bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemo‐rheological and quantitative dispersion analysis of mass‐produced graphene‐unsaturated polyester based nanocomposites
Authors: Mazaheri Karvandian Farnaz , Phillips David‐Michael , Myzeqari Emi , Hubert Pascal
Published: April 2024

Recent advancements in mass production of graphene powders utilize less energy‐intensive methods and milder chemicals compared to traditional lab‐scale techniques. This can influence the properties of the resulting graphene particles. This study investigates the effect of mass‐produced graphene powder on the curing and rheological properties of a resin transfer molding (RTM) grade unsaturated polyester resin. An objective dispersion quantification method was established to track the dispersion state of the nanocomposite throughout the curing process. The findings reveal that the graphene powder accelerated the curing evidenced by a shift in the peak temperature and gel point towards lower values. The sample containing 1 wt.% graphene exhibited remarkable dispersion stability with only 7.1% decrease by gelation. The resin matrix's low viscosity enhanced graphene particles mobility, while its fast‐curing nature allowed less time for agglomeration.

Highlights

Characterization of unsaturated polyester nanocomposites modified with an industrial‐grade graphene powder

Real‐time in‐situ monitoring of graphene's dispersion state

Quantification dispersion analysis for an objective dispersion assessment
Improved crystallization capability and mechanical properties of poly(l‐lactide) achieved by tailoring the grafted chain structure on graphene oxide
Authors: Zeng Zhu , Feng Mai , Chen Jie , Sun De‐xiang , Yang Jing‐hui , Qi Xiao‐dong , Wang Yong
Published: April 2024

Interfacial interaction is crucial in modulating the microscopic morphology and macroscopic properties of composites. Generally, grafting polymer molecular chains on nanoparticles is an approach for enhancing the interfacial interaction, but the dependence of enhancement degree on molecular chain structure is not clear. In this work, nanosheets were obtained by grafting poly(d‐lactide) (PDLA) and poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) molecular chains onto graphene oxide (GO), respectively, then PLLA‐based composites containing shallow loading (0.3 wt%) were obtained by melt‐blending. The findings indicated that grafting PDLA on the GO was more efficacious in enhancing the crystallization capability of PLLA, and the mechanism was primarily owing to stronger interfacial binding energy between the PLLA matrix and GO‐g‐PDLA, which was approximately 1.5 times that of the PLLA/GO‐g‐PLLA composite. Compared to the GO‐g‐PLLA nanosheets, GO‐g‐PDLA nanosheets exhibited apparent strengthening and toughening effect, and the composite sample exhibited significantly improved tensile strength and tensile ductility, with a respective increase of 21.5% and 52.2% compared with pure PLLA sample, respectively. Furthermore, all composite films (90 μm) maintain high transmittance close to 80%. This work further confirms that enhancing the interfacial binding energy by grafting PDLA molecular chains on nanoparticles is advantageous for enhancing both the crystallization and mechanical characteristics of the PLLA‐based composites.

Highlights

GO‐g‐PDLA and GO‐g‐PLLA were successfully synthesized.

GO‐g‐PDLA showed more apparent nucleation effect in PLLA crystallization.

GO‐g‐PDLA showed higher interfacial binding energy compared with GO‐g‐PLLA.

Synchronously strengthening and toughening were achieved for PLLA/GO‐g‐PDLA.
Metabolomic analysis reveals the changing trend and differential markers of volatile and nonvolatile components of Artemisiae argyi with different aging years
Authors: Zhang Lixian , Wang Xuefang , Wang Wei , Ning Erjuan , Chen Ling , Li Zhining , Yu Liqin , Li Xiao , Zong Wei
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Artemisia argyi Folium (AAF) is a traditional medicinal herb and edible plant. Analyzing the differential metabolites that affect the efficacy of AAF with different aging years is necessary.

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the changing trend and differential markers of volatile and nonvolatile metabolites of AAF from different aging years, which are necessary for application in clinical medicine.

Methodology

Metabolites were analyzed using a widely targeted metabolomic approach based on ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS).

Results

A total of 153 volatile metabolites and 159 nonvolatile metabolites were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) could clearly distinguish AAF aged for 1 year (AF‐1), 3 years (AF‐3), and 5 years (AF‐5). Seven flavonoids and nine terpenoids were identified as biomarkers for tracking the aging years.

Conclusions

The metabolomic method provided an effective strategy for tracking and identifying biomarkers of AAF from different aging years. This study laid the foundation for analysis of the biological activity of Artemisia argyi with different aging years.
Screening psychological symptoms in Filipino university students during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Translation and structural validation of the Filipino version of the DASS‐21
Authors: Aruta John Jamir Benzon R. , Mateo Niño Jose , Resurreccion Ron R. , Galanza Meniah Ann Martha C. , Bernardo Allan B. I.
Published: April 2024

Culturally appropriate tools are necessary to aid in objective screening for psychological symptoms among students in university settings. This study aimed to translate and validate the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21). The instrument underwent forward translation and was reviewed by representatives from the target population, field experts, and an external auditor. The translated version of the DASS‐21, together with the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I‐PANAS‐SF), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), was administered to 681 university students. Through confirmatory factor analysis, results supported the intercorrelated three‐factor model with correlated errors for the DASS‐21 Filipino. Results also demonstrated the criterion validity of the depression and anxiety subscales through significant correlations with PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7, respectively, and a stringent z‐score test to examine the difference between two dependent correlations with one variable in common. The convergent validity of all three subscales was established through significant correlations with I‐PANAS‐SF and SWLS. All DASS‐21 Filipino subscales which includes depression (α = .89), anxiety (α = .84), and stress (α = .85), showed high internal consistency. The current findings offer initial evidence on the structural validity of the DASS‐21 Filipino, which can be utilized as a tool to screen for depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Filipino speakers during a global health crisis. Implications for psychological assessment and school and clinical interventions are discussed.
Green Synthesis and Antimicrobial Study on Jujube Seed Extract Functionalized Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Fan Jiashen , Song Han , Liu Shengkai , Chen Boyu , Fu Yujie , Liu Zhiguo
Published: April 2024

Green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using the plant extract is a very important strategy to gain efficient antimicrobial agents with strong antimicrobial activity and low toxicity. In this study, jujube seed extract (JSE) is utilized to green synthesis of AgNPs by both hydrothermal process and solution‐based approaches. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra confirm that jujube seed extract functionalized Ag nanoparticles are formed by both approaches and jujube seed extract covered on the surface of Ag nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicate that the JSE‐AgNPs are spherical with the average diameter of 17.7 and 14.2 nm for the hydrothermal process and solution‐based approaches, respectively. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the JSE‐AgNPs prepared by both approaches have face‐centered cubic crystal structure. The antimicrobial activity test reveals that minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of JSE‐AgNPs by the solution‐based method are 62.5, 125, and 62.5 µg mL−1 against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, respectively. These results imply that the JSE‐AgNPs have potential to be developed as efficient antimicrobial agents.
Serine proteinase inhibitors from Nicotiana benthamiana, a nonpreferred host plant, inhibit the growth of Myzus persicae (green peach aphid)
Authors: Feng Honglin , Jander Georg
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) is a severe agricultural crop pest that has developed resistance to most current control methods, requiring the urgent development of novel strategies. Plant proteinase inhibitors (PINs) are small proteins that protect plants against pathogens and/or herbivores, likely by preventing efficient protein digestion.

RESULTS

We identified 67 protease genes in the transcriptomes of three M. persicae lineages (USDA‐Red, G002 and G006). Comparison of gene expression levels in aphid guts and whole aphids showed that several proteases, including a highly expressed serine protease, are significantly overexpressed in the guts. Furthermore, we identified three genes encoding serine protease inhibitors (SerPIN‐II1, 2 and 3) in Nicotiana benthamiana, which is a nonpreferred host for M. persicae. Using virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) with a tobacco rattle virus (TRV) vector and overexpression with a turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) vector, we demonstrated that N. benthamiana SerPIN‐II1 and SerPIN‐II2 cause reduced survival and growth, but do not affect aphid protein content. Likewise, SerPIN‐II3 overexpression reduced survival and growth, and serpin‐II3 knockout mutations, which we generated using CRISPR/Cas9, increased survival and growth. Protein content was significantly increased in aphids fed on SerPIN‐II3 overexpressing plants, yet it was decreased in aphids fed on serpin‐II3 mutants.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that three PIN‐IIs from N. benthamiana, a nonpreferred host plant, effectively inhibit M. persicae survival and growth, thereby representing a new resource for the development of aphid‐resistant crop plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Clear path to success with ongoing strategic planning
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: April 2024

If your department hasn’t assessed its overall functioning for a while, consider doing it soon. Strategic planning helps departments progress to a stronger position in the future. Specifically, it will help determine where your department stands now, its current assets, where it can be, and how to get there. It will also determine whether, and how effectively, those goals have been achieved. Unlike tactics, which employ short‐term or immediate action conducted with the resources at hand, a strategic plan evolves over time as forces, conditions, and resources change.
Did court dismiss student's gender discrimination claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: April 2024

Jane Doe, a first‐year doctoral student at Princeton University, claimed that a male classmate sexually assaulted her, leaving her with bruising. Doe immediately reported the incident through the university's online reporting system. A few weeks later, Doe filed a 19‐page formal complaint against the male student with the university.
Redefining sustainable urban development: A critical analysis in the wake of COVID‐19
Authors: Alizadeh Hooshmand , Doostvandi Milad , Zandsalimi Milad
Published: April 2024

This paper critically examines the concept of sustainable development, particularly in the context of urban challenges exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Although the concept of sustainable development has been around for more than three decades, it faces ongoing global socio‐environmental crises that have been exacerbated by the rapid spread of COVID‐19 since 2019, which has highlighted the vulnerability of urban and interconnected cities. Our approach includes a comparative literature review to analyze the evolution and critique of sustainable development, focusing on its conceptual foundations, complementary strategies, and political‐economic implications. The paper addresses the urban implications of COVID‐19, emphasizing its direct impact on the Sustainable Development Goals and arguing for a comprehensive reassessment of sustainable urban development practices. We propose a transformative agenda that recognizes local specificities and draws on cities' experiences during the pandemic to build a more equitable and crisis‐resilient global society. This research highlights the urgency to rethink current sustainable development paradigms, especially in light of the human‐environment imbalance and lessons learned from the COVID‐19 crisis. It calls for a reformed global approach that incorporates local dimensions and draws on the experience of cities to address the inequalities and crisis‐prone structures in our societies, with the aim of a fundamental shift toward a more sustainable future in the post‐COVID‐19 era.
One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Biologically Promising Indenoquinoxaline Fused Spiroheterocycles Starting from 11H‐indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxalin‐11‐ones
Authors: Banerjee Bubun , Sharma Aditi , Kaur Manmeet , Singh Arvind , Priya Anu
Published: April 2024

Heterocycles are very common in many naturally occurring bioactive compounds as well as in the commercially available drug molecules. Very recently spiroheterocycles have gained considerable attention due to their wide range of pharmacological applicability. Among many others, 11H‐indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxalin‐11‐one in recent time have gained significant attention as an important building block to prepare structurally diverse biologically promising spiroheterocycles under various reaction conditions. On the other hand, it was found that one‐pot three‐component reaction strategy plays an important role in the preparation of spiroheterocycles starting from 11H‐indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxalin‐11‐one as it has many advantages including high atom economy, operational simplicity, easy workup procedures, reduction of byproducts, energy and reaction step efficiency etc. In this review, we have discussed all the recent developments related to the one‐pot three‐component synthesis of biologically promising indenoquinoxaline fused spiroheterocycles starting from 11H‐indeno[1,2‐b]quinoxalin‐11‐ones under diverse reaction conditions.
One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazoles Facilitated by Novel Biocatalyst under Ambient Reaction Conditions
Authors: Kadam Avdhut , Deshmukh Sujit , Kamble Santosh
Published: April 2024

This study depicts the synthesis of a novel biocatalyst Cluster Fig Ash (CFA) from cluster fig. XRD, FT‐IR, EDX, TGA, BET and SEM techniques were used to characterize the synthesized CFA catalyst. The one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazoles derivatives under ambient conditions was utilised to test the catalytic activity of this synthesized CFA biocatalyst. It was found that an easy, reliable, and extremely efficient method has been proposed to synthesise pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazoles derivatives using one‐pot, multicomponent reaction involving aldehyde, malononitrile, ethylacetoacetate, and Hydrazine monohydrate.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Novel 2‐Oxo‐1,2‐dihydro‐1′H‐spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐quinazoline]‐4′‐carbohydrazones
Authors: Omoyeni Olajide B. , Omisore Nusrat O. , Obafemi Craig A. , Olomola Temitope O.
Published: April 2024

Treatment of isatin with ammonia in methanol under reflux, followed by hydrazine substitution of the methoxy group afforded isamic hydrazide in up to 79 % yield. Subsequent condensation of isamic hydrazide with selected aromatic ketones and aldehydes gave access to novel 2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydro‐1′H‐spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐quinazoline]‐4′‐carbohydrazones (4–11) in yields between 59 % and 74 %. Detailed structural analysis of synthesized compounds was done using spectroscopic techniques. Antibacterial screening of the hydrazone derivatives (4–11) demonstrated broad‐spectrum activity against evaluated bacterial strains, with inhibition zones ranging from 10 to 32 mm. Specifically, compound 9 exhibited superior activity compared to the standard streptomycin against various bacterial strains, including B. polymyxa (LIO), B. cereus (NCBI 6349), C. pyogenes (LIO), B. subtilis (NCBI 3610), S. aureus (NCBI 8588), E. coli (NCIB 86), P. aeruginosa (NCIB 950), and K. pneumoniae (NCIB 418). Moreover, the inhibitory concentrations of compound 9 were lower than those of streptomycin, underscoring its efficacy as a potential antibacterial agent. These findings suggest that the synthesized hydrazone derivatives possess significant potential as novel and effective antibacterial agents, warranting further exploration in the field of antibacterial drug development.
The Key Role of Hole Transport Layer in Boosting Performance of Two‐Dimensional Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Chuanyun , Yang Rongshen , Zhao Guanghan , Yue Yaochang , Zhang Weichao , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yuan , Li Shuhong , Zhou Huiqiong
Published: April 2024

Although currently in the nascent stages of research and development, two‐dimensional perovskite solar cells have showcased remarkable promise as the robust and efficient solar cell technology. Anticipated progressions and refinements in this domain are poised to establish two‐dimensional perovskite cells as instrumental catalysts in shaping the trajectory of renewable energy, heralding transformative breakthroughs. The hole transport layer (HTL) plays an irreplaceable role in the charge carriers’ transport and interface effects in two‐dimensional perovskite devices. This review starts with the structural characteristics of two‐dimensional perovskite solar cells. The influence of the intrinsic characteristics of the perovskite active layer itself and the interaction of the perovskite/transport layer contact interface are analyzed. This discussion delves into the impact of intrinsic quantum confinement and the dielectric effect within the two‐dimensional perovskite structure on photovoltaic conversion efficiency. It also explores the energy level alignment between the clathrate active layer and the transport layer. The significance of the HTL is emphasized, particularly regarding crystalline control, phase distribution, and interface passivation. Additionally, the crucial role of efficient carrier transport between the active layer and the transport layer is thoroughly examined.
Who am I? Exploring the evolution of professional identity among health professions educators
Authors: Moseley Lindsey E. , Garza Kimberly B. , Ford Channing R.
Published: April 2024

It can be challenging to articulate who we are as professionals, especially early in our careers or at transition points. Yet, developing a sense of professional identity as health professions educators is important for feeling confident and knowledgeable in our roles, and for optimizing the development of students. This chapter explores the formation and evolution of professional identity among health professions educators who were formally trained as clinicians or scientists.
On a lack of stability of parametrized BV solutions to rate‐independent systems with nonconvex energies and discontinuous loads
Authors: Andreia Merlin , Meyer Christian
Published: April 2024

We consider a rate‐independent system with nonconvex energy under discontinuous external loading. The underlying space is finite‐dimensional and the loads are functions in . We investigate the stability of various solution concepts w.r.t. a sequence of loads converging weakly* in with a particular emphasis on the so‐called normalized, ‐parametrized balanced viscosity solutions. By means of three counterexamples, it is shown that common solution concepts are not stable w.r.t. weak* and even intermediate (or strict) convergence of loads in the sense that a limit of a sequence of solutions associated with these loads need not be a solution corresponding to the load in the limit. We moreover introduce a new solution concept, which is stable in this sense, but our examples show that this concept necessarily allows “solutions” that are physically meaningless.
Mill’s Colonial-Racist Discourse in School Textbooks
Authors: Singh Kundan , Maheshwari Krishna
Published: April 2024

James Mill was the first colonial to write a comprehensive history of India. Soon after its publication, he became a high-ranking employee of the East India Company. In no time, he became its chief at India House, the headquarters of the Company. His rank and popularity in British society ensured that the History of British India became the paradigm determiner of India studies, its people, culture, and traditions. The framework behind the creation of grade-school discourse on India and Hinduism currently bears a complete reflection of the narrative set in motion by Mill more than two hundred years ago. Given the political power that Britain wielded over India, there was no need for Mill to camouflage his language in describing India, Hinduism, and the Hindu people. The times have changed, and the language must be politically correct. The current-day school discourse reproduces Mill’s narrative, minus his language of savagery and uncivilization of the Hindu people. This chapter exposes Mill’s stamp on the India-and-Hinduism discourse in American middle schools.
Sequences of nodal solutions for critical double phase problems with variable exponents
Authors: Papageorgiou Nikolaos S. , Vetro Francesca , Winkert Patrick
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study a double phase problem with both variable exponents. Such problem has a reaction consisting of a Carathéodory perturbation defined only locally and of a critical term. The presence of the critical term does not permit to use results of the critical point theory for the corresponding energy functional. Consequently, using suitable cut-off functions and truncation techniques we focus on an auxiliary coercive problem on which, differently from our main problem, we can act with variational tools. In this way, we are able to produce a sequence of sign-changing solutions to our main problem converging to 0 in $$L^{\infty }$$

L
∞

and in the Musielak–Orlicz Sobolev space.
Association of Imaging-based Predictors with Outcome in Different Treatment Options for Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Krzyżewski Roger M. , Kwinta Borys M. , Stachura Krzysztof , Popiela Tadeusz J. , Pułyk Roman , Słowik Agnieszka , Gąsowski Jerzy , Kliś Kornelia M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Intracerebral hemorrhage is the deadliest form of stroke. This study aimed to enhance the prediction of 30-day mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage patients by integrating computational parameters.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 435 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Utilizing the acquired computed tomography (CT) images, we extracted the contour and visual representation of ICH. For the extracted contour, the analysis encompassed factors including compactness, fractal dimension, Fourier factor, and circle factor. For the images depicting ICH, we calculated various factors related to density distribution including mean, coefficient of variance, skewness and kurtosis, as well as texture parameters, such as energy, entropy, contrast and homogeneity. To assess the impact of surgical treatment on 30-day mortality, logistic regression analysis was used.

Results

A total of 126 patients (29.09%) died within 30 days. A total of 62 (14.25%) patients underwent surgical treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that surgical treatment was independently associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio, OR 0.226, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.049–0.85; p = 0.039). Based on the moderated analysis, we found that the volume of ICH (OR 0.905, 95% CI 0.902–0.908; p < 0.001) and ICH energy (OR 1.389, 95%CI 0.884–0.988; p = 0.010) had positive moderating effect on such associations while the presence of intraventricular blood had negative moderating effect (OR 1.154, 95% CI 1.034–1.628; p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Patients exhibiting a higher volume and energy of ICH might benefit from surgical treatment; however, this efficacy was found to be diminished in cases involving the presence of intraventricular blood.
Intraoperative Navigation einer Distraktionsverletzung der BWS bei schwersten skoliotischen Veränderungen
Authors: Schramm Simon , Groh Johannes , Krause Johannes , Perl Mario
Published: April 2024

Geschildert wird der Fall eines 43-jährigen Patienten, welcher sich bei einem Verkehrsunfall mehrere Verletzungen, u. a. eine Distraktionsverletzung an der Brustwirbelsäule, zuzog. Besonderheit war hier die bestehende Spondylodese mit Materialbruch und sekundärem Repositionsverlust. Aufgrund dessen wurden bei fehlender Einstellbarkeit der Pedikel und abnormem Schraubenkorridor die Führungsdrähte der Pedikelschrauben navigiert gesetzt. Hierdurch kann eine optimale Positionierung mit damit verbundener Patientensicherheit garantiert werden.
An elemental ethics for artificial intelligence: water as resistance within AI’s value chain
Authors: Lehuedé Sebastián
Published: April 2024

Research and activism have increasingly denounced the problematic environmental record of the infrastructure and value chain underpinning artificial intelligence (AI). Water-intensive data centres, polluting mineral extraction and e-waste dumping are incontrovertibly part of AI’s footprint. In this article, I turn to areas affected by AI-fuelled environmental harm and identify an ethics of resistance emerging from local activists, which I term ‘elemental ethics’. Elemental ethics interrogates the AI value chain’s problematic relationship with the elements that make up the world, critiques the undermining of local and ancestral approaches to nature and reveals the vital and quotidian harms engendered by so-called intelligent systems. While this ethics is emerging from grassroots and Indigenous groups, it echoes recent calls from environmental philosophy to reconnect with the environment via the elements. In empirical terms, this article looks at groups in Chile resisting a Google data centre project in Santiago and lithium extraction (used for rechargeable batteries) in Lickan Antay Indigenous territory, Atacama Desert. As I show, elemental ethics can complement top-down, utilitarian and quantitative approaches to AI ethics and sustainable AI as well as interrogate whose lived experience and well-being counts in debates on AI extinction.
Technical review on design optimization in forging
Authors: Kitayama Satoshi
Published: April 2024

Forging is a traditional and important manufacturing technology to produce various high strength products and is widely used in engineering fields such as automotive, aerospace and heavy industry. To produce highly accurate product, underfill that the material is not filled into the cavity should strongly avoided. For material saving and near-net product, flash should be minimized. To make the tool life long, it is preferable to produce product with low forging load. It is also preferable to uniformly deform the billet as much as possible for high strength product. Crack is a crucial defect and should strongly be avoided. Therefore, many requirements are taken into account in order to produce the forged product. To meet the requirements, design optimization in forging coupled with computer aided engineering (CAE) is an effective approach. This paper systematically reviews the related papers from the design optimization point of view. For the billet or die shape optimization, the papers are classified into four approaches. The process parameters optimization such as the billet temperature, the die temperature, the stroke length and the friction coefficient is conducted, and the related papers are also classified into four categories. The design variables and the objective function(s) used in the papers are clarified with the design optimization technique. The multi-stage forging including the hammer forging for producing complex product shape is also briefly reviewed. Finally, major performance indexes and the future outlook are summarized for the further development of design optimization in forging.
The Role of Vibrators in Women’s Pelvic Health: An Alluring Tool to Improve Physical, Sexual, and Mental Health
Authors: Dubinskaya Alexandra , Kohli Priya , Shoureshi Poone , Breese Catherine , Scott Victoria , Anger Jennifer T. , Eilber Karyn S.
Published: April 2024

Introduction and hypothesis

In limited studies vibrators have been shown to improve sexual function and pelvic floor health; however, there are even fewer studies on the effect of vibrator use on overall genitourinary and mental health. To investigate the effect of regular vibrator use on sexual, genitourinary, and mental health in addition to quality of life.

Methods

We performed a prospective pilot study of women aged 18 to 80 years recruited from a urogynecology clinic. Study participants were instructed to use a vibrator according to the protocol. Sexual function, pelvic floor function, mental health, and pelvic examination were assessed at the initial visit and at 3 months’ follow-up using validated questionnaires.

Results

Of the 79 participants enrolled in the study, 53 women (66%) completed the study. The mean age of the participants was 54.7 years (range 19–80 years), and the majority of participants were white (n = 59, 74.7%), post-menopausal (n = 48, 60.8%), and not receiving systemic (n = 63, 79.7%) or local (n = 63, 79.7%) hormone therapy. Sexual function significantly improved over time (p = 0.002), whereas the rate of bothersome pelvic organ prolapse symptoms and pain scores significantly decreased (p = 0.034 and 0.0008 respectively). Rates of urge urinary incontinence decreased although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.059). There was a significant improvement in the gross appearance of lichen sclerosus lesions (p = 0.025) and in the severity of vaginal atrophy (p = 0.018). Rates of depression were significantly decreased (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Vibrator use was associated with improved sexual, genitourinary, and mental health.
Hyperbolicity and bounded-valued cohomology
Authors: Petrosyan Nansen , Vankov Vladimir
Published: April 2024

We generalise a theorem of Gersten on surjectivity of the restriction map in $$\ell ^{\infty }$$

ℓ
∞

-cohomology of groups. This leads to applications on subgroups of hyperbolic groups, quasi-isometric distinction of finitely generated groups and $$\ell ^{\infty }$$

ℓ
∞

-cohomology calculations for some well-known classes of groups. Along the way, we obtain hyperbolicity criteria for groups of type $$FP_2({{\mathbb {Q}}})$$

F

P
2

(
Q
)

and for those satisfying a rational homological linear isoperimetric inequality, answering a question of Arora and Martínez-Pedroza.
Bone marrow disease in rhabdomyosarcoma visualized by 2-[18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography
Authors: Kröning Pia , Berg Sebastian , Freitag Martin T , Schoot Reineke A , Fischer Alexandra , Puzik Alexander , Feuchtinger T , Niemeyer Charlotte , Meyer Philipp Tobias , Uhl Markus , Hettmer Simone
Published: April 2024

Bone marrow metastases—noted in 6% of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma—have been linked to very poor outcomes. Bilateral bone marrow sampling from iliac crests has been the gold standard for bone marrow examination in rhabdomyosarcoma, but sampling errors due to patchy bone marrow involvement may limit its sensitivity. Here, we report the case of a 6-year-old boy with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the skull base and multiple 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-[18F]FDG)-avid bone marrow metastases visualized by positron emission tomography and computed tomography (2-[18F]FDG PET/CT). His bone marrow aspirates were tumor-free. This case illustrates the diagnostic value of 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT in the detection of bone marrow metastases in rhabdomyosarcoma patients, which may re-shape the definition of bone marrow disease and, ultimately, alter disease staging and risk stratification.
An immuno-epidemiological model with waning immunity after infection or vaccination
Authors: Angelov Georgi , Kovacevic Raimund , Stilianakis Nikolaos I. , Veliov Vladimir M.
Published: April 2024

In epidemics, waning immunity is common after infection or vaccination of individuals. Immunity levels are highly heterogeneous and dynamic. This work presents an immuno-epidemiological model that captures the fundamental dynamic features of immunity acquisition and wane after infection or vaccination and analyzes mathematically its dynamical properties. The model consists of a system of first order partial differential equations, involving nonlinear integral terms and different transfer velocities. Structurally, the equation may be interpreted as a Fokker-Planck equation for a piecewise deterministic process. However, unlike the usual models, our equation involves nonlocal effects, representing the infectivity of the whole environment. This, together with the presence of different transfer velocities, makes the proved existence of a solution novel and nontrivial. In addition, the asymptotic behavior of the model is analyzed based on the obtained qualitative properties of the solution. An optimal control problem with objective function including the total number of deaths and costs of vaccination is explored. Numerical results describe the dynamic relationship between contact rates and optimal solutions. The approach can contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of immune responses at population level and may guide public health policies.
A novel classification of posterior pelvic exenteration to assess prognosis in female patients with locally advanced primary rectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study from China PelvEx collaborative
Authors: Li Yuegang , Zhuang Meng , Hu Gang , Zhang Jinzhu , Qiu Wenlong , Mei Shiwen , Tang Jianqiang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Surgical techniques and the prognosis of posterior pelvic exenteration for locally advanced primary rectal cancer in female patients pose challenges that need to be addressed. Therefore, we investigated the short-term and survival outcomes of posterior pelvic exenteration in female patients using a novel Peking classification.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed a prospective database from China PelvEx Collaborative across three tertiary referral centres. A total of 172 patients who underwent combined resection for locally advanced primary rectal cancer were classified based on four subtypes (PPE-I [64/172], PPE-II [68/172], PPE-III [21/172], and PPE-IV [19/172]) according to the Peking classification; perioperative characteristics and short-term and oncological outcomes were analysed.

Results

Differences were significant among the four groups regarding colorectal reconstruction (p < 0.001), perineal reconstruction (p < 0.001), in-hospital complications (p < 0.05), and urinary retention (p < 0.05). The R0 resection rates for PPE-I, PPE-II, PPE-III, and PPE-IV were 90.6%, 89.7%, 90.5%, and 89.5%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates of the PPE-I, PPE-II, PPE-III, and PPE-IV groups were 73.4%, 68.8%, 54.7%, and 37.3%, respectively. Correspondingly, their 5-year disease-free survival rates were 76.0%, 62.5%, 57.7%, and 43.1%, respectively. Notably, the PPE-IV group demonstrated the lowest 5-year overall survival rate (p < 0.001) and 5-year disease-free survival rate (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Peking classification can aid in determining suitable surgical techniques and conducting prognostic assessments in female patients with locally advanced primary rectal cancer.
“Expression of concern”: publication bias for positive preclinical cardioprotection studies
Authors: Skyschally Andreas , Kleinbongard Petra , Neuhäuser Markus , Heusch Gerd
Published: April 2024

The present analysis reports on the robustness of preclinical cardioprotection studies with infarct size as endpoint which were published in Basic Research in Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research, and Circulation Research between January 2013 and December 2023. Only 26 out of 269 papers with technically robust analysis of infarct size by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, magnetic resonance imaging or single photon emission tomography applied a prospective power analysis. A retrospective power calculation revealed that only 75% of the reported data sets with statistically significant positive results from all these studies had a statistical power of  ≥ 0.9, and an additional 9% had a statistical power  ≥ 0.8. The remaining 16% of all significant positive data sets did not even reach the 0.8 threshold. Only 13% of all analyzed data sets were neutral. We conclude that neutral studies are underreported and there is indeed a significant lack of robustness in many of the published preclinical cardioprotection studies which may contribute to the difficulties of translating cardioprotection to patient benefit.
Sudden unexpected postnatal collapse and BUB1B mutation: first forensic case report
Authors: Esposito Massimiliano , Sessa Francesco , Nannola Chiara , Pignotti Maria Serenella , Greco Pantaleo , Salerno Monica
Published: April 2024

Sudden unexpected postnatal collapse (SUPC) is a sudden collapse of the clinical conditions of a full-term or near-term newborn, within the first 7 days of life, that requires resuscitation with positive ventilation and who either dies, has hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or requires intensive care. The incidence of SUPC is very low, and most often presents a negative prognosis. The BUB1B gene is a mitotic checkpoint of serine/threonine kinase B that encodes a protein crucial for maintaining the correct number of chromosomes during cell division. Mutations in the BUB1B gene are linked to mosaic variegated aneuploidy syndrome 1 (MVA1), a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diffuse mosaic aneuploidies involving several chromosomes and tissues. This paper discusses a case of a newborn who had a spontaneous delivery. After 2 h and 10 min, the infant showed generalized hypotonia and cyanosis, and his doctors performed orotracheal intubation, cardiac massage, pharmacological hemodynamic therapy, mechanical ventilation, antibiotic therapy, and hypothermic treatment. The newborn was discharged after 5 months with the diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Suspecting an SUPC, a complete genetic analysis was performed demonstrating a compound heterozygous mutations in the BUB1B gene. The newborn died at 6 months of life, 1 month after discharge. A complete autopsy was performed, determining that the cause of death was due to sepsis starting from a brocopneumonic process, with outcomes of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). In this scenario, it is not possible to demonstrate the causal effect of this mutation, considering that it could play a causal or concausal role in the onset of SUPC. Further research based on multicenter studies, as well as on animal models, could be very useful to clarify the pathological effect of this mutation.
Examination of cardiac functions during acute attack and remission period in children with familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Gunay Yusuf , Karagozlu Fatih , Gemici Sanem , Yilmaz Seyma Sukran , Sahin Sezgin , Barut Kenan , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Dedeoglu Reyhan
Published: April 2024

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurring serosal inflammation. Cardiac involvement in FMF commonly manifests as pericarditis and pericardial effusion; however, there is limited research on myocardial function. This study aimed to assess cardiac functions during active inflammation and remission periods of FMF patients and investigate the cardiac effects of inflammation during the attack period. Thirty-eight FMF patients without additional cardiac diseases were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, family history, and MEFV gene analysis results were obtained retrospectively. Blood tests, blood pressure measurements, electrocardiogram evaluations, conventional echocardiography, and speckle tracking echocardiography were performed during the attack and remission periods. Disease severity was assessed using the Pras scoring system. During the attack period, FMF patients exhibited significantly higher leukocyte count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate compared to the remission period (p < 0.005). Speckle tracking echocardiography revealed decreased function in the inferior segments of the left ventricle during the attack period (p < 0.005). Right ventricular function was more affected in the moderate disease group. FMF patients with lymphopenia during the attack demonstrated more impaired right ventricular function compared to those with normal lymphocyte count.

  Conclusions: FMF patients experience cardiac abnormalities during active inflammation, highlighting the importance of monitoring cardiac functions in these patients. Speckle tracking echocardiography can provide valuable insights into cardiac involvement in FMF. These findings emphasize the cardiac impact of FMF inflammation and the significance of long-term cardiac function monitoring in the management of FMF patients.

What is Known:• The current literature lacks studies investigating myocardial function in the pediatric population during the attack period of this particular disease.• Our objective was to assess the alterations in cardiac function during the attack and remission periods, considering clinical manifestations, disease severity, acute phase reactant levels, and mutation type. We also evaluated the pattern of cardiac involvement and the affected cardiac areas by comparing remission and attack periods.

What is New:• Several studies have demonstrated a rise in the prevalence of ischemic cardiac disease and mortality among individuals with FMF.• Investigating cardiac involvement during the attack period in FMF patients can provide valuable insights for the prevention of long-term complications.
PINN-CHK: physics-informed neural network for high-fidelity prediction of early-age cement hydration kinetics
Authors: Rahman Md Asif , Zhang Tianjie , Lu Yang
Published: April 2024

Cement hydration kinetics, characterized by heat generation in early-age concrete, poses a modeling challenge. This work proposes a physics-informed neural network (PINN) named PINN-CHK designed for cement hydration kinetics, to predict early-age temperature rises in cement paste. PINN-CHK leverages data-driven solutions to craft a high-fidelity prediction model, encompassing material properties and maturity functions in cement hydration. Trained on heated cement paste data, it simultaneously fits experimental results and underlying physics, yielding a mesh-free simulation. Incorporating governing partial differential equations (PDEs), and initial and boundary conditions into its loss function, PINN-CHK architecture undergoes rigorous benchmark testing, demonstrating unparalleled predictive accuracy compared to conventional deep-learning methods. It excels in predicting complete temperature fields during spatial–temporal cement hydration, achieving a remarkable relative L2 error as low as 0.00341. PINN-CHK achieves exceptional convergence and accuracy with only 5% of the training data, ushering in a new era in this crucial field. This innovative approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering an attractive alternative to conventional finite element solvers for enhanced comprehension of cement hydration kinetics and concrete maturity and strength development in cement-based materials.
Traveling waves and effective mass for the regularized Landau-Pekar equations
Authors: Rademacher Simone
Published: April 2024

We consider the regularized Landau-Pekar equations with positive speed of sound and prove the existence of subsonic traveling waves. We provide a definition of the effective mass for the regularized Landau-Pekar equations based on the energy-velocity expansion of subsonic traveling waves. Moreover we show that this definition of the effective mass agrees with the definition based on an energy-momentum expansion of low energy states.
Vom Zusammenhang zwischen bariatrischer Chirurgie und Vitaminen
Authors: Rockenschaub Joachim , Listabarth Stephan , Weber Sabine , Wippel Andreas , Friedrich Fabian , Mossaheb Nilufar
Published: April 2024

Bei unklaren neuropsychiatrischen Symptomen ist neben profunder Kenntnis über mögliche Ursachen eine zielgerichtete organische Abklärung ausschlaggebend. Richtungsweisend können hierbei eine umfassende Anamneseerhebung sowie interdisziplinäres Management sein. Der diagnostische Prozess soll im Zuge dieser Arbeit anhand des konkreten Beispiels von Wernicke-Enzephalopathie (WE) durch Hypovitaminose nach bariatrischer Operation aufgezeigt werden. In Hinblick auf steigende Inzidenzen von Eingriffen werden WE zunehmend häufiger zu beobachten sein und sind aufgrund der schwerwiegenden neurologischen Komplikationen von zentraler Bedeutung. Neben ausführlicher Eigen- und Außenanamnese sowie neurologischer und internistischer Statuierung sind konsiliarische Unterstützung, Bildgebung und Laboruntersuchungen erforderlich. Im Falle der WE haben neben den Caine-Kriterien, welche Mangelernährung, okulomotorische Anomalien, zerebelläre Dysfunktionen oder Wesensveränderungen/Gedächtnisstörungen (mind. 2 von 4 Kriterien vorliegend) inkludieren, auch die kranialen Magnetresonanzuntersuchungen diagnostischen Wert. Eine frühzeitige Gabe von Thiamin ist entscheidend für die Behandlung und Prävention sowie Langzeitschäden von WE.
Peri-implantitis in patients without regular supportive therapy: Prevalence and risk indicators
Authors: Ruiz-Romero Víctor , Figueiredo Rui , Toledano-Serrabona Jorge , Abdelazim Yehia , Camps-Font Octavi , Salazar-Salazar Yamil , Plana-Soler Aina , Subirà-Pifarré Carles , Valmaseda-Castellón Eduard
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of peri-implant diseases in patients treated in a university setting without a regular peri-implant supportive therapy schedule, and to identify the risk indicators associated with peri-implantitis.

Material and methods

A retrospective cohort study was made of patients with dental implants with at least 12 months of functional loading who did not receive regular peri-implant supportive therapy. Patient- and implant-related variables were retrieved, and clinical and radiological examinations were performed. Descriptive and bivariate analyses and multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with peri-implantitis.

Results

A total of 213 implants in 88 patients were analyzed. The patient-level prevalence of peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis was 26.1% (95%CI: 16.7%—35.5%) and 44.3% (95%CI: 34.0%—54.6%), respectively. Peri-implant diseases were significantly more frequent when the width of the keratinized mucosa was < 2 mm (OR = 5.26; 95%CI: 1.24—22.26; p = 0.024), and when there was 12 month post-loading bone loss (OR = 2.96; 95%CI: 1.35—6.52; p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Peri-implantitis is a common finding in patients without regular peri-implant supportive therapy (prevalence 16.7–35.5%). A thin peri-implant keratinized mucosa (< 2 mm) and a higher degree of bone remodeling after loading seem to be the main risk factors for peri-implantitis in this patient profile.

Clinical relevance

Patients who do not engage in supportive peri-implant maintenance have a higher risk of peri-implantitis. A thin keratinized mucosa and bone loss during the first year of loading are predisposing factors for peri-implantitis.