bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence-Based Classification of CT Images Using a Hybrid SpinalZFNet
Authors: Maqsood Faiqa , Zhenfei Wang , Ali Muhammad Mumtaz , Qiu Baozhi , Rehman Naveed Ur , Sabah Fahad , Mahmood Tahir , Din Irfanud , Sarwar Raheem
Published: August 2024

The kidney is an abdominal organ in the human body that supports filtering excess water and waste from the blood. Kidney diseases generally occur due to changes in certain supplements, medical conditions, obesity, and diet, which causes kidney function and ultimately leads to complications such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, and other renal disorders. Combining patient metadata with computed tomography (CT) images is essential to accurately and timely diagnosing such complications. Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) have transformed medical fields by providing high accuracy in complex tasks. However, the high computational cost of these models is a significant challenge, particularly in real-time applications. This paper proposed SpinalZFNet, a hybrid deep learning approach that integrates the architectural strengths of Spinal Network (SpinalNet) with the feature extraction capabilities of Zeiler and Fergus Network (ZFNet) to classify kidney disease accurately using CT images. This unique combination enhanced feature analysis, significantly improving classification accuracy while reducing the computational overhead. At first, the acquired CT images are pre-processed using a median filter, and the pre-processed image is segmented using Efficient Neural Network (ENet). Later, the images are augmented, and different features are extracted from the augmented CT images. The extracted features finally classify the kidney disease into normal, tumor, cyst, and stone using the proposed SpinalZFNet model. The SpinalZFNet outperformed other models, with 99.9% sensitivity, 99.5% specificity, precision 99.6%, 99.8% accuracy, and 99.7% F1-Score in classifying kidney disease.

Graphical Abstract
Interactions Between River Floods and Human Activities on Sediment Transport in a Macrotidal Estuary
Authors: Yan Yuhan , Song Dehai , Huang Junbao , Han Yu , Xie Dongfeng , Bao Xianwen
Published: August 2024

River floods and human activities would impact land‐to‐sea sediment transport, which is essential for understanding the evolution of the global sediment cycle in the Anthropocene era. This study focused on investigating how river floods and a dike constructed in 2005 along a river channel influence sediment transport from the Ou River Estuary to the East China Sea. A validated three‐dimensional sediment transport model based on the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model was utilized for this study. The presence of the dike obstructs alongshore currents and fish migrations, leading to negative effects on marine ecology. Therefore, selective dismantling and ecological restoration measures are deemed necessary. Three scenarios were considered in this study: no‐dike, dike‐constructed, and dike‐partially‐removed conditions, along with various types of river floods. The findings indicate that the monthly sediment flux to the sea decreased by 7.7% from 8.11 × 106 to 7.49 × 106 t following dike construction, while the proportion of cross‐shore sediment flux to the total flux increased from 37% to 59%. The dike consistently has a greater impact than river floods in their interactions. However, partially removing the dike reduces its influence and restores sediment transport to pre‐dike levels, the effectiveness of which is more pronounced with more frequent floods, larger volumes, and rising sea levels. This study provides valuable insights into the interplay between river floods and dikes on sediment transport, thereby enhancing our understanding of the repercussions of human interventions on sediment dynamics.
Association Between Prenatal Exposure to Per‐ and Poly‐Fluoroalkyl Substances From Electronic Waste Disassembly Areas and Steroid Hormones in Human Milk Samples
Authors: Li Qiyao , Zhang Yan , Chen Chen , Lou Jianlin , Wang Shenghang , Hang Jin Guo , Nakayama Shoji F. , Kido Teruhiko , Feng Hao , Sun Xian Liang , Shan Jiancong
Published: August 2024

Per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are long‐lasting environmental contaminants that are released into the environment during the e‐waste disassembly process, pose a threat to human health. Human milk is a complex and dynamic mixture of endogenous and exogenous substances, including steroid hormones and PFAS. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the association between PFAS and steroid hormones in human milk from women living close to an e‐waste disassembly area. In 2021, we collected milk samples from 150 mothers within 4 weeks of delivery and analyzed them via liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry to determine the levels of 21 perfluorinated compounds and five steroid hormones (estrone, estriol, testosterone, progesterone, and androstenedione [A‐dione]). We also performed multiple linear regression analysis to clarify the association between maternal PFAS exposure and steroid hormone concentrations. Our results indicated that PFOA and PFOS were positively associated with estrone (β, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08–0.39) and A‐dione (β, 0.186; 95% CI, 0.016–0.357) concentrations in human milk, respectively. Further, the average estimated daily intake of PFOA and PFOS were 36.5 ng/kg bw/day (range, 0.52–291.7 ng/kg bw/day) and 5.21 ng/kg bw/day (range, 0.26–32.3 ng/kg bw/day), respectively. Of concern, the PFAS intake of breastfeeding infants in the study area was higher than the recommended threshold. These findings suggested that prenatal exposure to PFAS from the e‐waste disassembly process can influence steroid hormones levels in human milk. Increased efforts to mitigate mother and infant exposure to environmental pollutants are also required.
Novel fetal phenotype of TAF8 deficiency
Authors: Nadav Golan , Odeh Marwan , Mesika Aviv , Abarbanel Har-Tal Yael , Goldfeld Moshe , Zalatkin Tania , Livoff Alejandro , Khoury Raghad Jeris , Sgayer Inshirah , Ben-Sira Liat , Kalfon Limor , Falik-Zaccai Tzipora C.
Published: August 2024

TAF8 is part of the transcription factor TFIID complex. TFIID is crucial for recruiting the transcription factor complex containing RNA polymerase II. TAF8 deficiency was recently reported as causing a severe neurodevelopmental disorder in eight patients. We have ascertained three Muslim Arab couples with fetal brain malformations. Clinical, imaging, pathological, biochemical, and molecular analyses were performed. Pre-natal ultrasound performed in four pregnancies revealed massive cerebellar atrophy, microcephaly, cerebral and corpus callosum (CC) anomalies. Pre-natal MRI studies of two of the affected fetuses confirmed microcephaly, small vermis, abnormal sulcation pattern with malformation, and shortening of CC. The fetuses were found to carry a novel likely pathogenic homozygous variant (c.45 + 5 G > A) of TAF8, predicted to affect splicing and presenting autosomal recessive inheritance. Post-mortem examinations confirmed the imaging studies in one fetus. Dysmorphic features including hypertelorism, wide nasal bridge, clinodactyly, and hirsutism were present. Western blotting analysis in fibroblasts of an affected fetus demonstrated a significant reduction of TAF8 protein. We determined high expression levels of TAF8 which progressively diminish in fetal brains of WT mice. We report for the first time the fetal presentation of TAF8 deficiency due to a novel genetic variant, and study TAF8 presence during fetal and neonatal periods in mouse brains. Our study may contribute to understanding the role of TAF8 in the developing human brain.
Oxygen vacancy-regulated nanorod array electrodes for boosting the electrocatalytic synthesis of ammonia from nitrate wastewater
Authors: Yang Ziyi , Li Yudong , Liu Dan , Song Maosen , Gao Yang , Yang Bin , He Yanzhen , Han Enshan , Zhang Qiang , Yang Xiaohui
Published: August 2024

Oxygen vacancies and high-density surface exposed sites of nanorod array can effectively improve nitrate conversion rate and ammonia selectivity.
Electrochemically chalcogenative annulation enabled construction of functionalized saturated N-heterocycles
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhao Xinxin , Wang Yijia , Wang Zhihui , Zhang Chunyan , Zong Luyi , Li Wenguang , Li Ting , Chen Ming
Published: August 2024

A highly efficient electrochemical chalcogenative annulation of unactivated alkenes to functionalized saturated N-heterocycles.
Unveiling the importance of catalyst framework and non covalent interactions in an asymmetric Fe-catalyzed O–H insertion: insights from computational tools
Authors: Balhara Reena , Jindal Garima
Published: August 2024

A mechanistic study is carried out to understand the high enantioselectivity in an Fe-catalyzed O–H insertion reaction. Our DFT calculations reveal the importance of non covalent interactions and catalyst framework in the catalyst-enol complex.
Morphology, luminescence and the gravity sedimentation effect of flexible and highly stable CsPbBr3 nanocrystal patterns by the inkjet printing method
Authors: Li Yang , Xu Jiayue , Shen Hui , Shao Xia , Gu Yankai , Zhao Jiahao , Li Yasheng , Gui Yuan
Published: August 2024

Fine and well-defined CsPbBr3 nanocrystals are in situ crystallized within the flexible and transparent PVP matrix, displaying excellent ambient stability.
Rapid polymorphic screening using sessile microdroplets: competitive nucleation of mannitol polymorphs
Authors: Cedeno Ruel , Grossier Romain , Candoni Nadine , Veesler Stéphane
Published: August 2024

Using microdroplets, we developed an approach to rapidly measure the nucleation statistics of polymorphs. It can be useful in the routine screening of pharmaceutical solid forms, and in the study of the competitive nature of polymorphic nucleation.
Amine oxide surfactant-mediated synthesis of plate-based gold nanocrystals with tunable surface wrinkles and their applications in the ethylene glycol oxidation reaction
Authors: Wu Quanlin , Sun Haoyu , Min Yuanyuan , Wang Lixin , Wang Zhihui , Wang Yingying , Zhao Yan , Zheng Yiqun
Published: August 2024

Gold nanoplates with tunable surface wrinkles are prepared using an amine oxide surfactant, showing improved EGOR activity due to enriched uncoordinated active sites.
Green leaching of cold filter cakes using choline chloride–maleic acid deep eutectic solvent and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Behnajady Bahram , Najafi Matin , Karimi Saeid
Published: August 2024

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) represent a novel class of solvents characterized by their favorable biodegradability and compatibility, which have been used for dissolving various metals.
High-valent actinyl (AnO2; An = U, Np and Pu) complexation with TEtraQuinoline (TEQ) ligand – a DFT study
Authors: Jennifer G Abigail , Varathan Elumalai
Published: August 2024

The properties and trends of actinyl (AnO2n+; An = U - Pu, n = 1–3) binding with TEQ ligand.
Realization of hydrogenation-induced superconductivity in two-dimensional Ti2N MXene
Authors: Xue Yamin , Cheng Zebang , Yao Shunwei , Wang Ben , Jiang Jiajun , Peng Lin , Shi Tingting , Chen Jing , Liu Xiaolin , Lin Jia
Published: August 2024

We investigate the stability and superconductivity of hydrogenated Ti2N MXene variants, enhancing our understanding of superconducting behavior in Ti2N MXenes and indicating their potential for strain-tunable superconducting devices.
2500 vibronic eigenstates of the NO3 radical
Authors: Larsson Henrik R. , Viel Alexandra
Published: August 2024

Using state-of-the art tensor network states and coupled neural network potentials, we computed more than 2500 vibronic eigenstates of NO3 to high accuracy, thereby, shining light on so-far unexplored regions in the vibronic spectrum of NO3.
Molecular interactions of photosystem I and ZIF-8 in bio-nanohybrid materials
Authors: Reiter Sebastian , Gordiy Igor , Kollmannsberger Kathrin L. , Liu Feng , Thyrhaug Erling , Leister Dario , Warnan Julien , Hauer Jürgen , de Vivie-Riedle Regina
Published: August 2024

Charge-transfer interactions alter the excited state properties of photosystem I after encapsulation in a metal–organic framework.
Transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective C–N cross-coupling
Authors: Feng Jia , Xi Long-Long , Lu Chuan-Jun , Liu Ren-Rong
Published: August 2024

Enantioselective C–N coupling is considered one of the most efficient protocols for chiral amine synthesis. This review summarizes the established protocols and offers an outlook on the enantioselective C–N cross-coupling reaction.
Extrinsically conducting MOFs: guest-promoted enhancement of electrical conductivity, thin film fabrication and applications
Authors: Saha Rajat , Gómez García Carlos J.
Published: August 2024

We present a review of extrinsically conducting MOFs prepared by insertion of different electroactive guests. The structures, conductivity modulation, paths, guest-MOF interactions, thin film fabrication and applications of ec-MOFs are also presented.
Proteolysis-targeting drug delivery system (ProDDS): integrating targeted protein degradation concepts into formulation design
Authors: Chen Yu , Liu Fengyuan , Pal Samira , Hu Quanyin
Published: August 2024

This review proposes the concept of proteolysis-targeting drug delivery system (ProDDS), surveys the recent research in various ProDDSs, summarizes their design principles, and provides an outlook on future opportunities.
Electrostatic interaction bridges the charge transport kinetics and high-temperature capacitive energy storage performance of polymer dielectrics
Authors: Yang Minhao , Zhao Yanlong , Yan Huarui , Wang Zepeng , Xu Chao , Zhang Chong , Bilotti Emiliano , Li Jianying , Dang Zhi-Min
Published: August 2024

Charge transport in polymer dielectrics can be regulated by constructing a strong electrostatic interaction. Attraction introduces deep traps to restrain charge mobility but repulsion augments the barrier height to scatter the charges.
Molecularly engineered multifunctional imide derivatives for practical Zn metal full cells
Authors: Huang Shengyang , Zhang Peng , Lu Jun , Kim Jun Su , Min Dong Hyun , Byun Jin Suk , Kim Min Ju , Fu Hao , Xiong Peixun , Yoo Pil J. , Li Wenwu , Yu Xu , Qin Xue , Park Ho Seok
Published: August 2024

The molecularly engineered multifunctional additive of H-SU, which effectively modulates both solvated and interfacial structures, was chosen from a family of imide derivatives for practical aqueous Zn metal full cells.
Construction of a self-supporting bifunctional Sn–SnSx electrocatalyst via one-step electrodeposition for formate production from coupled CO2 reduction and glucose oxidation
Authors: Chen Chongyan , Shen Shuguang , Wang Jie , Liu Yongmei , Guo Xingting , Zhang Lili , Li Jing
Published: August 2024

Sn–SnSx is used as a bifunctional electrode in a CO2RR//GOR coupling system, producing formate simultaneously at both the cathode and anode. This system combines the two pathways “CO2–HCOO−” and “CO2–C6H12O6–HCOO−”.
Direct capture of low-concentration CO2 and selective hydrogenation to CH4 over Al2O3-supported Ni–La dual functional materials
Authors: Tatsumichi Tomotaka , Okuno Rei , Hashimoto Hideki , Namiki Norikazu , Maeno Zen
Published: August 2024

La-modified Al2O3-supported Ni nanoparticles were developed as effective dual functional materials for direct capture of low-concentration CO2 and selective hydrogenation to CH4 under mild reaction conditions.
Insight into the interface chemical stability of the solid electrolyte Li1/2La1/2TiO3 and the Li/Li–In alloy anode
Authors: Zhao Qing-Shan , Wei Cheng-Dong , Hu Yu-xia , Xue Hong-Tao , Tang Fu-Ling
Published: August 2024

The LLTO|LiIn2 interface exhibits a reduced binding affinity of Li+ with the surrounding oxygen atoms compared to the LLTO|Li interface, resulting in a lower diffusion barrier and facilitating efficient Li+ transport.
Production and characterization of a collagen-blended electrospun nanofiber matrix for arginase immobilization
Authors: Işık Ceyhun , Teke Mustafa
Published: August 2024

Enzyme immobilization onto nanofiber matrices presents a promising avenue for various biotechnological applications.
Rate constants for H-atom abstraction by HOO˙ from H-donor compounds of antioxidant relevance
Authors: Foti Mario C. , Rocco Concetta , Jin Zongxin , Amorati Riccardo
Published: August 2024

Autoxidation of γ-terpinene with the formation of HOO˙ radicals, which are quenched by a variety of antioxidants with weak O–H bonds.
Synthesis of 3′H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,1′-isobenzofuran]-2,5-dien-4-one and Skeleton construction of a type D spirobisnaphthalene structure via dearomatization by a high-valence iodine reagent and Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Ma Haoyun , An Xinkun , Zhang Tingting , He Xie , Li Yiyi , Wang Mingan
Published: August 2024

The core skeleton syntheses of 3′H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,1′-isobenzofuran]-2,5-dien-4-one 3 were explored. Then, two key skeleton molecules (5ah and 6d) were successfully constructed in 78% and 39% overall yields.
Calcium-mediated zoledronate loading onto carbon nanohorns
Authors: Nakamura Maki , Yamamoto Yumiko , Zhang Minfang , Ueda Katsuya , Aoki Kaoru , Saito Naoto , Yudasaka Masako
Published: August 2024

Zoledronate-loaded carbon nanocomposites, which strongly suppressed cell viability and osteoclast differentiation, were fabricated by using calcium ions.
Synthesis of unsymmetrical phosphorus disulfides
Authors: Ash Jeffrey , Kang Jun Yong
Published: August 2024

Synthesis of unsymmetrical phosphorus disulfides employing (EtO)2P(O)SH has been developed under mild reaction conditions.
Interplay of mitochondrial calcium signalling and reactive oxygen species production in the brain
Authors: Angelova Plamena R. , Abramov Andrey Y.
Published: August 2024

Intracellular communication and regulation in brain cells is controlled by the ubiquitous Ca2+ and by redox signalling. Both of these independent signalling systems regulate most of the processes in cells including the cell surviving mechanism or cell death. In physiology Ca2+ can regulate and trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by various enzymes and in mitochondria but ROS could also transmit redox signal to calcium levels via modification of calcium channels or phospholipase activity. Changes in calcium or redox signalling could lead to severe pathology resulting in excitotoxicity or oxidative stress. Interaction of the calcium and ROS is essential to trigger opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore — the initial step of apoptosis, Ca2+ and ROS-induced oxidative stress involved in necrosis and ferroptosis. Here we review the role of redox signalling and Ca2+ in cytosol and mitochondria in the physiology of brain cells — neurons and astrocytes and how this integration can lead to pathology, including ischaemia injury and neurodegeneration.
Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Speech Therapy for /ɹ/: A Single-Case Experimental Study
Authors: Benway Nina R. , Preston Jonathan L.
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

This feasibility trial describes changes in rhotic production in residual speech sound disorder following ten 40-min sessions including artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted motor-based intervention with ChainingAI, a version of Speech Motor Chaining that predicts clinician perceptual judgment using the PERCEPT-R Classifier (Perceptual Error Rating for the Clinical Evaluation of Phonetic Targets). The primary purpose is to evaluate /ɹ/ productions directly after practice with ChainingAI versus directly before ChainingAI and to evaluate how the overall AI-assisted treatment package may lead to perceptual improvement in /ɹ/ productions compared to a no-treatment baseline phase.

Method:

Five participants ages 10;7–19;3 (years;months) who were stimulable for /ɹ/ participated in a multiple (no-treatment)-baseline ABA single-case experiment. Prepractice activities were led by a human clinician, and drill-based motor learning practice was automated by ChainingAI. Study outcomes were derived from masked expert listener perceptual ratings of /ɹ/ from treated and untreated utterances recorded during baseline, treatment, and posttreatment sessions.

Results:

Listeners perceived significantly more rhoticity in practiced utterances after 30 min of ChainingAI, without a clinician, than directly before ChainingAI. Three of five participants showed significant generalization of /ɹ/ to untreated words during the treatment phase compared to the no-treatment baseline. All five participants demonstrated statistically significant generalization of /ɹ/ to untreated words from pretreatment to posttreatment. PERCEPT-clinician rater agreement (i.e., F1 score) was largely within the range of human–human agreement for four of five participants. Survey data indicated that parents and participants felt hybrid computerized–clinician service delivery could facilitate at-home practice.

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence of participant improvement for /ɹ/ in untreated words in response to an AI-assisted treatment package. The continued development of AI-assisted treatments may someday mitigate barriers precluding access to sufficiently intense speech therapy for individuals with speech sound disorders.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.26662807
Risk quantification using skewed distributions: An application to the South African Financial Index (J580)
Authors: Shongwe Sandile Charles , Paulse Nasreen Ammaarah , Malumane Lesego Edith
Published: August 2024

This study assesses the reproducibility of a recent publication on the risk quantification of the South African Financial Index (J580) using skewed distributions. That is, four skewed distributions (Burr, exponential, gamma and Weibull) are fitted to the returns (split into losses and gains) of the J580 dataset. In this paper, we redo the analysis in an effort to highlight some of the quantifiable differences in the values of the descriptives, goodness-of-fit and risk measures for all four distributions. In addition, other goodness-of-fit tests are computed for all four distributions to check consistency, and based on this extension, it is observed that the Weibull is a better model for gains due to a majority of the goodness-of-fit test inferring that and yields better risk measures. Finally, the Burr distribution is recommended for losses as it better captures the heavy tail of the loss returns.
The Influence of Financial Development on Ecological Footprint: A Panel Quantile Regression Modelling in OECD Countries
Authors: Lee Hui Shan , Kuang Kee Seng , Lee Sin Yee , Low Choon Wei , Ooi Bee Chen
Published: August 2024

In the competitive landscape where Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations vie for investments and strive to maintain competitiveness, financial development, becomes a crucial factor not only in resource allocation but also in shaping the ecological footprint. The complex and varied nature of the relationship between financial development and ecological footprint in OECD nations may be oversimplified by conventional linear regression models. This study aims to model the effects of financial development on the ecological footprint of OECD countries using panel quantile regression. Analysing a sample of 36 countries within the OECD from 1995 to 2021 using a panel quantile regression framework with distributional heterogeneity, the study reveals a U-shape relationship between financial development and ecological footprint when the countries with high ecological footprint. Policymakers may promote eco-friendly financial practices, integrate green finance principles, and develop policies to manage environmental consequences of financial development. The originality of this research is evident in highlighting that the influence of financial development on ecological footprint differs among countries, contingent on their specific ecological footprint levels. This is achieved through the application of a panel quantile regression approach, providing policymakers with valuable insights.
Prediction of residential property prices using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Oh Sing Yee , Hang See Pheng , Wang Jasmine Thye Wei
Published: August 2024

Residential property prices prediction is essential for evaluating market value and identifying over-pricing or under-pricing. This study investigates the performance of various machine learning algorithms, including Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) in predicting residential property prices. The study performs exploratory data analysis and principal components analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of the variables and extract the most useful variables affecting terrace house prices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A publicly available dataset is used for training and testing the algorithms, with a 70:30 proportion after pre-processing procedures. Performance indicators such as Kappa statistics, r-squared, Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) are used to evaluate the algorithms. The results show that RF outperforms DT and MLP, achieving the highest accuracy score of 85.82%, and highest Kappa statistics of 0.8307. The study also finds that the predicted data by RF algorithm are reliable from the train set. After performing exploratory data analysis and PCA, RF-PCA demonstrated the best performance in residential property price prediction, with an r-squared value of 0.7497, the lowest values of MAE (0.6091), MAPE (19.23%), and RMSE (1.066) compared to DT-PCA and MLP-PCA.
Langzeitfolgen der Corona-Pandemie am Beispiel einer Oberschule
Authors: Dörr Jan-Eric
Published: August 2024

Die Zeit der Corona-Pandemie war zweifellos für sämtliche Bevölkerungsgruppen herausfordernd, insbesondere jedoch für die Jüngsten. Als Oberschullehrer in einer sächsischen Kleinstadt erlebe ich im täglichen Umgang mit meinen Schülern, wie tiefgreifend diese Erfahrung sie bis heute geprägt hat. Der folgende Text ist eine Sammlung subjektiver Beobachtungen und erhebt nicht den Anspruch einer wissenschaftlichen Analyse.
Liebe und Sexualität in Zeiten von Internet und Künstlicher
Intelligenz
Authors: Döring Nicola
Published: August 2024

Die Mehrzahl der Menschen in Deutschland nutzt heute digitale Kommunikationstechnik auch in romantischen
und erotischen Kontexten: Dating-Apps, digitale und KI-generierte Pornografien, Online-Angebote der
sexuellen Bildung und Beratung, KI-gestützte Chatbots und Sexroboter sind nur einige Beispiele. Der
Beitrag wägt ab, inwiefern diese technischen Entwicklungen soziale Nähe und Kommunikationsfähigkeit
unterstützen oder untergraben.
Beziehungswelten heute – Informationen, Anlaufstellen und Hilfe im Internet
Authors: Abert Sabine
Published: August 2024

Moderne Beziehungswelten unterliegen verschiedensten Einflüssen, darunter auch die zunehmende Digitalisierung und Globalisierung. Im Internet finden sich zahlreiche Informationen und Hilfsangebote zu Themen wie Sexualität, Paarbeziehung, Familie, Einsamkeit und Integration, die diese Strömungen aufgreifen.
Das Schweizer Klauengesundheitsprojekt – eine Zwischenbilanz nach 5
Jahren
Authors: Syring Claudia , Ruiters Maria Welham , Weber Jim , Fürmann Andreas , Sarbach Analena , Steiner Adrian
Published: August 2024

Gegenstand und ZielDas Schweizer Klauengesundheitsprojekt (SKGP) begann am
1.1.2019 und dauert 8 Jahre. Die Hauptziele des SKGP sind (a) die digitale
Erhebung von Klauengesundheitsdaten bei Rindern in der Schweiz im Rahmen der
Klauenpflege durch 100 gewerbsmäßig arbeitende Klauenpfleger, (b) die
Erarbeitung von Klauengesundheitskonzepten, (c) die Verbesserung der
Klauengesundheit bei Rindern in der Schweiz, (d) die Erarbeitung von Zuchtwerten
für Klauengesundheit und (e) die Reduktion des Einsatzes von Antibiotika zur
Bekämpfung von Klauengesundheitsproblemen.

Material und Methoden Die Datenerhebung erfolgte digital durch 45
Klauenpfleger, welche vorgängig das Fortbildungsprogramm zur Befundung und
digitalen Dokumentation gemäß ICAR Atlas der Klauengesundheit erfolgreich
abgeschlossen hatten. Für die Datenspeicherung wurde die nationale
Tiergesundheitsdatenbank weiterentwickelt. Tierhaltungsbetrieben mit ungünstiger
Klauengesundheit wurde eine Betriebsanalyse mit anschließenden jährlichen
Betreuungsbesuchen angeboten.

Ergebnisse Bis am Ende des 5. Projektjahres sind insgesamt 1155 Tierhalter
dem Projekt beigetreten. Die Klauengesundheitsdaten von 149753 Klauenpflegen auf
Tierebene wurden gespeichert und 176 Besuche und Analysen von Betrieben mit
Klauengesundheitsproblemen durchgeführt. Ein Gesundheitskonzept für
mechanisch-metabolisch assoziierte Klauenprobleme wurde erarbeitet und
erfolgreich etabliert. Die Biosicherheitsmaßnahmen anlässlich der Klauenpflege
wurden analysiert und eine Broschüre mit Empfehlungen für Klauenpfleger
erarbeitet. Risikofaktoren für das Vorkommen von Dermatitis Digitalis in
Milchviehbetrieben wurden identifiziert. Die Prävalenz von Alarmerkrankungen ist
in den Projektjahren 2 bis 4 bei den beteiligten Betrieben signifikant
gesunken.

Schlussfolgerungen Die wissenschaftliche Projektbegleitung erwies sich als
äußerst sinnvoll, da der Projektfortschritt kontinuierlich verfolgt und neue
Fragestellungen zeitnah angegangen werden konnten. Digital erfasste Befunde
während der Betriebsklauenpflege sind essenziell für die Überwachung und
Verbesserung der Klauengesundheit.

Klinische Relevanz Die Beschreibung und kritische Beurteilung der
Vorgehensweise kann von anderen Konsortien, welche ein ähnliches Projekt planen,
genutzt werden.
Wundversorgung – ein Lehrthema mit Potenzial
Authors: Erfurt-Berge Cornelia
Published: August 2024

Die Behandlung von Menschen mit chronischen Wunden ist Bestandteil der dermatologischen Grundversorgung. Mit zunehmendem Alter steigt die Prävalenz chronischer Wunden an und so ist auch zukünftig ein Zuwachs an Patienten zu erwarten. Gleichzeitig zeichnet sich das Thema Wundmanagement als Paradebeispiel für die interdisziplinäre und auch interprofessionelle Patientenversorgung aus und kann damit in vielen Fachdisziplinen als Unterrichtsthema aufgegriffen werden. Dem zukünftig als Hausarzt oder Hausärztin tätigen Studierenden kommt später eine Lotsenrolle zu und er muss in der Lage sein, den Patienten rechtzeitig zu den notwendigen Fachdisziplinen für Diagnostik und Therapie weiter zu verweisen. Eine chronische Wunde als Komorbidität kann in allen Fachdisziplinen auftreten und bedarf einer korrekten Basisversorgung. Die Dermatologie deckt im Bereich Wundmanagement nicht nur den phlebologischen Versorgungskreis mit ab, sondern hat gerade in der Diagnostik seltenerer Ursachen chronischer Wunden eine Schlüsselrolle. Die Indikationsstellung und Durchführung weiterführender Diagnostik wie bspw. eine histologische Untersuchung einer tiefen Gewebeprobe kann Teil einer Lerneinheit für viele dermatologische Krankheitsbilder sein, die sich mit einer Ulzeration als Symptom darstellen. Es bieten sich somit viele didaktische Möglichkeiten, das Thema in eine Lehreinheit zu integrieren. Neben kognitiven Lernzielen zur Pathophysiologie und Differenzialdiagnostik chronischer Wunden können praktische Kompetenzen wie Anlegen von Verbänden, Sonografie oder Debridementverfahren vermittelt werden. Auch affektive Lernziele können in den Bereichen Versorgung von Menschen mit chronischen Erkrankungen oder Umsetzung präventiver Maßnahmen in Lehrpläne integriert werden.
Anxiety in Endometriosis Patients: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Kupec Tomas , Caspers Rebecca , Meyer-Wilmes Philipp , Najjari Laila , Stickeler Elmar , Wittenborn Julia
Published: August 2024

Endometriosis is a chronic disease associated with pain that affects at least 10% of all women of reproductive age. The symptoms of endometriosis have a negative impact on quality of life; they limit the patient physically and psychologically and are the cause of significant anxiety. The aim of our study was to investigate the anxiety levels of women presenting to our specialized endometriosis outpatient clinic at the RWTH Aachen University Hospital. We sought to record their anxiety symptoms and investigate the effect of extensive counseling on anxiety in patients with endometriosis. We hypothesized that detailed counseling and the planning of multimodal endometriosis therapy would reduce anxiety.

Data from 183 patients with lower abdominal pain or suspected endometriosis were analyzed. Prior to the examination, the patients completed a standardized anamnesis form including the German version of the STAI (State Trait Anxiety Inventory). The diagnosis of endometriosis was made in accordance with the recent ESHRE guideline and was based on anamnesis, gynecological examination, and ultrasound by a specialist senior physician with many years of experience in treating endometriosis.

Prior to the medical examination, we observed a mean STAI-State score of 48.44 ± 11.56 and STAI-Trait score 45.68 ± 11.27. Following medical examination and planning of multimodal therapy, there was a significant decrease in the mean STAI-State score from 48.44 ± 11.56 to 42.43 ± 10.01 (p < 0.0001) and a minimal but significant decrease in the mean STAI-Trait score from 45.68 ± 11.27 to 45.01 ± 11.57 (p < 0.05).

Our study showed that endometriosis is associated with high levels of anxiety. Detailed counseling and the planning of a multimodal therapy led to a significant improvement in anxiety levels.
Thymom bei einer jung-adulten Katze
Authors: Masche Anja , Bartels Kimberly , Mangelsdorf-Ziera Susanne , Schmerbach Kay , Gruber Achim D. , Hergt Franziska
Published: August 2024

Thymome und mediastinale Lymphome sind die häufigsten mediastinalen Neoplasien
der Katze. Während das mediastinale Lymphom vornehmlich bei jüngeren Katzen
(etwa 2 bis 4 Jahre) vorkommt, werden Thymome fast ausschließlich bei älteren
Katzen diagnostiziert. Dass das jedoch nicht zwingend immer zutrifft, zeigt der
folgende Fall.

Ein 3 Jahre und 11 Monate alter, kastrierter Europäisch-Kurzhaar-Kater wurde mit
dem Vorbericht einer Belastungsintoleranz und erschwerter Atmung vorgestellt.
Beide Symptome traten vor allem bei hoher Umgebungstemperatur auf.
Röntgenologisch zeigte sich eine mediastinale Masse, die die Brusthöhle zu einem
erheblichen Anteil ausfüllte. Es wurde eine computertomografische Untersuchung
sowie eine ultraschallgestützte TruCut-Biopsie durchgeführt. Die histologische
Untersuchung ergab den Verdacht auf das Vorliegen eines Thymoms. Es erfolgte
eine sternale Thorakotomie und Resektion der Umfangsvermehrung. Die nachfolgende
histopathologische Untersuchung bestätigte die Verdachtsdiagnose eines
mediastinalen Thymoms. Der Kater erholte sich postoperativ gut und wurde nach
Hause entlassen. Eine klinische und röntgenologische Kontrolluntersuchung war
nach 8 Monaten unauffällig.
Gene Mutations in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Advances in Treatment and Mechanism Research
Authors: Cao Lei , Tian Wencong , Zhao Yongjie , Song Peng , Zhao Jia , Wang Chuntao , Liu Yanhong , Fang Hong , Liu Xingqiang
Published: August 2024

Although gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has been reported in patients of all ages, its diagnosis is more common in elders. The two most common types of mutation, receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor a (PDGFRA) mutations, hold about 75 and 15% of GISTs cases, respectively. Tumors without KIT or PDGFRA mutations are known as wild type (WT)-GISTs, which takes up for 15% of all cases. WT-GISTs have other genetic alterations, including mutations of the succinate dehydrogenase and serine–threonine protein kinase BRAF and neurofibromatosis type 1. Other GISTs without any of the above genetic mutations are named “quadruple WT” GISTs. More types of rare mutations are being reported. These mutations or gene fusions were initially thought to be mutually exclusive in primary GISTs, but recently it has been reported that some of these rare mutations coexist with KIT or PDGFRA mutations. The treatment and management differ according to molecular subtypes of GISTs. Especially for patients with late-stage tumors, developing a personalized chemotherapy regimen based on mutation status is of great help to improve patient survival and quality of life. At present, imatinib mesylate is an effective first-line drug for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic recurrent GISTs, but how to overcome drug resistance is still an important clinical problem. The effectiveness of other drugs is being further evaluated. The progress in the study of relevant mechanisms also provides the possibility to develop new targets or new drugs.
Therapie auf Augenhöhe fördert die Compliance – die 5 Stufen des Shared Decision
Making
Authors: Höller Thune
Published: August 2024

Die ICF-Faktoren Aktivität und Partizipation spielen eine zentrale Rolle in der modernen Physiotherapie.
Doch wie gelingt die Partizipation innerhalb der Therapie? Tatsächlich sollten Patient*innen bereits in
der Anamnese an ihrer Rehabilitation teilhaben und Behandlungsziele selbst formulieren. Das Konzept ist
bekannt unter Shared Decision Making (SDM).
Current controllers for optimizing laser cooling on cold atom experiments
Authors: Sabulsky D. O.
Published: August 2024

The design of a single chip current source based on a common power operational amplifier is presented and demonstrated for the purpose of controlling applied magnetic fields using bias/shim electromagnets in cold atom experiments. The efficacy of the design is realized via application to red-detuned polarization-gradient cooling of 87Rb down to 3 μK. Furthermore, we demonstrate Raman spectroscopy using these devices to apply current and so generate a precise, accurate, and reproducible magnetic field. This work is intended as a short tutorial for new graduate students and postdocs of laser cooling and trapping.
Simulation of hemispherical cathode-based linear plasma propulsion device upgrade
Authors: Abdel-kader M. E.
Published: August 2024

Electromagnetic plasma propulsion is generated by the linear plasma propulsion (LPP) apparatus. The LPP device is upgraded to operate and simulate at a maximum energy of 5.4 kJ. The cathode's cylindrical upper portion is changed into a hemispherical shape as part of the upgrading process to boost the current sheath (CS) acceleration. According to the model, the CS moves in the z-direction with a linear velocity while moving in the θ-direction with an angular velocity. When the plasma is squeezed and compressed, it is driven through the extension tube. The model describes the CS motion, its characteristics, and the propelled plasma using four phases: an axial, an angular radial, a reflected, and an expansion phases. The simulated Ith and experimental Iex current signals were compared to prove the validity of the model assumption, where the values of Ith and Iex were 89.7 and 88 kA, respectively. According to the results, as the motion angle increases in the angular radial phase, the CS compresses, elongates, and is forced into the extension tube. The results showed that the peaks of both plasma inductance, velocity, temperature, and propelled plasma length were 36.3 nH, 6.36 cm/μs, 6.72 eV, and 3.22 cm, respectively.
Morphological control of bundled actin networks subject to fixed-mass depletion
Authors: Clarke James , Melcher Lauren , Crowell Anne D. , Cavanna Francis , Houser Justin R. , Graham Kristin , Green Allison M. , Stachowiak Jeanne C. , Truskett Thomas M. , Milliron Delia J. , Rosales Adrianne M. , Das Moumita , Alvarado José
Published: August 2024

Depletion interactions are thought to significantly contribute to the organization of intracellular structures in the crowded cytosol. The strength of depletion interactions depends on physical parameters such as the depletant number density and the depletant size ratio. Cells are known to dynamically regulate these two parameters by varying the copy number of proteins of a wide distribution of sizes. However, mammalian cells are also known to keep the total protein mass density remarkably constant, to within 0.5% throughout the cell cycle. We thus ask how the strength of depletion interactions varies when the total depletant mass is held fixed, a.k.a. fixed-mass depletion. We answer this question via scaling arguments, as well as by studying depletion effects on networks of reconstituted semiflexible actin in silico and in vitro. We examine the maximum strength of the depletion interaction potential U∗ as a function of q, the size ratio between the depletant and the matter being depleted. We uncover a scaling relation U∗ ∼ qζ for two cases: fixed volume fraction φ and fixed mass density ρ. For fixed volume fraction, we report ζ < 0. For the fixed mass density case, we report ζ > 0, which suggests that the depletion interaction strength increases as the depletant size ratio is increased. To test this prediction, we prepared our filament networks at fixed mass concentrations with varying sizes of the depletant molecule poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). We characterize the depletion interaction strength in our simulations via the mesh size. In experiments, we observe two distinct actin network morphologies, which we call weakly bundled and strongly bundled. We identify a mass concentration where different PEG depletant sizes lead to weakly bundled or strongly bundled morphologies. For these conditions, we find that the mesh size and intra-bundle spacing between filaments across the different morphologies do not show significant differences, while the dynamic light scattering relaxation time and storage modulus between the two states do show significant differences. Our results demonstrate the ability to tune actin network morphology and mechanics by controlling depletant size and give insights into depletion interaction mechanisms under the fixed-depletant-mass constraint relevant to living cells.
Mie scattering theory applied to light scattering of large nonhomogeneous colloidal spheres
Authors: Balderas-Cabrera Christian , Castillo Rolando
Published: August 2024

Colloidal suspensions made of smart core–shell structures are of current interest in many fields. Their properties come from the possibility of varying the core and shell materials for modifying the composite particles’ chemical, biological, and optical properties. These particles are formed with a material with a constant refractive index core and a shell with a refractive index decaying until it matches the solvent refractive index. Poly(N-IsoPropyl AcrylaMide) (PNIPAM) is a typical example of materials forming shells. In this report, we present how to apply Mie scattering theory to predict and understand the static light scattering of large nonhomogeneous colloidal particles with spherical symmetry whose size is comparable with or larger than the light wavelength used for developing scattering experiments, where the Rayleigh–Gans–Debye approximation is not valid. Here, the refractive index decay was approximated by a Gaussian RI profile numerically evaluated through a multilayer sphere. We calculated the form factor functions of suspensions of PNIPAM microgels previously reported and core–shell suspensions made of polystyrene/PNIPAM at 20 and 40 °C synthesized by us. In all the cases, our method succeeded in providing the scattering intensity as a function of the angle. The software for using the numerical method is fairly straightforward and is accessible as an open-source code. The results can not only help predict and understand the photonic properties of microgels with large core–shell structures but also for any particle with a refractive index distribution with spherical symmetry, as in the case of microgels with super chaotropic agents, hollow microgels, or microparticles.
Derivative learning of tensorial quantities—Predicting finite temperature infrared spectra from first principles
Authors: Schmiedmayer Bernhard , Kresse Georg
Published: August 2024

We develop a strategy that integrates machine learning and first-principles calculations to achieve technically accurate predictions of infrared spectra. In particular, the methodology allows one to predict infrared spectra for complex systems at finite temperatures. The method’s effectiveness is demonstrated in challenging scenarios, such as the analysis of water and the organic–inorganic halide perovskite MAPbI3, where our results consistently align with experimental data. A distinctive feature of the methodology is the incorporation of derivative learning, which proves indispensable for obtaining accurate polarization data in bulk materials and facilitates the training of a machine learning surrogate model of the polarization adapted to rotational and translational symmetries. We achieve polarization prediction accuracies of about 1% for the water dimer by training only on the predicted Born effective charges.
Energy conservation analysis and formation control of multi-tadpoles based on lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Li Ao , Xu Du-Chang , Xu Yuan-Qing
Published: August 2024

Tadpole swimming is a common swimming form in nature, but there are only few studies on the swimming properties of tadpoles and tadpole groups. This paper focuses on the control and energy consumption during tadpole swimming and studies the swimming formation suitable for the tadpole group based on their hydrodynamic properties. First, based on the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method and tadpole model proposed in our previous studies, the swimming control strategy of tadpoles based on incremental proportional–integral–derivative control is proposed. Then, the influence of control quantity on tadpole swimming is analyzed, and the control thresholds are set to realize the stable swimming control of tadpoles. Furthermore, through energy analysis of the pairs of tadpoles at different lateral distances, phase differences, and horizontal distances, we found the reduction of tadpole lateral distance has a slight effect on energy-savings. It is the energy-efficient mode for swimming pairs of adjacent tadpoles, when the longitudinal distance is one body length and the phase difference is 5π/3. In addition, under different longitudinal distances, the phase difference for energy efficiency of tadpoles is also different, but it shows a periodicity. Finally, the study results were extended to a formation of three or four tadpoles for verification. Our research will provide a mechanical reference for studying tadpole swarm swimming and for the design and control of tadpole-like robots.
Silver-induced layer exchange and crystallization of a-Si films investigated using in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Yadav Surbhi , Birajdar B. I. , Kraschewski S. M. , Apeleo Zubiri B. , Antesberger T. , Stutzmann M. , Spiecker E.
Published: August 2024

Ag-induced crystallization and layer exchange (AgILE) in a stack of amorphous Si/Ag/quartz substrate has been investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning TEM-high angle annular dark field (STEM-HAADF) imaging, and electron tomography, covering length scales from a few tens of micrometers to a few tens of nanometers. The size of Ag grains in the underlying as-deposited Ag film varied from ∼10 to 500 nm. The following processes could be discerned using in situ heating of plan-view samples at 500 °C in STEM: (i) AgILE propagation preferentially along regions of small Ag grains, (ii) formation of pushed-up Ag in the vicinity of AgILE reaction cells, (iii) migration and agglomeration of pushed-up Ag on small and large Ag grains, which tend to inhibit AgILE and promote dendricity, and (iv) dispersion of pushed-up Ag, which tend to reduce dendricity. The resulting dendricity was largely confined to the peripheral regions of the impinging reaction cells and decreased with annealing time. In contrast, dendricity due to AgILE and crystallization at 550 °C is stable and extends right from the center to the periphery of the reaction cells. The microscopic mechanism of AgILE and, in particular, the effect of annealing temperature is investigated. The results are discussed in the light of existing literature and compared with Al-induced layer exchange. Annealing at temperature equal to or slightly less than 500 °C is found to be necessary in the case of AgILE to avoid dendricity and to obtain a continuous Si layer with large Si grains.