bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digitally skilled or digitally competent? Evaluating the impact of e‐Facilitation on young volunteers in Italy
Authors: Olivanti Francesco , Gastaldi Luca 
Published: June 2024

Abstracte‐Facilitation services are one of the instruments employed by policymakers to foster digital inclusion. Literature has hypothesized several benefits stemming from these services, including positive effects on the tutors (e‐Facilitators) in terms of competences and employability. Our study takes advantage of a new e‐Facilitation program implemented in Italy—the Servizio Civile Digitale (SCD)—to assess whether the policy is impacting the tutors' skills and to evaluate whether there is a trade‐off in effectiveness due to an ambiguous policy formulation. To deepen these aspects, we have administered two survey waves to SCD applicants, following treatment (recruited) and control group (non‐recruited) for 7 months after the launch of the program. Next, we applied Difference‐in‐Differences, panel models, and a matching model to estimate the treatment effect and control for potential confounders. Results show that volunteers are more active online, use more devices, and perceive improvements in their soft skills, but do not improve in other dimensions of digital competence. This can be explained by the recruitment strategies followed by SCD organizations to maximize their impact on citizens. Our identification is threatened by several sources of potential bias. We address these threats whenever possible, but unobservable factors might still play a role.
Congo red removal from aqueous solution via biosorption onto Trametes trogii‐loaded poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) cryogel
Authors: Sarıkaya Aslı Göçenoğlu , Kopar Emre Erden , Osman Bilgen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this study, Trametes trogii‐loaded poly(2‐ hydroxyethyl methacrylate) cryogel (Tt‐PHEMA) was prepared and used as a biosorbent to remove Congo Red (CR), from aqueous solutions. The biomass and Tt‐PHEMA cryogel were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. Macroporosity degree (%) and swelling ratio (%) of the Tt‐PHEMA cryogel were determined as 78.3% and 61.04%, respectively. The effect of loaded biomass amount, pH, initial CR concentration, temperature, and contact time were investigated detailedly. The maximum biosorption capacity of Tt‐PHEMA cryogel was 156.71 ± 1.22 mg g−1 at pH 6.0 at 45°C. Biosorption capacity was increased from 125.92 ± 1.524 mg g−1 to 156.71 ± 1.22 mg g−1 with increasing temperature from 25 to 45°C, demonstrating that the biosorption process was endothermic. The biosorption data were well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models. The negative Gibbs free energy change values showed favorable biosorption. The Tt‐PHEMA cryogel was easily regenerated with ethanol and used repeatedly five times without a significant change in the biosorption capacity. As a result, Trametes trogii‐loaded PHEMA cryogel has an application potential for CR removal from wastewater, taking advantage of interconnected macroporous structure cryogels.
Synchronous improvement in mechanical properties and dielectric performance of poly(silylene arylether arylacetylene) by introducing trifluoromethyl groups
Authors: Gong Changjun , Lv Shuaikang , Liu Shuyue , Yuan Qiaolong , Tang Junkun , Huang Farong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPoly(silylene arylether arylacetylene) (PSEA) resin is a promising material for preparing an advanced wave‐transparent composite because of excellent thermal stability and good dielectric properties. Herein, a novel poly(silylene arylether arylacetylene) resin with trifluoromethyl groups (PSEAF) was synthesized by Grignard coupling reaction, and the effects of the incorporation of trifluoromethyl groups on various properties of PSEAF resin and quartz fiber reinforced composites were investigated. Compared to PSEA, the PSEAF resin exhibits better solubility and processability, and lower apparent activation energy for curing reactions. After thermal curing reactions, the PSEAF resin converts to an amorphous crosslinked network with the temperature at 5% weight loss (Td5) around 470 °C. The cured PSEAF resin possesses improved mechanical properties and dielectric properties. The flexural strength arrives at 64.4 MPa, and the dielectric constant (ε) and dielectric loss (tanδ) at 30 MHz are 2.75 and 4.3 × 10−3, respectively. Besides, the quartz fiber reinforced PSEAF composite simultaneously shows ε of 3.3, theoretical wave transmittance |T|2 of 91.4% at 7 GHz, and flexural strength of 350 MPa.
Validation of the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Georgiopoulos Anna M. , DiFiglia Stephanie , Seng Elizabeth K. , Portenoy Russell , Chaudhary Nivedita , Wei Ruobin , Berdella Maria N. , Friedman Deborah , Kier Catherine , Linnemann Rachel W. , Middour‐Oxler Brandi , Stables‐Carney Teresa , Walker Patricia , Wang Janice , Yonker Lael M. , Dhingra Lara 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundA primary palliative care model for cystic fibrosis (CF) recommends using the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) for screening. Validation of the IPOS is needed.MethodsThis secondary analysis utilized baseline data from a multisite trial of the palliative care model, Improving Life with CF. Adults with CF completed the IPOS, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale‐CF (MSAS‐CF), the CF Questionnaire‐Revised (CFQ‐R), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐8), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD‐7), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). IPOS structure was assessed using Cronbach α coefficients and a factor analysis. Construct validity was evaluated through bivariate relationships between IPOS scores and other questionnaire scores, and linear regressions assessing the extent to which the IPOS explains variance in quality‐of‐life domains.ResultsThe sample comprised 256 adults with complete IPOS data. α coefficients were .86 for the IPOS total score, .81 for the Physical Symptoms subscale, .79 for the Emotional Symptoms subscale, and .63 for the Communication/Practical Issues subscale. A two‐component factor structure best aligned with the current subscales. IPOS scores were significantly associated with other measures; associations with MSAS‐CF and CFQ‐R subscales differentiated the IPOS Physical and Emotional subscales. The IPOS total score provided unique information about the variance in the CFQ‐R Physical Functioning and Respiratory Symptoms domain scores.ConclusionsIn adults with CF, the IPOS has acceptable internal consistency and there is evidence of construct validity. These findings support adoption of the IPOS in the primary palliative care model for CF.
Image‐guided multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging‐transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsy augmented with a sextant versus an extended template random biopsy: Comparison of cancer detection rates, complication and functional outcomes
Authors: Adams Eric S. , Deivasigamani Sriram , Kotamarti Srinath , Wolf Steven , Mottaghi Mahdi , Aminsharifi Ali , Taha Terek , Seguier Denis , Michael Zoe , Ivey Michael , Gupta Rajan T. , Polascik Thomas J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeTo compare the efficacy of a novel fusion template “reduced six‐core systemic template and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound (mpMRI/TRUS) fusion targeted biopsy” (TBx+6c), with mpMRI/TRUS fusion‐targeted biopsy and 12‐core systematic biopsy template (TBx+12c) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa).Materials and MethodsThis is an institutional review board approved single‐center observational study involving adult men undergoing fusion‐targeted biopsies for the diagnosis of PCa. Patients were sorted into cohorts of TBx+6c or TBx+12c based on the systematic biopsy template used. The study's main objective was to determine the cancer detection rate (CDR) for overall PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) and the secondary objectives were to compare complication rates and functional outcome differences between the cohort.ResultsA total of 204 patients met study's inclusion criteria. TBx+6c group had 120 patients, while TBx+12c cohort had 84 patients. The groups had similar baseline characteristics and overall CDR in the TBx+6c cohort was 71.7% versus 79.8%, compared to the TBx+12c (p = 0.18) whereas, the csPCa detection rate in the TBx+6c group was 50.8% versus 54.8% in the TBx+12c group (p = 0.5). TBx+6c cohort had lower overall complication rate of 3% versus 13%, (p = 0.01) and ≥ grade 2 complication rates (1 (1%) vs. 3(4%), p = 0.03) compared to the TBx+12c cohort. There were no differences in IIEF‐5 (p = 0.5) or IPSS (p = 0.1) scores at baseline and 2‐weeks and 6‐weeks post‐biopsy.ConclusionTBx+6c cohort, when compared to the TBx+12c cohort, demonstrated comparable diagnostic performance along with similar functional outcomes and lower complication rates. These results suggest the importance of further exploring the clinical implications of adopting a TBx+6c schema for PCa diagnosis in comparison to the widely used TBx+12c schema through a multicenter randomized controlled trial.
Structural characterization of sphingomyelins from tissue using electron‐induced dissociation
Authors: Yan Tingting , Prentice Boone M. 
Published: June 2024

RationaleSphingomyelins (SMs) and resulting metabolic products serve important functional and cell signaling roles and can act as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in many pathological disorders. SMs each contain a sphingoid base, an amide‐linked fatty acyl chain, and a phosphocholine headgroup. Despite these simple building blocks, variations and modifications of both the sphingoid base and the fatty acyl chain result in a diverse array of structurally complicated SM compounds. Conventional tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using the collision‐induced dissociation (CID) method only provides limited structural information, necessitating other tools to unravel the structural complexity of these lipids.MethodsWe utilize electron‐induced dissociation (EID) and sequential CID/EID approaches to elucidate detailed structural features of SMs. Integrating the CID/EID method into an imaging MS workflow enables accurate identification of SMs directly from kidney tissue.ResultsThe application of EID enables identification of SMs at the molecular species level, identifying the sphingosine base and the amide‐linked fatty acyl chains. Furthermore, removal of the phosphocholine headgroup via CID followed by sequential EID in an MS3 analysis (CID/EID) enhances the structural information obtained. CID/EID provides diagnostic fragmentation patterns revealing the hydroxylation site and double bond position in both the sphingosine base and amide‐linked fatty acyl chains.ConclusionsDetailed structural information of SMs from synthetic standards and biological tissue samples is obtained using an alternative electron‐based dissociation method. Accurate characterization of SMs promises to better inform studies of tissue biochemistry, lipid metabolism, and molecular pathology.
Meigs syndrome presenting with recurrent unilateral pleural effusion
Authors: Ng Boon Hau , Johari How Sarah Hani , Abeed Nik Nuratiqah Nik , Low Hsueh Jing , Osman Rose Azzlinda , Yu‐Lin Andrea Ban 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPelvic tumours are a rare cause of pleural effusion. We describe an approach to a case of Meigs syndrome with recurrent unilateral pleural effusion. A woman in her 60s' presented with recurrent right‐sided pleural effusion, leading to cough and shortness of breath. Thoracentesis yielded exudative pleural fluid with cytology negative for malignancy. Pleuroscopy revealed inflamed pleura, and pleural biopsy was consistent with inflammatory changes. The patient's cancer antigen 125 level was elevated at 256 U/mL. Given the high suspicion of malignancy, a computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis was performed and revealed ascites and a large left ovarian and uterine mass. The patient underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salphingo oophorectomy after experiencing three additional episodes of pleural effusion. Histological examination revealed the left ovarian mass to be a cellular fibroma and the uterine masses to be leiomyomata. Following the operation, there was no recurrence of pleural effusion.
P‐10.2: Numerical Simulation of Material Properties in Pattern Area and Evaluation of Constitutive Capture Method
Authors: Wang Ya ling , Zhang Fang , Li Zheng yang , Zhang Lei chao , Liu Jin jin 
Published: June 2024

In order to establish an equivalent model with a graphical coating, the numerical simulation equivalent calculation of material properties in the Bracket Pattern region is carried out, which includes parametric modeling and mechanical optimization.The results indicate that single body optimization with reaction force of a rigid body as the objective function is the best solution, and the prediction results of the deformation, the stress of the adhesive layer and the shape of the water droplets are better, also minimal time consumption for single body optimization. The optimization of the single body with the force of the graphical film layer as the objective function will reduce the accuracy of the simulation results. The full‐ module optimization method, which takes the deformation of the film and the force of the glue as the objective function, takes the longest time.According to the constitutive capture method of this pattern region, the universality of the simulation model under different pattern designs is studied, and the results show that the difference before and after equivalence is small.
Review of weighted exponential random graph models frameworks applied to neuroimaging
Authors: Fan Yefeng , White Simon R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNeuro‐imaging data can often be represented as statistical networks, especially for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, where brain regions are defined as nodes and the functional interactions between those regions are taken as edges. Such networks are commonly divided into classes depending on the type of edges, namely binary or weighted. A binary network means edges can either be present or absent. Whereas the edges of a weighted network are associated with weight values, and fMRI networks belong to weighted networks. Statistical methods are often adopted to analyse such networks, among which, the exponential random graph model (ERGM) is an important network analysis approach. Typically ERGMs are applied to binary networks, and weighted networks often need to be binarised by arbitrarily selecting a threshold value to define the presence of the edges, which can lead to non‐robustness and loss of valuable edge weight information representing the strength of fMRI interaction in fMRI networks. While it is therefore important to gain deeper insight in adopting ERGM on weighted networks, there only exists a few different ERGM frameworks for weighted networks; some of these are not directly implementable on fMRI networks based on their original proposal. We systematically review, implement, analyse and compare five such frameworks via a simulation study and provide guidelines on each modelling framework as well as conclude the suitability of them on fMRI networks based on a range of criteria. We concluded that Multi‐Layered ERGM is currently the most suitable framework.
Preparation of VS2/rGO Nanosheet Composite Materials as High Capacity Anodes for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Liang Qiaoyu , Xu Jiamin , Huang Tingting , Wang Suqin , Li Hongbo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the process of ion insertion/deinsertion, VS2 is prone to volume expansion or even structural collapse leading to capacity decrease and low coulomb efficiency (CE), which hinders its practical application. In this paper, VS2/rGO composites were prepared by solvent method. The rGO firmly locks VS2 in its honeycomb structure, effectively preventing the volume expansion or even structural collapse of the electrode during charging and discharging. The layered structure of VS2 and the high conductivity of rGO speed up the lithium ion transport and achieve the cycling stability of the battery. The results show that the starting capacity of the VS2/rGO anode material is 1190/959 mAh g−1, and the starting CE is 80.57 %. It is worth noting that after 150 cycles, the specific discharge/charge capacity of the material can be maintained at 764/736 mAh g−1. The improved electrochemical properties of the VS2 anode are due to the presence of rGO in the material, thus optimizing the structural stability and electrical properties of the composite.
Lysosome‐Targeting Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles for Tumor Specific Degradation of PD‐L1
Authors: Ji Panpan , Wu Pengying , Wang Lantian , Wang Yufei , Guo Xin , Gao Ruiqi , Guo Zhiyu , Zhou Haikun , Liu Zhaoyou , Liang Yuan , Lu Fan , Yang Guodong , Ji Gang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIncreased expression of immune check point genes, such as PD‐L1, is one of the main reasons for immunosuppression, especially for colon cancer. Development of novel therapeutic strategies is of great importance to improve the prognosis. In this study, outer membrane vesicles (OMV) derived from Gram‐negative bacteria are engineered to immune checkpoint blockade nanosystem for efficient elicitation of anti‐tumor immunity. Briefly, the OMVs are engineered with Lyp1‐Traptavidin (S52G, R53D mutant of streptavidin) fusion protein displayed on the surface. The Lyp‐1 endows the OMV with the capacity to target tumor tissues, while the Traptavidin ensures easy decoration of biotinylated anti‐PD‐L1 and biotinylated M6P (mannose 6‐phosphate). The simultaneously anchored anti‐PD‐L1 and M6P (ligand for cation‐independent mannose 6‐phosphate receptor) on the engineered OMVs coordinately direct the membrane PD‐L1 to lysosome for degradation, and thus unleash the anti‐tumor immunity. With syngeneic tumor model, the engineered OMVs are confirmed to boost immunity, inhibit cancer growth, and thus prolong survival. Together, A proposed OMV‐based modular nanosystem that enables assembly of biotinylated anti‐PD‐L1 and M6P on the surface for tumor‐targeted immune checkpoint blockade.
Defect Engineered Bi2Te3 Nanosheets with Enhanced Haloperoxidase Activity for Marine Antibiofouling
Authors: Kulkarni Sagar Sunil , Tong Dang Khoa , Wu Chien‐Ting , Kao Cheng‐Yen , Chattopadhyay Surojit 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDefective bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanosheets, an artificial nanozyme mimicking haloperoxidase activity (hPOD), show promise as eco‐friendly, bactericidal, and antimicrofouling materials by enhancing cytotoxic hypohalous acid production from halides and H2O2. Microscopic and spectroscopic characterization reveals that controlled NaOH (upto X = 250 µL) etching of the nearly inactive non‐transition metal chalcogenide Bi2Te3 nanosheets creates controlled defects (d), such as Bi3+species, in d‐Bi2Te3‐X that induces enhanced hPOD activity. d‐Bi2Te3‐250 exhibits approximately eight‐fold improved hPOD than the as‐grown Bi2Te3 nanosheets. The antibacterial activity of d‐Bi2Te3‐250 nanozymes, studied by bacterial viability, show 1, and 45% viability for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively, prevalent in marine environments. The hPOD mechanism is confirmed using scavengers, implicating HOBr and singlet oxygen for the effect. The antimicrofouling property of the d‐Bi2Te3‐250 nanozyme has been studied on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm in a lab setting by multiple assays, and also on titanium (Ti) plates coated with the nanozyme mixed commercial paint, exposed to seawater in a real setting. All studies, including direct microscopic evidence, exhibit inhibition of microfouling, up to ≈73%, in the presence of nanozymes. This approach showcases that defect engineering can induce antibacterial, and antimicrofouling activity in non‐transition metal chalcogenides, offering an inexpensive alternative to noble metals.
Maintaining the 2D Structure of MXene via Self‐Assembled Monolayers for Efficient Lubrication in High Humidity
Authors: Yu Kaihuan , Ren Junhui , Liao Wanda , Hu Bo , Bai Changning , Li Zhihui , Zhang Xingkai , Chhattal Muhammad , Li Ning , Qiang Li 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMXene is considered as a promising solid lubricant due to facile shearing ability and tuneable surface chemistry. However, it faces challenges in high‐humidity environments where excessive water molecules can significantly impact its 2D structure, thus deteriorating its lubricating properties. In this work, the self‐assembled monolayers are formed on MXene by surface chlorination (MXene‐Cl) and fluorination (MXene‐F), and their friction behaviors in high/low humidity are investigated. The results indicate that MXene‐F and MXene‐Cl can maintain a relatively constant friction coefficient (CoF) (MXene‐F ∼0.76, MXene‐Cl ∼0.48) under both high (75%) and low (25%)‐relative humidity (RH) environments. Meanwhile, the MXene‐F and MXene‐Cl display a lower CoF than the pristine MXene (MXene CoF∼1.18) in high humidity. The above phenomena are mainly attributed to the preservation of its 2D layered structure, the increased layer spacing, and superficial partial oxidation for SAMs‐functionalized MXene under high humidity during friction. Interestingly, MXene‐Cl with moderate water resistance has a lower CoF than that of MXene‐F with complete water resistance. The nanostructured water adsorption capacity and larger interlayer spacing of MXene‐Cl make it exhibit a lower CoF compared to MXene‐F. The findings of this study offer valuable guidance for tailoring MXene by surface chemical functionalization as an efficient solid lubricant in high humidity.
Combining Trivalent Ion‐Doping with Halide Alloying to Increase the Efficiency of Tin Perovskites
Authors: Gregori Luca , Meggiolaro Daniele , De Angelis Filippo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTin‐halide perovskites (THP) are emerging materials for photovoltaics with optoelectronic properties potentially rivaling lead‐based analoges. Their efficiencies in solar cells are, however, severely limited by the high sensitivity of tin to oxygen and the heavy p‐doping natively present in the material. While the effects of oxygen can be mitigated by using reducing agents upon the synthesis and by encapsulating the device, the native p‐doping caused by the high density of acceptor defects remains a challenge to be further addressed for prolonging carrier lifetimes and, consequently, device efficiency. In this work, potential compositional engineering strategies aimed at reducing the p‐doping of this class of materials and increasing their efficiency in solar cells are investigated. Based on density functional theory simulations it is demonstrated that THP doping with d1s2 trivalent ions effectively decreases the hole background density and the density of the deep defects responsible for the non‐radiative recombination in these materials. This effect is enhanced by alloying iodide with small fractions of bromide, up to 33%. Higher bromide fractions, instead, are detrimental due to the increased non‐radiative recombination. These results may provide useful guidelines to experimentalists for improving the optoelectronic quality of THPs and consequently of the ensuing devices.