bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovarian function in female survivors of high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Jimenez‐Kurlander Lauren , DeRosa Amelia , Kostrzewa Caroline E. , Moskowitz Chaya S. , Bogardus Kimberly , Antal Zoltan , Wolden Suzanne , La Quaglia Michael P. , Basu Ellen M. , Cardenas Fiorella Iglesias , Kramer Kim , Kushner Brian H. , Cheung Nai‐Kong V. , Modak Shakeel , Friedman Danielle Novetsky
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Data on ovarian function in neuroblastoma survivors are limited. We sought to determine the prevalence of ovarian dysfunction in a cohort of high‐risk neuroblastoma survivors and compare outcomes among survivors treated with and without autologous stem cell rescue (ASCR) preceded by myeloablative chemotherapy.

Methods

Retrospective review of female survivors of high‐risk neuroblastoma ≥5 years from diagnosis, diagnosed between 1982 and 2014, and followed in a tertiary cancer center. Participants were divided into two groups: individuals treated with conventional chemotherapy ± radiation (“non‐ASCR”) (n = 32) or with chemotherapy ± radiation followed by myeloablative chemotherapy with ASCR (“ASCR”) (n = 51). Ovarian dysfunction was defined as follicle‐stimulating hormone ≥15 mU/mL, while premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) was defined as persistent ovarian dysfunction requiring hormone replacement therapy. Poisson models were used to determine prevalence ratios of ovarian dysfunction and POI.

Results

Among 83 females (median attained age: 19 years [range, 10‐36]; median follow‐up: 15 years [range, 7‐36]), 49 (59%) had ovarian dysfunction, and 34 (41%) developed POI. Survivors treated with ASCR were 3.2‐fold more likely to develop ovarian dysfunction (95% CI: 1.8‐6.0; p < 0.001) and 4.5‐fold more likely to develop POI (95% CI: 1.7‐11.7; p = 0.002) when compared with those treated with conventional chemotherapy, after adjusting for attained age. Two participants in the non‐ASCR group and six in the ASCR group achieved at least one spontaneous pregnancy.

Discussion

Ovarian dysfunction is prevalent in female high‐risk neuroblastoma survivors, especially after ASCR. Longitudinal follow‐up of larger cohorts is needed to inform counseling about the risk of impaired ovarian function after neuroblastoma therapy.
Relevance of learning health systems to physiatrists and its synergy with implementation science: A commentary
Authors: Annaswamy Thiru M. , Grover Prateek , Douglas Natalie F. , Poploski Kathleen M. , Anderson Catherine A. , Clark Melissa A. , Flores Ann Marie , Hafner Brian J. , Hoffman Jeanne M. , Kinney Adam R. , Ressel Kristin , Sánchez Jennifer , Whitten Margarite J. , Resnik Linda , McDonough Christine M.
Published: July 2024

As health care attempts to bridge the gap between evidence and practice, the concept of the learning health system (LHS) is becoming increasingly relevant. LHS integrates evidence with health systems data, driving health care quality and outcomes through updates in policy, practice, and care delivery. In addition, LHS research is becoming critically important as there are several initiatives underway to increase research capacity, expertise, and implementation, including attempts to stimulate increasing numbers of LHS researchers. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians (physiatrists), nurses, therapists (physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, clinical psychologists), and scientists are affiliated with LHSs. As LHS research expands in health care systems, better awareness and understanding of LHSs and LHS research competencies are key for rehabilitation professionals including physiatrists. To address this need, the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) identified 33 core competencies, grouped into eight domains, for training LHS researchers. The domains are: (1) Systems Science; (2) Research Questions and Standards of Scientific Evidence; (3) Research Methods; (4) Informatics; (5) Ethics of Research and Implementation in Health Systems; (6) Improvement and Implementation Science; (7) Engagement, Leadership, and Research Management; and the recently added (8) Health and Healthcare Equity and Justice. The purpose of this commentary is to define LHS and its relevance to physiatrists, present the role of implementation science (IS) in LHSs and application of IS principles to design LHSs, illustrate current LHS research in rehabilitation, and discuss potential solutions to improve awareness and to stimulate interest in LHS research and IS among physiatrists in LHSs.
The performance of a variable‐resolution 300‐m ensemble for forecasting convection over London
Authors: Hanley Kirsty E. , Lean Humphrey W.
Published: July 2024

When using sub‐km models to forecast convection, it is important to have a large enough domain to allow convection to fully spin‐up from the lateral boundaries. However, running large domains is computationally expensive and while it may be feasible for research purposes it is not yet feasible for routinely run models, such as the Met Office 300‐m London model. To try and mitigate the spin‐up issues in the London model, a variable‐resolution 300‐m London Model (the ‘LMV’) has been developed, which allows the boundaries of the London model to be further away from areas of interest (e.g., London Heathrow) at lower computational cost. Results from several cases of summertime convection show that the convective storms in the variable‐resolution model are more like those in a large fixed‐resolution 300‐m model than those in the much smaller London model. This implies variable resolution is a viable option for increasing the size of the London model domain without increasing the computational costs too much. Extended evaluation of the LMV was conducted during summer 2022, running as an ensemble nested inside the Met Office's operational UK ensemble (MOGREPS‐UK). Overall, the LMV looks promising for high‐impact convective events as it is better able to represent the organisation of convection into lines or larger storms whereas MOGREPS‐UK tends to simulate isolated, circular storms. This often leads to more reliable probabilities of heavy rainfall in the LMV ensemble compared to MOGREPS‐UK. However, there is an issue with the LMV producing too many small precipitating showers in situations where there should only be shallow clouds. This is thought to be a result of shallow clouds getting too deep in the model and precipitating erroneously.
Scientometric evaluation of cutting‐edge research on sustainable development and environmental concern
Authors: Singh Roopendra
Published: July 2024

Sustainable development is an emerging field worldwide; given sustainable development, environmental concern is a significant and critical area. An attempt was made in this study to investigate the research areas and patterns associated with the growth of publication and citation growth related to sustainable development and environmental concerns. As a result of the download of 2258 publication details from the SCOPUS database, research data was downloaded and analyzed based on Vosviewer software by downloading and analyzing the research data. In the analysis of sustainable development and environmental concerns, scientometric analyses were conducted based on co‐authorship, keyword occurrence, bibliographic coupling, and co‐citation to visualize the results of the scientometric analysis.
Surface Engineering Enhances Vanadium Carbide MXene‐Based Nanoplatform Triggered by NIR‐II for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Zhang Xide , Guo Jiahao , He Lei , Wang Fuming , Qiu Zhiwen , Li Ang , Zhang Jing , Gao Fu , Li Wei
Published: July 2024

Despite the advantages of high tissue penetration depth, selectivity, and non‐invasiveness of photothermal therapy for cancer treatment, developing NIR‐II photothermal agents with desirable photothermal performance and advanced theranostics ability remains a key challenge. Herein, a universal surface modification strategy is proposed to effectively improve the photothermal performance of vanadium carbide MXene nanosheets (L‐V2C) with the removal of surface impurity ions and generation of mesopores. Subsequently, MnOx coating capable of T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging can be in situ formed through surface redox reaction on L‐V2C, and then, stable nanoplatforms (LVM‐PEG) under physiological conditions can be obtained after further PEGylation. In the tumor microenvironment irradiated by NIR‐II laser, multivalent Mn ions released from LVM‐PEG, as a reversible electronic station, can consume the overexpression of glutathione and catalyze a Fenton‐like reaction to produce ·OH, resulting in synchronous cellular oxidative damage. Efficient synergistic therapy promotes immunogenic cell death, improving tumor‐related immune microenvironment and immunomodulation, and thus, LVM‐PEG can demonstrate high accuracy and excellent anticancer efficiency guided by multimodal imaging. As a result, this study provides a new approach for the customization of 2D surface strategies and the study of synergistic therapy mechanisms, highlighting the application of MXene‐based materials in the biomedical field.
A Robust Parallel Computing Data Extraction Framework for Nanopore Experiments
Authors: Bandara Y. M. N. D. Y. , Dutt Shankar , Karawdeniya Buddini I. , Saharia Jugal , Kluth Patrick , Tricoli Antonio
Published: July 2024

The success of a nanopore experiment relies not only on the quality of the experimental design but also on the performance of the analysis program utilized to decipher the ionic perturbations necessary for understanding the fundamental molecular intricacies. An event extraction framework is developed that leverages parallel computing, efficient memory management, and vectorization, yielding significant performance enhancement. The newly developed abf‐ultra‐simple function extracts key parameters from the header critical for the operation of open‐seek‐read‐close data loading architecture running on multiple cores. This underpins the swift analysis of large files where an ≈ × 18 improvement is found for a 100 min‐long file (≈4.5 GB) compared to the more traditional single (cell) array data loading method. The application is benchmarked against five other analysis platforms showcasing significant performance enhancement (>2 ×–1120 ×). The integrated provisions for batch analysis enable concurrently analyzing multiple files (vital for high‐bandwidth experiments). Furthermore, the application is equipped with multi‐level data fitting based on abrupt changes in the event waveform. The application condenses the extracted events to a single binary file improving data portability (e.g., 16 GB file with 28 182 events reduces to 47.9 MB–343 × size reduction) and enables a multitude of post‐analysis extractions to be done efficiently.
Empowering Exosomes with Aptamers for Precision Theranostics
Authors: Zheng Liyan , Li Jin , Li Yingying , Sun Weidi , Ma LeLe , Qu Fengli , Tan Weihong
Published: July 2024

As information messengers for cell‐to‐cell communication, exosomes, typically small membrane vesicles (30–150 nm), play an imperative role in the physiological and pathological processes of living systems. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that exosomes are potential biological candidates for theranostics, including liquid biopsy‐based diagnosis and drug delivery. However, their clinical applications are hindered by several issues, especially their unspecific detection and insufficient targeting ability. How to upgrade the accuracy of exosome‐based theranostics is being widely explored. Aptamers, benefitting from their admirable characteristics, are used as excellent molecular recognition elements to empower exosomes for precision theranostics. With high affinity against targets and easy site‐specific modification, aptamers can be incorporated with platforms for the specific detection of exosomes, thus providing opportunities for advancing disease diagnostics. Furthermore, aptamers can be tailored and functionalized on exosomes to enable targeted therapeutics. Herein, this review emphasizes the empowering of exosomes by aptamers for precision theranostics. A brief introduction of exosomes and aptamers is provided, followed by a discussion of recent progress in aptamer‐based exosome detection for disease diagnosis, and the emerging applications of aptamer‐functionalized exosomes for targeted therapeutics. Finally, current challenges and opportunities in this research field are presented.
Initiation of vedolizumab did not provoke new‐onset spondylarthritis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A prospective 24‐week study with imaging assessments
Authors: Rohekar Sherry , Boyd Tristan , Lambert Robert G. , Beaton Melanie , Chande Nilesh , Gregor Jamie , Lennox Heather , Mcintosh Keith , Ponich Terry , Rahman Adam , Sharma Trimadhu , Sey Michael , Tauqir Maria , Jairath Vipul
Published: July 2024

Background

A temporal relationship between vedolizumab and new‐onset spondyloarthritis (SpA) has been suggested.

Aims

We evaluated the relationship between vedolizumab initiation and development of new‐onset SpA in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through serial clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

A single‐centre prospective observational study of 24 patients with IBD. Patients were eligible if they had active ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (CD), were initiating vedolizumab, had no prior history of arthritis or SpA and were suitable for serial MRI. A rheumatologist performed clinical evaluation prior to the first dose and 8 and 24 weeks. Axial MRI was evaluated by a blinded central reader and performed at baseline 8 and 24 weeks.

Results

Nine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor‐naïve patients (4 male; mean age 53.2 years; 6 UC; 3 CD) and eight TNF inhibitor‐experienced patients (7 male; mean age 48 years; 3 UC; 5 CD) completed all assessments. No patients developed new features of axial arthritis or features of peripheral SpA (inflammatory oligoarthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, or psoriasis (nail, body, or scalp)). Both groups demonstrated a good intestinal response.

Conclusion

Vedolizumab initiation did not induce new features of axial or peripheral SpA after 24 weeks of treatment in TNF inhibitor‐experienced or TNF inhibitor‐naive patients with IBD.
Fidelity of wormhole teleportation in finite-qubit systems
Authors: Liu Zeyu , Zhang Pengfei
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The rapid development of quantum science and technology is leading us into an era where quantum many-body systems can be comprehended through quantum simulations. Holographic duality, which states gravity and spacetime can emerge from strongly interacting systems, then offers a natural avenue for the experimental study of gravity physics without delving into experimentally infeasible high energies. A prominent example is the simulation of traversable wormholes through the wormhole teleportation protocol, attracting both theoretical and experimental attention. In this work, we develop the theoretical framework for computing the fidelity of wormhole teleportation in N-qubit systems with all-to-all interactions, quantified by mutual information and entanglement negativity. The main technique is the scramblon effective theory, which captures universal out-of-time-order correlations in generic chaotic systems. We clarify that strong couplings between the two systems are essential for simulating the probe limit of semi-classical traversable wormholes using strongly interacting systems with near-maximal chaos. However, the teleportation signal diminishes rapidly when reducing the system size N, requiring a large number of qubits to observe a sharp signature of emergent geometry by simulating the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model. This includes both the causal time-order of signals and the asymmetry of the teleportation signal for coupling with different signs. As a comparison, the teleportation signal increases when reducing N in weakly interacting systems. We also analyze the fidelity of the generalized encoding scheme in fermionic string operators.
Low spin solutions of higher spin gravity: BPST instanton
Authors: Skvortsov Evgeny , Yin Yihao
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Higher spin gravities do not have a low energy limit where higher-spin fields decouple from gravity. Nevertheless, it is possible to construct fine-tuned exact solutions that activate low-spin fields without sourcing the higher-spin fields. We show that BPST (Belavin-Polyakov-Schwartz-Tyupkin) instanton is an exact solution of Chiral Higher Spin Gravity, i.e. it is also a solution of the holographic dual of Chern-Simons matter theories. This gives an example of a low-spin solution. The instanton sources the opposite helicity spin-one field and a scalar field. We derive an Effective Field Theory that describes the coupling between an instanton and the other two fields, whose action starts with the Chalmers-Siegel action and has certain higher derivative couplings.
End of the world brane meets $$ T\overline{T} $$
Authors: Deng Feiyu , Wang Zhi , Zhou Yang
Published: July 2024

Abstract

End of the world branes in AdS have been recently used to study problems deeply connected to quantum gravity, such as black hole evaporation and holographic cosmology. With non-critical tension and Neumann boundary condition, the end of the world brane often represents part of the degrees of freedom in AdS gravity and geometrically it is only part of the entire boundary. On the other hand, holographic $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation can also give a boundary as a cutoff surface for AdS gravity. In this paper we consider AdS gravity with both the end of the world boundary and the cutoff boundary. Using partial reduction we obtain a brane world gravity glued to a $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformed bath. We compute both entanglement entropy and Page curve, and find agreement between the holographic results and island formula results.
Higgs portal dark matter freeze-in at stronger coupling: observational benchmarks
Authors: Arcadi Giorgio , Costa Francesco , Goudelis Andreas , Lebedev Oleg
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We study freeze-in production of Higgs portal dark matter (DM) at temperatures far below the dark matter mass. The temperature of the Standard Model (SM) thermal bath may have never been high such that dark matter production via thermal emission has been Boltzmann-suppressed. This allows for a significant coupling between the Higgs field and DM, which is being probed by the direct DM detection experiments and invisible Higgs decay searches at the LHC. We delineate the corresponding parameter space in the Higgs portal framework with dark matter of spin 0, 1/2 and 1.
Diffusion-weighted imaging in addition to contrast-enhanced MRI in identifying complete response in HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: van der Voort Anna , van der Hoogt Kay J. J. , Wessels Ronni , Schipper Robert-Jan , Wesseling Jelle , Sonke Gabe S. , Mann Ritse M.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the added value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to dynamic-contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI to identify a pathological complete response (pCR) in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and radiological complete response (rCR).

Materials and methods

This is a single-center observational study of 102 patients with stage I-III HER2-positive breast cancer and real-world documented rCR on DCE-MRI. Patients were treated between 2015 and 2019. Both 1.5 T/3.0 T single-shot diffusion-weighted echo-planar sequence were used. Post neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) diffusion-weighted images were reviewed by two readers for visual evaluation and ADCmean. Discordant cases were resolved in a consensus meeting. pCR of the breast (ypT0/is) was used to calculate the negative predictive value (NPV). Breast pCR-percentages were tested with Fisher’s exact test. ADCmean and ∆ADCmean(%) for patients with and without pCR were compared using a Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results

The NPV for DWI added to DCE is 86% compared to 87% for DCE alone in hormone receptor (HR)-/HER2-positive and 67% compared to 64% in HR-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer. Twenty-seven of 39 non-rCR DWI cases were false positives. In HR-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer the NPV for DCE MRI differs between MRI field strength (1.5 T: 50% vs. 3 T: 81% [p = 0.02]). ADCmean at baseline, post-NST, and ∆ADCmean were similar between patients with and without pCR.

Conclusion

DWI has no clinically relevant effect on the NPV of DCE alone to identify a pCR in early HER2-positive breast cancer. The added value of DWI in HR-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer should be further investigated taken MRI field strength into account.

Clinical relevance statement

The residual signal on DWI after neoadjuvant systemic therapy in cases with early HER2-positive breast cancer and no residual pathologic enhancement on DCE-MRI breast should not (yet) be considered in assessing a complete radiologic response.

Key Points

Radiologic complete response is associated with a pathologic complete response (pCR) in HER2+ breast cancer but further improvement is warranted.

No relevant increase in negative predictive value was observed when DWI was added to DCE.

Residual signal on DW-images without pathologic enhancement on DCE-MRI, does not indicate a lower chance of pCR.
Transparent maltitol- cellulose nanocrystal film for high performance barrier
Authors: Nasiri Naghmeh , Cainglet Hans Estrella , Garnier Gil , Batchelor Warren
Published: July 2024

The broad applications of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films are restricted by their low resistance against water and brittleness. In this study, high barrier transparent films composed of CNCs and maltitol, used as a bio-plasticizer (at up to 30% weight), were prepared by spray deposition. Addition of plasticizer increased the optical transmittance of the films. It also improved elongation at break and flexibility of the films, while reducing Young’s modulus and tensile strength. The barrier properties of CNC films plasticized with maltitol were significantly improved over CNC. In particular, films containing 30 wt.% maltitol showed a water vapor permeability of 3.67 × 10–12 (g/Pa.s.m) and oxygen permeability of 4.75 (cm3.µm/m2.day.Pa) corresponding to 94% and 78% reductions over CNC films, respectively. This remarkable barrier improvement is attributed to a combination of decreased porosity and the interaction of hydroxy groups of maltitol and CNCs. This interaction led to a reduction of the free hydroxy groups available to interact with the water molecules diffusing in the nanocomposite films, as confirmed by dynamic vapor sorption measurements. This study presents maltitol as a green plasticizer significantly improving the CNC film properties and enabling new barrier applications.
3D wave dispersion analysis of graphene platelet-reinforced ultra-stiff double functionally graded nanocomposite sandwich plates with metamaterial honeycomb core layer
Authors: Aktaş Kerim Gökhan
Published: July 2024

This research addresses the three-dimensional thermomechanical wave propagation behavior in sandwich composite nanoplates with a metamaterial honeycomb core layer and double functionally graded (FG) ultra-stiff surface layers. Due to its potential for high-temperature applications, pure nickel (Ni) is preferred for the honeycomb core layer, and an Al2O3/Ni ceramic-metal matrix is preferred for the surface layers. The functional distribution of graphene platelets (GPLs) in three different patterns, Type-U, Type-X, and Type-O, in the metal-ceramic matrix with a power law distribution provides double-FG properties to the surface layers. The mechanical and thermal material characteristics of the core and surface layers, as well as the reinforcing GPLs, are temperature-dependent. The pattern of temperature variation over the plate thickness is considered to be nonlinear. The sandwich nanoplate’s motion equations are obtained by combining the sinusoidal higher-order shear deformation theory (SHSDT) with nonlocal integral elasticity and strain gradient elasticity theories. The wave equations are established by using Hamilton’s principle. Parametric simulations and graphical representations are performed to analyze the effects of honeycomb size variables, wave number, the power law index, the GPL distribution pattern, the GPL weight ratio, and the temperature rise on three-dimensional wave propagation in an ultra-stiff sandwich plate. The results of the analysis reveal that the 3D wave propagation of the sandwich nanoplate can be significantly modified or tuned depending on the desired parameters and conditions. Thus, the proposed sandwich structure is expected to provide essential contributions to radar/sonar stealth applications in air, space, and submarine vehicles in high or low-temperature environments, protection of microelectromechanical devices from high noise and vibration, soft robotics applications, and wearable health and protective equipment applications.
Cost avoidance of pharmacist-led deprescribing using STOPPFrail for older adults in nursing homes
Authors: Hurley Eoin , Byrne Stephen , Walsh Elaine , Foley Tony , Woods Noel , Dalton Kieran
Published: July 2024

Background

The Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in Frail adults with limited life expectancy (STOPPFrail) criteria aim to reduce inappropriate/unnecessary medications in frail older adults, which should minimise adverse drug events and additional healthcare expenditure. Little is known about the economic outcomes of applying these criteria as an intervention.

Aim

To evaluate cost avoidance of pharmacist-led application of STOPPFrail to frail older nursing home residents with limited life expectancy.

Method

Pharmacist-identified STOPPFrail-defined potentially inappropriate medications that were deprescribed by patients’ general practitioners were assigned a rating by a multidisciplinary panel, i.e. the probability of an adverse drug event occurring if the medication was not deprescribed. The intervention’s net cost benefit and cost–benefit ratio were then determined by factoring in adverse drug event cost avoidance (calculated from probability of adverse drug event ratings), direct cost savings (deprescribed medication costs/reimbursement fees), and healthcare professionals’ salaries.

Results

Of the 176 potentially inappropriate medications deprescribed across 69 patients, 65 (36.9%) were rated as having a medium or high probability of an adverse drug event occurring if not deprescribed. With €27,162 for direct cost savings, €61,336 for adverse drug event cost avoidance, and €2,589 for healthcare professionals' salary costs, there was a net cost benefit of €85,909 overall. The cost–benefit ratio was 33.2 and remained positive in all scenarios in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Pharmacist-led application of STOPPFrail to frail older nursing home residents is associated with significant cost avoidance. Wider implementation of pharmacist interventions in frail older nursing home residents should be considered to reduce potentially inappropriate medications and patient harm, alongside substantial cost savings for healthcare systems.
Exploring the transition: biology, technology, and epistemic activities
Authors: Tamborini Marco
Published: July 2024

By focusing on biorobotics, this article explores the epistemological foundations necessary to support the transition from biological models to technological artifacts. To address this transition, I analyze the position of the German philosopher Thomas Fuchs, who represents one possible approach to the problem of the relationship between bio-inspired technology and biology. While Fuchs defends the idea of a unique ontological space for humans, this article contends that his categorical distinctions face challenges in establishing a robust epistemic foundation necessary to ground the transition from biology to technology. After identifying at least three interwoven reasons for rejecting Fuchs’ epistemic foundation, I ask how, through what methods, and by means of which practices the newly bio-inspired object is accessed and shaped. Expanding on philosophy of science and technology in practice, I argue that the plurality of answers to this question provides a possible epistemological foundation within the different frameworks of practices that produce the bio-inspired object. In addressing the potential epistemological foundation for pluralistically grounding the transition from biological models to technological ones, my approach helps us: (i) concretize and examine the relationship between biological and technological models, and (ii) investigate the features and validity of bio-inspired objects, effectively offering a more concrete and pluralistic picture of what bio-inspired sciences and technologies are and what they can (or cannot) do.
The Role of the Neural Exposome as a Novel Strategy to Identify and Mitigate Health Inequities in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Granov Ravid , Vedad Skyler , Wang Shu-Han , Durham Andrea , Shah Divyash , Pasinetti Giulio Maria
Published: July 2024

With the continuous increase of the elderly population, there is an urgency to understand and develop relevant treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). In tandem with this, the prevalence of health inequities continues to rise as disadvantaged communities fail to be included in mainstream research. The neural exposome poses as a relevant mechanistic approach and tool for investigating ADRD onset, progression, and pathology as it accounts for several different factors: exogenous, endogenous, and behavioral. Consequently, through the neural exposome, health inequities can be addressed in ADRD research. In this paper, we address how the neural exposome relates to ADRD by contributing to the discourse through defining how the neural exposome can be developed as a tool in accordance with machine learning. Through this, machine learning can allow for developing a greater insight into the application of transferring and making sense of experimental mouse models exposed to health inequities and potentially relate it to humans. The overall goal moving beyond this paper is to define a multitude of potential factors that can increase the risk of ADRD onset and integrate them to create an interdisciplinary approach to the study of ADRD and subsequently translate the findings to clinical research.
Unlocking wear resistance in an ultrastrong dual-phase high-entropy alloy by interface-constrained deformation of brittle Laves phases
Authors: Liang Fei , Sun Yixing , Wan Hongyuan , Li Yong , Lu Wenhao , Meng Ao , Gu Lei , Luo Zhaoping , Lin Yan , Zhang Yaping , Chen Xiang
Published: July 2024

The pronounced brittleness of hard Laves phase intermetallics is detrimental to their tribological properties at room temperature. In this study, we utilized a heterogeneous structure to engineer an ultrastrong dual-phase (Laves + B2) AlCoFeNiNb high-entropy alloy that exhibits a low wear rate (3.82×10−6 mm3/(N·m)) at room temperature. This wear resistance in the ball-on-disc sliding friction test with the counterpart of Al2O3 balls stems from the activated deformation ability in the ultrafine Laves lamellae under heterogeneous interface constraints. Furthermore, as tribological stress intensifies, the surface deformation mechanism transitions from dislocation slip on the basal and pyramidal planes to a unique combination of local shear and grain rotation within the Laves phase. Our study illuminates fresh perspectives for mitigating the embrittling effect of Laves phase intermetallics under tribological loading and for the development of wear-resistant materials.
Cleaning and coating procedures determine biological properties of gyroid porous titanium implants
Authors: Depboylu Fatma Nur , Taşkonak Beliz , Korkusuz Petek , Yasa Evren , Ajiteru Olatunji , Choi Kyu Young , Park Chan Hum , Poyraz Özgür , Popa Andrei-Alexandru , Korkusuz Feza
Published: July 2024

Cleaning and coating processes as well as biocompatibility of gyroid commercially pure titanium (Cp-Ti) biomedical implants using the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technology were analyzed. Etching time for cleaning of gyroid Cp-Ti biomedical implants were determined to remove non-melted particles from the surface. Nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) and polylactic acid (PLA) composite coating on the gyroid Cp-Ti implants via dip coating were optimized. Dip coating’s withdrawal speed also, the amount of nHA:PLA and viscosity effects of composite were evaluated. 1000 mm/min withdrawal speed prevented clogging of the pores. In addition, silk fibroin was coated on gyroid Cp-Ti implants with electro deposition method. Optimum coating thicknesses were achieved. Biocompatibility after PLA:nHA and silk fibroin were studied. Gyroid and solid Cp-Ti presented 3% and 1% mass loss after a minute of HF/HNO3 etching. The three-minute etching protocol led to the highest micro pit width formation on the surfaces. 70:30 PLA:nHA and silk fibroin established crack-free coatings on gyroid Cp-Ti surfaces. MTT, live-dead cell assay revealed good biocompatibility after coating.
Chatter Identification on a Mobile Milling Machine: Experimental Insights Using Low-frequency Internal Sensors
Authors: Rowe James , Langrand Christopher , MASSET Maxime , Debarre Etienne , Delahaye Nicolas , Deprez Pascal , Debuchy Roger
Published: July 2024

Introduction

On-site milling with mobile machine tools is a popular solution for the modification of large or immobile metal parts. For such operations the transportation and setup of the machine constitutes a delicate process. Hence, mobile machine designs must find a good compromise between power, structural rigidity, and adaptability. However, this compromise can lead to flexible structures which are susceptible to chatter.

Materials and methods

The present article is dedicated to chatter identification in a numerically controlled mobile milling machine using low-frequency internal sensors. This solution is low-cost and removes the need for further sensor installation during on-site operations. Milling operations are carried out for a wide range of parameters and chatter is diagnosed using a high-frequency accelerometer. Then, time domain statistical features on the internal sensor signals are computed to evaluate their potential for chatter identification. Two strategies for chatter classification are tested: firstly, using an empirically determined threshold on the features, and, secondly, using Support Vector Machine (SVM).

Results

Using the linear thresholding technique, maximum agreement between the accelerometer classification and the internal sensor classification is 91 % for chatter and non chatter data. However, using the C-SVM method, classification was improved up to a 98 % agreement for the chatter cases and a 95 % agreement for the non-chatter cases.

Conclusion

Thus the authors conclude that using a C-SVM classification method allows accurate chatter detection in the mobile milling machine using internal sensor data.
Mitigating Combined Boron and Salt Stress in Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L. Semental) through Salicylic Acid-Modified Rice Husk Biochar
Authors: Sahin Ozge , Gunes Aydin , Yagcıoglu Kiymet Deniz , Kadioglu Yusuf Kagan
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study thoroughly investigates innovative amendment salicylic acid (SA) modified rice husk biochar (SABC) designed to improve boron (B) and salinity tolerance in lettuce, providing a comprehensive exploration of their potential effects in alleviating stress-induced challenges. Methods: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used for the molecular and chemical characterization of the biochar samples. The treatments consisted of control, 40 mM NaCl plus 20 mg B kg-1 (NaCl + B), and 40 mM NaCl plus 20 mg B kg-1 and 5 g kg-1 SA-modified rice husk biochar (NaCl + B + SABC). Results: Under conditions of salt and B toxicity, SABC treatment significantly prevented the decrease in plant weight induced by stress. SABC reduced the concentrations of B, sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl) in plants, while increasing the concentrations of potassium (K) and silicon (Si). The hydrogen peroxide concentration, which increased as a result of B and salt toxicity, was decreased with SABC. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) showed a significant increase under stress, but due to the positive effect of SABC in reducing B and salt stress, there was a decrease in the activities of these enzymes. Conclusions: The results obtained from this study indicate that SABC is effective in reducing boron and salt stress. Testing the SABC molecule in different plants and under various stress conditions could provide significant contributions to the stress literature.
Investigation of in vitro biological activity of young Hordeum vulgare leaf in correlation with its bioactive compounds
Authors: Lantos Ferenc , Váczi Vivien , Gyalai Ingrid , Süli-Zakar Tímea , Szarvas Adrienn , Tar Melinda , Püski Péter , Bajtel Ákos , Kiss Tivadar
Published: July 2024

Young shoots of cereals are widely regarded as superfoods with health benefits attributed to their potential antioxidant activity and antioxidant-related effects (e.g. anticancer). The current study aimed to examine the chemical characteristics of Hordeum vulgare methanolic and aqueous extracts and assess their antioxidant activity using the DDPH and ORAC. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of xanthine oxidase was screened. TLC bioautography was employed to determine the polarity of the compounds present in the extracts that exhibited the most potent free radical scavenging activity. Total flavonoid content of the methanolic and aqueous extracts was 0.14 mg QE/g and 0.012 mg QE/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract was found to be more potent, with a value of 0.97 ± 0.13 mmol TE/g than the aqueous extract which had no activity. This study presents novel findings on the xanthine inhibitory activity of H. vulgare. The methanolic extract demonstrated moderate inhibition of xanthine oxidase with a value of 23.24%. The results of our study were compared with the phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of Triticum aestivum, and further comparison was made with the data reported in the literature. Inconsistencies were observed in the chemical and pharmacological properties of H. vulgare, which could be a result of using herbal material harvested in different vegetative phases and various methods used for extraction. The findings of our study indicate that the timing of the harvest and extraction method may play crucial role in attaining the optimal phytochemical composition of H. vulgare, hence enhancing its pharmacological activity.
Evaluation of the effect of E-waste on the permeability properties of polymer concrete composites and their behavior in aggressive environments
Authors: Aydın Merve , Bulut H. Alperen
Published: July 2024

The rapid increase in the number of electronic products worldwide, in terms of both variety and advanced technology, together with the decrease in costs, has led to the generation of a large amount of electronic waste (e-waste), which has significantly increased environmental pollution. This study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that the adhesion of polymer binders and plastic origin e-waste will be more effective and stronger, and therefore have a positive effect on the permeability properties of polymer concrete and its behavior against aggressive solutions. For this purpose, quartz aggregates and gravel used as an aggregate in polymer concrete were replaced with 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% and 15% e-waste. In the study where unsaturated polyester resin was used as a binder, the changes in the permeability properties (capillary water absorption, rapid chloride permeability) of the e-waste polymer concrete and its behavior against aggressive solutions (acid and sulfate attacks) were evaluated after 7, 28 and 90 days. In addition, mechanical experiments were conducted and comparisons were made. After the control concrete, the highest compressive strengths were obtained from the polymer concrete specimens using 3% e-waste, measured as 59.05 MPa, 64.5 MPa and 73.05 MPa after 7, 28 and 90 days, respectively. The research showed that polymer concretes with capillary water absorption coefficient values close to zero after 90 days can be produced with using up to 9% e-waste. The use of e-waste as an aggregate in polymer concrete at 3%, 6% and 9% e-waste, in particular, produced concrete with a high resistance to acid and sulfate attacks. The hypothesis of the study was confirmed after extensive experiments.

Graphical Abstract
Multiple unmanned ship coverage and exploration in complex sea areas
Authors: Chen Feifei , Yu Qingyun
Published: July 2024

This study addresses the complexities of maritime area information collection, particularly in challenging sea environments, by introducing a multi-agent control model for regional information gathering. Focusing on three key areas—regional coverage, collaborative exploration, and agent obstacle avoidance—we aim to establish a multi-unmanned ship coverage detection system. For regional coverage, a multi-objective optimization model considering effective area coverage and time efficiency is proposed, utilizing a heuristic simulated annealing algorithm for optimal allocation and path planning, achieving a 99.67% effective coverage rate in simulations. Collaborative exploration is tackled through a comprehensive optimization model, solved using an improved greedy strategy, resulting in a 100% static target detection and correct detection index. Agent obstacle avoidance is enhanced by a collision avoidance model and a distributed underlying collision avoidance algorithm, ensuring autonomous obstacle avoidance without communication or scheduling. Simulations confirm zero collaborative failures. This research offers practical solutions for multi-agent exploration and coverage in unknown sea areas, balancing workload and time efficiency while considering ship dynamics constraints.
Marine debris characteristics in various coastal typologies in the Gunungkidul coastal area of Yogyakarta—Indonesia
Authors: Hibatullah Muhammad Fikri , Mutaqin Bachtiar W.
Published: July 2024

Marine debris is one of the environmental issues that can be brought on by rapid human development and activity, including marine tourism, like what happened in the coastal area of Gunungkidul, Indonesia. The issue of marine debris might decrease the environmental quality and impact tourism in Gunungkidul. This study aims to identify the characteristics of coastal typologies in Gunungkidul and analyze their influence on the characteristics of marine debris. Google Earth images and the Digital Elevation Model were used to interpret and classify the typology across the study area based on their physical characteristics. Marine debris samples, either macro or meso-sized, were collected using the transect method for each beach. Based on the imagery interpretation combined with elevation data from DEMNAS, there are three typologies in the Gunungkidul coastal area, i.e., pocket, non-pocket, and cliff beaches. Cliff typology was eliminated and only pocket and non-pocket beaches were used as marine debris sample collection locations. Hence, four beaches were chosen as study areas, i.e., Seruni, Drini, Sepanjang, and Sedahan; each represents each coastal typology. About 193 macro-sized and 217 meso-sized debris were found in our research area, totaling 1380.31 g. Compared to non-pocket beaches, pocket beaches contain more marine debris. The higher slopes of the pocket beach typology will trap marine debris and make it challenging to reenter the water. On pocket beaches, oceanographic processes concentrate marine debris in one location. Still, on non-pocket beaches, marine debris can disperse and return to the sea more readily due to the cycling of currents near the coast.
Glucose-montmorillonite hydrochar composite activating peroxymonosulfate for sulfentrazone rapid degradation and phytotoxicity alleviation to rice
Authors: Yi Huan , Mo Guanghua , Zhou Xuguo , Merchant Austin , Cai Hailin , Tao Yaping , Liu Kailin , Ma Guolan , Ding Chunxia , Liu Xiangying
Published: July 2024

Sulfentrazone is an excellent herbicide for the control of broad-leaved weeds and some grasses. However, its herbicidal residues pose potential risks to the environment. The use of carbonaceous materials as catalysts for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for managing pesticide contamination has attracted considerable attention. Herein, the rapid degradation of sulfentrazone in water and the alleviation of sulfentrazone-induced phytotoxicity alleviation to rice were investigated using glucose-montmorillonite hydrochar (GM-HC) activating PMS. The findings revealed that the GM-HC/PMS system can rapidly degrade sulfamethoxazole and achieved 93.90% of removal efficiency in 24 h. Specifically, GM-HC activating PMS generated the active species, including sulfate radicals (SO4•–), singlet oxygens (1O2) and superoxide radicals (O2•−), which speeds up the degradation of sulfentrazone. Five major degradation products of sulfentrazone and two possible degradation pathways were proposed. The C-Cl and C-CH3 of sulfentrazone molecules are the initiation sites attacked by active species for degradation according to density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Additionally, after the sulfentrazone was degraded by GM-HC/PMS system, sulfentrazone-induced phytotoxicity to rice seeds and seedlings was significantly alleviated. This work presents a novel approach for addressing herbicide wastewater pollution.

Graphical Abstract
Divergent Roles of UV Exposure and Microclimatic Conditions in the Decomposition of Standing and Soil Surface Litter in a Semi‐Arid Steppe
Authors: Yang Sen , Wang Jing , Su Jiao , Peng Ziyang , Guo Lulu , Wu Yuntao , Chang Pengfei , Wang Yi , Huang Junsheng , Liu Lingli
Published: July 2024

Recent studies have highlighted the crucial role of abiotic processes, such as photodegradation and microclimatic fluctuation, in accelerating dryland litter decomposition. In grasslands, substantial amounts of dead plant material persist upright above the soil surface after senescence, experiencing distinct microclimatic conditions compared to surface litter. However, our understanding of how ultraviolet (UV) exposure and microclimatic conditions influence their decomposition is limited. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a field experiment manipulating UV radiation for both soil surface litter and standing litter and monitored their microclimatic conditions in a semi‐arid grassland. Our findings indicate that UV exposure enhanced the decomposition of soil surface litter by alleviating the constraint of lignin on litter decomposition, while having no significant influence on standing litter. Although the mean levels of thermal‐hydric conditions were lower, more intense fluctuation of temperature and air humidity was detected in standing litter. These higher‐level microclimatic fluctuations facilitated the release of dissolved organic carbon, potentially increasing the availability of labile substrates to microbes. Meanwhile, standing litter released more photo‐sensitive phenols, leading to decreased sensitivity to UV exposure. Consequently, while UV exposure initially increased standing litter decomposition during the early stage, its influence eventually diminished. These findings underscore the critical yet differing roles of microclimatic conditions and UV exposure in the decomposition of standing and surface litter. Relying solely on knowledges derived from surface litter decomposition and microclimate conditions may not accurately capture the patterns of grassland litter degradation.