bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoinduced Energy and Electron Transfer in a ‘Two‐Point’ Bound Panchromatic, Near‐Infrared‐Absorbing Bis‐styrylBODIPY(Zinc Porphyrin)2 – Fullerene Self‐Assembled Supramolecular Conjugate
Authors: Shao Shuai , Gobeze Habtom B. , De Silva Imesha W. , Schaffner Jacob , Verbeck Guido , Karr Paul A. , D'Souza Francis
Published: June 2024

Structurally well‐defined self‐assembled supramolecular multi‐modular donor‐acceptor conjugates play a significant role in furthering our understanding of photoinduced energy and electron transfer events occurring in nature, e. g., in the antenna‐reaction centers of photosynthesis and their applications in light energy harvesting. However, building such multi‐modular systems capable of mimicking the early events of photosynthesis has been synthetically challenging, causing a major hurdle for its growth. Often, multi‐modularity is brought in by combining both covalent and noncovalent approaches. In the present study, we have developed such an approach wherein a π‐extended conjugated molecular cleft, two zinc(II)porphyrin bearing bisstyrylBODIPY (dyad, 1), has been synthesized. The binding of 1 via a ‘two‐point’ metal‐ligand coordination of a bis‐pyridyl fulleropyrrolidine (2), forming a stable self‐assembled supramolecular complex (1 : 2), has been established. The self‐assembled supramolecular complex has been fully characterized by a suite of physico‐chemical methods, including TD‐DFT studies. From the established energy diagram, both energy and electron transfer events were envisioned. In dyad 1, selective excitation of zinc(II)porphyrin leads to efficient singlet‐singlet excitation transfer to (bisstyrly)BODIPY with an energy transfer rate constant, kEnT of 2.56×1012 s−1. In complex 1 : 2, photoexcitation of zinc(II)porphyrin results in ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer with a charge separation rate constant, kCS of 2.83×1011 s−1, and a charge recombination rate constant, kCR of 2.51×109 s−1. For excitation at 730 nm corresponding to bisstyrylBODIPY, similar results are obtained, where a biexponential decay yielded estimated values of kCS 3.44×1011 s−1 and 2.97×1010 s−1, and a kCR value of 2.10×1010 s−1. The newly built self‐assembled supramolecular complex has been shown to successfully mimic the early events of the photosynthetic antenna‐reaction center events.
Structural Flexibility is a Decisive Factor in FLP Dihydrogen Cleavage with Tetrahedral Lewis Acids: A Silane Case Study
Authors: Thorwart Thaddäus , Greb Lutz
Published: June 2024

Dihydrogen activation is the paradigmatic reaction of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs). While trigonal‐planar Lewis acids have been well established in this transformation, tetrahedral Lewis acids are surprisingly limited. Indeed, several cases were computed as thermodynamically and kinetically feasible but exhibit puzzling discrepancies with experimental results. In the present study, a computational investigation of the factors influencing dihydrogen activation are considered by large ensemble sampling of encounter complexes, deformation energies and the activation strain model for a silicon/nitrogen FLP and compared with a boron/phosphorous FLP. The analysis adds the previously missing dimension of Lewis acids’ structural flexibility as a factor that influences preexponential terms beyond pure transition state energies. It sheds light on the origin of “overfrustration” (defined herein), indicates structural constraint in Lewis acids as a linchpin for activation of weak donor substrates, and allows drawing a more refined mechanistic picture of this emblematic reactivity.
New Conjugates of Hyaluronic Acid with γ‐Cyclodextrin as Sorafenib Carrier in Cancer Cells
Authors: Bognanni Noemi , Viale Maurizio , Sabatino Giuseppina , Pappalardo Giuseppe , Vecchio Graziella
Published: June 2024

In recent years, nanoparticles based on cyclodextrins have been widely investigated, mainly for drug delivery. In this work, we synthesized nanoparticles with a hyaluronic acid backbone (11 kDa and 45 kDa) functionalized with γ‐cyclodextrins. We tested sorafenib in the presence of the new hyaluronan‐cyclodextrin conjugates in A2780 (ovarian cancer), SK‐HeP‐1 (adenocarcinoma) and MDA‐MB‐453 (breast cancer) cell lines. We found that hyaluronan‐cyclodextrin conjugates improve the antiproliferative activity of sorafenib. Remarkably, the system based on the 11 kDa hyaluronan conjugate was the most effective and, in the MDA‐MB‐453 cell line, significantly reduced the IC50 value of sorafenib cells by about 75 %.
Direct Conjugation of TiO2 Nanoparticles with Phototherapeutic Prodrug 5‐Aminolevulinic Acid
Authors: Hajareh Haghighi Farid , Mercurio Martina , Cerra Sara , Palocci Cleofe , Rossi Marco , Marsotto Martina , Battocchio Chiara , Fratoddi Ilaria
Published: June 2024

TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) were directly conjugated with the phototherapeutic prodrug, 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA), using a mild and green approach. The resultant TiO2NPs‐ALA nanoconjugates were characterized by different techniques, including HPLC, UV‐Vis, FTIR‐ATR, 1H‐NMR, FESEM‐EDS, TEM, DLS, and synchrotron radiation‐induced XPS (SR‐XPS) to assess the successful loading of 15 % and the chemical stability of ALA on the TiO2NPs. More importantly, the SR‐XPS results showed the stabilizing effect of TiO2 nanosurface on the ALA molecules (against structural change) in neutral and alkaline pHs, which is of great significance in the potential therapeutic applications of ALA. The FESEM and TEM results exhibited the grain‐like TiO2NPs‐ALA particles with a 20–50 nm size distribution, indicating size‐controlling effect of ALA on the TiO2NPs during the conjugation process and the presence of the organic molecule layer onto the surface. TiO2NPs‐ALA represents a promising candidate for studies in photodynamic therapy considering the stabilization effect observed by spectroscopic characterizations.
Paracetamol Inclusion in Mechanically Interlocked Nanocages
Authors: Elli Stefano , Famulari Antonino , Martí‐Rujas Javier
Published: June 2024

The solid‐state synthesis and fast crystallization under kinetic control of poly‐[n]‐catenanes self‐assembled of mechanically interlocked metal organic cages (MOCs) is virtually unexplored. This is in part, due to the lack of suitable crystals for single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD) analysis which limits their progress as advanced functional materials. Here we report the unprecedented inclusion of paracetamol in the cavities of amorphous materials constituted of M12L8, interlocked MOCs synthesized by mechanochemistry under kinetic control. Full structure determination of a low‐crystallinity and low‐resolution powders of the M12L8 poly‐[n]‐catenane including paracetamol has been carried out combining XRD data and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations using a multi‐step approach. Each M12L8 cage contains six paracetamol guests which is confirmed by thermal analysis and NMR spectroscopy. The paracetamol loading has been also carried out by the instant synthesis method using a saturated paracetamol solution in which TPB and ZnI2 self‐assemble immediately (i. e., 1–5 seconds) encapsulating ~7 paracetamol molecules in the M12L8 nanocages under kinetic control also giving a good selectivity. Benzaldehyde has been included in the M12L8 cages using amorphous M12L8 polycatenanes showing that the icosahedral cages can serve as potential nanoreactors for instance to study Henry reactions in the solid‐state.
Modeling and analysis of digital current‐mode controlled single‐inductor dual‐output DC–DC converter with different PWM modulation modes
Authors: He Mingzhi , Cheng Weidong , Zhou Shuhan , Yan Tiesheng
Published: June 2024

Current‐mode control is extensively used in dc–dc converters as the merits of fast transient performance, simple control loop, and elimination of right‐half‐plane zeros for boost‐type dc–dc converters. In single‐inductor multiple‐output (SIMO) dc–dc converter, the inductor current would present different trends under different circuit parameters. Therefore, the control logic changes for different inductor current trends, and the corresponding modulations are absolutely different. In this paper, a digital current‐mode control technology for SIMO dc–dc converter is proposed to expend the convenience of current‐mode control with different inductor trends. Choosing continuous conduction mode (CCM) single‐inductor dual‐output (SIDO) dc–dc converter as the research object, the principles are analyzed under different pulse width modulation modes, and the corresponding control algorithms are derived. Moreover, the discrete iterative map model is established to analyze the stability of input and output voltages varying. The results show that not only the digital current‐mode controlled SIDO buck converter has fast load transient response and small cross‐regulation but also the input and output voltages will not affect the stability in the leading edge modulation, which is different from the corresponding analog current‐mode control technology. Finally, the experimental results verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Voltage‐based fault arc detection based on PCA‐RF
Authors: Wu Nengqi , Wang Honglei , Peng Mingyi , Wang Jiaju , Lu Qiwei
Published: June 2024

The arc fault characteristics of certain loads lack significance, making it difficult to efficiently detect the line current characteristics. This research presents a novel approach for detecting arc faults using a combination of principalc analysis (PCA) and Random Forest (RF) based on voltage measurements. The time‐domain eigenvalues of the load terminal voltages of single and mixed loads are initially extracted during both arc fault and normal operation. Principal component analysis is then conducted on a subset of these eigenvalues. The skewness and magnitude features of the resulting principal components and load terminal voltages are utilized as inputs for the Random Forest algorithm. After training the model, classification results are obtained. Ultimately, it is contrasted with techniques such as rime optimization algorithm‐multilayer perceptron (RIME‐MLP), convolutional neural network‐gated recurrent unit‐SE attention (CNN‐GRU‐SE), and Kepler optimization algorithm‐support vector machine (KOA‐SVM). The results demonstrated that the approach exhibits superior accuracy and a reduced false alarm rate.
Design, analysis, and implementation of a phase‐shift controlled cascaded H‐bridge and anti‐interleaved zeta converter‐based E‐bike battery charging circuitry
Authors: Raja Chandrasekhar Puranam , G Arunkumar
Published: June 2024

The rapid extinction of the fossil fuels across the globe has led to the technological advancements in the field of renewable energy sector and the electric vehicular technology. In order to match the paradigm shift in the energy sector and the technology, the battery charging circuitry of electric vehicle (EV) led to the revolutionary changes in the field of power electronics. Accordingly, various conventional topologies of DC‐DC converters were evolved. But there are a few drawbacks such as bulkiness, nonmultiple ports, and less control over the output current ripple. This work proposes a DC‐DC converter which is a hybrid combination of the full‐bridge converter and the zeta converter. The current and the voltage reversals at the high‐frequency transformer (HFT) terminals are made steady by anti‐interleaving the zeta converters on the secondary side. The control pulses of the full‐bridge converter are phase‐shifted to have the tight grip over the output. The modes of operation of the proposed DC‐DC converter has have presented. The calculation of the energy, current, and the voltage for the active and the passive components of the proposed converter has been provided. The proposed system is simulated, and the plots of the voltages and currents of different components of the converter are presented. The converter prototype has been developed to charge a 36 V lithium‐ion battery, and the effect of the phase shift on input current can be seen from the exhaustive results. The comparison of the calculated and simulated currents and voltages has been graphically illustrated. The proposed converter provides a novel converter topology which includes better output control with phase shift and reduced size of memory elements due to high‐frequency switching.
Resonant and nonresonant excitation of waves in a planar magnetosonic flow
Authors: Perelomova Anna
Published: June 2024

Forced propagation of perturbations in a magnetosonic wave are considered. The driving force may be caused by stimulated Mandelstam–Brillouin scattering of optic waves or by intense magnetosonic exciter. Some heating‐cooling function which takes into account radiative cooling and unspecified heating is taken into consideration, as well as nonlinearity of a medium. Both these factors make the excitation particular. The analytical and numerical evaluations reveal that forced oscillations differ essentially from the free propagation and depend on a number of dimensionless parameters such as the ratio of speed of exciter to the eigen speed of excited wave, the ratio of speed of an excited wave to its eigen speed, and the dimensionless magnitude of an exciter. Forced excitation is resonant if speed of an exciter coincides with the eigen speed of excited wave but may give rise to the excited perturbations with the speed different from the eigen one. The preliminary evaluations may be helpful for the controlled excitation of perturbations in natural and laboratory plasma systems and indication of the parameters of an exciter.
Error analysis of OFDM‐IM systems for beyond 5G: The effect of IQI at transceiver
Authors: Ceniklioglu Busra , Develi Ibrahim , Canbilen Ayse Elif
Published: June 2024

It is well known that hardware impairments (HWIs) can worthy reduce the wireless system performance at high carrier frequencies by showing random effects. Most current researches for 5 GB systems assume that transmitters and receivers (transceivers) are perfectly equipped. But wireless transceivers (
) are affected by HWIs in practice. Considering the previous studies in the literature, it is reported that HWIs have devastating effects on the performance of OFDM and OFDM‐index modulation (IM) systems with fading channels. In this paper, in‐phase and quadrature phase imbalance (IQI), which is the one of most HWIs between transmitter and receiver in wireless communication systems, is examined on OFDM‐IM system over Rayleigh and Nakagami‐
fading channels. Two well‐known detectors, the maximum likelihood (ML) detector and the log‐likelihood ratio (LLR) detector are used under the effect of the IQI at
. Error performance analyzes over fading channels of the IQI effect on OFDM‐IM system are realized first theoretically and then by computer simulations. Results obtained for the presence of IQI at
show that a performance evaluation based only on the presence of IQI in the receiver would be optimistic and misleading in terms of the performance of real‐life OFDM‐IM systems.
Accounting for nonlinear responses to traits improves range shift predictions
Authors: Cannistra Anthony F. , Buckley Lauren B.
Published: June 2024

Accurately predicting species' range shifts in response to environmental change is paramount for understanding ecological processes and global change. In synthetic analyses, traits emerge as significant but weak predictors of species' range shifts across recent climate change. These studies assume linear responses to traits, while detailed empirical work often reveals trait responses that are unimodal and contain thresholds or other nonlinearities. We hypothesize that the use of linear modeling approaches fails to capture these nonlinearities and, therefore, may be under‐powering traits to predict range shifts. We evaluate the predictive performance of approaches that can capture nonlinear relationships (ridge‐regularized linear regression, support vector regression with linear and nonlinear kernels, and random forests). We apply our models using six multidecadal range shift datasets for plants, moths, marine fish, birds, and small mammals. We show that nonlinear approaches can perform better than least‐squares linear modeling in reproducing historical range shifts. Consistent with expectations, we identify dispersal and climatic niche traits as primary determinants of distribution shifts. Traits identified as important predictors and the direction of trait effects are generally consistent across models, but there are notable exceptions. Among important predictors, there are more consistent responses to climatic niches than dispersal ability. Modest improvements in predictability when accounting for nonlinearities and interactions, and the overall low amount of variance accounted for by trait predictors suggest limits to trait‐based statistical predictive frameworks.
Few large or many small fires: Using spatial scaling of severe fire to quantify effects of fire‐size distribution shifts
Authors: Buonanduci Michele S. , Donato Daniel C. , Halofsky Joshua S. , Kennedy Maureen C. , Harvey Brian J.
Published: June 2024

As wildfire activity increases and fire‐size distributions potentially shift in many forested regions worldwide, anticipating the spatial patterns of burn severity expected with future fire activity is critical for ecological understanding and informing management and policy. Because spatial patterns of burn severity are influenced by a complex mixture of drivers, they remain difficult to predict for any given burned landscape. At broader extents, however, spatial scaling relationships relating high‐severity patch size and shape to overall fire size, when combined with scenarios regarding regional area burned and fire‐size distributions, offer a means to anticipate the spatial configuration of burn severity in future fires. Here, leveraging a satellite burn‐severity dataset for 1615 fire events occurring across the northwest United States between 1985 and 2020, we present an approach for simulating expected patch‐level burn‐severity patterns at the scale of a region or fire regime of interest. We demonstrate this approach in a historically climate‐limited fire regime within the Pacific Northwest, USA, where relatively infrequent but large and severe fires shape biomass‐rich forests, and where fire potential is projected to increase as summer fire seasons become warmer and drier. We quantify how, for a given total burned area, the range of cumulative burn‐severity patterns is expected to vary with the size distributions of fire events. Our results illustrate how shifts in fire‐size distributions toward larger fire events will lead to increasingly large high‐severity burn patches with interior areas that are increasingly far from unburned seed sources following fire. In contrast, the same total area burned in more numerous but smaller fire events will result in qualitatively different cumulative patterns of burn severity, characterized by smaller high‐severity patches and closer proximity to postfire seed sources across burned landscapes. These results have important implications in forested regions, informing management actions ranging from prefire planning (e.g., fire response preparedness) to real‐time decision‐making (e.g., fire suppression vs. managed wildfire use) and postfire responses (e.g., replanting to restore tree cover and/or promoting early‐seral habitat). The approach we present is generalizable and can be applied across regions and fire regimes to anticipate potential future fire effects.
Monitoring storage characteristics of gray mold inoculated strawberries treated with limonene liposome and oxygen absorbers and prediction of sensory shelf‐life with UV‐VIS‐NIR reflectance
Authors: Joshi Prabesh , Choudhary Ruplal , Kohli Punit , Pahariya Prachi , Vargas‐Lizarazo Annie Y.
Published: June 2024

In this research, the effect of grey mold inoculation and subsequent postharvest treatment with limonene‐liposomes and oxygen absorbers is observed on the storage characteristics of strawberries. The survival analysis of the end of sensory shelf‐life indicated that inoculated strawberries were 9.96 times more likely to be rejected compared to uninoculated strawberries. The inoculation also resulted in lower firmness, higher rate of weight loss, higher CO2 respiration rates, and higher total polyphenol contents. Among the inoculated strawberries, limonene‐liposome treated strawberries had a longer average shelf‐life by 1.5 days compared to control inoculated strawberries. Similarly, oxygen absorber treated strawberries had lower respiration rates and lower rate of weight loss. The sequential addition of variables in the multiple linear models fitting days till rejection (DTR) show that up to 52% of the variation in DTR can be explained from days of storage, state of inoculation, firmness, respiration rate and total anthocyanin content. The models built from storage characteristics other than state of inoculation can explain up to 26% of variation in DTR. The partial least square regression (PLSR) models for the prediction of DTR built from two different types of spectral data, UV‐VIS and NIR, yielded evaluation R2 up to 0.778 and 0.765 respectively.
Right heart failure with left ventricular assist devices: Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative management strategies. A clinical consensus statement of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC
Authors: Adamopoulos Stamatis , Bonios Michael , Ben Gal Tuvia , Gustafsson Finn , Abdelhamid Magdy , Adamo Marianna , Bayes‐Genis Antonio , Böhm Michael , Chioncel Ovidiu , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Damman Kevin , Di Nora Concetta , Hashmani Shahrukh , Hill Loreena , Jaarsma Tiny , Jankowska Ewa , Lopatin Yury , Masetti Marco , Mehra Mandeep R. , Milicic Davor , Moura Brenda , Mullens Wilfried , Nalbantgil Sanem , Panagiotou Chrysoula , Piepoli Massimo , Rakisheva Amina , Ristic Arsen , Rivinius Rasmus , Savarese Gianluigi , Thum Thomas , Tocchetti Carlo Gabriele , Tops Laurens F. , Van Laake Linda W. , Volterrani Maurizio , Seferovic Petar , Coats Andrew , Metra Marco , Rosano Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Right heart failure (RHF) following implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a common and potentially serious condition with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations with an unfavourable effect on patient outcomes. Clinical scores that predict the occurrence of right ventricular (RV) failure have included multiple clinical, biochemical, imaging and haemodynamic parameters. However, unless the right ventricle is overtly dysfunctional with end‐organ involvement, prediction of RHF post‐LVAD implantation is, in most cases, difficult and inaccurate. For these reasons optimization of RV function in every patient is a reasonable practice aiming at preparing the right ventricle for a new and challenging haemodynamic environment after LVAD implantation. To this end, the institution of diuretics, inotropes and even temporary mechanical circulatory support may improve RV function, thereby preparing it for a better adaptation post‐LVAD implantation. Furthermore, meticulous management of patients during the perioperative and immediate postoperative period should facilitate identification of RV failure refractory to medication. When RHF occurs late during chronic LVAD support, this is associated with worse long‐term outcomes. Careful monitoring of RV function and characterization of the origination deficit should therefore continue throughout the patient's entire follow‐up. Despite the useful information provided by the echocardiogram with respect to RV function, right heart catheterization frequently offers additional support for the assessment and optimization of RV function in LVAD‐supported patients. In any patient candidate for LVAD therapy, evaluation and treatment of RV function and failure should be assessed in a multidimensional and multidisciplinary manner.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct C(sp3)−H Arylation of 5H‐Imidazo[2,1‐a]isoindole Scaffolds With Arylbromides
Authors: Panza Florian , Hauwelle Alexandre , Briquet Antoine , Awada Ali , Levacher Vincent , Hoarau Christophe , Baudequin Christine
Published: June 2024

The study of Pd(0)‐catalyzed C−H bond arylation of methyl 5H‐imidazo[2,1‐a]isoindole‐3‐carboxylates with aryl bromides is reported. This methodology gives ready access to a wide range of methyl 5H‐imidazo[2,1‐a]isoindole‐3‐carboxylates that are monoarylated at their benzylic sites. The C(sp3)−H bond arylation methodology is driven by regioselectivity under weakly basic conditions avoiding remarkably side C(sp2)−H poly‐arylation of the (hetero)aromatic unit. The process was applied to the preparation of novel imidazo[2,1‐a]isoindole‐based neurotransmitter Neuropeptide S antagonist analog.
Mixed Liquid and Solid Phase Synthesis of Isopeptidic Desferrioxamine Analogues for Complexation of Zirconium
Authors: Outzen Lasse , Duc Nguyen Hoang , Ludolfs Darius , Maison Wolfgang
Published: June 2024

89Zr has a number of advantageous properties for PET‐imaging, but optimal chelators for its widespread clinical application still need to be found. Tetrahydroxamates derived from the natural siderophore DFOB are promising candidates in this context. This study describes a solid‐phase approach to isopeptide analogs of DFOB (termed ipDFO*) with four hydroxamate groups for stable Zr(IV)‐chelation. The route uses either commercial or easily available Fmoc‐protected precursors and allows the synthesis of ipDFO* and clickable AZA−ipDFO* derivatives in only a few hours. The solid‐phase synthesis reduces the workload for the synthesis of ipDFO* and AZA−ipDFO* derivatives thus significantly compared to a previous multistep solution synthesis. The route is also modular and allows the synthesis of various ipDFO* derivatives with variation in the spacer length between the hydroxamate groups. This spacing is a critical parameter for finding the optimal chelator for hard metal cations like Zr(IV). It might thus help to speed up the search for an ideal Zr‐chelator for PET‐imaging and might also allow the extension to other metal cations of different size.
Detection and Differentiation of Amines and N‐Heterocycles via Recognition Enabled Chromatographic 19F NMR
Authors: Gu Guangxing , Zeng Yilin , Peng Tianci , Bao Wenjing , Zhang Ziyang , Wu Jian , Zhao Yanchuan
Published: June 2024

In this study, we successfully employed a 19F‐labeled cyclopalladium probe to achieve simultaneous differentiation and detection of various amines and N‐heterocyclic compounds. This method features a broad detection window, facilitating the discrimination and multi‐component analysis of structural analogs and isomers through the generation of characteristic 19F NMR signals with distinct chemical shifts. The utility of this approach is demonstrated in monitoring chemical reactions and identifying components in food, beverages, and cosmetics.
Recent Progresses in Quantum‐Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells: The Role of Counter Electrodes
Authors: Carvalho Junior José A. , Nunes Cássio L. , Machado Wagner S. , Schiavon Marco A.
Published: June 2024

Energy demand, global warming, environmental impacts, sustainability, and energy sources are some of the concerns faced by humanity. Quantum‐dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSSC) are an alternative solution to addressing some of these issues, in addition to reducing the costs of producing electrical energy. However, QDSSCs present stability problems and low efficiency, less than 16%. In light of this challenge, this review aims to present the main strategies adopted to reduce energy losses that occur in each component of the solar cell, with a focus on one key component: the counter electrode (CE). The CE plays a crucial role in collecting electrons and regenerating the electrolyte, thus impacting the lifespan and efficiency of QDSSCs. As such, this review discusses the main advancements in CEs based on key materials such as metal sulfides, carbonaceous materials, and composites. The efforts related to the synthesis and application of different counter electrodes for QDSSCs are explored.
Harnessing volatility cascades with ensemble learning
Authors: Cheng Mingmian
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a simple yet effective modification to bootstrap aggregation (bagging) and boosting techniques, aimed at addressing substantial errors arising from parameter estimation, particularly prevalent in macroeconomic and financial forecasting. We propose “egalitarian” bagging and boosting algorithms, where forecasts are derived through an equally weighted combination scheme following variable selection procedures, rather than relying on estimated model parameters. Our empirical work focuses on volatility forecasting, where our approach is applied to a hierarchical model that aggregates a diverse array of volatility components over different time intervals. Significant improvements in predictive accuracy are observed when conventional bagging and boosting approaches are replaced by their “egalitarian” counterparts, across a range of assets and forecast horizons. Notably, these improvements are most pronounced during periods of financial market turmoil, particularly for medium‐ to long‐term predictions. In contrast to boosting, which often yields a sparse model specification, bagging effectively leverages a diverse range of volatility cascades to capture rich information without succumbing to increasing estimation errors. The proposed “egalitarian” algorithm plays a crucial role in facilitating this process, contributing to the superior performance of bagging over other competing approaches.
Different coating application methods: Zein‐based edible coating containing Heracleum persicum essential oil for shelf‐life enhancement of whey‐less cheese
Authors: Rajaei Lak Hadis , Bazargani‐Gilani Behnaz , Karami Mostafa
Published: June 2024

In this research, the efficiency of brushing (Br), dipping (Di), spraying (S), and enrobing (En) methods was compared in three concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 20% of corn zein (Z) edible coating containing 0.5% of Heracleum persicum essential oil (HEO) in the shelf‐life improvement of whey‐less cheese during 56 days of cold storage. The results of the photography and colorimetric (L*, a*, and b* parameters) of the samples showed that the En method in 20% of Z created a uniform, brilliant, and attractive surface on the cheese pieces compared to the other groups during the storage period, and the S, Br, and Di methods were in the next categories, respectively. The findings of the texture analysis of the samples showed that all of the treatments significantly (p ≤ .05) preserved the hardness of the cheese samples compared to the control group, and the En method containing Z 20% and HEO was the most effective treatment in preventing the hardness loss of the samples during the 56‐day storage period. In all treatments, the growth of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, enterobacteriaceae, molds, and yeasts was significantly (p ≤ .05) reduced in comparison with the control sample, and the En method containing HEO and Z 20% was the most efficient in preventing the microbial growth. The rate of moisture loss, fat oxidation, and pH values of the studied samples significantly (p ≤ .05) decreased in the coated treatments containing a higher concentration of Z and HEO compared with other treatments during the storage period. According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the En technique containing Z20% and HEO0.5% was the most effective treatment in the shelf‐life improvement of whey‐less cheese during 56 days of the refrigerated storage period, and the S, Br, and Di methods were in the next ranks, respectively.
Two‐cut system suggested for tall wheatgrass to balance herbage yield and quality in the coastal saline–alkaline land around the Bohai Sea
Authors: Li Wei , Xiao Qiang , Li Hongwei , Chang Hao , Zheng Qi , Li Bin , Li Zhensheng
Published: June 2024

Background

Tall wheatgrass is a perennial salt‐tolerant bunchgrass, which is a promising candidate for establishing a “Coastal Grass Belt” in China, particularly in the coastal saline–alkaline soils surrounding the Bohai Sea.

Methods

Seven harvesting treatments were performed to explore the optimal harvesting time and frequency for tall wheatgrass in coastal area. The dry matter yield (DMY) and forage nutritional values were investigated for each cut. The correlation between harvesting time and frequency thereof among the investigated traits was also determined.

Results

The results showed that the two‐cut on June 18 and October 29 produced the highest DMY. Another two‐cut on May 26 and October 29 produced a relatively high crude protein (CP) yield. The DMY, contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude cellulose (CC) as well as CP yield were positively correlated to plant height, while the CP content and the relative feed value (RFV) were negatively correlated to plant height. The accumulating growing degree days, accumulated precipitation, and sunshine duration were positively correlated with plant height, DMY, contents of NDF, ADF, and CC as well as CP yield, but negatively correlated with CP content and RFV for the first cut.

Conclusions

The two‐cut treatment at the end of May and October may be suitable for tall wheatgrass in the “Coastal Grass Belt” targeted area.
Posterior default mode network is associated with the social performance in male children with autism spectrum disorder: A dynamic causal modeling analysis based on triple‐network model
Authors: Wang Lei , Qin Yue , Yang Shuhan , Jin Dayong , Zhu Yinhu , Li Xin , Li Wei , Wang Yarong , Jin Chenwang
Published: June 2024

The triple‐network model has been widely applied in neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the mechanism of causal regulations within the triple‐network and their relations with symptoms of ASD remains unclear. 81 male ASD and 80 well matched typically developing control (TDC) were included in this study, recruited from Autism Brain Image Data Exchange‐I datasets. Spatial reference‐based independent component analysis was used to identify the anterior and posterior part of default‐mode network (aDMN and pDMN), salience network (SN), and bilateral executive‐control network (ECN) from resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Spectral dynamic causal model and parametric empirical Bayes with Bayesian model reduction/average were adopted to explore the effective connectivity (EC) within triple‐network and the relationship between EC and autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) scores. After adjusting for age and site effect, ASD and TDC groups both showed inhibition patterns. Compared with TDC, ASD group showed weaker self‐inhibition in aDMN and pDMN, stronger inhibition in pDMN→aDMN, weaker inhibition in aDMN→LECN, pDMN→SN, LECN→SN, and LECN→RECN. Furthermore, negative relationships between ADOS scores and pDMN self‐inhibition strength, as well as with the EC of pDMN→aDMN were observed in ASD group. The present study reveals imbalanced effective connections within triple‐networks in ASD children. More attentions should be focused at the pDMN, which modulates the core symptoms of ASD and may serve as an important region for ASD diagnosis and the target region for ASD treatments.
Prognostic utility of the geriatric nutritional risk index for head and neck cancer: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsai Yao‐Te , Kuo Liang‐Tseng , Wang Yun‐Ting , De Vito Andrea , Hao Sheng‐Po , Fang Ku‐Hao , Lee Yi‐Chan , Chen Kuan‐Yin , Lai Chia‐Hsuan , Tsai Yuan‐Hsiung , Huang Ethan I. , Tsai Ming‐Shao , Hsu Cheng‐Ming , Chang Geng‐He , Luan Chih‐Wei
Published: June 2024

We conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess the potential prognostic utility of geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) for head and neck cancer (HNC). We selected studies and extracted data after searching the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed databases. The associations between GNRI and survival outcomes were explored by calculating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through a random‐effects meta‐analysis. We included 11 studies that involved 2887 patients with HNC. The combined HR demonstrated significant associations of low GNRI with unfavorable progression‐free survival (HR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.32–2.65, p < 0.001) and overall survival (HR = 3.04, 95% CI = 2.30–4.03, p < 0.001). The association between the GNRI and overall survival persisted across various subgroups. The GNRI could serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker for patients with HNC. Low GNRI scores are significantly associated with unfavorable survival outcomes.
Healthy Me, Healthy Planet: Evaluation of a pilot planetary health library program
Authors: Patrick Rebecca , Bruges Nicole , Gunasiri Hasini , Wang Yifan , Henderson‐Wilson Claire
Published: June 2024

Issue Addressed

The Healthy Me, Healthy Planet program was an evidence‐informed pilot program conducted by a local libraries to promote the health co‐benefits of action on climate change.

Background

An impact evaluation of the Healthy Me, Healthy Planet program was conducted using a mixed methods research design including pre‐, during, and post‐program surveys and online focus groups.

Methods

The evaluation included 136 participants aged 18+ years who were able to understand and communicate in English or simplified Chinese language. Descriptive analyses of the survey data were integrated with thematic analyses of focus group (N = 2) data to generate key themes.

Results

Key impacts included individual and organisational capacity building, personal and social well‐being, and pro‐environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour. Impacts on program participants included increased confidence, motivation, positive feelings, and personal well‐being after taking part in the Healthy Me, Healthy Planet program. Participants reported enhanced social connections, mental well‐being, and environmental benefits such as engaging within the community on environmental issues and feeling inspired to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

Libraries play a key role in promoting the health of people and planet in the community because they are a trusted, safe, and supportive community setting, a curator of credible and reliable evidence‐based information on health and planetary topics and a local and free provider for skills and literacy development.

So What

The evaluation of the pilot suggests that participants improved their capacity to practice sustainable living and it is recommended that this program be expanded to other library settings to enhance community connection and support local planetary health initiatives.
Sweet corn phytoglycogen dendrimers as a lyoprotectant for dry‐state protein storage
Authors: Park Junha , Liu Renjie , Kim Alexander S. , Cyr Noah N. , Boehlein Susan K. , Resende Marcio F. R. , Savin Daniel A. , Bailey Laura S. , Sumerlin Brent S. , Hudalla Gregory A.
Published: June 2024

Protein biotherapeutics typically require expensive cold‐chain storage to maintain their fold and function. Packaging proteins in the dry state via lyophilization can reduce these cold‐chain requirements. However, formulating proteins for lyophilization often requires extensive optimization of excipients that both maintain the protein folded state during freezing and drying (i.e., “cryoprotection” and “lyoprotection”), and form a cake to carry the dehydrated protein. Here we show that sweet corn phytoglycogens, which are glucose dendrimers, can act as both a protein lyoprotectant and a cake‐forming agent. Phytoglycogen (PG) dendrimers from 16 different maize sources (PG1‐16) were extracted via ethanol precipitation. PG size was generally consistent at ~70–100 nm for all variants, whereas the colloidal stability in water, protein contaminant level, and maximum density of cytocompatibility varied for PG1‐16. 10 mg/mL PG1, 2, 9, 13, 15, and 16 maintained the activity of various proteins, including green fluorescent protein, lysozyme, β‐galactosidase, and horseradish peroxidase, over a broad range of concentrations, through multiple rounds of lyophilization. PG13 was identified as the lead excipient candidate as it demonstrated narrow dispersity, colloidal stability in phosphate‐buffered saline, low protein contaminants, and cytocompatibility up to 10 mg/mL in NIH3T3 cell cultures. All dry protein‐PG13 mixtures had a cake‐like appearance and all frozen protein‐PG13 mixtures had a Tg' of ~ −26°C. The lyoprotection and cake‐forming properties of PG13 were density‐dependent, requiring a minimum density of 5 mg/mL for maximum activity. Collectively these data establish PG dendrimers as a new class of excipient to formulate proteins in the dry state.
Field emission from two‐dimensional (2D) CdSSe flake flowers structure grown on gold coated silicon substrate: An efficient cold cathode
Authors: Nerkar Sachin D. , AR Shakeelur Raheman , Al Mesfer Mohammed K. , Ansari Khursheed B. , Khan Mohd Shariq , Deore Amol B. , Attarde R. R.
Published: June 2024

Field emission finds a vital space in numerous scientific and technological applications, including high‐resolution imaging at micro‐ and nano‐scales, conducting high‐energy physics experiments, molecule ionization in spectroscopy, and electronic uses. A continuous effort exists to develop new materials for enhanced field emission applications. In the present work, two‐dimensional (2D) well‐aligned CdSSe flake flowers (CdSSe‐FFs) were successfully grown on gold‐coated silicon substrate utilizing a simple and affordable chemical bath deposition approach at ambient temperature. The time‐dependent growth mechanism from nanoparticles to FFs was observed at optimized parameters such as concentration of precursors, pH (~11), deposition time, and solution temperature. The crystalline nature of CdSSe‐FFs is confirmed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results, and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) observations reveal a hexagonal crystal structure. Additionally, the CdSSe‐FFs thickness was confirmed by TEM analysis and found to be ~20–30 nm. The optical, photoelectric, and field emission (FE) characteristics are thoroughly explored which shows significant enhancement due to the formation of heterojunction between the gold‐coated silicon substrate and CdSSe‐FFs. The UV–visible absorption spectra of CdSSe‐FFs show enhanced absorption at 700 nm, corresponding to the energy band gap (Eg) of 1.77 eV. The CdSSe‐FFs exhibited field emission and photosensitive field emission (PSFE) characteristics. In FE study CdSSe‐FFs shows an increase in current density of 387.2 μ A cm−2 in an applied field of 4.1 V m−1 which is 4.08 fold as compared to without light illumination (95.1 μ A cm−2). Furthermore, it shows excellent emission current stability at the preset value of 1.5 μA over 3 h with a deviation of the current density of less than 5% respectively.

Research Highlights

Novel CdSSe flake flowers were grown on Au‐coated Si substrate by a cost‐effective chemical bath deposition route.

The growth mechanism of CdSSe flake flowers is studied in detail.

Field emission and Photoluminescence study of CdSSe flake flowers is characterized.

CdSSe flake flowers with nanoflakes sharp edges exhibited enhanced field emission properties.
A pilot randomized controlled study to determine the effectiveness of video educational tool in BRCA1/2 pre‐test counseling for Japanese breast cancer patients
Authors: Nakamura Haruna , Morinaga Shoko , Tsuchiya Kazuhiko , Sakoda Yoko , Ogino Mitsutoshi , Ueno Sayaka , Tanino Hirokazu , Kunihisa Tomonari
Published: June 2024

BRCA1/2 genetic testing has become clinically important in breast cancer care, but increasing demand may put a burden on the shortage of healthcare professionals. We performed a single‐center, pilot randomized controlled study to assess the effectiveness of employing a video educational tool that included standard pre‐test genetic counseling elements related to BRCA1/2. Patients with operable breast cancer who met the criteria for genetic testing based on age, sex, subtype, and family history were recruited. Sixty consenting participants were randomized 1:1 and placed in groups that received either traditional face‐to‐face pre‐test counseling or video‐viewing and face‐to‐face decisional support. To assess decisional conflict in the participants, surveys based on the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) were administered two times, once immediately after intervention and again 2–4 weeks later. The time taken for counseling and confirmation of whether the participants had undergone testing were also recorded. The difference in the total DCS scores between the two groups was not significantly different for either of the survey periods, and there was no significant difference in the number of participants who underwent testing (23/30 [76.7%] vs. 26/30 [86.7%]; p = 0.51). However, the “effective decision” subscale score was significantly higher in the video group 2–4 weeks after counseling (31.01 ± 16.82 vs. 21.43 ± 16.09; p = 0.04 [mean ± SD]). The time taken for counseling was significantly shorter in the video group (8.00 ± 4.5 vs. 27.00 ± 7.61 min; p < 0.001 [median ± SD]). Our findings indicate the potential benefit of the video educational tool for providing BRCA1/2‐related information. These tools may also enable healthcare professionals to spend more time supporting psychological issues. Notably, after some time, patients may question whether their decision was appropriate. Therefore, it is necessary to identify those in conflict and provide them with proper support.
Host perspectives on international fieldwork placements for U.S.‐based genetic counseling students
Authors: Rao Smita K. , Moore Harrison , Danylchuk Noelle R. , Williamson Lori
Published: June 2024

Genetic counseling students from the United States are often interested in international summer fieldwork placements, but little is known about the hosts' perspectives when considering such requests. We sent out surveys to 132 international genetics providers (genetics clinics and genetics programs), to identify advantages, barriers and expectations for U.S.‐based genetic counseling students seeking a fieldwork placement. Twenty‐seven (20.4% response rate) participants from 14 different countries shared their experiences and views. Providers placed higher emphasis on teaching and benefits to students (95.2%) rather than intrinsic benefits to their programs (90.4%). Lack of American Board of Genetic Counseling's (ABGC) reciprocal recognition (30%) and cost of training (25%), were rated as the strongest barriers to hosting U.S.‐based students. Surprisingly, ‘Language Barrier’ (20%), although mentioned in open‐ended comments, was not ranked highly as a barrier. When asked about expectations of students, active participation in student‐led counseling sessions under supervision was encouraged by a majority of participants (55.6%). Where most genetic counseling literature is U.S.‐centric, this study reports on insights gathered from international genetics providers. Our study encourages U.S.‐based programs to consider these findings when designing exchange programs and international fieldwork placements.
Iatrogenic hemorrhage and extensive venous thromboembolism during iTTP treatment with caplacizumab—A case report
Authors: Boberg Erik , Kimiaei Adrian , Karlström Cecilia , Ljungqvist Maria , Ågren Anna , Bruzelius Maria
Published: June 2024

Caplacizumab reduces the need for therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) during treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), associates with fewer required TPE, and shortens hospital stay. It is therefore recommended as part of standard care. However, the treatment effects on hemostasis may complicate initial management. We present a case of a woman with immune‐mediated TTP who developed an intrathoracic hemorrhage on caplacizumab treatment after replacement of her central venous catheter. Reduced von Willebrand factor (vWF):glycoprotein Ib mutant (GPIbM) activity was reversed using vWF concentrate and the bleeding stopped. Unfortunately, vWF substitution in combination with caplacizumab discontinuation likely contributed to subsequent extensive venous thromboembolism. Risk‐reducing strategies against both bleeding and thrombosis are crucial during caplacizumab treatment, and emergency vWF substitution increases the already high risk of thrombosis associated with TPE.