bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure With Brain Development During the First 1000 Days of Life: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pielage Marin , Rousian Melek , van Heteren Sem , Groenenberg Irene A. L. , Hillegers Manon H. J. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Marroun Hanan El
Published: October 2024

Prenatal exposure to alcohol (PAE) can impact short‐ and long‐term offspring health. However, knowledge on PAE and brain development in early life is limited. This systematic review investigated associations between PAE and brain development during the first 1000 days of life, and was registered in PROSPERO at CRD42022355144. The literature search was performed from inception until February 2024 in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. Studies investigating PAE and brain development during the first 1000 days using ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were included. Our search initially identified 3618 articles, of which 16 were included. The findings suggest inconsistent associations between PAE and early brain development. Ultrasound studies on PAE and brain size report no clear relationship. Some postnatal MRI studies reported smaller thalami, amygdalae and hippocampi in alcohol exposed neonates. Postnatal DTI studies (n = 5) examining network integrity and connectivity reported bidirectional results in multiple brain networks. Our results highlight the need for further research on first trimester brain development, timing and quantity of alcohol exposure using a core set of validated instruments. Longitudinal assessments and standardized procedures for neuroimaging are crucial to understand the impact of PAE on early brain development.
Improvement of Visual Hallucinations With Donepezil in Charles Bonnet Syndrome Secondary to Vascular Pathology
Authors: Farooq Humza , Malik Nauman
Published: October 2024

There is a lack of high‐quality evidence for pharmacological treatment options for Charles Bonnet syndrome and guidelines do not recommend any particular pharmacological option. Here, a case is presented of an older age male who developed complex visual hallucinations following stroke and central retinal artery occlusion (one after the other leading to loss of vision in both eyes), thus indicative of CBS secondary to vascular pathology. This case demonstrates a sustained progressive improvement in hallucinations in CBS following the initiation of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, donepezil.
Composition of Sodium Alginate Films Containing Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Aqueous Extract of Turnera subulata Sm and Evaluation of Their Healing Potential In Vivo
Authors: Alves Batista Felipe , Raulino Maia Maria Luiza , Martins Maia Filho Antônio Luiz , Filgueiras Lívia Alves , Figueredo‐Silva José , de Araujo‐Nobre Alyne Rodrigues , Mendes Anderson Nogueira
Published: October 2024

Sodium alginate is used in wound care because of its hydrogel‐forming properties and ability to protect the wound. Copper nanoparticles have properties that inhibit the growth of microorganisms and mediate the production of essential biomolecules for the healing process, making them an excellent choice for constructing nanocomposites for wound treatment. This work aimed to synthesize copper nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Turnera subulata Sm. and incorporate them into sodium alginate to obtain films with healing potential. The proposed system was characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x‐ray crystallography, and biocompatibility verified by hemolysis test. The UV–vis analysis showed that CuO NPs absorb at 280 and 404 nm. The FTIR spectra revealed stretching and folding modes of the functional groups present in the aqueous extract of T. subulata responsible for the reduction/stabilization of the copper ion, as well as signals at 780 and 618 cm−1 originating from the CuO bond. Size estimation using DLS revealed 564.5 and 394.2 nm. AFM data showed that adding copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) changed alginate roughness, and surface imaging revealed a material with a uniform appearance. The hemolysis test showed hemocompatibility of CuO NPs at all tested concentrations. Histology showed that CuONP‐loaded alginate films accelerated the healing process.
Validity and Reliability of a Simplified Chinese Version of Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs Scale (CaSUN)
Authors: Xu Xiaojingyuan , Liang Xiaoyun , Yin Shiquan
Published: October 2024

Objective

To translate Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs scale (CaSUN) into Simplified Chinese, and to assess the validity and reliability of this translated version among Chinese cancer survivors.

Methods

Following the cross‐cultural adaptation guidelines, the original CaSUN scale was translated from English into Simplified Chinese. To enhance the readability and comprehension of each item, a pilot study involving 40 cancer patients was carried out. Subsequently, 324 cancer survivors participating in follow‐up appointments at a cancer hospital in Beijing, China completed the Simplified Chinese version of the CaSUN. The scale's validity was assessed through factor analysis. Indices including Satorra–Bentler scaled chi‐square to degree of freedom ratio (χ2/df), comparative fit index (CFI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), and standardized root mean squared residual (SRMR) were employed for construct validity. Average variance extracted (AVE) of each category reflected the convergent validity. Reliability was confirmed with both Cronbach'sαand Guttman split‐half coefficient.

Results

Factor analysis suggested that a three‐level hierarchical structure of the CaSUN with four first‐order factors, nine second‐order factors and all the 35 items assessing unmet need could fit our data well (χ2/df = 2.833, CFI = 0.902, RMSEA = 0.076, SRMR = 0.066), indicating sufficient construct validity for this model. For convergent validity, AVE of each second‐order category were greater than 0.5. Regarding reliability, Cronbach'sαof the 35 items was 0.968, and the Guttman split‐half coefficient was 0.984. Both of these coefficients were higher than 0.8.

Conclusions

The present Simplified Chinese version of CaSUN had good cultural adaptability, appropriate validity and reliability for assessing unmet needs in different cancer survivor groups in Chinese mainland. This Simplified Chinese version of CaSUN can assist health professionals in addressing individual survivor needs and bridge the gap between patients' experiences and their expectations, thereby improving the quality of cancer survivorship care.
dUTP pyrophosphatases from hyperthermophilic eubacterium and archaeon: Structural and functional examinations on the suitability for PCR application
Authors: Fukui Kenji , Kondo Naoyuki , Murakawa Takeshi , Baba Seiki , Kumasaka Takashi , Yano Takato
Published: October 2024

Deoxyuridine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (DUT) suppresses incorporation of uracil into genomic DNA during replication. Thermostable DUTs from hyperthermophilic archaea such as Thermococcus pacificus enhance PCR amplification by preventing misincorporation of dUTP generated by spontaneous deamination of dCTP. However, it is necessary to elucidate whether DUTs do not cause dNTP imbalances during PCR by unwanted side activity. Moreover, it has been unknown what structural features define the thermostability of those DUTs. Here, DUT from a hyperthermophilic eubacterium, Aquifex aeolicus (Aa‐DUT), was characterized together with those from T. pacificus (Tp‐DUT). Aa‐DUT was as thermostable as Tp‐DUT up to at least 95°C. The crystal structures of the two thermostable enzymes were determined, which revealed that the structures of Aa‐DUT and Tp‐DUT resembled those of monofunctional and bifunctional DUTs, respectively. Generally, bifunctional DUTs harbor the dCTP deaminase activity in addition to the DUT activity. However, not only Aa‐DUT but also Tp‐DUT showed poor activity towards dCTP, indicating both enzymes are monofunctional. We further examined eight types of parameters related to thermostability of protein structure and found that the thermostability of Aa‐DUT and Tp‐DUT might be accomplished by increased numbers of ion pairs on the protein surface. Finally, we verified that Aa‐DUT promoted PCR amplification with Pfu DNA polymerase to the same extent as Tp‐DUT. Collectively, we conclude that both DUTs from hyperthermophiles maintain the enzymatic activity at high temperatures without consuming dCTP due to the lack of the deaminate activity.
Initiation of prefrontal convection within a Northeast China cold vortex: The roles of elevated front and dry air intrusion
Authors: Fan Ziqi , Xue Ming , Zhu Kefeng , Wang Hong , Yao Dan
Published: October 2024

Convective initiation ahead of a surface cold front within the Northeast China cold vortex of June 1, 2021, is investigated using observations and a convection‐permitting simulation. The initiation of the convection is elevated without identifiable surface mesoscale forcing. Air feeding the initial convective cells originates from at least 1 km above the ground where parcel‐based convective available potential energy is sufficiently large. An elevated front with large equivalent potential temperature gradient and flow convergence across is primarily responsible for the initiation of elevated convection and later organization into a deep convective line. The elevated front is similar to the upper cold front within extratropic cyclones studied elsewhere, but its altitude is lower in this case. Backward‐trajectory analysis of air parcels on the cold side of the elevated front shows that dry air intrusion reinforces the elevated front by increasing the equivalent potential temperature gradient and moment convergence across the front. The convergence forcing combined with access to convective unstable air at the leading edge of the westerly flows east of the elevated front causes the initiation of convection. The development and spreading of a surface cold pool help push the convective line eastward away from the surface cold front located to the west. Orographic gravity waves provide additional forcing so that convection cells are initiated first at the upward branches of the gravity waves, but the overall organization of initial cells into a solid convective line is controlled mainly by mesoscale structures associated with the elevated front.
Fast Iterative Sample Transfer Identification Method for Dynamic Systems Under Non‐identical Distribution
Authors: Huang Yan , Luan Xiaoli , Ping Xiaojing , Ding Feng , Liu Fei
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a method to improve the identification performance of linear dynamic systems by utilizing knowledge from samples of non‐identical distribution systems. Traditional identification methods heavily rely on the quality of the dataset, such as sample length and noise level, which constrains their performance due to the assumption of identical distribution. Motivated by the concept of sample‐based transfer learning, we propose a sample transfer identification method and derive the condition to avoid negative transfer. We develop a fast iterative transfer identification method for low storage costs, considering the computational burden imposed by the sample size from the source system. Additionally, based on the fast iterative transfer identification method, considering the need to update the current measurement data model in real time, a fast iterative online sample transfer identification method is explored. Through simulations, we validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods. The results show that sample transfer identification is superior to non‐transfer identification and fast iterative sample transfer identification effectively reduces the calculation amount when dealing with low quality measurement data.
Privacy‐Preserving Optimization Algorithm for Distributed Energy Management Over Time‐Varying Graphs: A State Decomposition Method
Authors: Luan Meng , Wen Guanghui , Yang Tao
Published: October 2024

The rapid advancements of intelligent technologies have brought about the potential vulnerability of confidential gradient information linked to cost functions when solving distributed optimization and its related problems. Within the context of distributed energy management, safeguarding such private information has risen to paramount importance. This article investigates a distributed energy management problem (DEMP) to minimize cost while simultaneously satisfying multiple local constraints and protecting the private gradient information of the cost function. To this end, a new privacy‐preserving distributed optimization algorithm under the framework of gradient tracking over time‐varying graphs is proposed for solving the DEMP. Specifically, the auxiliary variables are designed for each node in the algorithm to update the gradient while the original state variables are responsible for the interaction with original neighbors and auxiliary variables. Consequently, the devised algorithm can protect the confidentiality of private cost gradient information, even in the presence of eavesdroppers within the network. In contrast to the homomorphic encryption, signal masking method, and some other algorithms without utilizing the state decomposition, the designed algorithm does not require extra information or computing resources. Moreover, it is proven that the designed algorithm could theoretically converge to the exact optimum of the DEMP at a rate of under some mild assumptions.
Sampled‐Data Based Second‐Order Discrete‐Time Sliding Mode Control via Output Feedback
Authors: Chen Weile , Du Haibo , Li Shihua , Yu Xinghuo
Published: October 2024

This article proposes a second‐order discrete‐time sliding mode controller (DSMC) by only using sampled‐data information of the system output. On one hand, different from the continuous‐time sliding mode control, the finite‐time stability of the closed‐loop system under DSMC is usually not kept due to the limited sampling frequency. On the other hand, in the output feedback framework, the second‐order sliding mode observer cannot independently estimate the internal state of the system if there exist unknown mismatched term and unknown time‐varying coefficient of the control input. To solve the above problems, a joint design strategy of second‐order discrete‐time sliding mode observer and sliding mode controller based on the “non‐separation principle” is proposed. The stability and robustness of the closed‐loop system is analyzed based on the Lyapunov design method. Finally, simulation example verifies the correctness of the theory.
Drainage gradient versus seasonal cycles: Differential response of microbial community composition to variations in soil moisture
Authors: Burgess Christopher J. , Myrold David D. , Mueller Ryan S. , Wanzek Thomas , Moore Jennifer M. , Kasschau Kristin D. , Kleber Markus
Published: October 2024

The variation in the soil microbial community composition over time was assessed at monthly time steps for 1 year in three neighboring Mollisols spanning a drainage gradient. This was done to distinguish between natural oscillations in the community composition versus lasting adaptations to environmental factors such as soil water availability. To isolate soil water availability as a controlling factor, we selected three soils sharing the same soil order (fine‐silty, superactive Argixerolls/Argialbolls); slope (0%–1%); temperature regime (mesic); moisture regime (xeric); and land use history (continuous grassland for the past 10 years) but differing in drainage class (well‐drained vs. moderately well‐drained vs. poorly drained). Changes in microbial diversity were quantified by monitoring the bacterial community at monthly intervals for 1 year. Within individual soils, α‐diversity varied little with season and drainage classes. Despite the three soils experiencing the same climate regime and vegetation/land use, they exhibited distinct community composition and turnover, which we attribute to differences in moisture availability across drainage and seasons. We posit that a seasonal recurring drop in soil redox potential induced by seasonal water saturation in the poorly drained soil is the most probable cause setting the microbial community of that soil apart from those in the better drained soils. Our investigation suggests that not all indicators of microbial diversity share the same sensitivity to seasonal and drainage‐related soil moisture variations.
Genetic Prediction Modeling in Large Cohort Studies via Boosting Targeted Loss Functions
Authors: Klinkhammer Hannah , Staerk Christian , Maj Carlo , Krawitz Peter M. , Mayr Andreas
Published: October 2024

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) aim to predict a trait from genetic information, relying on common genetic variants with low to medium effect sizes. As genotype data are high‐dimensional in nature, it is crucial to develop methods that can be applied to large‐scale data (large and large ). Many PRS tools aggregate univariate summary statistics from genome‐wide association studies into a single score. Recent advancements allow simultaneous modeling of variant effects from individual‐level genotype data. In this context, we introduced snpboost, an algorithm that applies statistical boosting on individual‐level genotype data to estimate PRS via multivariable regression models. By processing variants iteratively in batches, snpboost can deal with large‐scale cohort data. Having solved the technical obstacles due to data dimensionality, the methodological scope can now be broadened—focusing on key objectives for the clinical application of PRS. Similar to most methods in this context, snpboost has, so far, been restricted to quantitative and binary traits. Now, we incorporate more advanced alternatives—targeted to the particular aim and outcome. Adapting the loss function extends the snpboost framework to further data situations such as time‐to‐event and count data. Furthermore, alternative loss functions for continuous outcomes allow us to focus not only on the mean of the conditional distribution but also on other aspects that may be more helpful in the risk stratification of individual patients and can quantify prediction uncertainty, for example, median or quantile regression. This work enhances PRS fitting across multiple model classes previously unfeasible for this data type.
Metal‐Catalyzed Polymer Dehydrochlorination and Hydrodefluorination
Authors: Varela‐Izquierdo Víctor , Ghosh Sourav , Hammoud Leila , Fazzini Pier‐Francesco , Guelen Simon , Marion Philippe , Chaudret Bruno
Published: October 2024

Dehydrochlorination (DHC) is of importance for modulating the physical properties of halogenated polymers. In this work, the DHC of commercial VDF‐CTFE (vinylidene fluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) (10 mol % CTFE) copolymer to VDF‐DB (vinylidene fluoride with unsaturated moieties‐Double Bond) was achieved in mild reaction conditions (150 °C and 3 bar hydrogen) using different supported nickel catalysts. A complete DHC was observed within four hours of the reaction. Additionally, a certain extent (8–35 %) of hydrodefluorination (HDF) of the polymer, a challenging transformation, can also be achieved after 72 hours. A plausible mechanism based on the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy study of DHC and HDF of VDF‐CTFE was proposed. The catalyst was recyclable and stable against leaching after at least three cycles.
Gamma Radiolysis of n‐Dodecane: Physicochemical Properties and Metal Retention Behavior
Authors: Mishra Satyabrata , Ghosh Debojyoti , Rajesh Puspalata , Narasimhan Desigan , Venkatesan Konda Athmaram
Published: October 2024

The gamma radiolytic degradation behavior of n‐dodecane (n‐DD) was investigated under conditions both with and without the presence of nitric acid. The physicochemical property alterations due to radiolysis were quantified and compared against an unirradiated system. Compositional changes in n‐DD post radiolysis was measured, and the degraded n‐DD was characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography (GC), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The presence of nitric acid was observed to accelerate the radiolytic degradation of n‐DD. The extent of diluent degradation caused by gamma irradiation was assessed through the retention behavior of uranium [U(VI)], plutonium [Pu(IV)], and zirconium [Zr(IV)] in 1.1 M tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TBP) in irradiated diluent. Furthermore, the effectiveness of hydrazine carbonate (HC) as a solvent wash reagent for the removal of diluent degradation products was evaluated.
Zwitterionic Nanochannels in Covalent Organic Framework Membranes for Improved Flux and Antifouling Property
Authors: Ji Wenyan , Liu Ming , Li Yuping , Liu Lulu , Wang Yuhan , Duan Feng , Su Chunlei , Li Haibo , Cao Renqiang , Yin Jingya , Wei Mingjie , Jiang Zhongyi , Cao Hongbin
Published: October 2024

Zwitterionic membranes demonstrate excellent antifouling property in water purification. The covalent organic frameworks (COFs), due to the ordered channels and abundant organic functional groups, have distinct superiority in constructing zwitterionic surfaces.Here, the zwitterionic COF membrane is prepared with precise framework structures and uniform charge distribution. The negatively charged 4,4′‐diaminobiphenyl‐2,2′‐sisulphonic acid sodium (SA) and positively charged ethidium bromide (EB) fragments are used to react with 1,3,5‐triformylphloroglucinol (TP) at the gas‐liquid interface to prepare zwitterionic COF membrane. The complementary charged fragments in the inter‐layer and inner‐layer facilitate the formation of continuous and tight hydration layer on the membrane surface and pore walls to resist the adsorption of pollutants. The zwitterionic COF membrane effectively resists both negatively charged bovine serum albumin and positively charged lysozyme pollutants with flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 97% and 85%, respectively. Furthermore, the regular nano‐channels and balanced interactions between water and surface/pore walls of the zwitterionic membrane result in outstanding permeability of up to 146 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and excellent dye/salt separation selectivity. The water permeation and antifouling mechanism of membranes are elucidated by experimental and molecular dynamics calculation. Zwitterionic COF membranes can find promising applications in preparing high‐performance antifouling membranes.
Metformin Syncs CeO2 to Recover Intra‐ and Extra‐Cellular ROS Homeostasis in Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Li Mengyang , Dong Yuhang , Shang Yage , Liu Jiaqi , Wang Yunchuan , Zhang Dongliang , Zhang Lixia , Han Chao , Zhang Yue , Shen Kuo , Yang Yaoxiang , Wang Hongtao , Guan Hao , Hu Dahai
Published: October 2024

Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) poses a huge obstacle to the healing process of diabetic wounds, resulting in chronic, non‐healing wounds. While numerous anti‐ROS therapeutics have been developed, satisfied intra‐ and extra‐ cellular ROS homeostasis is hard to be established in diabetic wounds. To address this issue, a nanoparticle via loading metformin and CeO2 into mesoporous silica (MSN@Met‐CeO2) is designed and synthesized, which is then encapsulated within ROS‐responsive hydrogel and shaped as microneedles (MNs) for better application in diabetic wounds. Interestingly, a unique metformin‐cerium chelate (Ce· 3Metformin) is formed during the synthesis of MSN@Met‐CeO2 MN, which significantly strengthened the inhibitory effect of metformin on mitochondrial complex I. With the presence of Ce· 3Metformin, MSN@Met‐CeO2 MN performed a remarkable effect on intracellular mtROS reduction as well as extracellular ROS elimination, the latter is primarily accomplished through the dissociative CeO2 in MSN@Met‐CeO2 MN. In the mouse diabetic wound model, MSN@Met‐CeO2 MN exhibited a superior pro‐healing effect with accelerated inflammation resolution and enhanced angiogenesis, thus highlighting its significant potential for clinical application
Characterization and 3D Reconstruction of the Crushing Behavior of SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO Complex Inclusions in Spring Steel with High Basicity Slag Treatment
Authors: Zhao Jiaqi , Wang Min , Cai Xiaofeng , Wang Zhongliang , Ma Jianchao , Jiang Haitao , Ma Han , Bao Yanping
Published: October 2024

This article mainly studies the element content, phase composition, and fragmentation mechanism of SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO composite inclusions that cause fatigue fracture of spring steel. The study found that the SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO composite inclusions in the wire rod are not a homogeneous phase. According to the electron microscopy energy spectrum analysis results, although the SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO composite inclusion is in the low‐melting‐point area of the phase diagram according to the component content ratio. However, field‐emission transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals that this type of composite inclusions includes MgAl2O4, CaAl2Si2O8, CaSiO3, MgSiO3, and a small amount of CaS. The Zeiss Crossbeam 550 electron microscope is used to conduct a three‐dimensional reconstruction analysis of this type of composite inclusions, which once again verified that the composition of this type of inclusions includes calcium silicate, MgAl2O4, MgO, and other phases. It is also found that there is a certain gap between the inclusions and the matrix, and the gap between the inclusions with high‐melting‐points such as MgAl2O4 and MgO and the matrix is more obvious. During the rolling process of SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO composite inclusions, due to differences in hardness and deformation rate between different phases, the rolling process is deformed and fragmented for extended periods.
Recent Advances on the Construction of Functionalized Indolizine and Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Liu Xiang , Fu Haifeng , Hu Qi , Cao Hua
Published: October 2024

Indolizines and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines are commonly found in natural products, synthetic drugs, and bioactive molecules. These two types of derivatives possess good antibacterial, antiparasitic, anticancer activities, and so on. The functionalization of indolizines and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines has always been a hot topic in organic chemistry research and has made significant progress. In recent years, our group has been dedicated to developing diverse synthetic methods for the preparation of such important compounds. 1) We have developed diverse C−H functionalization reactions for efficient modification of the parent indolizines and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines. 2) A variety of cycloaddition reactions were established for the construction of indolizine and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives from simple raw materials. 3) We have developed intriguing deconstruction‐functionalization reactions of indolizines, enabling the reorganization of heterocyclic frameworks. This paper outlines our group's latest advancements in constructing structurally diverse indolizine and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives. We hope that this work will offer valuable insights and inspiration for the ongoing research in the field of N‐heterocyclic compounds.
Neural Radiance Field Image Refinement through End‐to‐End Sampling Point Optimization
Authors: Ohta Kazuhiro , Ono Satoshi
Published: October 2024

Neural radiance field (NeRF), capable of synthesizing high‐quality novel viewpoint images, suffers from issues like artifact occurrence due to its fixed sampling points during rendering. This study proposes a method that optimizes sampling points to reduce artifacts and produce more detailed images. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Kinetics and Mechanism Study of Different Types of Surface‐Imprinted Polymers for CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Ishak Noorhidayah , Mohamed Nasir Azalina , Ibrahim Muthmirah , Ahmad Mohd Azmier , Hameed Bassim H. , Mohd Din Azam Taufik
Published: October 2024

The increased level of CO2 in the atmosphere has led to global warming and climate change. To mitigate these problems, solid adsorbents have become attractive materials for capturing excess CO2 in the post‐combustion method. Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) can be applied to prepare highly selective adsorbents that could capture CO2 molecules. The MIP was prepared using the surface imprinted polymer technique in this preliminary work. Only two types of support materials were used (graphite and silica gel) to screen the best support material that could enhance the CO2 adsorption capacity of the resulting adsorbent, which was analyzed using a fixed‐bed column reactor. Graphite‐imprinted polymer (GMIP) was found to be a good potential for CO2 adsorption. The Avrami model best described the adsorption system, while the fixed‐bed curve data fit the Yoon–Nelson model well. The semi‐empirical method was used to assess the interaction mechanism of the molecularly imprinted polymer with CO2 during adsorption. This investigation involved testing four different ratios of the template complex to functional monomers. The ratio of 1:4 (CO2:Allylthiourea) demonstrated the highest binding energy, with a higher formation of hydrogen bonds. Film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion were the main rate‐limiting steps that played vital roles at different stages of CO2 adsorption. This preliminary work has enhanced the development of MIP for CO2 adsorption and showcased the integration of computational approaches in tailoring specific MIPs.
ROBERT: Bridging the Gap Between Machine Learning and Chemistry
Authors: Dalmau David , Alegre‐Requena Juan V.
Published: October 2024

Beyond addressing technological demands, the integration of machine learning (ML) into human societies has also promoted sustainability through the adoption of digitalized protocols. Despite these advantages and the abundance of available toolkits, a substantial implementation gap is preventing the widespread incorporation of ML protocols into the computational and experimental chemistry communities. In this work, we introduce ROBERT, a software carefully crafted to make ML more accessible to chemists of all programming skill levels, while achieving results comparable to those of field experts. We conducted benchmarking using six recent ML studies in chemistry containing from 18 to 4149 entries. Furthermore, we demonstrated the program's ability to initiate workflows directly from SMILES strings, which simplifies the generation of ML predictors for common chemistry problems. To assess ROBERT's practicality in real‐life scenarios, we employed it to discover new luminescent Pd complexes with a modest dataset of 23 points, a frequently encountered scenario in experimental studies.
Boost heat transfer efficiency through thermal radiation and electrical conductivity in nanofluids
Authors: Majeed Aaqib , Saidani Taoufik , Ijaz Nouman , Ibrahim Ahmed Osman , Gnaba Hela , Ali Sadia Samar
Published: October 2024

Thermal radiation and electrical conductivity in nanofluids are crucial for their heat transfer characteristics, especially in applications with elevated temperatures or significant radiative heat transfer. The suspension of nanoparticles in suspension contributes to the fluid's electrical conductivity, which is essential for efficient heat dissipation in electronic cooling systems. Understanding the behavior of electroconductive nanofluids is particularly important in electronic cooling applications, where effective heat dissipation is crucial to prevent overheating. A study using a similarity parameter transformed a system of coupled PDEs into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, revealing significant changes in key physical characteristics, such as temperature distribution, cubic concentration field, and velocity field. The study also examined the effects of parameters like Brownian motion, Rayleigh number, Peclet number, thermophoresis parameter, and buoyancy ratio parameter. The research provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of magnetized non‐Newtonian nanofluids and offers practical implications for applications like microbial fuel cells and heat transmission equipment.
An Overview on E-Participation
Authors: Mariani Ilaria , Mortati Marzia , Rizzo Francesca , Deserti Alessandro
Published: October 2024

This chapter provides an overview of e-participation, tracing its evolution from early public involvement initiatives to its current integration with digital technologies. It provides examples of implementations and highlights both the potential and challenges of e-participation practices and platforms. The cases are used to discuss the strategic importance of e-participation in enhancing transparency, legitimacy, and trust in public governance, pointing out the role of digital technologies in broadening the scope and depth of public engagement, transforming traditional models and fostering more direct and meaningful interactions between citizens and governments. Ultimately, it explores open challenges in need to be addressed.
Design Thinking Practices for E-Participation
Authors: Mariani Ilaria , Mortati Marzia , Rizzo Francesca , Deserti Alessandro
Published: October 2024

This chapter identifies design thinking practices for supporting e-participation. The chapter presents the five practices of (i) Meaning creation and sense-making, (ii) Publics formation, (iii) Co-production, (iv) Experimenting and prototyping, and (v) Changing organisational culture. Each of these practices is discussed against relevant case studies.
Deployment and performance of a Low-Energy-Threshold Skipper-CCD inside a nuclear reactor
Authors: Depaoli E. , Rodrigues D. , Sidelnik I. , Bellino P. , Botti A. , Delgado D. , Cababié M. , Chierchie F. , Estrada J. , Moroni G. Fernández , Perez S. , Tiffenberg J.
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) are being used for reactor neutrino experiments and have already demonstrated their potential in constraining new physics models. The prospect of a Skipper-CCD experiment looking for standard and beyond standard model (BSM) physics in a nuclear reactor has been evaluated for different benchmark scenarios. Here, we report the first installation of a 2-g Skipper-CCD inside the containment building of a 2 GWth nuclear power plant and analyze its performance throughout its first 18 months of operation. The sensor was successfully deployed at Atucha II, in Argentina, 12 meters away from the center of the reactor core. We discuss the challenges involved in the commissioning of the detector and present data acquired during reactor ON and reactor OFF periods, with the sensor functioning with a sub-electron readout noise of 0.17 e−. Based on an exposure of 56.8 g day reactor ON and two reactor OFF data sets with a total exposure of 118.1 g day we characterize the system and evaluate the sensitivity to CEvNS. We achieved a background rate of 33 kdru and a low threshold of 45 eVee. The ongoing efforts to improve sensitivities to CEvNS and BSM interaction are also discussed.
Adler function, Bjorken polarized sum rule: confirmation of elements of the {β}-expansion and the diagrams
Authors: Mikhailov S. V.
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Different ways exist to obtain the elements of the {β}-expansion for renormgroup invariant quantities. Here we consider independent confirmation within the standard QCD of a number of our results [1] for the values of elements of this expansion for the nonsinglet Adler DA-function, Bjorken polarized sum rules SBjp up to the order N4LO. We suggest an approach to estimate the results of high order QCD calculations using a smaller number of diagrams of the specific type. This type is based on a proposed generalization of Naive NonAbelianization.
Ferulic acid ameliorates bisphenol A (BPA)-induced Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology through Akt-ERK crosstalk pathway in male rats
Authors: Khalifa Mhasen , Fayed Rabie H. , Ahmed Yasmine H. , Abdelhameed Mohamed F. , Essa Ahmed F. , Khalil Heba M. A.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of ferulic acid (FA) against bisphenol A (BPA) induced Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology in male rats.

Methods

Rats were allocated into four groups, control, BPA, BPA + FA, and FA, respectively, for 40 days. Spatial working memory and recognition memory were evaluated. Moreover, the brain levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, proinflammatory cytokines, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and phosphorylated serine/threonine protein kinase (p-Akt) were measured. We also determined the brain neuropathological protein levels, including Beta-Amyloid 1–42, total Tau (tTau), and phosphorylated Tau (pTau) proteins. Furthermore, brain levels of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Beta-secretase (BACE) were assessed. Brain histological investigation and immunohistochemistry determination of glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) were also performed. Moreover, docking simulation was adapted to understand the inhibitory role of FA on AChE, BACE-1, and ERK1/2.

Results

Interestingly, the BPA + FA treated group showed a reversal in the cognitive impairments induced by BPA, which was associated with improved brain redox status. They also exhibited a significant decrease in brain inflammatory cytokines, ERK, and p-Akt levels. Moreover, they revealed a decline in beta-amyloid 1–42 and a significant improvement in tTau expression and pTau protein levels in the brain tissue. Further, the brain levels of AChE and BACE were substantially reduced in BPA + FA rats. The neuroprotective effect of FA was confirmed by restoring the normal architecture of brain tissue, which was associated with decreasing GFAP.

Conclusion

FA could be a potent neuroprotectant agent against AD with a possible prospect for its therapeutic capabilities and nutritional supplement value due to its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties.
Self-directed learning and the student learning experience in undergraduate clinical science programs: a scoping review
Authors: Finn Ashleigh , Fitzgibbon Caitlin , Fonda Natalie , Gosling Cameron M
Published: October 2024

Health professional organisations are increasingly promoting the use of self-directed learning. Furthermore, the rapidly evolving field of healthcare has meant that there is greater emphasis within tertiary education for students to become self-directed learners and possess the skills to engage in life-long learning. The aim of this scoping review was to explore the drivers that improve the student learning experience, in undergraduate clinical science programs that utilise self-directed learning. The Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review Methodology guided this study. The electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, Scopus and ERIC were comprehensively searched in April 2022 and re-run August 2023, for peer-reviewed research articles published in English. The original search was developed in MEDLINE and then adapted to each database. Following the Joanna Briggs Scoping Review methodology, articles were screened first by title and abstract and then by full text. Included articles were assessment for methodological quality. The search strategy yielded 2209 articles for screening. 19 met the inclusion criteria. Five key factors were identified which improve the student learning experience in self-directed learning: (i) curricular elements; (ii) educator influence; (iii) impact of peers, (iv) environment; and (v) clinical placement experiences. There are many curricular, environmental, and external factors which can improve the student learning experience in programs that utilise self-directed learning. Greater understanding of these factors will allow educators within clinical science programs to implement self-directed learning strategies more effectively within curriculum.
A new food security approach? Continuity and novelty in the European Union’s turn to preparedness
Authors: Pellizzoni Luigi , Centemeri Laura , Benegiamo Maura , Panico Carla
Published: October 2024

Preparedness is an anticipatory approach developed in the military and health sectors in response to unforeseen and unforeseeable crises and emergencies. It has recently entered the debate over the resilience and sustainability of European food systems. The paper seeks to shed light on the implications of the European Union's adoption of preparedness in its food security policy, particularly focusing on the preparatory phase and the early activity the European Food Security Crisis Preparedness and Response Mechanism (EFSCM), a consultative body launched by the European Commission in 2021. Through an analysis of documents and meeting minutes, we illustrate how debates on implementing preparedness are influenced by conflicting sociotechnical imaginaries of sustainable food security. Results show that the EU's shift towards preparedness combines elements of continuity and novelty in its food policy. Continuity concerns the acknowledged need to deal with growing turbulence and unpredictability affecting food systems. Novelty involves attempts at building bridges between diverging imaginaries of sustainable food security to address both short-term and long-term challenges to food security. Also new is the shift to a ‘management,’ as opposed to a ‘problem-solving,’ outlook on crisis and emergency.
Surviving Science – Coping with Exit-Decisions in Physics and History
Authors: Fenkner Tim , Gottschalk-Rayling Jonas
Published: October 2024

Academic careers between the completion of a PhD and the acquisition of tenure are characterized by short term contracts, high levels of competition, and future uncertainty. Existing research indicates that uncertainty is a primary cause for postdocs in all disciplines to constantly question the continuation of their career. Despite this commonality between disciplines, we argue that future imaginations, coping strategies and ultimately the decision-making practices to exit or remain in academia differ in each discipline. Drawing from 60 qualitative interviews with physicists and historians, we compared imaginations of the labor market inside and outside of academia, as well as narratives on how they perceive their agency to exit or remain. Our data shows that imaginations of the labor market outside of academia, have considerable consequences for their sense of precarity and planning of career paths. We propose that the uniform concept of future uncertainty must be separated into ‘existential uncertainty’ and ‘secured uncertainty’, which more accurately reflect the problems postdocs are confronted with and the resulting coping strategies. While those who consider their uncertainty as existential either evoke narratives of survival to continue in adverse conditions or begin parallel careers as added security. Those who perceive their future as uncertain but generally secured rely either on their ability to decide when necessary or postpone the question indefinitely. These differences that correlate with our chosen disciplines have important implications for research quality as well as mental-health hazards and further our understanding of self-exploitation and precarity in academia.
Divergent regulation of long non-coding RNAs H19 and PURPL affects cell senescence in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Frediani Elena , Anceschi Cecilia , Ruzzolini Jessica , Ristori Sara , Nerini Alice , Laurenzana Anna , Chillà Anastasia , Germiniani Claudia Elena Zoe , Fibbi Gabriella , Del Rosso Mario , Mocali Alessandra , Venturin Marco , Battaglia Cristina , Giovannelli Lisa , Margheri Francesca
Published: October 2024

Cellular senescence is a permanent cell growth arrest that occurs in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli and is associated with cellular and molecular changes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of cellular senescence by affecting the expression of many important genes involved in senescence-associated pathways and processes. Here, we evaluated a panel of lncRNAs associated with senescence for their differential expression between young and senescent human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and studied the effect of a known senomorphic compound, resveratrol, on the expression of lncRNAs in senescent NHDFs. As markers of senescence, we evaluated cell growth, senescence-associated (SA)-β-Gal staining, and the expression of p21, Lamin B1 and γH2AX. We found that H19 and PURPL were the most altered lncRNAs in replicative, in doxorubicin (DOXO) and ionising radiation (IR)-induced senescence models. We then investigated the function of H19 and PURPL in cell senescence by siRNA-mediated silencing in young and senescent fibroblasts, respectively. Our results showed that H19 knockdown reduced cell viability and induced cell senescence and autophagy of NHDFs through the regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway; conversely, PURPL silencing reversed senescence by reducing (SA)-β-Gal staining, recovering cell proliferation with an increase of S-phase cells, and reducing the p53-dependent DNA damage response. Overall, our data highlighted the role of H19 and PURPL in the senescent phenotype and suggested that these lncRNAs may have important implications in senescence-related diseases.
Effect of hydrotalcites in tannate conversion coatings for iron artefacts
Authors: Košťúr Roman , Dujnič Viera , Tomanová Katarína , Červenková Andrea , Zemanová Matilda
Published: October 2024

The surface treatment of iron artefacts requires an application of the proper conservation coating to prevent further corrosion deterioration. Tannate coating is preferred as a conservation agent of iron/steel with the desired black appearance of the surface. In this work, the modification of the tannate coating with hydrotalcites to improve conservation ability was studied. Methodology of the surface treatment was developed, and process parameters: hydrotalcite addition, applied layers, immersion time and pH of the stock solution were studied. The treated surface was characterised by various methods e.g. Raman spectroscopy, EDX measurements and electrochemical characterisation, and the quality of the surface treatment was evaluated with respect to cyclic QUV test. Effect of hydrotalcite addition on quality of the conversion coating was confirmed and explained by incorporation of Al in the coating. Mechanism of the modified conversion coating was proposed.
Imputation methods for mixed datasets in bioarchaeology
Authors: Ryan-Despraz Jessica , Wissler Amanda
Published: October 2024

Missing data is a prevalent problem in bioarchaeological research and imputation could provide a promising solution. This work simulated missingness on a control dataset (481 samples × 41 variables) in order to explore imputation methods for mixed data (qualitative and quantitative data). The tested methods included Random Forest (RF), PCA/MCA, factorial analysis for mixed data (FAMD), hotdeck, predictive mean matching (PMM), random samples from observed values (RSOV), and a multi-method (MM) approach for the three missingness mechanisms (MCAR, MAR, and MNAR) at levels of 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% missingness. This study also compared single imputation with an adapted multiple imputation method derived from the R package “mice”. The results showed that the adapted multiple imputation technique always outperformed single imputation for the same method. The best performing methods were most often RF and MM, and other commonly successful methods were PCA/MCA and PMM multiple imputation. Across all criteria, the amount of missingness was the most important parameter for imputation accuracy. While this study found that some imputation methods performed better than others for the control dataset, each imputation method has advantages and disadvantages. Imputation remains a promising solution for datasets containing missingness; however when making a decision it is essential to consider dataset structure and research goals.