bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical and Structural Properties of Cuprous Oxide Shell Coated Gold Nanoprisms
Authors: Zámbó Dániel , Kovács Dávid , Deák András 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCuprous oxide nanoparticles can be prepared with a great morphological control, and their composites with gold nanostructures are intensively studied owing to their catalytic performance. In this study, cuprous oxide shell growth on nanosized prism‐shaped gold nanoparticles is investigated, where the core‐particle morphology does not match the prototypical cubic or octahedral symmetry of the embedding cuprous oxide particle. It is shown that different shell morphology is obtained depending on the reducing agent used for the shell deposition. Strong reducing agent (hydrazine) leads to a multi‐slab‐like coating with smooth facets, while under milder conditions (hydroxylamine) a multi‐grain coating is obtained. Successful realization of time‐dependent spectroscopic and structural investigations indicate that in this latter case cuprous oxide shell growth is initiated site‐selectively, namely in the highly curved regions of the particle, with a higher growth rate around the tips of the nanoprisms. This is supported by correlative single‐nanoparticle spectroscopy/scanning electron microscopy measurements, that allow to establish the connection between the optical properties and the structure of these plasmonic/semiconductor core/shell nanoparticles.
Using a longitudinal qualitative approach to understand the lived experiences of caregivers of infants with obstructive sleep apnea who require chronic noninvasive respiratory support
Authors: Canella Rachel , Feld Lance , Balmer Dorene , Franklin Melanie , Cielo Christopher , Xanthopoulos Melissa S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveAlthough positive airway pressure (PAP) is effective for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in infants, there is a lack of data on caregivers' experiences administering PAP at home. Understanding caregivers' perspectives may change health care professionals approach to PAP initiation. Our study aimed to gain comprehensive insight into caregivers' beliefs, perceptions, and challenges associated with implementing PAP for infants with OSA, considering the transition from inpatient hospitalization to home.MethodsIn this single‐center prospective longitudinal study, caregivers of infants with OSA less than 12 months old who were initiated PAP during inpatient hospitalization underwent two semi‐structured interviews over 3 months. The interview data were analyzed using directed content analysis, utilizing the health belief and socioecological models as theoretical frameworks. Data were coded and clustered into themes that reflected the evolving perspectives and experiences of caregivers.ResultsEight caregivers completed semi‐structured interviews, revealing three key themes. First, despite initial negative attitudes towards the equipment, caregivers recognized PAP benefits and through self‐efficacy and cues to action, were motivated to use PAP at home. Second, caregivers encountered various barriers to adherence; however, caregivers' self‐efficacy improved with time and practice. Lastly, interpersonal, organizational, and community support enhanced adherence while lack thereof hindered implementation.ConclusionCaregivers of infants with OSA understand the importance of PAP therapy. Providing family‐centered care and targeted interventions helps caregivers maintain adherence to PAP for infants. By understanding the lived experiences of caregivers, health care professionals can better meet the needs of families and optimize the effectiveness of PAP.
Telemedicine and home spirometry in cystic fibrosis: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Medbo Jakob , Imberg Henrik , Hansen Christine , Krantz Christina , de Monestrol Isabelle , Svedberg Marcus 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesTelehealth and home spirometry feasibility for children has been established, but their impact on cystic fibrosis (CF) disease progression remains unassessed. We aimed to evaluate the effects of telehealth and home spirometry on CF disease progression and care.MethodsChildren with CF aged 5–17 years from all Swedish CF centers were provided with home spirometers. A minimum of two in‐person visits were replaced with telemedicine visits and participants were instructed to conduct home spirometry before visits. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to compare annual CF disease trajectories during the intervention period and prepandemic period (1 January 2019 to 28 February 2020). Participants and caregivers completed study questionnaires.ResultsA total of 59 individuals completed the study over a mean (SD) period of 6.8 (1.4) months, made 3.1 (1.0) physical visits and 2.2 (0.6) telehealth visits per patient year during the study period. The mean difference (95% CI) between the intervention and prepandemic period progression rate for FEV1%, lung clearance index and BMI were −0.4 (−1.3 to 0.5, p = 0.39), 0.11 (−0.07 to 0.28, p = 0.25) and −0.02 (−0.13 to 0.08, p = 0.70), respectively. There were no major shifts in the incidence of airway pathogens, sputum cultures, or antibiotics use between the periods (p > 0.05). The intervention did not increase stress. Almost all participants and caregivers expressed a desire to continue with home spirometry and telemedicine.ConclusionCombining telehealth and physical visits with access to home spirometry demonstrated comparable effectiveness as exclusively in‐person care with enhanced flexibility and personalization of CF care.
Type 1 diabetes prevention clinical trial simulator: Case reports of model‐informed drug development tool
Authors: Morales Juan Francisco , Klose Marian , Hoffert Yannick , Podichetty Jagdeep T. , Burton Jackson , Schmidt Stephan , Romero Klaus , O'Doherty Inish , Martin Frank , Campbell‐Thompson Martha , Haller Michael J. , Atkinson Mark A. , Kim Sarah 
Published: July 2024

AbstractClinical trials seeking to delay or prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) face a series of pragmatic challenges. Despite more than 100 years since the discovery of insulin, teplizumab remains the only FDA‐approved therapy to delay progression from Stage 2 to Stage 3 T1D. To increase the efficiency of clinical trials seeking this goal, our project sought to inform T1D clinical trial designs by developing a disease progression model‐based clinical trial simulation tool. Using individual‐level data collected from the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention and The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young natural history studies, we previously developed a quantitative joint model to predict the time to T1D onset. We then applied trial‐specific inclusion/exclusion criteria, sample sizes in treatment and placebo arms, trial duration, assessment interval, and dropout rate. We implemented a function for presumed drug effects. To increase the size of the population pool, we generated virtual populations using multivariate normal distribution and ctree machine learning algorithms. As an output, power was calculated, which summarizes the probability of success, showing a statistically significant difference in the time distribution until the T1D diagnosis between the two arms. Using this tool, power curves can also be generated through iterations. The web‐based tool is publicly available: https://app.cop.ufl.edu/t1d/. Herein, we briefly describe the tool and provide instructions for simulating a planned clinical trial with two case studies. This tool will allow for improved clinical trial designs and accelerate efforts seeking to prevent or delay the onset of T1D.
Phytochemical‐mediated modulation of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress as a cancer therapeutic approach
Authors: Al Azzani Mazoun , Nizami Zohra Nausheen , Magramane Rym , Sekkal Mohammed N. , Eid Ali H. , Al Dhaheri Yusra , Iratni Rabah 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAutophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are conserved processes that generally promote survival, but can induce cell death when physiological thresholds are crossed. The pro‐survival aspects of these processes are exploited by cancer cells for tumor development and progression. Therefore, anticancer drugs targeting autophagy or ER stress to induce cell death and/or block the pro‐survival aspects are being investigated extensively. Consistently, several phytochemicals have been reported to exert their anticancer effects by modulating autophagy and/or ER stress. Various phytochemicals (e.g., celastrol, curcumin, emodin, resveratrol, among others) activate the unfolded protein response to induce ER stress‐mediated apoptosis through different pathways. Similarly, various phytochemicals induce autophagy through different mechanisms (namely mechanistic target of Rapamycin [mTOR] inhibition). However, phytochemical‐induced autophagy can function either as a cytoprotective mechanism or as programmed cell death type II. Interestingly, at times, the same phytochemical (e.g., 6‐gingerol, emodin, shikonin, among others) can induce cytoprotective autophagy or programmed cell death type II depending on cellular contexts, such as cancer type. Although there is well‐documented mechanistic interplay between autophagy and ER stress, only a one‐way modulation was noted with some phytochemicals (carnosol, capsaicin, cryptotanshinone, guangsangon E, kaempferol, and δ‐tocotrienol): ER stress‐dependent autophagy. Plant extracts are sources of potent phytochemicals and while numerous phytochemicals have been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies, the search for novel phytochemicals with anticancer effects is ongoing from plant extracts used in traditional medicine (e.g., Origanum majorana). Nonetheless, the clinical translation of phytochemicals, a promising avenue for cancer therapeutics, is hindered by several limitations that need to be addressed in future studies.
Comparing the long‐term follow‐up anal function between robot‐assisted and laparoscopic surgery for low rectal cancer: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Cao Gaoyang , Zhao Yaoyao , Zhang Xinjie , Man Da , Wang Fei , Cai Xianlei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundRobotic‐assisted surgery (RAS) is increasingly used for treating low rectal cancer. Its comparative effectiveness against laparoscopic surgery (LAS) in enhancing long‐term anal function remains uncertain.MethodsA meta‐analysis was conducted to compare long‐term anal function outcomes between patients undergoing RAS and LAS. Meta‐regression and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess available evidence. Studies published up to September 2023 in English or Chinese were included.ResultsSeven studies were identified. RAS patients exhibited lower low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scores (standardised mean difference [SMD] = −1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.64 to −0.15) and Wexner scores (SMD = −0.74; 95% CI: −1.20 to −0.27) compared with LAS patients. However, RAS did not significantly reduce major LARS risk (odds ratio = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.68–1.04).ConclusionsRAS slightly improved postoperative anal function compared with LAS. Further studies with large samples are warranted to confirm or update our findings.
Distributed fast F‐T control for UAV formation in the presence of unknown input disturbances
Authors: Liao Hongjin , Chen Xin , Jia Jiangbo , Zhu Guangyuan 
Published: July 2024

SummaryThis paper addresses the problem of fixed‐time (F‐T) control for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) formation under unknown input disturbances to achieve moving target tracking. First, a kinematic model with uncertainties is employed to analyze the transient response of the UAV formation accurately. Next, based on a fast F‐T lemma, an F‐T disturbance observer is constructed to estimate the unknown disturbances. Subsequently, based on the designed observer and fast F‐T lemma, a distributed F‐T guidance law that controls multi‐UAV to track a moving target in a desired formation is introduced. Then, through rigorous mathematical proof, it is established that the control strategy enables the formation system to achieve F‐T stability, and the convergence time is independent of the system's initial states. Finally, the validity of the proposed control method is demonstrated through numerical simulation and presented in a realistic visual simulation scenario created using Unreal Engine 4 (UE4).
Global SDG composite indicator: A new methodological proposal that combines compensatory and non‐compensatory aggregations
Authors: Blancas Francisco Javier , Contreras Ignacio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a Global Sustainable Development Goals Composite Indicator to assess the grade in the achieving of targets associated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approved in the 2030 Agenda. Based on a critical analysis of the SDG Index, we propose a new aggregation methodology that combines compensatory and non‐compensatory aggregation rules. At a first level, a compensatory indicator is obtained by means of a generalized average which is penalized according to the horizontal heterogeneity of each country and the number of uncontrolled indicators in the territory. At a second level, the set of compensatory indicators of each SDG is aggregated by means of a synthetic non‐compensatory indicator based on an ordinal Benefit of the Doubt model. An empirical study is presented for a set of 32 OECD member countries, which shows the potential of this new tool for planning sustainable development policies focused on the identification of weaknesses.
Reflecting on Zagonel's dichotomy of microworlds and boundary objects
Authors: Black Laura J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAldo Zagonel's distinction between “microworld” and “boundary object” approaches to modeling suggests we ask ourselves pointed questions about what we are valuing, under what conditions, as we involve stakeholders with system dynamics representations. Reflecting on developments in both participatory modeling and large system simulations, I propose that Zagonel's dichotomous descriptions lie along a continuum, with room for scholars and practitioners to explore more explicitly the multiple ways we adapt system dynamics methods to the needs and capacities of the stakeholders with whom we are working at that time. Regardless of approach, whether simulation models or causal diagrams, modifiable in the moment or fixed by design, the goal of using system dynamics representations remains focused on fostering intelligent action among the stakeholders facing the problem of focus. © 2024 The Author(s). System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Dual S‐Scheme Ta3N5/Bi2O2CO3/Ta2O5 With Hierarchical Pore Structures for Enhanced Photodegradation of Dye‐Performance and Mechanism
Authors: Ji Xiaohui , Li Chen , Liu Junhai , Luo Xuegang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA dual S‐scheme heterojunction of Ta3N5/Bi2O2CO3/Ta2O5 was synthesized with enhanced photoactivity for MB degradation. The Ta3N5 modification introduces hierarchical pore structures in composite, which is conducive to dye absorption and degradation. Ta3N5 also enhances the light harvesting capability and improves the carrier separation and transfer efficiency of composite due to its superior photoelectrical properties. A S‐scheme heterojunction was proved to be formed between Ta3N5 and Bi2O2CO3, which not only accelerates the carrier separation and transfer efficiency, but also preserves electrons and holes with superior redox capability in composite. Thus, the formation of ⋅O2− and ⋅OH with superior oxidation capability were significantly enhanced in Ta3N5/Bi2O2CO3 composite. MB (20 mg/L) degradation efficiency was enhanced from 55 % of Ta3N5 and Bi2O2CO3 in 3 hours to almost 95 % of Ta3N5/Bi2O2CO3 composite. Because Ta3N5 was partly oxidized to Ta2O5 during preparation, a dual S‐scheme heterojunction of Ta3N5/Bi2O2CO3/Ta2O5 was proposed, which provided an exemplary way of fabricating dual S‐scheme heterojunction involving Ta3N5 and Ta2O5.
Correlating Thickness and Phase of Single Co(OH)2 Micro‐Platelets to the Intrinsic Activity of Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Qiu Ji , Yuan Jiangmei , Chu Xiaoqing , Chen Shu , Zhang Jie , Peng Zhangquan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMorphology, crystal phase, and its transformation are important structures that frequently determine electrocatalytic activity, but the correlations of intrinsic activity with them are not completely understood. Herein, using Co(OH)2 micro‐platelets with well‐defined structures (phase, thickness, area, and volume) as model electrocatalysts of oxygen evolution reaction, multiple in situ microscopy is combined to correlate the electrocatalytic activity with morphology, phase, and its transformation. Single‐entity morphology and electrochemistry characterized by atomic force microscopy and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy reveal a thickness‐dependent turnover frequency (TOF) of α‐Co(OH)2. The TOF (≈9.5 s−1) of α‐Co(OH)2 with ≈14 nm thickness is ≈95‐fold higher than that (≈0.1 s−1) with ≈80 nm. Moreover, this thickness‐dependent activity has a critical thickness of ≈30 nm, above which no thickness‐dependence is observed. Contrarily, β‐Co(OH)2 reveals a lower TOF (≈0.1 s−1) having no significant correlation with thickness. Combining single‐entity electrochemistry with in situ Raman microspectroscopy, this thickness‐dependent activity is explained by more reversible Co3+/Co2+ kinetics and larger ratio of active Co sites of thinner α‐Co(OH)2, accompanied with faster phase transformation and more extensive surface restructuration. The findings highlight the interactions among thickness, ratio of active sites, kinetics of active sites, and phase transformation, and offer new insights into structure–activity relationships at single‐entity level.
Wireless Alerts and Data Monitoring from BNNO‐MWCNTs/PDMS Composite Film‐Based TENG Integrated Inhaler for Smart Healthcare Application
Authors: Kavarthapu Venkata Siva , Paranjape Mandar Vasant , Manchi Punnarao , Kurakula Anand , Lee Jun Kyu , Graham Sontyana Adonijah , Yu Jae Su 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn recent years, the implementation of energy‐harvesting technology in medical equipment has attracted significant interest owing to its potential for self‐powered and smart healthcare systems. Herein, the integration of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is proposed into an inhaler for energy‐harvesting and smart inhalation monitoring. For this initially, barium sodium niobium oxide (Ba2NaNb5O15) microparticles (BNNO MPs) are synthesized via a facile solid‐state synthesis process. The BNNO MPs with ferroelectricity and high dielectric constant are incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer to make BNNO/PDMS composite films (CFs) for TENG fabrication. The fabricated TENG is operated in a contact‐separation mode, and its electrical output performance is compared to establish the optimal BNNO MPs concentration. Furthermore, multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), a conductive filler material, are used to enhance the electrical conductivity of the CFs, thereby improving the electrical output performance of the TENG. The robustness/durability of the proposed BNNO‐MWCNTs/PDMS CF‐based TENG are investigated. The proposed TENG device is demonstrated to harvest electrical energy from mechanical motions via regular human activities and power portable electronics. The TENG is integrated into the inhaler casing to count the number of sprays remaining in the canister, send the notification to a smartphone via Bluetooth, and harvest energy.
MXene‐Derived TiO2/Starbon Nanocomposite as a Remarkable Electrode Material for Coin‐Cell Symmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Sutar Sanjay D. , Patil Indrajit , Parse Haridas , Mukherjee Prateekshita , Swami Anita 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, the synthesis of a MXene (Ti3C2Tx)‐derived TiO2/starbon (M‐TiO2/Starbon‐800 °C) nanocomposite using a facile calcination method is explored. High‐temperature exposure transforms layered Ti3C2Tx into rod‐like TiO2 and starbon into amorphous carbon. The resulting M‐TiO2/Starbon‐800 °C nanocomposite exhibits a significantly larger surface area and pore volume compared to its individual components, leading to superior electrochemical performance. In a three‐electrode configuration, the nanocomposite achieved a specific capacitance (Csp) of 1352 Fg⁻¹ at 1 Ag⁻¹, while retaining more than 99% of its Csp after 50 000 charge/discharge cycles. Furthermore, when incorporated into a two‐electrode symmetric coin cell, it demonstrates a Csp of 115 Fg⁻¹ along with exceptional long cycle life. Moreover, the device shows an energy density (ED) of 51 Whkg−1 and a power density (PD) of 7912 Wkg−1 at 5 Ag−1. The enhanced charge storage is attributed to the formation of a porous structure with a high specific surface area resulting from the interaction between M‐TiO2 nanorods and starbon, which facilitates efficient ion penetration.
A Biodegradable, Stretchable, Healable, and Self‐Powered Optoelectronic Synapse Based on Ionic Gelatins for Neuromorphic Vision System
Authors: Wang Kaili , Wu Jicai , Wang Min , Zhang Fa , Li Xiujuan , Xu Min , Zhu Duoyi , Han Jikun , Liu Juqing , Liu Zhengdong , Huang Wei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOptoelectronic synapses have gained increasing attentions as a fundamental building block in the development of neuromorphic visual systems. However, it remains a challenge to integrate multiple functions into a single optoelectronic synapse that can be widely applied in wearable artificial intelligence and implantable neuromorphic vision systems. In this study, a stretchable optoelectronic synapse based on biodegradable ionic gelatin heterojunction is successfully developed. This device exhibits self‐powered synaptic plasticity behavior with broad spectral response and excellent elastic properties, yet it degrades rapidly upon disposal. After complete cleavage, the device can be fully repaired within 1 min, which is mainly attributed to the non‐covalent interactions between different molecular chains. Moreover, the recovery and reprocessing of the ionic gelatins result in optoelectronic properties that are virtually indistinguishable from their original state, showcasing the resilience and durability of ionic gelatins. The combination of biodegradability, stretchability, self‐healing, zero‐power consumption, ease of large‐scale preparation, and low cost makes the work a major step forward in the development of biodegradable and stretchable optoelectronic synapses.
A Self‐foaming Strategy to Construct Small Mo2C Nanoparticles Decorated 3D Carbon Foams as Superior Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Materials with Strong Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Liu Yonglei , Zhang Minghui , Liu Dawei , Gai Lixue , Wang Yan , Wang Pan , Han Xijiang , Du Yunchen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract3D macroporous carbon‐based foams are always considered as promising candidates for high‐performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials due to the collaborative EM contribution and salutary structure effect. However, the uneven distribution of heterogeneous EM components and the cumbersome preparation process have become key issues to hinder their performance improvement and practical popularity. Herein, the fabrication of 3D carbon foam decorated with small and highly dispersed Mo2C nanoparticles is realized by an innovative self‐foaming strategy. The foaming mechanism can be attributed to the decomposition of nitrate during the softening process of organic polymers. The good dispersion of Mo2C nanoparticles boosts interfacial polarization significantly. After regulating the content of Mo2C nanoparticles, the optimal Mo2C/CF‐x exhibits good EM absorption performance, whose minimum reflection loss intensity value can reach up to ‐72.2 dB, and effective absorption bandwidth covers 6.7 GHz with a thickness of 2.30 mm. Very importantly, the resultant Mo2C/CF‐x exhibits hydrophobicity and strong acidic anticorrosion, and a long‐time treatment in HCl solution (6.0 mol L−1) produces negligible impacts on their EM functions. It is believed that this extraordinary feature may render Mo2C/C foams as qualified and durable EM wave absorbing materials (EWAMs) under rigorous conditions.