bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controllability, reachability, observability performance analysis of ultra‐high voltage converter cascaded systems based on switched linear system model
Authors: Yang Ru , Tao Jintong , Ding Zekang , Hu Wei , Liao Hui
Published: September 2023

Ultra‐high voltage converters are usually employed to transform low voltage to high voltage in microgrids to produce renewable energy. However, it is challenging to develop control techniques due to the complicated structure of ultra‐high voltage converters and the numerous power switches and circuit components, which leads to poor dynamic characteristics of the system and a marked increase in fault rates. In order to understand the control theoretical characteristics of the ultra‐high voltage converter and provide a theoretical basis for circuit parameter analysis and control strategy design, this paper takes the boost converter cascaded system as an example to establish an accurate switching linear system model, discusses the control theoretical characteristics of the ultra‐high voltage converter in detail, and uses the decision theorem to draw the conclusion that the system is structurally controllable, reachable, and observable, simplifying the difficulty of analysis. The simulation and experimental findings show that the conclusion was drawn correctly. The research findings will give the boost converter cascaded systems modulation approach and circuit parameter design a theoretical foundation.
Predictors of neurofeedback treatment outcome in binge‐eating disorder: An exploratory study
Authors: Rösch Sarah A. , Schmidt Ricarda , Hilbert Anja
Published: September 2023

Objective

Knowledge on predictors for treatment response to psychotherapy in binge‐eating disorder (BED) is mixed and not yet available for increasingly popular neurofeedback (NF) treatment targeting self‐regulation of aberrant brain activity. This study examined eating disorder‐ and psychopathology‐related predictors for NF treatment success in BED.

Method

Patients with BED (N = 78) were randomized to 12 sessions of real‐time functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (rtfNIRS)‐NF, targeting individual prefrontal cortex signal up‐regulation, electroencephalography (EEG)‐NF, targeting down‐regulation of fronto‐central beta activity, or waitlist (WL). The few studies assessing predictors for clinical outcomes after NF and evidenced predictors for psychotherapy guided the selection of baseline eating disorder‐related predictors, including objective binge‐eating (OBE) frequency, eating disorder psychopathology (EDP), food cravings, and body mass index (BMI), and general psychopathology‐related predictors, including depressive and anxiety symptoms, impulsivity, emotion dysregulation, and self‐efficacy. These questionnaire‐based or objectively assessed (BMI) predictors were regressed on outcomes OBE frequency and EDP as key features of BED at post‐treatment (t1) and 6‐month follow‐up (t2) in preregistered generalized mixed models (https://osf.io/4aktp).

Results

Higher EDP, food cravings, and BMI predicted worse outcomes across all groups at t1 and t2. General psychopathology‐related predictors did not predict outcomes at t1 and t2. Explorative analyses indicated that lower OBE frequency and higher self‐efficacy predicted lower OBE frequency, and lower EDP predicted lower EDP after the waiting period in WL.

Discussion

Consistent with findings for psychotherapy, higher eating disorder‐related predictors were associated with higher EDP and OBE frequency. The specificity of psychopathological predictors for NF treatment success warrants further examination.

Public Significance

This exploratory study firstly assessed eating disorder‐ and psychopathology‐related predictors for neurofeedback treatment outcome in binge‐eating disorder and overweight. Findings showed an association between higher eating disorder symptoms and worse neurofeedback outcomes, indicating special needs to be considered in neurofeedback treatment for patients with a higher binge‐eating disorder symptom burden. In general, outcomes and assignment to neurofeedback treatment may be improved upon consideration of baseline psychological variables.
Legislative Dynamics of Mitigation and Adaptation Framework Policies in the EU
Authors: Fleig Andreas , Schmidt Nicole M. , Tosun Jale
Published: September 2023

In this study we examine the adoption of climate framework laws in 20 member states of the European Union (EU) from 1990 until 2015. Our analysis is guided by the following research questions: First, which EU member states have adopted climate change legislation that addresses mitigation, adaptation, or both? Second, do EU countries act coherently or do we observe differences across countries regarding the response strategy or point in time of policies directed towards climate change? Third, comparing mitigation and adaptation frameworks, which approach came first and did it affect the adoption of the respective other? Our findings show that all countries save one (i.e., Hungary) covered in the analysis have adopted framework laws tackling mitigation and/or adaptation to climate change. While we did not observe a coherent pattern with respect to timing or sequence of adaptation and mitigation frameworks, we found that the best predictor of a national government's behavior is the behavior of the governments of other countries. However, the response of EU member states to climate change is less homogenous than one would have expected based on previous literature. In addition, by highlighting that mitigation and adaptation measures are equally prominent, at least within our sample of EU countries, we complement current climate change literature that often places mitigation efforts at the forefront in terms of legislation activity. Future research should examine this issue more closely, as this dynamic is likely to continue since the Paris Agreement gave prominence to adaptation.
Voluntary Regulation by the Pharmaceutical Industry—Which Role for the Shadow of Hierarchy and Social Pressure?
Authors: Töller Annette Elisabeth
Published: September 2023

In 2004, the voluntary FSA Codex was adopted by part of the German pharmaceutical industry and was revised several times in the subsequent 10 years. The codex—as many others in OECD countries do—addresses the delicate relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and physicians. This article presents a case study of the FSA Codex and addresses the question of why this voluntary regulation was adopted and revised. In doing so, the article challenges a strong position in the literature, that voluntary regulation is dependent on the shadow of hierarchy. In addition, it addresses the question how social pressure can trigger voluntary regulation. For this case, rational‐choice institutionalism and normative institutionalism in combination prove useful for identifying the driving forces and causal mechanisms of voluntary regulation.
Farm Animal Welfare Policy in Comparative Perspective: Determinants of Cross‐national Differences in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland
Authors: Vogeler Colette S.
Published: September 2023

Societal concerns for the welfare of animals are increasing: a majority of Europeans believe that farm animals should be better protected. Even so, there is no systematic policy analytic assessment of the development and the determinants of animal welfare policy. This paper addresses these research gaps and contributes to the inclusion of the field of animal welfare in policy analysis. Austria, Germany, and Switzerland share comprehensive legislation in the field of farm animal welfare. However, concrete policies vary considerably between the three countries. Through an international comparison, the paper characterizes diverging policy instruments and identifies possible determinants of farm animal welfare policy derived from established theories of policy analysis. While perspectives focusing on party political difference add to the understanding of farm animal welfare policy in Germany and in Austria, this does not apply to the case of Switzerland. Here, theories focusing on the degree of international economic integration have a greater potential in understanding cross‐national differences. The paper thereby presents a first systematic assessment of farm animal welfare from a policy analysis perspective.
Flavonoids contribute most to discriminating aged Guang Chenpi (Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’) by spectrum‐effect relationship analysis between LC‐Q‐Orbitrap/MS fingerprint and ameliorating spleen deficiency activity
Authors: Sun Xiaoming , Deng Haidan , Shan Baojun , Shan Yunqi , Huang Jiaying , Feng Xinshu , Tang Xiaomin , Ge Yuewei , Liao Peiran , Yang Quan
Published: September 2023

To further explore the mechanism of “the longer storage time, the better bioactivity” of aged Guang Chenpi, the dry pericarp of Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ (CRC), a series of activity assessments were performed on spleen deficiency mice. The constituents in CRC with different storage years were analyzed by LC‐Q‐Orbitrap/MS. A total of 53 compounds were identified, and CRC stored for more than 5 years showed higher flavonoid content, especially that of polymethoxyflavones. Anti‐spleen deficiency bioactivity analysis among various CRC with different storage years showed aged CRC (stored for more than 3 years) could significantly alleviate fatigue and depression behaviors much better, increase D‐xylose and gastrin secretion, and upregulate the expression of the linking protein occludin in the colon walls. Results from 16S rDNA sequencing showed that aged CRC could downregulate the abundance of Enterococcus, Gemmata, Citrobacter, Escherichia_Shigella, and Klebsiella, which were significantly overrepresented in the model group. Bacteroides, Muribaculum, Alloprevotella, Paraprevotella, Alistipes, Eisenbergiella, and Colidextribacter were downregulated in the model group but enriched in the CRC groups. At last, the spectrum‐effect relationship analysis indicated that flavonoids such as citrusin III, homoeriodictyol, hesperidin, nobiletin, and isosinensetin in aged CRC showed the highest correlation with better activity in ameliorating spleen deficiency by regulating gut microbiota. Flavonoids contribute most to discriminating aged CRC and could disclose the basis of “the longer storage time, the better bioactivity” of aged Guang Chenpi.
Increased prevalences of head and neck cancers in patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Yang Tzong‐Hann , Cheng Yen‐Fu , Chen Chin‐Shyan , Lin Herng‐Ching
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate prevalences of head and neck cancers in patients with and those without Sjögren's syndrome using a population‐based dataset.

Methods

We retrieved sampled patients from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. This study included 38 930 patients with Sjögren's syndrome and 155 720 propensity‐score matched comparison patients without Sjögren's syndrome.

Results

Chi‐squared tests revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in the prevalences of head and neck cancers between patients with Sjögren's syndrome and comparison patients (1.77% vs. 1.22%, p < 0.001). The odds ratio for head and neck cancers for patients with Sjögren's syndrome relative to the comparison group was 1.452 (95% CI = 1.325–1.592).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that patients with Sjögren's syndrome face increased odds of head and neck cancers, encompassing several sites including the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and thyroid.
Patterns of spread and anatomical prognostic factors of pre‐auricular cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma extending to the temporal bone
Authors: Schachtel Michael J. C. , Gandhi Mitesh , Bowman James J. , Panizza Benedict J.
Published: September 2023

Background

Improvements can be made in the management and staging of advanced pre‐auricular cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). We aimed to analyze radiological patterns of spread and clinico‐anatomical prognostic factors.

Methods

Retrospective review of 54 patients with pre‐auricular cSCC (cutaneous/nodal) who underwent temporal bone resection with curative intent.

Results

Involvement of the cartilaginous external auditory canal (EAC) (79.6%) and retromandibular space (63.0%) was common. Styloid process/anterior carotid sheath (ACS) (11.1%) and bony EAC (7.4%) involvement were rare. ACS involvement resulted in high rates of involved surgical margins (100%) and poor outcomes on univariable analysis. Negative prognostic factors on multivariable analysis included salvage surgery and invasion of the bony EAC, mandible, pterygoid muscle(s), and dura.

Conclusion

The bony EAC and ACS can form temporary barriers to tumor spread, with the latter representing a potential limit of resectability. Prognostic factors revealed can lead to the development of a more appropriate staging tool.
Measurement of polydoctoring as a crucial component of fragmentation of care among patients with multimorbidity: Cross‐sectional study in Japan
Authors: Ando Takayuki , Sasaki Takashi , Abe Yukiko , Nishimoto Yoshinori , Hirata Takumi , Haruta Junji , Arai Yasumichi
Published: September 2023

Background

Care fragmentation, characterized by the uncoordinated involvement of multiple healthcare providers, leads to inefficient and ineffective healthcare, posing a significant challenge in managing patients with multimorbidity. In this context, “polydoctoring,” where patients see multiple specialists, emerges as a crucial aspect of care fragmentation. This study seeks to develop an indicator to assess polydoctoring, which can subsequently enhance the management of multimorbidity.

Methods

Baseline survey data from the Kawasaki Aging and Wellbeing Project (KAWP) involving independent community‐dwelling older adults aged 85–89 were utilized in this cross‐sectional study. Polydoctoring measure was defined as the number of regularly visited facilities (RVFs). The association of RVF with the Fragmentation of Care Index (FCI) and the outcome measures of polypharmacy and ambulatory care costs were examined as indicators of care fragmentation.

Results

The analysis comprised 968 participants, with an average of 4.70 comorbid chronic conditions; 65.3% of the participants had two or more RVFs, indicating polydoctoring. A significant correlation between RVF and FCI was observed. Modified Poisson regression analyses revealed associations between higher RVF and increased prevalence ratio of polypharmacy. Likewise, a higher RVF was associated with higher outpatient medical costs.

Conclusions

RVF was significantly correlated with FCI, polypharmacy, and higher outpatient medical costs. Unlike complex indices, RVF is simple and intuitively comprehensible. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of care fragmentation on patient outcomes, considering factors such as RVF thresholds, patient multimorbidity, and social support. Understanding the influence of polydoctoring can enhance care quality and efficiency for patients with multimorbidity.
Explore the optimal timing for administering the second dose of the varicella vaccine in China
Authors: Sun Xiang , Wang Yong , Zhang Lei , Liu Yuanbao , Xu Ling‐Xiao , Chen Qiang , Sun Hui , Wang Fangfang , Wang Zhiguo , Wang Wen
Published: September 2023

The prevalence of varicella in China has been increasing annually, with a relatively high incidence rate of breakthrough cases. Administering two doses of the varicella vaccine (Varv) proves to be the most effective measure. The objective of this study is to assess the immunogenicity of two doses of the Varv at varying intervals and explore the optimal timing for administering the second dose of the Varv. Utilizing a prospective cohort study design, the quantification of varicella immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies' geometric mean concentrations (GMC) is conducted through glycoprotein‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (gpELISA). A total of 903 infants were included in the per‐protocol population. After completing the first dose of the Varv, the GMC of antibody after 1 month (Group A) was 463.8 (447.6−480.1) mIU/mL. There was a statistically significant difference in GMC and seroconversion rates among the groups (B/C/D) that received the second dose of the Varv (p < 0.05). Multiple comparisons revealed that the group with a 3‐year interval between the two vaccine doses had a higher GMC of 665.2 (622.6−707.8) mIU/mL compared to the group with a 1‐year interval of 611.1 (577.1−645.3) mIU/mL and the group with a 5‐year interval of 564.7 (540.1−589.4) mIU/mL. To effectively prevent and control the varicella epidemic in Jiangsu Province, two dose Varv vaccination is recommended, the optimal time point for the second dose Varv is 3 years after the first vaccination.
Architecture of soil microaggregates: Advanced methodologies to explore properties and functions
Authors: Amelung Wulf , Tang Ni , Siebers Nina , Aehnelt Michaela , Eusterhues Karin , Felde Vincent J. M. N. L. , Guggenberger Georg , Kaiser Klaus , Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid , Klumpp Erwin , Knief Claudia , Kruse Jens , Lehndorff Eva , Mikutta Robert , Peth Stephan , Ray Nadja , Prechtel Alexander , Ritschel Thomas , Schweizer Steffen A. , Woche Susanne K. , Wu Bei , Totsche Kai U.
Published: September 2023

The functions of soils are intimately linked to their three‐dimensional pore space and the associated biogeochemical interfaces, mirrored in the complex structure that developed during pedogenesis. Under stress overload, soil disintegrates into smaller compound structures, conventionally named aggregates. Microaggregates (<250 µm) are recognized as the most stable soil structural units. They are built of mineral, organic, and biotic materials, provide habitats for a vast diversity of microorganisms, and are closely involved in the cycling of matter and energy. However, exploring the architecture of soil microaggregates and their linkage to soil functions remains a challenging but demanding scientific endeavor. With the advent of complementary spectromicroscopic and tomographic techniques, we can now assess and visualize the size, composition, and porosity of microaggregates and the spatial arrangement of their interior building units. Their combinations with advanced experimental pedology, multi‐isotope labeling experiments, and computational approaches pave the way to investigate microaggregate turnover and stability, explore their role in element cycling, and unravel the intricate linkage between structure and function. However, spectromicroscopic techniques operate at different scales and resolutions, and have specific requirements for sample preparation and microaggregate isolation; hence, special attention must be paid to both the separation of microaggregates in a reproducible manner and the synopsis of the geography of information that originates from the diverse complementary instrumental techniques. The latter calls for further development of strategies for synlocation and synscaling beyond the present state of correlative analysis. Here, we present examples of recent scientific progress and review both options and challenges of the joint application of cutting‐edge techniques to achieve a sophisticated picture of the properties and functions of soil microaggregates.
Effect of beef long‐storage under different temperatures and vacuum‐packaging conditions on meat quality, oxidation processes and microbial growth
Authors: Luzardo Santiago , Saadoun Ali , Cabrera María C , Terevinto Alejandra , Brugnini Giannina , Rodriguez Jesica , de Souza Guillermo , Rovira Pablo , Rufo Caterina
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

The global beef market demands the meat industry to ensure product quality and safety in markets that are often very distant. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of chilled (CH, 120 d) and chilled‐then‐frozen (CHF, 28 d + 92 d) storage conditions of beef vacuum packaged (VP) and vacuum packaged with antimicrobial (VPAM) on meat quality, oxidative status and microbial loads. Treatments resulted from the combination of storage condition and packaging type: VP + CH, VP + CHF, VPAM + CH and VPAM + CHF.

RESULTS

Warner–Bratzler shear force values decreased in all treatments after 28 d of chilling. Except for VP + CH, L* values (lightness) of meat color did not differ in each treatment as the storage time increased. Meat from VP + CH had greater a* values than CHF treatments on day 120 of storage. A consumer panel did not detect differences in tenderness, flavor and overall liking between VP and VPAM beef, but they preferred CHF steaks rather than CH beef. TBARS values did not differ between VP and VPAM and between CH and CHF at any time during the storage period. At the end of storage time, all treatments except VP + CHF presented a greater concentration of thiols than at 48 h post‐mortem. On day 120 of storage, VP + CH had greater catalase enzyme activity than CHF treatments while VP + CH and VP + CHF showed a greater superoxide dismutase activity than VPAM + CHF. Storage condition (CH or CHF) had a greater impact on microbial counts than the type of packaging.

CONCLUSION

Freezing meat after an ageing period represents a suitable strategy to extend beef storage life without a detrimental impact on its quality. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Long‐term genetic monitoring of a translocated population of collared brown lemurs
Authors: D'Ercole Jacopo , Bertoncini Stefania , Giannì Maddalena , Taglioli Luca , Brisighelli Francesca , Campera Marco , Ramanamanjato Jean‐Baptiste , Tsagnangara Cedric , Capelli Cristian , Donati Giuseppe , Tofanelli Sergio
Published: September 2023

Post‐release monitoring is important to improve translocation success because it provides an opportunity to identify factors relevant to the survival of local populations. We studied a population of the endangered collared brown lemur (Eulemur collaris) translocated from a degraded forest fragment to a nearby littoral forest within the Mandena Conservation Area in southeast Madagascar from 2000–2011. We compared genetic surveys of mitochondrial and nuclear markers with the genetic profile of nearby populations to examine the dispersal capacity of the collared brown lemur. We also performed a landscape analysis to assess changes in connectivity between forest fragments. There was a fluctuating trend characterized by a phase of demographic and genetic stability shortly after translocation, followed by an increase in genetic diversity coinciding with a population decrease and a gradual recovery of initial conditions. These results demonstrated the ability of the collared brown lemur to disperse through unfavorable landscapes and to recover after translocation. Our study revealed the importance of monitoring translocated populations over time using a multidisciplinary approach.
Reemission of inorganic pollution from permafrost? A freshwater hydrochemistry study in the lower Kolyma basin (North‐East Siberia)
Authors: Szumińska Danuta , Kozioł Krystyna , Chalov Sergey R. , Efimov Vasilii A. , Frankowski Marcin , Lehmann‐Konera Sara , Polkowska Żaneta
Published: September 2023

Permafrost regions are under particular pressure from climate change resulting in widespread landscape changes, which impact also freshwater chemistry. We investigated a snapshot of hydrochemistry in various freshwater environments in the lower Kolyma river basin (North‐East Siberia, continuous permafrost zone) to explore the mobility of metals, metalloids and non‐metals resulting from permafrost thaw. Particular attention was focused on heavy metals as contaminants potentially released from the secondary source in the permafrozen Yedoma complex. Permafrost creeks represented the Mg‐Ca‐Na‐HCO3‐Cl‐SO4 ionic water type (with mineralisation in the range 600–800 mg L−1), while permafrost ice and thermokarst lake waters were the HCO3‐Ca‐Mg type. Multiple heavy metals (As, Cu, Co, Mn and Ni) showed much higher dissolved phase concentrations in permafrost creeks and ice than in Kolyma and its tributaries, and only in the permafrost samples and one Kolyma tributary we have detected dissolved Ti. In thermokarst lakes, several metal and metalloid dissolved concentrations increased with water depth (Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn – in both lakes; Al, Cu, K, Sb, Sr and Pb in either lake), reaching 1370 μg L−1 Cu, 4610 μg L−1 Mn, and 687 μg L−1 Zn in the bottom water layers. Permafrost‐related waters were also enriched in dissolved phosphorus (up to 512 μg L−1 in Yedoma‐fed creeks). The impact of permafrost thaw on river and lake water chemistry is a complex problem which needs to be considered both in the context of legacy permafrost shrinkage and the interference of the deepening active layer with newly deposited anthropogenic contaminants.
Epoxy polymers reinforced with phosphorus‐doped carbon dots for enhanced corrosion protection of carbon steel in marine environments
Authors: Gopika Rajasekharan , Ashraf Pachareentavita Muhamed , Binsi Puthenpurakkal Kizhakkethil
Published: September 2023

Fish skin, a major component of fish waste, has been utilized in this study for the facile synthesis of phosphorus‐doped carbon dots (PCDs). The study aimed to synthesize and investigate the potential application of PCDs as an effective material against corrosion when reinforced in different epoxy polymers. The UV‐visible and fluorescence spectroscopic characterization of PCD from fish skin confirmed the presence of multifluorophores and P doping, while transmission electron micrograph images revealed that the synthesized PCD had a diameter ranging from 6 to 8 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis showed the presence of a carbon skeleton with conjugated carbon double bonds, amines, ‐OH groups, aromatic rings, and phosphate groups. PCD reinforcement in three epoxy polymers and their coating over BIS 2062 carbon steel showed that PCD and epoxy polymers synergistically acted to improve the corrosion resistance of the coatings. An optimum concentration range of 0.01%–0.02% PCD was found to provide maximum corrosion resistance. PCD reinforcement has a potential impact on surface morphologies and electrochemical characteristics of epoxy coatings.
IRF2BP2 drives lymphatic metastasis in OSCC cells by elevating mitochondrial fission‐dependent fatty acid oxidation
Authors: Pang Xin , Li Tian‐Jiao , Shi Rong‐Jia , Wan Zi‐Xin , Tang Yue‐Yang , Tang Ya‐Ling , Liang Xin‐Hua
Published: September 2023

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a major determinant for the poor outcome of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Interferon regulatory factor 2 binding protein 2 (IRF2BP2) has been reported to modulate the development and progression of several types of cancers, while its role in OSCC with LNM has not been reported yet. The expression of IRF2BP2 and its association with LNM were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and qualitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in clinically collected OSCC tissues. Then, loss‐of‐function and rescue assays were conducted to identify the role of IRF2BP2‐mediated fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in the invasion, lymphoinvasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in OSCC cells. Importantly, confocal microscope, transmission electron microscope, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were applied to identify the involvement of mitochondrial fission in IRF2BP2‐regulated FAO. Lastly, the in vivo models were established to evaluate the role of IRF2BP2 in OSCC. IRF2BP2 overexpression has been associated with LNM in OSCC, whose knockdown inhibited invasion, lymphoinvasion, and EMT of OSCC cells, as well as retarded FAO rate with CPT1A downregulation. And CPT1A overexpression rescued invasion, lymphoinvasion, and induced EMT in IRF2BP2‐silenced OSCC cells. Mechanically, IRF2BP2 accelerated mitochondrial fission by contributing to Drp1 S616 phosphorylation and mitochondrial localization, resulting in the upregulation of CPT1A. In addition, IRF2BP2 knockdown significantly inhibited tumor growth and LNM in vivo. The highly expressed IRF2BP2 may induce the phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation of Drp1 to activate mitochondrial fission, which upregulated CPT1A expression and FAO rate, resulting in LNM in OSCC. This highlighted a potential therapeutic vulnerability for the treatment of LNM+ OSCC via targeting IRF2BP2‐FAO.
Green finance, loan commitment, and environmental corporate social responsibility in a differentiated duopoly
Authors: Zhang Kai , Lian Xubei , Wang Leonard F. S.
Published: September 2023

We analyze the firms' strategic choice of financing mode in both Cournot and Bertrand competition with pollution externalities. We show that, if the environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR) firm does not abate, loan commitment financing will be used for ongoing dirty production, and the optimal interest rate is decreasing in the firm's ECSR concerns. However, when the ECSR firm voluntarily chooses a one‐shot abatement‐technology investment, the optimal choice is spot‐market financing. Compared with the case without abatement investment, the firm's finance for the green investment yields higher net consumer surplus and welfare unless the market size is sufficiently small.
Bidirectional Transcription at the PPP2R2B Gene Locus in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 12
Authors: Zhou Chengqian , Liu Hans B. , Jahanbakhsh Fatemeh , Deng Leon , Wu Bin , Ying Mingyao , Margolis Russell L. , Li Pan P.
Published: September 2023

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 12 (SCA12) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a CAG repeat in the PPP2R2B gene.

Objective

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the PPP2R2B antisense (PPP2R2B‐AS1) transcript containing a CUG repeat is expressed and contributes to SCA12 pathogenesis.

Methods

Expression of PPP2R2B‐AS1 transcript was detected in SCA12 human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), iPSC‐derived NGN2 neurons, and SCA12 knock‐in mouse brains using strand‐specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The tendency of expanded PPP2R2B‐AS1 (expPPP2R2B‐AS1) RNA to form foci, a marker of toxic processes involving mutant RNAs, was examined in SCA12 cell models by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The apoptotic effect of expPPP2R2B‐AS1 transcripts on SK‐N‐MC neuroblastoma cells was evaluated by caspase 3/7 activity. Western blot was used to examine the expression of repeat associated non‐ATG‐initiated translation of expPPP2R2B‐AS1 transcript in SK‐N‐MC cells.

Results

The repeat region in the PPP2R2B gene locus is bidirectionally transcribed in SCA12 iPSCs, iPSC‐derived NGN2 neurons, and SCA12 mouse brains. Transfected expPPP2R2B‐AS1 transcripts induce apoptosis in SK‐N‐MC cells, and the apoptotic effect may be mediated, at least in part, by the RNA secondary structure. The expPPP2R2B‐AS1 transcripts form CUG RNA foci in SK‐N‐MC cells. expPPP2R2B‐AS1 transcript is translated in the alanine open reading frame (ORF) via repeat‐associated non‐ATG translation, which is diminished by single‐nucleotide interruptions within the CUG repeat and MBNL1 overexpression.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that PPP2R2B‐AS1 contributes to SCA12 pathogenesis and may therefore provide a novel therapeutic target for the disease. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
NYAPRS name change reflects broader national focus, emphasis on recovery
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2023

Citing a mission to enhance its state and national impact with a continued focus on recovery, social justice and human rights, the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) this month announced it is rebranding itself as the Alliance for Rights and Recovery. The name change becomes official on Oct. 9.
Structured matrix recovery from matrix‐vector products
Authors: Halikias Diana , Townsend Alex
Published: September 2023

Can one recover a matrix efficiently from only matrix‐vector products? If so, how many are needed? This article describes algorithms to recover matrices with known structures, such as tridiagonal, Toeplitz, Toeplitz‐like, and hierarchical low‐rank, from matrix‐vector products. In particular, we derive a randomized algorithm for recovering an unknown hierarchical low‐rank matrix from only matrix‐vector products with high probability, where is the rank of the off‐diagonal blocks, and is a small oversampling parameter. We do this by carefully constructing randomized input vectors for our matrix‐vector products that exploit the hierarchical structure of the matrix. While existing algorithms for hierarchical matrix recovery use a recursive “peeling” procedure based on elimination, our approach uses a recursive projection procedure.
Adjacency‐based, non‐intrusive reduced‐order modeling for fluid‐structure interactions
Authors: Gkimisis Leonidas , Richter Thomas , Benner Peter
Published: September 2023

Non‐intrusive model reduction is a promising solution to system dynamics prediction, especially in cases where data are collected from experimental campaigns or proprietary software simulations. In this work, we present a method for non‐intrusive model reduction applied to Fluid‐Structure Interaction (FSI) problems. The approach is based on the a priori known sparsity of the full‐order system operators, which is dictated by grid adjacency information. In order to enforce this type of sparsity, we solve a “local”, regularized least‐squares problem for each degree of freedom on a grid, considering only the training data from adjacent degrees of freedom (DoFs), thus making computation and storage of the inferred full‐order operators feasible. After constructing the non‐intrusive, sparse full‐order model (FOM), Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) is used for its projection to a reduced dimension subspace and thus the construction of a reduced‐order model (ROM). The methodology is applied to the challenging Hron‐Turek benchmark FSI3, for Re = 200. A physics‐informed, non‐intrusive ROM is constructed to predict the two‐way coupled dynamics of a solid with a deformable, slender tail, subject to an incompressible, laminar flow. Results considering the accuracy and predictive capabilities of the inferred reduced models are discussed.
Tuning the microstructure of polyurethane foam using nanocellulose for improved thermal insulation properties through an efficient dispersion methodology
Authors: Septevani Athanasia A. , Evans David A. C. , Martin Darren J. , Song Pingan , Annamalai Pratheep K.
Published: September 2023

Nanocellulose is explored as an eco‐friendly cell modifier and reinforcer for improving the thermal insulation and mechanical performance of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF). In this study, we report on a promising method for achieving ‘solvent‐free' dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into polyether polyol for the production of RPUF. This was achieved through wet grinding of CNC powder in polyol in an agitator bead mill and the dispersion of CNCs in polyol was superior to classical ultrasonication. While the improvements (reduction) in thermal conductivity, due to the nucleation effect of CNCs, in the RPUF from the milling method is comparable to that from the ultrasonication method, it should be noted that it was achieved despite of a reduction in closed cell content (~80%) and at a similar average cell size. This effect has been attributed to either superior dispersion quality of the milling method and/or involvement of a zirconium impurity within the CNC‐RPUF.

Research Highlights

Enhanced properties of polyurethane foam using well‐dispersed nanocellulose.

Superior dispersion of nanocellulose in polyol using agitator bead mill.

Involvement of zirconium for tuning microstructure of polyurethane foam.
An acrylic resin system for in‐situ pultrusion: Curing performances and rheology
Authors: Tian Lingyu , Zhang Puxuan , Xian Guijun
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the use of low viscosity and in‐situ polymerizable thermoplastic acrylic resins for advanced fiber reinforced composites has grown, specially to address the difficulty of fiber impregnation with high‐melt viscosity thermoplastic polymers. The present work investigated the curing kinetics, chemo‐rheology of an acrylic resin system for in‐situ pultrusion, and proposed the corresponding constitutive models. First, the curing kinetics was studied with the differential scanning calorimetry experiments. The viscosity development was obtained by a rheometer as functions of the degree of cure (DOC) and temperatures. The gelation point was acquired from the intersection point of storage and loss modulus curves through dynamic mechanical analysis test, which occurs at DOC of 0.65 determined by the cure kinetics model. Through the dynamic mechanical analysis, a four step cure hardening modulus model (modified CHILE approach) was proposed. The aforementioned models were applied in a case study to evaluate the influence of process parameters on the DOC, viscosity and physical behavior of the acrylic resin system in the pultrusion die.

Highlights

Material characterizations of an acrylic resin system are investigated.

The cure kinetics and viscosity and elastic modulus models are proposed.

A pultrusion case study is given.
Pediatric negative pressure pulmonary edema: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Ben‐David Yael , Bentur Lea , Gur Michal , Ilivitzki Anat , Toukan Yazeed , Nir Vered , Shallufi George , Dabbah Husein , Bar‐Yoseph Ronen
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is a potentially life‐threatening complication that develops rapidly following acute upper airway obstruction. The condition is rare, dramatic but resolves quickly. Prompt recognition and appropriate supportive treatment may prevent unnecessary investigations and iatrogenic complications.

Methods

We describe a spectrum of etiologies and clinical manifestation of pediatric NPPE in our center and review of previous publications.

Conclusion

The etiology for the development of NPPE in children has shifted over the years. Although dramatic in presentation, this type of pulmonary edema often resolves quickly with minimal support.
Hybrid Materials: Still Challenging for Ab Initio Theory?
Authors: Gonzalez Oliva Ignacio , Maurer Benedikt , Alex Ben , Tillack Sebastian , Schebek Maximilian , Draxl Claudia
Published: September 2023

Hybrid inorganic/organic systems (HIOS) open new avenues for tailoring them with respect to desired features and functions by exploiting the respective advantages of their components. Therefore, these materials are actively explored in many experimental studies and devices. On the theory side, similar investigations are rather scarce as such interfaces, in addition to exhibiting large unit cells, require highest‐level theories to be described reliably. Consequently, hybrid materials pose a challenge for electronic structure theory, starting from density‐functional theory to methods beyond, particularly many‐body perturbation theory. This concerns both conceptual aspects and computational bottlenecks. In this perspective, the performance of state‐of‐the‐art theoretical approaches applied to HIOS is summarized, mainly focusing on optoelectronic properties. Recent achievements, open challenges, and urgent needs are addressed.
Micro venture capital
Authors: Amore Mario Daniele , Conti Annamaria , Pelucco Valerio
Published: September 2023

Research Summary

Recently, the venture capital (VC) industry has experienced the entry of several new capital providers. Using US data on investors and their portfolio startups from 2000 to 2022, we document the emergence of a new type of investors: the micro VC. Our analysis reveals that micro Venture Capitalists (VCs) have an idiosyncratic investment strategy, which differs from traditional VCs. Compared with these investors, micro VCs invest in riskier startups, that is, early‐stage ventures initiated by less experienced founders; yet, micro VCs are less likely to syndicate, stage their investments, and replace the startup founders. Additionally, startups funded by micro VCs are less likely to experience successful exits than those backed by traditional VCs. These results can be traced to a mix of smaller capital endowments, less sophisticated limited partners, and lesser human capital of which micro VCs dispose, and that may induce them to spread their thin capital across many investments to maximize returns. Our analysis also uncovers important differences in the strategies pursued by micro VCs and business angels.

Managerial Summary

The VC industry is increasingly populated by a variety of investors with disparate characteristics and objectives. One such type of investors is represented by the so‐called micro VC firms. These are VC firms that manage funds typically below $50 million and focused primarily on investing in founder‐led startups. We leverage comprehensive VC data in the United States to answer three questions: (1) Who leads micro VC firms? (2) How do micro VC firms invest? (3) How do startups backed by micro VC perform? We find that micro VC firms are often led by relatively inexperienced entrepreneurs with little VC experience, and these firms are supported by less sophisticated limited partners. Although micro VC firms invest in riskier startups, they are less engaged in syndication and investment staging than traditional VC firms. Finally, micro VC‐backed startups have a lower probability of successful exit as compared with those backed by traditional VC firms. Collectively, our results suggest that micro VCs differ from traditional VCs beyond being “micro.”
Semiparametric estimation of restricted mean survival time as a function of restriction time
Authors: Bai Fangfang , Yang Xiaoran
Published: September 2023

The restricted mean survival time (RMST) is an appealing measurement in clinical or epidemiological studies with censored survival outcome and receives a lot of attention in the past decades. It provides a useful alternative to the Cox model for evaluating the covariate effect on survival time. The covariate effect on RMST usually varies with the restriction time. However, existing methods cannot address this problem properly. In this article, we propose a semiparametric framework that directly models RMST as a function of the restriction time. Our proposed model adopts a widely‐used proportional form, enabling the estimation of RMST predictions across an interval using a unified model. Furthermore, the covariate effect for multiple restriction time points can be derived simultaneously. We develop estimators based on estimating equations theories and establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators. The finite sample properties of the estimators are evaluated through extensive simulation studies. We further illustrate the application of our proposed method through the analysis of two real data examples. Supplementary Material are available online.
The Melting Mechanism of Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron in Liquid Slag
Authors: Huss Joar , Vickerfält Amanda , Kojola Niklas
Published: September 2023

The heating and melting of hydrogen direct reduced iron (H‐DRI) in liquid slag is investigated experimentally at 1923 K. For the experiments, slags comprising the CaO‐SiO2‐MgO‐FeO‐Al2O3 system are first premelted at 1923 K in alumina crucibles. The molten slag bath is subsequently used to submerge samples of 7 g of H‐DRI with different degrees of reduction (90.4–99.8%). Following the submersion, the slag bath and the H‐DRI sample are quenched at different times (5–10 s). It is found that the liquid slag penetrates the porous network of the H‐DRI. The penetration is found to increase with lower reduction degrees. The reaction‐enhanced capillary action theory is proposed to explain the dependence. The reasoning is validated by a cold model consisting of a quartz capillary, water, and solid sugar. The slag penetration also enhances the heat transfer and the dephosphorization rate. The present findings can, therefore, aid in optimizing the hydrogen‐based steelmaking route.
Large p SYK from chord diagrams
Authors: Mukhametzhanov Baur
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The p-body SYK model at finite temperature exhibits submaximal chaos and contains stringy-like corrections to the dual JT gravity. It can be solved exactly in two different limits: “large p” SYK 1 ≪ p ≪ N and “double-scaled” SYK N, p → ∞ with λ = 2p2/N fixed. We clarify the relation between the two. Starting from the exact results in the double-scaled limit, we derive several observables in the large p limit. We compute euclidean 2n-point correlators and out-of-time-order four-point function at long lorentzian times. To compute the correlators we find the relevant asymptototics of the $$ {\mathcal{U}}_q\left( su\left(1,1\right)\right) $$

U
q

su

1
1

6j-symbol.
Refined Decay Estimate and Analyticity of Solutions to the Linear Heat Equation in Homogeneous Besov Spaces
Authors: Ozawa Tohru , Takeuchi Taiki
Published: September 2023

The heat semigroup $$\{T(t)\}_{t \ge 0}$$

{
T

(
t
)

}

t
≥
0

defined on homogeneous Besov spaces $$\dot{B}_{p,q}^s(\mathbb {R}^n)$$

B
˙

p
,
q

s

(

R

n

)

is considered. We show the decay estimate of $$T(t)f \in \dot{B}_{p,1}^{s+\sigma }(\mathbb {R}^n)$$

T

(
t
)

f
∈

B
˙

p
,
1

s
+
σ

(

R

n

)

for $$f \in \dot{B}_{p,\infty }^s(\mathbb {R}^n)$$

f
∈

B
˙

p
,
∞

s

(

R

n

)

with an explicit bound depending only on the regularity index $$\sigma >0$$

σ
>
0

and space dimension n. It may be regarded as a refined result compared with that of the second author (Takeuchi in Partial Differ Equ Appl Math 4:100174, 2021). As a result of the refined decay estimate, we also improve a lower bound estimate of the radius of convergence of the Taylor expansion of $$T(\cdot )f$$

T
(
·
)
f

in space and time. To refine the previous results, we show explicit pointwise estimates of higher order derivatives of the power function $$|\xi |^{\sigma }$$

|
ξ
|

σ

for $$\sigma \in \mathbb {R}$$

σ
∈
R

. In addition, we also refine the $$L^1$$

L
1

-estimate of the derivatives of the heat kernel.
Part-scale thermal modelling of the transfusion step in the selective thermoplastic electrophotographic process
Authors: Yeh Hao -Ping , Meinert Kenneth Æ. , Bayat Mohamad , Hattel Jesper H.
Published: September 2023

The working temperature of any 3D printer has a critical effect on process feasibility as well as the final quality of the product. In this respect, thermal analysis can provide a comprehensive understanding of operation parameters and optimization potential. This most certainly also is the case for the new layer-wise additive manufacturing system, selective thermoplastic electrophotographic process (STEP). In the present paper, we propose a 3D part-scale finite element thermal model for multi-materials which is developed in the commercial software Abaqus/CAE 2021. The reduced-order method, flash heating (FH), is adopted in the model to obtain good accuracy with acceptable simulation time. A specific analysis of the trade-offs between accuracy and CPU-time is carried out by varying the amount of lumping in the meta-layers in the FH method. Furthermore, we conduct an in-house experiment in which we use IR cameras for measuring temperatures during manufacturing, and the results are applied for model validation and calibration. We specifically compare measured and numerically predicted average surface temperatures when steady state is obtained after printing of each layer. Here we obtain a mean error up to 6% depending on the thickness of the meta-layers. Moreover, parametric studies show that pulse duration and heater intensity significantly influence both the surface and bulk temperature profiles, and this provides us with an increased understanding of the thermal behavior of the recently developed STEP process which in turn could make way for further process optimization.