bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Experiments for Optimized Synthesis of Carbon‐Supported Ni Nanoparticles: A Green Chemistry Approach
Authors: Rigoulet Axel , Rafaïdeen Thibault , Coutanceau Christophe , Napporn Têko W.
Published: May 2024

Metallic nickel nanoparticles supported on a high specific surface area carbon powder were synthesized by a classical polyol method without external reducing agent or surfactant. Ni/C materials were characterized by TGA, XRD, cyclic and linear voltammetry. To decrease the number of experiments, a Taguchi design of experiments (DoE) was implemented and the effects of different synthesis parameters (nature of the nickel salt, loading of Ni on carbon, nNaOH/nNi ratio and reaction time at reflux) on different responses (crystallite size, electrochemically active surface area and current density for the glucose oxidation reaction at 1.5 V) determined. Optimization of parameter values for decreasing the crystallite size down to 14 nm was achieved using the DoE. For the other responses, strong interactions between parameters avoided straightforward optimization of parameter values. However, some trends could be drawn from the experimental matrix showing that the synthesis of a catalyst loaded with only 10 wt% Ni, with NiCl2 as precursor salt, with a nNaOH/nNi ratio of 6 for 80 minutes at reflux was a good compromise between atom, time and energy savings, costs efficiencies, and electrochemically active surface area and catalytic activity towards the glucose oxidation reaction, particularly in terms of mass activity.
A Visible‐Light Regulated ATP Transport in Retinal‐Modified Pillar[6]arene Layer‐by‐Layer Self‐Assembled Sub‐Nanochannel
Authors: Quan Jiaxin , Yan Hewei , Periyasami Govindasami , Li Haibing
Published: May 2024

Natural light‐responsive rhodopsins play a critical role in visual conversion, signal transduction, energy transmission, etc., which has aroused extensive interest in the past decade. Inspired by these gorgeous works of living beings, scientists have constructed various biomimetic light‐responsive nanochannels to mimic the behaviors of rhodopsins. However, it is still challenging to build stimuli‐responsive sub‐nanochannels only regulated by visible light as the rhodopsins are always at the sub‐nanometer level and regulated by visible light. Pillar[6]arenes have an open cavity of 6.7 Å, which can selectively recognize small organic molecules. They can be connected to ions of ammonium or carboxylate groups on the rims. Therefore, we designed and synthesized the amino and carboxyl‐derived side chains of pillar[6]arenes with opposite charges. The sub‐nanochannels were constructed through the electrostatic interaction of layer‐by‐layer self‐assembled amino and carboxyl‐derived pillar[6]arenes. Then, the natural chromophore of the retinal with visible light‐responsive performance was modified on the upper edge of the sub‐nanochannel to realize the visible light switched on and off. Finally, we successfully constructed a visible light‐responsive sub‐nanochannel, providing a novel method for regulating the selective transport of energy‐donating molecules of ATP.
Assessment of the systemic immune‐inflammation index in type 2 diabetic patients with and without dry eye disease: A case‐control study
Authors: Alhalwani Amani Y. , Jambi Shatha , Borai Anwar , Khan Muhammad Anwar , Almarzouki Hashem , Elsayid Mohieldin , Aseri Abdullah Fahad , Taher Nada O. , Alghamdi Ali , Alshehri Abdulwahab
Published: May 2024

Background

The inflammation plays a role in the pathophysiology of type‐2 diabetes progression, and the mechanism remains unclear. The systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) is a novel inflammatory marker for type 2 diabetes patients and integrates multiple indicators in complete blood counts and routine blood tests.

Aim

Since there is no international diagnostic standard for dry eye disease (DED), this study uses low‐cost inflammatory blood biomarkers to investigate the correlation between SII and DM2–DED and determine the diagnosis indices of other biomarkers in DM2–DED.

Methodology

A case‐control retrospective analysis of totel patients n = 293 randomly selected and categorized into four groups: DED, DM2, DM2‐DED, and healthy subjects. Demographic and blood biomarker variables were classified as categorical and continuous variables. The platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocytes‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and SII were calculated platelet count multiply by NLR and analyzed for their correlation for all groups.

Results

Focusing on DM2‐DED patients was more common in females, 59.6%, than in males, 40.2%. The mean ages were 60.7 ± 11.85 years, a statistically significant difference with all groups. In the study group DM2‐DED, there was an increase in all blood markers compared to all remaining groups except PLR. Only neutrophil, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and fasting blood sugar levels were statistically significant differences in DM2‐DED patients (p > 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to all groups. There was a positive correlation between HbA1c and PLR, HbA1c and NLR, and HbA1c and SII (r = 0.037, p = 0.705; r = 0.031, p = 0.754; and r = 0.066, p < 0.501, respectively) in the DM2‐DED group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that elevated SII values were linked to elevated HbA1c in DM2‐DED patients. The potential of SII and HbA1c as early diagnostic indicators for ocular problems associated with diabetes mellitus is highlighted by their favorable connection in diagnosing DM2‐DED.
On the solution of MHD Jeffery–Hamel problem involving flow between two nonparallel plates with a blood flow application
Authors: El‐Shenawy Atallah , El‐Gamel Mohamed , Abd El‐Hady Mahmoud
Published: May 2024

The Jeffery–Hamel flow phenomenon appears in a variety of real‐world applications involving the flow of two nonparallel plates. BY using a similarity transformation derived from the equation of continuity, partial differential equations determining flow characteristics are translated into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The problem involves the flow of a specific type of fluid, namely, an incompressible and electrically conducting fluid, between two nonparallel plates. The flow is assumed to be steady, two‐dimensional, and subject to certain boundary conditions. Specifically, the plates are impermeable, and the fluid adheres to a no‐slip condition, resulting in zero fluid velocity at the plates' surfaces. Moreover, the problem incorporates the effects of magnetic fields and pressure fluctuations, making it highly applicable to scenarios, such as blood flow through arteries in the human body, which can be modeled as a special case of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Jeffery–Hamel problem referred to as the (MHD) blood pressure equation. This work compares two numerical approaches for solving the MHDs Jeffery–Hamel problem: B‐spline and Bernstein polynomial collocation. The given approaches are used to discretize and transform the equation into a system of algebraic equations. Matrix algebra techniques are then used to solve the resultant system. A complete error analysis and convergence rates for different grid sizes are derived for both methods and are used to compare the accuracy and efficiency of the two approaches. Both approaches produce correct solutions, according to the numerical findings, although the Bernstein polynomial collocation method is more efficient and accurate than the B‐spline collocation.
Closed‐form solution for the length of drip laterals and easy selection of commercial emitters for low‐slope fields under the Hazen–Williams and Blasius resistance equations
Authors: Baiamonte Giorgio
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a simple method for determining drip lateral length in relatively flat fields in which minor losses are not considered and a uniform emitter flow rate is assumed. This makes it possible to derive a useful relationship in a closed form to determine drip lateral length according to the Hazen–Williams and Blasius resistance equations. An important advantage of the proposed procedure for determining drip lateral length is that it helps users establish the characteristics of the commercial emitters that they should select, an issue that has been poorly addressed in the past. Finally, after deriving this new solution, the same relationship is extended to a case in which minor losses are considered, and the uniform emitters' flow rate assumption is relaxed. The results of all input data sets show that when neglecting minor losses, the relative error between the inlet pressure head estimated with the suggested procedure and that calculated with the exact numerical method is less than 2.5%. However, when minor losses are considered, the number of emitters must not exceed 300 to obtain this threshold error. Several applications are performed, showing the reliability of this new design procedure.
Malakoplakia: A rare cause of hematochezia in pediatric patients
Authors: Porto Ariel , Lebowitz Jonathan , Byrd Robert , Morgan Elaine , Prozialeck Joshua D.
Published: May 2024

Malakoplakia is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by impaired macrophages unable to completely digest and kill phagocytized bacteria, resulting in partially digested bacterial components accumulating within the phagolysosome. Malakoplakia typically presents in immunocompromised individuals due to underlying disease or to medication effects and is rarely diagnosed in the pediatric population. The urinary tract is the most commonly involved site, followed by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, mainly affecting the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. Treatment focuses on the use of antibiotics that concentrate in macrophages such as quinolones and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole as well as cholinergic agents such as bethanechol, which raise intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate in macrophages to improve bactericidal activity. We report a rare case of GI tract malakoplakia in a pediatric patient undergoing treatment for leukemia.
A Strong and Highly Transparent Ionogel Electrolyte Enabled by In Situ Polymerization‐Induced Microphase Separation for High‐Performance Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Zhou Kaijian , Tang Liang , Chen Zhanying , Hu Qinyu , Gao Jie , Zhang Yan , Zhang Jun , Zhang Shiguo
Published: May 2024

Electrochromic devices built with ionogel electrolytes are seen as a pivotal step toward the future of quasi‐solid electrochromic devices, due to their striking properties like exceptional safety and high ionic conductivity. Yet, the poor mechanical strength of electrolyte of these devices remains a constraint that hampers their advancement. As a resolution, this research explores the use of a robust, transparent ionogel electrolyte, which is designed using an in situ microphase separation strategy. The ionogels are highly transparent and robust and exhibit excellent physicochemical stability, including a wide electrochemical window and high temperature tolerance. Benefitting from these properties, a high‐performance electrochromic device is fabricated through in situ polymerization with the ionogels, PPRODOT as the electrochromic layer, and PEDOT: PSS as the ion storage layer, achieving high transmittance contrast (43.1%), fast response (1/1.7 s), high coloring efficiency (1296.4 cm2 C−1), and excellent cycling endurance (>99.9% retention after 2000 cycles). In addition, using ITO‐poly(ethylene terephthalate) as flexible substrates, a deformable electrochromic device displaying high stability is realized, highlighting the potential use in functional wearables.
Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation Modulates Cognitive Theory of Mind in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Xiao Haoyun , Lang Liqin , Ye Zheng , Wu Jianjun
Published: May 2024

Background

Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer others' mental state, is essential for social interaction among human beings. It has been widely reported that both cognitive (inference of knowledge) and affective (inference of emotion) components of ToM are disrupted in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies usually focused on the involvement of the prefrontal cortex.

Objective

This study investigated the causal role of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a key hub of the fronto‐basal ganglia loops, in ToM.

Methods

Thirty‐four patients with idiopathic PD (15 women, aged 62.2 ± 8.3 years) completed a Yoni task with deep brain stimulation (DBS) ON and OFF. The Yoni task was designed to separate the cognitive and affective components of ToM. Volumes of tissue activated (VTA) were computed for three subregions of the STN.

Results

DBS showed insignificant effects on ToM inference costs at the group level, which may be due to the large interindividual variability. The associative VTA correlated with the cognitive inference cost change but not the affective inference cost change. Patients with greater associative STN stimulation infer more slowly on cognitive ToM. Stimulating associative STN can adversely affect cognitive ToM in PD patients, especially in patients with a wide range of stimulation (≥0.157) or cognitive decline (Montreal Cognitive Assessment < 26).

Conclusions

The associative STN plays a causal role in cognitive ToM in patients with PD. However, stimulating the associative STN likely impairs cognitive ToM and potentially leads to social interaction deficits in PD. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Fused filament fabrication using stainless steel 316L‐polymer blend: Analysis and optimization for green density and surface roughness
Authors: O'Connor Habika , Singh Gurminder , Kumar Ankit , Paetzold Ryan , Celikin Mert , O'Cearbhaill Eoin D.
Published: May 2024

This study is centered on the analysis of composite component additive manufacturing, via fused filament fabrication (FFF), comprising of 316L stainless steel particles in a polymer matrix. It examines the impact of several process factors of FFF, including extrusion speed, layer height, and extrusion temperature, on the density and surface roughness with the goal to minimize porosity. The independent and interaction impacts of these parameters were investigated using a central composite design technique. The technique of analysis of variance was utilized to determine the influence of relevant factors. Regression analysis was used to establish statistical models linking the parameters to green density and surface roughness. The green density was enhanced by reducing the layer height from 0.2 to 0.1 μm and decreasing the nozzle speed from 100 to 20 mm min−1. The surface roughness was improved by using a slow printing speed and minimum layer height. The ideal temperature range for producing favorable results in terms of green density and surface roughness during extrusion was found to be between 235 and 240°C. Significant correlations were found between the parameters and the green density and surface roughness. A genetic algorithm was used as an optimisation tool to determine the thresholds that would provide the highest green density and the lowest surface roughness values. The porosity of the samples generated with the optimized settings was evaluated using microtomography scans. The methodology presented here can be applied to composite and standard polymeric filament printing to determine optimal printing parameters.

Highlights

Blend of stainless steel 316L and polymer was used for fused filament fabrication.

Printing speed and layer height were the dominating for density and roughness.

Height 0.2 mm, speed 20 mm s−1, and temperature 239°C resulted 4.73 g cm−3 density and 21.09 μm roughness

Microtomography revealed porosity of 1.7% in the optimized sample.
VX‐765 alleviates motor and cognitive impairments via inhibiting PANoptosis activation in the neonatal rats after hypoxic–ischemic brain damage
Authors: Li Xiaohuan , Chen Mulan , Xu Boqing , Fan Yepeng , Dai Chunfang , Dong Zhifang
Published: May 2024

Neonatal hypoxia–ischemia (HI) is one of the main factors that cause neonatal severe neurologic impairment and death. Shown by a large number of studies, caspase‐1 plays a significant effect in diseases such as hypoxic–ischemic brain damage (HIBD) and may be a key component of the protein complex that initiates PANoptosis. VX‐765, an inhibitor of caspase‐1, exerts a potential neuroprotective effect in traumatic brain injury. However, it is unknown whether the administration of VX‐765 has neuroprotective effects on neonatal rats that suffered HIBD, and if so, the underlying mechanisms are also still unknown. In the present study, we found that treatment with VX‐765 (50 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly ameliorated the impairment of locomotor coordination functions and myodynamia as well as the spatial learning and memory in neonatal rats subjected with HIBD. These behavior improvements were attributed to VX‐765 reducing infarct volumes and neuronal loss in the CA1, CA3 region of hippocampus, and deeper layers of the cortex in HIBD rats. Moreover, the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed that VX‐765 obviously decreased the production of neuroinflammatory factors including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. Importantly, we identified HI promoted PANoptosis activation in vivo and in vitro, and VX‐765 obviously suppressed PANoptosis activation. Finally, we demonstrated that VX‐765 treatment reversed neuronal injury induced by oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD). Taken together, these results suggest that VX‐765 protects the neurons against damage by suppressing neuroinflammation and PANoptosis activation, thereby improving locomotor coordination and cognitive impairments in neonatal HIBD rats, indicating that VX‐765 may be an underlying therapeutic drug for the clinical treatment of hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Felix Hausdorff alias Paul Mongré
Authors: Mecke Klaus
Published: May 2024

Autorennamen scheinen in der Physik keine Rolle zu spielen, haben aber eine eminent wichtige diskursive Funktion.
Early bedside detection of pulmonary perfusion defect by electrical impedance tomography after pulmonary endarterectomy
Authors: Wang Qianlin , He Huaiwu , Yuan Siyi , Jiang Jing , Chi Yi , Long Yun , Zhao Zhanqi
Published: May 2024

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the standard treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, it poses risks of perioperative vascular complications, which can lead to serious clinical outcomes. This study introduces a novel noninvasive and radiation‐free clinical imaging tool, electrical impedance tomography (EIT), for real‐time bedside assessment of lung perfusion after PEA. It identifies ventilation‐perfusion mismatches arising from postoperative complications, particularly valuable for patients with hemodynamic instability, thus eliminating risks tied to CT room transfers. The article reports a case where EIT was used to identify an in‐situ thrombosis post‐PEA, marking the first such application. The emphasis is on early detection using EIT, which offers a promising approach for therapeutic interventions and improved postoperative evaluations.
Polyglycerol‐Functionalized β‐Cyclodextrins as Crosslinkers in Thermoresponsive Nanogels for the Enhanced Dermal Penetration of Hydrophobic Drugs
Authors: Wang Huiyi , Tiwari Neha , Orellano Maria Soledad , Navarro Lucila , Beiranvand Zahra , Adeli Mohsen , Calderón Marcelo
Published: May 2024

Thermoresponsive nanogels (tNGs) are promising candidates for dermal drug delivery. However, poor incorporation of hydrophobic drugs into hydrophilic tNGs limits the therapeutic efficiency. To address this challenge, β‐cyclodextrins (β‐CD) are functionalized by hyperbranched polyglycerol serving as crosslinkers (hPG‐βCD) to fabricate βCD‐tNGs. This novel construct exhibits augmented encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs, shows the appropriate thermal response to dermal administration, and enhances the dermal penetration of payloads. The structural influences on the encapsulation capacity of βCD‐tNGs for hydrophobic drugs are analyzed, while concurrently retaining their efficacy as skin penetration enhancers. Various synthetic parameters are considered, encompassing the acrylation degree and molecular weight of hPG‐βCD, as well as the monomer composition of βCD‐tNGs. The outcome reveals that βCD‐tNGs substantially enhance the aqueous solubility of Nile Red elevating to 120 µg mL−1 and augmenting its dermal penetration up to 3.33 µg cm−2. Notably, the acrylation degree of hPG‐βCD plays a significant role in dermal drug penetration, primarily attributed to the impact on the rigidity and hydrophilicity of βCD‐tNGs. Taken together, the introduction of the functionalized β‐CD as the crosslinker in tNGs presents a novel avenue to enhance the efficacy of hydrophobic drugs in dermatological applications, thereby offering promising opportunities for boosted therapeutic outcomes.
ROS‐Responsive and Self‐Tumor Curing Methionine Polymer Library Based Nanoparticles with Self‐Accelerated Drug Release and Hydrophobicity/Hydrophilicity Switching Capability for Enhanced Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liu Jie , You Xinru , Wang Liying , Zeng Jianwen , Huang Hai , Wu Jun
Published: May 2024

The applications of amino acid‐based polymers are impeded by their limited structure and functions. Herein, a small library of methionine‐based polymers (Met‐P) with programmed structure and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive properties is developed for tumor therapy. The Met‐P can self‐assemble into sub‐100 nm nanoparticles (NPs) and effectively load anticancer drugs (such as paclitaxel (PTX) (P@Met‐P NPs)) via the nanoprecipitation method. The screened NPs with superior stability and high drug loading are further evaluated in vitro and in vivo. When encountering with ROS, the Met‐P polymers will be oxidized and then switch from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic state, triggering the rapid and self‐accelerated release of PTX. The in vivo results indicated that the screened P@2Met10 NPs possessed significant anticancer performance and effectively alleviated the side effects of PTX. More interestingly, the blank 2Met10 NPs displayed an obvious self‐tumor inhibiting efficacy. Furthermore, the other Met‐P NPs (such as 2Met8, 4Met8, and 4Met10) are also found to exhibit varied self‐anti‐cancer capabilities. Overall, this ROS‐responsive Met‐P library is a rare anticancer platform with hydrophobic/hydrophilic switching, controlled drug release, and self‐anticancer therapy capability.
Cancer Nanovaccines: Nanomaterials and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Desai Nimeet , Chavda Vivek , Singh Thakur Raghu Raj , Thorat Nanasaheb D. , Vora Lalitkumar K.
Published: May 2024

Cancer nanovaccines represent a promising frontier in cancer immunotherapy, utilizing nanotechnology to augment traditional vaccine efficacy. This review comprehensively examines the current state‐of‐the‐art in cancer nanovaccine development, elucidating innovative strategies and technologies employed in their design. It explores both preclinical and clinical advancements, emphasizing key studies demonstrating their potential to elicit robust anti‐tumor immune responses. The study encompasses various facets, including integrating biomaterial‐based nanocarriers for antigen delivery, adjuvant selection, and the impact of nanoscale properties on vaccine performance. Detailed insights into the complex interplay between the tumor microenvironment and nanovaccine responses are provided, highlighting challenges and opportunities in optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the study presents a thorough analysis of ongoing clinical trials, presenting a snapshot of the current clinical landscape. By curating the latest scientific findings and clinical developments, this study aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians engaged in advancing cancer immunotherapy. Integrating nanotechnology into vaccine design holds immense promise for revolutionizing cancer treatment paradigms, and this review provides a timely update on the evolving landscape of cancer nanovaccines.
Sea Anemone‐Inspired Slippery Liquid‐Infused Porous Surface (SLIPS) with Bionic Cilia for Responsive 4D Antifouling
Authors: Tong Zheming , Zhang Shen , Chen Sifan , Sun Rui , He Peng , Song Lina , Hu Jiankun , Hou Yang , Zhan Xiaoli , Zhang Qinghua
Published: May 2024

The formation process of biofouling is actually a 4D process with both spatial and temporal dimensions. However, most traditional antifouling coatings, including slippery liquid‐infused porous surface (SLIPS), are limited to performing antifouling process in the 2D coating plane. Herein, inspired by the defensive behavior of sea anemones’ wielding toxic tentacles, a “4D SLIPS” (FSLIPS) is constructed with biomimetic cilia via a magnetic field self‐assembly method for antifouling. The bionic cilia move in 3D space driven by an external magnetic field, thereby preventing the attachment of microorganisms. The FSLIPS releases the gaseous antifoulant (nitric oxide) at 1D time in response to light, thereby achieving a controllable biocide effect on microorganisms. The FSLIPS regulates the movement of cilia via the external magnetic field, and controls the release of NO overtime via the light response, so as to adjust the antifouling modes on demand during the day or night. The light/magnetic response mechanism endow the FSLIPS with the ability to adjust the antifouling effect in the 4D dimension of 1D time and 3D space, effectively realizing the intelligence, multi‐dimensionality and precision of the antifouling process.
Reversible Switching Between Microwave Absorption and EMI Shielding of VO2 Composite Foam
Authors: Liao Si‐Yuan , Wang Xiao‐Yun , Shi Yu‐Ying , Wang Qiao‐Feng , Gu Xin‐Yin , Hu You‐Gen , Zhu Peng‐Li , Sun Rong , Wan Yan‐Jun
Published: May 2024

Developing lightweight composite with reversible switching between microwave (MW) absorption and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is promising yet remains highly challenging due to the completely inconsistent attenuation mechanism for electromagnetic (EM) radiation. Here, a lightweight vanadium dioxide/expanded polymer microsphere composites foam (VO2/EPM) is designed and fabricated with porous structures and 3D VO2 interconnection, which possesses reversible switching function between MW absorption and EMI shielding under thermal stimulation. The VO2/EPM exhibits MW absorption with a broad effective absorption bandwidth of 3.25 GHz at room temperature (25 °C), while provides EMI shielding of 23.1 dB at moderately high temperature (100 °C). This reversible switching performance relies on the porous structure and tunability of electrical conductivity, complex permittivity, and impedance matching, which are substantially induced by the convertible crystal structure and electronic structure of VO2. Finite element simulation is employed to qualitatively investigate the change in interaction between EM waves and VO2/EPM before and after the phase transition. Moreover, the application of VO2/EPM is demonstrated with a reversible switching function in controlling wireless transmission on/off, showcasing its excellent cycling stability. This kind of smart material with a reversible switching function shows great potential in next‐generation electronic devices.
Hydrindacene‐Based Zinc Aryl Thiolate and Aryl Selenolate Zn(EMSFluind)2 (E=S, Se)
Authors: Komorr Pascal , Puylaert Pim , Beckmann Jens
Published: May 2024

The bulky aryl thiol, MSFluindSH (1S), and aryl selenol, MSFluindSeH (1Se), possessing a tetramethyl‐s‐hydrindacen‐4’‐yl‐(Rind)‐based substituent containing two fluorenyl groups in 9 and 9’‐positions, were prepared (MSFluind=dispiro[fluorene‐9,3’‐(1’,1’,7’,7’‐tetramethyl‐s‐hydrindacene‐4’‐yl)‐5’,9’’‐fluorene]). The reaction of 1S and 1Se with Et2Zn provided a monomeric zinc aryl thiolate, Zn(SMSFluind)2 (2S), and zinc aryl selenolate, Zn(SeMSFluind)2 (2Se), with essentially two‐coordinate zinc atoms.
Stuck in the Suburbs? Socio-spatial Exclusion of Migrants in Shanghai
Authors: Shen Jie
Published: May 2024

Migrants’ residential location plays a critical role in their social integration process. In China, large numbers of rural-to-urban migrants are coming to the major cities for the opportunities they offer, and most of these migrants have to settle in the disadvantaged urban periphery. By examining the place effects of suburban residence on the incorporation of migrants into cities, this paper contributes to the literature on understanding the socio-spatial exclusion of migrants. Drawing on a survey undertaken in Shanghai, it is found that, after controlling for the effects of individual characteristics, migrants living in the suburbs not only earn less than their counterparts in the central city but are also less likely to construct inter-group and diverse social ties to aid prospects. To make matters worse, they have little chance of moving to the central locations where there are more resources and instead are likely to be trapped in the suburbs.
Conclusion
Authors: Cunningham Stuart , Davidson Jane W. , Blackler Alethea
Published: May 2024

Let us start with two pieces of data, one from history and one from economics, and a deduction drawn from sociology and politics. The first, from 85 years ago, occurred when the judge presiding over an Australian Royal Commission into the devastating “Black Saturday” bushfires pronounced “We have not lived long enough”. What he meant was that European settlers in this country, Australia, had not learned how to live in a land characterised by climatic extremes of drought, fire and flood. The words echo in environmental historian Tom Griffiths’ “we have not yet lived long enough”, after his review of the long history of lack of preparedness for such events, despite the repetitiousness with which that lack of preparedness has issued forth from reports and enquiries too numerous to mention here. The second is the Productivity Commission’s (2014) finding that 97% of Australia’s public funds spent on disasters went to crisis management and recovery and only 3% on preparedness. What we might derive from these points is that “there is no such thing as a natural disaster” (Hartman & Squires, 2006). The history of Indigenous fire management over millennia, leading to early European settlers’ puzzlement over what appeared to be curated/estate like landscapes, underscores the fact that human preparedness and the lack of it are material factors in the severity and impact of any “natural” disaster, that is, if we may have lived long enough by now.
Immersive Visualisation Systems as Alignment Strategies for Extreme Event Scenarios
Authors: Brits Baylee , Song Yang , Tirado Cortes Carlos
Published: May 2024

Immersive systems are increasingly used to train first responders and prepare communities for extreme climate events. This chapter considers alignment issues that arise in their development and discusses how they might be resolved—taking as case study the iFire system currently being designed at the iCinema Research Centre. We particularly focus on ways to maximise the two non-moral values that define the success of any such system as well as of associated climate science: accuracy and verisimilitude. Drawing on the work of Shepherd et al. (2018) and Sharples et al. (2016), we theorise the epistemic and situational challenges to arrive at these values. Exploring solutions already proposed through the related concepts of ‘storylines’ (Shepherd, 2019), ‘scenarios’ (Lempert, 2013) and ‘tales’ (Hazeleger et al., 2015), we show how iFire’s values may be maximised through composition strategies derived from these concepts. Using this approach, we explain how iFire may ‘simulate’ links between uncertainty and affect to enhance decision making in uncertain circumstances. Our key findings are that alignment strategies for iFire are best described as ‘interpretable’ (rather than ‘explainable’) and can be achieved through qualitative methods. These describe compositional strategies deployed by the user that support reflective management of uncertainty.
Special cubulation of strict hyperbolization
Authors: Lafont Jean-François , Ruffoni Lorenzo
Published: May 2024

We prove that the Gromov hyperbolic groups obtained by the strict hyperbolization procedure of Charney and Davis are virtually compact special, hence linear and residually finite. Our strategy consists in constructing an action of a hyperbolized group on a certain dual $\operatorname {CAT}(0)$
CAT
(
0
)
cubical complex. As a result, all the common applications of strict hyperbolization are shown to provide manifolds with virtually compact special fundamental group. In particular, we obtain examples of closed negatively curved Riemannian manifolds whose fundamental groups are linear and virtually algebraically fiber.
Predictive factors of 90-day mortality after curative hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a western single-center observational study
Authors: Vaghiri Sascha , Lehwald-Tywuschik Nadja , Prassas Dimitrios , Safi Sami Alexander , Kalmuk Sinan , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Dizdar Levent , Alexander Andrea
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify predictive risk factors associated with 90-day mortality after hepatic resection (HR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

All patients undergoing elective resection for HCC from a single- institutional and prospectively maintained database were included. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify pre- and intraoperative as well as histopathological predictive factors of 90-day mortality after elective HR.

Results

Between August 2004 and October 2021, 196 patients were enrolled (148 male /48 female). The median age of the study cohort was 68.5 years (range19-84 years). The rate of major hepatectomy (≥ 3 segments) was 43.88%. Multivariate analysis revealed patient age ≥ 70 years [HR 2.798; (95% CI 1.263–6.198); p = 0.011], preoperative chronic renal insufficiency [HR 3.673; (95% CI 1.598–8.443); p = 0.002], Child–Pugh Score [HR 2.240; (95% CI 1.188–4.224); p = 0.013], V-Stage [HR 2.420; (95% CI 1.187–4.936); p = 0.015], and resected segments ≥ 3 [HR 4.700; (95% 1.926–11.467); p = 0.001] as the major significant determinants of the 90-day mortality.

Conclusion

Advanced patient age, pre-existing chronic renal insufficiency, Child–Pugh Score, extended hepatic resection, and vascular tumor involvement were identified as significant predictive factors of 90-day mortality. Proper patient selection and adjustment of treatment strategies could potentially reduce short-term mortality.
The use of peptides for immunodiagnosis of human Chagas disease
Authors: Ribeiro Anna Julia , Silva Kamila Alves , Lopes Lucas da Silva , Resende Carlos Ananias Aparecido , Couto Carolina Alves Petit , Gandra Isadora Braga , Pereira Isabela Amorim Gonçalves , Barcelos Isabelle Caroline Dos Santos , Pereira Sabrina Paula , Xavier Sandra Rodrigues , Tavares Grasiele de Sousa Viera , Machado Juliana Martins , Da Paz Mariana Campos , Chávez-Fumagalli Miguel Angel , Coelho Eduardo Antonio Ferraz , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro , Chaves Ana Thereza , Dutra Walderez Ornelas , Gonçalves Ana Alice Maia , Galdino Alexsandro Sobreira
Published: May 2024

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, continues to be a serious public health problem in Latin America, worsened by the limitations in its detection. Given the importance of developing new diagnostic methods for this disease, the present review aimed to verify the number of publications dedicated to research on peptides that demonstrate their usefulness in serodiagnosis. To this end, a bibliographic survey was conducted on the PubMed platform using the keyword “peptide” or “epitope” combined with “Chagas disease” or “Trypanosoma cruzi”; “diagno*” or “serodiagnosis” or “immunodiagnosis”, without period restriction. An increasing number of publications on studies employing peptides in ELISA and rapid tests assays was verified, which confirms the expansion of research in this field. It is possible to observe that many of the peptides tested so far originate from proteins widely used in the diagnosis of Chagas, and many of them are part of commercial tests developed. In this sense, as expected, promising results were obtained for several peptides when tested in ELISA, as many of them exhibited sensitivity and specificity values above 90%. Furthermore, some peptides have been tested in several studies, confirming their diagnostic potential. Despite the promising results observed, it is possible to emphasize the need for extensive testing of peptides, using different serological panels, in order to confirm their potential. The importance of producing an effective assay capable of detecting the clinical stages of the disease, as well as new immunogenic antigens that enable new serological diagnostic tools for Chagas disease, is evident.
Outpatient glucocorticoid use and COVID-19 outcomes: a population-based study
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Almudena , Visos-Varela Irene , Zapata-Cachafeiro Maruxa , Pintos-Rodríguez Samuel , García-Álvarez Rosa M. , Herdeiro Teresa M. , Piñeiro-Lamas María , Figueiras Adolfo , Salgado-Barreira Ángel ,   COVIDRUG Group, Bugarín-González Rosendo , Carracedo-Martínez Eduardo , García-Álvarez Rosa M , González-Barcala Francisco J , Herdeiro Teresa M , Lema-Oreiro Martina , Mallah Narmeen , Piñeiro-Lamas Maria , Portela-Romero Manuel , Prieto-Campo Angela , Rodriguez-Fernández Almudena , Saez Marc , Salgado-Barreira Angel , Taracido-Trunk Margarita
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Owing to controversy information surrounds effect of glucocorticoids on the evolution of COVID-19, we evaluate the effects of outpatient glucocorticoid use on the severity and progression of COVID-19 and risk of infection and analyse the effect of window of exposure and dose.

Methods

We conducted a population-based case − control study, involving 4 substudies: (i) Hospitalisation; (ii) Mortality, using subjects hospitalised with a PCR + as cases and subjects without a PCR + as controls; (iii) Progression, including subjects with a PCR + (hospitalised versus non-hospitalised); and (iv) Susceptibility, with all subjects with a PCR + and subjects without a PCR + . Adjusted odds ratios (ORa) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated.

Results

The outpatient glucocorticoid use was associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation (aOR 1.79; 95% CI 1.56–2.05), mortality (aOR 2.30; 95% CI 1.68–3.15), progression (aOR 1.69; 95% CI 1.43–2.00) and susceptibility (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.19–1.41). Furthermore, the effects was observed to be greater at higher doses and the closer that drug use approached the outcome date, with an almost fourfold increase in mortality among users in the previous month (aOR 3.85; 95% CI 2.63–5.62).

Conclusions

According to the results of this real-world data study, outpatient glucocorticoid use should be considered in making decisions about intrahospital treatment.
Processing and Evaluation of Bio-Based Paramylon Ester/Poly(butylene succinate) Blends for Industrial Applications
Authors: Ilangovan Manikandan , Kabe Taizo , Iwata Tadahisa
Published: May 2024

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) was melt-blended with paramylon based mixed ester, paramylon propionate hexanoate (PaPrHe) and characterized for its morphology, thermal and mechanical properties. The PBS/PaPrHe blends were found to be immiscible throughout the loading range of PaPrHe (10–90 wt%), with individual glass transition peaks. Due to the immiscibility, there was phase separation observed in the bulk, evident by sea-island morphology. However, further observation of the micro-structure revealed that, in low PaPrHe loading (10–30 wt%), there was a micron to sub-micron order distribution of PBS particles and partially miscible PBS/PaPrHe phase. On increasing the PaPrHe to 50 wt% and beyond, the sub-micron scale domains fused to form a co-continuous morphology. As a result, the impact strength of PBS increased from 6.6 to 16.4 kJ/m2 in the 50/50 blend. Under tensile loading, the strength at break and elongation decreased after the introduction of less-flexible PaPrHe particles in the blend. This could be countered by uniaxially stretching the blended films with 10–30 wt% PaPrHe, after which the tensile strength increased by up to 380% (from 33–52 MPa to 165–200 MPa) compared to the unstretched films, attributable to the increased degree of orientation of the molecular chains. In terms of thermal processability, all the blend ratios had high thermal degradation temperature (>350 °C), higher than the melt-flow temperature (124–133 °C) providing a wide processing window. Overall, PBS/PaPrHe blend is a novel bio-based blend with properties suitable for packaging, mulching, and related applications.
A family of process-based models to simulate landscape use by multiple taxa
Authors: Gardner Emma , Robinson Robert A. , Julian Angela , Boughey Katherine , Langham Steve , Tse-Leon Jenny , Petrovskii Sergei , Baker David J. , Bellamy Chloe , Buxton Andrew , Franks Samantha , Monk Chris , Morris Nicola , Park Kirsty J. , Petrovan Silviu , Pitt Katie , Taylor Rachel , Turner Rebecca K. , Allain Steven J. R. , Bradley Val , Broughton Richard K. , Cartwright Mandy , Clarke Kevin , Cranfield Jon , Fuentes-Montemayor Elisa , Gandola Robert , Gent Tony , Hinsley Shelley A. , Madsen Thomas , Reading Chris , Redhead John W. , Reveley Sonia , Wilkinson John , Williams Carol , Woodward Ian , Baker John , Briggs Philip , Dyason Sheila , Langton Steve , Mawby Ashlea , Pywell Richard F. , Bullock James M.
Published: May 2024

Context

Land-use change is a key driver of biodiversity loss. Models that accurately predict how biodiversity might be affected by land-use changes are urgently needed, to help avoid further negative impacts and inform landscape-scale restoration projects. To be effective, such models must balance model realism with computational tractability and must represent the different habitat and connectivity requirements of multiple species.

Objectives

We explored the extent to which process-based modelling might fulfil this role, examining feasibility for different taxa and potential for informing real-world decision-making.

Methods

We developed a family of process-based models (*4pop) that simulate landscape use by birds, bats, reptiles and amphibians, derived from the well-established poll4pop model (designed to simulate bee populations). Given landcover data, the models predict spatially-explicit relative abundance by simulating optimal home-range foraging, reproduction, dispersal of offspring and mortality. The models were co-developed by researchers, conservation NGOs and volunteer surveyors, parameterised using literature data and expert opinion, and validated against observational datasets collected across Great Britain.

Results

The models were able to simulate habitat specialists, generalists, and species requiring access to multiple habitats for different types of resources (e.g. breeding vs foraging). We identified model refinements required for some taxa and considerations for modelling further species/groups.

Conclusions

We suggest process-based models that integrate multiple forms of knowledge can assist biodiversity-inclusive decision-making by predicting habitat use throughout the year, expanding the range of species that can be modelled, and enabling decision-makers to better account for landscape context and habitat configuration effects on population persistence.
Hybrid origami-linkage vaulted deployable structures: parametric development and form-finding
Authors: Vlachaki Evangelia , Liapi Katherine A.
Published: May 2024

The demand for adaptable structures is steadily increasing in contemporary architectural practice. Deployable structures, characterized by their flexibility and versatility, offer innovative solutions across demanding engineering and architectural contexts. Among the various types of deployable structures, two main categories emerge: lattice deployable structures and continuous surface deployable structures. This paper explores the creation of hybrid deployable vaulted structures by incorporating kinetic elements from both deployable structure categories. A combination of rigid thick origami surfaces and retractable structural frames composed of four-bar and scissor-hinged linkages is examined, while both direct and inverse design methodologies are explored. To facilitate the parameterization and kinematic study of the proposed structures, an algorithm is developed within the Rhino Grasshopper visual programming environment, which is then utilized for form-finding and design optimization of the generated deployable vaults. The present study aims to contribute to the evolution of lightweight, kinetic elements for versatile architectural applications. The proposed hybrid deployable structures are designed to adjust to evolving spatial and functional requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
Signaling cues and focused prompts for professional vision support: The interplay of instructional design and situational interest in preservice teachers’ video analysis
Authors: Farrell Meg , Martin Monika , Böheim Ricardo , Renkl Alexander , Rieß Werner , Könings Karen D. , van Merriënboer Jeroen J. G. , Seidel Tina
Published: May 2024

In teacher education, video representations of practice offer a motivating means for applying conceptual teaching knowledge toward real-world settings. With video analysis, preservice teachers can begin cultivating professional vision skills through noticing and reasoning about presented core teaching practices. However, with novices’ limited prior knowledge and experience, processing transient information from video can be challenging. Multimedia learning research suggests instructional design techniques for support, such as signaling keyword cues during video viewing, or presenting focused self-explanation prompts which target theoretical knowledge application during video analysis. This study investigates the professional vision skills of noticing and reasoning (operationalized as descriptions and interpretations of relevant noticed events) from 130 preservice teachers participating in a video-analysis training on the core practice of small-group instruction. By means of experimental comparisons, we examine the effects of signaling cues and focused self-explanation prompts on professional vision performance. Further, we explore the impact of these techniques, considering preservice teachers’ situational interest. Overall, results demonstrated that preservice teachers’ professional vision skills improved from pretest to posttest, but the instructional design techniques did not generally offer additional support. However, moderation analysis indicated that training with cues fostered professional vision skills for preservice teachers with low situational interest. This suggests that for uninterested novices, signaling cues may compensate for the generative processing boost typically associated with situational interest. Research and practice implications involve the consideration of situational interest as a powerful component of instructional design, and that keyword cueing can offer an alternative when interest is difficult to elicit.
Effect of gamma irradiation on the nutritional composition, phenolic compounds and fatty acids profiles in raw cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) beans
Authors: Apaydın Demet
Published: May 2024

The γ-irradiation effects on nutritional composition, phenolic compounds and fatty acids profile of cocoa beans were investigated. Raw cocoa bean samples were irradiated using 60Co source at doses of 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0 kGy. The examined nutrient contents were moisture, protein, ash and fat contents. A total of 10 phenolic compounds from the screening of 32 standards were identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS, with theobromine (2418.52–3506.95 µg/g) and epicatechin (444.24–1090.98 µg/g) being the most abundant. Overall, the irradiation treatment did not significantly influence the protein and moisture content of cocoa beans. On the other hand, 3 kGy irradiation dose led to a significant decrease in fat content of cocoa bean samples. Furthermore, fatty acid composition changed with increasing the irradiation dose. Gamma irradiation caused a significant increase in saturated fatty acids/unsaturated fatty acids ratio. On the whole, the analysis of phenolic compounds of cocoa beans showed that irradiation influence the phenolic compounds significantly, with a few exceptions. The quantities of epicatechin and luteolin 7 glucoside were higher in raw cocoa beans than in irradiated cocoa beans.