bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Swallowing Dysfunction in Patients With Laryngomalacia Treated Medically and Surgically
Authors: Sloychuk Janelle , Callaghan Amy , Adsett Amanda , Isaac Daniela M. , El‐Hakim Hamdy , Isaac Andre
Published: October 2024

Objective

To identify the prevalence, pattern, and nature of swallowing dysfunction (SwD) in a consecutive cohort of patients with laryngomalacia (LM), and to determine factors associated with a higher burden of SwD.

Study Design

This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients diagnosed with LM by 2 pediatric otolaryngologists between 2013 and 2022 and a minimum of 3‐month follow‐up.

Setting

Tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology referral center.

Methods

Consecutive cohort of patients less than 3 years old with LM diagnosed on flexible laryngoscopy were reviewed. Patients with incomplete follow‐up, lack of swallowing assessment, and genetic conditions or syndromes were excluded. All patients underwent at minimum a systematic clinical swallowing evaluation by a speech‐language pathologist specialized in pediatric dysphagia. Patients with concerning clinical exams underwent instrumental swallow evaluation (Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study [VFSS] or Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing [FEES]). The prevalence of abnormalities of clinical swallowing evaluation, instrumental swallow evaluation data, and details of management were collected.

Results

Two hundred and twelve patients met criteria and were included in the final analysis. One hundred and fifteen patients (54%) had an instrumental assessment (VFSS or FEES). Of the instrumental assessments performed, 96 (69%) were abnormal. Of the total patient cohort, 55 (26%) had laryngeal penetration and/or aspiration. One hundred and seventeen (55%) had clinical or instrumental indications for intervention, with 18 (8%) requiring tube feeding. Patients with severe LM and those treated surgically had a statistically significant higher rate of penetration and aspiration.

Conclusion

Patients with LM have a high burden of dysphagia requiring medical intervention. The authors advocate for routine and systematic assessment of all patients with LM for swallowing dysfunction.
Experimental analysis of quasi‐static indentation in composite sandwich multilayers with corrugated core
Authors: Vahidimanesh Benyamin , Gazor Mohammad Sajjad , Farrokhabadi Amin
Published: October 2024

This study examines the effects of multilayering in sandwich panel composite structures with different corrugated core configurations under quasi‐static indentation loading. The panels were fabricated using woven glass fibers and epoxy resin via the Vacuum Infusion Process. Experiments were conducted using two hemispherical cylindrical indenters with a diameter of 20 mm (ID = 20 mm) and 10 mm (ID = 10 mm) and the behavior of the composite structure in terms of contact force and fracture mechanisms for different core corrugations (square and butterfly) were investigated in two ways with foam and without foam. The experimental results demonstrate that, among corrugated core geometries without foam, butterfly cores outperform square cores in terms of structural strength, maximum force, moment force, energy absorption, specific energy absorption, and displacement until full indentation. Moreover, the butterfly core shows a higher peak load and different failure mechanisms compared to the square core. Under loading with a 10 mm indenter, the butterfly core without foam only experienced perforation in the loading area, without fracture completely. Also, adding foam did not change failure mechanisms and mechanical behavior in the butterfly geometry. However, in the square geometry, foam filled gaps between the core, preventing fracture completely and leading to only perforation in the loading area, unlike the specimen without foam. The visual analysis during the quasi‐static indentation process revealed several significant damage mechanisms, including matrix cracking, fiber breakage, delamination, buckling and crushing of cell walls, damage to top sheets, core separation, and complete indentation of the samples.

Highlights

Delamination and indentation failure mechanisms were seen on the butterfly core.

Skin indentation and rib fracture failure mechanisms were seen on the square core.

Butterfly corrugated cores revealed the best performance without/with foam.

The core shape was more effective on the strength than the foam addition.
Water deficit and aphid resilience on wheat: examining Sitobion avenaeF. and their bacterial symbionts interplay under controlled laboratory conditions
Authors: Díaz‐Hernández Alison M. , Sepúlveda Daniela A. , González‐González Angélica , Briones Lucía M. , Correa Margarita C.G. , Figueroa Christian C.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Climate change has far‐reaching effects on food security and agriculture, affecting crop yields and food distribution. Agriculture relies heavily on water for irrigation and production, making it vulnerable to water scarcity. Additionally, climate change can affect crop pest insects, leading to increased global crop losses, particularly in cereals, an important component of the human diet. Aphids are major crop pests and have a symbiotic relationship with bacterial endosymbionts that can contribute to their success as pests under a climate change scenario. To test the effect of drought on aphids, we examined varying levels of water deficit and endosymbiont composition on the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) performance on wheat under controlled laboratory conditions. We measured the intrinsic rate of population increase (rm), the body weight of adult aphids, and the pre‐reproductive period for different genotypes of the grain aphid (including Chilean superclones) under different irrigation regimes. We also analyzed the relative abundance of their endosymbionts under the different water treatments.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that water deficit affects each aphid genotype differently, impacting various traits. For instance, the body weight of adult aphids was notably affected by different water treatments, with aphids grown under intermediate water deficit (IW) being significantly bigger. The relative abundance of endosymbionts also varied among genotypes and water treatments—specifically Regiella insecticola had a noticeably higher abundance under IW (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights into the impact of water deficit on aphid performance and the role of endosymbionts in mitigating the effects of water deficit. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The failure of infrastructures of international student (im)mobility: Case of COVID‐19
Authors: Sondhi Gunjan
Published: October 2024

The paper makes visible and examines the failure of infrastructures of (im)mobility drawing attention to their entanglements that together shape everyday lives. It draws on the experiences of international students (IS) in the UK during the COVID‐19 pandemic to firstly offer a reading of the pandemic as a crisis which exposed the already failing of the infrastructures that are supposed to sustain everyday lives. Secondly, it draws attention to the entangled infrastructures of finance and knowledge to show these connections and disconnections have always been tenuous and wrought with issues which the pandemic exposed but have always constituted the everyday lives of migrants such as IS. The paper closes by exploring the implications of these findings for future research.
Neuroinflammation inhibition and neuroprotective effects of purpurin, a potential anti‐AD compound, screened via network proximity and gene enrichment analyses
Authors: Zhao Jun , Guo Pengfei , Fang Jiansong , Wang Chao , Yan Caiqin , Bai Yiming , Wang Zhe , Du Guanhua , Liu Ailin
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease without any effective preventive or therapeutic drugs. Natural products with stable structures and pharmacological characteristics are valuable sources for the development of novel drugs for many complex diseases. This study aimed to discover potential natural compounds for the treatment of AD using new technologies and methods and explore the efficacy and mechanism of candidate compounds. AD‐related large‐scale genetic datasets were collated to construct disease‐PPIs and natural products were collected from six databases to construct compound–protein interactions (CPIs). Potential relationships between natural compounds and AD were predicted via network proximity and gene enrichment analyses. Then, five AD‐related cell models and d‐galactose‐induced aging rat model were established to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of candidate compounds in vitro and in vivo. We identified that 267 natural compounds were predicted to have close connections with AD and 19 compounds could exert protective effect in at least one cell model. Notably, purpurin exerted protective effect in three cell models and significantly improved the cognitive learning and memory functions, reduced the oxidative stress injuries and neuroinflammation, and enhanced the synaptic plasticity and neurotrophic effect in the brain of d‐galactose‐treated rats. In this study, AD‐related natural compounds were identified via network proximity and gene enrichment analyses. In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed the therapeutic potential of purpurin for AD treatment, laying the foundation for further in‐depth research and providing valuable information for the development of novel anti‐AD drugs.
Predicting implantation by using dual AI system incorporating three‐dimensional blastocyst image and conventional embryo evaluation parameters—A pilot study
Authors: Miyagi Yasunari , Habara Toshihiro , Hirata Rei , Hayashi Nobuyoshi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To investigate the usefulness of an original dual artificial intelligence (AI) system, in which the first AI system eliminates the background of sliced tomographic blastocyst images, then the second AI system predicts implantation success using three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructed images of the sequential images and conventional embryo evaluation parameters (CEE) such as maternal age.

Methods

Patients (from June 2022 to July 2023) could opt out and there was additional information on the Web site of the clinic. Implantation and non‐implantation cases numbered 458 and 519, respectively. A total of 10 747 tomographic images of the blastocyst in a time‐lapse incubator system with the CEE were obtained.

Results

The statistic values by the dual AI system were 0.774 ± 0.033 (mean ± standard error) for area under the characteristic curve, 0.727 for sensitivity, 0.719 for specificity, 0.727 for predictive value of positive test, 0.719 predictive value of negative test, and 0.723 for accuracy, respectively.

Conclusions

The usefulness of the dual AI system in predicting implantation of blastocyst in handling 3D data with conventional embryo evaluation information was demonstrated. This system may be a feasible option in clinical practice.
Synthesis of a TBA‐Based Polymeric Photocatalyst for Boosting the Selective Bio‐Reduction of Furfural Under Solar Light Illumination
Authors: Singh Mansi , Yadav Rajesh K. , Mishra Shaifali , Shahin Rehana , Singh Satyam , Singhal Rajat , Gupta Navneet K. , Baeg Jin OoK , El‐Hiti Gamal A. , Kumar Yadav Krishna
Published: October 2024

Photocatalyst‐enzyme coupled system for harnessing solar light stands out as a highly promising avenue that facilitates bio‐transformation and produces solar fuels. This study explores the integration of a metal‐free photocatalyst in the bio‐reduction of furfural to produce furfuryl alcohol. However, the bio‐reduction of furfural to produce furfuryl alcohol faces challenges due to harsh reaction conditions and expensive catalysts. Likewise, photocatalysts confront various research obstacles, including the absence of long‐lasting photogenerated charge carriers (electrons and holes), stability, and reusability. This work introduces an eco‐friendly and benign catalytic system, featuring an easily prepared photocatalyst using TBA (2,4,6‐tribromo aniline) by standard Ullman coupling. The newly designed polymeric tribromo aniline (PTBA) is cost‐effective, with outstanding light harvesting characteristics, appropriate energy band gap, and remarkably enhanced ability for transfer and migration of photo‐generated carriers. The research aims to optimize parameters for efficient conversion of furfural to produce furfuryl alcohol and also the photocatalytic production of NADH (80.08 %) from consumed NAD+. The photocatalytic efficiency was estimated by the yield percentage of this organic transformation. The absence of metals in the photocatalyst enhances sustainability, showcasing its potential in the green synthesis of furfuryl alcohol which is a valuable chemical with diverse applications.
Exploring Phytochemical Compounds Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Using QSAR, Molecular Dynamics, and Free Energy Landscape
Authors: Ali Abuzer , Ali Amena , Abida  , Zaidi Syeda Huma H. , Jassem Alsalman Abdulkhaliq , Al Hawaj Maitham A. , Singla Neelam , Imran Mohd
Published: October 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile opportunistic bacterium that presents a considerable risk in medical environments because of its strong adaptability and resistance to multiple medications. Targeting the LasR quorum sensing system, which plays a crucial role in controlling virulence factors and biofilm formation, is a key intervention point. In this study, in silico molecular docking, machine learning‐based Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationship (QSAR) techniques along with molecular dynamics simulation were employed to screen phytochemical compounds for their ability to inhibit the LasR QS system, a key regulator of virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study screened 1652 phytochemicals using the ML‐based QSAR model to identify 52 phytochemicals that had better activity than the control (N‐{[3,5‐dibromo‐2‐(methoxymethoxy)phenyl]methyl}‐2‐nitrobenzamide). The in silico molecular docking approach that targeted LasR identified compounds 5281647, 57331045, and 5281672 with high binding affinity and hydrogen bonds that were comparable to the control (docking score=−10.3 kcal/mol and hydrogen bonds=4). In the 200 ns post‐molecular dynamics simulation, 5281647 exhibited a stable RMSD of 0.25 nm, which was comparable to the control. The maximum number of hydrogen bonds was exhibited by 57331045, while 5281647 and 5281672 consistently exhibited four hydrogen bonds. Overall, the Principal component analysis (PCA) and Free Energy Landscape (FEL) analyses of the complexes demonstrated that these three compounds were in stable states. In comparison to the control (ΔGTOTAL=−39.58 kcal/mol), the cumulative binding free energy (ΔGTOTAL) for 5281647 and 57331045 was −39.95 kcal/mol and −39.25 kcal/mol, respectively. This further confirms the superior binding affinity of the two compounds. Both 5281647 and 57331045 were identified as potent inhibitors of the LasR transcription factor, which is essential for the quorum sensing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in the present investigation. These findings underscore the importance of further exploration and optimization of phytochemicals for combating bacterial infections, offering promising avenues for future drug discovery efforts targeting this resilient pathogen.
Advancements in Energy Storage and Conversion: The Role of High‐Energy Irradiation Technology
Authors: Niu Yunhan , Dong Yingjie , Shi Haiting , Yang Qinxin , Zeng Linxuan , Xu Zhiwei
Published: October 2024

Contemporary challenges have emerged concerning the capability and safety of secondary batteries in the energy storage field. Additionally, catalysts employed in the energy conversion confront issues including inadequate stability and elevated costs. In addition to its traditional use, high‐energy irradiation has found extended application in controlled manipulation of materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion, due to its unique advantages of no secondary pollution, convenience, and efficiency. This review article shows the recent progress of the application of high‐energy irradiation technology in the field of energy storage and conversion for the first time. The mechanism of material modification via high‐energy irradiation was elaborated, and the application of high‐energy irradiation in tailoring materials for battery components and catalysts was discussed in detail. Finally, challenges for future research of high‐energy irradiation technology in the field of energy storage and conversion were proposed. This review article will provide important significance for subsequent research on high‐energy irradiation technology in the field of energy storage and conversion.
Palladium‐N‐heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Application of C−H Activation for Carboxaldehyde Derivatives
Authors: Şahin Neslihan
Published: October 2024

A series of palladium‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes (2 a‐e) were synthesized from corresponding N‐heterocyclic carbene precursors (1 a‐e) in good yields. The structural analysis of all novel compounds was done by spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis was also performed to evaluate the purity of the complexes. Further confirmations of complexes 2 a‐d were provided by X‐ray crystallography technique. Under optimized reaction conditions, the catalytic activity of the palladium‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes was reviewed by direct arylation of furan‐2‐carboxaldehyde and 1‐methylpyrrole‐2‐carboxaldehyde with varied aryl halides. This arylation showed productive and selective reaction at the C5‐position of heteroaryl derivatives.
Does the Mesolytic C−C Bond Cleavage Occur in the Radical Anions of Diarylethanes?
Authors: Yamaji Minoru , Tojo Sachiko , Majima Tetsuro , Fujitsuka Mamoru
Published: October 2024

We have been studying mesolytic cleavage of X−Y σ‐bond (X−Y=CH2−O, CH2−S, S−S and Se−Se) tethering aryl (Ar) moieties such as phenyl, biphenyl, α‐ and β‐naphthyl groups. In the present study, possibility of mesolytic cleavage of carbon‐carbon bonds in radical anions of diarylethanes (Ar1CCAr2) was investigated by pulsed electron radiolysis in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF). No mesolytic C−C bond cleavage in the radical anions occurred in both solvents whereas in MTHF, formation of H‐adducts of the diarylethanes was seen in the transient absorption spectral changes. Based on the DFT calculations for the bond dissociation energy of the C−C bond and the singly occupied molecular orbital distributions on Ar1CCAr2 radical anions, we rationalize the absence of the mesolysis in comparison with experimental facts previously reported for Ar1X‐YAr2 radical anions having X−Y σ‐bond.
Screening of Novel Hydroxamic Acid Derivatives as ASM Inhibitors for the Treatment of Depression
Authors: Gupta Shankar , Asati Vivek , Ali Amena , Chtita Samir , Kaya Savas , Ali Abuzer
Published: October 2024

In the present work, we performed a computational study on hydroxamic acid containing compounds as acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) inhibitors. The study starts from the development of 3D‐QSAR and pharmacophore models, which were further taken as a source for the enumeration and virtual screening study. The 3D‐QSAR results showed the best statistical model with Q2, R2, and R2 scrambling values of 0.7175, 0.9019, and 0.7128, respectively. The pharmacophore hypothesis generated one of the best hypotheses including five features such as 2 aromatic rings, 2 hydrogen bond donors, and 1 hydrogen bond acceptor. The enumeration study paved the path in the discovery of novel compounds where pharmacophore hypothesis and 3D QSAR study data was used for the identification of novel compounds. Compound 9f_20 showed good docking score −11.399 and binding interactions with amino acids HIP317, ASN316, GLH386, Zn701, Zn702, HIP317, and HIP280 required for ASM inhibitory activity. The virtual screening study was performed on the basis of developed pharmacophore ADDRR_1 where ZINC000013941849 showed good binding interactions with receptor including amino acids Zn701, Zn702, HIP280, LYS103, HIP317, ASN316, and ILE487. ZINC000013941849 with docking score −13.101. The screened compounds may be taken for the further development of novel antidepressant agents.
Optimal Preservation of PFFs in Glycerol Enhances Suitability for Modeling Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Mao Hengxu , Kuang Yaoyun , Huang Weiqing , Gan Tingting , Dai Wei , Guo Wenyuan , Chen Minshan , Su Zhongqiang , Shu Hui , Wu Tengteng , Wang Xiaobei , Wu Zhuohua , Li Hongyan , Liu Qin , Li Hong , Huang Xiaoyun , Yang Xinling , Xu Ping‐Yi
Published: October 2024

Injecting α‐synuclein pre‐formed fibrils (αSyn PFFs) into various tissues and organs involves converting monomeric αSyn into a fibrillar form, inducing extensive αSyn pathology that effectively models Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the distinct physicochemical properties of αSyn amyloid fibrils can potentially reduce their seeding activity, especially during storage. In this study, it is demonstrated that αSyn PFFs exhibit significant sensitivity to low temperatures, with notable denaturation occurring between −20 and 4 °C, and gradual disassembly persisted even under storage conditions at −80 °C. To mitigate this issue, a commonly used protein stabilizer, glycerol is introduced, which significantly reverses the cold‐induced disassembly of PFFs. Remarkably, storing PFFs with 20% glycerol at −80 °C for a month preserved their morphology and seeding activity as freshly prepared PFFs. Glycerol‐stabilized αSyn PFFs resulted in compromised neuronal survival, with the extent of these impairments correlating with the formation of αSyn pathology both in vivo and in vitro, indistinguishable from freshly prepared PFFs. Storing sonicated PFFs with 20% glycerol at −80 °C provides an optimal storage method, as sonication is necessary for activating their seeding potential. This approach reduces the frequency of sonication, simplifies handling, and ultimately lowers the overall workload, enhancing the practicality of using PFFs.
Capture and Protection of Environmental DNA in a Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: FitzGerald Laura I. , Hahn Erin E. , Wallace Mark , Stephenson Sarah A. , Berry Oliver F. , Doherty Cara M.
Published: October 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is released by organisms into their surroundings, enabling non‐invasive species detection and biodiversity assessments without the need for direct observation. However, collection poses challenges due to the generally low abundance of eDNA and the presence of degradation agents, including enzymes, UV radiation, and microorganisms, rendering samples unstable. Active filtration, which is frequently used to capture eDNA in water, can be time‐consuming and cumbersome in field conditions. Herein, a filter‐free one‐pot procedure for capturing eDNA with the metal‐organic framework (MOF), zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF‐8), is examined. The method is evaluated on 15 mL water samples from diverse sources (aquarium, river, and sea). ZIF‐8 forms in all with high capture efficiency (>98%) using spiked salmon DNA to represent eDNA. The DNA is resistant to degradation by endonucleases and UV light. In addition, it remains stable over time as a species‐specific salmon quantitative polymerase chain reaction detected genomic DNA in all samples captured with the MOF to a maximum of 28 days at 37 °C while the untreated control samples were below the assay detection limit by day 6. These results highlight the efficacy of ZIF‐8 capture in overcoming challenges associated with the preservation of eDNA obtained from aquatic environments.
Facile Tailor on the Surface of Mo Foil Toward High‐Efficient Flexible CZTSSe Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Han , Meng Rutao , Xu Xuejun , Wu Li , Sun Yali , Liu Yue , Wang Zuoyun , Wang Nan , Li Ming , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2024

Flexible Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells is attracting much attention because of their enormous application prospects. However, current flexible CZTSSe solar cells with Mo foil as substrate still suffer from severe back interface problems due to the complexity of substrate surfaces. Herein, a facile approach to tailor the surface of the flexible substrate and modify the back interface between CZTSSe and Mo foil is proposed. The study discloses that a simple polishing can not only improve the wettability of the precursor solution on the substrate unexpectedly and thus improve the quality of the CZTSSe film, but also increase the mechanical stability of the absorber layer grown on Mo foil. The subsequent UV‐ozone treatment helps to form a favorite MoO3 layer for efficient CZTSSe devices. Surprisingly, the quasi‐ohmic contact is formed between CZTSSe/Mo foil by such combined treatments and thus promoting the carrier collection. Consequently, the efficiency of the flexible CZTSSe solar cell is significantly improved from 4.94% to 10.32% without anti‐reflection layer. The bending durability of the cell fabricated on the treated Mo foil is increased greatly. This work discloses that back contact interface is very important for the carrier collection and thus the highly efficient flexible thin film solar cells.
Numerical investigation on the behavior of thin concrete shells subjected to nonuniform and asymmetrical loads
Authors: Cardoso Bárbara , Cavaco Eduardo , Júlio Eduardo , Tavares Maria Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

Concrete shells, designed with near optimal shapes for uniform gravity loads, can be subjected to nonmembrane effects caused by nonuniform and asymmetrical loads. In this paper, a numerical study on the effect of normative loads on a thin triangular concrete shell with three supports is presented. Two actions were considered, wind and snow, which present high spatial variability in both intensity and direction, assuming the values established in Eurocode 1 for the worst possible location, in Portugal. Linear, nonlinear and stability analyses were performed using the ABAQUS software. Results suggest that the wind action, but especially the exceptional snow load in drifted arrangement, produce significant bending moments, leading to decompression, and eventually to the development of stresses above the tensile strength of current concrete classes. Therefore, the production of these shells by assembling prefabricated un‐reinforced modules, requires the use of ultrahigh‐performance fiber reinforced concrete, combined with prestressing.
Influence of uterine fibroids on cell‐free DNA screening: important but not definitive
Authors: Xiao Z.‐Q. , Li D.‐Z.
Published: October 2024

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Rolnik et al. Click here to view the article.
Biliary obstruction as a consequence of gastric dilatation volvulus in a German shepherd dog
Authors: Liu Paydor , Cronin Anna Maria
Published: October 2024

A 5‐year‐old, female, neutered German shepherd dog was presented with a suspicion of extrahepatic biliary obstruction following emergency surgery and gastropexy for gastric dilatation and volvulus 4 days prior at the referring practice. Three days postoperatively, biochemical changes were consistent with a cholestatic pattern. Following referral, abdominal ultrasound was performed, which showed a dilated common bile duct and cystic duct, distended gall bladder without organised echogenic material, and an increased amount of gas in the stomach. Exploratory laparotomy identified an incomplete de‐rotation of the stomach. Subsequently, the mesoduodenum and hepatoduodenal ligament, wherein the common bile duct lies, were torsed; the gall bladder was distended as a result. The gastropexy was released and stomach fully de‐rotated, which resulted in the resolution of the common bile duct obstruction.
Segmental retention models for representing the hydraulic properties of evolving structured soils
Authors: Kiałka Filip , Flores Omar , Naudts Kim , Luyssaert Sebastiaan , Guenet Bertrand
Published: October 2024

Common parametrizations of soil hydraulic properties rely on unimodal curves, which cannot accurately represent the properties of many macroporous, aggregated, mixed, or compacted soils. Multimodal hydraulic curves are increasingly used to represent these structured soils in eco‐hydrological models, but the dynamics of the processes that shape soil structure—and the resulting dynamics of soil hydraulic properties—are often neglected. In cases such as compaction recovery, where the structure‐shaping process can be modeled, coupling the evolving pore volumes to soil hydraulic properties in a physically based way remains challenging. Here, we show how modeled or estimated soil structure evolution, when expressed as a time series of porosities in a few pore size classes, can be assimilated into established models of soil hydraulic properties. Our method relies on the division of retention models into smooth segments, whose water contents can be independently adjusted. We apply the approach to examples of modeled soil structure evolution from the published literature: one describing soil structure recovery after compaction and one describing structure formation as a result of organic amendment. In the cases considered, the estimated soil hydraulic conductivity varies more strongly than the modeled porosity which drives it. This shows that transport‐related soil functions can be impacted longer (after compaction) or sooner (after amendment) than suggested by the evolution of structural metrics such as porosity. In general, modeling the evolution of soil hydraulic properties in cases such as these paves the way for holistic, process‐based modeling of land management practices and their impact on soil functioning.
China's “new era” in foreign policy: Explaining change under Xi Jinping
Authors: Horowitz Shale , Liu Jingnan
Published: October 2024

China's supreme leader, Xi Jinping, has made fundamental changes to China's foreign policy, which have important implications for international security. What are the sources of Xi's foreign policy changes? Rather than assume that particular theoretical schools of international relations may provide the best explanations of foreign policy, we begin by observing that specific leaders' foreign policy preferences vary significantly. We infer characteristics of Xi's foreign policy preferences and methods based on his ideological statements, along with evidence from his domestic policies and habitually preferred methods of domestic rule. We find that these predicted characteristics imply policies that closely align with the revealed pattern of foreign policy change but also point out that foreign policy outcomes provide additional evidence about preferences that cannot be derived from ideological statements and domestic policy evidence.
Post-truth Politics and Epistemic Populism: About (Dis-)Trusted Presentation and Communication of Facts, Not False Information
Authors: Harsin Jayson
Published: October 2024

This chapter is a theoretical and conceptual contribution to the research on post-truth politics and populism studies, with an emphasis on epistemic questions (especially those focused on ‘disinformation’/‘misinformation’). It proceeds in two parts. The first part critically analyzes the much-cited Oxford Dictionaries’ definition of post-truth, which authorizes a study of ‘post-truth politics.’ The definition is dismissed as unusable, and a different definition and theory of post-truth is proposed, which sees it as only secondarily epistemic. Arendt’s concept of public truth is proposed as a better starting point, with the caveat that current treatments of post-truth misunderstand how public truth can be known (since it is not ‘scientific’ truth), which requires acknowledging its crucial technologically and socially mediated status depending on performative trust. Thus, post-truth is an affective state, an anxious and future-looking public mood about the difficulty of trust-making for securing publicly accepted facts. The ‘post’ refers to an anxiety about what might be on the horizon. Part II, exploring a potential theoretical overlap between post-truth and populism studies, reverses the epistemic focus of populism studies from populists’ ‘counter-knowledge’ problems taken as self-evident by researchers. Instead, it explores epistemic problems in populism studieson the researcher side: the epistemic risks built into the ‘ideational’ definition of populism; and in the tacit understandings of political rhetoric reduced to ‘information’ (transmission and reception) at the expense of more complex notions of mediated communication as performance or ritual, speech acts, and, especially, political rhetoric. The latter is unrigorously reduced to ‘false information,’ and it requires a very different interpretive analytical approach for comprehending the empirical phenomena being called ‘populist’ and ‘post-truth’—disinformation, misinformation, lying, rumor, and conspiracy theory.
The Epistemic Dimension of Populist Communication: Can Exposure to Populist Communication Spark Factual Relativism?
Authors: Hameleers Michael
Published: October 2024

Populist communication has taken on a central epistemic dimension in recent years. This means that populist blame attributions are often targeting established institutions of knowledge, such as scientists and mainstream media. It also implies that the objective status of conventional knowledge is subject to delegitimization discourses. Despite the potential consequences of epistemic populism on people’s trust in established information, we know little about how it is constructed online, and how it may impact citizens’ perceptions of facts and knowledge. Therefore, for this Chapter, I conducted a qualitative content analysis of truth claims on the hyper-partisan media platform Breitbart in the US. In a subsequent experiment, I explored the effects of exposure to epistemic populism on perceptions of factual relativism. The main findings of the content analysis indicate that truth claims on Breitbart follow a populist logic, given that people-centric knowledge claims were emphasized whilst established claims on truth and expert knowledge were delegitimized and flagged as ‘fake news.’ The experiment revealed that exposure to such populist claims on truth and knowledge did not result in a more relative understanding of objectivity and truth. Thus, even though populist communication undermines the ideas of objective expert knowledge by fuelling distrust in established truth claims, this attack on knowledge does not promote a more relative understanding of truth and knowledge among participants. In the chapter, different explanations and implications are presented. Among other things, the relatively high levels of perceived relativism toward facts in the studied population indicate that there is little room for populist communication to influence perceptions on truth. In addition, ideas about truth and knowledge can be regarded as stable traits, and populist communication may be more likely to strengthen and reinforce people-centric truth claims than to fuel general levels of relativism and skepticism toward the objective and fixed status of truth.
Subtractive manufacturing of composite materials with robotic manipulators: a comprehensive review
Authors: Le Van , Tran Minh , Ding Songlin
Published: October 2024

Robotic manipulators play an innovative role as a new method for high-precision, large-scale manufacturing of composite components. However, machining composite materials with these systems presents unique challenges. Unlike traditional monolithic materials, composites exhibit complex behaviour and inconsistent results during machining. Additionally, robotic manipulator as a machine tool often associates with stiffness and vibration issues which adds another layer of complexity to this approach. By employing a comprehensive analysis and a combination of quantitative and qualitative review methodology, this review paper aims to survey diverse properties of composite materials by different categories and their interaction with machining processes. Subsequently, a survey of manufacturing techniques for composite machining following with a review in various modeling practices to capture material machining behaviour under a systematic framework is presented. Thereafter, the reviewed literature examines the errors inherent in robotic systems, alongside ongoing research efforts in modeling to characterise robot behaviour and enhance its performance. Afterward, the paper explores the application of data-driven modelling methods, with a primary focus on digital twins, in enabling real-time monitoring and process optimisation. Finally, this paper aims to identify the gap in this field and suggests the potential routes for future research and application as well as their challenges.
Babcock versus Scissor Tensioning for Retropubic Mid-Urethral Slings: Comparing Two Intra-Operative Techniques Through 5 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Brennand Erin A. , Chai Julia , Cummings Shannon , Huang Beili , Hughes Taylor , Edwards Allison , Ramirez Alison Carter ,   for the Calgary Women’s Pelvic Health Research Group
Published: October 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

The objective was to determine if mid-urethral sling (MUS) tensioning with a Mayo Scissor as a sub-urethral spacer compared with a Babcock clamp holding a loop of tape under the urethra results in differences in patient-reported outcomes and rates of repeat surgery over a 5-year follow-up.

Methods

Follow-up 5 years after a randomized clinical trial, utilizing primary data collection linked to administrative health data, was carried out to create a longitudinal cohort. The primary outcome was participant-reported bothersome SUI symptoms, as defined by the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included participant-reported bothersome overactive bladder (OAB) scores, median scores of three validated urinary symptom questionnaires, and rates of subsequent surgery determined through patient report and administrative data.

Results

Two hundred and sixty (81.8%) of the original study participants provided participant-reported data at 5 years. Administrative data linkage was completed for all of the original participants (n = 318). Demographic characteristics remained similar in the two groups at the 5-year follow-up mark. No differences existed in the primary outcome of reported bothersome SUI symptoms (30.8% Scissors vs 26.8% Babcock, p = 0.559), proportion of participants with bothersome OAB, the median scores of three validated bladder questionnaires, or in rates and cumulative incidence of recurrent MUS surgery or surgical revision of mesh-related complications.

Conclusion

Both the Scissor and Babcock tensioning techniques provided comparable outcomes at 5 years post-MUS surgery. The information from this study allows surgeons to better decide which technique to adopt in their practice, providing confidence in longer-term cure and safety.
Analysis of tetrahydroisoquinolines formed after simultaneous consumption of ethanol and amphetamine or its derivatives by LC–MS/MS in human blood, brain, and liver tissue
Authors: Sonnenberg Marianne , Czekelius Constantin , Temme Oliver , Pawlik Evelyn , Daldrup Thomas
Published: October 2024

The effects of the simultaneous consumption of amphetamine or amphetamine derivatives and alcohol have not yet been adequately clarified, particularly concerning potential condensation products resulting from the endogenous reaction between these substances and their metabolites (e.g., acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol). In this study, we developed an LC–MS/MS method employing liquid–liquid extraction for the qualitative detection of some relevant condensation products belonging to the class of tetrahydroisoquinolines and their derivatives in human blood, brain, and liver samples. This includes the analysis of the substrates amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methylenedioxyamphetamine, as well as the condensation products 1,3-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, N-methyl-1,3-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, 1,3-dimethyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, and N-methyl-1,3-dimethyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. Therefore, the reference standards of the mentioned tetrahydroisoquinolines were synthesized in advance and the method was validated with regard to the question of the qualitative detection of these compounds. The validation parameters included selectivity, specificity, limit of detection, lower limit of quantification, recovery, matrix effects, and stability for blood, brain, and liver samples. Following the analysis of human blood and post-mortem tissue samples, evidence of the condensation product 1,3-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline originating from the interaction between amphetamine and acetaldehyde was identified in two liver samples. On the contrary, no evidence of this or other tetrahydroisoquinolines was found in the remaining tissue and serum samples.

Graphical abstract
Carbon quantum dots composite for enhanced selective detection of dopamine with organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Gamboa Jillian , el Attar Reem , Thuau Damien , Estrany Francesc , Abbas Mamatimin , Torras Juan
Published: October 2024

A compact organic electrochemical transistors (OECT) sensor enriched with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was developed to enhance the transconductance of an electropolymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) film, enabling the precise and selective detection of dopamine (DA). Accurate monitoring of DA levels is critical for diagnosing and managing related conditions. Incorporating CQDs, we have achieved a remarkable up to threefold increase in current at the DA detection peak in differential pulse voltammetry. This enhancement showcases superior selectivity even in the presence of high concentrations of interferents like uric acid and ascorbic acid. This material significantly boosts the sensitivity of OECTs for DA detection, delivering an amperometric response with a detection limit of 55 nM and a broader detection range (1 − 500 µM). Our results underscore the potential of low-dimensional carbonaceous materials in creating cost-effective, high-sensitivity devices for detecting DA and other biomolecules. This breakthrough sets the stage for the development of next-generation biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics.

Graphical Abstract
Gesundheitsberufliche und spezialisierte Spiritual Care
Authors: Peng-Keller Simon
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Als evidenzbasierter Einbezug der spirituellen Dimension in klinische Kontexte entwickelt sich Spiritual Care gegenwärtig als ein interprofessionelles Aufgabenfeld und interdisziplinäres Forschungsgebiet, das auch für die Onkologie von Bedeutung ist. Das Bemühen, die spirituelle Dimension in die moderne Gesundheitsversorgung zu integrieren, reicht weit zurück und wurde in der 2. Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts sowohl von der Hospizbewegung als auch von der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) aufgegriffen und verstärkt. Im Kontext religiös-spiritueller Diversifizierung steht Spiritual Care unter dem Anspruch, einer wachsenden Vielfalt an Vorstellungen und Bedürfnissen zu entsprechen.

Methodik

Im vorliegenden Übersichtsartikel werden Hintergründe und Inhalte der aktuellen Diskussion um interprofessionelle Spiritual Care und klinische Seelsorge skizziert und analysiert. Es wird beschrieben, inwiefern Spiritual Care auch eine gesundheitsberufliche Aufgabe darstellt und sich klinische Seelsorge als spezialisierte Spiritual Care verstehen lässt.

Schlussfolgerungen

Es lassen sich 3 Hauptgründe nennen, weshalb spirituelle Aspekte in der onkologischen Versorgung angesprochen und einbezogen werden sollten: (1) weil die Konfrontation mit einer schweren Erkrankung oder dem Lebensende spirituellen Distress auslösen kann; (2) weil spirituelle Faktoren im Umgang mit Krankheit und Sterben nicht selten eine Ressource oder ein Problem darstellen; (3) weil spirituelle Überzeugungen und Haltungen therapeutische Entscheidungen beeinflussen können.
Imagining Letting Go: a Preliminary Test of Written Imagery Rescripting to Facilitate Discarding in a High Hoarding Sample
Authors: Sabel Isaac , Yap Keong , Grisham Jessica R.
Published: October 2024

Mental images appear to be important mental events in hoarding that may maintain the disorder by interfering with discarding. We tested whether a novel written imagery rescripting task, focused on modifying a negative imagined outcome of discarding a hoarded object into a positive alternative, could be used to promote discarding in individuals with hoarding traits, and compared this against other cognitive-behavioural strategies used to encourage discarding. We also examined whether the success of imagery rescripting depended on imagining ability. High hoarding participants (n = 176), recruited through Cloudresearch.com, were asked to imagine a negative outcome of discarding an object they were still attached to. We then randomized them into one of four conditions: imagery rescripting, imaginal exposure, cognitive restructuring, or a positive imagery control, and presented them with a discarding task. Rescripting was associated with increased readiness and motivation to discard, and discarding frequency, compared to other conditions. Rescripting also reduced state negative emotions and increased state positive emotions relative to exposure and restructuring. We found reductions in object attachment in rescripting, restructuring, and positive imagery. The effect of rescripting on readiness and motivation to discard was moderated by imagining ability, such that higher imagining ability was associated with greater readiness and motivation to discard after rescripting. Pending replication and extension, written imagery rescripting may have promise as a clinical strategy to facilitate discarding in individuals with hoarding difficulties.
Trends in Lower-Risk Gambling by Age and Net Income among Finnish Men and Women in 2011, 2015, and 2019
Authors: Grönroos Tanja , Kontto Jukka , Young Matthew M. , Hodgins David C. , Salonen Anne H.
Published: October 2024

Lower-risk Gambling Guidelines (LRGGs) were developed in Canada to reduce the risk of gambling-related harm. The LRGGs, published in 2021, consist of three limits: gamble no more than 1% of household income per month; gamble no more than four days per month; and avoid regularly gambling at more than two types of games. All three limits should be followed at the same time. This study focuses on the situation in Finland before the LRGGs were published. The aim of this study is to investigate trends in lower-risk gambling by age and net income among men and women in the Finnish adult population in 2011, 2015, and 2019. Data were drawn from cross-sectional Finnish Gambling population surveys, including permanent residents in Mainland Finland aged 15–74 with Finnish, Swedish or Sámi as their mother tongue (2011; n = 4,484, 2015; n = 4,515, and 2019; n = 3,994). The results showed an increase in the prevalence of lower-risk gambling, rising from 29% in 2011 to 39% in 2019. This upward trend was observed among both men and women, with the prevalence among men increasing from 23 to 33%, and among women from 34 to 45%. The lowest prevalence of lower-risk gambling was found among individuals aged 60–74, especially regarding expenditure guidelines, as well as among women in the lowest income tertile. In conclusion, although the prevalence of lower-risk gambling has increased in Finland, there is still potential for further improvement to minimize harm.