bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modifiable protective factors for mental health resilience in the offspring of depressed parents: A high‐risk longitudinal cohort spanning adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Padaigaitė‐Gulbinienė Eglė , Hammerton Gemma , Powell Victoria , Rice Frances , Collishaw Stephan
Published: May 2024

Background

Several protective factors have been identified for mental health (MH) resilience in adolescent offspring of depressed parents. However, it is unclear if these effects persist into adulthood.

Methods

Depressed parents and their offspring (N = 188) from the Early Prediction of Adolescent Depression study were assessed four times (mean offspring ages 12.39, 13.77, 14.82, and 23.41). Mental health resilience was examined using residual scores (better‐than‐expected mood‐, behaviour‐, or anxiety‐related MH at mean age 23 given risk exposure), and categorically as sustained good MH across adolescence and young adulthood.

Results

Only 9.2% of young adults demonstrated sustained good MH. Parents of resilient individuals showed lower comorbidity (anxiety, antisocial behaviour and harmful drinking) and higher depression remission. Considering adolescent protective factors, weak evidence was observed of associations of mood‐resilience with adolescent peer‐relationship quality (β = −0.20, 95%CI:−0.36, −0.04); friendship quality (β = −0.14, 95%CI:−0.31, 0.02); risk adjustment (β = −0.16, 95%CI:‐0.34, 0.03) and dysfunctional attitudes (β = 0.18, 95%CI:0.01, 0.35). There was weak evidence of behavioural‐resilience association with parent positive expressed emotion (β = −0.15, 95%CI:−0.31, 0.02) and offspring exercise (β = −0.37, 95%CI:−0.77, 0.03). No adolescent protective factors showed an association with anxiety‐resilience. For sustained good MH, there was weak evidence of an association with inhibitory control (OR = 0.39, 95%CI:0.14, 1.07). Strong evidence was observed for associations between young adult‐reported peer relationship quality and mood‐resilience (β = −0.35, 95%CI:−0.53, −0.17), behavioural‐resilience (β = −0.33, 95%CI:−0.51, −0.14) and anxiety‐resilience (β = −0.34, 95%CI:−0.53, −0.14), while weak evidence was observed of an association of social activities with anxiety‐resilience (β = −0.51, 95%CI:−0.97, −0.06).

Conclusions

We found limited evidence for the long‐lasting effects of adolescent protective factors on adult MH resilience. Social factors remained protective into young adulthood, while family factors did not. Early preventative intervention might not be sufficient to maintain good long‐term MH, and young people will likely require more prolonged support.
Convenient synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of new bipyrazolyl and pyrazolopyridazine derivatives utilizing 4‐acetyl‐5‐methyl‐N‐phenyl‐1‐(p‐tolyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide as a versatile precursor
Authors: Kamel Monica G. , Helmy Mirna T. , Saleh Fatma M. , Hassaneen Hamdi M. , Shehata Omar A. , Laboud Yara N.
Published: May 2024

4‐(3‐(Dimethylamino)acryloyl)‐5‐methyl‐N‐phenyl‐1‐(p‐tolyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide was prepared via refluxing of 4‐acetyl‐5‐methyl‐N‐phenyl‐1‐(p‐tolyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide with dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal. The target bipyrazoles were obtained from regioselective reaction of the latter enaminone with different hydrazonoyl halides at reflux in chloroform in the presence of trimethylamine. The regioselectivity was confirmed chemically upon refluxing with hydrazine hydrate in ethanol. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established on the basis of their elemental analyses and spectral data. The specified compounds were tested for antibacterial activity against gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and a gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and (Staphylococcus aureus) using disk diffusion method. Antibacterial studies revealed that compounds 8a, 10b, 10c, 11d, and 14b showed weak to moderate activity against the tested bacteria compared to ampicillin.
New oxadiazol‐5‐ones derivatives and their performance as angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Authors: Ferreira Larissa Fernanda Lima , Lins Ilária Martina Silva , Feitosa Sidney Gustavo Diniz , Ferreira Jivaldo Gonçalves , Maciel Larissa Gonçalves , Araújo Alice Valença , dos Anjos Janaína Versiani
Published: May 2024

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors are widely used in treating arterial hypertension, acting on the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system and controlling blood pressure. We present a novel, greener, and faster methodology to assess the 1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐5‐one ring and perform molecular modifications to obtain angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors using this heterocyclic core. Molecular docking simulations indicate that the tested compounds exhibited an affinity for the ACE binding site, with scores comparable to the commercial inhibitor lisinopril. However, in vitro assays revealed that the compounds were ineffective in inhibiting ACE activity. The lack of inhibition may be related to the compounds' more apolar nature. These results emphasize the importance of integrating computational and experimental approaches in developing new drugs, providing valuable insights for planning future studies to optimize the activity of synthesized compounds.
Paleoneurology of stem palaeognaths clarifies the plesiomorphic condition of the crown bird central nervous system
Authors: Widrig Klara E. , Navalón Guillermo , Field Daniel J.
Published: May 2024

Lithornithidae, an assemblage of volant Palaeogene fossil birds, provide our clearest insights into the early evolutionary history of Palaeognathae, the clade that today includes the flightless ratites and volant tinamous. The neotype specimen of Lithornis vulturinus, from the early Eocene (approximately 53 million years ago) of Europe, includes a partial neurocranium that has never been thoroughly investigated. Here, we describe these cranial remains including the nearly complete digital endocasts of the brain and bony labyrinth. The telencephalon of Lithornis is expanded and its optic lobes are ventrally shifted, as is typical for crown birds. The foramen magnum is positioned caudally, rather than flexed ventrally as in some crown birds, with the optic lobes, cerebellum, and foramen magnum shifted further ventrally. The overall brain shape is similar to that of tinamous, the only extant clade of flying palaeognaths, suggesting that several aspects of tinamou neuroanatomy may have been evolutionarily conserved since at least the early Cenozoic. The estimated ratio of the optic lobe's surface area relative to the total brain suggests a diurnal ecology. Lithornis may provide the clearest insights to date into the neuroanatomy of the ancestral crown bird, combining an ancestrally unflexed brain with a caudally oriented connection with the spinal cord, a moderately enlarged telencephalon, and ventrally shifted, enlarged optic lobes.
Five‐Year Serial Brain MRI Analysis of Military Members Exposed to Chronic Sub‐Concussive Overpressures
Authors: Glikstein Rafael , Melkus Gerd , Portela de Oliveira Eduardo , Brun‐Vergara Maria Lucia , Schwarz Betty Anne , Ramsay Tim , Zhang Tinghua , Skinner Christopher
Published: May 2024

Background

The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command conducts explosives operations and training which exposes members to explosive charges at close proximity. This 5‐year longitudinal trial was conducted in follow‐up to our initial trial which examined military breachers with MRI and EEG pre and post blast exposure.

Purpose

To examine brain MRI findings in military personnel exposed to multiple repeated blast exposures.

Study Type

Five‐year longitudinal prospective trial.

Population

Ninety‐two males aged 23–42 with an average of 9.4 years of blast exposure.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T brain MRI/T1‐weighted 3D with reconstruction in three planes, T2‐weighted, T2‐weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) 3D with reconstruction in three planes, T2‐weighted gradient spin echo (GRE), saturation weighted images, DWI and ADC maps, diffusion tensor imaging.

Assessment

All MRI scans were interpreted by the two neuroradiologists and one neuroradiology Fellow in a blinded fashion using a customized neuroradiology reporting form.

Statistical Tests

Matching parametric statistics represented the number of participants whose brain parameters improved or deteriorated over time. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using log regression modeling to determine volume loss, white matter lesions, hemosiderosis, gliosis, cystic changes and enlarged Virchow Robin (VR) spaces. A Kappa (κ) statistic with a 95% CI was calculated to determine rater variability between readers.

Results

A significant deterioration was observed in volume loss (OR = 1.083, 95% CI 0.678–1.731, permutation test), white matter changes (OR: 0.754, 95% CI 0.442–1.284, permutation test), and enlargement of VR spaces (OR: 0.775, 95% CI 0.513–1.171). Interrater reliability was low: κ = 0.283, 0.156, and 0.557 for volume loss, white matter changes, and enlargement of VR spaces, respectively.

Data Conclusion

There were significant changes in brain volume, white matter lesions, and enlargement of VR spaces.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Wuliangye strong aroma baijiu promotes intestinal homeostasis by improving gut microbiota and regulating intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Zhu Hui , Gu Baoxiang , Zhao Dong , Ma Yi , Mehmood Muhammad Aamer , Li Yuzhu , Yang Kangzhuo , Wang Yumeng , He Manli , Zheng Jia , Wang Ning
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Wuliangye strong aroma baijiu (hereafter, Wuliangye baijiu) is a traditional Chinese grain liquor containing short‐chain fatty acids, ethyl caproate, ethyl lactate, other trace components, and a large proportion of ethanol. The effects of Wuliangye baijiu on intestinal stem cells and intestinal epithelial development have not been elucidated. Here, the role of Wuliangye baijiu in intestinal epithelial regeneration and gut microbiota modulation was investigated by administering a Lieber–DeCarli chronic ethanol liquid diet in a mouse model to mimic long‐term (8 weeks’) light/moderate alcohol consumption (1.6 g kg−1 day−1) in healthy human adults.

RESULTS

Wuliangye baijiu promoted colonic crypt proliferation in mice. According to immunofluorescence and reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses, compared with the ethanol‐only treatment, Wuliangye baijiu increased the number of intestinal stem cells and goblet cells and the expression of enteroendocrine cell differentiation markers in the mouse colon. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis showed an increase in the relative abundance of microbiota related to intestinal homeostasis following Wuliangye baijiu administration. Notably, increased abundance of Bacteroidota, Faecalibaculum, Lachnospiraceae, and Blautia may play an essential role in promoting stem‐cell‐mediated intestinal epithelial development and maintaining intestinal homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, these findings suggest that Wuliangye baijiu can be used to regulate intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation in mice and to alter gut microbiota distributions, thereby promoting intestinal homeostasis. This research elucidates the mechanism by which Wuliangye baijiu promotes intestinal health. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Risk Factors Are Not Very Risky Once a Normal Embryonic Heart Rate is Seen in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Doubilet Peter M. , Guo Yang
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To assess first‐trimester prognosis when an early pregnancy sonogram demonstrates a normal embryonic heart rate and to determine how a number of risk factors affect prognosis.

Methods

Our study population consisted of 6597 first‐trimester scans with gestational age (GA) ≤ 7.0 weeks (all with crown‐rump length [CRL] <10 mm), normal embryonic heart, and known first‐trimester outcome. We recorded GA; CRL; heart rate; first‐trimester outcome; maternal age; presence, absence, and size of subchorionic hematoma; presence or absence of vaginal bleeding; and presence, absence, and size of uterine fibroids. We assessed first‐trimester outcome in the study population and subsets based on the above data.

Results

First‐trimester outcome was successful in 6030 of the 6597 cases (91.4%). The prognosis was somewhat worse with each of the following risk factors: maternal age ≥35 years, large subchorionic hematoma, and large or multiple uterine fibroids (P < .02, chi‐squared or Cochran's test for trend, for all of these items). The rate of successful outcome was in the range of 83–88% with each of these risk factors and 93.8% in the absence of any of these factors.

Conclusions

The presence of a normal embryonic heart rate on an early first‐trimester sonogram is a reassuring finding, indicating a likelihood of good first‐trimester outcome of at least 83% even in the presence of risk factors, and of over 90% in the absence of such factors.
Feasibility of Optical Biopsy During Endoscopic Sinus Surgery With Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Frenken Ann‐Kathrin , Sievert Matti , Panuganti Bharat , Aubreville Marc , Meyer Till , Scherzad Agmal , Gehrke Thomas , Scheich Matthias , Hackenberg Stephan , Goncalves Miguel
Published: May 2024

Objective

Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an optical imaging technique that allows in vivo, real‐time, microscope‐like assessment of superficial lesions. Although there is substantial data on CLE use in the upper GI tract, there is limited information regarding its application in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. This study aims to assess the feasibility and diagnostic metrics of CLE in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses regarding differentiation between healthy/benign and malignant tissue. These structures show, however, a wider variety of frequent and concomitant benign and malignant pathologies, which could pose an increased challenge for optical biopsy by CLE.

Methods

We performed CLE on a case series of six patients with various findings in the nose (three chronic rhinosinusitis, adenocarcinoma, meningoenzephalozele, esthesionneuroblastoma). Forty‐two sequences (3792 images) from various structures in the nasal cavity and/or paranasal sinuses were acquired. Biopsies were taken at corresponding locations and analyzed in hematoxylin and eosin staining as a standard of reference. Three independent examiners blinded to the histopathology assessed the sequences.

Results

Healthy and inflamed mucosa could be distinguished from malignant lesions with an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 84.1%, 85.4%, 83.1%, 72.5%, and 92.1%, respectively, with a substantial agreement between raters (Fleiss κ = 0.62).

Conclusion

This technique shows, despite its limitations, potential as an adjunctive imaging technique during sinus surgery; however, the creation of a scoring system based on reproducible and defined characteristics in a larger more diverse population should be the focus of further research to improve its diagnostic value and clinical utility.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:4217–4224, 2024
Maxitrol as an antibiofilm agent with potential applications in Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Hale Samuel J. M. , Kim Raymond , O'Carroll Mark , Biswas Kristi , Wagner Mackenzie Brett , Douglas Richard G.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Maxitrol (Novartis) is a topical ophthalmic medication that contains polymyxin B, neomycin, and dexamethasone. If it possesses antibiofilm activity, it may be useful for treating diseases of the head and neck in which biofilms are implicated, including chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic suppurative otitis media and osteoradionecrosis. We investigated the in vitro efficacy of Maxitrol against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.

Methods

Minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) assays were performed using biofilms of P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and S. aureus ATCC 6538 type strains, grown on 96‐pin lids and treated in Maxitrol for 30 min, 1 h, or 6 h. Isolates of both species were collected from the middle meatuses of patients with cystic fibrosis. Biofilms of clinical isolates were grown and treated in vitro for 6 h with Maxitrol, both undiluted at full concentration and at the identified MBEC, then cultured to identify bacterial survival.

Results

Neither type strain was eradicated at 30 min nor S. aureus at 1 h at any tested concentration. P. aeruginosa was eradicated by a median of 90% and 5.6% Maxitrol at 1 and 6 h, respectively, and S. aureus with 90% Maxitrol at 6 h. Undiluted Maxitrol reliably eradicated all clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa but only one of five S. aureus isolates.

Conclusions

Maxitrol reliably eradicates P. aeruginosa biofilm but not S. aureus biofilm in vitro. It may have a therapeutic role against biofilms in which P. aeruginosa is the dominant pathogen.

Level of Evidence

N/A.
In situ aerobic methane oxidation rates in a stratified lake
Authors: Hudspeth Zachary W. , Morningstar Joshua L. , Mendlovitz Howard P. , Baily Jennifer A. , Lloyd Karen G. , Martens Christopher S.
Published: May 2024

Microbial aerobic methane oxidation is an important sink for aquatic methane worldwide. Despite its importance to global methane fluxes, few aerobic methane oxidation rates have been obtained in freshwater or marine environments without imposing changes to the microbial community through use of ex situ methods. A novel in situ incubation method for continuous time‐series measurements was used in Jordan Lake, North Carolina, during 2020–2021, to determine reaction kinetics for aerobic methane oxidation rates across a wide range of naturally varying methane (55–1833 nM) and dissolved oxygen (DO; 28–366 μM) concentrations and temperatures (17–30°C). Methane oxidation began immediately at the start of each of 21 incubations and methane oxidation rates were 1st order with respect to methane. The data density allowed for accurate calculation of 1st‐order rate constants, k, that ranged from 0.018 to 0.462 h−1 (R2 > 0.967). Addition of ammonium (20–45 μM) to natural concentrations ranging from 0.057 to 2.4 μM did not change aerobic methane oxidation rate kinetics, suggesting that the natural population of aerobic methane oxidizers in this eutrophic lake was not nitrogen limited. Values of k inversely correlated most strongly with initial DO concentrations (R2 = 0.82) rather than temperature. Values for k increased with Julian day throughout our sampling period, suggesting seasonal influences on methane oxidation via responses to geochemical changes or shifts in microbial community abundance and composition. These experiments demonstrate a high variability in the enzymatic capacity for 1st‐order methane oxidation rates in this eutrophic lake that is tightly and inversely coupled to oxygen concentrations. Measurements of in situ aerobic methane oxidation rate constants allow for the direct quantification and modeling of the microbial community's capacity for methane oxidation over a wide range of natural methane concentrations.
Small‐scale measurement of fracture toughness of muddy marine sediments via bubble injection
Authors: Cho Anika S. , Dorgan Kelly M. , Lockridge Grant
Published: May 2024

Muddy marine sediments are elastic materials in which bubbles grow and worms extend their burrows by fracture. Bubble growth and burrowing behavior are dependent on the stiffness and fracture toughness (KIc) of these muds. This article describes a custom laboratory apparatus to measure the fracture toughness of muddy, cohesive sediments using a bubble injection method. The system induces fracture in sediment samples by incrementally injecting air through a needle inserted into the sediment. The increasing pneumatic pressure is monitored until it drops abruptly, indicating bubble formation. Fracture toughness is then calculated from the peak pressure at which fracture occurred, following cavitation rheology methods developed for soft gels. The system has produced measurements that compare well to previous data but with better spatial resolution, allowing for characterization of spatial heterogeneity on small scales.
Engineered 3D Vortex Array with Customized Energy and Topological Charges for Multi‐View Display
Authors: Meng Weijia , Pi Dapu , Li Baoli , Luan Haitao , Gu Min , Fang Xinyuan
Published: May 2024

Arrays of multiple vortex beams enhance parallel processing capabilities from particle manipulation to information communication. However, the spatial position, topological charge, and energy parameters of the vortex beams within the array have yet to be precisely controlled, posing significant challenges to the realization of multi‐view 3D Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) display using vortex arrays as information carriers. To address this issue, a method for generating vortex arrays based on a phase‐only hologram, customizing the array by using the energy and OAM spectrum of each vortex beam as the loss function is developed. Experimental results indicate that a 2D array generates 100 vortex beams in the spatial frequency domain, while a 3D array in the Fresnel zone produces 252 vortex beams across 7 planes, each with 36 unprecedentedly controllable energy and topological charge vortex beams. Subsequently, images of 4 views using the 3D vortex arrays and decoded through coordinate transformation to achieve a multi‐view 3D OAM display are encoded. The results demonstrate imaging quality with Mean Peak Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio (MPSNR) of 12.7, 13.0, 13.4, and 12.2 dB in 4 views, respectively, offering promising opportunities for applications in 3D optical manipulation, high‐capacity communication, and 3D OAM holography.
Light‐Driven Micronavigators for Directional Migration of Cells
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Liu Xiaoshuai , Gong Zhiyong , Xu Jiaqi , Wu Tianli , Wu Huaying , Guo Jinghui , Li Yuchao , Li Baojun , Zhang Yao
Published: May 2024

Cell migration is an essential physiological process in the life cycle of cells, playing a crucial role in cancer metastasis, neural development, and cellular immune response. However, achieving precise control of cell migration at single‐cell level is challenging due to the intricate and diverse microenvironments of cells. Here, an optical technique is presented that utilizes light‐actuated micronavigators to guide the directional migration of individual cells both in vitro and in vivo. Employing high‐speed scanning optical tweezers, micronavigators near target cells are trapped and rotated at a rotation speed of up to 12 000 rpm, which, to the best of knowledge, represents the fastest rotation of light‐driven micromotors in a biological environment to date. The micronavigators generate a powerful fluid shear force (up to 40 pN) which can guide the migration of immune and nerve cells in a predetermined direction. Furthermore, micronavigators are employed to guide cell migration in various biological systems, including lab‐on‐a‐chip devices and blood vessels within living animals. This technique offers new opportunities for controlling cell migration, enabling precise immune activation, and neuron repair at the single‐cell level.
Effect of DBSA‐doped PANI on the corrosion protection performance of GO/epoxy coatings
Authors: Liu Xiaoling , Zhang Yingjun , Shi Chao , Dou Baojie , Liu Mingshun
Published: May 2024

In this study, the anticorrosion effect of polyaniline doped with dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (PANI‐DBSA) in graphene oxide (GO)/epoxy coating is investigated. PANI‐DBSA is effectively synthesized on the surface of GO via chemical polymerization, and its properties are investigated via a series of characterization methods. The PANI‐DBSA/GO hybrid exhibits improved compatibility with organic resin. The anticorrosion performance of PANI‐DBSA/GO coatings is assessed through water absorption tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, and adhesion strength tests. The results indicate that PANI reduces the water absorption of GO, and the favorable compatibility of PANI‐DBSA/GO with epoxy resin minimizes coating defects and enhances the interfacial blocking for diffusion electrolytes. In this work, the PANI has no active function such as passivating the metal surface, it just serves to shield the hydrophilic GO surface and to improve compatibility between GO and the epoxy, attributing its low pigment content.
Insight into the crevice corrosion mechanism of AA7075‐T651 high‐strength aluminum alloys in neutral nitrate solution: The effect of Cl−
Authors: Li Yuan , Tang Yixin , Liu Xiaohang , Li Yizhou
Published: May 2024

The crevice corrosion behavior and mechanism of AA7075‐T651 aluminum alloy was investigated by electrochemical measurements and surface analysis technologies in a neutral nitrate solution with different contents of NaCl. The Cl− was identified as crucial for the initiation and development of the crevice corrosion, with the phenomenon absent in the 0.05 M NaCl solution but initiated in the 0.5 and 1 M NaCl solutions. However, the crevice corrosion was more pronounced in the 0.5 M NaCl solution due to the establishment of a larger galvanic corrosion effect. The rapid dissolution of the anodic phase resulted in the increased Cl− inside the crevice, while the cathodic phase enhanced the localized dissolution through micro‐galvanic corrosion. This synergistic effect significantly facilitated the development of crevice corrosion.
Patina formation and diffuse dispersion of alloying metals from weathering steels at urban atmospheric conditions—A combined laboratory and field investigation
Authors: Herting Gunilla , Virolainen Esa , Odnevall Inger
Published: May 2024

The increasing use of weathering steels (WS) has raised concerns regarding the diffuse emission of alloying elements. This research paper investigates the release of iron (Fe) and the alloying elements (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni) from two commercially available WS at urban field conditions in Stockholm, Sweden, during 1 year and in the laboratory at simulated urban conditions. The amount of released metals is evaluated and compared with recommended levels of metals in drinking water and the formation and evolution of the protective patina is studied in parallel to assess the influence on the metal release process. Only minor amounts of the alloying elements are released and is only linked to the outermost surface composition of the patina during the very beginning of the exposure. The released amounts are found to be lower compared with the corresponding levels recommended by the World Health Organisation for drinking water.
Interfacial Charge Transport Enhancement of Liquid‐Crystalline Polymer Transistors Enabled by Ionic Polyurethane Dielectric
Authors: Nketia‐Yawson Benjamin , Nketia‐Yawson Vivian , Buer Albert Buertey , Jo Jea Woong
Published: May 2024

In organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) using disordered organic semiconductors, interface traps that hinder efficient charge transport, stability, and device performance are inevitable. Benchmark poly(9,9‐dioctylfuorene‐co‐bithiophene) (F8T2) liquid‐crystalline polymer semiconductor has been extensively investigated for organic electronic devices due to its promising combination of charge transport and light emission properties. This study demonstrates that high‐capacitance single‐layered ionic polyurethane (PU) dielectrics enable enhanced charge transport in F8T2 OFETs. The ionic PU dielectrics are composed of a mild blending of PU ionogel and PU solution, thereby forming a solid‐state film with robust interfacial characteristics with semiconductor layer and gate electrode in OFETs and measuring high capacitance values above 10 µF cm−2 owing to the combined dipole polarization and electric double layer formation. The optimized fabricated ionic PU‐gated OFETs exhibit a low‐voltage operation at −3 V with a remarkable hole mobility of over 5 cm2 V–1 s–1 (average = 2.50 ± 1.18 cm2 V–1 s–1), which is the highest mobility achieved so far for liquid‐crystalline F8T2 OFETs. This device also provides excellent bias‐stable characteristics in ambient air, exhibiting a negligible threshold voltage shift of −0.03 V in the transfer curves after extended bias stress, with a reduced trap density.
Solvability of nonlocal fractional vector functional boundary value problems with p‐Laplacian on a half‐line at resonance
Authors: Meng Fanmeng , Jiang Weihua , Zhou Xian‐Feng
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the solvability of a system of fully nonlinear Hilfer fractional differential equations on the half‐line is studied. Firstly, considering that the half‐line as the domain has the problem of insufficient compactness, we defined the space of weighting functions and normed the convergence at infinity. Secondly, by constructing appropriate operators in these Banach spaces and using the extension for the continuous theorem, some sufficient conditions for the solvability of the problem are obtained. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the main results.
Burden and preparedness of care partners of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at home in Korea: A care partner survey
Authors: Lee Sun Young , Yoo Shin Hye , Cho Belong , Kim Kye Hyung , Jang Min Seoul , Shin Jeongmi , Hwang Inyoung , Choi Seok‐Jin , Sung Jung‐Joon , Kim Min Sun
Published: May 2024

Introduction/Aims

The care burden of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pALS) increases with disease progression. This study aimed to investigate the home care status and preparedness of care partners of pALS (cALS) in Korea.

Methods

An online survey was conducted with family care partners of patients diagnosed with ALS for over 1 year in 2022. The data collected included care time, depression evaluated using the patient health questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), preparedness for caregiving scale (PCS), and caregiver competence scale (CCS). Results were compared based on whether the pALS underwent a tracheostomy or not.

Results

Ninety‐eight cALS of 98 pALS participated in the study, of whom 59 pALS had undergone tracheostomy. Among the cALS, 60.2% were spouses, and 34.7% were children. The cALS took care of the patients for 13 (8–20) hours/day (median, interquartile range [IQR]) on weekdays and 15 (10–24) h/day on weekends. Among the cALS, 91.8% were depressed, and 28.6% had severe depression. The median (IQR) PCS and CCS scores were low (11/32 (8–15) and 8/20 (8–11), respectively), and both were lower in those caring for patients without than with tracheostomy (p < .001 and p < .02, respectively). Most cALS (77.6%) wished to continue caring for their pALS at home.

Discussion

Family care partners of pALS spend more than half of each day caring for patients and are often depressed. Most cALS preferred providing care at home, but felt ill‐prepared. Designing home‐based medical care is necessary for pALS to thrive at home.
Numerical analysis of optimal control problems governed by fourth‐order linear elliptic equations using the Hessian discretization method
Authors: Shylaja Devika
Published: May 2024

This article focuses on the optimal control problems governed by fourth‐order linear elliptic equations with clamped boundary conditions in the framework of the Hessian discretization method (HDM). The HDM is an abstract framework that enables the convergence analysis of several numerical methods such as the conforming finite element methods, the Adini and Morley nonconforming finite element methods (ncFEMs), the method based on gradient recovery (GR) operators, and the finite volume methods (FVMs). Basic error estimates and superconvergence results are established for the state, adjoint, and control variables. A companion operator for the GR method with specific property is designed. The article concludes with numerical results that illustrate the theoretical convergence rates for GR method, Adini ncFEM, and FVM.
Preparation of chitosan‐based macromolecular synergistic antioxidants containing hindered phenolic and secondary amine structures and its effects on thermo‐oxidative aging of styrene‐butadiene rubber/silica composites
Authors: Wu Lihao , Xie Xiaojiang , Huang Jizhong , He Jingwei , Liu Fang
Published: May 2024

In this study, chitosan (CS)‐based macromolecular synergistic antioxidant CS‐UC‐TDAA containing carbon–carbon double bond, hindered phenol, and aromatic secondary amine was prepared by using CS,10‐undecenoyl chloride (UC), p‐aminobenzoic acid (AA), 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (TD) via esterification, Schiff base reaction, and acylation reaction. The molecular structure of CS‐UC‐TDAA was characterized by fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. The effects of macromolecular synergistic antioxidant CS‐UC‐TDAA, small molecular antioxidant TDAA, commercial antioxidant 4020, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the antiaging properties of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/SiO2 composites were systematically studied by accelerated thermo‐oxidative aging test, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and methanol Soxhlet extraction experiment. The experimental results show that CS‐UC‐TDAA has more outstanding thermo‐oxidative aging resistance, thermal stability, and solvent extraction resistance in SBR/SiO2 composites than TDAA, 4020, and BHT. The macromolecular synergistic antioxidant CS‐UC‐TDAA endows SBR/SiO2 composites with more durable antiaging performance, which is attributed to the synergistic antioxidant effect of its hindered phenol and aromatic secondary amine groups. Additionally, its resistance to migration and extraction is facilitated by the crosslinking of the carbon–carbon double bond with the rubber and its substantial molecular weight.
Fabrication of a tissue engineering mat by emulsion‐based electrospinning of polycaprolactone/silk fibroin using a new solvent system
Authors: Alizadeh Sanaz , Pezeshki‐Modaress Mohamad , Kundu Subhas C. , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali
Published: May 2024

The development of electrospun tissue engineering scaffolds using silk fibroin and polycaprolactone (PCL) has been reported. The challenge in this system is the design of a suitable solvent with high stability. In this study, a mat was electrospun with PCL‐fibroin fibers using an emulsion consisting of PCL and a blend of fibroin and polyethylene oxide (PEO). The effects of different concentrations of fibroin and PEO and ratios of formic acid: distilled water (FA:DW, solvent for fibroin and PEO) and chloroform: formic acid (Chl:FA, solvent for PCL) were studied. The FA:DW and Chl:FA ratios of 70:30 were proved to make an optimized and stable solvent system. In addition, by controlling the water absorption of the mat, we optimized its weight loss and maintained its integrity for up to 14 days. Also, the mechanical and cell attachment properties were as expected. Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay exhibited the potential of the mats to induce angiogenesis. Furthermore, subcutaneous implantation in a mouse model elicited no significant inflammatory response. This study provides a simple and promising electrospinning fabrication with an optimized solvent system for tissue engineering applications.
Tailored Ni‐Zn‐Cu ferrite/EPDM nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, and multifaceted properties for mechanical and electrical applications
Authors: Parveen Nazia , Hanif Asma Anam , Hassan Sadaf ul , Rehman Aamal , Razzaque Shumaila , Mahmood Asif , Al‐Masry Waheed , Kim Taewook , Han Soo‐Kyung , Park Chan Ho , Nazir Shahid , Ali Zulfiqar , Akhter Toheed
Published: May 2024

In this study, we prepared Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4 ferrite/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. First, Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized with a tailored composition of NiZn(0.3)Cu(0.2)Fe2O4(2). Subsequently, these nanoparticles were incorporated into the EPDM rubber matrix through a two‐roll mixing mill. Scanning electron microscopy and x‐rays diffraction techniques were used to explore their morphology and structure. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify metal‐oxygen bonds in the nanoparticles and their incorporation in the nanocomposites. Similarly, curing properties, including optimum cure time, scorch time, and torque profiles, were evaluated using a moving die rheometer. While, mechanical properties of these composites, such as tensile strength and Young's modulus, were determined with a universal testing machine. Tensile strength improved from 0.11 MPa to 0.22 MPa (100% increase), whereas, the Young's modulus increased from 0.03 MPa to 0.052 MPa (86% increase). Additionally, we investigated the dielectric properties of these nanocomposites, encompassing permittivity, resistivity, and dielectric constant, using a dielectric properties analyzer. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in dielectric resistivity of nanocomposites (from 33.2 GΩ to 23.38 GΩ) upon the introduction of Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles, indicating the formation of a continuous nanofiller network within the EPDM matrix. Interestingly, as the nanofiller loading increased, both dielectric permittivity and dielectric constant exhibited a gradual rise. The permittivity value increased from 2.31 to 2.39 (Fm−1), while the dielectric constant increased from 0.0091 to 0.0179.

Highlights

Synthesized Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4; tuned composition NiZn(0.3)Cu(0.2)Fe2O4(2).

Integrated ferrite into EPDM; optimized mixing for enhanced properties.

Employed SEM, XRD, and FTIR; revealed morphology, structure, and bonding.

Evaluated curing using MDR; unveiled optimal time and torque profiles.

Explored dielectric properties; demonstrated reduced resistivity, heightened permittivity.
An innovative approach to a UAV tails structural design for additive manufacturing
Authors: Battaglia Miriam , Acanfora Valerio , Garofano Antonio , Maisto Giovanni , Riccio Aniello
Published: May 2024

The innovative approach used for the design and fabrication of a UAV tails through additive manufacturing (AM) completely changes the concept of designing and manufacturing products through conventional methods. AM based processes can reduces costs, lead times, and increases design freedom, allowing parts to be tailored to specific needs. A key benefit of AM processes is the ability to produce optimized designs with reduced mass and without compromising structural effectiveness. This is possible thanks to the combination of high‐performance AM materials and the extraordinary manufacturing capability of AM technologies combined with an appropriate design‐for‐additive manufacturing (DfAM) approach, overcoming traditional manufacturing techniques. This article presents the development process of a UAV tails, based on a Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) approach in order to reduce structural mass and guarantee safe operation under service loads. Therefore, by replacing the metallic component of the UAV with a techno‐polymeric one, several configurations have been developed. The optimal additive configuration achieved a weight reduction of 60% compared to a metal configuration of equivalent volume, without loss of mechanical properties. In conclusion, a feasibility study of the proposed configuration was carried out by 3D printing the vertical tail redesigned.

Highlights

An innovative approach by combining DfAM processes with FFF technology.

Metal replacement of UAV tails with advanced technopolymers.

Efficient Weight Reduction about 60% compared to metal structure.

Single‐piece design simplifies assembly and manufacturing.

UAV redesigned tails with enhanced efficiency, adaptability, and feasibility.
Sustainable improvement in the polylactic acid properties of 3D printing filaments: The role of bamboo fiber and epoxidized soybean oil‐branched cardanol ether compatibilizer
Authors: Song Xinyu , Weng Yunxuan , Ma Zhirui , Han Yu , Zhang Xueqin , Zhang Caili
Published: May 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) is the prevailing raw material for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing filaments, offering benefits such as a low printing temperature, minimal shrinkage, and biodegradability. However, this material has challenges such as poor toughness, low heat deflection temperature, susceptibility to moisture‐induced thermal degradation, and high costs. This study addressed these concerns by incorporating natural bamboo fiber (BF) into PLA, elevating heat the deflection temperature and lowering the material costs. Additionally, a synthesized branched structure compatibilizer, in the form of epoxidized soybean oil‐branched cardanol ether (ESOn‐ECD), enhanced the toughness of PLA, the bonding strength between PLA and the BF surface, and the flowability of high‐fiber composites during processing and printing. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties were assessed, demonstrating the promising processing performance of PLA/BF/ESO3‐ECD. The fully biobased composite exhibits strength, toughness, good processability, excellent 3D printability, and durability, implying substantial potential in FDM 3D filament production.

Highlights

Bio‐based PLA/bamboo fiber/ESO3‐ECD FDM 3D printing filaments were developed.

The excellent nucleation ability of the bamboo fibers enhances the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PLA.

The epoxy values and branching degree of ESOn‐ECD are crucial for its effective modification.
Short term creep properties of WPC at different temperatures—An experimental and numerical investigation at different stress levels
Authors: Zhang Gaoqin , Zhao Longlong , Zhao Kang , Chen Liangyu
Published: May 2024

Using a two‐step molding process, wood plastic composite (WPC) were prepared under temperatures ranging from 160 to 180°C. Uniaxial compression tests of WPC were conducted at temperatures of −20°C, 0°C, 20°C, and 40°C, determining stress levels of 30%, 45%, and 60% based on the test results. Subsequently, 24‐hour compression creep tests were performed for WPC under 12 different conditions. The Findley power law model was employed to fit the experimental results, indicating that creep deformation increased with both stress level and environmental temperature. Notably, specimens at 0°C failed after sustaining a load for 13.6 hours at 60% stress, while those at 20°C failed after only 0.72 hours under the same conditions. Overall, the Findley model effectively predicted the creep behavior of WPC under all temperature conditions and stress levels.

Highlights

The influence of temperature variation on the strength of WPC.

Short term creep of WPC under different stress levels.

Creep of WPC at different temperatures.

Prediction of creep performance under different operating conditions.
Efficacy and safety of topical capsaicin in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tshering Gyem , Posadzki Pawel , Kongkaew Chuenjid
Published: May 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The objective was to critically appraise the efficacy and safety of topical capsaicin in reducing pain in OA. MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase (Ebsco) were searched from inceptions until February 2023. The eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), evaluating topical capsaicin in OA patients. Standard Cochrane methods were used to extract data and to appraise eligible studies. Eight double‐blind RCTs involving 498 patients were included. Five trials (62.5%) were at an overall low risk of bias, and three (37.5%) were at a high risk of bias. Meta‐analysis showed that, in various OA patients, compared with placebo, topical capsaicin (0.0125%–5%) may reduce pain severity measured with visual analog scale (standardized mean difference = −0.84, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] = −1.48 to −0.19, p = 0.01; eight studies). However, topical capsaicin may increase burning sensation at the application site (risk ratio = 5.56, 95% CI = 1.75–17.69, p = 0.004, numbers needed to harm = 3; five studies) when compared with placebo. Limitations include short study durations, small sample sizes, high heterogeneity, and overall low‐to‐very‐low certainty of the evidence. Topical capsaicin may reduce OA pain at follow‐ups of up to 3 months. Larger trials, potentially evaluating capsaicin in combination with phytopharmaceuticals having anti‐inflammatory effects, with longer follow‐ups might be needed to reduce the existing uncertainties. Topical capsaicin might be recommended for short‐term management of pain in OA patients intolerant to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Dihydroartemisinin‐driven TOM70 inhibition leads to mitochondrial destabilization to induce pyroptosis against lung cancer
Authors: Li Liu‐Gen , Hu Jun , Han Ning , Chen Nan‐Nan , Yu Ting‐Ting , Ren Tao , Xu Hua‐Zhen , Peng Xing‐Chun , Li Xian‐Yu , Ma Tian‐Qi , Chen Hao , Zhang Lei , Chen Xiao , Wang Mei‐Fang , Li Tong‐Fei
Published: May 2024

Enhancement of malignant cell immunogenicity to relieve immunosuppression of lung cancer microenvironment is essential in lung cancer treatment. In previous study, we have demonstrated that dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a kind of phytopharmaceutical, is effective in inhibiting lung cancer cells and boosting their immunogenicity, while the initial target of DHA's intracellular action is poorly understood. The present in‐depth analysis aims to reveal the influence of DHA on the highly expressed TOM70 in the mitochondrial membrane of lung cancer. The affinity of DHA and TOM70 was analyzed by microscale thermophoresis (MST), pronase stability, and thermal stability. The functions and underlying mechanism were investigated using western blots, qRT‐PCR, flow cytometry, and rescue experiments. TOM70 inhibition resulted in mtDNA damage and translocation to the cytoplasm from mitochondria due to the disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis. Further ex and in vivo findings also showed that the cGAS/STING/NLRP3 signaling pathway was activated by mtDNA and thereby malignant cells underwent pyroptosis, leading to enhanced immunogenicity of lung cancer cells in the presence of DHA. Nevertheless, DHA‐induced mtDNA translocation and cGAS/STING/NLRP3 mobilization were synchronously attenuated when TOM70 was replenished. Finally, DHA was demonstrated to possess potent anti‐lung cancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these data confirm that TOM70 is an important target for DHA to disturb mitochondria homeostasis, which further activates STING and arouses pyroptosis to strengthen immunogenicity against lung cancer thereupon. The present study provides vital clues for phytomedicine‐mediated anti‐tumor therapy.