory effect.
Fabrication of a Hydrophilic Al2O3/AlN EP Coating with Self‐Cleaning and High‐Efficiency Anti‐Corrosion Properties
Authors: Zhang Xuyang , Ma Huachao , Wan Detian , Liu Xiaogen , Lv Kuilin , Wang Xiufang
Published: September 2024

Currently, with the gradual development of anticorrosive coatings, the pursuit of simple preparation methods and the improvement of anticorrosive coatings’ properties have become the major research trends. This study successfully prepared a hydrophilic super anticorrosive coating through a simple mixing method. The coating has a contact Angle of 67.8° and a rolling Angle greater than 20°. This coating can withstand 180 days of salt spray test with no bubble or rust formation when placed on a Q 235 substrate in a 3.5 wt % NaCl solution, demonstrating the excellent corrosion resistance of the AO0.4AN0.6EP coating. Furthermore, after being immersed in a 3.5 wt % NaCl solution for 3 days, the AO0.4AN0.6EP coating exhibited the largest impedance diameter (2.07×108 Ω⋅cm2), almost three times larger than other coatings, and possessed the highest Bode modulus value, one order of magnitude higher than other coatings. After immersion in a 3.5 wt % NaCl solution for 7 days, the AO0.4AN0.6EP coating had the largest Ecorr and the smallest icorr, indicating its superior corrosion resistance. In addition to corrosion resistance, the AO0.4AN0.6EP coating showed no signs of cracking, discoloration, or decomposition after being exposed to ultraviolet aging lights for 30 days, demonstrating its excellent UV resistance. Moreover, neither dry soil particles nor muddy water could adhere to the coating surface, proving its good self‐cleaning ability. Therefore, this coating holds promising applications in the field of super corrosion‐resistant coatings.
Thermal Stabilities of Phenolic Resoles Prepared from Four Phenolic Compounds as Model Components of Bio‐Oil
Authors: Wang Yifei , Wang Ze , Qin Pengfei , Li Songgeng
Published: September 2024

Bio‐oil formaldehyde resole (BFR) can be used as adhesive in plywood industry. However, the BFR has a lower thermal stability, and the reason is still unclear. Herein, the reactivities of four representative phenolic compounds in bio‐oil, including two ortho phenols (2‐methylphenol, 2‐methoxyphenol) and two para phenols (4‐methylphenol and 4‐methoxyphenol), as well as the thermal stabilities of the prepared resoles are investigated. The results show that the reactivity of an ortho phenol is higher than that of a para phenol. The resole prepared from a para phenol has a higher thermal stability than that of an ortho phenol. The resole of an ortho phenol decomposes even when heated at the low temperature of 100 °C. The resole of a methylphenol generally has a higher thermal stability than that of a methoxyphenol. Based on the results, the reason for the low reactivity of bio‐oil and the low thermal stability of BFR are speculated.