bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ascending Vagal Sensory and Central Noradrenergic Pathways Modulate Retrieval of Passive Avoidance Memory in Male Rats
Authors: Edwards Caitlyn M. , Guerrero Inge Estefania , Thompson Danielle , Dolezel Tyla , Rinaman Linda
Published: October 2024

Visceral feedback from the body is often subconscious, but plays an important role in guiding motivated behaviors. Vagal sensory neurons relay “gut feelings” to noradrenergic (NA) neurons in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS), which in turn project to the anterior ventrolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vlBNST) and other hypothalamic‐limbic forebrain regions. Prior work supports a role for these circuits in modulating memory consolidation and extinction, but a potential role in retrieval of conditioned avoidance remains untested. To examine this, adult male rats underwent passive avoidance conditioning. We then lesioned gut‐sensing vagal afferents by injecting cholecystokinin‐conjugated saporin toxin (CSAP) into the vagal nodose ganglia (Experiment 1), or lesioned NA inputs to the vlBNST by injecting saporin toxin conjugated to an antibody against dopamine‐beta hydroxylase (DSAP) into the vlBNST (Experiment 2). When avoidance behavior was later assessed, rats with vagal CSAP lesions or NA DSAP lesions displayed significantly increased conditioned passive avoidance. These new findings support the view that gut vagal afferents and the cNTSNA‐to‐vlBNST circuit play a role in modulating the expression/retrieval of learned passive avoidance. Overall, our data suggest a dynamic modulatory role of vagal sensory feedback to the limbic forebrain in integrating interoceptive signals with contextual cues that elicit conditioned avoidance behavior.
2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tzeis Stylianos , Gerstenfeld Edward P. , Kalman Jonathan , Saad Eduardo B. , Sepehri Shamloo Alireza , Andrade Jason G. , Barbhaiya Chirag R. , Baykaner Tina , Boveda Serge , Calkins Hugh , Chan Ngai‐Yin , Chen Minglong , Chen Shih‐Ann , Dagres Nikolaos , Damiano Ralph J. , De Potter Tom , Deisenhofer Isabel , Derval Nicolas , Di Biase Luigi , Duytschaever Mattias , Dyrda Katia , Hindricks Gerhard , Hocini Meleze , Kim Young‐Hoon , la Meir Mark , Merino Jose Luis , Michaud Gregory F. , Natale Andrea , Nault Isabelle , Nava Santiago , Nitta Takashi , O’Neill Mark , Pak Hui‐Nam , Piccini Jonathan P. , Pürerfellner Helmut , Reichlin Tobias , Saenz Luis Carlos , Sanders Prashanthan , Schilling Richard , Schmidt Boris , Supple Gregory E. , Thomas Kevin L. , Tondo Claudio , Verma Atul , Wan Elaine Y.
Published: October 2024

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence‐based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society
Impact of inflammatory bowel diseases on the intimate lives of youths: Creating a brief screening questionnaire
Authors: Mancheron Alexandre , Dumas Agnès , Martinez‐Vinson Christine , Bourmaud Aurélie
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The objectives were to describe the challenges faced by youths with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in their intimate lives before the onset of sexual activity and develop a screening tool to detect early difficulties.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional qualitative study via semi‐structured interviews with 15–19‐year‐olds diagnosed with IBD. To be eligible for inclusion, these adolescents had to respond having not yet started their sexual life. This led to a collaborative development of a detection tool with a multidisciplinary team to evaluate adolescents' intimate life stage and to early screen difficulties.

Results

Fifteen subjects were recruited. Among them eight were males, 10 were followed for Crohn's disease while five were followed for ulcerative colitis. The median age was 16 years. Nine out of 15 teenagers felt unprepared and reluctant for intimate relationship. Teenagers who have started their romantic journey, expressed satisfaction with their intimate lives, but the possibility of experiencing diarrhea or abdominal pain during intimate moments may be a concern.

Conclusion

The study highlights a general reluctance among adolescents with IBD to engage in intimate relationships, and IBD symptoms may be a concern for intimate life. It resulted in the creation of a brief detection tool allowing clinicians to early screen and address intimate life issues, fostering better support for this vulnerable group's challenges.
Combining capillary electrophoresis and chemometric tools for the straightforward determination of imidazolinone herbicides in plant‐based milks
Authors: Aguilera Ángela Y. , Almeida Valber E. , da Silva Oliveira Nadja Maria , de Brito Paulo Ferreira , Mendes Enia Aguiar , Veras Germano , Springer Valeria
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Highly polar herbicides, such as imidazolinones, are used for weed control to increase agricultural productivity and crop quality. However, their misapplication can lead to residues in ready‐to‐eat food with a potential health risk for consumers. Hence, the fast determination of these herbicides is necessary for timely action. In this work, an eco‐friendly method based on capillary zone electrophoresis combined with chemometrics was used for the determination of imazapyr and imazamox in vegetable‐based beverages such as soy and quinoa milk.

RESULTS

The analytical strategy consisted of only three steps: (i) protein precipitation prior to sample injection (ii) data pre‐processing to reduce the background and make corrections on electrophoretic times shift, and (iii) resolution of fully overlapped capillary electrophoresis (CE) peaks by the well‐known partial least square (PLS) algorithm, which extracts quantitative information attributed to the analytes. The method was successfully applied in the concentration range between 1.00 and 100 μg L−1 with coefficient of determination of the calibration (R2cal) and prediction (R2pred) > 0.90, residual prediction deviation of calibration (RPDcal) and of prediction (RPDpred) > 3, and relative error of prediction (REP) > 11 in the analyzed sample matrices, in the three built methods (quinoa samples, soy samples, and joint quinoa and soy samples).

CONCLUSION

The proposed methodology offers a simple and quick alternative for determining imidazolinones at trace concentrations in vegetable beverages, such as quinoa and soy milk, without complex sample preparation. The results were consistent with those obtained using more complex techniques, confirming the applicability of this method. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influencing Factors on Tourists’ Intentions for Sustainable Tourism Destinations: Moderating Effects of Financial Constraints and Moral Reflectiveness
Authors: Laachach Abderrahim , Alhemimah Arej
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the relationships between environmental awareness, travel motivations, tourism knowledge, and intentions to choose sustainable destinations. Using a survey of 495 participants and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‐SEM), we examine how financial constraints and moral reflectiveness moderate these relationships. Our findings indicate a strong positive correlation between environmental values and support for sustainable tourism. Travel motivations, knowledge about sustainable tourism, and a positive environmental attitude all significantly contribute to a tourist's intention to travel sustainably. Interestingly, gender moderates the influence of travel motivations on environmental values, while moral reflection moderates the link between environmental values and the intention to support sustainable tourism. Financial constraints did not have a significant moderating effect. Our study provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the tourism industry, highlighting the importance of aligning strategies with tourist motivations and emphasizing environmental benefits to encourage responsible travel practices.
Transforming Event Experiences: The Role of Application Technology in Shaping Behavioral Intentions and Attachment to Places
Authors: Habachi Salma , Palau‐Saumell Ramon , Matute Jorge
Published: October 2024

This study develops an integrated model that investigates the impact of app technology on event experiences and subsequent consumer behaviors—place attachment, affective commitment, and behavioral intentions. In the context of sports tourism events, data were collected from 219 international participants during the 12th Transpyr race in 2022. Results suggest that perceived usefulness, information value, and perceived enjoyment are drivers of users' app satisfaction, though perceived ease of use did not directly impact app satisfaction. App satisfaction positively impacted event experiences, fostering place attachment, behavioral intention (intention to participate, word‐of‐mouth, electronic word‐of‐mouth), and affective commitment. Affective commitment also influenced behavioral intentions positively, unlike place attachment. This study extends the tourism and consumer behaviors literature. It also presents a new perspective on the TAM model by measuring the users' online experience and its impact on the event experience. Additionally, it provides event organizers with guidelines for building successful experiences.
Consumer Adoption of Mobile Payment Systems: A Lens Into Smartphone‐Enabled Tourism
Authors: Hameed Irfan , Zainab Bibi , Khan Kamran
Published: October 2024

This research examines the factors influencing the success or failure of mobile payment systems (MPSs) in the travel sector. The research makes use of components from innovation resistance theory (IRT), coping theory (CP), and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT 2). The data were gathered from 503 travelers in Malaysia, and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and SmartPLS were used to analyze the data. Usage, risk, and tradition barriers from IRT significantly influenced tourists' intention to use MPS. Furthermore, all direct hypotheses for CP components were supported, except for the mediating role of satisfaction. Additionally, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, and habit (UTAUT 2) were identified as critical factors shaping tourists' intention to use MPS. These findings are crucial for tourist operators, banks, and governmental agencies to facilitate smooth and trackable financial transactions in the travel and tourism sector.
Swallowing Kinematics in Male Patients with Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Gölaç Hakan , Aydınlı Fatma E. , Dumbak Aydan B. , İncebay Önal , Enver Necati , Yapar Dilek , Düzlü Mehmet , Bulut Elif G. , Süslü Nilda S. , Yılmaz Metin
Published: October 2024

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the symptomatic swallowing complaints in individuals with total laryngectomy (TL) and reveal how swallowing kinematics differs between those with and without symptomatic dysphagia complaints.

Methods

A total of 34 subjects with TL were included in the study. Swallowing kinematics of those with symptomatic swallowing complaints (Group 1) were compared to those without (Group 2). Kinematic parameters including pharyngeal transit duration (PTD), maximum pharyngeal constriction ratio (MPCR), upper esophageal sphincter opening ratio (UESOR), upper esophageal sphincter opening duration (UESOD), and bolus clearance ratio (BCR) were investigated from Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) records via ImageJ software.

Results

Symptomatic swallowing complaints were determined in 47.1% of the subjects (n = 16). Difficulty while swallowing solid foods and pills, diminished pleasure of eating, food getting stuck in the throat, and increased level of stress during swallowing were among the major swallowing complaints in the present cohort. PTD, MPCR, and BCR parameters were significantly higher in subjects with symptomatic swallowing complaints than those without.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings indicate that almost half of individuals with TL may have symptomatic swallowing complaints. The underlying pathophysiology of this phenomenon may be the devianced kinematic parameters including PTD, MPCR, and BCR in this population. Therefore, it is recommended to include the kinematic measurements in the dysphagia evaluation protocol in individuals with TL, most notably in those with symptomatic swallowing complaints.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 135:809–817, 2025
Variation in Grain Mineral Concentrations of 63 Common Bean Genotypes Planted at Malkerns, Eswatini, in Africa
Authors: Gunununu Rotondwa Pascalia , Dakora Felix Dapare
Published: October 2024

Low soil mineral concentrations are a major limitation to the nutritional quality of grain crops produced in Africa. As a result, 232 million people are suffering from microelement deficiency and 239 million from protein‐calorie malnutrition in Africa. This study evaluated the nutritional quality of common bean grain harvested from 63 genotypes planted at Malkerns in Eswatini. The results showed significantly marked differences in the concentrations of 10 dietarily important nutrient elements. Of the macronutrients, Na levels showed the highest variation (12.00–91.00 mg/g) among the 63 bean genotypes, followed by K (14.03–22.03 mg/g) and P (3.30–9.57 mg/g), with Mg (1.57–2.30 mg/g) and Ca (0.80–2.68 mg/g) concentrations exhibiting the least difference among the bean genotypes. Of the micronutrients, Fe levels revealed the highest variation (66.36–151.08 mg/kg), followed by Zn (23.57–70.72 mg/kg) and Mn (11.53–26.84 mg/kg), with B (10.06–17.65 mg/kg) and Cu (6.30–13.67 mg/kg) exhibiting relatively lower differences among the 63 common bean genotypes. However, genotype NUC 461 recorded the highest grain concentrations of P, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and B, followed by DAB 155, which also revealed high levels of P, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Mn in its seeds. For improved human health and nutrition, the two bean genotypes would be the ideal candidates to recommend to commercial bean growers and resource‐poor farmers. However, the mechanisms underlying the greater accumulation of six to seven dietarily important nutrient elements by genotypes NUC 461 and DAB 155 remain to be determined.
Lateral Assessment of Mucomimetic Hydrogels to Evaluate Correlation between Microscopic and Macroscopic Properties
Authors: Faurschou Kristina L. , Clasky Aaron J. , Watchorn Jeffrey , Tram Su Jennifer , Li Nancy T. , McGuigan Alison P. , Gu Frank X.
Published: October 2024

A major limitation in the development of mucosal drug delivery systems is the design of in vitro models that accurately reflect in vivo conditions. Traditionally, models seek to mimic characteristics of physiological mucus, often focusing on property‐specific trial metrics such as rheological behavior or diffusion of a nanoparticle of interest. Despite the success of these models, translation from in vitro results to in vivo trials is limited. As a result, several authors have called for work to develop standardized testing methodologies and characterize the influence of model properties on drug delivery performance. To this end, a series of trials is performed on 12 mucomimetic hydrogels reproduced from literature. Experiments show that there is no consistent correlation between barrier performance and rheological or microstructural properties of the tested mucomimetic hydrogels. In addition, the permeability of both mucopenetrating and mucoadhesive nanoparticles is assessed, revealing non‐obvious variations in barrier properties such as the relative contributions of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in different models. These results demonstrate the limitations of predicting mucomimetic behavior with common characterization techniques and highlight the importance of testing barrier performance with multiple nanoparticle formulations.
Investigation and In Vitro Studies of a ZrO2/g‐C3N4 Composite Coated on 316L Stainless Steel for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Tharmaraj Manoja , Radhakrishnan Abinaya , Ramani Anuradha , Srinivasan Nagarajan
Published: October 2024

The advancement of smart coatings for bioimplants has yielded a combination of biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. 316L stainless steel (316LSS) is a commonly used commercial implant, but it has limitations in biocompatibility and durability, which hinders the widespread utilization of 316LSS alloys. In this study, the 316LSS alloy is coated with a mixture of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), prepared using the sol–gel method, and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), synthesized by thermal polymerization. XRD and Raman analyses confirmed the crystal structure and purity of the synthesized samples. The corrosion resistance property was assessed using OCP, POL, and PEIS. The findings demonstrate that the ZrO2/g‐C3N4‐coated 316LSS shows significantly enhanced corrosion resistance and biocompatibility in a simulated body fluid. The in vitro bioactivity test reveals that the ZrO2/g‐C3N4 coating leads to the formation of an apatite layer over the surface of 316LSS. The elemental composition of the HAP deposition was confirmed by Raman analysis. The results suggested that the ZrO2/g‐C3N4–coated 316LSS substrate is a promising material for use in biomedical applications.
Ant‐Nest Corrosion in Copper Pipes Triggered by Ethylene Vinyl Acetate‐Based Adhesive
Authors: Cozzarini Luca , Marsich Lucia , Ferluga Alessio
Published: October 2024

Corrosion of condenser circuits in refrigeration systems significantly impacts appliance reliability and longevity. This study investigates an unreported cause linked to changing adhesive materials during copper pipe assembly. Transitioning from a polyethylene‐based adhesive to one containing ethylene vinyl acetate caused unexpected perforation of copper coils within months. We hypothesized that even trace amounts of acetic acid, a byproduct of the latter adhesive, trigger a peculiar localized morphology known as “ant‐nest corrosion.” We propose using ethylene vinyl acetate‐free adhesives to prevent this issue in refrigeration systems.
Colorimetric Oxygen Sensing by Analyzing Chromaticity Points for Polymer Cobalt Schiff Base in CIELAB
Authors: Suzuki Takayuki , Tachibana Yuto , Kamimura Ayane
Published: October 2024

Polymer membranes of a copolymer ligand (L) coordinated to tetra‐coordinated N,N'‐ethylene bis(salicylideneiminato) cobalt(II) at the fifth coordinating site of the center cobalt(II), Co(II)S‐L, are prepared to measure colorimetrically the color changes in response to rapid reversible oxygen binding simultaneously with slow oxidation under moist conditions to yield Co(III)S‐L. The chromaticity point observed in CIELAB is the endpoint of the vector sum of the unit vectors for Co(II)S‐L, O2‐Co(II)S‐L, and Co(III)S‐L, scaled by their respective abundance ratios: (1 − m)(1 − n), m(1 − n), and n, where m is the ratio of O2‐Co(II)S‐L to the sum of Co(II)S‐L and O2‐Co(II)S‐L and n is the ratio of Co(III)S‐L to the total of the three cobalt complexes. The observed limited area in CIELAB as a stoichiometric Euclidean space is supported by the following two different reaction processes of the polymer membranes: an oxygen‐binding reaction under several different partial pressures of oxygen supplied to the membranes in a short period, during which oxidation of the cobalt(II) complexes is negligible, and an oxidation reaction over a long period at a constant partial pressure of oxygen. The chromaticity points in both processes progress linearly in three different two‐dimensional coordinates: a*b*, a*L*, and b*L*.
Mapping individual cortico–basal ganglia–thalamo–cortical circuits integrating structural and functional connectome: implications for upper limb motor impairment poststroke
Authors: Xue Xin , Wu Jia‐Jia , Xing Xiang‐Xin , Ma Jie , Zhang Jun‐Peng , Xiang Yun‐Ting , Zheng Mou‐Xiong , Hua Xu‐Yun , Xu Jian‐Guang
Published: October 2024

This study investigated alterations in functional connectivity (FC) within cortico–basal ganglia–thalamo–cortical (CBTC) circuits and identified critical connections influencing poststroke motor recovery, offering insights into optimizing brain modulation strategies to address the limitations of traditional single‐target stimulation. We delineated individual‐specific parallel loops of CBTC through probabilistic tracking and voxel connectivity profiles‐based segmentation and calculated FC values in poststroke patients and healthy controls, comparing with conventional atlas‐based FC calculation. Support vector machine (SVM) analysis distinguished poststroke patients from controls. Connectome‐based predictive modeling (CPM) used FC values within CBTC circuits to predict upper limb motor function. Poststroke patients exhibited decreased ipsilesional connectivity within the individual‐specific CBTC circuits. SVM analysis achieved 82.8% accuracy, 76.6% sensitivity, and 89.1% specificity using individual‐specific parallel loops. Additionally, CPM featuring positive connections/all connections significantly predicted Fugl‐Meyer assessment of upper extremity scores. There were no significant differences in the group comparisons of conventional atlas‐based FC values, and the FC values resulted in SVM accuracy of 75.0%, sensitivity of 67.2%, and specificity of 82.8%, with no significant CPM capability. Individual‐specific parallel loops show superior predictive power for assessing upper limb motor function in poststroke patients. Precise mapping of the disease‐related circuits is essential for understanding poststroke brain reorganization.
3D B1+ corrected simultaneous myocardial T1 and T1ρ mapping with subject‐specific respiratory motion correction and water‐fat separation
Authors: Qi Haikun , Lv Zhenfeng , Diao Jiameng , Tao Xiaofeng , Hu Junpu , Xu Jian , Botnar René , Prieto Claudia , Hu Peng
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To develop a 3D free‐breathing cardiac multi‐parametric mapping framework that is robust to confounders of respiratory motion, fat, and B1+ inhomogeneities and validate it for joint myocardial T1 and T1ρ mapping at 3T.

Methods

An electrocardiogram‐triggered sequence with dual‐echo Dixon readout was developed, where nine cardiac cycles were repeatedly acquired with inversion recovery and T1ρ preparation pulses for T1 and T1ρ sensitization. A subject‐specific respiratory motion model relating the 1D diaphragmatic navigator to the respiration‐induced 3D translational motion of the heart was constructed followed by respiratory motion binning and intra‐bin 3D translational and inter‐bin non‐rigid motion correction. Spin history B1+ inhomogeneities were corrected with optimized dual flip angle strategy. After water‐fat separation, the water images were matched to the simulated dictionary for T1 and T1ρ quantification. Phantoms and 10 heathy subjects were imaged to validate the proposed technique.

Results

The proposed technique achieved strong correlation (T1: R2 = 0.99; T1ρ: R2 = 0.98) with the reference measurements in phantoms. 3D cardiac T1 and T1ρ maps with spatial resolution of 2 × 2 × 4 mm were obtained with scan time of 5.4 ± 0.5 min, demonstrating comparable T1 (1236 ± 59 ms) and T1ρ (50.2 ± 2.4 ms) measurements to 2D separate breath‐hold mapping techniques. The estimated B1+ maps showed spatial variations across the left ventricle with the septal and inferior regions being 10%–25% lower than the anterior and septal regions.

Conclusion

The proposed technique achieved efficient 3D joint myocardial T1 and T1ρ mapping at 3T with respiratory motion correction, spin history B1+ correction and water‐fat separation.
Efficient Random Field Generation With Rotational Anisotropy for Probabilistic SPH Analysis of Slope Failure
Authors: Bi Zhonghui , Wu Wei , Zhang Liaojun , Peng Chong
Published: October 2024

Due to geological processes such as sedimentation, tectonic movement, and backfilling, natural soil often exhibits characteristics of rotated anisotropy. Recent studies have shown the significant impact of rotated anisotropy on slope stability. However, little research has explored how this rotated anisotropy affects the large deformations occurring after slope failure. Therefore, this study integrates rotated random field theory with smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) to investigate its influence on post‐failure slope behavior. Focusing on a typical slope scenario, this research utilizes graphics processing unit (GPU)–accelerated covariance matrix decomposition (CMD) method to create rotated anisotropy random fields and applies the SPH framework for analysis. It examines the influence of rotated anisotropy angles and the cross‐correlation between cohesion and internal friction angle on landslides. The results indicate that the rotational anisotropy of the slope significantly influences post‐failure behavior. When the rotation angle is close to the slope surface, it tends to amplify both the magnitude and variability of slope failure. Furthermore, the study evaluates the efficiency of generating these random fields and emphasizes the substantial computational speed improvements achieved with GPU acceleration. These findings offer a robust approach for probabilistic analysis of slope large deformations considering rotated anisotropy. They provide a theoretical foundation for accurately assessing the risk of slope collapse, holding significant practical implications for geotechnical engineering.
Evaluation of the Spatial Variability of the Mechanical Properties of Rocks Using Non‐Iterative Green's Function Approach and the FOSM Method
Authors: Mesquita Leonardo C. , Sotelino Elisa D. , Peres Matheus L.
Published: October 2024

The present work proposes a new version of the Green‐FOSM (first‐order second moment) method, which eliminates the iterative calculation process of the original version and, simultaneously, solves the convergence problems related to the mechanical properties of rocks that form the geological formation. In this calculation scheme, the iterative process is eliminated by using a matrix that correlates the nodal displacement vector with the strain vector. Considering the same computational resources, this non‐iterative version of the Green‐FOSM method is up to 200 times faster than the original iterative process. In addition, it allows analyzing problems with more than 10,000 random variables, value that in the original method is less than 3000. To demonstrate its validity, the proposed method is applied to two hypothetical models subjected to different fluid extraction processes. For all the different levels of correlation and spatial variability, the statistical results obtained by the proposed method agree well with the results obtained via Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). The relationship between CPU times demonstrates that the proposed method is at least 50 times faster than MCS. In the end, the non‐iterative Green‐FOSM method is used to obtain the displacement, strain, and stress fields of a geological section constructed from a seismic image of Brazilian pre‐salt oil region. The results found show that, depending on the levels of spatial variability, the analyzed fields can assume values up to 30.6% higher or lower than the values obtained deterministically.
Fourth‐order force‐gradient splitting for linear port‐Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Mönch Marius , Marheineke Nicole
Published: October 2024

The port‐Hamiltonian (pH) approach offers a modeling of dynamic systems with an energy‐conserving and a dissipative part. pH systems are passive. That means no energy can be generated within the system. A passive system cannot store more energy than it receives. The exact solution of the pH system hence fulfills the dissipation inequality. In this paper, we deal with operator splitting that considers the energy‐conserving and dissipative parts separately. We aim at high‐order splitting schemes that preserve the dissipation inequality. Fourth‐order methods for linear pH systems are derived and an extension to sixth‐order methods is discussed.
Quality of life and late therapy effects in pediatric non‐Hodgkin lymphoma survivors: Insights from a single‐institution study
Authors: Ayad Azza , Khedr Reham , Hamoda Asmaa , Elnabarawy Nahla , Rifky Elhamy , Diab Tamer , Desouky Eman El , Lehmann Leslie , Elhaddad Alaa
Published: October 2024

Background and aim

The survival outcomes of pediatric patients with mature B‐non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have improved due to advances in treatment. We aimed to assess the frequency and severity of late effects and their impact on quality of life among pediatric NHL survivors.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with mature B‐NHL at Children's Cancer Hospital of Egypt (CCHE) 57357 from January 2012 through December 2015. Patients received treatment according to the modified LMB 96 protocol. The minimum follow‐up period was 5 years. Assessments for toxicity and quality of life were conducted at regular intervals during and after treatment. Patients were assessed for toxicity including pulmonary dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction, lipid profile abnormalities, endocrine dysfunction (thyroid function, vitamin D levels, growth curves), and cognitive function (intelligence quotient [IQ] level using Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scales—5th Edition, and quality of life (QoL) assessment (PedsQoL).

Results

A total of 273 patients were eligible, and 206 were evaluable. Median age was 5.45 (range: 2.4–18), with a male‐to‐female ratio 4:1. Pulmonary function abnormalities were detected in 119/203 (58.6%); most had mild dysfunction (72/119, 60.5%), while 17% had severe dysfunction. Cardiac toxicity occurred in 10% of the patients (n = 20). IQ testing showed that 52 patients had a low average IQ score, while 151 patients had either average or above average scores. The total mean QoL score was 99 ± 0.058 classified as “satisfactory.” However, significant impairment of the physical domain of quality of life was observed among group C patients compared to A/B (p = .033), older age at diagnosis (p = .042), and those with pulmonary dysfunction (p < .001). Total score of quality of life was significantly impaired among patients with pulmonary dysfunction (p = .009), likewise older age at diagnosis (p = .017) and those with low average IQ scores (p = .033).

Conclusion

Childhood mature B‐NHL survivors are at significant risk for late effects; pulmonary dysfunction and low average IQ that can subsequently impact QoL
Role of Amniotic Fluid Toxicity in the Pathophysiology of Myelomeningocele: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Athiel Yoann , Jouannic Jean‐Marie , Lépine Matthieu , Maillet Corentin , de Saint Denis Timothée , Larghero Jérôme , Guilbaud Lucie
Published: October 2024

Myelomeningocele is a birth defect whose clinical manifestations are due both to incomplete neural tube closure and the progressive destruction of exposed neuroepithelium during pregnancy. Two hypotheses have been formulated to explain the spinal cord damage in utero: mechanical trauma and chemical factors. The objective of this review was to summarize the current insights about the potential role of amniotic fluid in spinal cord damage in myelomeningocele. Numerous histological and clinical data on animals and humans strongly suggest a progressive degeneration of neural tissue including loss of neural cells, astrogliosis, inflammation, and loss of normal architecture. However, few data have been published about the direct toxicity of amniotic fluid in this neural degeneration, including the potentially toxic effect of meconium. Finally, the chemical and cellular modifications of amniotic fluid composition in myelomeningocele could reflect both the process (toxic effect of meconium) and the consequences of neuroepithelium destruction (release of neural cells). Fetal surgery not only stops the leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid but also reduces the toxic effect of amniotic fluid by restoring the intrauterine environment. Identification of amniotic fluid neurotoxic factors could lead to the development of therapeutic agents designed to protect spinal tissue and improve fetal myelomeningocele outcomes.
Effect of β nucleating agent and rotational shear on morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene pipes
Authors: Abudurezhake Aerman , Yang Minghao , Gong Jiawei , Zhong Ganji , Li Zhongming , Fu Qiang , Gao Xueqin
Published: October 2024

Herein, we report a new method of introducing circumferential shear to polypropylene (PP) pipes via a self‐designed rotational shear system (RSS) with the addition of a β‐nucleating agent (TMB‐5). The prepared PP pipes exhibited remarkable enhancement in toughening and tensile strength over conventional PP pipes incorporating 0.025 wt% of the nucleating agent into the sheared sample increased the elongation at break to 243.30%. At 0.05 wt% nucleating agent content, an optimal tensile strength of 40.98 MPa was attained compared to 33.62 MPa for unsheared PP, and the elongation at break also reached 108.09%. In creep tests, the PP pipes prepared with nucleating agents and shear rotation exhibited a minimum displacement of 2.1 mm and the lowest creep rate of 3.23 × 10−5 mm/s. In addition, the samples also showed a high resistance to crack growth compared to conventional PP pipes with a crack initiation time of 24 h and a crack growth rate of 0.08 mm/s.

Highlights

Reinforced and toughened PP pipes were prepared using a rotational shear system.

The shish‐kebab structure and β‐crystals exhibited a synergistic effect.

Both short‐term and long‐term mechanical properties were studied.
Compatibilizing and toughening of the styrene and acrylonitrile copolymer and core‐shell impact modifier obtained by agglomerate technologies
Authors: Song Zirui , Liu Baijun , Zhang Mingyao
Published: October 2024

Particle size distribution and the compatibility of core‐shell impact modifiers play a crucial role in determining the mechanical properties of the resin. This study presents the synthesis of a core‐shell impact modifier, a copolymer of polybutadiene grafted with styrene and acrylonitrile (PBL‐g‐SAN), using emulsion polymerization to enhance the mechanical properties of SAN resin. Polymer agglomeration technologies were employed to increase the particle size of polybutadiene latex, resulting in particles approximately 300 nm in diameter. Moreover, the effects of core‐shell modifiers with different constitutions on the mechanical properties of ABS resin were investigated. By optimizing the grafting polymerization process, improvements in impact strength of ABS resin were observed. When the St/AN ratio of the core‐shell modifier is 75/25, with a core‐shell ratio of 60/40 and MMA content at 2.5%, the impact strength of ABS resin reaches its peak while maintaining high tensile strength. The incorporation of methyl methacrylate improved the dispersion of core‐shell modifiers in SAN resin. Compared to commercial ABS resins with the same SAN and rubber content, the modified resin demonstrated a nearly 20% improvement in impact performance, and significant reductions in both production time and costs due to the polymer agglomeration method.

Highlights

The 300 nm polybutadiene latex was synthesized by polymer agglomeration technology.

The relationship between the composition of these core‐shell modifiers and the mechanical properties of ABS resin was explored.

The ABS resin with impact strength exceeding 20% of commercial material is prepared.
Effect of sawdust fillers loaded on Cucumis sativus fiber‐reinforced polymer composite: a novel composite for lightweight static application
Authors: Raja Thandavamoorthy , Devarajan Yuvarajan
Published: October 2024

This research investigates the impact of sawdust fillers on Cucumis sativus fiber‐reinforced polymer composites through a conventional hand layup process. The objective is to develop a novel material suitable for static applications that is both lightweight and environmentally sustainable. A range of analytical techniques including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis were employed to thoroughly characterize the resulting composite material. By integrating Cucumis sativus fibers and sawdust fillers into a polymer matrix, the study demonstrates the potential to create materials with improved mechanical properties due to addition of sawdust filler, including tensile strength (27.61 MPa), flexural strength (32.84 MPa), impact resistance (14.7 J cm−2) and hardness (42). These enhancements, averaging at 16.2%, are attributed to the addition of sawdust filler, which opens new avenues for environmentally conscious engineering solutions. XRD analysis reveals the composite's crystalline structure, indicating a crystallinity index of 64.5% and the orientation of crystalline planes. FTIR spectroscopy identifies chemical bonding and CO and CO functional groups present in the material with major peaks at 2123 and 2438 cm−1. TGA assesses the composite's thermal stability and decomposition behavior up to 380 °C. Additionally, SEM imaging elucidates the microstructural features and distribution of Cucumis sativus fibers and sawdust fillers within the epoxy matrix, while EDX analysis provides quantitative data on elemental composition. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Shock Waves in Nonlinear Transmission Lines
Authors: Kogan Eugene
Published: October 2024

In the first half of the article, interaction between the small amplitude travelling waves (“sound”) and the shock waves in the transmission line containing both nonlinear capacitors and nonlinear inductors is considered. Herein, the “sound” wave coefficient of reflection from (coefficient of transmission through) the shock wave is calculated. These coefficients are expressed in terms of the speeds of the “sound” waves relative to the shock and the wave impedances. In the second half of the article, the dissipation in the system is explicitly included into consideration, introducing Ohmic resistors shunting the inductors and also in series with the capacitors. This allows us to justify the conditions on the shocks, postulated in the first half of the article. This also allows us to describe the shocks as physical objects of finite width and study their profiles, same as the profiles of the waves closely connected with the shocks—the kinks. The profiles of the latter, and in some particular cases, the profiles of the former are obtained in terms of elementary functions.
Transformation Dynamics of Nanosized Bi Films into Semiconductor Films of Bismuth Oxide in the Cold Plasma Device
Authors: Koç Emrah , Salamov Bahtiyar G. , Mammadov Tofig G. , Lebedeva Nelli N. , Orbukh Vladimir I.
Published: October 2024

This work proposes an original method that reveals the transformation dynamics of nanosized Bi films into semiconductor films of bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and the factors affecting the low‐energy cold plasma on the electro‐optical properties of Bi2O3. In the plasma microreactor with a photosensitive GaAs:Cr electrode, the transformed Bi films 400–1100 nm thick are analyzed by X‐ray diffraction to determine the crystal structure of Bi2O3 and by an electron probe microanalyzer to explore the evolution of the composition. The morphological properties of the Bi films exposed to electron–ion flow are examined by processing the scanning electron microscope images. It is found that as a result of the combined effect of photoactive illumination, charged particles, and active plasma components: 1) an absorption spectrum of a new substance is formed in the range λ = 330–1100 nm; 2) the optical width of the bandgap of the resulting substance is Eg ≈ 3 eV, which satisfactorily coincides with the width of the bandgap of Bi2O3; and 3) to overcome the potential barrier and formation of semiconducting Bi2O3 film energy is required, which is provided by the combined kinetic energy of electrons and negatively charged oxygen ions bombarding on the Bi film.
Exploration of Optical, Structural, and Electrochemical Properties of MnO2/Mn2O3 Nanocomposite as Anode Material for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Srivastava Garima , Ravina  , Kumar Shalendra , Nasit Manas , Dalela Saurabh , Choudhary Banwari Lal , Hashmi Sonia Zeba , Quraishi Abdul Mosawir , Alvi Parvez Ahmad
Published: October 2024

This article reports the synthesis of MnO2/Mn2O3 nanocomposite, which can be used in forming the anode for supercapacitor applications. The MnO2/Mn2O3 nanocomposites are synthesized via the sol–gel route and are characterized in context of structural parameters by X‐ray diffraction technique, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and supercapacitive behavior by cyclic voltammetry (CV) , galvanostatic charging and discharging (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The spinel structure of MnO2/Mn2O3 nanocomposite with space groups Ia3 and I4/m for Mn2O3 and MnO2 nanocomposite is confirmed by the Rietveld refinement, respectively. The FE‐SEM micrographs reveal the nanosphere‐type shape of the MnO2/Mn2O3 nanocomposite. According to outcomes of electrochemical measurements, the nanocomposite exhibits good capacitive behavior in aqueous electrolyte KOH, demonstrating the highest specific capacitance (763 F g−1) at 1 Ag−1 current density from GCD. In CV, it has shown excellent performance with specific capacitance (642.93 F g−1) at 10 mV s−1. Additionally, the prepared nanocomposite‐enhanced electrolyte ion interaction may cause rapid charging and discharging, even at low current densities.
The hectometric modelling challenge: Gaps in the current state of the art and ways forward towards the implementation of 100‐m scale weather and climate models
Authors: Lean Humphrey W. , Theeuwes Natalie E. , Baldauf Michael , Barkmeijer Jan , Bessardon Geoffrey , Blunn Lewis , Bojarova Jelena , Boutle Ian A. , Clark Peter A. , Demuzere Matthias , Dueben Peter , Frogner Inger‐Lise , de Haan Siebren , Harrison Dawn , Heerwaarden Chiel van , Honnert Rachel , Lock Adrian , Marsigli Chiara , Masson Valéry , Mccabe Anne , Reeuwijk Maarten van , Roberts Nigel , Siebesma Pier , Smolíková Petra , Yang Xiaohua
Published: October 2024

For a number of years research has been carried out in several centres which has demonstrated the potential benefits of 100‐m scale models for a range of meteorological phenomena. More recently, some meteorological services have started to consider seriously the operational implementation of practical hectometric models. Many, but by no means all, of the applications are likely to relate to urban areas, where the enhanced resolution has obvious benefits. This article is concerned with the issues that need to be addressed to bridge the gap between research at 100‐m scales and practical models. We highlight a number of key issues that need to be addressed, with suggestions of important avenues for future development. An overarching issue is the high computational cost of these models. Although some ideas to reduce this are presented, it will always be a serious constraint. This means that the benefits of these models over lower resolution ones, or other techniques for generating high‐resolution forecasts, will need to be clearly understood, as will the trade‐offs with resolution. We discuss issues with model dynamical cores and physics–dynamics coupling. There are a number of challenges around model parameterisations, where some of the traditional problems (e.g., convection) become easier but a number of new challenges (e.g., around surface parameterisations) appear. Observational data at these scales present a challenge and novel types of observations will need to be considered. Data assimilation will be needed for short‐range forecasts, but there is currently little knowledge of this, although some of the likely issues are clear. An ensemble approach will be essential in many cases (e.g., convection), but research is needed into ensembles at these scales and significant work on post‐processing systems is required to make the best use of models at these grid lengths.
Study of the Torquoselectivity of a Set of Unusual Ring‐Opening Electrocyclic Reactions: Determination of the Electronic Bonding Structure Through the Methodologies of Natural Bond Orbital Analysis and Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules, and Analysis of the Electronic Reaction Mechanism Through Bond Reactivity Descriptors
Authors: Sánchez‐Márquez Jesús , Morales‐Bayuelo Alejandro
Published: October 2024

In this work, we have studied the torquoselectivity of a set of unusual ring‐opening electrocyclic reactions that have not been successfully rationalized using models based on orbital symmetry nor have they been explained by steric hindrance. Firstly, the corresponding transition states have been obtained, and it has been verified that the intrinsic reaction coordinates associated with these transition states are consistent with the reactants and products of the reactions studied. This has allowed us to theoretically calculate the reaction barriers (with their corresponding thermal corrections) and compare them with the corresponding experimental values. In a second step, we have analyzed the electronic bonding structure using the methodologies of Natural Bond Orbital Analysis and Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules, searching for interactions that may significantly stabilize the transition states. Finally, we have analyzed the reactivity using a recent model that has allowed us to calculate the corresponding bond reactivity descriptors.
Multiplayer hierarchical decision‐making for discrete‐time nonlinear networks of service via value iteration adaptive dynamic programming
Authors: Cai Xinjiang , Gao Qing , Liu Hao , Lü Jinhu , Basin Michael V.
Published: October 2024

In this article, the multiplayer hierarchical decision‐making problem for discrete‐time nonlinear networks of service is studied from the perspective of Nash–Stackelberg–Nash games. A novel two‐level value iteration adaptive dynamic programming algorithm is developed to solve the coupled nonlinear Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations associated with the game problem, which neither requires the system drift dynamics to be known as a priori nor requests the initial strategies to be admissible. Moreover, both the value function sequences and the strategy sequences generated by the algorithm converge to their theoretical optimality. An implementation framework for the algorithm is constructed by leveraging the regularized least‐squares method, and a convergence criterion that guarantees the admissibility of the approximated strategies is also proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and implementation framework are finally demonstrated through two numerical simulation examples.