bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online‐Monitoring of the Enantiomeric Ratio in Microfluidic Chip Reactors Using Chiral Selector Ion Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Schmahl Sonja , Horn Francine , Jin Jiaye , Westphal Hannes , Belder Detlev , Asmis Knut R.
Published: February 2024

A novel experimental approach for the rapid online monitoring of the enantiomeric ratio of chiral analytes in solution is presented. The charged analyte is transferred to the gas phase by electrospray. Diastereomeric complexes are formed with a volatile chiral selector in a buffer‐gas‐filled ion guide held at room temperature, mass‐selected, and subsequently spectrally differentiated by cryogenic ion trap vibrational spectroscopy. Based on the spectra of the pure complexes in a small diastereomer‐specific spectral range, the composition of diastereomeric mixtures is characterized using the cosine similarity score, from which the enantiomeric ratio in the solution is determined. The method is demonstrated for acidified alanine solutions and using three different chiral selectors (2‐butanol, 1‐phenylethanol, 1‐amino‐2‐propanol). Among these, 2‐butanol is the best choice as a selector for protonated alanine, also because the formation ratio of the corresponding diastereomeric complexes is found to be independent of the nature of the enantiomer. Subsequently, a microfluidic chip is implemented to mix enantiomerically pure alanine solutions continuously and determine the enantiomeric ratio online with minimal sample consumption within one minute and with competitive accuracy.
Role of the Vibrational and Translational Energies in the CN(v)+C2H6(ν1, ν2, ν5 and ν9) Reactions. A Theoretical QCT Study
Authors: Espinosa‐Garcia Joaquin , Rangel Cipriano , Corchado Jose C.
Published: February 2024

Quasi‐classical trajectory (QCT) calculations were conducted on the newly developed full‐dimensional potential energy surface, PES‐2023, to analyse two critical aspects: the influence of vibrational versus translational energy in promoting reactivity, and the impact of vibrational excitation within similar vibrational modes. The former relates to Polanyi's rules, while the latter concerns mode selectivity. Initially, the investigation revealed that independent vibrational excitation by a single quantum of ethane's symmetric and asymmetric stretching modes (differing by only 15 cm−1) yielded comparable dynamics, reaction cross‐sections, HCN(v) vibrational product distributions, and scattering distributions. This observation dismisses any significant mode selectivity. Moreover, an equivalent amount of energy provided as translational energy (at total energies of 9.6 and 20.0 kcal mol−1) gave rise to slightly lower reactivity compared to the same amount of energy provided as vibrational energy. This effect is more evident at low energies, presenting a counterintuitive scenario in an ‘early transition state’ reaction. These findings challenge the straightforward application of Polanyi's rules in polyatomic systems. Regarding CN(v) vibrational excitation, our calculations reveal that the reaction cross‐section remains practically unaffected by this vibrational excitation, suggesting that the CN stretching mode is a spectator mode. The results were rationalized by considering several factors: the strong coupling between different vibrational modes, and between vibrational modes and the reaction coordinate; and a significant vibrational energy redistribution within the ethane reactant before collision. This redistribution creates an unphysical energy flow, resulting in loss of adiabaticity and vibrational memory before the reactants’ collision. These theoretical findings require future confirmation through experimental or theoretical quantum mechanical studies, which are currently unavailable.
Exploring new quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one derivatives as CDK2 inhibitors: Design, synthesis, and anticancer evaluation
Authors: Ibrahim Basant T. , Allam Heba Abdelrasheed , El‐Dydamony Nehad M. , Fouad Marwa A. , Mohammed Eman R.
Published: February 2024

In the present work, five series of new 2,3‐disubstituted quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones 4a–c, 5a–d, 6a–g, 7a,b, and 9a–c were designed, synthesized, and screened in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against 60 cancer cell lines by the National Cancer Institute, USA. Five candidates 4c, 6a, 6b, 6d, and 6g revealed promising cytotoxicity with significant percentage growth inhibition in the range of 81.98%–96.45% against the central nervous system (CNS) (SNB‐19), melanoma (MDA‐MB‐435), and non‐small cell lung cancer (HOP‐62) cell lines. The in vitro cytotoxic half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for the most active compounds 4c, 6a, 6b, 6d, and 6g against the most sensitive cell lines were evaluated. Additionally, screening their cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitory activity was performed. Ortho‐chloro‐benzylideneamino derivative 6b emerged as the most potent compound with IC50 = 0.67 µM compared to Roscovitine (IC50 = 0.64 µM). The most active candidates arrested the cell cycle at G1, S phases, or both, leading to cell death and inducing apoptosis against CNS (SNB‐19), melanoma (MDA‐MB‐435), and non‐small cell lung cancer (HOP‐62) cell lines. The molecular docking study verified the resulting outcomes for the most active candidates in the CDK2‐binding pocket. Finally, physicochemical, and pharmacokinetic properties deduced that compounds 4c, 6a, 6b, 6d, and 6g displayed significant drug‐likeness properties. According to the obtained results, the newly targeted compounds are regarded as promising scaffolds for the continued development of novel CDK2 inhibitors.
A Hierarchical Modeling Framework for Electrochemical Behaviors in Lithium‐Ion Batteries with Detailed Structures
Authors: Liu Binghe , Liu Xin , Wang Huacui , Li Jie , Xu Jun
Published: February 2024

The accurate representation of lithium plating and aging phenomena has posed a persistent challenge within the battery research community. Empirical evidence underscores the pivotal role of cell structure in influencing aging behaviors and lithium plating within lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Available lithium‐ion plating models often falter in detailed description when integrating the structural intricacies. To address this challenge, this study proposes an innovative hierarchical model that intricately incorporates the layered rolling structure in cells. Notably, our model demonstrates a remarkable capacity to predict the non‐uniform distribution of current density and overpotential along the rolling direction of LIBs. Subsequently, we delve into an insightful exploration of the structural factors that influence lithium plating behavior, leveraging the foundation laid by our established model. Furthermore, we easily update the hierarchical model by considering aging factors. This aging model effectively anticipates capacity fatigue and lithium plating tendencies across individual layers of LIBs, all while maintaining computational efficiency. In light of our findings, this model yields novel perspectives on capacity fatigue dynamics and local lithium plating behaviors, offering a substantial advancement compared to existing models. This research paves the way for more efficient and tailored LIB design and operation, with broad implications for energy storage technologies.
Effect of levosimendan on ventricular remodelling in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Xia , Zhao Xiu‐Zhi , Wang Xi‐Wen , Cao Lu‐Ying , Lu Bin , Wang Zhi‐Hao , Zhang Wei , Ti Yun , Zhong Ming
Published: February 2024

Heart failure is the final stage of several cardiovascular diseases, and the key to effectively treating heart failure is to reverse or delay ventricular remodelling. Levosimendan is a novel inotropic and vasodilator agent used in heart failure, whereas the impact of levosimendan on ventricular remodelling is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of levosimendan on ventricular remodelling in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Electronic databases were searched to identify eligible studies. A total of 66 randomized controlled trials involving 7968 patients were included. Meta‐analysis results showed that levosimendan increased left ventricular ejection fraction [mean difference (MD) = 3.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.88, 4.35), P < 0.00001] and stroke volume [MD = 6.59, 95% CI (3.22, 9.96), P = 0.0001] and significantly reduced left ventricular end‐systolic volume [standard mean difference (SMD) = −0.52, 95% CI (−0.67, −0.37), P < 0.00001], left ventricular end‐diastolic volume index [SMD = −1.24, 95% CI (−1.61, −0.86), P < 0.00001], and left ventricular end‐systolic volume index [SMD = −1.06, 95% CI (−1.43, −0.70), P < 0.00001]. In terms of biomarkers, levosimendan significantly reduced the level of brain natriuretic peptide [SMD = −1.08, 95% CI (−1.60, −0.56), P < 0.0001], N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide [SMD = −0.99, 95% CI (−1.41, −0.56), P < 0.00001], and interleukin‐6 [SMD = −0.61, 95% CI (−0.86, −0.35), P < 0.00001]. Meanwhile, levosimendan may increase the incidence of hypotension [risk ratio (RR) = 1.24, 95% CI (1.12, 1.39), P < 0.0001], hypokalaemia [RR = 1.57, 95% CI (1.08, 2.28), P = 0.02], headache [RR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.50, 2.39), P < 0.00001], atrial fibrillation [RR = 1.31, 95% CI (1.12, 1.52), P = 0.0005], and premature ventricular complexes [RR = 1.86, 95% CI (1.27, 2.72), P = 0.001]. In addition, levosimendan reduced all‐cause mortality [RR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.74, 0.94), P = 0.002]. In conclusion, our study found that levosimendan might reverse ventricular remodelling when applied in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, especially in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, decompensated heart failure, and septic shock.
Emerging use of air eDNA and its application to forensic investigations – A review
Authors: Goray Mariya , Taylor Duncan , Bibbo Emily , Fantinato Chiara , Fonneløp Ane Elida , Gill Peter , van Oorschot Roland A. H.
Published: February 2024

Biological material is routinely collected at crime scenes and from exhibits and is a key type of evidence during criminal investigations. Improvements in DNA technologies allow collection and profiling of trace samples, comprised of few cells, significantly expanding the types of exhibits targeted for DNA analysis to include touched surfaces. However, success rates from trace and touch DNA samples tend to be poorer compared to other biological materials such as blood. Simultaneously, there have been recent advances in the utility of environmental DNA collection (eDNA) in identification and tracking of different biological organisms and species from bacteria to naked mole rats in different environments, including, soil, ice, snow, air and aquatic. This paper examines the emerging methods and research into eDNA collection, with a special emphasis on the potential forensic applications of human DNA collection from air including challenges and further studies required to progress implementation.
Pediatric neuromodulation for drug‐resistant epilepsy: Survey of current practices, techniques, and outcomes across US epilepsy centers
Authors: Joshi Charuta N. , Karakas Cemal , Eschbach Krista , Samanta Debopam , Auguste Kurtis , Desai Virendra , Singh Rani , McGoldrick Patricia , Wolf Steven , Abel Taylor J. , Novotny Edward , Oluigbo Chima , Reddy Shilpa B. , Alexander Allyson , Price Angela , Reeders Puck , Mcnamara Nancy , Romanowski Erin Fedak , Mutchnick Ian , Ostendorf Adam P. , Shaikhouni Ammar , Knox Andrew , Aungaroon Gewalin , Olaya Joffre , Muh Carrie R.
Published: February 2024

Neuromodulation via Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) or Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an emerging treatment strategy for pediatric drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). Knowledge gaps exist in patient selection, surgical technique, and perioperative care. Here, we use an expert survey to clarify practices. Thirty‐two members of the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium were surveyed using REDCap. Respondents were from 17 pediatric epilepsy centers (missing data in one): Four centers implant RNS only while 13 implant both RNS and DBS. Thirteen RNS programs commenced in or before 2020, and 10 of 12 DBS programs began thereafter. The busiest six centers implant 6–10 new RNS devices per year; all DBS programs implant <5 annually. The youngest RNS patient was 3 years old. Most centers (11/12) utilize MP2RAGE and/or FGATIR sequences for planning. Centromedian thalamic nuclei were the unanimous target for Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Surgeon exposure to neuromodulation occurred mostly in clinical practice (14/17). Clinically significant hemorrhage (n = 2) or infection (n = 3) were rare. Meaningful seizure reduction (>50%) was reported by 81% (13/16) of centers. RNS and DBS are rapidly evolving treatment modalities for safe and effective treatment of pediatric DRE. There is increasing interest in multicenter collaboration to gain knowledge and facilitate dialogue.

Plain language summary

We surveyed 32 pediatric epilepsy centers in USA to highlight current practices of intracranial neuromodulation. Of the 17 that replied, we found that most centers are implanting thalamic targets in pediatric drug‐resistant epilepsy using the RNS device. DBS device is starting to be used in pediatric epilepsy, especially after 2020. Different strategies for target identification are enumerated. This study serves as a starting point for future collaborative research.
Reliability and outcomes of lymph nodes biopsy in cT1–cT2 N0 supraglottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hoste Maryline , Van der Vorst Sébastien , Lawson Georges , Nollevaux Marie‐Cécile , Pirson Anne‐Sophie , Bachy Vincent , Desgain Olivier , Hassid Samantha , Delahaut Gilles
Published: February 2024

Background

In oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), sentinel node biopsy (SNB) was described as a reliable and reproductive alternative to elective neck dissection for the staging of clinical N0 T1–T2 patients. The SNB technique in supraglottic laryngeal SCC was successfully described in small series. The aim of this study is to analyze retrospectively the results of SNB technique in supraglottic SCC in CHU Godinne, to determine if the technique is reliable and may be proposed in a future multicentral prospective trial.

Methods

The study involved a retrospective analysis of 39 patients who underwent surgery between 2003 and 2019 at CHU Godinne. All patients presented with clinical N0 neck status. The SNB procedure included general anesthesia, 99‐technetium colloid peritumoral injection, and lymphoscintigraphy. The hand‐held gamma probe was utilized for SNB after tumoral resection during the same operating session. Out of 39 patients, 36 underwent SNB as the sole staging tool, while 3 patients received SNB in combination with elective neck dissection.

Primary outcome was the 2‐years neck recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Secondary outcomes were the 2‐ and 5‐years disease‐specific survival (DSS). Additionally, sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of the SNB technique were analyzed.

Results

Sentinel nodes were successfully identified in all 39 patients. An average of 4 nodes excised per patient. Positives SN were detected in 23% (9 in 39) cases, leading to subsequent selective neck dissection. Two cases of neck recurrence were observed, both considered as false negatives, occurring after an average of 3.5 months. Th median follow‐up period was 48 months with a 2‐year RFS of 95%. Sensitivity and NPV of the SNB technique were found to be 82% and 94%, respectively. Two and five years DSS were 84% and 71.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

The results suggest that SNB in T1–T2 supraglottic SCC is a feasible and reliable technique for managing the neck in N0 early‐stage patients. However, to establish its oncological equivalence with selective node dissection, further prospective and comparative studies are warranted. The findings of this study underscore the importance of ongoing research in refining and validating the role of SNB in the management of supraglottic SCC, potentially paving the way for more widespread adoption in clinical practice.
Understanding the relation between socioeconomic status and elementary science achievement: A quantile regression approach
Authors: Barnes Zachary T. , Edwards Ashley A. , Strachota Susanne , Feng Yi , Logan Jessica
Published: February 2024

A student's socioeconomic status (SES) has a significant relation to their academic achievement. Much of this work has explored this in math and reading, but less is known about how SES relates to science achievement, particularly in the early grades. Using quantile regression with nationally representative data, we explored this relation in 12,676 kindergarten students (51.2% boys, 52.2% White, 21.8% Hispanic, 12.7% Black and 6.6% Asian) and 10,339 fifth‐grade students (51.3% boys, 49.4 White, 27.2% Hispanic, 9.4% Black and 8.2% Asian). We found less variability in science achievement scores for those high on SES than those low on SES. The scores of the high SES students cluster together on the high end of science achievement, whilst those from low SES score across the distribution. These findings highlight the need to explore what can mitigate the relation between SES and science achievement and where resources to support science achievement are most needed.
The impact of information disclosure on investment returns in the era of internet of things technology
Authors: Peng Hui , Hu Zhixing
Published: February 2024

The development of the Internet of Things has brought a large amount of data, and how to efficiently process this data has become an important issue. The timeliness of information disclosure can make the Internet of Things data processing process more efficient and extract valuable information, providing support for decision‐making and optimization. This paper is based on the need for timely information disclosure in the era of Internet of Things technology, constructs the measure of Timeliness of information disclosure and uses such a measure in the five‐factor model to test its validity. The results show that Timeliness of information disclosure can optimize the five‐factor model and significantly improve returns on investment.
ATF4‐dependent increase in mitochondrial‐endoplasmic reticulum tethering following OPA1 deletion in skeletal muscle
Authors: Hinton Antentor , Katti Prasanna , Mungai Margaret , Hall Duane D. , Koval Olha , Shao Jianqiang , Vue Zer , Lopez Edgar Garza , Rostami Rahmati , Neikirk Kit , Ponce Jessica , Streeter Jennifer , Schickling Brandon , Bacevac Serif , Grueter Chad , Marshall Andrea , Beasley Heather K. , Do Koo Young , Bodine Sue C. , Nava Nayeli G. Reyes , Quintana Anita M. , Song Long‐Sheng , Grumbach Isabella M. , Pereira Renata O. , Glancy Brian , Abel E. Dale
Published: February 2024

Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites (MERCs) are protein‐ and lipid‐enriched hubs that mediate interorganellar communication by contributing to the dynamic transfer of Ca2+, lipid, and other metabolites between these organelles. Defective MERCs are associated with cellular oxidative stress, neurodegenerative disease, and cardiac and skeletal muscle pathology via mechanisms that are poorly understood. We previously demonstrated that skeletal muscle‐specific knockdown (KD) of the mitochondrial fusion mediator optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) induced ER stress and correlated with an induction of Mitofusin‐2, a known MERC protein. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Opa1 downregulation in skeletal muscle cells alters MERC formation by evaluating multiple myocyte systems, including from mice and Drosophila, and in primary myotubes. Our results revealed that OPA1 deficiency induced tighter and more frequent MERCs in concert with a greater abundance of MERC proteins involved in calcium exchange. Additionally, loss of OPA1 increased the expression of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), an integrated stress response (ISR) pathway effector. Reducing Atf4 expression prevented the OPA1‐loss‐induced tightening of MERC structures. OPA1 reduction was associated with decreased mitochondrial and sarcoplasmic reticulum, a specialized form of ER, calcium, which was reversed following ATF4 repression. These data suggest that mitochondrial stress, induced by OPA1 deficiency, regulates skeletal muscle MERC formation in an ATF4‐dependent manner.
Conducting atomic force microscopy studies on domain wall currents of Bi5Ti3FeO15 nanodots fabricated by anodic aluminum oxide nanotemplate and sol–gel process
Authors: Kim Minsoo , Son Jong Yeog
Published: February 2024

We investigated the local current characteristics of Bi5Ti3FeO15 (BTFO) nanodots on Nb‐doped SrTiO3 substrates affected by their ferroelectric domain structures and domain walls. The BTFO nanodots with a diameter of about 50 nm were fabricated by anodic aluminum oxide nanotemplates and a BTFO sol–gel process. Based on a piezoresponse force microscope, it was confirmed that domain walls were formed in the ferroelectric domain structures of the epitaxial BTFO nanodots. Current changes due to ferroelectric tunneling junctions according to ferroelectric polarizations in epitaxial BTFO nanodots were confirmed by conduction atomic force microscopy. In particular, the domain walls formed in the epitaxial BTFO nanodots formed high currents compared to the currents in ferroelectric tunneling junctions due to polarizations.

Research highlights

Ferroelectric Bi5Ti3FeO15 nanodots with a diameter of 50 nm.

Ferroelectric domain structures observed with piezoresponse force microscopy.

High domain wall currents observed at domain boundaries observed with conducting atomic force microscopy.
Extremal spectral results of planar graphs without vertex‐disjoint cycles
Authors: Fang Longfei , Lin Huiqiu , Shi Yongtang
Published: February 2024

Given a planar graph family , let and be the maximum size and maximum spectral radius over all ‐vertex ‐free planar graphs, respectively. Let be the disjoint union of copies of ‐cycles, and be the family of vertex‐disjoint cycles without length restriction. Tait and Tobin determined that is the extremal spectral graph among all planar graphs with sufficiently large order , which implies the extremal graphs of both and for are . In this paper, we first determine and and characterize the unique extremal graph for , and sufficiently large . Second, we obtain the exact values of and , which solve a conjecture of Li for .
Social media as a recruitment tactic in melanoma education and protective behaviors in Latino patients
Authors: Greene Adina , Iloabuchi Vivian C. , Stoos Elizabeth , Butterfield Richard J. , Zhang Nan , Mangold Aaron R. , Leachman Sancy , Costello Collin M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Universal skin cancer screening for the Latino population is impractical.

Objectives

We focused on melanoma education by conducting an online education campaign and collected baseline, postintervention, and 3‐month follow‐up surveys to assess sun‐protective behaviors.

Methods

Participants were recruited through (1) social media ads and (2) emails sent to Mayo Clinic Latino patients.

Results

Total social media impressions were 508,442 and 413,007 in Spanish and English, respectively. There were 18,790 and 11,731 clicks for the Spanish and English ads, respectively, resulting in 175 baseline survey responses. From email distribution, 4151 emails translated to 219 baseline participants. Of the 394 patients who participated in the baseline survey, 89 completed the postintervention survey, and 57 completed the 3‐month follow‐up survey (28 from social media and 29 Mayo Clinic patients). Social media provides a unique opportunity for the medical community to promote melanoma education, distribute content quickly, and provide medical education in disparate healthcare areas. Our Spanish ad click‐through rate was 3.70% compared to 2.84% for English. The click‐to‐action rate was 0.57%, and the baseline‐to‐completion rate was 16.00%.

Conclusions

Our study suggests social media could be a unique tool for distributing melanoma educational materials to Latino populations. The click‐through rates for this study were several‐fold higher than other studies' reported click‐through rates (0.4%–0.93%). It is important to develop melanoma educational materials that are culturally relevant and focused on Latino populations that can provide persistent improvements in mitigating melanoma risk behaviors such as sunscreen application and self‐skin examinations.
Assessment of land degradation risks in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Yu Ziyue , Deng Xiangzheng , Fu Ping , Grebby Stephen , Mangi Eugenio
Published: February 2024

Human activity and climate change are degrading the environmentally fragile Loess Plateau in dry and semiarid regions. Land deterioration threatens human and ecological existence. To prevent additional land degradation and ensure the ecological development and quality of arable land in the region, China launched “Grain for Green” in the late 1990s. This effort greatly boosted Loess Plateau vegetation. However, land degradation is complex, and so we must also examine natural and social variables to prevent additional degradation. Thus, this study presents a comprehensive index system to quantify land degradation on the Loess Plateau and uses machine learning to anticipate high‐risk locations. The project improved land degradation, and the spatial distribution of degradation risk is high in the northern and low in the eastern and southern regions of the Plateau. Gross Domestic Product and population density are the main drivers of land degradation. Industrialization and urbanization have raised the risk of land degradation, which now accounts for 1%–2% of the area. This study emphasizes sustainable land management in the Loess Plateau, a critical area for sustainable development in China. The integrated assessment indicator system and random forest modeling machine learning help grasp the current status and future preventive measures. The outcome of this study advances the Loess Plateau land degradation research and sustainable land management. The research findings possess significant scientific reference value in terms of mitigating and managing land degradation in environmentally vulnerable regions worldwide.
Toward an operational tool to integrate land degradation neutrality into land use planning: LUP4LDN
Authors: Zucca Claudio , Le Quang Bao , Karampiperis Pythagoras , Lemann Tatenda , Thomas Richard , Thiombiano Boundia A. , Hermassi Taoufik , Bonaiuti Enrico , Zervas Panagiotis
Published: February 2024

Land use planning (LUP) to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) needs methods and tools that support the identification of best LUP solutions in terms of transitions from current degradative land use (LU) and land management (LM) practices to better LU and LM options. A crucial need is the identification of context specific sustainable land management (SLM) options. Addressing this need must aim at not only reversing/recovering past degradation (e.g., via restoration or rehabilitation in land degradation hotspots), but also avoiding “new” degradation possibly caused by unsuitable LU and LM. This requires SLM planning based on anticipated impact assessment of the LU‐LM transition scenarios set to achieve LDN, which can be achieved through a participatory planning process that integrates interests/needs and knowledge of stakeholders with science‐based supportive tools to identify rational, plausible, and socially relevant options. The geoinformatics Land Use Planning for LDN (LUP4LDN) conceptual procedure and tool have been designed for this purpose. Their aim is to support national and subnational planners by (i) mapping geographic patterns of past land degradation (LD) utilizing the LDN indicators adopted by the UNCCD (SDG 15.3.1 indicator) for user‐defined regions of interest (RoI); (ii) helping users anticipate future LD by identifying land that is unsustainably managed and that will likely become degraded during the planning period; (iii) partitioning the LD areas into spatial domains of socio‐ecological contextual similarity (i.e., contextual similarity units) to which the LU‐LM transitional options will be fitted; and (iv) providing an interactive procedure for participatory LU‐LM transitional scenario development over selected contextual similarity units and timeframes. LUP4LDN uses the Global Database of the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT), ICARDA's Geoinformatics Options by Context (GeOC) tool, and ELD (Economics of Land Degradation) indicators to identify context‐relevant SLM that are available in the RoI, suggests candidate SLM options, and visualizes related expected levels of impacts on ecosystem services via maps and graphs. The generated maps inform users about trade‐offs upon which users can discuss or negotiate transitional pathways. LUP4LDN has been codeveloped with national stakeholders in Tunisia and Burkina Faso. The piloting implementation in the two countries assessed how LUP4LDN fits with existing LUP processes and the benefits achieved by using the tool to support LUP for LDN.
Digital Gait Measures Capture 1‐Year Progression in Early‐Stage Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2
Authors: Seemann Jens , Daghsen Lina , Cazier Matthieu , Lamy Jean‐Charles , Welter Marie‐Laure , Giese Martin A. , Synofzik Matthis , Durr Alexandra , Ilg Winfried , Coarelli Giulia
Published: February 2024

Background

With disease‐modifying drugs in reach for cerebellar ataxias, fine‐grained digital health measures are highly warranted to complement clinical and patient‐reported outcome measures in upcoming treatment trials and treatment monitoring. These measures need to demonstrate sensitivity to capture change, in particular in the early stages of the disease.

Objective

Our aim is to unravel gait measures sensitive to longitudinal change in the—particularly trial‐relevant—early stage of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2).

Methods

We performed a multicenter longitudinal study with combined cross‐sectional and 1‐year interval longitudinal analysis in early‐stage SCA2 participants (n = 23, including nine pre‐ataxic expansion carriers; median, ATXN2 CAG repeat expansion 38 ± 2; median, Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA] score 4.8 ± 4.3). Gait was assessed using three wearable motion sensors during a 2‐minute walk, with analyses focused on gait measures of spatio‐temporal variability that have shown sensitivity to ataxia severity (eg, lateral step deviation).

Results

We found significant changes for gait measures between baseline and 1‐year follow‐up with large effect sizes (lateral step deviation P = 0.0001, effect size rprb = 0.78), whereas the SARA score showed no change (P = 0.67). Sample size estimation indicates a required cohort size of n = 43 to detect a 50% reduction in natural progression. Test–retest reliability and minimal detectable change analysis confirm the accuracy of detecting 50% of the identified 1‐year change.

Conclusions

Gait measures assessed by wearable sensors can capture natural progression in early‐stage SCA2 within just 1 year—in contrast to a clinical ataxia outcome. Lateral step deviation represents a promising outcome measure for upcoming multicenter interventional trials, particularly in the early stages of cerebellar ataxia. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Scattering by a biisotropic obstacle and the properties of the Beltrami spherical vector waves
Authors: Kristensson Gerhard
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we take a fresh look at the determination of the transition matrix for a homogeneous, biisotropic particle employing the Null‐field approach. The condition for passivity of the material is discussed. In particular, we focus on some previously unproved properties of the Beltrami spherical vector waves, such as completeness, orthogonality, and linear independence, which are all instrumental in the analysis of the scattering problem with the Null‐field approach. Some numerical examples illustrate the approach.
Hexagonal ring‐inspired antenna for UWB and V2X applications
Authors: Garg Rahul K. , Choudhury Suvadeep , Tomar Raghuvir S.
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a small‐sized, planar antenna fabrication for ultra‐wideband (UWB) and vehicle‐to‐everything (V2X) applications. The design is inspired by a hexagonal ring, providing an UWB bandwidth of 16.61 GHz (from 3.33 to 19.94 GHz) and a fractional bandwidth of 142.75%. A suitably placed inverted‐U slot in the feed line helps in achieving the WLAN notch band (from 5.04 to 6.01 GHz). The overall design footprint is 0.17 × 0.23 λ02 in size, provides stable radiation characteristics, and a gain of 4 dBi in the pass‐band with stable time‐domain performance. The proposed antenna also covers both 3.5 GHz (LTE‐42 Band) and 5.9 GHz (DSRC Band), therefore being suitable for modern UWB frontends and V2X communication.
Tool‐tip vibration prediction based on a novel convolutional enhanced transformer
Authors: Shehzad Adeel , Rui Xiaoting , Ding Yuanyuan , Chang Yu , Zhang Jianshu , Lu Hanjing , Chen Yiheng
Published: February 2024

Superior surface finish remains a fundamental criterion in precision machining operations, and tool‐tip vibration is an important factor that significantly influences the quality of the machined surface. Physics‐based models heavily rely on assumptions for model simplification when applied to complex high‐end systems. However, these assumptions may come at the cost of compromising the model's accuracy. In contrast, data‐driven techniques have emerged as an attractive alternative for tasks such as prediction and complex system analysis. To exploit the advantages of data‐driven models, this study introduces a novel convolutional enhanced transformer model for tool‐tip vibration prediction, referred to as CeT‐TV. The effectiveness of this model is demonstrated through its successful application in ultra‐precision fly‐cutting (UPFC) operations. Two distinct variants of the model, namely, guided and nonguided CeT‐TV, were developed and rigorously tested on a data set custom‐tailored for UPFC applications. The results reveal that the guided CeT‐TV model exhibits outstanding performance, characterized by the lowest mean absolute error and root mean square error values. Additionally, the model demonstrates excellent agreement between the predicted values and the actual measurements, thus underlining its efficiency and potential for predicting the tool‐tip vibration in the context of UPFC.
Von Ringen, Röhren und Radikalen
Authors: Dumele Oliver
Published: February 2024

FCI‐Dozentenpreisträger Oliver Dumele konstruiert kohlenstoffreiche molekulare Materialien mit vielseitigen Funktionen für Sensorik, Energiespeicherung und optisch schaltbare Spinzustände.
Einer von Hundert
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: February 2024

Clemens Magerkurth ist Vermittler zwischen Vorschriften und dem realen Leben: Er arbeitet in Kiel als Chemiker für Arbeitsschutz und Chemikaliensicherheit im Bundesamt für Infrastruktur, Umweltschutz und Dienstleistungen der Bundeswehr.
Analytik: Vorhersagen mit Stahl und Speichel
Authors: Luxbacher Thomas
Published: February 2024

Werden die Varianten der Strömungspotenzialmessung kombiniert, lässt sich charakterisieren, wie das Speichelenzym Lysozym an der Oberfläche einer CoCr‐Legierung adsorbiert. Dies dient als Modellsystem, um zu untersuchen, ob ein menschlicher Körper ein Zahnimplantat annehmen wird.
3D printed honeycomb bilayer structures based on polylactic acid as lightweight microwave absorbing materials
Authors: Schmitz Debora P. , Santana Leonardo , Barra Guilherme M. O. , Soares Bluma G.
Published: February 2024

3D printed honeycomb structures constituted by neat polylactic acid (PLA) and conductive PLA (PLAc) with different cell sizes and thicknesses were manufactured through 3D printing technology based on material extrusion (MEX). These structures were arranged into bi‐layer honeycomb structures (BHS) for evaluation of the microwave absorbing properties at the X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) and Ku‐band (12.4–18 GHz) frequency ranges. The effects of cell size, sample thickness, layer thickness ratio and the nature of the top layer on the electromagnetic attenuation performance of BHS samples were investigated in terms of reflection loss (RL). The components geometric characteristics and the arrangement of the layers exerted great influence on the RL values and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB). Overall the bilayer structures with 5 mm total thickness presented the best EM response in terms of EAB and minimum RL, where the component with the larger cell size (7.7 mm), PLAc (1 mm) as the top layer and PLA (4 mm) as the bottom layer exhibited the best results with RL values of −41 dB and EAB of 9.5 GHz. The BHS system with 7.7 mm cell size was more efficient in Ku band frequency range, whereas that with 3.5 mm cell size gave better response in the X‐band frequency range. Therefore, RL values and EAB can be adjustable by modifying the building strategy of the printed parts, such as thickness of the sample, cell size and thickness distribution of the conductive and non‐conductive layers. The findings in this work show the importance of the building strategy to fabricate components with controllable BHS and improved properties for microwave absorption application.
A study on tribological performances of PEEK and PTFE based composites with MoS2 reinforcements
Authors: Guru Soumya Ranjan , Panda Sandip , Kumar Prabhat , Sarangi Mihir
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the tribological and mechanical properties of poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based composites with molybdenum di‐sulphide (MoS2) reinforcements. Polymeric composite materials have gained popularity in various tribology applications due to low weight, reduced wear and friction characteristics, and improved commercial aspects. MoS2 exhibits superior strengthening characteristics and improved tribological functionality depending on its concentration. Mechanical properties were assessed using micro‐scratch testing, whereas tribological characteristics were investigated using pin‐on‐disc arrangement in dry conditions. Counter face discs were made up of 316 L Steel with four different roughness characteristics obtained from common machining operations: polished, turned, milled, and grit‐blasted. Friction and wear results were analyzed under three loading conditions and four roughness characteristics. MoS2‐reinforced composites exhibited a scratch hardness that is roughly double that of PEEK and around ten times higher than that of PTFE. Simultaneously, adding 3 wt.% of MoS2 in PEEK and PTFE composite reduces both volumetric wear and friction significantly compared to other combinations of materials. This study can, therefore, be practically important to produce direction in order to make a composite such as PEEK‐PTFE‐MoS2 (1–3 wt%) to achieve tailored tribological performances based on system operational features such as load, speed, temperature, and roughness characteristics.

Highlights

PEEK and PTFE based composites reinforced with molybdenum disulphide (MoS2).

Pin‐on‐disc and scratch tests are considered for experimental analysis.

3 wt.% of MoS2 base‐composite turned out to be the best performer.

Investigation progresses with a variation of sliding speed and surface roughness.
Polymeric composites in extrusion‐based additive manufacturing: a systematic review
Authors: Rodrigues Alina de Souza Leão , Pires Ana Caroline Batista , Barbosa Patrícia Alves , Silveira Zilda de Castro
Published: February 2024

Solid composites used in material extrusion additive manufacturing have experienced considerable expansion over the past 5 years, incorporating functional properties into 3D‐printed objects. This paper presents a systematic review that aims to: (I) analyze the current state of development in the field; (II) quantify and categorize the adopted polymeric matrices, reinforcing materials, feedstock shapes, characterization strategies, and extrusion mechanisms; and (III) identify the applications, limitations, and trends for future research. The PRISMA statement was followed and the databases Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were consulted. Among the 116 included studies, the use of customized filaments surpassed the commercially available ones, with particulate matter being the most common form of filler when melt‐mixed with the polymer. Polyamide is the most widely adopted matrix (30.3%), followed by PLA (22.0%) and ABS (17.4%). In terms of reinforcements, carbon fiber (32.4%), glass fiber (12.5%), and ceramics (12.5%) compose the podium as the most frequently used, with nanofillers receiving increasing attention. In the conducted analysis, no standardized protocols were identified that clearly encompassed the entire process from feedstock formulation to technical prototype fabrication. At last, recycling, exploration of biodegradable materials, and 4D printing were identified as the main opportunities for future research.

Highlights

Reinforced polymers enable the enhancement of properties for 3D‐printed parts.

Composite feedstock is usually formulated and mixed before printing.

3D printers with filament‐ or screw‐based extrusion mechanisms have been used.

Mechanical and morphological analyses are common in material characterization.

No identified applications were employed in real‐world scenarios.
Adverse drug reaction signal detection methods in spontaneous reporting system: A systematic review
Authors: Jiao Xue‐Feng , Pu Libin , Lan Shan , Li Hailong , Zeng Linan , Wang Huiqing , Zhang Lingli
Published: February 2024

Background

A series of signal detection methods have been developed to detect adverse drug reaction (ADR) signals in spontaneous reporting system. However, different signal detection methods yield quite different signal detection results, and we do not know which method has the best detection performance. How to choose the most suitable signal detection method is an urgent problem to be solved. In this study, we systematically reviewed the characteristics and application scopes of current signal detection methods, with the goal of providing references for the optimization selection of signal detection methods in spontaneous reporting system.

Methods

We searched six databases from inception to January 2023. The search strategy targeted literatures regarding signal detection methods in spontaneous reporting system. We used thematic analysis approach to summarize the advantages, disadvantages, and application scope of each signal detection method.

Results

A total of 93 literatures were included, including 27 reviews and 66 methodological studies. Moreover, 31 signal detection methods were identified in these literatures. Each signal detection method has its inherent advantages and disadvantages, resulting in different application scopes of these methods.

Conclusion

Our systematic review finds that there are variabilities in the advantages, disadvantages, and application scopes of different signal detection methods. This finding indicates that the most suitable signal detection method varies across different drug safety scenarios. Moreover, when selecting signal detection method in a particular drug safety scenario, the following factors need to be considered: purpose of research, database size, drug characteristics, adverse event characteristics, and characteristics of the relations between drugs and adverse events.
How glaucoma patients balance between the advantages and disadvantages of acceptance to the recommended treatment regimen in real‐life: Perspectives from a middle‐income country
Authors: Motta Guilherme Samomiya , da Costa Andrade Julia , Kasahara Niro
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) are required to take long‐term treatments with topical medications to halt disease progression. This cross‐sectional survey aimed to describe the level of acceptance of Brazilian patients toward the long‐term treatment with eyedrops and to find possible correlates of high acceptance.

Methods

POAG patients were recruited from the Glaucoma Service—Santa Casa of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Clinical and demographic data were retrieved from participants' electronic records. All patients answered the ACCEPT© questionnaire. This is a generic patient‐reported outcome questionnaire specifically developed to assess patients' acceptance of long‐term medications and not adherence. Summed scores and those for each domain were calculated to range from 0 to 100 with a higher score indicating greater acceptance.

Results

The sample comprised 96 patients with POAG. The mean age was 63.2 ± 8.9 years; 48 were male and 48 female; 55 (57.3%) were white, 36 (37.5%) African‐Brazilian, and 5 (5.2%) were of mixed color; most patients (97.9%) had less than high school degree and all had a family income <USD10,000. The mean summed ACCEPT score was 66.2 ± 5.0. Scores for specific domains were higher for your medication (82.5 ± 35.9), side effects of your medication (86.9 ± 37.4), and effectiveness of your medication (73.3 ± 8.3). There was no association between higher scores and any sociodemographic variables.

Conclusions

In this cohort of Brazilian patients with glaucoma, acceptance of treatment was high. Patients seems to have noticed more benefits than risks to the recommended treatment regimen.
Xanthan gum‐enhanced polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel toward flexible sensor
Authors: Wang Yajun , Gao Yiyan , Shi Kai , Gao Guanghui
Published: February 2024

Ionic conductive hydrogels attracted much attention for applying as wearable sensors, but most hydrogel sensors were not strong enough to withstand repeated sensing because of their low mechanical strength. Here, xanthan gum and sodium chloride were introduced into the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel system for constructing hydrogels with high mechanical strength due to the hydrogen bonds formed between polyvinyl alcohol and gum xanthan as well as the chain entanglement of polyvinyl alcohol. Meanwhile, the hydrogel was highly sensitive to mechanical deformation because of the existence of free ions provided by sodium chloride. As a result, the hydrogel could serve as sensors for perceiving various body motions, with the advantages of fast response, reproducibility and durability for repeated stretching or compression. The strategy of xanthan gum‐enhanced hydrogel fuels an exciting new direction for hydrogel‐based wearable sensors.
Probabilistic modeling of double linear damage accumulation and its application in fatigue reliability analysis
Authors: Peng Zhaochun , Shi Liangma , Hu Jian , Jiang Qiangqiang , Wu Jing
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a probabilistic double linear damage accumulation model is proposed to characterize the uncertainty of damage accumulation using the statistics of material fatigue life. The probabilistic modeling framework is performed under normal distribution assumption of fatigue life. By applying a one‐to‐one probability density function transformation method, the probability distribution of critical damage and cumulative damage can be extracted and derived. The proposed probabilistic damage accumulation model is then used for fatigue reliability analysis by building the reliability formulas with respect to the cumulative damage and the critical damage under both constant and variable amplitude loadings. It treats the mean and variance of cumulative damage as time‐dependent values that dynamically vary with increase in usage life. The reliability can be easily calculated by limited data necessary from fatigue life samples. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated using the experimental data of two metallic materials under constant amplitude and two‐block loadings. The results show that the model predictions are in good agreement with the experimental observations under constant amplitude loading and L‐H loading sequence. In addition, the proposed method provides better predictive ability than the Miner rule under constant amplitude loading and H‐L loading sequence. Moreover, the predicted reliability plots can typically present a two‐stage fatigue characteristic during crack initiation and crack propagation periods.