bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ Preparation of SiOx/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films with Excellent Mechanical and Electrochemical Properties as an Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Guo Long , Zhang Yi Hang , Shi Hong Liang , Zhao Chen Peng , Mo Run Wei , Wang Jian Nong
Published: April 2024

Silicon monoxide (SiOx) has become one of the most promising anode materials for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity. However, the inherent low electrical conductivity and large volume change during lithiation/delithiation processes hinder its practical applications. Here, a novel and facile strategy is designed to prepare SiOx/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite films in one step by using a method involving floating catalytic chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD). That is, SiOx particles and CNTs form at high temperature and winded directly on a drum to give rise to a film in an open air environment. The composite film is made up of a 3D CNT network with SiOx particles uniformly embedded. The as‐prepared composite film not only has a tensile strength of 78 MPa and elongation at break of 52%, but also exhibits a high specific capacity of 966.4 mA h g−1 after 120 cycles at the current density of 0.1 A g−1 and a good rate capacity of 448.7 mA h g−1 at the current density of 2 A g−1 when used as an anode material for LIBs. The results from the in‐situ preparation and resultant composite suggest a new route for developing high‐performance anode materials for LIBs.
Epidemiology of prehospital emergency calls according to patient transport decision in a middle eastern emergency care environment: Retrospective cohort‐based
Authors: Farhat Hassan , Alinier Guillaume , El Aifa Kawther , Makhlouf Ahmed , Gangaram Padarath , Howland Ian , Jones Andre , Abid Cyrine , Khenissi Mohamed Chaker , Howard Ian , Khadhraoui Moncef , Castle Nicholas , Al Shaikh Loua , Laughton James , Gargouri Imed
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

Though emergency medical services (EMS) respond to all types of emergency calls, they do not always result in the patient being transported to the hospital. This study aimed to explore the determinants influencing emergency call‐response‐based conveyance decisions in a Middle Eastern ambulance service.

Methods

This retrospective quantitative analysis of 93,712 emergency calls to the Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service (HMCAS) between January 1 and May 31, 2023, obtained from the HMCAS electronic system, was analyzed to determine pertinent variables. Sociodemographic, emergency dispatch‐related, clinical, and miscellaneous predictors were analyzed. Descriptive, bivariate, ridge logistic regression, and combination analyses were evaluated.

Results

23.95% (N = 21,194) and 76.05% (N = 67,285) resulted in patient nontransport and transportation, respectively. Sociodemographic analysis revealed that males predominantly activated EMS resources, and 60% of males (n = 12,687) were not transported, whilst 65% of females (n = 44,053) were transported. South Asians represented a significant proportion of the transported patients (36%, n = 24,007). “Home” emerged as the primary emergency location (56%, n = 37,725). Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations across several variables, though multicollinearity was identified as a challenge. Ridge regression analysis underscored the role of certain predictors, such as missing provisional diagnoses, in transportation decisions. The upset plot shows that hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common combinations in both groups.

Conclusions

This study highlights the nuanced complexities governing conveyance decisions. By unveiling patterns such as male predominance, which reflects Qatar's expatriate population, and specific temporal EMS activity peaks, this study accentuates the importance of holistic patient assessment that transcends medical histories.
Mediating effect of BMI on the association of economic status and coexistence of hypertension and diabetes in Bangladesh: A counterfactual framework‐based weighting approach
Authors: Ahmmed Foyez , Hossain Md. Jamal , Khan Md Tareq Ferdous , Manik Muhammad Mahabub Rahaman , Shahriar Saimon , Nandi Dulal Chandra , Hussain Md Parvej
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Non‐communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are matters of huge concern worldwide, with an increasing trend in prevalence over the previous decade. First of all, this study aimed to evaluate the association between economic status (ES) and body mass index (BMI), ES and comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes, and BMI and comorbidity independently. Second, it explored the mediating role of BMI in the association between ES and comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes. Finally, it investigated whether the mediating effect differs with the place of residence, gender, and education levels.

Methods

A total of 11,291 complete cases from the Bangladesh demographic and health survey 2017–18 were utilized for this study. Survey‐based binary logistic regression or multiple logistic regression was used to find the association among outcome, exposure, and mediator variables, and a counterfactual framework‐based weighting approach was utilized for mediation analysis.

Results

Middle‐income (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.696, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.219, 2.360) and rich (AOR: 2.770, CI: 2.054, 3.736) respondents were more likely to have comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes compared to the poor. The odds of comorbidity increased with the increase in BMI. A positive association was observed between ES and BMI. A significant mediating role of BMI in the association between ES and comorbidity was found. We observed that 19.85% (95% CI: 11.50%, 49.6%) and 20.35% (95% CI: 14.9%, 29.3%) of total effect was mediated by BMI for middle and rich respondents, respectively, compared to the poor.

Conclusions

The mediating role of BMI was greater for female, no or primary educated respondents, and respondents from rural areas. Therefore, the study will facilitate policymakers of Bangladesh and other countries with a similar set‐up to decide on health policies regarding hypertension and diabetes.
Exploring the symptoms and sleep disorders associated with migraines in women of Syria: A cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Martini Nafiza , Hawa Tamam , Hamdar Hussein , Nahle Ali Alakbar , Hanna Majd , Albelal Douaa , Almasri Imad Addin , Hamzeh Ghassan ,   Stemosis Group of Data Collectors
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by recurring episodes of debilitating headache accompanied by associated symptoms and sleep disorders. This study aims to investigate migraine‐associated symptoms in female migraineurs within the Syrian population and the relation between migraines and sleep issues.

Methods

A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional observational study was conducted among the Syrian population. A total of 1009 women were enrolled in this study, including women without a history of migraine (Control group) and migraineurs (Case group) who had received a diagnosis of migraine from a hospital or private clinic. Data about migraine‐related symptoms, including tingling, visual disturbances, Nausea/Vomiting, and epileptic seizures as well as sleep‐related symptoms such as interrupted sleep, frequent awakenings, insomnia, snoring, and narcolepsy were gathered. Chi‐square test was used to examine the relation between migraines and sleep issues.

Results

A total of 1009 women were enrolled in this study including 531 migraineurs and 478 healthy women. The study revealed that the most commonly experienced symptoms during migraine attacks were nausea/vomiting and visual disturbances, followed by tingling. Total Unduplicated Reach and Frequency analysis showed that visual disturbances and nausea/vomiting were the two most frequent symptoms that co‐occurred during migraine attacks. The study also demonstrated a significant relationship between snoring, insomnia, and narcolepsy with migraine (p = 0.038), with these sleep disorders being more prevalent among migraineurs.

Conclusion

The findings indicate a significant association between migraines and sleep disorders, with migraineurs being at a significantly higher risk of experiencing poor sleep quality compared to healthy women. Addressing sleep disorders is crucial in managing patients with migraines. This study is the first of its kind in the Syrian population, providing valuable insights into the symptoms and sleep disorders associated with migraines in this population.
Neurological, cardiac, musculoskeletal, and renal manifestations of scleroderma along with insights into its genetics, pathophysiology, diagnostic, and therapeutic updates
Authors: Prajjwal Priyadarshi , Marsool Mohammed Dheyaa Marsool , Yadav Vikas , Kanagala Ramya S. D. , Reddy Yeruva Bheemeswara , John Jobby , Lam Justin Riley , Karra Nanditha , Amiri Bita , Islam Moiz Ul , Nithya Venkatesh , Marsool Ali Dheyaa Marsool , Gadam Srikanth , Vora Neel , Hussin Omniat Amir
Published: April 2024

Background

Scleroderma, also referred to as systemic sclerosis, is a multifaceted autoimmune condition characterized by abnormal fibrosis and impaired vascular function. Pathologically, it encompasses the persistent presence of inflammation, abnormal collagen buildup, and restructuring of blood vessels in various organs, resulting in a wide range of clinical symptoms. This review incorporates the most recent scientific literature on scleroderma, with a particular emphasis on its pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options.

Methodology

A comprehensive investigation was carried out on numerous databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, to collect pertinent studies covering diverse facets of scleroderma research.

Results

Scleroderma presents with a range of systemic manifestations, such as interstitial lung disease, gastrointestinal dysmotility, Raynaud's phenomenon, pulmonary arterial hypertension, renal complications, neurological symptoms, and cardiac abnormalities. Serological markers, such as antinuclear antibodies, anti‐centromere antibodies, and anti‐topoisomerase antibodies, are important for classifying diseases and predicting their outcomes.

Discussion

The precise identification of scleroderma is crucial for promptly and correctly implementing effective treatment plans. Treatment approaches aim to improve symptoms, reduce complications, and slow down the progression of the disease. An integrated approach that combines pharmacological agents, including immunosuppressants, endothelin receptor antagonists, and prostanoids, with nonpharmacological interventions such as physical and occupational therapy is essential for maximizing patient care.

Conclusion

Through the clarification of existing gaps in knowledge and identification of emerging trends, our goal is to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, and ultimately enhance the overall quality of life for individuals suffering from scleroderma. Ongoing cooperation and creative research are necessary to advance the field and achieve improved patient outcomes and new therapeutic discoveries.
E‐cigarettes in Nigeria: A scoping review of evidence
Authors: Adegbile Oluwatobi E. , Adeniji Oluwatomilayo D. , Amzat Jimoh , Kanmodi Kehinde K.
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

E‐cigarettes will continue to be a public health issue in Nigeria. To curb the growing menace of the e‐cigarette use in Nigeria through evidence‐based approach, it is crucial to first map the empirical research landscape of e‐cigarettes in Nigeria. No known study has mapped the existing empirical evidence and gaps concerning e‐cigarettes in Nigeria; hence, this scoping review was conducted.

Methods

This scoping review adopted the research design by Arksey and O'Malley. Four databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL Complete, and APA PsycINFO) were searched to retrieve literature on e‐cigarettes in Nigeria. With the aid of Rayyan web application, all retrieved literature were deduplicated and screened based on the review's eligibility criteria. Only those peer‐reviewed journal papers meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Relevant data from the included papers were charted, collated, and summarized.

Results

A total of six papers were included in this review. The reviewed papers reported a lifetime prevalence of e‐cigarette use (or vaping) ranging from 5.8% to 19.8%, with a current e‐cigarette use prevalence of 11.8%, among different population groups in Nigeria. The major determinants of e‐cigarette use, as reported in these articles, include being a youth, having a health condition, severe anxiety, tobacco use, peer influence, and current alcohol use. Dry mouth and oral lesions (gingival inflammation and oral ulcers) were also identified to be the medical conditions associated with e‐cigarette use in Nigeria. Lastly, one of the included papers identified a lack of clear regulation on e‐cigarettes in Nigeria.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for more scientific investigations on the sociodemographic, economic, health, and regulatory landscape of e‐cigarettes in Nigeria, as robust empirical evidence is needed for the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of evidence‐based policies and interventions on e‐cigarettes control and regulation in Nigeria.
Middle power plays: How and when Mach middle managers use downward abuse and upward guanxi to gain and maintain power
Authors: Keng‐Highberger Fong , Feng Zhiyu , Yam Kai Chi , Chen Xiao‐Ping , Li Hu
Published: April 2024

Given Machiavellianism's strong historical and theoretical roots in power and politics, there are surprisingly few empirical studies, if any, that directly examine how Machiavellians attain and maintain power in organizations. Understanding this is important because Machiavellian employees have managed to effectively gain power to reach managerial positions of influence in organizations despite their negative reputation. Further, there are contradictory theories and peripheral empirical findings that suggest they gain power either by strategically forging important connections or through coercive force. We propose that a Mach middle manager perspective can help illuminate which power‐gaining strategy is used. Drawing from the Machiavellianism literature and power dependence theory, we theorize how Mach middle managers gain coercive power through abusive supervision on those with less power (their subordinates), while building close guanxi with those with more power (their senior manager) to obtain relational empowerment. Moreover, we theorize that they maintain power by increasing both power‐gaining strategies when Mach middle managers perceive a high threat to hierarchy from subordinates, suggesting these parallel relations are positively connected. We found support for our theoretical model using data from a multi‐confederate experimental lab study and two multi‐wave field studies. The theoretical and empirical implications of our findings are discussed.
Stratigraphy and OSL chronology of the Middle–Upper Pleistocene sedimentary sequence and vegetation history during Late MIS6–MIS5e in the Neva Lowland (St. Petersburg region, Russia)
Authors: Ruchkin Maksim V. , Nosevich Ekaterina S. , Sheetov Mikhail V. , Brill Dominik
Published: April 2024

The quarry of the Sverdlov (Etalon) Factory stands out as a unique site in the northwest of the East European Plain since it exposes an almost complete Upper Pleistocene stratigraphic succession. Previous investigations have revealed a sequence of marine sediments deposited during the whole Mikulino Interglacial [Eemian, Marine Isotope Stage (MIS)5e], but the chronology of the Late Pleistocene deposits remains incomplete and requires further update. We present a study of the Middle–Upper Pleistocene units exposed in the Sverdlov Factory quarry by using geological methods, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating and pollen analysis. The lower part of the Sverdlov Factory section comprises glaciomarine/glaciolacustrine varves, which accumulated during degradation of the Late Moscow (Late Saalian, Late MIS6) glaciation and correspond to pollen zone M1 (lower peak of Picea). They are covered by interglacial marine clayey silt that includes all Mikulino regional pollen zones M2–M8. According to a Bayesian model based on K‐rich feldspar luminescence ages, the interglacial marine deposition started 133 ± 8 ka ago and ended 109 ± 7 ka ago. The marine sediments are overlain by lacustrine silt with a K‐rich feldspar age of 119 ± 7 ka, lacustrine/alluvial sand with plant detritus formed 47–41 ka ago, and lacustrine sand and silt without organic matter accumulated ~39 ka ago. The upper part of the section is composed of subglacial till formed during the Late Valdai (Late Weichselian, MIS2) under the Scandinavian Ice Sheet and glaciolacustrine varved deposits of the Baltic Ice Lake. Two ages were acquired using quartz OSL from these varves, 16.9 ± 1.6 and 15.7 ± 1.0 ka, which are assumed to slightly overestimate the true age.
The complexity of the care pathway for a patient with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis seeking a new treatment: Data from a qualitative anthropological study
Authors: Nicogossian Judith , Héas Stéphane , Thénié Claire , Noel Margaux , Misery Laurent , Barbarot Sébastien , Juchat Fabienne Martin
Published: April 2024

Background

A considerable number of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) are undertreated and have inadequate control of their symptoms leading to a hight patient dissatisfaction during their care. The VECUDA study, was conducted by anthropologists in cooperation with dermatologists, aimed to better understand the complexity of the care pathway and the physician‐patient relationship by questioning patients with moderate to severe AD.

Objectives

The aim was to identify patient's needs and to propose concrete ways of improving the doctor‐patient relationship by focusing on the narrative of their affects. Co‐designed easy‐to‐use tools were proposed by these patients.

Methods

The exploratory qualitative study involved 24 patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD. The study was conducted in two stages: a co‐design phase with 4 patients, and a deepening phase with all patients (24), supported by a multidisciplinary scientific committee. During group interviews, conducted using creativity tools, patients' stories related to their experiences of the disease and its management were collected.

Results

The VECUDA study, conducted by anthropologists in collaboration with dermatologists and focusing on the experiences of these patients and their journey, described mechanisms of dissatisfaction related to therapeutic management from the point of view of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Factors that could generate dissatisfaction included the complexity of the care pathway. During this exploratory study emerged an unexpected patient figure, who had a “feeling of a being chosen” in access to a new treatment, the first biologic in the treatment of AD. We are interested here in the experience of the patient's care pathway.

Conclusions

The VECUDA study confirms the value of considering patients' perspective as a lever for improving the doctor‐patient relationship. The overall conclusion is based on the observation of a gap between patient expectations and treatment decisions made by some HCPs, which may lead to unsatisfactory scenarios. Analysing these data opens up a promising research avenue, showing that patients not only confer a therapeutic function to their care pathway, but also a symbolic value. The description of the complexity of the care pathway can be compared to a true “initiatory journey”. The symbolic value analysis given by patients to their care pathway when they are seeking a new treatment is an innovative approach that deserves to be further explored through qualitative and quantitative study.
Methodology of a thermal injection mold design with locally applied heating coatings on the cavity wall
Authors: Hopmann C. , Fritsche D. C. , Kahve C. E. , Bobzin K. , Heinemann H. , Erck M. , Vogels C.
Published: April 2024

The thermal balance of injection molds is defined by the cooling channel layout. However, the fluid tempering of injection molds underlies certain restrictions concerning the thermal dynamic and the local limitation of the zone of influence. The optimal heat balance within the mold to minimize warpage cannot be solely achieved with conformal cooling channels. Ceramic heating coating systems applied by Thermal Spraying on the cavity wall are a novel tempering method for high heating rates and offer the possibility of a more local heat input. In terms of the thermal mold design, the position and size of local heating coating systems need to be determined. A methodology is proposed, which connects the optimization of part warpage by defining the necessary local heat flux within the mold with the determination of the heating coating placement. Due to the dependence of the coating placement on the heating time and the power, different decision criteria of these parameters are discussed with regard to the process efficiency. The developed methodology can calculate the necessary heating power distribution to homogenize the surface temperature and freeze time. A second step discretizes the heating power distribution to certain manufacturable heating zones.
Influence of titanium carbide and titanium diboride on microstructure and mechanical properties of laser metal deposition nickel‐titanium alloys
Authors: Deng L. , Zhang K. , Lin M. , Huang C. , Huang H. Z. , Wang H. , Zhan Z. , Chang X. , Tu J. , Zhou Z.
Published: April 2024

Nickel‐titanium alloys are produced via laser metal deposition using titanium carbide and titanium diboride as nucleating agents to refine the grain structure. The optimal process parameters are determined by analyzing the quality of the alloy formation. X‐ray diffraction confirms the simultaneous presence of the B19′ martensitic phase and B2 austenitic phase in the nickel‐titanium alloy fabricated by laser metal deposition. Tensile testing is performed on the samples at room temperature. The results show that adding mass fractions 0.9 % titanium carbide and titanium diboride effectively refines the grain size of the nickel‐titanium alloy fabricated by laser metal deposition, leading to improved tensile properties. Specifically, the addition increases the tensile strength by 40 % and 70 %, and the elongation by 50 % and 60 %.
Influence of arterial transit time delays on the differentiation between tumor progression and pseudoprogression in glioblastoma by arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: van Dorth Daniëlle , Jiang Feng Yan , Schmitz‐Abecassis Bárbara , Croese Robert J. I. , Taphoorn Martin J. B. , Smits Marion , Koekkoek Johan A. F. , Dirven Linda , de Bresser Jeroen , van Osch Matthias J. P.
Published: April 2024

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have shown potential for differentiating tumor progression from pseudoprogression. For pseudocontinuous ASL with a single postlabeling delay, the presence of delayed arterial transit times (ATTs) could affect the evaluation of ASL‐MRI perfusion data. In this study, the influence of ATT artifacts on the perfusion assessment and differentiation between tumor progression and pseudoprogression were studied. This study comprised 66 adult patients (mean age 60 ± 13 years; 40 males) with a histologically confirmed glioblastoma who received postoperative radio (chemo)therapy. ASL‐MRI and DSC‐MRI scans were acquired at 3 months postradiotherapy as part of the standard clinical routine. These scans were visually scored regarding (i) the severity of ATT artifacts (%) on the ASL‐MRI scans only, scored by two neuroradiologists; (ii) perfusion of the enhancing tumor lesion; and (iii) radiological evaluation of tumor progression versus pseudoprogression by one neuroradiologist. The final outcome was based on combined clinical and radiological follow‐up until 9 months postradiotherapy. ATT artifacts were identified in all patients based on the mean scores of two raters. A significant difference between the radiological evaluation of ASL‐MRI and DSC‐MRI was observed only for ASL images with moderate ATT severity (30%–65%). The perfusion assessment showed ASL‐MRI tending more towards hyperperfusion than DSC‐MRI in the case of moderate ATT artifacts. In addition, there was a significant difference between the prediction of tumor progression with ASL‐MRI and the final outcome in the case of severe ATT artifacts (McNemar test, p = 0.041). Despite using ASL imaging parameters close to the recommended settings, ATT artifacts frequently occur in patients with treated brain tumors. Those artifacts could hinder the radiological evaluation of ASL‐MRI data and the detection of true disease progression, potentially affecting treatment decisions for patients with glioblastoma.
Emotional states elicited by wolf videos are diverse and explain general attitudes towards wolves
Authors: Arbieu Ugo , Taysse Laura , Gimenez Olivier , Lehnen Lisa , Mueller Thomas
Published: April 2024

Emotions are short, intuitive mental processes that are important components of people's cognitions. They can influence attitudes (i.e. positive or negative evaluations of objects), and they are involved in decision‐making processes. In the context of human‐wildlife coexistence, mostly emotional dispositions have been studied (i.e. people's decontextualized, stable tendencies to react in a certain way towards wildlife), in contrast to emotional states (i.e. quick reactions elicited in specific contexts), which have been overlooked. This limits our understanding of emotional states and the role of emotional diversity in shaping attitudes towards wildlife species.

Here, we quantified emotional states elicited by context‐specific wolf encounters featured in a set of YouTube videos. We conducted a social survey in rural populations of 24 randomly selected cities in France (n = 795) to (i) quantify emotional diversity and (ii) test the relationship between emotional states and attitudes towards wolves, accounting for individual and regional factors.

We found that emotional states that were most expressed across the six contexts of encounter were surprise, interest and fear, in this order. Emotional diversity was highly context‐specific, with significantly different emotional identity, dispersion and extremization across the six contexts of encounters. Most variance in attitudes was explained by emotional factors alone (28%) and the best model including all three groups of predictors (emotional, individual and regional factors) explained 57% of the variance. The strongest effects of emotional states on attitudes were those of anger and joy. Fear had only half the effect of joy on attitudes.

Synthesis and applications: Our results highlight the importance and context‐specificity of emotional diversity for human‐carnivore coexistence. Complementary to previous studies focusing on single emotions and on decontextualized emotional dispositions, quantifying diverse, context‐dependent emotional states can be helpful to improve decision‐making in three different ways: (i) address relevant contexts triggering anger, which is a feeling rooted in perceived injustice, (ii) reduce emotional biases involving fear of carnivores given the extremely low probability of risks to human life and (iii) promote positive emotions like joy to better reflect costs and benefits of sharing landscapes with large carnivores.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Fabrication and characterization of PZT/PVDF composite films for force sensor applications
Authors: Suprapto  , Ting Yung , Gunawan Hariyanto , Yazid Edwar , Nugraha Aditya Sukma , Azhari Budi , Ramadiansyah M Luthfi , Hikmawan M Fathul , Jubaidah
Published: April 2024

This study explored the impact of hot press parameters on lead zirconate titanate (PZT)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite films designed for force‐sensing applications. The systematic fraction (PZT/PVDF), pressure, temperature, and time during hot pressing processes are subject to variation. The focus is on the resulting composite film thickness and its subsequent influence on the piezoelectric properties, which are essential for the performance of force sensors. The present study investigated the characteristics and performance of PZT/PVDF composite films with fraction ratios 2/5, 5/5, and 7/3 and hot pressure of 10, 40, and 60 MPa and temperature at 150 °C for 2 h. The characterization of these films was conducted using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The piezoelectric properties (d33 and d31) were measured using impact and extraction tests to evaluate the performance of films with applied forces. The results show that the highest piezoelectric coefficients (d33 and d31) were determined to be 35.8 and 12.60 pC N−1, with fraction ratios of 7/3 and 2/5. The study revealed a positive correlation between the PZT/PVDF ratio and sensitivity, indicating that an increase in the ratio leads to an increase in sensitivity. Conversely, a negative relationship was observed between the impact load and the sensor sensitivity, suggesting that an increase in the impact load results in a sensitivity decrease. The results of this work demonstrate the great potential of piezoelectric PZT/PVDF composite films in force sensors for small load applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Crucial roles of specialized chitinases in elytral and hindwing cuticles construction in Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Shi Ji‐Feng , Cheng Man‐hong , Zhou Wei , Zeng Mu‐zi , Chen Yu , Yang Jia‐xin , Wu Hao , Ye Qiu‐hong , Tang Hong , Zhang Qing , Fu Kai‐Yun , Guo Wen‐Chao
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a major potato (Solanum tuberosum) pest, infesting over 16 million km2 and causing substantial economic losses. The insect cuticle forms an apical extracellular matrix (ECM) envelope covering exposed organs to direct morphogenesis and confer structural protection. While select chitinase (Cht) genes have proven essential for larval development, their potential activities directing ECM remodeling underlying adult wing maturation remain undefined.

RESULTS

We investigated the expression patterns and performed an oral RNA interference (RNAi) screen targeting 19 LdChts in late‐instar L. decemlineata larvae. Subsequently, we assessed their effects on adult eclosion and wing characteristics. Knockdown of LdCht5, LdCht7, LdCht10, LdIDGF2, and LdIDGF4, as well as others from Group IV (LdCht15, LdCht12, LdCht17, and LdCht13) and Groups VII–X (LdCht2, LdCht11, LdCht1, and LdCht3), resulting in shrunken, misshapen elytra with reduced areal density, as well as transverse wrinkling and impaired wing‐tip folding in hindwings. Scanning electron micrographs revealed eroded elytral ridges alongside thinned, ruptured hindwing veins, indicative of mechanical fragility post‐LdCht suppression. Spectroscopic analysis uncovered biomolecular alterations underlying the elytral anomalies, including decreases in peaks representing chitin, proteins, and lipids. This loss of essential ECM components provides evidence for the fragility, wrinkling, and shrinkage observed in the RNAi groups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings elucidate the crucial role of chitinases in the turnover of chitinous cuticles on beetle wings, offering insights into RNAi‐based control strategies against this invasive pest. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The reality of environment reimagined: Niklas Luhmann and the new ecological paradigm
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Michal
Published: April 2024

This article delves into the underpinnings of environmental sociology, with a specific focus on the influential contributions of Dunlap and Catton. While acknowledging the increasing societal detachment from the environment, the article questions the projection of this phenomenon onto the structure of social thought. The author contends against dismissing theoretical exemptionalism, advocating for its potential to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between society and nature. Illustrating this perspective through the lens of Niklas Luhmann's sociological theory, the article demonstrates how theoretical exemptionalism can furnish valuable tools for grappling with environmental issues. Furthermore, it challenges Dunlap and Catton's critique of constructivism, proposing that a moderate form of the latter can shed light on interactions between society and nature. Throughout the discussion, a crucial emphasis is placed on the fundamental distinction between society and its environment, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of Luhmann's ontology.
Nanomedicine‐encouraged cellular autophagy promoters favor liver fibrosis progression reversal
Authors: Qian Cheng , Zhang Yan , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhu Chunyan , Dong Xiulin , Chen Weiwei , Ni Xuejun , Zhang Kun , Yin Yifei
Published: April 2024

Liver fibrosis is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma origin, and its progression not only correlates with oxidative stress and inflammation, but also is encouraged by autophagy hold‐up. Therefore, new solutions to effectively attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation and coincidently favor autophagy are highly demanded to reverse liver fibrosis, and even hamper its escalation into hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, the porous manganese‐substituted Prussian blue (PMPB) analogs are harnessed to activate autophagy, scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), and suppress inflammation for liver fibrosis therapy. PMPB can effectively inhibit macrophage activation, facilitate macrophage autophagy, eradicate ROS, and blockade cellular cross‐talk, thus impeding further inflammation progression. Moreover, the favorable spontaneous capture of PMPB by Kupffer cells allows more PMPB accumulation in liver to significantly attenuate liver injury and collagen deposition, thereby inhibiting the progression of liver fibrosis. PMPB‐based nanomedicine shows great potentials in promoting autophagy activation, eliminating ROS, inhibiting inflammation, and protecting hepatocytes from oxidative stress‐arised damages, which eventually attenuate the extent of liver fibrosis, holding great promise in clinical translation for treating liver fibrosis.
Studying Plant Specialized Metabolites Using Computational Metabolomics Strategies
Authors: Mutabdžija Lana , Myoli Akhona , de Jonge Niek F. , Damiani Tito , Schmid Robin , van der Hooft Justin J. J. , Tugizimana Fidele , Pluskal Tomáš
Published: April 2024

Plant specialized metabolites have diversified vastly over the course of plant evolution, and they are considered key players in complex interactions between plants and their environment. The chemical diversity of these metabolites has been widely explored and utilized in agriculture and crop enhancement, the food industry, and drug development, among other areas. However, the immensity of the plant metabolome can make its exploration challenging. Here we describe a protocol for exploring plant specialized metabolites that combines high-resolution mass spectrometry and computational metabolomics strategies, including molecular networking, identification of structural motifs, as well as prediction of chemical structures and metabolite classes.
Lifting of superconformal descendants in the D1-D5 CFT
Authors: Hughes Marcel R.R. , Mathur Samir D. , Mehta Madhur
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We consider D1-D5-P states in the untwisted sector of the D1-D5 orbifold CFT where we excite one copy of the seed CFT with a left-moving superconformal descendant. When the theory is deformed away from this region of moduli space these states can ‘lift’, despite being BPS at the orbifold point. For descendants formed from the supersymmetry $${G}_{\dot{A},-s}^{\alpha }$$ and R-symmetry $${J}_{-n}^{a}$$ current modes we obtain explicit results for the expectation value of the lifts for various subfamilies of states at second order in the deformation parameter. A smooth ∼ $$\sqrt{h}$$ behaviour is observed in the lifts of these subfamilies for large dimensions. Using covering space Ward identities we then find a compact expression for the lift of the above $${J}_{-n}^{a}$$ descendant states valid for arbitrary dimensions. In the large-dimension limit this lift scales as ∼ $$\sqrt{h}$$, strengthening the conjecture that this is a universal property of the lift of D1-D5-P states. We observe that the lift is not simply a function of the total dimension, but depends on how the descendant level is partitioned amongst modes.
Gesunde Lebenserwartung: Ein kritischer Blick auf Nutzen und Potenziale des demographischen Gesundheitsindikators
Authors: Luy Marc
Published: April 2024

Die demographische Alterung hat vielfältige gesellschaftliche Konsequenzen, deren Ausmaß wesentlich vom Gesundheitszustand der Bevölkerung abhängt. Um diesen analysieren und bewerten zu können, wurden spezielle Kennziffern entwickelt, die in diesem Beitrag mit dem Überbegriff „gesunde Lebenserwartung“ (GLE) bezeichnet werden. Die Herleitung der GLE ist zwar intuitiv und leicht nachvollziehbar. Allerdings verdeckt eine zu einfache Interpretation die große Komplexität, die der Erweiterung der Sterbetafel um die Gesundheitsdimension innewohnt. Diese macht die GLE im Vergleich zur klassischen Lebenserwartung (LE) extrem empfindlich gegenüber verschiedensten konzeptionellen und methodischen Aspekten. In dem Beitrag wird dies für 3 Aspekte genauer dargestellt: die zugrunde liegende Definition von Gesundheit, die Wahl der Datenquelle als Grundlage für die Schätzung des Gesundheitszustands und das Berichtsverhalten der Survey-Teilnehmer. Dabei zeigt sich, dass die Auswirkung auf die GLE enorm sein kann, was zu erheblichen Verzerrungen bei der Interpretation von Niveaus und Trends, aber auch bei der Analyse von Unterschieden zwischen Bevölkerungen führt. Nichtsdestotrotz ist die Erweiterung der klassischen LE zur GLE eine wichtige Errungenschaft, die nicht aufgegeben werden darf. Deswegen werden in dem Beitrag auch Möglichkeiten diskutiert, wie der GLE-Indikator robuster und zuverlässiger gemacht werden könnte. Bis dies erreicht ist, darf die hohe methodische Sensibilität der GLE aber nicht ignoriert werden, wenn man mit ihr den Gesundheitszustand von Bevölkerungen bewertet und sie als Grundlage für gesundheitspolitische Maßnahmen herangezogen wird.
Positionspapier der Berlin-Brandenburgischen Chirurgischen Gesellschaft – zur Zukunft der chirurgischen Weiterbildung
Authors: Hillebrandt Karl H. , Dobrindt Eva , Krenzien Felix , Moosburner Simon , Pratschke Johann ,   Teilnehmer der Neuhardenberger Gespräche in Vertretung der Berlin-Brandenburgischen Chirurgischen Gesellschaft, Adam Ulrich , Bauer Georg , Benckert Christoph , Bereuter Mike , Beyer Katharina , Bobbert Peter , Böttger Joachim , Chen Yao , Estévez Schwarz Lope , Farke Stefan , Fleck Ullrich , Frakowiak Marek , Fritzsch Georg , Gellert Klaus , Heidemann Hannelore , Heise Michael , Hesse Matthias , Kertmen Ercan , König Yüksel , Kraas Ernst , Krüger Colin M. , Kube Rainer , Kürbis Stefan , Lenz Stefan , Loss Martin , Marusch Frank , Müller Mario , Müller Arnd , Oeder Carolin , Puhl Gero , Rost Thomas , Scheibel Markus , Scherer Roland , Schmelzle Moritz , Steinmüller Thomas , Stöckle Ulrich , Strozyk Sophie , Thielemann Henryk , Vetter Heinz-Peter , von Kirchbach Arndt , Weiß Sascha
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Die chirurgische Weiterbildung steht vor der anspruchsvollen Aufgabe, technische Fortschritte und Patientensicherheit in Einklang zu bringen, insbesondere im Kontext der geplanten Krankenhausreform. Zusätzlich stellen der Generationswechsel und veränderte Ansprüche der Generationen Y und Z an den Arbeitsplatz weitere Herausforderungen dar. Um diesen Anforderungen gerecht zu werden, hat die Berlin-Brandenburgische Chirurgische Gesellschaft (BCG) während der „Neuhardenberger Gespräche“ eine strukturierte Diskussion initiiert und ein Positionspapier erarbeitet.

Methodik

Im Rahmen der Neuhardenberger Gespräche fanden vier Sitzungen mit Impulsvorträgen und Diskussionen statt. Auf Grundlage der Hauptdiskussionspunkte wurden anschließend Thesen und Positionen erstellt, über die digital abgestimmt wurde.

Ergebnisse

Die Resultate zeigen einen klaren Konsens für flexible Arbeitszeitmodelle, frühere Spezialisierungsmöglichkeiten und die Integration externer Rotationen in die chirurgische Weiterbildung. In Bezug auf Talentakquisition und Frührekrutierung von Weiterbildungsassistent*innen zeigte sich ein eindeutiger Konsens für die Förderung von Mitarbeiterengagement und strukturierte Frührekrutierung von Studierenden. Es herrschte Einigkeit hinsichtlich der Einführung von Weiterbildungsverbänden als wirksames Mittel, um eine hochwertige chirurgische Weiterbildung zu gewährleisten.

Diskussion

Einer der zentralen Punkt in den Diskussionen war, dass eine hochwertige chirurgische Weiterbildung nur in Weiterbildungsverbänden realisierbar sein wird, insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund der anstehende Krankenhausreform. Die BCG plant die Ausarbeitung eines modularen Weiterbildungsverbands, um die chirurgische Weiterbildung in Berlin/Brandenburg zukunftsfähig zu gestalten.
Firm cooperation policies: the impact of territorial spillovers
Authors: Caragliu Andrea , Landoni Paolo
Published: April 2024

Research on program evaluation, and in particular on firm cooperation policies, has been scant on the impact of space-specific characteristics on program impacts. Few studies have analyzed how spatial features, that are sticky and non-mobile, may affect the intensity of a program’s effect on the targeted economic outcome. This paper uses a regional program (ERGON1) aimed at fostering the creation of Network Contracts to shed light on the contribution of spatial features to policy effectiveness. Network Contracts have been introduced in Italy with Law 9 April 2009, N. 33 to stimulate the formation of firm aggregations and to increase economic efficiency for network members. Empirical results, using Propensity Score Matching Estimates, suggest a positive and causative relation between membership in a Network Contract and firm productivity. Furthermore, evidence suggests that matching for urban characteristics significantly improves matching quality. Evidence is thus provided on the relevance of spatial features in shaping the returns to policies, thereby suggesting that ignoring such features may provide a biased picture of the true effect of a program.
Subjektive Belastung durch Sichtkontrollen bei Urinabgaben im Rahmen von Abstinenzüberprüfungen
Authors: Holzer A. , Graw M. , Hameder A. , Eppler M. , Schick S.
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Laut einem Beschluss des Bundesverfassungsgerichts (Aktenzeichen: 2 BvR 1630/21) stellt eine Urinabgabe unter Sichtkontrolle in einer Justizvollzugsanstalt einen schwerwiegenden Eingriff in das allgemeine Persönlichkeitsrecht dar, der die Intimsphäre eines Inhaftierten berührt. Auch bei Dopingkontrollen fühlen sich immer wieder Athleten durch das beobachtete Urinieren beeinträchtigt. Es liegen jedoch bislang kaum Daten vor, die die psychische Belastung einer Urinabgabe im Rahmen von Abstinenzüberprüfungen, z. B. bei Fahreignungsbegutachtungen oder Bewährungsauflagen, untersuchen.

Material und Methoden

Es wurden 100 Personen (davon 84 % männlich), die sich in 5 Entnahmestellen in Bayern, Thüringen und Baden-Württemberg zur Abstinenzkontrolle mittels Urinprobe vorstellten, fragebogenbasiert zu ihrer subjektiven Wahrnehmung der Sichtkontrolle und dem Wunsch nach einem nicht näher definierten, kosten- und zeitintensiveren alternativen Verfahren befragt.

Ergebnisse

Es gaben 37 % der Probanden (n = 31) und 44 % der Probandinnen (n = 7) an, die Sichtkontrollen nicht als unangenehm zu empfinden, wohingegen 12 % der männlichen (n = 10) und 31 % der weiblichen Untersuchten (n = 5) diese Methode als „sehr unangenehm“ oder sogar „unerträglich“ wahrnehmen. Während 75 % der Beteiligten kein alternatives Verfahren wünschen, sind 32 Personen bereit, einen zunächst begrenzten zeitlichen und/oder finanziellen Mehraufwand in ein solches Verfahren zu investieren.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung legen nahe, dass die Urinabgaben unter Sichtkontrollen mit keiner wesentlichen psychischen Belastung für 85 % der untersuchten Personen einhergehen und offenbar kein vermehrtes Interesse an einem mit Zeit- und Kostenmehraufwand verbundenen alternativen Verfahren vorliegt.
In vitro to in vivo extrapolation to derive a metabolism factor for estimating the aggregate exposure to salicylic acid after dermal exposure of its esters
Authors: Najjar Abdulkarim , Grégoire Sebastien , Nicol Beate , Natsch Andreas , Golbamaki Nazanin , Boisleve Fanny , Irizar Amaia , Wall Brian , Swinscoe Angus , Masini-Etévé Valérie , Selechnik Dan , Api Anne Marie , Griem Peter , Hewitt Nicola , Cardamone Estefania
Published: April 2024

As part of the safety assessment of salicylate esters in cosmetics, we developed a metabolism factor based on in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) to provide a better estimation of the aggregate internal exposure to the common metabolite, salicylic acid. Optimal incubation conditions using human liver S9 were identified before measuring salicylic acid formation from 31 substances. Four control substances, not defined as salicylic esters but which could be mistaken as such due to their nomenclature, did not form salicylic acid. For the remaining substances, higher in vitro intrinsic clearance (CLint, in vitro) values generally correlated with lower LogP values. A “High-Throughput Pharmacokinetic” (HTPK) model was used to extrapolate CLint, in vitro values to human in vivo clearance and half-lives. The latter were used to calculate the percentage of substance metabolised to salicylic acid in 24 h in vivo following human exposure to the ester, i.e. the “metabolism factor”. The IVIVE model correctly reproduced the observed elimination rate of 3 substances using in silico or in vitro input parameters. For other substances, in silico only-based predictions generally resulted in lower metabolism factors than when in vitro values for plasma binding and liver S9 CLint, in vitro were used. Therefore, in vitro data input provides the more conservative metabolism factors compared to those derived using on in silico input. In conclusion, these results indicate that not all substances contribute equally (or at all) to the systemic exposure to salicylic acid. Therefore, we propose a realistic metabolism correction factor by which the potential contribution of salicylate esters to the aggregate consumer exposure to salicylic acid from cosmetic use can be estimated.