bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A data‐informed timeline for hospital discharge with a reasonably low risk of unplanned readmission after open and minimally invasive liver resections
Authors: Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Ito Kyoji , Hayakawa Tomoaki , Hayashi Yoshihito , Fukuda Kaito , Abe Satoru , Ichida Akihiko , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Kaneko Junichi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: December 2023

Background

Postoperative complications following liver resection remain high, ranging from 20% to 50%. Patients are hospitalized for a certain period of time following liver resection because of the risk of postoperative complications. We hypothesized that the risk of complications decreases with each complication‐free postoperative day after open and minimally invasive liver resections and can be stratified using a recently reported three‐level complexity classification.

Methods

Patients undergoing first liver resection without concomitant other organ resections between 2006 and 2019 were included. The three‐level complexity classification was used to categorize liver resection procedures into grades I–III. We assessed the rate of cumulative postoperative complications from the time of liver resection to the time of post‐hepatectomy complications (≥ Clavien–Dindo grade II).

Results

Of the 911 patients included, 200 underwent resection of grade I procedures, 185 underwent resection of grade II procedures, and 526 underwent resection of grade III procedures. The risks of post‐hepatectomy complications changed over time and were stratified by surgical complexity. For patients at the time of liver resection, the estimated 30‐day complication rate was 21.8% for open grade I resection, 26.7% for open grade II resection, 38.4% for open grade III resection, 8.6% for laparoscopic grade I resection, and 12.5% for laparoscopic grade II resection. For patients without complications at 7 days, the estimated 30‐day complication rate decreased to 2.1% for open grade I, 9.2% for open grade II, 17.6% for open grade III, 1.3% for laparoscopic grade I, and 4.5% for laparascopic grade II.

Conclusions

The post‐hepatectomy complication risks were stratified by surgical complexity, liver resection approach, and the period without complication after liver resection.
The potassium channels: Neurobiology and pharmacology of tinnitus
Authors: Lai Haohong , Gao Minqian , Yang Haidi
Published: December 2023

Tinnitus is a widespread public health issue that imposes a significant social burden. The occurrence and maintenance of tinnitus have been shown to be associated with abnormal neuronal activity in the auditory pathway. Based on this view, neurobiological and pharmacological developments in tinnitus focus on ion channels and synaptic neurotransmitter receptors in neurons in the auditory pathway. With major breakthroughs in the pathophysiology and research methodology of tinnitus in recent years, the role of the largest family of ion channels, potassium ion channels, in modulating the excitability of neurons involved in tinnitus has been increasingly demonstrated. More and more potassium channels involved in the neural mechanism of tinnitus have been discovered, and corresponding drugs have been developed. In this article, we review animal (mouse, rat, hamster, and guinea‐pig), human, and genetic studies on the different potassium channels involved in tinnitus, analyze the limitations of current clinical research on potassium channels, and propose future prospects. The aim of this review is to promote the understanding of the role of potassium ion channels in tinnitus and to advance the development of drugs targeting potassium ion channels for tinnitus.
Cost‐effectiveness of taurolidine‐citrate in a cohort of patients with intestinal failure receiving home parenteral nutrition
Authors: Williams Thomas J. , Moy Naomi , Kaazan Patricia , Callaghan Gavin , Holtmann Gerald , Martin Neal
Published: December 2023

Background

Catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for chronic intestinal failure (CIF) are associated with significant morbidity and financial costs. Taurolidine is associated with a reduction in bloodstream infections, with limited information on the cost‐effectiveness as the primary prevention. This study aimed to determine the cost‐effectiveness of using taurolidine‐citrate for the primary prevention of CRBSIs within a quaternary hospital.

Methods

All patients with CIF receiving HPN were identified between January 2015 and November 2022. Data were retrospectively collected regarding patient demographics, HPN use, CRBSI diagnosis, and use of taurolidine‐citrate. The direct costs associated with CRBSI‐associated admissions and taurolidine‐citrate use were obtained from the coding department using a bottom‐up approach. An incremental cost‐effective analysis was performed, with a time horizon of 4 years, to compare the costs associated with primary and secondary prevention against the outcome of cost per infection avoided.

Results

Forty‐four patients received HPN within this period. The CRBSI rates were 3.25 infections per 1000 catheter days before the use of taurolidine‐citrate and 0.35 infections per 1000 catheter days after taurolidine‐citrate use. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio indicates primary prevention is the weakly dominant intervention, with the base case value of $27.04 per CRBSI avoided. This held with one‐way sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

Taurolidine‐citrate in the primary prevention of CRBSIs in patients with CIF receiving HPN is associated with reduced hospital costs and infection rates.
Effects of physical method and enzymatic hydrolysis on the properties of soybean fiber‐rich stabilizer for oil in water emulsions
Authors: Huang Lihua , Cai Yongjian , Zhao Qiangzhong , Zhao Dongrui , Hu Yulin , Zhao Mouming , Van der Meeren Paul
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Okara is a by‐product from the soybean industry and an abundant resource of insoluble soybean fiber (ISF). ISF with various properties could be obtained by different extraction methods. It is an attractive option to utilize okara by taking advantage of ISF as an emulsifier or stabilizer.

RESULTS

Compared with the untreated ISF (ISFUT), superfine grinding reduced the particle size and viscosity of ISF (ISFSG). Steam explosion increased the water solubility from 17.5% to 51.7% but decreased the water holding capacity and swelling capacity of ISF (ISFSE) from 15.0 and 14.0 g/g to 4.2 and 3.3 g/g, respectively. Emulsions prepared by ISFUT and ISFSG before or after enzymatic hydrolysis presented large oil droplets and were unstable. Although emulsions prepared by ISFSE after enzymatic hydrolysis (ISFSE‐E) showed flocculation, the volume‐weighted average diameter (19.7 μm) were the smallest while the viscosity and viscoelastic modulus were the highest, and exhibited excellent physical stability during storage.

CONCLUSION

ISF obtained by physical and hydrolysis treatment displayed diverging physicochemical properties while ISF prepared by steam explosion‐enzymatic hydrolysis presented the best potential to stabilize emulsions. The present study could provide novel information about the utilization of okara by the application of ISF as an emulsifier or stabilizer. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma: A review of current clinical trials
Authors: Gamboa Adriana C. , Kooby David A. , Maithel Shishir K. , Gamblin T. Clark
Published: December 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with a poor prognosis due to advanced disease presentation or recurrence despite curative‐intent resection. Since the approval of sorafenib in 2007, few systemic therapies offered a significant improvement in treatment outcomes. Over the last 3 years, however, rapid advancements in the field of immunotherapy have led to approval of checkpoint inhibitors in 2020 for use in advanced HCC. Since then, a few other clinical trials have shown promising results in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting. The objective of this review is to summarize data from existing clinical trials evaluating the use of systemic immune checkpoint inhibitors in HCC and to follow the natural evolution of this development across the metastatic, adjuvant, and neoadjuvant landscapes.
A Promising Electrochemical Sensor Platform for the Detection of Dopamine Using CuO‐NiO/rGO Composite
Authors: Krishnasamy Vinotha , Nair Gayathri Geetha , Sha Mizaj Shabil , Kannan Karthik , Al‐maadeed Somaya , Muthalif Asan G.A. , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: December 2023

Dopamine plays a significant role in the proper functioning of the central nervous system. Hence, the ability to sense levels of dopamine is pivotal in diagnosis and treatment procedures. For sensing dopamine, a mixed metal oxide nanocomposite (NC) of copper oxide‐nickel oxide/reduced graphene oxide (CuO‐NiO/rGO) is fabricated by the sol–gel method, and it is used to modify the glassy carbon electrode. The structural and morphological characterizations are done by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDAX), Raman, and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD results exhibit monoclinic CuO, cubic NiO, and hexagonal rGO structures. The Raman studies confirm the D and G bands for rGO. Different electrochemical techniques are used to examine the efficacy of nanocomposite in detecting dopamine. The CuO‐NiO metal oxide NC response compared with the CuO‐NiO/rGO NC shows a better response by rGO containing nanocomposite.

Further, the chronoamperometric method is employed, and the diffusion coefficient is calculated as 1.04 × 10−6 cm2 s−1. The differential pulse voltammetry is carried out to measure the nanocomposite's sensitivity and detection limit (LOD). The catalyst exhibits a sensitivity of 7.2 µA cm−2 mM−1 and a LOD of 0.006 µM. The composite can be used as a flexible skin patch sensor to predict abnormal dopamine levels such as Parkinson's disease.
Spatiotemporal Gait Differences before and after Botulinum Toxin in People with Focal Dystonia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cuinat Justine , Debû Bettina , Meoni Sara , Pelissier Pierre , Castrioto Anna , Fraix Valérie , Moro Elena
Published: December 2023

Background

The impact of focal dystonia on gait has attracted little attention and remains elusive. Considering the importance of both visual and head control in gait, blepharospasm and cervical dystonia should affect gait. Improvement of cervical/eyelid control following botulinum toxin (BTX) injections would translate into gait changes.

Objectives

To assess gait differences in people with focal dystonia before and after BTX treatment.

Methods

Ten patients with blepharospasm, 10 patients with cervical dystonia, and 20 healthy age‐ and gender‐matched controls were included. Gait was assessed before and 1‐month after BTX injections using Biodex Gait Trainer™ 3. Gait velocity, cadence, step length, step asymmetry, and variability of step length were compared between patients and controls, and between the two time‐points using non‐parametric statistics.

Results

At baseline, compared to controls, cervical dystonia patients showed reduced gait velocity, step length, and cadence. After BTX injections, while gait velocity and step length were significantly increased and step length variability reduced, gait parameters still differed between patients and controls. In blepharospasm patients, baseline gait velocity and step length were significantly smaller than in controls. After BTX injections, these gait parameters were significantly increased and variability decreased, so that patients no longer differed from controls.

Conclusion

Gait differences exist between patients with focal dystonia not directly affecting the lower limbs and healthy controls. These gait abnormalities were improved differently by BTX treatment according to the type of dystonia. These disparities suggest different pathophysiological mechanisms and support the need for changes in rehabilitation routines in cervical dystonia.
Modeling and dynamic analysis of axially moving variable fractional order viscoelastic plate
Authors: Hao Yajuan , Zhang Meihua , Sun Hongxia , Chen Yiming
Published: December 2023

By the constitutive model of variable fractional order, in the time domain, the partial differential equation of axially moving variable fractional order viscoelastic plate is established. From the known definition of the shifted Legendre polynomials, the partial differential equation is solved numerically directly in the time domain. Through error analysis and solution of dimensionless equation, the feasibility and accuracy of the shifted Legendre algorithm are proved. Then, the dynamic analyses of axially moving viscoelastic plate are carried out, and the displacement changes of moving plate at different speeds and different external excitations are analyzed.
Astaxanthin Augmented the Anti‐Hepatocellular Carcinoma Efficacy of Sorafenib Through the Inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway and Mitigation of Hypoxia within the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Ren Pengfei , Tang Qingjuan , He Xinjia , Xu Jie , Wang Yuming , Xue Changhu
Published: December 2023

Scope

The optimization of anti‐cancer drug effectiveness through dietary modifications has garnered significant attention among researchers in recent times. Astaxanthin (AST) has been identified as a safe and biologically active dietary supplement.

Methods and results

The tumor‐bearing mice are treated with sorafenib, along with supplementation of 60 mg kg−1 AST during the treatment. The coadministration of AST and a subclinical dosage of 10 mg kg−1 sorafenib demonstrates a tumor inhibition rate of 76.5%, which is notably superior to the 45% inhibition rate observed with the clinical dosage of 30 mg kg−1 sorafenib (p < 0.05). The administration of AST leads to a tumor inhibition increase of around 25% when combined with the clinical dose of 30 mg kg−1 sorafenib (p <0.05). AST enhances the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on tumor angiogenesis through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, AST exhibits a reduction in hypoxia within the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion

The results suggest that AST supplement enhances the inhibitory effects of sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma. This study presents a new dietary management program for oncology patients.
Consolidation analysis for soft soil with non‐Darcian flow considering variable discharge capacity of prefabricated vertical drain
Authors: Xiao Zhi‐Rong , Chen Yuan , Hu An‐Feng , Xie Sen‐Lin , Chen Yi‐Yang , Li Tang
Published: December 2023

Ground improvement is a complex issue, and accurately predicting the consolidation and settlement of soft soil with prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) presents a significant challenge. Recent laboratory and field tests have highlighted the influence of the variable discharge capacity of PVD and the non‐Darcian flow behavior of soft soil on consolidation. However, existing theories have not yet considered these two factors simultaneously. To address this gap, a numerical solution for consolidation analysis incorporating non‐Darcian flow and variable discharge capacity of PVD was developed and applied in a test area. The results of this study demonstrate the significant impact of both non‐Darcian flow and variable discharge capacity on the consolidation rate. A comprehensive comparison between the findings of this numerical solution, the degenerate solution, and monitored data reveals clear differences. Notably, the non‐Darcian exponent (s) and discharge capacity parameters (A3) were found to exert a greater influence on consolidation behavior compared to other factors. These findings provide valuable guidance for the design and implementation of following airport ground improvement strategies.
A machine‐learning supported multi‐scale LBM‐TPM model of unsaturated, anisotropic, and deformable porous materials
Authors: Chaaban Mohamad , Heider Yousef , Sun WaiChing , Markert Bernd
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the utilization of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in learning models that address the nonlinear anisotropic flow and hysteresis retention behavior of deformable porous materials. Herein, the micro‐geometries of various networks of porous Bentheimer Sandstones subjected to several degrees of strain from the literature are considered. For the generation of the database required for the training, validation, and testing of the machine learning (ML) models, single‐phase and biphasic lattice Boltzmann (LB) simulations are performed. The anisotropic nature of the intrinsic permeability is investigated for the single‐phase LB simulations. Thereafter, the database contains the computed average fluid velocities versus the pressure gradients. In this database, the range of applied fluid pressure gradients includes Darcy as well as non‐Darcy flows. The generated output from the single‐phase flow simulations is implemented in a feed‐forward neural network, representing a path‐independent informed graph‐based model. Concerning the two‐phase LB simulations, the Shan‐Chen multiphase LB model is used to generate the retention curves of the cyclic drying/wetting processes in the deformed porous networks. Consequently, two different ML path‐dependent approaches, that is, 1D convolutional neural network and the recurrent neural network, are used to model the biphasic flow through the deformable porous materials. A comparison in terms of accuracy and speed of training between the two approaches is presented. Conclusively, the outcomes of the papers show the capability of the ML models in representing constitutive relations for permeability and hysteretic retention curves accurately and efficiently.
Amplifying the lived experiences of parenteral nutrition consumers through the thematic analysis of social media posts
Authors: Barrera Regina , Poindexter Kristy , Tucker Chandler , Winkler Marion F. , Dashti Hassan S.
Published: December 2023

Background

Consumers of parenteral nutrition (PN) and their caregivers use social media to seek advice and support from their peers and to share experiences. We aimed to leverage posts from a social media patient community to identify common lived experiences of consumers of PN to prioritize opportunities for support through advocacy, education, and research.

Methods

Anonymous posts with high engagement were collected over 4 months from a PN‐focused social media support group platform. No personal information was collected or analyzed. Post content was reviewed for demographic characteristics. Thematic analysis involved inductive coding to identify content‐based keywords. Keywords were then used to form major themes and subthemes that were then quantified by post counts.

Results

A total of 306 social media posts were analyzed. Most were from adult PN consumers (80.4%) and pertained to home‐based PN (82%). Equivalent number of posts (5%) were from new consumers and those who had not yet started or restarting PN. The analysis revealed 12 major themes with 2–11 subthemes each, spanning medical, nutrition, emotional, and social aspects. The most prevalent theme was “Best practices, care, and safety of PN use” (36.9%), covering posts seeking guidance on line care, personal hygiene, equipment use, and vascular access devices. Others included “Symptoms” (23.9%) and “Patient safety concerns of PN handling by healthcare providers” (16.0%).

Conclusions

The identified themes provide a broader understanding of contemporary shared lived experiences and concerns relevant to PN consumers and their caregivers. Given the evolving nature of daily stressors, periodic reanalysis may be necessary.
Experimental and numerical investigation on low‐velocity impact response of sandwich structure with functionally graded core
Authors: T. S. Mohan Kumar , Joladarashi Sharnappa , Kulkarni S. M. , Doddamani Saleemsab
Published: December 2023

The present research investigates optimizing the impact resistance of functionally graded sandwich structures using experimental and numerical approaches. The low‐velocity impact (LVI) responses of functionally graded sandwich composite (FGSC) with different configurations with skin material jute/rubber/jute (JRJ) and core material having epoxy and sea sand by volume fraction of sea sand at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. Sandwich structures were impacted with LVI (5.89, 10.92, and 15.18 m/s), with the impactor dropped from heights of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 m with precompressed spring loads. FGSC samples are considered a deformable body, and the impactor is modeled as a rigid body using commercially accessible dynamic explicit software. The burn‐out test and weight method were used to test the core's gradience; both methods' results substantially matched, and the variance in gradation could be observed. The proposed sandwich structure characteristics are examined by energy absorption, peak force, energy loss percentage, and coefficient of restitution. Results showed that SC30S provides greater energy absorption and superior damage resistance when tested on LVI. To evaluate the accuracy of experimental findings in predicting the indentation behavior of the sandwich structure, the finite element analysis was used to compare with the experimental results. According to the examination of these proposed FGSC overall performance, they could potentially be employed as sacrificial materials for LVI applications like claddings to shield major structural components. The systematic approach used in this work serves as a standard for choosing and using FGSC effectively for LVI applications.

Highlights

Low‐velocity impact behavior of sandwich structures was investigated.

Combining flexible skin and epoxy core enhances energy absorption.

Based on impact energy levels, impact damage areas were determined.

Examined sandwich structure advantages in structural and aerospace uses.

In terms of time and cost, the numerical analysis method would be useful.
Development of lightweight hybrid polymeric composites reinforced with cellulose microfillers derived from linseed oil cake
Authors: M. Sathesh Babu , R. Ramamoorthi
Published: December 2023

By focusing on the natural cellulose microfiller derived from leftover cakes in the oil mills, researchers have the opportunity to develop and investigate novel materials that can potentially revolutionize the field of lightweight structures. This research work focuses on the development of lightweight hybrid polymeric composites using a combination of novel materials derived from linseed oil cake biomass waste and unidirectional flax fibers with epoxy polymeric matrices. It also explores the potential of linseed oil cake biomass waste as a valuable source of cellulose fillers for reinforcement in polymer composites, providing an alternative to traditional synthetic fillers. In this work, the extracted cellulose was made into a composite using a polymeric matrix (epoxy resin), and its mechanical as well as acoustical characteristics were studied to determine its suitability for various applications. The primary aim was to enhance the mechanical properties and reduce the weight of the composites for potential applications in lightweight structures, including automotive components, aerospace structures, and other industries where weight reduction is crucial without compromising the mechanical performance. Evidence of cellulose crystallinity and α‐cellulose was apparent, as indicated by the higher intensity peaks observed at 2θ = 22.10°, corresponding to the 002 crystallographic planes. The thermogravimetric analysis showed a minimum mass loss of 4.12% occurring at 309.16°C. The sample with 7.5 wt% linseed oil cake cellulose in the flax composite exhibited the highest values for various properties, including a tensile strength of 77.62 MPa, a flexural strength of 115.62 MPa, and an impact strength of 35.5 kJ/m2. For hardness and sound absorption properties, the sample with 10 wt% linseed oil cake cellulose in the flax composite exhibited the highest values (approximately 102 Sd) and a noise reduction coefficient value of 0.329. These findings suggest that combining cellulose with unidirectional flax fibers can make them suitable for various applications, such as structural components in the automotive industry, building materials, and biodegradable and eco‐friendly products.

Highlights

Researchers used linseed oil cake cellulose for lightweight composites.

Novel materials hybridized linseed oil cake cellulose and flax fibers.

The material is a potential alternative to synthetic fillers in polymer composites.

The material can enhance mechanical properties for automotive, aerospace use.

The material has yielded promising results in tensile, flexural, impact strength, and sound absorption.
Comparative analysis of thermoplastic and thermoset adhesives performance and the influence on failure analysis in jointed elium‐based composite structures
Authors: Kaybal Halil Burak , Ulus Hasan
Published: December 2023

The preference for thermoplastic composites over thermoset ones is steadily growing, especially in constructing resilient, lightweight, and fuel‐efficient structures in industrial settings due to their recyclability and superior energy absorption. Elium®, an acrylic‐based thermoplastic resin, offers enhanced stiffness and improved toughness at room temperature. Investigation into elium‐based composites with diverse fiber reinforcements has revealed elium's potential as an alternative to traditional thermoset epoxy resins. This study explores recyclable elium resin as an adhesive for creating curable and non‐permanent joints in various elium‐based composites. Various joining techniques, including adhesive bonding, mechanical joints, and hybrid bolted/bonded connections, were assessed, with hybrid bonded/bolted (HBB) joints emerging as a preferred solution for structures requiring higher load‐carrying capacity. The study's results indicate that, when using elium adhesive, elium‐hybrid bolted/bonded (HBB) joints demonstrate superior mechanical strength compared to their epoxy counterparts, resulting in improved toughness and stiffness values for each type of composite material. In addition, the research demonstrates superior load‐bearing strengths in bonded glass/elium composite joints using elium adhesive compared to bolted joints, with HBB joints featuring elium adhesive displaying even higher load‐bearing strengths. This research highlights the potential of elium‐based composites and adhesives in various industrial applications, enabling the production of lightweight, robust structures with exceptional damage tolerance.

Highlights

Investigates recyclable elium resin for curable and non‐permanent joints.

Elium‐based composites offer lightweight, robust, and damage‐tolerant structures.

Elium HBB joints demonstrate superior strength.

FTIR analysis reveals distinct chemical signatures and bonding characteristics.

Elium adhesive enhances bond strength.
Assessment of the effect of lignin biopolymer on the thermal stability of energetic nitrocellulose/diethylene glycol dinitrate composite
Authors: Boumaza Lokmene , Fouzi Tarchoun Ahmed , Trache Djalal , Abdelaziz Amir , Fodil Cherif Mohamed , Chelouche Salim
Published: December 2023

This study explored the stability and thermo‐kinetic features of double base nitrocellulose (NC)/diethylene glycol dinitrate (DEGDN) propellant supplemented with Kraft lignin. For this purpose, the impact of 2‐nitrodiphenylamine (2‐NDPA), 1,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐diphenylurea (C‐II) and lignin stabilizers on the molecular structure, morphology, and thermokinetic behavior of NC/DEGDN composite were thoroughly analyzed. Experimental results showed that lignin exhibits promising stabilizing efficiency comparable to that of the conventional 2‐NDPA and C‐II. In addition, thermal findings highlighted that the incorporation of 2‐NDPA, C‐II, and lignin has improved the thermal decomposition temperature of NC/DEGDN propellant. The investigation of the thermolysis kinetics of stabilized NC/DEGDN composites demonstrated an increase in the Arrhenius parameters with respect to the NC/DEGDN baseline. Above all, this investigation contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop new environmentally friendly stabilizers for nitrate esters‐based composites.
Direct evidence of lipid transport by the Drs2–Cdc50 flippase upon truncation of its terminal regions
Authors: Herrera Sara Abad , Justesen Bo Højen , Dieudonné Thibaud , Montigny Cédric , Nissen Poul , Lenoir Guillaume , Günther Pomorski Thomas
Published: December 2023

P4‐ATPases in complex with Cdc50 subunits are lipid flippases that couple ATP hydrolysis with lipid transport to the cytoplasmic leaflet of membranes to create lipid asymmetry. Such vectorial transport has been shown to contribute to vesicle formation in the late secretory pathway. Some flippases are regulated by autoinhibitory regions that can be destabilized by protein kinase‐mediated phosphorylation and possibly by binding of cytosolic proteins. In addition, the binding of lipids to flippases may also induce conformational changes required for the activity of these transporters. Here, we address the role of phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate (PI4P) and the terminal autoinhibitory tails on the lipid flipping activity of the yeast lipid flippase Drs2–Cdc50. By functionally reconstituting the full‐length and truncated forms of Drs2 in a 1:1 complex with the Cdc50 subunit, we provide compelling evidence that lipid flippase activity is exclusively detected for the truncated Drs2 variant and is dependent on the presence of the phosphoinositide PI4P. These findings highlight the critical role of phosphoinositides as lipid co‐factors in the regulation of lipid transport by the Drs2–Cdc50 flippase.
MLOsMetaDB, a meta‐database to centralize the information on liquid–liquid phase separation proteins and membraneless organelles
Authors: Orti Fernando , Fernández María Laura , Marino‐Buslje Cristina
Published: December 2023

Over the past few years, there has been a focus on proteins that create separate liquid phases in the intracellular liquid environment, known as membraneless organelles (MLOs). These organelles allow for the spatiotemporal associations of macromolecules that dynamically exchange within the cellular milieu. They provide a form of compartmentalization crucial for organizing key functions in many cells. Metabolic processes and signaling pathways in both the cytoplasm and nucleus are among the functions performed by MLOs, which are facilitated by diverse combinations of proteins and nucleic acids. However, disruptions in these liquid–liquid phase separation processes (LLPS) may lead to several diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, among others. To foster the study of this process and MLO function, we present MLOsMetaDB (http://mlos.leloir.org.ar), a comprehensive resource of information on MLO‐ and LLPS‐related proteins. Our database integrates and centralizes available information for every protein involved in MLOs, which is otherwise disseminated across a plethora of different databases. Our manuscript outlines the development and features of MLOsMetaDB, which provides an interactive and user‐friendly environment with modern biological visualizations and easy and quick access to proteins based on LLPS role, MLO location, and organisms. In addition, it offers an advanced search for making complex queries to generate customized information. Furthermore, MLOsMetaDB provides evolutionary information by collecting the orthologs of every protein in the same database. Overall, MLOsMetaDB is a valuable resource as a starting point for researchers studying the many processes driven by LLPS proteins and membraneless organelles.
Novel nonparametric control charts for monitoring dispersion of count data
Authors: Wang Zhiqiong , Wu Qingxia , Qiu Peihua
Published: December 2023

Count data are common in practice. Statistical process control for count data thus has attracted much attention in recent years. Most existing methods on this topic focus on the detection of mean shifts of count data based on parametric modeling. However, their assumed parametric models (e.g., the Poisson probability model) are often invalid in practice due mainly to the potential impact of some latent confounding risk factors, which would lead to unreliable performance of the related control charts. In addition, it is highly desirable and important to monitor the dispersion of count data when the Poisson probability model is invalid. To this end, new nonparametric cumulative sum control charts and their corresponding self‐starting versions are suggested in this paper for monitoring the dispersion of count data based on data categorization and categorical data analysis. Numerical results show that the proposed method can provide more effective and robust monitoring of count data in comparison with some representative existing methods. A real‐data example is used to demonstrate its implementation and application.
Tracking landscape scale vegetation change in the arid zone by integrating ground, drone and satellite data
Authors: Francis Roxane J. , Kingsford Richard T. , Moseby Katherine , Read John , Pedler Reece , Fisher Adrian , McCann Justin , West Rebecca
Published: December 2023

A combined multiscale approach using ground, drone and satellite surveys can provide accurate landscape scale spatial mapping and monitoring. We used field observations with drone collected imagery covering 70 ha annually for a 5‐year period to estimate changes in living and dead vegetation of four widespread and abundant arid zone woody shrub species. Random forest classifiers delivered high accuracy (> 95%) using object‐based detection methods, with fast repeatable and transferrable processing using Google Earth Engine. Our classifiers performed well in both dominant arid zone landscape types: dune and swale, and at extremes of dry and wet years with minimal alterations. This highlighted the flexibility of the approach, potentially delivering insights into changes in highly variable environments. We also linked this classified drone vegetation to available temporally and spatially explicit Landsat satellite imagery, training a new, more accurate fractional vegetation cover model, allowing for accurate tracking of vegetation responses at large scales in the arid zone. Our method promises considerable opportunity to track vegetation dynamics including responses to management interventions, at large geographic scales, extending inference well beyond ground surveys.
Sustaining organic matter in forest soils: What we have learned and what is left
Authors: Prescott Cindy E.
Published: December 2023

A concerted research effort over the last three decades has transformed our understanding of the processes through which soil organic matter (SOM) is formed. Although recalcitrant plant litter is important, especially for particulate organic matter, we now know that a large proportion of SOM, particularly the more persistent material associated with soil minerals, has been transformed by soil microorganisms. A major source of energy for these microorganisms is labile compounds that are exuded by plant roots and associated mycorrhizal fungi. Much of this exuded carbon (C) arises from surplus carbohydrates produced by plants growing under mild‐to‐moderate deficiencies of nitrogen, phosphorus, or water. Managing forests in a manner that sustain or enhance this flux of labile C from trees to soil would augment efforts to sequester more C in forest soils.
The generalized hyperbolic family and automatic model selection through the multiple‐choiceLASSO
Authors: Bagnato Luca , Farcomeni Alessio , Punzo Antonio
Published: December 2023

We revisit the generalized hyperbolic (GH) distribution and its nested models. These include widely used parametric choices like the multivariate normal, skew‐, Laplace, and several others. We also introduce the multiple‐choice LASSO, a novel penalized method for choosing among alternative constraints on the same parameter. A hierarchical multiple‐choice Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) penalized likelihood is optimized to perform simultaneous model selection and inference within the GH family. We illustrate our approach through a simulation study and a real data example. The methodology proposed in this paper has been implemented in R functions which are available as supplementary material.
Physicochemical and compositional properties of blended beef patties formulated with pea and faba bean protein isolates and texturized pea protein
Authors: Miao Xinyu , Hastie Melindee , Ha Minh , Shand Phyllis J. , Warner Robyn D.
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of blended beef patties formulated with pea and faba bean protein isolates (PPI and FPI, respectively) and hydrated texturized pea protein (HTPP, 1 part TPP: 2 parts water). Minced beef was combined with nothing (control) or 4.25% PPI/FPI and 0%, 8.5%, 21.3%, or 42.5% HTPP. The pH, Warner‐Bratzler shear force (WBSF), texture profile analysis (TPA), compression juiciness, cooking loss, color, and chemical composition were determined. In general, plant proteins increased pH values and ash content, and decreased cooking loss and fat content of blended meat patties. The addition of PPI/FPI did not lead to substantial changes in texture or color but resulted in lower cooking loss. HTPP resulted in decreased WBSF, hardness, and other TPA attributes. The combination of PPI/FPI as binders/gelling agents and HTPP as a meat extender resulted in a softer texture than conventional beef patties. This study provides an indication of PPI, FPI, and HTPP functionality in blended meat product formulation.
To commercialize inside or outside of the firm: Behavioral considerations in patent exploitation by family firms
Authors: Birhanu Addis Gedefaw , Gambardella Alfonso
Published: December 2023

Research Summary

This article examines the relationship between family ownership and patent use strategy using primary data from a patent survey, as well as patent and firm‐level data from secondary sources. The findings reveal that family firms are less likely than non‐family firms to license their patents and more likely to internally commercialize them. We show that the decision of family firms to license less does not depend on lower patent quality or inefficient patent use. Instead, it arises from their preference for patent uses that allow them to exert greater control over the value they can derive from their innovations. We also show that family firms commercialize more patents because they leverage their managerial discretion to explore and seize emerging internal patent commercialization opportunities.

Managerial Summary

Whether the desire of families in family firms to maintain control over the company and strategic resources negatively impacts their economic performance has important governance implications. Within the context of patent commercialization, in line with this desire for control, our study highlights the preference of family firms to prioritize internal commercialization over licensing. To offset their underlicensing tendency, family firms internally commercialize more patents by being nimble to identify and capitalize on emerging commercialization opportunities. This enables them to align their control ambitions with patent commercialization efficiency, akin to nonfamily firms.
One‐Pot Colloidal Synthesis Enables Highly Tunable InSb Short‐Wave Infrared Quantum Dots Exhibiting Carrier Multiplication
Authors: Mir Wasim J. , Sheikh Tariq , Nematulloev Saidkhodzha , Maity Partha , Yorov Khursand E. , Emwas Abdul‐Hamid , Hedhili Mohamed Nejib , Khan Mudeha Shafat , Abulikemu Mutalifu , Mohammed Omar F. , Bakr Osman M.
Published: December 2023

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are emerging materials for short‐wave infrared (SWIR, ≈1100–3000 nm) photodetectors, which are technologically important for a broad array of applications. Unfortunately, the most developed SWIR CQD systems are Pb and Hg chalcogenides; their toxicity and regulated compositions limit their applications. InSb CQD system is a potential environmentally friendly alternative, whose bandgap in theory, is tunable via quantum confinement across the SWIR spectrum. However, InSb CQDs are difficult to exploit, due to their complex syntheses and uncommon reactive precursors, which greatly hinder their application and study. Here, a one‐pot synthesis strategy is reported using commercially available precursors to synthesize—under standard colloidal synthesis conditions—high‐quality, size‐tunable InSb CQDs. With this strategy, the large Bohr exciton radius of InSb can be exploited for tuning the bandgap of the CQDs over a wide range of wavelengths (≈1250–1860 nm) across the SWIR region. Furthermore, by changing the surface ligands of the CQDs from oleic acid (OA) to 1‐dodecanthiol (DDT), a ≈20‐fold lengthening in the excited‐state lifetime, efficient carrier multiplication, and slower carrier annihilation are observed. The work opens a wide range of SWIR applications to a promising class of Pb‐ and Hg‐free CQDs.
Modified Ion Migration via Multi‐Ion Competitive Transportation for Stable Aqueous Zn Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Yuqian , Liu Huanrong , Wang Wenju
Published: December 2023

The application of metal batteries is seriously affected by active ions transport and deposition stability during operation. This article takes water−based Zn metal electrodes as an example to analyze the factors that affect ion distribution and the impact of ion distribution on electrodeposition morphology through electrochemical model simulation calculation, in situ observation and electrochemical experiment: 1) high concentration will reduce the concentration polarization and the overpotential; 2) The passage of active ions through channels are facilitated by small anion (Cl−) rather than bigger one (SO42−), which means small deposition overpotential; 3) The transportability−reaction properties of cations (Zn2+, Li+, Na+ and H+) depends on their concentration, solvent coordination structure, and the energy changes during redox reactions. Based on the diffusion and reaction properties, a Li+ coupled Zn2+ electrolyte is designed to achieve the rapid transportation of doped ions to cover uneven growth sites and maintain a stable interface for the steady deposition of active Zn2+, guiding the interface design for high stability metal batteries in addition to the traditional addition of organic solvents.
A Choline‐Based Antifreezing Complexing Agent with Selective Compatibility for Zn–Br2 Flow Batteries
Authors: Zhao Ming , Cheng Tao , Li Tianyu , Bi Ran , Yin Yanbin , Li Xianfeng
Published: December 2023

The high freezing point of polybromides, charging products, is a significant obstacle to the rapid development of zinc–bromine flow batteries (Zn–Br2 FBs). Here, a choline‐based complexing agent (CCA) is constructed to liquefy the polybromides at low temperatures. Depending on quaternary ammonium group, choline can effectively complex with polybromide anions and form dense oil‐phase that has excellent antifreezing property. Benefiting from indispensable strong ion‐ion interaction, the highly selectively compatible CCA, consisting of choline and N‐methyl‐N‐ethyl‐morpholinium salts (CCA‐M), can be achieved to further enhance bromine fixing ability. Interestingly, the formed polybromides with CCA‐M are able to keep liquid even at −40 °C. The CCA‐M endows Zn–Br2 FBs at 40 mA cm−2 with unprecedented long cycle life (over 150 cycles) and high Coulombic efficiency (CE, average ≈98.8%) at −20 °C, but also at room temperature (over 1200 cycles, average CE: ≈94.7%). The CCA shows a promising prospect of application and should be extended to other antifreezing bromine‐based energy storage systems.
Lyotropic Lamellar Nanostructures Enabled High‐Voltage Windows, Efficient Charge Transport, and Thermally Safe Solid‐State Electrolytes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ruan Hao , Lu Kai , Meng Shengxi , Zhao Qiang , Ren Haisheng , Wu Yong , Wang Caihong , Tan Shuai
Published: December 2023

Developing electrolytes combining solid‐like instinct stability and liquid‐like conducting performance will be satisfactory for efficient and durable Li‐ion batteries. Herein lamellar lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) demonstrate high‐voltage windows, efficient charge transport, and inherent thermal safety as solid‐state electrolytes in lithium‐ion batteries. Lamellar LLCs are simply prepared by nanosegregation of [C16Mim][BF4] and LiBF4/Propylene carbonate (PC) liquid solutions, which induce lamellar assembly of the liquids as dynamic conducting pathways. Broadened liquid conducting pathways will boost the conducting performance of the LLC electrolytes. The lyotropic lamellar nanostructures enable liquid‐like ion conductivity of the LLC electrolytes at ambient temperatures, as well as provide solid‐like stability for the electrolytes to resist high voltage and flammability overwhelming to LiBF4/PC liquid electrolytes. Despite minor consumption of PC solvents (34.5 wt.%), the lamellar electrolytes show energy conversion efficiency comparable to the liquid electrolytes (PC wt. 92.8%) in Li/LiFePO4 batteries under ambient temperatures even at a 2 C current density, and exhibit attractively robust stability after 200th cyclic charge/discharge even under 60 °C. The work demonstrates LLC electrolytes have great potential to supersede traditional liquid electrolytes for efficient and durable Lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) batteries.
The vital role of community in open source software development: A framework for assessment and ranking
Authors: Singh Jaswinder , Gupta Anu , Kanwal Preet
Published: December 2023

Open source software (OSS) follows a software development paradigm whereby self‐motivated volunteers scattered all around the globe contribute to the development in the form of code, documentation, feedback, feature recommendations, bug reporting, and bug resolution. These volunteers, commonly referred to as OSS project community, serve as the foundation of the OSS project, fostering its creation and sustenance and providing long‐term support. The quality and sustainability of the OSS project is reliant upon the development and structure of the self‐governing community. When a business organization plans to acquire an OSS solution, it not only takes into consideration the factors such as reliability, security, and scalability but also attaches significant importance to the likelihood of the OSS project being maintained and supported in the future so that it can rely on it as a stable and secure technology solution. Modern cloud‐based software hosting platforms, such as GitHub, offer a range of options for automatically and freely accessing the complete development history of millions of OSS projects. This easy availability of detailed development history has enabled researchers to analyze and draw quantitative and scientific inferences about the quality of an OSS project which generally involves assessing three aspects, namely, software product, development process, and project community. With focus on project community part, a Framework for Assessment and Ranking of OSS Community is being presented in the current research work, following a detailed examination of the largest source code hosting and project collaboration platform, GitHub. Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution from Multi‐Criteria Decision‐Making toolkit has been utilized for assessing the quality of the project community. The framework has been validated by applying it on nine OSS projects and comparing the results with the outcomes obtained through an existing OSS evaluation methodology. The comparative analysis demonstrated that the proposed framework aligns with the aforementioned evaluation methodology while offering an opportunity for in‐depth analysis on the dynamics of volunteer communities, which is lacking in previous evaluation methods. These insights can prove valuable for both potential adopters and project maintainers, aiding them in making informed strategic decisions.