bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved performance of epoxy resin coating with the modification of dopamine doped Ti4O7
Authors: Lin Huanhuan , Wang Yanli , Li Weihua
Published: May 2024

In this paper, a dense and well‐adherent polydopamine‐Ti4O7/epoxy resin (PDA‐Ti4O7/EP) composite coating is successfully prepared. The modified grafting of Ti4O7 by polydopamine (PDA) is achieved through the coordination complexation of unstable catechol groups in PDA with coordination unsaturated Ti atoms in Ti4O7. The potentiodynamic polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test results show that the performance of the composite coating is improved compared with that of the pure epoxy coating, and the composite coating slows down the penetration of electrolytes and aggressive ions and improves the corrosion resistance. The composite coating with 2 wt.% PDA‐Ti4O7 filler shows the best corrosion resistance, and its |Z|0.01 Hz remains above 1011 Ω cm2 after 30 days of immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. This can be attributed to the good barrier property of PDA‐Ti4O7 filler, which carries NH2 and OH reactive groups, interacting with the resin and matrix to improve the dispersion of the filler and the adhesion of the composite coating. The NH2 group reacts with the epoxy group in the epoxy resin in a ring‐opening reaction, which avoids the agglomeration of the filler and the uniformly dispersed filler fills the pores in the coating due to curing to improve the denseness of the coating and give full play to the barrier property of the filler. At the same time, the hydrogen bonding between the filler and the OH group in the resin and the substrate increases the adhesion of the coating. In addition, the unstable catechol group in PDA chelates with iron ions to further improve the overall corrosion resistance of the coating.

Highlights

A dense and well‐adherent PDA‐Ti4O7/EP coating is successfully prepared.

PDA connect with Ti4O7 through coordination of catechol groups and Ti atom.

PDA‐Ti4O7 are chemically bonded to the EP through a ring‐opening reaction.

PDA‐Ti4O7 improves the crosslinking density and barrier ability of the coating.
Effect of boundary conditions on the low‐velocity impact damage mechanism of fiber metal laminate
Authors: Wang Huadong , Zhang Jipeng , Wen Jiale , Wang Yue , Dai Xiangjun , Wang Peng , Fang Guodong
Published: May 2024

The boundary condition is a very important factor when characterizing the impact performance of a material or a structure. However, its effect on fiber metal laminate (FML) has been rarely mentioned. In the present investigation, three levels of low‐velocity impact tests were conducted on the glass fiber reinforced aluminum laminate (Glare) under two different boundary conditions, one was that defined in ASTM D7136 and another one was self‐designed that has the same constraint area but different constraint degree. One basis of the experiments, finite element analyses were performed to gain a deeper understanding of the different damage mechanisms. With which another three boundary conditions were investigated for further considering the effect of constraint areas on both the impact and non‐impact sides, including that defined in another commonly used standard ASTM D5628 and two self‐designed cases. It was indicated that the boundary conditions influenced less the force and energy responses of Glare laminate, regardless of the impact damage levels, and hardly on the damage behavior as well when perforation was encountered. However, influences were obtained under lower and intermediate damage levels, and it was the constraint area on the rear side and constraint degree that played the dominant roles, respectively. The results achieved can provide suggestions for reasonably evaluating the low‐velocity impact performance of FML.

Highlights

Comparisons were made between the low‐velocity impact behavior of Glare laminates under five different boundary conditions.

Boundary conditions influenced hardly on maximum impact force and energy absorbed ratio, but evidently on damage behavior.

Constraint area and constraint degree governed damage mechanism under lower and intermediate impact energies, respectively.

Influence of boundary conditions on damage behavior disappeared when the impact energy was enough to perforate Glare laminate.
Addition reaction of azoles to acetone‐d6: NMR and computational studies
Authors: Claramunt Rosa M. , Sanz Dionisia , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: May 2024

The reactivity of imidazole, pyrazole, 1,2,4‐triazole, 1,2,3‐triazole, and tetrazole with acetone (propan‐2‐one) has been studied by 1H and 13C NMR using acetone‐d6 as solvent at temperatures ranging from 173 to 300 K at 10 K intervals. Simultaneously, the reaction has been theoretically calculated at the B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level, and experimental and theoretical results have been compared. The equilibrium constants between azoles and adducts α,α‐dimethyl‐azole‐methanol were analyzed, assuming that the straight part of the plots –R ln Ke vs. 1/T can be used to determine ΔH and ΔS. Calculated and experimental data are related, but the theoretical values are proportionally higher. The tautomerism of triazoles and tetrazole has been considered in order to discuss the reactions.
Evidence of Sub‐Micrometric Plastic Release When Heating Food Containers Based on Light Scattering Measurements
Authors: Pallavera Marco , Sanvito Tiziano , Cremonesi Llorenç , Artoni Claudio , Falqui Andrea , Potenza Marco A. C.
Published: May 2024

A growing body of literature is raising concerns about the spread of nano‐ and microplastics and the hazards they pose to the environment and on human health. There is still a limited understanding of their sources and formation mechanisms, making their release and uptake difficult to track and quantify. Among the obstacles to the progress in this field there is the lack of reliable methods for quantitative studies, leading to a potential underestimation of the extent of their release and the related risks. In this paper, the application of an optical method for studying the release of sub‐micrometric plastics in water by polypropylene containers certified for alimentary use is described. The results show evidence of negligible release when the temperature of the water is kept below the manufacturer's specifications, whereas a rampant increase occurs beyond these conditions, irrespective of the thermal history of the sample. Particles with a diameter distribution that spans one order of magnitude are observed, ranging from ≈200 nm to 2 µm, and their refractive index and shape is characterized with light scattering measurements. This work focuses on particle release and does not assess toxicity or effects on living organisms.
A density functional theory study of hydrogen storage on Ni and Pd doped hetero GeC nanotubes
Authors: Taha H. O. , El Mahdy A. M. , Ramadan M. A.
Published: May 2024

Using ab‐initio DFT based simulations, the hydrogen storage capacity of transition metal (TM = Ni, Pd) decorated doped germanium carbide nanotubes (GeCNTs) with heteroatoms (B, N, Ga, and As) has been examined. The study reveals that each Ni atom bonded on GeCB, GeCN, GeCGa, and GeCAs can attach at the most of 3H2, 2H2, 4H2, and 5H2 molecules with an average binding energy of −.36, −.40, −.32, and −.37 eV/H2, respectively. When doped GeCNTs are fully decorated with Ni atoms, their gravimetric hydrogen storage capacities are around 4.05, 2.73, 5.38, and 6.57 wt%, respectively. The desorption temperature of the systems is 460, 511, 404, and 473 K, respectively. When doped GeCNTs are fully decorated with Pd atoms, their gravimetric hydrogen storage capacities are around 2.07, 3.07, 4.05, and 3.07 wt%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that doped‐GeC adorned with Pd does not satisfy US DOE hydrogen storage requirements. The molecular dynamic (MD) calculations are utilized to examine the stability of the considered structures. The results demonstrate that Ni‐adorned GeCAs are a suitable material for hydrogen storage, which will motivate scientists to fabricate GeCAs‐based fuel cell devices.
Investigation of the cross sections for electron collision ionization of complex molecules
Authors: Chen Zhan‐Bin
Published: May 2024

An accurate and computationally efficient determination of the cross sections for electron collision ionization of molecules has various applications, such as plasma physics and atmospheric science. In the case of large molecules, ab initio calculations are often difficult and time‐consuming. Here, we develop a feed forward neural network to predict the electron impact ionization cross sections of complex molecules. The training (predicting) set in the method consists of a series of theoretical ionization cross sections for small (large) molecules obtained from the combined model, which integrates the Binary‐Encounter‐Bethe and Deutsch‐Märk models. Several complex systems or targets involving electron collision ionization are evaluated, including molecules such as CH, CH, CH, CH, C, CHO, and CHO. The root mean square errors of the trained and predicted cross sections by the neural network (compared to the values from the combined model) are found to be approximately .0086 and .0930 (in 10 cm), respectively, (using the CHO molecule as an example), indicating our results are very high accuracy. The excellent agreement between the predicted values and the actual values indicates that the neural network is a practical and powerful tool for determining the electron collision ionization cross sections of complex molecules and can provide valuable insights into the dynamics process. Apart from its fundamental importance, this study has far‐reaching implications for gas discharge, low‐temperature plasmas, and fusion edge plasmas and so forth.
Nonlinear Interferometry: A New Approach for Imaging and Sensing
Authors: Fuenzalida Jorge , Giese Enno , Gräfe Markus
Published: May 2024

Nonlinear interferometers are a ubiquitous tool in quantum photonics. As such, they allow spooky‐like imaging with undetected light. On the one side their working principle is based on the principle of induced coherence, which is deeply rooted in the heart of quantum mechanics. On the other side, they bear the strong potential to serve as new tool for biomedical imaging. In this review, an extensive overview about nonlinear interferometers and their working principle is given. A particular focus is set on their exploitation for quantum imaging and sensing. In addition, related side topics and further application fields as well as perspectives are provided.
Modelocked Thermal Frequency Combs for Ultrashort Chaotic Quantum Optics
Authors: Wakui Kentaro , Tsujimoto Yoshiaki , Kishimoto Tadashi , Fujiwara Mikio , Sasaki Masahide , Hosaka Aruto , Kannari Fumihiko , Takeoka Masahiro
Published: May 2024

Modelocked thermal frequency combs (MTCs) are generated by employing spectrally narrowed amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) seeded into an electro‐optic frequency comb generator. The MTC emits 2‐ps duration ultrashort pulses at a repetition rate of 10 GHz. Autocorrelation of the MTC pulses confirms a reduced coherence time,  ps, aligning with the narrowed bandwidth of the ASE seed. Intensity correlations of optically gated MTC pulses at a repetition rate of 250 MHz reveal nearly ideal thermal photon statistics with an experimental , yielding an intrinsic after background noise removal. As a practical application, second harmonic generation (SHG) is performed utilizing the optically gated MTC pulses as a pump and experimental intensity correlations, , are examined for the SH photons. An entire transition in , continuously changing from six to two by increasing the pump strength, agrees with the single‐mode analytical model. Furthermore, time‐resolved pulse height correlations allow to simultaneously acquire power variations in SHG and third harmonic generation against the pump. With the maximum peak intensity, , realized in a periodically poled waveguide for SHG, the demonstration highlights the potential for various applications in chaotic quantum optics experiments that necessitate ultrashort, high‐intensity, single‐spatiotemporal‐mode thermal pulses.
Linking sediment connectivity with sediment transport risk assessment in small forested catchments in the Czech Republic
Authors: Koreňová Simona , Michalková Monika Šulc , Máčka Zdeněk , Pöppl Ronald , Donoval Jan
Published: May 2024

Steep mountain environments are typically characterized by high sediment production. In the case of high hillslope–channel connectivity, high production and intensive transport of sediments are problematic and can cause damage in inhabited areas. At the end of the 19th century, due to flood events, large‐scale torrent control measures were inappropriately applied, disrupting the natural processes, and riparian and water ecosystems in watersheds. Connectivity in watersheds affects the course and magnitude of hazards that threaten human society. This is also why the topic of connectivity should be considered in the management of watercourses. Our study links the issue of sediment connectivity (lateral/longitudinal) and the sediment transport‐related risk in unmeasured forested watersheds Hučivá Desná and Upper Moravice. We applied a methodology for sediment transport‐related risk assessment and the well‐established effective catchment area (ECA) approach and connectivity index (IC) to two headwater streams. The results showed the parts of the streams with the highest degree of hazard related to sediment transport and sediment contribution areas connected to them. Based on the field survey, it was found that the best suitable threshold for ECA delineation for Hučivá Desná catchments is 8° and for Upper Moravice is 10°. Area of sediment contribution areas for Hučivá Desná is four times bigger than for Upper Moravice. The Hučiva Desná, therefore, has a higher potential sediment supply from the slopes, which also increases the possibility of occurrence of hazards associated with the sediment transport regime. All three applied methods confirmed that the parallel roads along channels decrease slope–channel connectivity, especially in the Upper Moravice catchment. The combination of methodologies created a suitable tool to identify the most problematic stretches of streams in terms of sediment connectivity and risk related to sediment transport, which can be useful for water and sediment management in unmeasured forested watersheds.
Robust inference for causal mediation analysis of recurrent event data
Authors: Chen Yan‐Lin , Chen Yan‐Hong , Su Pei‐Fang , Ou Huang‐Tz , Tai An‐Shun
Published: May 2024

Recurrent events, including cardiovascular events, are commonly observed in biomedical studies. Understanding the effects of various treatments on recurrent events and investigating the underlying mediation mechanisms by which treatments may reduce the frequency of recurrent events are crucial tasks for researchers. Although causal inference methods for recurrent event data have been proposed, they cannot be used to assess mediation. This study proposed a novel methodology of causal mediation analysis that accommodates recurrent outcomes of interest in a given individual. A formal definition of causal estimands (direct and indirect effects) within a counterfactual framework is given, and empirical expressions for these effects are identified. To estimate these effects, a semiparametric estimator with triple robustness against model misspecification was developed. The proposed methodology was demonstrated in a real‐world application. The method was applied to measure the effects of two diabetes drugs on the recurrence of cardiovascular disease and to examine the mediating role of kidney function in this process.
From the COVID‐19 lockdown to the new normal: Two‐year changes in daily stress and positive event processes
Authors: Klaiber Patrick , van Roekel Eeske , DeLongis Anita , Sin Nancy L.
Published: May 2024

The emergence of the novel COVID‐19 disease and the social distancing measures implemented to curb its spread affected most aspects of daily life. Past work suggests that during times of more severe stress, people respond to daily stressors with relatively higher negative affect. However, little is known about how people responded to daily stressors and positive events at different moments in time during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Thus, we examined longitudinal changes in daily event‐related affect (covariation of daily stressors or positive events with same‐day affect) from Spring 2020 (wave 1) to 2022 (wave 2). The sample consisted of 324 adults aged 18–80 (mean = 52 years; 89% women) from the US and Canada who completed weeklong daily diaries at both waves. The results revealed improvements in affective well‐being, stressor‐related affect (i.e., smaller fluctuations in affect on stressor days vs. nonstressor days), and positive event‐related affect (i.e., lower negative affect on days with vs. without positive events). Furthermore, as people gradually resumed their social activities from 2020 to 2022, people reported being exposed to an increased frequency of both stressors and positive events. This study highlights the potential influence of socio‐historical phenomena, such as an ongoing pandemic, on the events that people encounter and how they emotionally respond to them.
Recent Progress on Dominant Sulfide‐Type Solid‐State Na Superionic Conductors for Solid‐State Sodium Batteries
Authors: Guo Xiaolin , Halacoglu Selim , Chen Yan , Wang Hui
Published: May 2024

Over the past decade, solid‐state batteries have garnered significant attentions due to their potentials to deliver high energy density and excellent safety. Considering the abundant sodium (Na) resources in contrast to lithium (Li), the development of sodium‐based batteries has become increasingly appealing. Sulfide‐based superionic conductors are widely considered as promising solid eletcrolytes (SEs) in solid‐state Na batteries due to the features of high ionic conductivity and cold‐press densification. In recent years, tremendous efforts have been made to investigate sulfide‐based Na‐ion conductors on their synthesis, compositions, conductivity, and the feasibility in batteries. However, there are still several challenges to overcome for their practical applications in high performance solid‐state Na batteries. This article provides a comprehensive update on the synthesis, structure, and properties of three dominant sulfide‐based Na‐ion conductors (Na3PS4, Na3SbS4, and Na11Sn2PS12), and their families that have a variety of anion and cation doping. Additionally, the interface stability of these sulfide electrolytes toward the anode is reviewed, as well as the electrochemical performance of solid‐state Na batteries based on different types of cathode materials (metal sulfides, oxides, and organics). Finally, the perspective and outlook for the development and practical utilization of sulfide‐based SE in solid‐state batteries are discussed.
Surface‐Integrating Oxygen Vacancy and CuxO Nanodots Enabling Synergistic Electric Field and Dual Catalytic Sites Boosting CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Li Shuguan , Hu Jingcong , Chen Fang , Chu Shengqi , Tang Ruofei , Wang Shengyao , An Qi , Huang Hongwei
Published: May 2024

High carrier separation efficiency and rapid surface catalytic reaction are crucial for enhancing catalytic CO2 photoreduction reaction. Herein, integrated surface decoration strategy with oxygen vacancies (Ov) and anchoring CuxO (1 < x < 2) nanodots below 10 nm is realized on Bi2MoO6 for promoting CO2 photoreduction performance. The charge interaction between Ov and anchored CuxO enables the formation of enhanced internal electric field, which provides a strong driving force for accelerating the separation of photocharge carriers on the surface of Bi2MoO6 (ηsurf ≈71%). They can also cooperatively reduce the surface work function of Bi2MoO6, facilitating the migration of carrier to the surface. Meanwhile, surface‐integrated Ov and CuxO nanodots allowing dual catalytic sites strengthens the adsorption and activation CO2 into *CO2 over Bi2MoO6, considerably boosting the progression of CO2 conversion process. In the absence of co‐catalyst or sacrificial agent, Bi2MoO6 with Ov and CuxO nanodots achieves a photocatalytic CO generation rate of 12.75 µmol g−1 h−1, a remarkable increase of over ≈15 times that of the original counterpart. This work provides a new idea for governing charge movement behaviors and catalytic reaction thermodynamics on the basis of synergistic improvement of electric field and active sites by coupling of the internal defects and external species.
The Many‐Chemicals Problem of Systems Chemistry
Authors: Maguire Oliver R.
Published: May 2024

An E. coli cell contains ~2500 different chemicals which combine into an ordered biochemical reaction network out of which emerges a living system. A chemist taking 2500 different chemicals from a laboratory chemical cabinet and combining them together will likely cause an explosive disaster and produce an intractable chemical sludge. Systems Chemistry aspires to construct systems whose complexity rivals that of life. However, to do this we will need to learn how to combine hundreds or thousands of different chemicals together to form a functional system without descending into a disordered chemical sludge. This is the Many‐Chemicals Problem of Systems Chemistry. I explore a key strategy life employs to overcome this challenge. Namely, the combination of kinetically stable and thermodynamically activated molecules (e. g. ATP) with enzyme catalysts (e. g. histidine kinases). I suggest how the strategy could have begun at the origin of life. Finally, I assess the implications of this strategy for Systems Chemistry and how it will enable systems chemists to construct systems whose complexity rivals that of life.
Downregulation of circ‐RAPGEF5 inhibits colorectal cancer progression by reducing the expression of polypeptide N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (GALNT3)
Authors: Cheng Duo , Chu Feifei , Liang Fang , Zhang Nan , Wang Jingjing , Yue Wenli
Published: May 2024

Background

Circular RNA (circRNA) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the current understanding of the emerging function and mechanism of circ‐RAPGEF5 in CRC remains poorly understood.

Methods

We first evaluated the expression level of circ‐RAPGEF5 in CRC tissues and cells by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Then, we analyzed cell proliferation (EdU and colony formation assay), migration (cell wound healing assay), invasion (transwell assay), and apoptosis (flow cytometry assay). To further elucidate the mechanism of circ‐RAPGEF5 in CRC, bioinformatics tools, Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, Ago2 RNA immunoprecipitation assay, and RNA pull‐down assay were employed. Moreover, we established a CRC transplantation tumor model to evaluate the effect of circ‐RAPGEF5 on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

circ‐RAPGEF5 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and CRC cells. Furthermore, the downregulation of circ‐RAPGEF5 restrained CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Mechanistically, circ‐RAPGEF5 accelerated the malignant behaviors of CRC cells by sponging miR‐545‐5p, which targeted polypeptide N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (GALNT3). In addition, we revealed that circ‐RAPGEF5 silence curbed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

These findings revealed that circ‐RAPGEF5 played an oncogenic role through the miR‐545‐5p/GALNT3 axis in CRC progression, providing potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of CRC.
Amniotic sac diameter reference interval in early pregnancy between 7 and 10 weeks' gestation
Authors: Solangon S. A. , Nijjar S. , De Braud L. V. , Knez J. , Berg L. , Jauniaux E. , Jurkovic D.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To establish a normal reference interval for amniotic sac diameter (ASD) between 7 + 0 and 9 + 6 weeks' gestation and its relative size in relation to gestational sac diameter (GSD) and the embryo crown–rump length (CRL).

Methods

This was a prospective, cross‐sectional study of consecutive women presenting to the Early Pregnancy Unit, University College Hospital, London, UK, between August 2022 and June 2023. We included live, normally sited, singleton pregnancies with a normal 20‐week anomaly scan. We collected 120 cases per gestational week, from 7 + 0 to 9 + 6 weeks' gestation, totaling 360 cases. We performed an inter‐ and intraobserver variability assessment in the measurement of mean ASD in 30 patients. Regression analyses were used to establish reference intervals for GSD and CRL, ASD and CRL, GSD and ASD, and GSD/ASD ratio and CRL. A fitted regression line was calculated, along with a 90% prediction interval and R2 value.

Results

There was good interobserver agreement (mean ± SD difference, 0.007 ± 1.105 mm (95% limits of agreement (LoA), −2.160 to 2.174 mm)) and good intraobserver agreement for Observer A (mean ± SD difference, −0.080 ± 0.741 mm (95% LoA, −1.532 to 1.372 mm)) and Observer B (mean ± SD difference, −0.014 ± 0.919 mm (95% LoA, −1.814 to 1.786 mm)) in the measurement of mean ASD. Regression analyses showed a statistically significant association between each pair of values (P < 0.001 for all). There was a significant quadratic association between mean GSD and CRL (R2 = 56%), mean GSD and ASD (R2 = 60%) and GSD/ASD ratio and CRL (R2 = 68%), and a significant cubic association between mean ASD and CRL (R2 = 90%). The regression equations were used to quantify the values of ASD and GSD/ASD ratios for a range of CRL values and gestational ages.

Conclusion

Our study has produced comprehensive reference intervals for amniotic sac size in early pregnancy, which could be used in routine clinical practice. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Setting a pluralist agenda for water governance: Why power and scale matter
Authors: Macpherson Elizabeth , Cuppari Rosa I. , Kagawa‐Viviani Aurora , Brause Holly , Brewer William A. , Grant William E. , Herman‐Mercer Nicole , Livneh Ben , Neupane Kaustuv Raj , Petach Tanya , Peters Chelsea N. , Wang Hsiao‐Hsuan , Pahl‐Wostl Claudia , Wheater Howard
Published: May 2024

Global water systems are facing unprecedented pressures, including climate change‐driven drought and escalating flood risk, environmental contamination, and over allocation. Water management and governance typically lack integration across spatial scales, including relationships between surface and ground water systems. They also routinely ignore connectivity across temporal scales, including the need for intergenerational water planning. As a global and interdisciplinary group of scientists, we seek to highlight how power and scale dynamics influence and determine water outcomes. We argue that attending to complex water systems challenges requires understanding the function and influence of power at different temporal and spatial scales. Building this understanding is key to designing multi‐scalar, reflexive, and pluralistic policy solutions that avoid ineffective or unintended outcomes. We use a co‐learning process to reveal important lessons for the challenge of interdisciplinary research and set a pluralist agenda for understanding power and scale in future water governance.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented

Human Water > Methods
Assessment and management approaches for dysphagia in tracheostomized patients: Practices of speech‐language pathologists in India
Authors: Chilwan Uzair , Mathias Smita Caren , Maitheen Asif , Khan Al Shifa , Balasubramanium Radish Kumar
Published: May 2024

Objective

Speech language pathologists (SLPs) play a crucial role while dealing with tracheostomized patients, particularly in addressing communication impairments and dysphagia. However, in India, there is a lack of standardized guidelines for SLPs in the treatment of tracheostomy patients, resulting in variations in clinical practices and patient care.

Methods

An online survey was conducted among 106 experienced SLPs in India. The survey included questions pertaining to various aspects of assessment and treatment in tracheostomized patients. Survey data were analyzed to identify the level of consensus among SLPs in these areas.

Results

The survey results revealed varying levels of consensus among SLPs in most of the domains. Most responses fell within the moderate to low consensus range, indicating a lack of standardized practices.

Conclusions

The study highlights the lack of standardized guidelines among SLPs in India when it comes to tracheostomy patient care. Hence, the study recommends collaboration among relevant organizations to enhance knowledge sharing and standardize clinical guidelines to improve the overall quality of care for tracheostomy patients in India.
Nanotechnology‐driven strategies to enhance the treatment of drug‐resistant bacterial infections
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Liu Ming , Guo Haiyang , Gao Shuwen , Hu Yanling , Zeng Guisheng , Yang Dongliang
Published: May 2024

The misuse of antibiotics has led to increased bacterial resistance, posing a global public health crisis and seriously endangering lives. Currently, antibiotic therapy remains the most common approach for treating bacterial infections, but its effectiveness against multidrug‐resistant bacteria is diminishing due to the slow development of new antibiotics and the increase of bacterial drug resistance. Consequently, developing new a\ntimicrobial strategies and improving antibiotic efficacy to combat bacterial infection has become an urgent priority. The emergence of nanotechnology has revolutionized the traditional antibiotic treatment, presenting new opportunities for refractory bacterial infection. Here we comprehensively review the research progress in nanotechnology‐based antimicrobial drug delivery and highlight diverse platforms designed to target different bacterial resistance mechanisms. We also outline the use of nanotechnology in combining antibiotic therapy with other therapeutic modalities to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of drug‐resistant bacterial infections. These innovative therapeutic strategies have the potential to enhance bacterial susceptibility and overcome bacterial resistance. Finally, the challenges and prospects for the application of nanomaterial‐based antimicrobial strategies in combating bacterial resistance are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid‐Based Structures

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
Ecological Literacy: Theory and Practice
Authors: Murray Emily Margaret , Poto Margherita Paola
Published: May 2024

This chapter introduces the concept of ecological literacy as an integral component of legal inquiry. Evolving to embrace interdisciplinary perspectives and a systems-thinking framework, ecological literacy emerges as a fundamental element in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. The research asserts that incorporating an approach that advocates for eco-responsible behaviours is imperative for legal research and education centred on sustainability. This requires a departure from traditional dogmatic approaches in legal methodology towards a participatory dimension. The study lays down a theoretical groundwork aimed at redefining legal methodology to effectively integrate ecological literacy.
Connecting with The Deep: Lifelong Learning (LLL) and Marine Sustainability
Authors: Johansen Caroline , Williams Rhianon , Xylouri Ourania , Panieri Giuliana
Published: May 2024

This chapter frames marine sustainability within ongoing global and regional initiatives in lifelong learning and adult education. The authors of this chapter argue that to achieve the ambitious targets set out in the SDGs, our adult population must be able to recognise, engage with, and act upon economic, social, and environmental challenges. The authors of this chapter present the many barriers that adult learners experience and acknowledge the challenges of participation in non-formal education. We review current research into how we can effectively use learning, information, and messaging and see if this can help overcome some challenges, and effectively motivate adult learners to actively participate in pro-climate action and marine sustainability. The authors present The Deep Network, an adult education initiative which brings together multidisciplinary practitioners who support adults to become ocean literate in various ways. We detail the conclusions of The Deep Network meetings and show how practitioners learnt from and with each other to build capacity in marine sustainability and adult education. We conclude by making recommendations for future practice.
Computing the Edge Expansion of a Graph Using Semidefinite Programming
Authors: Gupte Akshay , Siebenhofer Melanie , Wiegele Angelika
Published: May 2024

Computing the edge expansion of a graph is a famously hard combinatorial problem for which there have been many approximation studies. We present two versions of an exact algorithm using semidefinite programming (SDP) to compute this constant for any graph. The SDP relaxation is used to first reduce the search space considerably. One version applies then an SDP-based branch-and-bound algorithm, along with heuristic search. The other version transforms the problem into an instance of a max-cut problem and solves this using a state-of-the-art solver. Numerical results demonstrate that we clearly outperform mixed-integer quadratic solvers as well as another SDP-based algorithm from the literature.
Renormalization of the next-to-leading-power γγ → h and gg → h soft quark functions
Authors: Beneke Martin , Ji Yao , Wang Xing
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We calculate directly in position space the one-loop renormalization kernels of the soft operators Oγ and Og that appear in the soft-quark contributions to, respectively, the subleading-power γγ → h and gg → h form factors mediated by the b-quark. We present an IR/rapidity divergence-free definition for Og and demonstrate that with a correspondent definition of the collinear function, a consistent factorization theorem is recovered. Using conformal symmetry techniques, we establish a relation between the evolution kernels of the leading-twist heavy-light light-ray operator, whose matrix element defines the B-meson light-cone distribution amplitude (LCDA), and Oγ to all orders in perturbation theory. Application of this relation allows us to bootstrap the kernel of Oγ to the two-loop level. We construct an ansatz for the kernel of Og at higher orders. We test this ansatz against the consistency requirement at two-loop and find they differ only by a particular constant.
Testing the scalar weak gravity conjecture in no-scale supergravity
Authors: Dudas Emilian , Gherghetta Tony , Olive Keith A. , Verner Sarunas
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We explore possible extensions of the Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) to scalar field theories. To avoid charged black hole remnants, the WGC requires the existence of a particle with a mass m ≤ gqMP, with charge q and U(1) gauge coupling g, allowing the decay to shed the black hole charge. Although there is no obvious problem that arises in the absence of a U(1) charge, it has been postulated that gravity must remain the weakest force even when extended to scalar interactions. Quantifying this conjecture may be done by comparing scalar and gravitational amplitudes, or as we advocate here by comparing scattering cross sections. In theories with non-trivial field space geometries, by working out examples with perturbation theory around arbitrary field values and performing tadpole resummations, we argue that the conjecture must be applied only at extrema of the scalar potential (when expressed in locally canonical coordinates). We consider several toy models in the context of no-scale supergravity and also consider examples of inflationary models.
Morpholinated curcuminoids against urinary bladder cancer cells: synthesis and anticancer evaluation
Authors: Bakun Pawel , Kucinska Malgorzata , Kobyłka Paulina , Kuźmińska Joanna , Koczorowski Tomasz , Mlynarczyk Dariusz T. , Popenda Lukasz , Górska Katarzyna , Kasperkowiak Małgorzata , Murias Marek , Jelińska Anna , Goslinski Tomasz
Published: May 2024

Cancers present a significant medical problem despite the development of medical and pharmaceutical sciences leading to a search for further therapeutic approaches. One such approach could involve the use of curcumin or its derivatives. Curcumin reveals interesting antineoplastic effects that could help in the treatment of cancer diseases. However, this natural product possesses some limitations which prevent its application in medicine. Among its limitations, it is characterized by poor water solubility, low stability, and unsatisfactory bioavailability. Aiming to improve the pharmacokinetic properties and enhance the biological effects of curcumin, a series of 30 chemical compounds inspired by its structure was synthesized and characterized. New compounds were subjected to a preliminary MTT viability assessment of 5637 and SCaBER bladder cancer cell lines. Some derivatives revealed the cytotoxic activities already at the concentration of 1 µM. The most active compounds showed no significant acute toxicity in the Microtox test. Intracellular uptake on the basis of the fluorescent properties of the new compounds was analyzed. It was also found that the presence of the morpholine group in the structure improved the biological activity of studied curcumin derivatives. As selected compounds could be considered potential drug candidates, further studies are necessary towards recognition of the exact mechanism of cellular action, the in vivo stability, and toxicity.
Low birthweight in patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular events and mortality
Authors: Hansen Aleksander L. , Brøns Charlotte , Engelhard Leonie M. , Andersen Mette K. , Hansen Torben , Nielsen Jens S. , Vestergaard Peter , Højlund Kurt , Jessen Niels , Olsen Michael H. , Sørensen Henrik T. , Thomsen Reimar W. , Vaag Allan
Published: May 2024

Aims/hypothesis

Low birthweight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and CVD. This prospective cohort study investigated whether lower birthweight increases CVD risk after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Original midwife records were evaluated for 8417 participants recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes (DD2) cohort. Patients were followed for the first occurrence of a composite CVD endpoint (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, unstable angina, heart failure or CVD death), a three-component endpoint comprising major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and all-cause mortality. Ten-year risks were estimated using the Aalen–Johansen estimator considering non-CVD death as a competing risk. HRs were determined by Cox regression. Models were controlled for sex, age, calendar year at birth, family history of diabetes and born-at-term status.

Results

A total of 1187 composite CVD endpoints, 931 MACE, and 1094 deaths occurred during a median follow-up period of 8.5 years. The 10-year standardised composite CVD risk was 19.8% in participants with a birthweight <3000 g compared with 16.9% in participants with a birthweight of 3000–3700 g, yielding a risk difference (RD) of 2.9% (95% CI 0.4, 5.4) and an adjusted HR of 1.20 (95% CI 1.03, 1.40). The 10-year MACE risk for birthweight <3000 g was similarly elevated (RD 2.4%; 95% CI 0.1, 4.7; HR 1.22; 95% CI 1.01, 1.46). The elevated CVD risk was primarily driven by stroke, peripheral arterial disease and CVD death. All-cause mortality showed no substantial difference.

Conclusions/interpretation

Having a birthweight <3000 g is associated with higher CVD risk among patients with type 2 diabetes, driven primarily by risk of stroke and CVD death.

Graphical Abstract
Development of a new health-related quality of life measure for people with diabetes who experience hypoglycaemia: the Hypo-RESOLVE QoL
Authors: Carlton Jill , Powell Philip A. , Broadley Melanie , de Galan Bastiaan E. , Heller Simon , Comins Jonathan , Rosilio Myriam , Pouwer Frans , Gall Mari-Anne , Child Christopher J. , McCrimmon Rory J. , Rowen Donna
Published: May 2024

Aims/hypothesis

Valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measures are vital for assessing disease impact, responsiveness to healthcare and the cost-effectiveness of interventions. A recent review has questioned the ability of existing measures to assess hypoglycaemia-related impacts on health-related quality of life for people with diabetes. This mixed-methods project was designed to produce a novel health-related quality of life patient-reported outcome measure in hypoglycaemia: the Hypo-RESOLVE QoL.

Methods

Three studies were conducted with people with diabetes who experience hypoglycaemia. In Stage 1, a comprehensive health-related quality of life framework for hypoglycaemia was elicited from semi-structured interviews (N=31). In Stage 2, the content validity and acceptability of draft measure content were tested via three waves of cognitive debriefing interviews (N=70 people with diabetes; N=14 clinicians). In Stage 3, revised measure content was administered alongside existing generic and diabetes-related measures in a large cross-sectional observational survey to assess psychometric performance (N=1246). The final measure was developed using multiple evidence sources, incorporating stakeholder engagement.

Results

A novel conceptual model of hypoglycaemia-related health-related quality of life was generated, featuring 19 themes, organised by physical, social and psychological aspects. From a draft version of 76 items, a final 14-item measure was produced with satisfactory structural (χ2=472.27, df=74, p<0.001; comparative fit index =0.943; root mean square error of approximation =0.069) and convergent validity with related constructs (r=0.46–0.59), internal consistency (α=0.91) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.87).

Conclusions/interpretation

The Hypo-RESOLVE QoL is a rigorously developed patient-reported outcome measure assessing the health-related quality of life impacts of hypoglycaemia. The Hypo-RESOLVE QoL has demonstrable validity and reliability and has value for use in clinical decision-making and as a clinical trial endpoint.

Data availability

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in the published article and its online supplementary files (https://doi.org/10.15131/shef.data.23295284.v2).

Graphical Abstract
Convergence Rates and Fluctuations for the Stokes–Brinkman Equations as Homogenization Limit in Perforated Domains
Authors: Höfer Richard M. , Jansen Jonas
Published: May 2024

We study the homogenization of the Dirichlet problem for the Stokes equations in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

perforated by m spherical particles. We assume the positions and velocities of the particles to be identically and independently distributed random variables. In the critical regime, when the radii of the particles are of order $$m^{-1}$$

m

-
1

, the homogenization limit u is given as the solution to the Brinkman equations. We provide optimal rates for the convergence $$u_m \rightarrow u$$

u
m

→
u

in $$L^2$$

L
2

, namely $$m^{-\beta }$$

m

-
β

for all $$\beta < 1/2$$

β
<
1
/
2

. Moreover, we consider the fluctuations. In the central limit scaling, we show that these converge to a Gaussian field, locally in $$L^2(\mathbb {R}^3)$$

L
2

(

R

3

)

, with an explicit covariance. Our analysis is based on explicit approximations for the solutions $$u_m$$

u
m

in terms of u as well as the particle positions and their velocities. These are shown to be accurate in $$\dot{H}^1(\mathbb {R}^3)$$

H
˙

1

(

R

3

)

to order $$m^{-\beta }$$

m

-
β

for all $$\beta < 1$$

β
<
1

. Our results also apply to the analogous problem regarding the homogenization of the Poisson equations.
Advanced Pelvic Girdle Reconstruction with three dimensional-printed Custom Hemipelvic Endoprostheses following Pelvic Tumour Resection
Authors: Hu Xin , Lu Minxun , Wang Yitian , Luo Yi , Zhou Yong , Yang Xiao , Tu Chongqi , Min Li
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Resection of pelvic bone tumours and subsequent pelvic girdle reconstruction pose formidable challenges due to the intricate anatomy, weight-bearing demands, and significant defects. 3D-printed implants have improved pelvic girdle reconstruction by enabling precise resections with customized guides, offering tailored solutions for diverse bone defect morphology, and integrating porous surface structures to promote osseointegration. Our study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy and feasibility of 3D-printed hemipelvic reconstruction following resection of malignant pelvic tumours.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on 96 patients with primary pelvic malignancies who underwent pelvic girdle reconstruction using 3D-printed custom hemipelvic endoprostheses between January 2017 and May 2022. Follow-up duration was median 48.1 ± 17.9 months (range, 6 to 76 months). Demographic data, imaging examinations, surgical outcomes, and oncological evaluations were extracted and analyzed. The primary endpoints included oncological outcomes and functional status assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS-93) score. Secondary endpoints comprised surgical duration, intraoperative bleeding, pain control and complications.

Results

In 96 patients, 70 patients (72.9%) remained disease-free, 15 (15.6%) had local recurrence, and 11 (11.4%) succumbed to metastatic disease. Postoperatively, function improved with MSTS-93 score increasing from 12.2 ± 2.0 to 23.8 ± 3.8. The mean operating time was 275.1 ± 94.0 min, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 1896.9 ± 801.1 ml. Pain was well-managed, resulting in substantial improvements in VAS score (5.3 ± 1.8 to 1.4 ± 1.1). Complications occurred in 13 patients (13.5%), including poor wound healing (6.3%), deep prosthesis infection (4.2%), hip dislocation (2.1%), screw fracture (1.0%), and interface loosening (1.0%). Additionally, all patients achieved precise implantation of customized prosthetics according to preoperative plans. T-SMART revealed excellent integration at the prosthesis-bone interface for all patients.

Conclusion

The use of a 3D-printed custom hemipelvic endoprosthesis, characterized by anatomically designed contours and a porous biomimetic surface structure, offers a potential option for pelvic girdle reconstruction following internal hemipelvectomy in primary pelvic tumor treatment. Initial results demonstrate stable fixation and satisfactory mid-term functional and radiographic outcomes.