bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive estimation of the Gutenberg–Richter b value using a state space model and particle filtering
Authors: Iwata Daichi , Nanjo Kazuyoshi Z.
Published: March 2024

Earthquakes follow an exponential distribution referred to as the Gutenberg–Richter law, which is characterized by thebvalue that represents a ratio of the number of large earthquakes to that of small earthquakes. Spatial and temporal variation in thebvalue is important for assessing the probability of a larger earthquake. Conventionally, thebvalue is obtained by a maximum-likelihood estimation based on past earthquakes with a certain sample size. To properly assess the occurrence of earthquakes and understand their dynamics, determining this parameter with a statistically optimal method is important. Here, we discuss a method that uses a state space model and a particle filter, as a framework for time-series data, to estimate temporal variation in thebvalue. We then compared our output with that of a conventional method using data of earthquakes that occurred in Tohoku and Kumamoto regions in Japan. Our results indicate that the proposed method has the advantage of estimating temporal variation of thebvalue and forecasting magnitude. Moreover, our research suggests no heightened probability of a large earthquake in the Tohoku region, in contrast to previous studies. Simultaneously, there is the potential of a large earthquake in the Kumamoto region, emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring.
Identifying childhood malaria hotspots and risk factors in a Nigerian city using geostatistical modelling approach
Authors: Bayode Taye , Siegmund Alexander
Published: March 2024

Malaria ranks high among prevalent and ravaging infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The negative impacts, disease burden, and risk are higher among children and pregnant women as part of the most vulnerable groups to malaria in Nigeria. However, the burden of malaria is not even in space and time. This study explores the spatial variability of malaria prevalence among children under five years (U5) in medium-sized rapidly growing city of Akure, Nigeria using model-based geostatistical modeling (MBG) technique to predict U5 malaria burden at a 100 × 100 m grid, while the parameter estimation was done using Monte Carlo maximum likelihood method. The non-spatial logistic regression model shows that U5 malaria prevalence is significantly influenced by the usage of insecticide-treated nets—ITNs, window protection, and water source. Furthermore, the MBG model shows predicted U5 malaria prevalence in Akure is greater than 35% at certain locations while we were able to ascertain places with U5 prevalence > 10% (i.e. hotspots) using exceedance probability modelling which is a vital tool for policy development. The map provides place-based evidence on the spatial variation of U5 malaria in Akure, and direction on where intensified interventions are crucial for the reduction of U5 malaria burden and improvement of urban health in Akure, Nigeria.
General model of nonradiative excitation energy migration on a spherical nanoparticle with attached chromophores
Authors: Kułak L. , Schlichtholz A. , Bojarski P.
Published: March 2024

Theory of multistep excitation energy migration within the set of chemically identical chromophores distributed on the surface of a spherical nanoparticle is presented. The Green function solution to the master equation is expanded as a diagrammatic series. Topological reduction of the series leads to the expression for emission anisotropy decay. The solution obtained behaves very well over the whole time range and it remains accurate even for a high number of the attached chromophores. Emission anisotropy decay depends strongly not only on the number of fluorophores linked to the spherical nanoparticle but also on the ratio of critical radius to spherical nanoparticle radius, which may be crucial for optimal design of antenna-like fluorescent nanostructures. The results for mean squared excitation displacement are provided as well. Excellent quantitative agreement between the theoretical model and Monte–Carlo simulation results was found. The current model shows clear advantage over previously elaborated approach based on the Padé approximant.
The influence of left bundle branch block on myocardial T1 mapping
Authors: Petersen Antonia , Nagel Sebastian Niko , Hamm Bernd , Elgeti Thomas , Schaafs Lars-Arne
Published: March 2024

Tissue characterisation using T1 mapping has become an established magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to detect myocardial diseases. This retrospective study aimed to determine the influence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) on T1 mapping at 1.5 T. Datasets of 36 patients with LBBB and 27 healthy controls with T1 mapping (Modified Look-Locker inversion-recovery (MOLLI), 5(3)3 sampling) were included. T1 relaxation times were determined on mid-cavity short-axis images. R2 maps were generated as a pixel-wise indicator for the goodness of the fit of T1 maps. R2 values were significantly lower in patients with LBBB than in healthy controls (whole myocardium/septum, 0.997, IQR, 0.00 vs. 0.998, IQR, 0.00; p = 0.008/0.998, IQR, 0.00 vs. 0.999, IQR, 0.00; p = 0.027). Manual correction of semi-automated evaluation tended to improve R2 values but not significantly. Strain analysis was performed and the systolic dyssynchrony index (SDIglobal) was calculated as a measure for left ventricular dyssynchrony. While MRI is generally prone to artefacts, lower goodness of the fit in LBBB may be mainly attributable to asynchronous contraction. Therefore, careful checking of the source data and, if necessary, manual post-processing is important. New techniques might improve the goodness of the fit of T1 mapping by reducing sampling in the motion prone diastole of LBBB patients.
Association between BMI z-score and body composition indexes with blood pressure and grip strength in school-age children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Miranda-Alatriste Paola Vanessa , Colin-Ramirez Eloisa , Inda Icaza Patricia , Ponce-Martínez Xóchitl , Shor Mochón Anette , Martinsanchez Vázquez Natalia , García-Arreola Berenice , Espinosa-Cuevas María de los Ángeles
Published: March 2024

Childhood obesity is linked to diverse health outcomes, including elevated blood pressure (EBP). Emerging evidence showed that excess fat mass (FM) may have a deleterious impact on blood pressure even in normal-weight children. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between body weight status by BMI z-score and body composition parameters by conventional bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA). Also, we aimed to explore the performance of BMI z-score, %FM, and FM index (FMI) in discriminating EBP in a sample of school-age Mexican children. Children were classified as having normal weight, overweight or obesity according to WHO criteria for BMI z-score. FMI was considered high when above 75th percentile, and fat free mass index (FFMI) was considered low when below 25th percentile of the reference population. Body composition was also classified according to the BIVA method and EBP was determined when systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90th percentile. BMI z-score groups were compared by Student´s t-test or the Mann–Whitney U test, or by the chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. 61 children were included (52.5% boys, median age 9.8 (25th, 75th percentiles: 8.5, 11.0)) years. High FMI was observed in 32.3% of children with normal weight. Low FFMI was present in 93.5% of children with normal weight and 53.3% of those with overweight/obesity. According to BIVA, 58.1% and 43.3% of children with normal weight and overweight/obesity were classified as having cachexia. All the three adiposity indicators showed significant areas under the ROC curve (AURC) greater than 0.775 for EBP, with the largest one displayed for FM% (0.794). Hight FMI and low FFMI are common in children with normal weight. Identifying deficiency of FFM might be limited by using solely BMI indicators. Cachexia by BIVA was present in a high proportion of children with either normal weight or overweight/obesity. Both BMI z-score and FM (% and FMI) performed well at discriminating EBP, with a numerically greater AURC observed for FM%. Body composition in pediatric population is relevant for identifying body composition abnormalities at early age.
Metabolic cost of unloading pedalling in different groups of patients with pulmonary hypertension and volunteers
Authors: Ittermann Till , Kaczmarek Sabine , Obst Anne , Könemann Raik , Bahls Martin , Dörr Marcus , Stubbe Beate , Heine Alexander , Habedank Dirk , Ewert Ralf
Published: March 2024

Recently, the parameter internal work (IW) has been introduced as change in oxygen uptake (VO2) between resting and unloading workload in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The proportional IW (PIW) was defined as IW divided by VO2 at peak exercise. A second option is to calculate the PIW based on the workload [PIW (Watt)] by considering the aerobic efficiency. The aim of our study was to investigate whether IW and PIW differ between patients with and without pulmonary hypertension and healthy controls. Our study population consisted of 580 patients and 354 healthy controls derived from the Study of Health in Pomerania. The PIW was slightly lower in patients (14.2%) than in healthy controls (14.9%; p = 0.030), but the PIW (Watt) was higher in patients (18.0%) than in the healthy controls (15.9%; p = 0.001). Such a difference was also observed, when considering only the submaximal workload up to the VAT (19.8% in patients and 15.1% in healthy controls; p < 0.001). Since the PIW (Watt) values were higher in patients with pulmonary hypertension, this marker may serve as a useful CPET parameter in clinical practice. In contrast to most of the currently used CPET parameters, the PIW does not require a maximal workload for the patient. Further studies are needed to validate the prognostic significance of the PIW.
HFpEF as systemic disease, insight from a diagnostic prediction model reminiscent of systemic inflammation and organ interaction in HFpEF patients
Authors: Zhou Rong , Xia Yi-Yuan , Li Zheng , Wu Li-Da , Shi Yi , Ling Zhi-Yu , Zhang Jun-Xia
Published: March 2024

Systemic inflammation and reciprocal organ interactions are associated with the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the clinical value, especially the diagnositc prediction power of inflammation and extra-cardiac organ dysfunction for HfpEF is not explored. In this cross-sectional study, 1808 hospitalized patients from January 2014 to June 2022 in ChiHFpEF cohort were totally enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A diagnostic model with markers from routine blood test as well as liver and renal dysfunction for HFpEF was developed using data from ChiHFpEF-cohort by logistic regression and assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and Brier score. Then, the model was validated by the tenfold cross-validation and presented as nomogram and a web-based online risk calculator as well. Multivariate and LASSO regression analysis revealed that age, hemoglobin, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, AST/ALT ratio, creatinine, uric acid, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary hypertension were associated with HFpEF. The predictive model exhibited reasonably accurate discrimination (ROC, 0.753, 95% CI 0.732–0.772) and calibration (Brier score was 0.200). Subsequent internal validation showed good discrimination and calibration (AUC = 0.750, Brier score was 0.202). In additoin to participating in pathophysiology of HFpEF, inflammation and multi-organ interactions have diagnostic prediction value for HFpEF. Screening and optimizing biomarkers of inflammation and multi-organ interactions stand for a new field to improve noninvasive diagnostic tool for HFpEF.
Facile encapsulation of cyanoacrylate-based bioadhesive by electrospray method and investigation of the process parameters
Authors: Aminoroaya Alireza , Khorasani Saied Nouri , Bagheri Rouholah , Talebi Zahra , Malekkhouyan Roya , Das Oisik , Neisiany Rasoul Esmaeely
Published: March 2024

Polymer microcapsules containing cyanoacrylates have represented a promising option to develop self-healing biomaterials. This study aims to develop an electrospray method for the preparation of capsules using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the encapsulant and ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (EC) as the encapsulate. It also aims to study the effect of the electrospray process parameters on the size and morphology of the capsules. The capsules were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Moreover, the effects of electrospray process parameters on the size were investigated by Taguchi experimental design. FTIR and TGA approved the presence of both PMMA and EC without further reaction. FE-SEM micrograph demonstrated that an appropriate choice of solvents, utilizing an appropriate PMMA:EC ratio and sufficient PMMA concentration are critical factors to produce capsules dominantly with an intact and spherical morphology. Utilizing various flow rates (0.3–0.5 ml/h) and applied voltage (18–26 kV), capsules were obtained with a 600–1000 nm size range. At constantly applied voltages, the increase in flow rate increased the capsule size up to 40% (ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05), while at constant flow rates, the increase in applied voltage reduced the average capsule size by 3.4–26% (ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05). The results from the Taguchi design represented the significance of solution flow rate, applied voltage, and solution concentration. It was shown that the most effective parameter on the size of capsules is flow rate. This research demonstrated that electrospray can be utilized as a convenient method for the preparation of sub-micron PMMA capsules containing EC. Furthermore, the morphology of the capsules is dominated by solvents, PMMA concentration, and PMMA:EC ratio, while the average size of the capsules can be altered by adjusting the flow rate and applied voltage of the electrospray process.
Improvement in the quality and productivity of Codonopsis pilosula seedlings by dazomet soil fumigation
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Chen Yuan , Guo Fengxia , Dong Pengbin , Liang Wei , Cheng Jiali
Published: March 2024

Dazomet is a dry powder formulation that releases toxic gas containing methyl isothiocyanate, which controls soil-borne pests and weeds, improving crop yields when applied to moist soils. To explore the efficacy of dazomet fumigation in the cultivation of the perennial herb Codonopsis pilosula, four typical cultivars (G1, G2, W1 and TCK) in Gansu Province were selected for seedling cultivation after soil fumigation (F) by dazomet, and non-fumigated soil was used as a control (CK). The experiments took 2 years to complete. The functional diversity of the soil enzymes and microorganisms, seedling emergence and physiological characteristics, and the quality and yield of Codonopsis seedlings and Radix were assessed. The results showed that the seed emergence rate, seedling re-green rate and several antioxidant enzymatic activities improved in the treatments involving soil fumigation with dazomet, and membrane lipid peroxidation in the seedlings decreased. On average, compared with those of the respective controls, the root viability and yield of the seedlings of the tested cultivars also increased by 34.87% and 42.4%, respectively, and the incidence of root rot in the seedlings was reduced by 83.9%, compared with their respective controls. After harvest, the yield increased by 23.9%, the incidence of root rot decreased by 61.3%, increase in yield and a 61.3% reduction in incidence, and the medicinal materials were determined to be safe and residue-free. The effects of fumigation were cultivar-specific and were especially prominent in G2. Therefore, soil fumigation with dazomet could improve the quality and productivity of Codonopsis pilosula seedlings. Taken together, these findings suggest that when herbs are bred by seedling transplantation, especially cultivars of good quality but poor resistance or species with rare germplasm resources, soil fumigation provides a way to improve cultivation effectiveness and, more importantly, ensures the probability of successfully breeding the species.
Colonic in vitro fermentation of mycoprotein promotes shifts in gut microbiota, with enrichment of Bacteroides species
Authors: Colosimo Raffaele , Harris Hannah C. , Ahn-Jarvis Jennifer , Troncoso-Rey Perla , Finnigan Tim J. A. , Wilde Pete J. , Warren Frederick J.
Published: March 2024

Mycoprotein is a fungal-derived ingredient used for meat alternative products whose fungal cell walls are rich in dietary fibre (β-glucans and chitin) and defines its structure. Several health benefits have been reported after mycoprotein consumption, however, little is known about the impact of mycoprotein fermentation on the gut microbiota. This study aims to identify changes in microbiome composition and microbial metabolites during colonic fermentation of mycoprotein following simulated upper gastrointestinal digestion. Changes in microbial populations and metabolites produced by the fermentation of mycoprotein fibre were investigated and compared to a plant (oat bran) and an animal (chicken) comparator. In this model fermentation system, mycoprotein and oat showed different but marked changes in the microbial population compared to chicken, which showed minimal differentiation. In particular, Bacteroides species known for degrading β-glucans were found in abundance following fermentation of mycoprotein fibre. Mycoprotein fermentation resulted in short-chain fatty acid production comparable with oat and chicken at 72 h. Significantly higher branched-chain amino acids were observed following chicken fermentation. This study suggests that the colonic fermentation of mycoprotein can promote changes in the colonic microbial profile. These results highlight the impact that the unique structure of mycoprotein can have on digestive processes and the gut microbiota.
Quantifying mass transport limitations in a microfluidic CO2 electrolyzer with a gas diffusion cathode
Authors: Agarwal Venu Gopal , Haussener Sophia
Published: March 2024

A gas diffusion electrode (GDE) based CO2 electrolyzer shows enhanced CO2 transport to the catalyst surface, significantly increasing current density compared to traditional planar immersed electrodes. A two-dimensional model for the cathode side of a microfluidic CO2 to CO electrolysis device with a GDE is developed. The model, validated against experimental data, examines key operational parameters and electrode materials. It predicts an initial rise in CO partial current density (PCD), peaking at 75 mA cm−2 at −1.3 V vs RHE for a fully flooded catalyst layer, then declining due to continuous decrease in CO2 availability near the catalyst surface. Factors like electrolyte flow rate and CO2 gas mass flow rate influence PCD, with a trade-off between high CO PCD and CO2 conversion efficiency observed with increased CO2 gas flow. We observe that a significant portion of the catalyst layer remains underutilized, and suggest improvements like varying electrode porosity and anisotropic layers to enhance mass transport and CO PCD. This research offers insights into optimizing CO2 electrolysis device performance.
Elastomers mechanically reinforced and toughened with CO2 gas
Authors: Miwa Yohei , Yoneda Hanako , Ohya Takehito , Okada Kazuma , Takahashi Rina , Nakamura Hayato , Shimozaki Shoei , Hashimoto Kei , Kutsumizu Shoichi
Published: March 2024

Gas-responsive polymers have recently attracted considerable interest as unconventional smart materials that provide a new path toward the utilization of specific gases including CO2. Herein, we report gas-responsive elastomers that enhance mechanical properties, such as modulus, strength, stretchability, and toughness with CO2 gas. Various types of amine groups are introduced into polydimethylsiloxane elastomers to achieve the gas-induced mechanical reinforcement. In these elastomers, the amines form ionic crosslinks with CO2 gas that mechanically strengthen the materials. Furthermore, nanodomains formed via microphase separation of the ionic components behave similarly to viscoelastic nanofillers that dissipate a large amount of energy during deformation, thereby remarkably toughening the elastomers. Surprisingly, the fracture energy of the elastomer with diamine increases ~35 times in CO2 gas compared with that in N2 gas. Furthermore, the elastomers sensitively respond even to CO2 gas concentrations as low as 10 % and are remarkably toughened. Our design concept is widely applicable to the CO2 reinforcement of other polymers, such as polyethylene.
Durable plasma-mediated zwitterionic grafting on polymeric surfaces for implantable medical devices
Authors: Crago Matthew , Tan Richard , Hung Juichien , Wise Steven G. , Akhavan Behnam , Bilek Marcela , Dehghani Fariba , Talebian Sepehr , Naficy Sina
Published: March 2024

Adverse body reactions to blood-contacting medical devices endanger patient safety and impair device functionality, with events invariably linked to nonspecific protein adsorption due to suboptimal material biocompatibility. To improve the safety and durability of such devices, herein we propose a strategy for introducing stable zwitterionic grafts onto polymeric surfaces via plasma functionalization. The resulting zwitterion-grafted substrates exhibit long-lasting superhydrophilicity, enabling antifouling and anti-thrombogenic properties. We demonstrate the successful modification of the surface elemental composition, morphology, and hydrophilicity, while retaining the underlying mechanical properties of the polymeric substrate. Furthermore, we optimise the fabrication process to ensure long-lasting modifications at least three months after fabrication. This strategy decreases fibrinogen adsorption by approximately 9-fold, and thrombosis by almost 75% when applied to a commercial polyurethane. Moreover, this process is universally applicable to a wide range of polymeric materials, even those with stable chemistry such as polytetrafluoroethylene.
Educating for variability and climate change in Uruguay, a case study
Authors: Guevara Dorado Rocío
Published: March 2024

Among the possible actions to face climate change, education has a central role, great hopes have been deposited in its potential to contribute to the construction of a sustainable world. However, although there are global climate change education initiatives, they still do not generate a significant impact, especially at the local level. The deepening of the location of educational actions is key to reaching the public. It is necessary to permeate the national educational systems and non-formal education generated by local civil society. For this reason, it is important to learn about successful local initiatives that can enrich and strengthen future practices at all levels. In Uruguay, initiatives have been developed that can serve as case studies that contribute to collecting lessons learned and areas of opportunity. This paper includes three experiences developed by multidisciplinary teams from the Centre for Response to Variability and Climate Change of the University of the Republic in conjunction with key local government actors and local civil society. It is about the process of elaboration and implementation of an audio-visual educational resource for adolescents, a cycle of workshops for young people and a multimodal online course for professional adults and teachers. The experiences demonstrate the relevance of generating locally contextualized educational resources and actions to contribute to the achievement of global objectives of sustainable development. Likewise, they present some lessons learned in terms of theoretical approaches, methods and practices of education for climate change.
Predictive and prognostic value of excision repair cross-complementing group 1 in patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Yamada Yasuhide , Nagashima Kengo , Azuma Mizutomo , Masutani Mitsuko , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Iwasa Satoru , Takahashi Naoki , Hirano Hidekazu , Kanato Keisuke , Machida Nozomu , Kinoshita Takahiro , Hata Hiroaki , Kawakami Hisato , Takahari Daisuke , Boku Narikazu , Kurokawa Yukinori , Terashima Masanori , Yoshikawa Takaki , Sekine Shigeki , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi
Published: March 2024

Background

To define the optimal chemotherapy regimen for each patient we therefore used tissue from patients to identify molecular prognostic or predictive biomarkers.

Methods

Endoscopic biopsy specimens from primary lesions and surgical specimens on a phase III trial in patients with unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer treated with docetaxel with cisplatin plus S-1 (DCS) or cisplatin plus S-1 (CS), were collected. We measured the mRNA expression of ERCC1 and analyzed SNPs in GSTP1 and ERCC1.

Results

Low ERCC1 expression was associated with favorable prognosis for overall survival, OS by multivariable analysis (P = 0.001). There were significant interactions between the two treatment arms of DCS and CS, and ERCC1 mRNA expression. In patients with low ERCC1 expression of a favorable prognosis, DCS therapy was inferior to CS (P = 0.046). In addition to GSTP1 rs1695 (HR 1.728), ERCC1 rs3212980, ERCC1 rs2298881, ERCC1 rs3212964 with high expression of ERCC1 mRNA were associated with significantly worse prognosis with regard to OS.

Conclusions

ERCC1 mRNA is an independent prognostic factor and predictive marker that can be used to guide the addition of docetaxel. The SNPs of ERCC1 and GSTP1 could be also prognostic or predictive factors.
Sensitive detection of herbicide residues using field-amplified sample injection coupled with electrokinetic supercharging in flow-gated capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Gong Ying , Gong Maojun
Published: March 2024

A low-conductivity sample buffer plug was electroosmotically injected, and then the FASI-EKS was conducted at a reversed voltage polarity. When the conentrated analyte region arrived at the capillary inlet edge, a normal voltage was applied for separations.
A ratiometric fluorescent probe with a large Stokes shift for the detection of Hg2+ and its applications in environmental sample and living system analysis
Authors: Tian Jixiang , Tian Xuechun , Gong Shuai , Liang Yueyin , Meng Zhiyuan , Liu Weiqi , Xu Xu , Wang Zhonglong , Wang Shifa
Published: March 2024

A coumarin-based ratiometric fluorescent probe CMT was synthesized for the detection of Hg2+ and applied to environmental analysis and bioimaging.
Advances of in situ transmission electron microscopy research on gas phase catalyst particles
Authors: Xiao Mingjun , Sun Huizhen , Meng Yanshuang , Zhu Fuliang
Published: March 2024

A gas mixture is introduced into the in situ TEM sample area during gas solid catalysis to monitor the evolution of the surface dynamics of the catalyst and to explore the catalytic mechanism as well.
Hydrolytically stable nanosheets of Cu–imidazolate MOF for selective trapping and simultaneous removal of multiple heavy metal ions
Authors: Bhadane Prathmesh , Mahato Priya , Menon Dhruv , Satpathy Biraj Kanta , Wu Lisi , Chakraborty Swaroop , Goyal Prateek , Lynch Iseult , Misra Superb K.
Published: March 2024

This study reports stable and sustainable material for mitigating the multifaceted challenges presented by toxic metal contamination in water.
Eco-friendly hydroxyapatite and emerging MXenes for uranium adsorptive uptake
Authors: Liu Hongjuan , Fu Tianyu , Cao Ziying , Mao Yuanbing
Published: March 2024

Hydroxyapatite and MXenes are potentially ideal adsorbents for uranium as a nuclear contaminant possessing radioactivity and chemical toxicity.
Association between dietary patterns and premenstrual disorders: a cross-sectional analysis of 1382 college students in China
Authors: Shi Xinyi , Chen Min , Pan Qing , Zhou Jing , Liu Yuqing , Jiang Tingting , Lin Yifei , Huang Jin , Shen Xi , Lu Donghao , Li Yuchen
Published: March 2024

The Traditional South China Diet (TSCD), characterized by high consumption of rice, red meat, and poultry, is inversely associated with premenstrual disorders (PMDs).
Interfacial modification between NiOx and perovskite layers with hexafluorophosphate salts for enhancing device efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells
Authors: She Zong-Xuan , Yang Sheng-Hsiung
Published: March 2024

The PF6− groups interact with Ni atoms to tightly attach to the NiOx layer, resulting in enhanced carrier extraction of NiOx.
Detection of a Jahn–Teller mode as an ultrafast fingerprint of spin-transition-induced charge transfer in CoFe Prussian Blue Analogue
Authors: Hervé Marius , Marekha Bogdan , Mazerat Sandra , Mallah Talal , Cammarata Marco , Matar Samir F. , Haacke Stefan , Léonard Jérémie , Collet Eric
Published: March 2024

Using sub-20-fs ultrafast spectroscopy, we unravel high-frequency vibrational coherences during the photoinduced charge transfer in the CoFe Prussian Blue Analogue, attributed to the transient activation of a low-symmetry Jahn–Teller mode.
Volatile threshold switching and synaptic properties controlled by Ag diffusion using Schottky defects
Authors: Jeon Yu-Rim , Akinwande Deji , Choi Changhwan
Published: March 2024

The identified mechanism of the high-k metal oxide by XPS, XRR, and TEM applied to a synaptic device as a diffusion memristor with control and switching layers that could control Ag ion migration, emulating the synaptic plasticity.
Infrared nanoimaging of neuronal ultrastructure and nanoparticle interaction with cells
Authors: Greaves George E. , Allison Leanne , Machado Pedro , Morfill Corinne , Fleck Roland A. , Porter Alexandra E. , Phillips Chris C.
Published: March 2024

We use infrared nanoscopy to image subcellular components of hippocampal neurons in a chemistry specific way and to study their interaction with therapeutic nanoparticles.
CaCO3 nanoplatform for cancer treatment: drug delivery and combination therapy
Authors: Yang Xiaorong , Sun Yue , Zhang Hong , Liu Fengrui , Chen Qin , Shen Qiying , Kong Zhe , Wei Qiaolin , Shen Jia-Wei , Guo Yong
Published: March 2024

CaCO3 nanoparticles as nanocarriers for drug, protein, gene, and co-delivery are discussed. Furthermore, their combinations with other therapies, including photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and imaging, are reviewed.
Macrophage-modulating nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Khan Muhammad Muzamil , Li Yongjiang , Zhou Zhuoming , Ni Abigale , Saiding Qimanguli , Qin Duotian , Tao Wei , Chen Wei
Published: March 2024

We highlight the recent advances, discuss challenges, and propose future opportunities in nanomedicine-based strategies centered around macrophages for enhanced cancer immunotherapy.
A rapid supercritical water approach for one-pot synthesis of a branched BiVO4/RGO composite as a Li-ion battery anode
Authors: Rangappa Dinesh , Manickavasakam Karnan , Muniyappa Murthy , Bekal Chandrakantha , Shenoy B Satish , Misnon Izan Izwan , Kandasamy Manikandan , Shetty Manjunath
Published: March 2024

A BiVO4/RGO branched nanocomposite synthesized by SCW approach is reported with single-step one-pot scalable approach and is successfully tested for Li-ion battery anode.
Synergistic action of 6-gingerol as an adjuvant to colistin for susceptibility enhancement in multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates
Authors: Sahoo Maheswata , Behera Dibyajyoti Uttameswar , Sahoo Rajesh Kumar , Sahoo Saubhagini , Dey Suchanda , Subudhi Enketeswara
Published: March 2024

The rapid emergence of MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae demands alternative therapy. 6-Gingerol is a natural phytocompound that has synergistic and bactericidal effects against MDR-KP isolates. It exhibited promising EPI activity to stop colistin efflux.
Overall perspective of electrospun semiconductor metal oxides as high-performance gas sensor materials for NOx detection
Authors: Khomarloo Niloufar , Mohsenzadeh Elham , Gidik Hayriye , Bagherzadeh Roohollah , Latifi Masoud
Published: March 2024

Gas sensors based on nanostructured semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) materials poses many advantages. This review focuses on the detection of NO and NO2 gases.
Evaluation of naked-eye sensing and anion binding studies in meso-fluorescein substituted one-walled calix[4]pyrrole (C4P)
Authors: Ahmad Wagay Shafieq , Riaz Ufana , Alam Manawwer , Ali Rashid
Published: March 2024

Synthesis, anion binding studies and sensing properties of novel meso-fluorescien based one-walled calix[4]pyrrole has been reported.
STEP: profiling cellular-specific targets and pathways of bioactive small molecules in tissues via integrating single-cell transcriptomics and chemoproteomics
Authors: Chen Jiayun , Chu Zheng , Zhang Qian , Wang Chen , Luo Piao , Zhang Ying , Xia Fei , Gu Liwei , Wong Yin Kwan , Shi Qiaoli , Xu Chengchao , Tang Huan , Wang Jigang
Published: March 2024

STEP: single-cell target profiling, an integrated pipeline for profiling cellular-specific targets of active small molecules in tissues.
Arylazobenzimidazoles: versatile visible-light photoswitches with tuneable Z-isomer stability
Authors: Steinmüller Sophie A. M. , Odaybat Magdalena , Galli Giulia , Prischich Davia , Fuchter Matthew J. , Decker Michael
Published: March 2024

Arylazobenzimidazoles are photoswitchable privileged structures in medicinal chemistry. Experimental and theoretical studies identified compounds with visible light near-quantitative bidirectional photoswitching and highly tunable Z-isomer stability.
A pyrene-induced PET-based chemosensor for biologically important Zn(ii) ions: application in test strips and live cell imaging studies
Authors: Chethanakumar  , Budri Mahantesh B. , Gudasi Kalagouda B. , Vadavi Ramesh S. , Patil Mallikarjun K. , Kumbar Vijay M. , Inamdar Sanjeev R.
Published: March 2024

Cation and anion sensing is vital owing to their universal dispersion in ecosystems and biological functions.
Versatile synthesis of sub-10 nm sized metal-doped MxCo3−xO4 nanoparticles and their electrocatalytic OER activity
Authors: Placke-Yan Carsten , Bendt Georg , Salamon Soma , Landers Joachim , Wende Heiko , Hagemann Ulrich , Schulz Stephan
Published: March 2024

A versatile route for the synthesis of 8 to 10 nm sized metal-doped spinel MxCo3−xO4 nanoparticles (M = Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni; x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2) with homogeneous dopant distribution and their electrocatalytic OER performance is reported.
Embedding plasmonic nanoparticles in soft crystals: an approach exploiting CTAB–I structures
Authors: Vasudeva Navyashree , Jayasing Annie , Sindogi Kishorkumar , Yadav Isha , Row T. N. Guru , Jain Sheetal K. , Pandey Anshu
Published: March 2024

A new crystal polymorph of CTAB–I with smaller unit cell size and reduced cetyl chain mobility is observed. In situ embedding of plasmonic metal nanoparticles into this polymorph is realized leading to materials with strong plasmon–plasmon coupling.
Doping effect on a two-electron silver nanocluster
Authors: Yen Wei-Jung , Liao Jian-Hong , Chiu Tzu-Hao , Chen Jie-Ying , Chen Yuan Jang , Kahlal Samia , Saillard Jean-Yves , Liu C. W.
Published: March 2024

The addition of Ag(i) and Cu(i) by doping of a two-electron silver superatom, [Ag10(dtp)8], leads to the formation of [Ag11(dtp)8]+ and [CuxAg11−x(dtp)8]+, exhibiting a notable shift in the absorption spectrum.
Construction of indolizine scaffolds from α,ω-alkynoic acids and α,ω-vinylamines via sequential-relay catalysis in “one pot”
Authors: Liu Jiami , Lu Yi , Zhu Lingxuan , Lei Xinsheng
Published: March 2024

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of indolizin-3-ones through sequential Au(i)-catalyzed hydrocarboxylation, aminolysis, and cyclization, followed by ruthenium-catalyzed ring-closing metathesis.
Recent advances in the synthesis and applications of fluoranthenes
Authors: Türkmen Yunus Emre
Published: March 2024

Synthetic strategies towards the synthesis of fluoranthenes and benzo[j]fluoranthene-based natural products, along with their major applications, are discussed.
Preparation of an innovative series of respiratory nano-filters using polystyrene fibrous films containing KCC-1 dendrimer and ZnO nanostructures for environmental assessment of SO2, NO2 and CO2
Authors: Edrisi Farzaneh , Mahmoudian Mehdi , Shadjou Nasrin
Published: March 2024

For the first time, the removal of gasses by modified filters with a novel polymeric nanocomposite (PS/ZnO-KCC-1) stabilized on the surface of respiratory filters was investigated.
Xylan inhibition of cellulase binding and processivity observed at single-molecule resolution
Authors: Zexer Nerya , Paradiso Alec , Nong Daguan , Haviland Zachary K. , Hancock William O. , Anderson Charles T.
Published: March 2024

Efficient cellulose degradation by cellulase enzymes is crucial for using lignocellulosic biomass in bioenergy production. Single-molecule microscopy showed that xylan hinders the efficiency of cellulase by inhibiting its binding to cellulose and impeding the processivity of bound enzyme molecules.
An intelligent prediction model of epidemic characters based on multi‐feature
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Li Chunmei , Wang Yilei , Yin Lin , Zhou Qilin , Zheng Rui , Wu Qingwu , Zhou Yuqi , Dai Min
Published: March 2024

The epidemic characters of Omicron (e.g. large‐scale transmission) are significantly different from the initial variants of COVID‐19. The data generated by large‐scale transmission is important to predict the trend of epidemic characters. However, the results of current prediction models are inaccurate since they are not closely combined with the actual situation of Omicron transmission. In consequence, these inaccurate results have negative impacts on the process of the manufacturing and the service industry, for example, the production of masks and the recovery of the tourism industry. The authors have studied the epidemic characters in two ways, that is, investigation and prediction. First, a large amount of data is collected by utilising the Baidu index and conduct questionnaire survey concerning epidemic characters. Second, the β‐SEIDR model is established, where the population is classified as Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Dead and β‐Recovered persons, to intelligently predict the epidemic characters of COVID‐19. Note that β‐Recovered persons denote that the Recovered persons may become Susceptible persons with probability β. The simulation results show that the model can accurately predict the epidemic characters.
Analysis one‐bit DAC for MU massive MIMO downlink via efficient autoencoder based deep learning
Authors: Arfaoui Ahlem , Cherif Maha , Bouallegue Ridha
Published: March 2024

Multi‐user (MU) massive multiple input multiple output (mMIMO) is considered a potential technology for fifth generation (5G) and sixth‐generation (6G) wireless systems. The presence of the antenna arrays at the base station level to communicate with the users or to serve tens of single antenna users leads to excessively high system costs and power consumption. The deployment 1‐bit digital‐to‐analogue converters (DACs) in the base station can solve these problems. This paper starts by presenting an analytical study centered on the effects of 1‐bit DACs on the system envisaged for a Rayleigh‐type fading channel. Compact‐form expressions are derived for the symbol error rate. Afterwards, an efficient end‐to‐end deep learning technique to compensate for the joint effect of 1‐bit DAC and imperfect channel state information in downlink mMIMO systems. Moreover, to improve the performance of the considered system, a DAC mixed architecture is proposed, where a number of antennas use 1 bit DACs while the others do not. The simulations results showed the improvement in transmission quality of the downlink of the MU‐mMIMO system in the presence of hardware imperfections using the considered end‐to‐end compensation technique.
NHD‐YOLO: Improved YOLOv8 using optimized neck and head for product surface defect detection with data augmentation
Authors: Chen Faquan , Deng Miaolei , Gao Hui , Yang Xiaoya , Zhang Dexian
Published: March 2024

Surface defect detection is an essential task for ensuring the quality of products. Many excellent object detectors have been employed to detect surface defects in resent years, which has achieved outstanding success. To further improve the detection performance, a defect detector based on state‐of‐the‐art YOLOv8, named improved YOLOv8 by neck, head and data (NHD‐YOLO), is proposed. Specifically, YOLOv8 from three crucial aspects including neck, head and data is improved. First, a shortcut feature pyramid network is designed to effectively fuse features from backbone by improving the information transmission. Then, an adaptive decoupled head is proposed to alleviate the feature spatial misalignment between the classification and regression tasks. Finally, to enhance the training on small objects, a data augmentation method named selective small object copy and paste is proposed. Extensive experiments are conducted on three real‐world datasets: detection dataset from Northeastern University (NEU‐DET), printed circuit boards from Peking University (PKU‐Market‐PCB) and common objects in context (COCO). According to the results, NHD‐YOLO achieves the highest detection accuracy and exhibits outstanding inference speed and generalisation performance.
The extended resonant modal theory and its applications
Authors: Xiao Ruqi , Geyi Wen , Yang Guo , Wu Wen
Published: March 2024

The authors extend the resonant modal theory (RMT) developed previously for a metal object to an arbitrary source region consisting of metals, dielectrics, or a combination of both. The influences of dielectrics on the fields are replaced by equivalent volume sources through the use of the compensation theorem in electromagnetic theory. The resonant frequencies can be determined by finding the roots of the determinant of the matrix resulted from the discretisation of the real homogeneous volume–surface integral equation derived from the requirement that the difference of stored field energies in the source region vanishes. As applications of the extended RMT, three examples have been investigated. The first example is a dielectric resonator antenna and is designed by exciting the first resonant mode of the composite structure in which the dielectric cylinder is combined with a conformal metallic strip. The second example is a dual‐band dielectric‐coated metallic wire antenna. The third example studies the resonant modes of a rectangular patch antenna.
Multi-step variant of the parareal algorithm: convergence analysis and numerics
Authors: Ait-Ameur Katia , Maday Yvon
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we consider the problem of accelerating the numerical simulation of time dependent problems involving a multi-step time scheme by the parareal algorithm. The parareal method is based on combining predictions made by a coarse and cheap propagator, with corrections computed with two propagators: the previous coarse and a precise and expensive one used in a parallel way over the time windows. A multi-step time scheme can potentially bring higher approximation orders than plain one-step methods but the initialisation of each time window needs to be appropriately chosen. Our main contribution is the design and analysis of an algorithm adapted to this type of discretisation without being too much intrusive in the coarse or fine propagators. At convergence, the parareal algorithm provides a solution that coincides with the solution of the fine solver. In the classical version of parareal, the local initial condition of each time window is corrected at every iteration. When the fine and/or coarse propagators is a multi-step time scheme, we need to choose a consistent approximation of the solutions involved in the initialisation of the fine solver at each time windows. Otherwise, the initialisation error will prevent the parareal algorithm to converge towards the solution with fine solver’s accuracy. In this paper, we develop a variant of the algorithm that overcome this obstacle. Thanks to this, the parareal algorithm is more coherent with the underlying time scheme and we recover the properties of the original version. We show both theoretically and numerically that the accuracy and convergence of the multi-step variant of parareal algorithm are preserved when we choose carefully the initialisation of each time window.
Analysis of microstructure, surface morphology, and scratch resistance of high velocity oxy-fuel coated nickel based hybrid nano-composites
Authors: Naveen Gangarekaluve Jaiprakash , Sampathkumaran Parthasarthy , Sathyanarayanaswamy Appaiahnna
Published: March 2024

In recent years, high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) coating technology has gained significant interest in the field of surface engineering. In this study, we have investigated the microstructure, surface morphology, and scratch resistance of HVOF coated Nickel based novel hybrid nano-composites. The coatings were prepared using a high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF). HVOF coatings have the ability to enhance the surface properties of various materials, making them more resistant to wear, corrosion, and erosion. Thermal spraying technique, and the microstructure and surface morphology of the coatings were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The scratch test was performed using a TR-101, DUCOM made Scratch tester to evaluate the scratch resistance of the coatings. The results of the study revealed that the HVOF coated novel hybrid nano-composites exhibited a fine-grained microstructure with a dense and homogeneous surface morphology. The scratch resistance of the coatings was significantly improved due to the addition of nano composites. The load required to cause the first visible scratch on the coated surface was found to be significantly higher than that of the uncoated substrate. The scratch morphology of the coatings was also studied, which revealed that the scratch-induced damage was mainly due to the plastic deformation of the coating material. The results suggest that the HVOF coated novel hybrid nano composites have great potential in improving the surface properties of various engineering materials and can be used in applications where high wear resistance is required. Overall, the study demonstrates that the combination of HVOF coating technology and hybrid nano-composites can result in coatings with improved microstructure, surface morphology, and scratch resistance, which makes them ideal for use in applications wherever wear resistance is critical.
Künstlerische Forschung und ihre Relevanz für die künstlerischen Therapien
Authors: Schmid Gabriele
Published: March 2024

Die in Wien und Amsterdam lebende Künstlerin Ulrike Möntmann fokussiert genderspezifische Extremsituationen in europäischen Gesellschaftssystemen. Ihre Formen von Zusammenarbeit und künstlerischen Methoden weisen Parallelen, aber auch Differenzen zu künstlerischen Therapien auf. Im Folgenden wird anhand von Möntmanns Projekten das Spezifische einer künstlerischen Forschungspraxis aufgezeigt und in den Kontext künstlerisch-therapeutischer Felder gestellt.
Tanz- und Bewegungstherapie: Wenn Worte nicht reichen, spricht der Körper
Authors: Eberhard-Kaechele Marianne
Published: March 2024

In Deutschland ist Tanztherapie seit den 1980er-Jahren ein wertvoller Bestandteil stationärer Behandlungen. Besonders der Wirkfaktor nonverbales Intervenieren trägt im interdisziplinären Team zur effektiven Behandlung von Bindungsstörungen und pathologischen Erregungs- und Verhaltensmuster bei, wo Psychopharmaka oder rein sprachliche Interventionen an ihre Grenzen stoßen 1, 2.
Künstlerische Therapien
Authors: Huber Helene
Published: March 2024

Definitionen, Fakten, Relevantes – die PiD-Essentials fassen die wichtigsten Informationen zum Thema des Heftes knapp und übersichtlich für Sie zusammen.
Musiktherapie mit Kindern und Jugendlichen im klinischen Kontext
Authors: Kobus Susann
Published: March 2024

Eine schwere oder lang andauernde Erkrankung stellt die Familien vor Veränderungen und Herausforderungen. Die Musiktherapie ermöglicht den Betroffenen, nonverbal auszudrücken, wofür manchmal keine Worte gefunden werden können. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Einblick in die musiktherapeutische Begleitung von Kindern und Jugendlichen während ihres stationären Aufenthalts und den aktuellen Forschungsstand zur Wirksamkeit von Musiktherapie.