bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyaniline Films Fabricated by Pre‐Nucleation Electrodeposition Method with High Electrochemical Activity: Parameter Optimization and Analysis
Authors: Wang Tianxu , Wang Lei , Chen Yuanze , Zhu Lijie , Yang Mingqing , Zhang Shiyu , Niu Chunhui , Lv Yong
Published: September 2023

Electrochromic polyaniline (PANI) films with high electrochemical performance have been intensively pursued for their potential applications in various fields. Here, the growth process of the PANI films synthesized by the pre‐nucleation electrodeposition method is analyzed and the optimal parameters with highest electrochemical activity are obtained. The PANI film fabricated under high current density of 10 mA cm−2 and impact time of 0.2 s shows the best electrochemical performance. It has a maximum active charge of 22.3 mC cm−2. The optimum electrochemical performance is attributed to the loose and porous structure. The PANI films fabricated under the optimal parameters also show the flattest structure and the smooth surface. It concludes a universal evaluation basis of the optimal conditions for the pre‐nucleation method. That is, in the nucleation stage, the potential curve shall peak rapidly and then fall slowly to the valley without any upward growth; when entering into the low current density growth stage, the potential shall fall rapidly to a certain value and grow at that potential smoothly. This work evokes a deeper understanding and controlling of the growth process of polymers.
Clinical application of targeted long read sequencing in prenatal beta‐thalassemia testing and genetic counseling
Authors: Chin Hui‐Lin , Benton Miles C. , Yang Lin , Poon Kok Siong , Tan Karen M. L. , Jamuar Saumya S. , Foo Roger , Law Hai Yang , Goh Denise Li‐Meng , Chong Samuel S. , de Sessions Paola Florez
Published: September 2023

Background

Beta thalassemia, related to HBB mutation and associated with elevated hemoglobin A2 (HbA2), is an important genetic hemoglobinopathy with high incidences of disease and carrier rates in Singapore. Carrier screening is essential to facilitate prenatal counseling and testing. However, when individuals with elevated HbA2 do not have an identifiable HBB disease‐associated variant, there is ambiguity on risk to their offspring.

Methods

We describe a case report of a proband with elevated HbA2, no identifiable HBB disease‐associated variant, whose partner was a beta thalassemia carrier. Through clinical HBB gene sequencing, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis, as well as targeted Nanopore long read sequencing of selected genes, we performed a complete analysis of HBB including the promoter region, 5′UTR and coding gene sequence, as well as evaluation for potential modifier variants and other rare structural variants.

Results

This process identified that the proband was heterozygous for KLF1:c.544T>C (p.Phe182Leu), a potential functional polymorphism previously known to be associated with benign elevated HbA2 levels. The presence of disease variants in the HBB locus was excluded.

Conclusion

This finding provided clarity and enabled family planning for the proband and her family.
Challenges encountered by nonprofit employees during the COVID‐19 crisis: A mirror reflecting nonprofit leaders' performance
Authors: Kwan Chi Kin , Ling Henry Wai Hang , Shum Michelle Hei Yan , Wong Keith Tsz Wai
Published: September 2023

Nonprofit organizations faced enormous challenges in maintaining service operations and fulfilling their responsibilities to their communities during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Good leadership is key to ensuring effective responses and the survival of nonprofits during a crisis. Leaders must maintain the commitment, passion, and dedication of their teams even during uncertain and difficult times. Hence, this study explored the performance of nonprofit leaders during the COVID‐19 pandemic by focusing on the difficulties encountered by their frontline staff. In a qualitative paradigm, three focus group sessions were conducted with 23 social workers from child and youth, family, and elderly care services in Hong Kong. We generated four major themes related to the expectations of nonprofit employees on their leaders: (a) visionary direction, (b) compassionate respect and communication, (c) timely support and guidance, and (d) trustworthy relationship. Our findings revealed the frustration experienced by nonprofit employees and have significant implications for their leaders. Specifically, nonprofit employees expected to receive more guidance, protection, and understanding from their leaders. Using the transformational leadership model as a reference, this study provides suggestions on how nonprofit organizations can effectively address the concerns of their employees during a crisis.
Elliptic operators with discontinuous coefficients in meshfree GFDM
Authors: Kraus Heinrich , Kuhnert Jörg , Meister Andreas , Suchde Pratik
Published: September 2023

In phase change simulations, material properties such as density, viscosity, or thermal conductivity may exhibit jump discontinuities, possibly of several orders of magnitude. These jump discontinuities represent interfaces between the phases, and they emerge naturally during the simulation; thus, their exact location is generally unknown a priori. Our goal is to simulate phase change processes with a meshfree generalized finite difference method in a monolithic model without distinguishing between the different phases. There, the material properties mentioned above appear as coefficients inside elliptic operators in divergence form and the jumps must be treated adequately by the numerical method. We present a numerical method for discretizing elliptic operators with discontinuous coefficients without the need for a domain decomposition or tracking of interfaces. Our method facilitates the construction of diagonally dominant diffusion operators that lead to M‐matrices for the discrete Poisson's equation, and thus, satisfy the discrete maximum principle. We demonstrate the applicability of the new method for the case of smooth diffusivity and discontinuous diffusivity. We show that the method is first‐order accurate for discontinuous diffusion problems and provides second‐order and fourth‐order convergence for continuous diffusion coefficients.
The proximal map of the weighted mean absolute error
Authors: Baumgärtner Lukas , Herzog Roland , Schmidt Stephan , Weiß Manuel
Published: September 2023

We investigate the proximal map for the weighted mean absolute error function. An algorithm for its efficient and vectorized evaluation is presented. As a demonstration, this algorithm is applied to a nonsmooth energy minimization problem.
Numerical 3D‐bifurcation analysis of star‐shaped crack patterns using the energy method
Authors: Jesch‐Weigel Nico , Hofmann Martin , Wallmersperger Thomas
Published: September 2023

The present research deals with a three‐dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method (FEM) bifurcation analysis based on the global mechanical potential that can be used to find the parameters at which a crack pattern changes. In our case we want to analyze at which point the star‐shaped shrinkage cracks in an aqueous colloidal suspension filled in a glass cylinder change from four to three or two cracks growing. The driving force for the crack growth is shrinkage caused by diffusion controlled drying. The 3D crack front geometry is described efficiently by using a Fourier series approach. Based on steady‐state crack growth, the Fourier coefficients are determined in a first step using an optimization algorithm. As a result, the time dependent crack growth can be determined. In a second step, the bifurcation point is determined by an eigenvalue analysis of the second order derivatives of the potential energy of the system. If the lowest eigenvalue reaches zero the fundamental solution becomes unstable and a transition will occur. Our analysis shows that the transition from four to two cracks is preferred over the transition from four to three cracks.
Designing and validating novel communication measures for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult oncology care and research: The PedCOM measures
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Newman Amy R. , Chen Dandan , Mack Jennifer W. , Reeve Bryce B.
Published: September 2023

Background

High‐quality communication in pediatric and adolescent cancer is the standard of care. Yet, we lack pediatric‐specific communication measures. We designed self‐report and caregiver‐report communication measures for use in pediatric oncology settings.

Methods

We recruited adolescent and young adults (AYAs; 12–24 years) with cancer and parents of children and AYAs between 1 month post‐diagnosis and 2 months after completing treatment. Participants completed measures including 58 questions addressing eight previously characterized communication functions. For each function, we conducted factor analysis, and assessed reliability and construct validity. Based on psychometric properties, we created final long‐form (31 items) and short‐form (eight items) communication measures (PedCOM) for both self‐ and caregiver‐report.

Results

Participants included 200 parents and 88 AYAs. The final 31‐item and eight‐item PedCOM measures for parents and AYAs demonstrated good unidimensional model fit. Each communication function (e.g., building relationships) demonstrated high reliability, coefficient alphas ranged from .83 to .93 for parents and .85 to .93 for AYAs. The overall 31‐item and eight‐item PedCOM measures also demonstrated high reliability (alphas >.9). For construct validity, PedCOM‐Parent‐31 and PedCOM‐Parent‐8 correlated positively with satisfaction with care, trust, emotional self‐management, and decisional satisfaction, and negatively with anxiety and caregiver burden. PedCOM‐AYA‐31 and PedCOM‐AYA‐8 correlated positively with satisfaction with care, trust, emotional self‐management, symptoms self‐management, and decisional satisfaction, and negatively with anxiety.

Discussion

We developed valid and reliable measures of communication functions for parents and AYAs with cancer. These measures can support organizations and stakeholder groups that are striving to improve the quality of cancer care.
Improving electrolyte performance: Nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte films with cobalt oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Jayalakshmi K. , Ismayil  , Hegde Shreedatta , Sanjeev Ganesh , Murari M. S.
Published: September 2023

The present work gives an insight into the structural, thermal, and electrical analysis of novel nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte films prepared using the solution casting technique by incorporating cobalt oxide nanoparticles into methyl cellulose‐magnesium acetate polymer electrolyte matrix. The impact of ceramic oxide on the complexation of the salt with the polymer chain is evident from FTIR analysis. The crystallinity of the electrolyte systems decreases upon the incorporation of nanofiller into the matrix. Electrochemical Impedance Analysis of the samples shows enhancement in the conductivity of the electrolytes. Nanocomposite electrolyte systems with 2 wt% (5.93 × 10−4 S/cm) and 3 wt% (5.77 × 10−4 S/cm) of cobalt oxide exhibit maximum room temperature ionic conductivity compared to other electrolyte systems. DSC thermogram reveals the creation of free volume in the matrix with the incorporation of the filler. A primary battery is fabricated using the nanocomposite electrolyte system with 3 wt% of the nanofiller, and its open circuit potential and discharge characteristics have been analyzed.

Highlights

Novel nanocomposite SPEs with cobalt oxide were prepared via solution casting.

FTIR and XRD studies revealed modification in the microstructure.

Cobalt oxide incorporation enhanced ionic conductivity of SPE.

A primary battery fabricated using the highest conducting SPE.
Anticoagulant drug–drug interactions with cannabinoids: A systematic review
Authors: Smythe Maureen A. , Wu Wendy , Garwood Candice L.
Published: September 2023

This systematic review evaluates the extent to which the effect of anticoagulants may be altered in the presence of cannabinoids. The following databases were searched: EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PscycINFO, and CINAHL from database inception through May 2023. Search terms included cannabis AND anticoagulant AND drug interactions and related keywords. The major outcome was hemorrhage or thrombosis and if available the relative change in quantitative intensity of anticoagulation after cannabinoid exposure. The search generated 959 citations. After the removal of 440 duplicates, 519 citations were screened. Overall, with the exception of warfarin, evidence supporting an interaction between cannabinoids and anticoagulants is non‐existent. Seven case reports evaluating an interaction with warfarin were reported. Cannabis doses involved were either extremely high (e.g., >260 mg/day of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabidiol [THC] or >600 mg/day of cannabidiol [CBD]) or were not known. Hemorrhage was identified in 14.2% (1/7) of reports and thrombosis in 0%. Quantitative anticoagulation levels were increased in patients on warfarin (elevated International Normalized Ratio [INR]) in six of seven cases. A maximum INR change was available in five of seven reports, ranging from +0.4 to +9.61. One report found no change in INR after 4 days of medical cannabis exposure. Another report outlined two separate episodes of INR elevation associated with bleeding requiring hospitalization and reversal after marijuana smoking. Four cases involved reduction in weekly warfarin dose ranging from 22% to 31%. The Drug Information Probability Score was calculated in six cases, with a score of probable for five cases and possible for one. Very low‐quality data support a potential drug–drug interaction with warfarin and both THC and CBD. Clinician recognition of this potential interaction is important. Available evidence supports the need to conduct a drug interaction study between cannabinoids and warfarin to clarify the existence of an interaction.
High strength, high stiffness and toughness, defect‐tolerant waterborne polyurethane with healing and antibacterial abilities
Authors: Li Shanshan , Lin Xinghuan , Gong Shuling
Published: September 2023

The nature creates many biomaterials such as spider silk which exhibits a combination of stiffness, strength and toughness. However, most of synthetic unfilled materials suffer from a trade‐off between toughness and stiffness. Inspired by the structure of spider silk but beyond it, we proposed a novel molecular design to achieve transparent unfilled waterborne polyurethane (WPU) with simultaneously enhanced stiffness (280.9 MPa), tensile strength (25.1 MPa) and toughness (140.0 MJ/m3) as well as good elasticity (710%). The designed WPU comprised homogeneous continuous phase (soft segments) and diverse H‐bonds (hard segments) dispersed in it. The increase of rigid molecular chain content and H‐bonds contributed to the high stiffness of WPU. Furthermore, the mismatch of stiffness between hard domains and soft segments might promote crack deflection and branching, which endowed the robust WPU with fracture energy of 81.16 kJ/m2. The robust WPU film could be healed to recover most of its original mechanical properties (strength for 24.4 MPa and elongation for 610%) under heating. In addition, the WPU films demonstrated good antibacterial performance against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli after chlorination.
Matrix Models and Non‐Abelian T Dual of AdS5×S5$AdS_5 \times S^5$
Authors: Roychowdhury Dibakar
Published: September 2023

Euclidean Wilson loops for BMN Plane Wave Matrix Models is computed. The stringy counterpart of these Wilson loops corresponds to various semi‐classical open string embedding that probe a class of half BPS geometries in Type IIA supergravity. These geometries fall under the general category of Lin‐Lunin and Maldacena (LLM). As a special class of solutions within the LLM category, Wilson operators corresponding to the non‐Abelian T dual (NATD) of is constructed. The analysis shows close agreement between matrix model and string theory calculations.
Functional diversity of voltage‐gated sodium channel in Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura)
Authors: Yuan Linlin , Zhang Kun , Wang Zhenglei , Xian Limin , Liu Kaiyang , Wu Shaoying
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

The larvae of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura feed directly inside the fruit, causing catastrophic damage to orchards. The misuse of pyrethroid insecticides during the control period has led to increasing resistance of D. suzukii to pyrethroids acting on the voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC).

RESULTS

In this study, the sodium channel of D. suzukii was cloned (DsNav5 GenBank number: OQ871532). The results of multiple‐sequence alignment showed that the homology of sodium channel between D. suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster was as high as 95.3%. Analysis of transcripts from 62 variants of D. suzukii VGSC revealed a total of six alternative splicing sites (exons u, j, a, b, e, and h) and 33 RNA editing. Exons j, a, b, e, and h are conserved in D. melanogaster and other insects, whereas exon u has never been reported before. The number of A‐to‐I was distinctly more than that of U‐to‐C for RNA editing. All D. suzukii VGSC variants were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, but only one (type 5) was able to produce robust currents and nine produce weak currents. DsNav5 with TipE of D. melanogaster co‐expresses current better than its own TipE. Subsequently, tetrodotoxin was verified to be a blocker of VGSC, and the gating properties of DsNav5 were investigated.

CONCLUSION

These findings proved that the VGSC of D. suzukii has not only the basic gating properties, but also the diversity of gating properties. This study also laid a foundation for the study of pyrethroid resistance mechanism of VGSC in D. suzukii. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Serratia marcescens induces apoptosis in Diaphorina citri gut cells via reactive oxygen species‐mediated oxidative stress
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhao Chongfei , Zheng Rongkun , Duan Shuo , Lu Zhanjun , Zhang Zhixiang , Yi Long , Zhang Ning
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is a notorious pest in the citrus industry because it transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes an uncurable, devastating disease in citrus worldwide. Serratia marcescens is widely distributed in various environments that exhibits toxic effects to many insects. To develop strategies for enhancing the efficiency of pathogen‐induced host mortality, a better understanding of the toxicity mechanism of Serratia marcescens on Diaphorina citri is critical.

RESULTS

Serratia marcescens KH‐001 successfully colonized Diaphorina citri gut by feeding artificial diets, resulting in the damage of cells including nucleus, mitochondria, vesicles, and microvilli. Oral ingestion of Serratia marcescens KH‐001 strongly induced apoptosis in gut cells by enhancing levels of Cyt c, p53 and caspase‐1 and decreasing levels of inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) and Bax inhibitor‐1 (BI‐1). The expression of dual oxidase (Duox) and nitric oxide synthase (Nos) was up‐regulated by Serratia marcescens KH‐001, which increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in the gut. Injection of abdomen of Diaphorina citri with H2O2 accelerated the death of the adults and induced apoptosis in the gut cells by activating Cyt c, p53 and caspase‐1 and suppressing IAP and BI‐1. Pretreatment of infected Diaphorina citri with vitamin c (Vc) increased the adult survival and diminished the apoptosis‐inducing effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The colonization of Serratia marcescens KH‐001 in the guts of Diaphorina citri increased H2O2 accumulation, leading to severe changes and apoptosis in intestinal cells, which enhanced a higher mortality level of D. citr. This study identifies the underlying virulence mechanism of Serratia marcescens KH‐001 on Diaphorina citri that contributes to a widespread application in the integrated management of citrus psyllid. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pseudo‐Vertical Schottky Diode with Ruthenium Contacts on (113) Boron‐Doped Homoepitaxial Diamond Layers
Authors: Hazdra Pavel , Laposa Alexandr , Šobáň Zbyněk , Kroutil Jiří , Lambert Nicolas , Povolný Vojtěch , Taylor Andrew , Mortet Vincent
Published: September 2023

Electrical properties of pseudo‐vertical Schottky barrier diodes (pVSBDs) prepared on (113)–oriented boron‐doped diamond (BDD) layers using ruthenium (Ru) for both the ohmic and Schottky contacts are investigated. First, Ru ohmic contacts are evaporated on homoepitaxial BDD layers with different resistivity, and their specific contact resistance is measured using circular transfer length method structures after annealing at various temperatures up to 750 °C. Then, pVSBD structures are fabricated on the boron‐doped bilayer consisting of a lower, heavily boron‐doped layer ensuring an ohmic contact and an upper, lightly doped layer providing a rectifying Schottky contact. After necessary mesa etching, both contacts are formed by the Ru evaporation. The results show that Ru forms a stable ohmic contact with very low contact resistance (10−5–10−6 Ω cm2) when deposited on BDD layers with metallic conductivity. It also provides an acceptable Schottky contact on low‐doped (113) homoepitaxial BDD. Both contacts, which are made simultaneously, realize pVSBDs with low on‐state resistance and low forward voltage drop. However, the lower barrier of the ruthenium contacts results in higher leakage. Ru pVSBDs thus show a lower rectification ratio, higher leakage, and a worse ideality factor compared to analogical pVSBDs using molybdenum contacts.
Defect‐Adjusted Valley Edge States and Rainbow Trapping of Elastic Waves in 2D Topological Phononic Crystals
Authors: Fu Chun-Ming , Yao Long-Chao , Huo Shao-Yong , Li Hong-Kang
Published: September 2023

Topological phononic crystals (PnCs) with topologically protected boundary states have important applications in the fields of acoustic wave transmission and control. However, previous studies based on solid‐state PnC systems are mostly limited by fixed structures, resulting in the difficulty to deform the edge states, which partly limits its practical applications. Herein, a 2D solid topological PnC coupled with the defect is designed to achieve the adjustable valley edge state and rainbow trapping. First, by breaking the spatial inversion symmetry, the valley Hall phase transition of elastic wave is realized and valley edge states are obtained. Next, by introducing defects of different widths between the two different valleys’ topological PnCs, both the defect‐adjusted valley edge state and defect state are achieved. Then, by designing different topological PnCs waveguides, the robust transport characteristics of the two above states are compared. Subsequently, a new power divider based on the defect‐adjusted valley edge state is designed, which is found to possess various manners of operation such as equal and unequal power divisions. Finally, based on defect adjustment of the edge states, a rainbow trapping is implemented. This research provides an important guidance for ultrasonic devices, such as waveguides, energy harvesters, and power dividers.
Direct assimilation of AVHRR satellite radiance measurements in a reanalysis system
Authors: Chattopadhyay Mohar , Akella Santha , Kim Jong , Bloecker Christine
Published: September 2023

The Advanced Very‐High‐Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) is a broad‐band, five‐channel scanner sensing in the visible, near‐infrared and thermal infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. AVHRR instruments onboard polar‐orbiting satellites have data records spanning 30 years. The radiances from the infrared channels of AVHRR have been directly assimilated over the ice‐free ocean in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) since 2017 to constrain skin sea surface temperature (SST). The GEOS system already uses an advanced bulk SST and a skin SST model which incorporates diurnal warming and cool‐skin temperature on the surface of the ocean. The positive contribution of this effort to the Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) makes it desirable to extend the skin SST data assimilation procedure to reanalysis applications. The AVHRR data from platforms that were previously unexplored for NWP applications are assimilated at the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) at NASA, for an upcoming reanalysis project. This study uses results from reanalysis experiments to assess the impact of assimilating AVHRR radiances over open ocean on the atmospheric state variables, focusing on the analyzed skin temperatures that include the active skin SST model. It is demonstrated that including the skin temperature variations in atmospheric analysis is generally beneficial. The addition of radiance measurements from AVHRR provides further improvements to the overall reanalysis system performance. by helping to correct the diurnal heating and reducing errors in the background departure of hyperspectral radiance observations, which are an essential component of atmospheric reanalyses.
Accuracy of expectation values of one‐electron operators obtained from Hartree–Fock wavefunctions expanded using Lambda functions
Authors: Hatano Yasuyo , Yamamoto Shigeyoshi , Tatewaki Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

The accuracy of the expectation values () of one‐electron operators is examined using Hartree–Fock wavefunctions expanded using functions. In this expansion, 150 terms, then 149, 148, and 147 terms are used for the s‐, p‐, d‐, and f‐symmetries, respectively. The systems investigated are He–Ne and the Group 18 atoms of Ar–Og. The one‐electron properties investigated are the cusp condition (CC), the electron density at the nucleus (), and (). Convergence of is examined by increasing the number of expansion terms () up to the given limit (150). The number of significant figures (SF) of is counted by comparing the calculated value at =150 () with the extrapolated value . For He, the SF of CC is found to be 26. For the atoms under consideration, the SF of CC is approximately half that of the total energy (TE). The SFs of expectation values of the other properties are also smaller than for the TE.
Tunnel‐Coupled Optical Microtraps for Ultracold Atoms
Authors: Zhu Shangguo , Long Yun , Gou Wei , Pu Mingbo , Luo Xiangang
Published: September 2023

Arrays of individual atoms trapped in optical microtraps with micrometer‐scale sizes have emerged as a fundamental, versatile, and powerful platform for quantum sciences and technologies. This platform enables the bottom‐up engineering of quantum systems, offering the capability of low‐entropy preparation of quantum states with flexible geometry, as well as manipulation and detection at the single‐site level. The utilization of ultracold itinerant atoms with tunnel coupling in optical microtraps provides new opportunities for quantum simulation, enabling the exploration of exotic quantum states, phases, and dynamics, which would otherwise be challenging to achieve in conventional optical lattices due to high entropy and limited geometric flexibility. Here, the development of tunnel‐coupled optical microtraps for the manipulation of ultracold atomic quantum systems and its recent advances are briefly reviewed.
The effectiveness of controlled ovarian stimulation with tamoxifen for patients with estrogen‐sensitive breast cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yoshida Tsukasa , Takahashi Osamu , Suzuki Yoko , Ota Erika , Hirata Tetsuya
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Tamoxifen is used for the suppression of estrogen‐sensitive tumor recurrence in oocyte retrieval cycles. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the quality of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) with co‐administration of gonadotropins and tamoxifen (COS with tamoxifen).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles on October 30, 2022. The authors included studies comparing COS with tamoxifen and COS with gonadotropins and letrozole (COS with letrozole) or gonadotropin only (COS with gonadotropin only) for fertility preservation in patients with breast cancer. The main outcome measures were the COS quality, total number of retrieved oocytes (TOR), total number of mature oocytes (TMO), and peak estradiol levels (PEL).

Results

Four studies (348 patients, two randomized controlled trials, and two cohort studies) were included in our meta‐analysis. There was no significant difference in TOR (95% CI, [−3.84, 2.90]) and TMO (95% CI, [−2.20, 2.64]) between COS with tamoxifen and COS with letrozole. There was also no difference in TOR (95% CI, [−6.14, 1.86]) between COS with tamoxifen and COS with gonadotropin only. Statistically significant decrease was observed in PEL during COS with letrozole compared with tamoxifen (95% CI, [1414.4, 4953.7]).

Conclusions

The quality did not differ between COS with tamoxifen and COS with letrozole or gonadotropin only.
Firm Photovoltaic Power Generation: Overview and Economic Outlook
Authors: Remund Jan , Perez Richard , Perez Marc , Pierro Marco , Yang Dazhi
Published: September 2023

Grid‐connected photovoltaic electricity production steadily grows at the margin of conventional power generation, but its management becomes more complex. To overcome this challenge, a transformation of variable renewable energy (VRE) resources into firm power generation is proposed. Drawing on insights from the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power System Task 16 case studies, it becomes evident that achieving nearly 100% VRE power grids that reliably meet demand year‐round can be economically viable through optimal VRE transformation. This transformation involves various traditional methods, e.g., storage, VRE blending, geographical dispersion, and load flexibility. However, overbuilding VRE capacity and controlled curtailment, acting as implicit energy storage, are now seen as essential prerequisites for this transformation. Nevertheless, aligning this vision with the current market rules poses a dilemma as it doesn't necessarily align with VRE producers’ interests. This predicament calls for a reconsideration of VRE market regulations. Current designs based on marginal energy production signals do not suffice. Instead, it is advocated for market rules grounded in the capacity of firmly enabled VREs rather than their energy output. Ultimately, the economic model should harmonize with the variability of VRE resources, rather than forcing VRE resources to adapt to existing market structures.
Nitrogen Effects on Microstructural Evolution, Fracture Behavior of Cr–Mo–V Hot‐Working Die Steel during High‐Temperature Deformation at 700 °C
Authors: Gu Jinbo , Chi Hongxiao , Zhou Jian , Fan Yi , Ma Dangshen
Published: September 2023

Herein, nitrogen effects on microstructural evolution, fracture behavior of Cr–Mo–V hot‐working die steel during high‐temperature deformation at 700 °C are systematically investigated. The results reveal that increasing N/C ratio can enhance the amounts and stability of undissolved V(C, N) and enable austenitizing temperature of steel increase from 1030 to 1080–1100 °C. Adding both nitrogen and nitrogen‐substituted carbon can increase the ultimate tensile strength at 700 °C from 380 to 480–490 MPa, but has the inverse effect on resistance to crack initiation. Nitrogen addition promotes the M23C6 nucleation locating on the boundary and decreases resistance to crack initiation. The mechanisms of nitrogen‐substituted carbon contributing to the improvement of resistance to crack initiation and high‐temperature strength can be ascribed to several reasons. First, allowed higher austenitizing temperatures and lower carbides coarsening rates delay matrix recovery and voids formation, ensuring grain boundary strength. Next, the amounts and coarsening rate of undesirable M23C6 located on the grain boundaries are effectively decreased, reducing the crack initiation. Then, increasing desirable V(C, N) can act as strong obstacles to the crack propagation. These results contribute to the further interpretation of nitrogen mechanisms in steels worked at high temperature.
Reconciling zoogeography and genetics: Origins of deepwater Cisco Coregonus artedi (sensu lato) in the Great Lakes
Authors: Eshenroder Randy L. , Breckenridge Andy J. , Jacobson Peter C.
Published: September 2023

Objective

We propose that deepwater Cisco Coregonus artedi (sensu lato) survived Wisconsin ice advances through introgression with shallow-water Cisco ~65 ka followed by expression of introgressed genomic fragments after the last retreat of ice from the Great Lakes ~15 ka.

Methods

We reviewed Wisconsin Glaciation in relation to putative introgression within Cisco and employed a phylogeographic approach to substantiate locations of Cisco refugia and the implications for dispersal of Cisco ahead of the last advance of Wisconsin ice.

Result

We showed that deepwater Cisco, in contrast to shallow-water Cisco, were very unlikely to have survived glacial advances and that a massive introgression event between both types likely occurred as the first of two Wisconsin ice advances reached the Great Lakes ~65 ka.

Conclusion

The most-parsimonious explanation for the distribution of deepwater Cisco involves long-ago introgression as a precursor to its divergence from shallow-water Cisco following the final retreat of Wisconsin ice.
Protect personal, institutional data from cyberattacks
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2023

BOSTON — If your institution falls prey to a cybersecurity attack, it risks not only potential reputational damage and financial loss but also lawsuits claiming breach‐of‐contract or failure to comply with privacy policies/laws.
Rhodanine‐chitosan hydrogel as a novel antioxidant for acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Zidan T. A.
Published: September 2023

Rhodanine‐chitosan (RC) hydrogel is examined as a novel antioxidant for acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR) composites. RC is added to NBR with different proportions (1, 2 phr) and compared to the commercial 2,2,4‐trimethyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline polymer (TMQ) antioxidant. Physico‐mechanical properties including tensile strength, elongation, and modulus are also studied. It is found that NBR composite containing 2 phr of RC has the most favorable mechanical properties. The formed composites were subjected to thermo‐oxidative aging at 90°C for 1, 3, and 5 days. It is noticed that NBR composite containing 2 phr of RC is the most resistant to aging. Swelling properties and crosslink density are also determined. Composite containing 2 phr of RC has also higher crosslink density than the other prepared composites. The formed NBR composites containing both TMQ and RC are characterized by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The effect of aging on chemical structure of the composite and on surface morphology are also studied. It is found that the chemical structure of the composites containing 2 phr of RC is not affected by aging.

Highlights

Rhodanine‐chitosan (RC) is assessed as a new antioxidant for acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR).

RC is incorporated into NBR at two different concentrations: 1 and 2 phr.

Mechanical, thermo‐oxidative aging, and swelling properties are evaluated.

Thermal stability, Fourier transforms infrared and field emission scanning electron microscope are studied.

Vulcanizates with 2 phr of RC show the most superior properties.
A Hermitian Cn finite cylindrical layer method for 3D size‐dependent buckling and free vibration analyses of simply supported FG piezoelectric cylindrical sandwich microshells subjected to axial compression and electric voltages
Authors: Wu Chih‐Ping , Hsu Hao‐Ting
Published: September 2023

Within the framework of the consistent couple stress theory (CCST), we develop a Hermitian Cn (n = 1, 2) finite cylindrical layer method (FCLM) for carrying out the three‐dimensional (3D) analysis of the size‐dependent buckling and free vibration behaviors of simply supported, functionally graded (FG) piezoelectric cylindrical sandwich microshells. The microshells of interest are placed under closed‐circuit surface conditions and subjected to axial compression and electric voltages. We derive a 3D weak formulation based on Hamilton's principle for this study. In the resulting formulation, the microshell is artificially divided into nl microlayers, with the elastic displacement components and the electric potential selected as the primary variables. By incorporating a layer‐wise kinematic model into our weak formulation, we develop a Hermitian Cn FCLM, which can be used for analyzing FG piezoelectric cylindrical sandwich microshells. Each primary variable is expanded as a double Fourier series in the in‐surface domain and is interpolated in the thickness direction using Hermitian Cn polynomials. The accuracy and the convergence rate of our Hermitian Cn FCLMs are validated by comparing the solutions they produce for FG piezoelectric cylindrical macroshells and FG elastic cylindrical microshells with the relevant exact and approximate 3D solutions which have been reported in the literature. The material length scale parameter of our FCLMs is set at zero in the comparison made with the FG piezoelectric macroshells. In contrast, the piezoelectric and flexoelectric effects are ignored in the comparison made with the FG elastic microshells. The impact of some essential factors on the critical load, critical voltage, and natural frequency of simply supported FG piezoelectric cylindrical sandwich microshells is assessed. The important factors are identified as piezoelectricity, flexoelectricity, the material length scale parameter, the inhomogeneity index, the radius‐to‐thickness ratio, the length‐to‐radius ratio, and the magnitude of the applied voltage and the applied load.
History of Radiation Biology
Authors: Kardamakis Dimitrios , Baatout Sarah , Bourguignon Michel , Foray Nicolas , Socol Yehoshua
Published: September 2023

At the end of the nineteenth century, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays and Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity. In the early years after that, there was a lot of misunderstanding regarding the effects of ionizing radiation and its practical applications. Medical employment of ionizing radiation began immediately after the discovery of X-rays. However, until World War Two, radioactive substances were widely used and misused. Until the early 1960s, ionizing radiation was commonly used for treatment of various diseases. Since then, however, radiation therapy has been confined nearly exclusively to cancer treatment. Two factors contributed to the phasing out of radiotherapy for non-oncological purposes: the growing awareness of radiation carcinogenesis and the development of efficient drugs (primarily, antibiotics).

Radio-induced cancers have been known for above a century. The linear no-threshold (LNT) risk model considers that cancer risk is proportional to radiation dose and no radiation exposure is safe. Although LNT has never been scientifically validated, it is used for the management of radiological protection. Progress in understanding the carcinogenesis associated with ionizing radiation has resulted from a better comprehension of the DNA damage repair and other defense mechanisms.
Space Radiobiology
Authors: Hellweg Christine Elisabeth , Arena Carmen , Baatout Sarah , Baselet Bjorn , Beblo-Vranesevic Kristina , Caplin Nicol , Coos Richard , Da Pieve Fabiana , De Micco Veronica , Foray Nicolas , Hespeels Boris , Heuskin Anne-Catherine , Kronenberg Jessica , Milojevic Tetyana , Miranda Silvana , Moris Victoria , Penninckx Sébastien , Radstake Wilhelmina E. , Rehnberg Emil , Rettberg Petra , Tabury Kevin , Van Doninck Karine , Van Hoey Olivier , Vogin Guillaume , Socol Yehoshua
Published: September 2023

The study of the biologic effects of space radiation is considered a “hot topic,” with increased interest in the past years. In this chapter, the unique characteristics of the space radiation environment will be covered, from their history, characterization, and biological effects to the research that has been and is being conducted in the field.

After a short introduction, you will learn the origin and characterization of the different types of space radiation and the use of mathematical models for the prediction of the radiation doses during different mission scenarios and estimate the biological risks due to this exposure. Following this, the acute, chronic, and late effects of radiation exposure in the human body are discussed before going into the detailed biomolecular changes affecting cells and tissues, and in which ways they differ from other types of radiation exposure.

The next sections of this chapter are dedicated to the vast research that has been developed through the years concerning space radiation biology, from small animals to plant models and 3D cell cultures, the use of extremophiles in the study of radiation resistance mechanisms to the importance of ground-based irradiation facilities to simulate and study the space environment.
Mechanistic, Modeling, and Dosimetric Radiation Biology
Authors: Schettino Giuseppe , Baatout Sarah , Caramelo Francisco , Da Pieve Fabiana , Fernandez-Palomo Cristian , Edin Nina Frederike Jeppesen , Meade Aidan D. , Perrot Yann , Reindl Judith , Villagrasa Carmen
Published: September 2023

The ultimate aim of radiobiological research is to establish a quantitative relationship between the radiation dose absorbed by biological samples (being this a cell, a tissue, an organ, or a body) and the effect caused. Therefore, radiobiological investigations need to be supported by accurate and precise dosimetric measurements. A rigorous standardized methodology has been established to assess and quantify the radiation dose absorbed by biological samples and these will be reviewed and discussed in this chapter. Dosimetric concepts at the macro- and microscopic levels are discussed with a focus on key physical quantities, their measurement technologies, and the link to the biological damage and response. This chapter will also include a description of state-of-the-art irradiation facilities (e.g., mini- and micro-beams) used for probing mechanisms underpinning radiobiological responses. Finally, the link between energy deposition events and detectable biological effects (from the molecular to the organism level) is investigated using Monte Carlo simulation codes and macroscopic radiobiological models.
Radiobiology of Combining Radiotherapy with Other Cancer Treatment Modalities
Authors: Ahire Vidhula , Ahmadi Bidakhvidi Niloefar , Boterberg Tom , Chaudhary Pankaj , Chevalier Francois , Daems Noami , Delbart Wendy , Baatout Sarah , Deroose Christophe M. , Fernandez-Palomo Cristian , Franken Nicolaas A. P. , Gaipl Udo S. , Geenen Lorain , Heynickx Nathalie , Koniarová Irena , Selvaraj Vinodh Kumar , Levillain Hugo , Michaelidesová Anna Jelínek , Montoro Alegría , Oei Arlene L. , Penninckx Sébastien , Reindl Judith , Rödel Franz , Sminia Peter , Tabury Kevin , Vermeulen Koen , Viktorsson Kristina , Waked Anthony
Published: September 2023

In this chapter, we address the role of radiation as treatment modality in the context of oncological treatments given to patients. Physical aspects of the use of ionizing radiation (IR)—by either photons, neutrons, or charged (high linear energy transfer) particles—and their clinical application are summarized. Information is also provided regarding the radiobiological rationale of the use of conventional fractionation as well as alternative fractionation schedules using deviating total dose, fraction size, number of fractions, and the overall treatment time. Pro- and contra arguments of hypofractionation are discussed. In particular, the biological rationale and clinical application of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) are described. Furthermore, background information is given about FLASH radiotherapy (RT), which is an emerging new radiation method using ultra-high dose rate allowing the healthy, normal tissues and organs to be spared while maintaining the antitumor effect. Spatial fractionation of radiation in tumor therapy, another method that reduces damage to normal tissue is presented. Normal tissue doses could also be minimized by interstitial or intraluminal irradiation, i.e., brachytherapy, and herein an overview is given on the principles of brachytherapy and its clinical application. Furthermore, details are provided regarding the principles, clinical application, and limitations of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Another important key issue in cancer therapy is the combination of RT with other treatment modalities, e.g., chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hyperthermia, and hormonal therapy. Combination treatments are aimed to selectively enhance the effect of radiation in cancer cells or to trigger the immune system but also to minimize adverse effects on normal cells. The biological rationale of all these combination treatments as well as their application in clinical settings are outlined. To selectively reach high concentrations of radionuclides in tumor tissue, radioembolization is a highly interesting approach. Also, radioligand therapy which enables specific targeting of cancer cells, while causing minimal harm surrounding healthy tissues is presented. A brief overview is provided on how nanotechnology could contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Last but not least, risk factors involved in acquiring secondary tumors after RT are discussed.
Environmental Radiobiology
Authors: Lourenço Joana , Mothersill Carmel , Arena Carmen , Oughton Deborah , Vanheukelom Margot , Pereira Ruth , Mendo Sónia , De Micco Veronica
Published: September 2023

This chapter aims to contribute to a comprehensive view of environmental radiobiology and discuss the effects of different kinds of ionizing radiation on ecosystems. The impact of ionizing radiation was considered on both organisms and the abiotic environment, assessing the fate of radionuclides in abiotic compartments (e.g., the movement through atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere) and in the trophic chains, with implications for human and non-human biota. The available methodologies for estimating radiation dose to biota were also addressed as well as the associated challenges. This chapter also focused on the impacts of ionizing radiation exposure on non-human biota from microorganisms to vertebrates, as well as on the basic concepts related to environmental radiobiology and the molecular effects associated with the exposure to different types of ionizing radiation. The particular context of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) contamination was also tackled, as well as its effects on non-human biota.
‘Hey you! You’ve Got this and You ARE Smart’: Motivated Women Drawing on ‘Sisu’ to Persist and Succeed at University
Authors: O’Shea Sarah , May Josephine , Stone Cathy , Delahunty Janine
Published: September 2023

This chapter complements previous chapters by applying the concept of ‘sisu’ to the enactment of persistence and success of mature FiF women in higher education. Sisu is a Finnish term which describes the inner fortitude activated in moments of hardship especially when nothing more is ‘left in the tank’, likened to the ‘second wind’ that keeps us moving forward in spite of the odds (Lahti, Embodied fortitude: An introduction to the Finnish construct of sisu. International Journal of Wellbeing, 9(1), 61–82. 2019). Sisu captures the inner strengths and capabilities these women drew upon when challenges arose which enabled them to continue to move forward. The chapter draws on the data collected from Study C and discusses how sisu provides a lens through which to understand the determined persistence of these women, as a deeply personal, collective and complex experience.