bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathological tissue changes in brain tumors affect the pH‐sensitivity of the T1‐corrected apparent exchange dependent relaxation (AREX) of the amide protons
Authors: Steidl Eike , Neuhaus Elisabeth , Shrestha Manoj , Deichmann Ralf , Weber Katharina , Steinbach Joachim P. , Pilatus Ulrich , Hattingen Elke , Schüre Jan Rüdiger
Published: October 2024

Measuring the intracellular pH (pHi) is of interest for brain tumor diagnostics. Common metrics of CEST imaging like the amide proton transfer‐weighted (APTw) MTRasym are pHi sensitive and allow differentiating malignant tumor from healthy tissue. Yet, the image contrast also depends on additional magnetization transfer effects and T1. In contrast, the apparent exchange‐dependent relaxation (AREX) provides a T1 corrected exchange rate of the amide protons. As AREX still depends on amide proton density, its pHi sensitivity remains ambiguous. Hence, we conducted this study to assess the influence of pathologic tissue changes on the pHi sensitivity of AREX in vivo. Patients with newly diagnosed intra‐axial brain tumors were prospectively recruited and underwent conventional MRI, quantitative T1 relaxometry, APT‐CEST and 31P‐MRS on a 3T MRI scanner. Tumors were segmented into contrast‐enhancing tumor (CE), surrounding T2 hyperintensity (T2‐H) and contralateral normal appearing white matter (CNAWM). T1 mapping and APT‐CEST metrics were correlated with 31P‐MRS‐derived pHi maps (Pearson's correlation). Without differentiating tissue subtypes, pHi did not only correlate significantly with MTRasym (r = 0.46) but also with T1 (r = 0.49). Conversely, AREX only correlated poorly with pHi (r = 0.17). Analyzing different tissue subtypes separately revealed a tissue dependency of the pHi sensitivity of AREX with a significant correlation (r = 0.6) in CNAWM and no correlation in T2‐H or CE (r = −0.11/−0.24). CE showed significantly increased MTRasym, pHi, and T1 compared with CNAWM (p < 0.001). In our study, the pHi sensitivity of AREX was limited to CNAWM. The lack of sensitivity in CE and T2‐H is probably attributable to altered amide and water proton concentrations in these tissues. Conversely, the correlation of pHi with MTRasym may be explained by the coincidental contrast increase through increased T1 and amide proton density. Therefore, limited structural deviations from CNAWM might be a perquisite for the use of CEST contrasts as pHi‐marker.
Changes in food valence of regular diet depending on the experience of high and low preference food
Authors: Cheng Xi , Tsuruyama Kazuto , Kida Satoshi
Published: October 2024

Aims

Eating disorders represent an aspect of mental illness involving failure to control eating behaviors. Food valence plays a regulatory role in eating behaviors and changes with eating experiences. Failure to control food valence may be associated with eating disorders. This study presents a newly developed behavior task—food reservation task, which assesses changes in food valence.

Methods

Over three consecutive days, mice were fed a regular diet for 30 min and subsequently were offered either palatable or low‐palatable foods for 30 min.

Results

Mice decreased regular diet consumption on the days that it was followed by a palatable food—sweet chocolate (SC) or cheese (CH) and increased it when it was followed by a low‐palatable food—bitter (dark) chocolate (BC). Our findings indicate that mice can change regular diet consumption by learning whether it will be followed by a palatable or low‐palatable food. This suggests that palatable food devaluated the food valence of regular diet, whereas low‐palatable food evaluated it.

Conclusion

We developed a new food reservation task, which allows to assess experience‐dependent change in the food valence of a regular diet. This task will contribute to a better understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying those changes.
Improving the functional detection of sarcopenic obesity: prevalence and handgrip scoring in the OBESAR cohort
Authors: Pouget Mélanie , Pinel Alexandre , Miolanne Magalie , Gentes Elodie , Picard Mathilde , Martinez Ruben , Mulliez Aurélien , Guillet Christelle , Farigon Nicolas , Boirie Yves
Published: October 2024

Objective

The study objectives were: 1) to detect early signs of low muscle function and assess sarcopenic obesity (SO) prevalence in patients with obesity; and 2) to introduce a new online diagnostic tool for scoring handgrip strength (HGS), adjusted for age and sex.

Methods

Patients from the OBESAR cohort (184 men and 499 women) were tested for body composition and functional testing (chair stand test or HGS based on the cutoffs from the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism [ESPEN]/European Association for the Study of Obesity [EASO] or adjusted HGS [adHGS] based on reference values), and SO prevalence was calculated accordingly.

Results

Among the 683 patients (mean [SD], age 42.6 [12.8] years; BMI 44.4 [6.3] kg/m2), HGS averaged 25.6 (6.8) kg for women and 43.2 (10.4) kg for men. A total of 25.2% of patients had adHGS lower than the 10th percentile, but this was true for only 5.6% using ESPEN/EASO cutoffs of HGS. SO prevalence rates were different according to functional tests: 5.4%, 24.5%, and 3.2% for HGS, adHGS, and the chair stand test, respectively.

Conclusions

Using adHGS through a scoring process considering age and sex may help to detect early signs of SO in a primary care setting in order to better prevent SO through a personalized approach in adults with obesity. A free online application, “GRip And Sarcopenia Prediction” (GRASP), is proposed to diagnose probable SO.
Shortened sleep duration impairs adipose tissue adrenergic stimulation of lipolysis in postmenopausal women
Authors: Singh Prachi , Beyl Robbie A. , Stephens Jacqueline M. , Richard Allison J. , Boudreau Anik , Caitlin Hebert R. , Noland Robert C. , Burk David H. , Ghosh Sujoy , Staszkiewicz Jaroslaw , Michael Salbaum J. , Broussard Josiane L. , St‐Onge Marie‐Pierre , Ravussin Eric , Marlatt Kara L.
Published: October 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the changes in adipose tissue lipolytic capacity and insulin signaling in response to shortened sleep duration (SSD) in postmenopausal women.

Methods

Adipose tissue from a randomized crossover study of nine healthy postmenopausal women (mean [SD], age: 59 [4] years; BMI: 28.0 [2.6] kg/m2) exposed to four nights of habitual and SSD (60% of habitual sleep) while following a eucaloric diet was examined ex vivo. Tissue lipolytic capacity was determined by measurement of secreted glycerol. Cellular insulin signaling was determined by measuring insulin‐mediated changes in Akt phosphorylation. RNA sequencing examined global transcriptional changes.

Results

With SSD, basal glycerol secretion was reduced, and isoproterenol‐stimulated lipolysis was attenuated. Insulin concentration‐dependent increases in phosphorylated Akt observed in samples after habitual sleep were abrogated after SSD. However, insulin‐mediated suppression of lipolysis remained unaltered with changes in sleep duration. Increased transcription of genes involved in adipogenesis and fatty acid metabolism was observed after SSD.

Conclusions

SSD blunts adrenergic stimulation of lipolysis without altering insulin‐mediated suppression of lipolysis in postmenopausal women. These changes in adipose tissue may potentiate fat gain independent of caloric intake. Therefore, interventions promoting sleep may be considered to mitigate abdominal adiposity in postmenopausal women.
Effectiveness of Vidian Neurectomy in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kim Ji‐Sun , Stybayeva Gulnaz , Hwang Se H.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of vidian neurectomy (VN) or posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) combined with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Data Sources

A systematic search of six databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) was conducted to identify relevant studies up to May 2024.

Review Methods

The effects of combining VN or PNN with ESS were evaluated in comparison to ESS alone. Outcomes were assessed by evaluating changes in Lund‐Kennedy score, patient‐reported symptom scores (VAS), quality of life, as well as adverse effects and recurrence rate of CRSwNP.

Results

A total of 6 studies, comprising 407 patients, were included in the analysis. The neurectomy group showed significant improvements in Lund‐Kennedy score (SMD = 0.7276 [0.5695; 0.8857]), with statistically significant improvements maintained at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The treatment group maintained better improvements in sinusitis‐related quality of life (SMD = 0.4540 [0.1784; 0.7297]) and VAS (SMD = 0.7096 [0.4356; 0.9837]) until 12 months postoperatively, but not at 24 months. Regarding adverse effects, additional neurectomy did not significantly induce epistaxis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.9806 [0.2348; 4.0960]) or dry eye (OR = 2.4194 [0.1114; 52.5255]) compared to the control group. On the other hand, there was no difference in the recurrence rate of CRSwNP between the 2 groups during the follow‐up periods.

Conclusion

Additional neurectomy shows better efficacy in improving endoscopic findings and symptoms in patients with CRSwNP and appears to be a safe and effective treatment.
Influence of exfoliation method of graphene on physical properties of graphene/High Density Polyethylene nanocomposites: Semiconductor‐like electrical conductivity, glass transition, and melting temperature
Authors: Farashiani Morteza , Shidpour Reza , Rajabi Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Despite the wide range of applications of polyethylene (PE), many efforts are being made to improve its properties with carbon allotropes such as graphene. The addition of graphene can improve the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of this polymer. Through the present study, the effects of exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (XGNPs) and few‐layer graphene (FLG) on the electrical conductivity and thermal properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) were investigated. XGNPs were synthesized by ultrasonication of graphite nanoplatelets, and FLG was synthesized by shear exfoliation of flake graphite. Finally, HDPE powder particles were coated with dispersed XGNPs and FLG. Then XGNPs/HDPE nanocomposites and FLG/HDPE nanocomposites were fabricated by compression molding. The morphology, structural, electrical, and thermal properties of the graphite, graphene, PE, and nanocomposites were observed and comparatively studied by transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and conductivity measurements. The graphene's D, G, and 2D bands were revealed by Raman spectroscopy of nanocomposites and verified the existence of the graphene in the polymer matrix. XRD revealed that the graphene did not affect the original crystalline structure of the HDPE matrix, and the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the nanocomposite was obtained without the formation of any functional groups. The electrical properties of the nanocomposites were comparatively studied. After adding XGNPs (7 wt%), volumetric electrical conductivity in a sample reached from 10−16 to 10−3 S/m. The highest volumetric conductivity, 1.1 × 10−2 S/m, that is, semiconductor‐like conductivity, was achieved after adding 7 wt% of FLG. The glass transition temperatures (Tg), melting temperatures (Tm), and thermal stability were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and TGA, respectively, and it was concluded that Tg and Tm increase by adding the graphene. This study shows that shear exfoliation of graphene is the best and the most facile method to prepare mass‐scale graphene for the production of graphene/polyolefin nanocomposites.

Highlights

Two types of graphene were produced by using sonication and shear‐exfoliation.

HDPE powders were coated with two types of graphene and then hot pressed.

The method of (G) preparation is crucialparameter on electrical conductivity.

In the sample containing 7 wt% (XGNPs), the highest conductivity is 10−3 S/m.

In the sample containing 7 wt% (FLG), the highest conductivity is 10−2 S/m.
PTB airway compression complicated by vascular abnormalities and cardiac involvement: A case series demonstrating diagnosis and management
Authors: Goussard P. , Eber E. , Janson J. , Gie A. G. , Fourie B. , Jacobs C. M. , Venkatakrishna S. S. B. , Andronikou S. , Van der Westhuizen S. , Schubert P. , Burger C. , Verster J. , Ebert L. , Deininger‐Czermak E.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Lymphobronchial tuberculosis (LBTB) is a tuberculous lymphadenopathy causing airway compression in young children. While it can occur in older children due to factors such as airway size, wall weakness, and immune reconstitutions, severe airway obstruction is more common in younger children.

Methods

Chest X‐rays show airway compression, while bronchoscopy is the gold standard for confirming TB‐induced airway compression. Previous research has demonstrated that drug resistance and HIV have no effect on the outcome of children with significant airway compression caused by TB.

Results

This case series describes the management and outcome of three young children who had simultaneous vascular abnormalities and airway obstruction due to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Concomitant PTB and vascular abnormalities are uncommon, even in high‐TB‐intensity areas, and affected children may present differently and require individualised treatment.

Conclusions

Advanced imaging is critical for detecting complicated cases of airway compression due to PTB in young children, as vascular abnormalities are uncommon. Fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F‐18 FDG PET/CT) may show metabolically active intracardiac lesions. Individualised management plans are required for these children, and echocardiography is critical for patients with disseminated disease.
Understanding primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Ferkol Thomas
Published: October 2024

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare, inherited disease characterized by impaired motile ciliary function leading to chronic sinopulmonary disease, persistent middle ear effusions, laterality defects, and subfertility. Over fifty PCD‐associated genes have also been identified, which have provided new insights into the processes involved into ciliary assembly, structure, and function. Historically, the diagnosis of PCD was based on the presence of ultrastructural defects in the ciliary axoneme but with identification of a growing number of disease‐associated genes, genetic testing has become a first‐line diagnostic tool. Other approaches have also evolved, that have improved our diagnostic capabilities. Treatments for PCD have lagged, and though our growing understanding of the genetic and pathophysiological bases of the disease of PCD may yield to better therapeutic strategies.
PIM‐1L Kinase Binds to and Inactivates SRPK1: A Biochemical and Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Lesgidou Nastazia , Koukiali Anastasia , Nikolakaki Eleni , Giannakouros Thomas , Vlassi Metaxia
Published: October 2024

SR/RS dipeptide repeats vary in both length and position, and are phosphorylated by SR protein kinases (SRPKs). PIM‐1L, the long isoform of PIM‐1 kinase, the splicing of which has been implicated in acute myeloid leukemia, contains a domain that consists largely of repeating SR/RS and SH/HS dipeptides (SR/SH‐rich). In order to extend our knowledge on the specificity and cellular functions of SRPK1, here we investigate whether PIM‐1L could act as substrate of SRPK1 by a combination of biochemical and computational approaches. Our biochemical data showed that the SR/SH‐rich domain of PIM‐1L was able to associate with SRPK1, yet it could not act as a substrate but, instead, inactivated the kinase. In line with our biochemical data, molecular modeling followed by a microsecond‐scale all‐atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation suggests that the SR/SH‐rich domain acts as a pseudo‐docking peptide that binds to the same acidic docking‐groove used in other SRPK1 interactions and induces inactive SRPK1 conformations. Comparative community network analysis of the MD trajectories, unraveled the dynamic architecture of apo SRPK1 and notable alterations of allosteric communications upon PIM‐1L peptide binding. This analysis also allowed us to identify key SRPK1 residues, including unique ones, with a pivotal role in mediating allosteric signal propagation within the kinase core. Interestingly, most of the identified amino acids correspond to cancer‐associated amino acid changes, validating our results. In total, this work provides insights not only on the details of SRPK1 inhibition by the PIM‐1L SR/SH‐domain, but also contributes to an in‐depth understanding of SRPK1 regulation.
Four birds with one stone: applying nitrification inhibitor on the basis of percarbamide restores yield, decreases fungicide residue, enhances soil multifunctionality and stimulates bacterial community
Authors: Guo Tao , O'Connor Patrick J. , Tang Wenhui , Ma Bin , Zhou Minzhe , Zhang Manyun
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Fungicide residues were frequently detected in vegetables and soils, which severely affected crop yields and qualities. Reasonable nitrogen management might promote yields and decrease fungicide carbendazim residues in plant–soil systems. Current study explores comprehensive relationships among carbendazim residues, crop yields, soil multifunctionalities and endophytic and soil bacterial communities after applying nitrification inhibitors (3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate and dicyandiamide) and percarbamide to different soils.

RESULTS

Combined nitrification inhibitor and percarbamide additions produced multi‐effects on restoring yields, declining fungicide residues, promoting soil multifunctionalities and stimulating bacterial communities. Relative to the control, percarbamide application promoted carbendazim dissipations in upland soils but decreased bacterial community diversities and stabilities in different soils. Compared to exclusive percarbamide, extra dicyandiamide applications decreased carbendazim residues by 25.8% in upland soils and 70.2% in paddy soils, declined carbendazim residues in carrots via improving soil pH, ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N) and Proteobacteria ratios. Relative to percarbamide application alone, extra dicyandiamide addition promoted the dry carrot yields by 133.2% in upland soils and 33.5% in paddy soils via promoting soil NH4+‐N, Acidobacteriota and Actinobacteriota ratios and bacterial community diversities and stabilities. Upland soil multifunctionality improvements diminished soil carbendazim residues via promoting soil pH and NH4+‐N, and paddy soil multifunctionalities and endophytic bacterial community structures generated negative influences on carrot carbendazim residues.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that nitrification inhibitor on the basis of percarbamide generated multi‐effects on the different crop–soil systems: restoring carrot yields, reducing carbendazim contents, promoting soil multifunctionalities and stimulating bacterial community diversities and stabilities. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic model of evogliptin: Severe uremia increases the bioavailability of evogliptin
Authors: Kim Byungwook , Kim Jung Eun , Lee Soyoung , Oh Jaeseong , Cho Joo‐Youn , Jang In‐Jin , Lee SeungHwan , Chung Jae‐Yong , Yoon Seonghae
Published: October 2024

Uremia, a condition characterized by the retention of uremic toxins due to impaired renal function, may affect drug metabolism mediated by CYP3A4 enzymes. Evogliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor diabetic drug that is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4. This study aimed to construct a population pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) model for evogliptin in patients with varying degrees of renal disease, including end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis. A total of 688 evogliptin concentration and 598 DPP‐4 activity data were available from 46 subjects. PK and PD data analyses were performed using a nonlinear mixed‐effects model. The PK of evogliptin was optimally described by a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption. The significant covariates in the final model included blood amylase and triglyceride on F1 (relative bioavailability). The simulation findings, together with previously reported PK data, provided evidence of a significant inhibition of the first‐pass effect of evogliptin in patients with renal impairment. A direct link sigmoidal Emax model was developed to describe the relationship between evogliptin concentration and DPP‐4 inhibition. The PD model predicted significant inhibition of DPP‐4 at maximum effect (Emax: 88.9%) and a low EC50 value (1.08 μg/L), indicating the high potency and efficacy of evogliptin. The developed PK/PD model accurately predicted exposure and the resulting DPP‐4 activity of evogliptin in renal impairment. The findings of this study suggest that renal impairment and associated biochemical changes may impact the bioavailability of CYP3A4‐metabolized drugs.
Relaxed Event Triggered Control of Discrete‐Time Takagi‐Sugeno Systems Based on Homogeneous Polynomial Method
Authors: You Wenwen , Wang Hui , Wu Xiaohan
Published: October 2024

This article presents an event triggered control approach for discrete‐time T‐S fuzzy systems, which integrates the homogeneous polynomial method and a dynamic event triggering mechanism. First, a kind of discrete‐time loop functions and the dynamic event triggering scheme based on periodic sampling are constructed to establish stability conditions with known system information. Second, by introducing the homogeneous polynomial method to relax the stability criteria, the sampling interval is increased and the system conservatism is reduced. Additionally, an integrated framework for collaboratively designing the event triggering functions and controllers is proposed, which reduces the complexity of sampling transmission while ensuring system stability. Finally, numerical and practical examples are used to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Robust Control for Multiplayer Nonzero‐Sum Differential Games With Switching Topology and Input Delay
Authors: Zhou Yinglu , Li Yinya , Sheng Andong , Qi Guoqing
Published: October 2024

This article investigates a multiplayer nonzero‐sum differential game (MNDG) with switching topology and input delay. The Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs (HJI) equation is used to derive the optimal control strategies. To solve the issue of switching topology, the control strategies are decoupled with the communication topology. Then, the stability of the system can be achieved regardless of changes in communication topology with the designed control strategies. This does not require a restriction on the dwell time, making the system stability conditions more relaxed. The Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) is constructed to prove the stability of the system in the presence of time‐varying input delay. To cope with the real‐world situation, the input delay is considered to be disturbed by a time‐varying perturbation in this article. With these treatments, the system is more in line with real‐world applications. Simulation examples are given to validate the efficiency of the presented methods.
Development and Evaluation of pH‐Responsive Microbeads Incorporated with Nickel Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles for Controlled Release of Doxorubicin
Authors: Venkata Ramana Eppa , Ujwala Guntakanti , Shahinshavali Shaik , Abdul Mathin Shaik , Sreekanth Reddy Obireddy , Naseem
Published: October 2024

The development of a pH‐responsive, biocompatible polymeric carrier for controlled delivery of bioactive agents holds significant practical value for pharmaceutical applications. In this study, we used the gelation method to make pH‐responsive polymeric microbeads using sodium alginate (SA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PVPVA), and nickel zinc ferrite (NZF) nanoparticles for controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX). The generated microbeads are characterized using various techniques, including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Swelling studies reveal enhanced permeability at pH 6.4, and in vitro release studies demonstrate a higher release rate at pH 6.4 compared to pH 2.0. Cytotoxicity tests on MCF‐7 cells (a type of breast cancer cell line) showed that NZF‐loaded microbeads, especially SP‐NZFNPs‐DOX, were more effective than other carriers, indicating their potential usefulness in cancer treatment. Furthermore, biocompatibility tests demonstrate that the SA/PVPVA microbeads and nanoparticles are biocompatible with 3T3 fibroblasts. This study contributes valuable insights to the evolving landscape of nanotechnology in cancer treatment, emphasizing the synergistic role of NZF nanoparticles, SA, and PVPVA in optimizing drug delivery systems.
Copper Acetate Monohydrate/Nickel Chloride Impregnated PVDF Ultrafiltration Membrane: An Antifouling Membrane for Peat Water Treatment
Authors: Mohamad Said Khairul Anwar , Nurdarwisyah Zamrus Siti , Rahman Md. Rezaur , Hamdan Sinin
Published: October 2024

This study examines the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membrane impregnated with the copper acetate monohydrate/nickel chloride/thiourea (CuNit) nanoparticle through its physical properties, chemical properties, water flux, humic rejection, and antifouling properties against peat water. The ultrafiltration membrane was fabricated via phase inversion by blending CuNit nanoparticles (1, 3, and 5 wt/wt PVDF %) and PVDF (16 wt %) in N‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP, 42 wt %) as the solvent. The humic rejection and fouling test are conducted using peat water collected from the Beladin water treatment plant. As a result, M03, which has 1 wt/wt PVDF % of CuNit nanoparticle, gives a better result of pure water flux, humic rejection, and fouling recovery rate with a value of 82 L/m2 h, 93 %, and 40 % compared to pristine PVDF membrane. The fouling of M03 recorded a low total rate of fouling (76 %) that is caused by high reversible fouling and low irreversible fouling with a value of 0.16 and 0.59, respectively, compared to the pristine PVDF membrane. In conclusion, due to the agglomeration that occurs in the further addition of CuNit nanoparticles, coating or encapsulation must be done to improve the stability of nanoparticles and reduce the leach‐out problem as well as provide a good distribution between the nanoparticle and casting solution during the membrane fabrication.
Sensitive Determination of Diosmetin Using Orange‐Red Fluorescent Copper Nanoclusters
Authors: Yang Xin , Kuang Jianhua , Yuan Jingxue , Feng Yao , Cheng Zhengjun
Published: October 2024

Diosmetin (Dio) has attracted much attention because of its good pharmacological effects, thus it is necessary to determine its content in scientific research and production. In the study, stable orange‐red copper nanoclusters with 4‐hydroxy‐2‐mercapto‐6‐propylpyrimidine (PTU) as reducing agent and ligand (PTU‐CuNCs) was prepared by a simple approach with superior quantum yield (18.03 %), and the PTU‐CuNCs with red fluorescence could improve the anti‐interference ability of detection. Meanwhile, the synthesis conditions of PTU‐CuNCs were optimized and analyzed in detail. Through a series of experiments, it was found that inner filter effect (IFE) and dynamic quenching might become the main reasons for the fluorescence quenching of PTU‐CuNCs by Dio. Based on the mechanism, a fluorescence probe for the determination of Dio was established. In the range of 0.33–31.67 μmol L−1, the fluorescence quenching efficiency of PTU‐CuNCs was linearly related to the contents of Dio, and corresponding limit of determination (LOD) was estimated to be 101.3 nmol L−1, and limit of quantitation (LOQ) was calculated to be 337.4 nmol L−1. Furthermore, the method could be used effectively for the assay of Dio in practical samples.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Chiral Polyurea‐Polyurethane Nanocomposites Incorporating Cinchona‐Derived Urea Organocatalysts
Authors: Abdelkawy Mahmoud A. , Itsuno Shinichi
Published: October 2024

The field of asymmetric organocatalysis has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, with chiral urea and thioureas emerging as powerful catalysts. In this study, we aimed to design novel polyurea‐polyurethane nanocomposites functionalized with cinchona urea groups, incorporating organoclay and graphene oxide, to serve as heterogeneous organocatalysts in asymmetric synthesis. The synthesis of these polyurea‐polyurethane nanocomposites was achieved through a two‐component polycondensation reaction. The resulting chiral polyurea‐polyurethanes (PU‐PURs) exhibited favorable yields and demonstrated precise control over stereochemistry, resulting in high enantioselectivity. The incorporation of nanocomposites, such as CU‐MMT and graphene oxide (GO), significantly enhanced the catalytic performance of the PU‐PURs. The CU‐MMT nanocomposites exhibited higher catalytic activity, while the PU‐PURs/GO still exhibited enantioselectivity greater than 99 %. Overall, this study highlights the potential of these novel polyurea‐polyurethane nanocomposites as efficient and versatile heterogeneous organocatalysts in asymmetric synthesis.
Enhanced Photodegradation of Imidacloprid Using ZnO@Ca‐Alginate Composites: Optimization of pH and pHzcp for Effective Water Treatment
Authors: Zyoud Ahlam , Zyoud Ahed H. , Zyoud Shaher H. , Zyoud Samer H. , Qamhieh Naser , Hilal Hikmat S.
Published: October 2024

This research focused on the photodegradation of the insecticide imidacloprid (IM) via a ZnO@Ca‐Alginate composite catalyst to address water contamination issues, particularly in agricultural areas such as Palestine. The composite was synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, confirming the presence of ZnO. Photocatalytic experiments under simulated solar light revealed significant IM degradation, with a 50 % reduction in 40 minutes, an 80 % reduction in 2 hours, and up to 94 % in 3 hours. The degradation efficiency was influenced by the point of zero charge (pHzcp) and solution pH, with optimal performance under neutral to slightly basic conditions. UV‐visible spectrophotometry, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and total organic carbon (TOC) analyses verified complete IM mineralization, yielding CO₂, Cl−, and NO₃− after 3 hours. The ZnO@Ca‐Alginate composite demonstrated high reusability, highlighting its potential for treating pesticide‐contaminated water. This study emphasizes the need for efficient pollutant removal technologies in regions where agricultural pollutants are prevalent.
Effect of Hydrophobic Acrylic Monomers with Different Alkyl Side Chain Lengths on Reducing the Glistening of Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens Materials
Authors: Kim Tae Hyoung , Song Ki Chang
Published: October 2024

Glistening is the condensation of water that forms within the intraocular lens (IOL) materials. In this study, a new approach was attempted to reduce the glistening of IOL materials by introducing hydrophobic acrylic monomers with different alkyl side chain lengths into the IOL materials. Various hydrophobic acrylic monomers such as butyl acrylate (BA), 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA), and dodecyl acrylate (DA) were copolymerized with a hydrophobic acrylic monomer, 2‐phenoxyethyl acrylate, respectively. In this process, we investigated the effect of the alkyl side chain lengths of hydrophobic acrylic monomers on the glistening of hydrophobic acrylic IOL materials. As the content of hydrophobic acrylic monomers (BA, EHA, and DA) increased, the glistening of IOL materials decreased significantly for all hydrophobic acrylic monomers. At the same content of hydrophobic acrylic monomers, the IOL material showed the least content of glistening when copolymerized with DA. However, the IOL material obtained using BA exhibited the largest content of glistening, indicating that the glistening reduction effect was large in the order of DA>EHA>BA. These findings show that the glistening of IOL materials decreases with increasing alkyl side chain lengths of hydrophobic acrylic monomers.
Unveiling the Singular Conformation of the 3‐Fluoropyrrolidinium Cation
Authors: Flávia Cândida Silva Ana , Martins Francisco A. , Freitas Matheus P.
Published: October 2024

The pyrrolidine ring is a 5‐membered ring that holds significant importance in biological chemistry. The introduction of fluorine at position 3 of pyrrolidine results in pseudo‐axial and pseudo‐equatorial C−F bonds. However, both quantum‐chemical calculations and infrared spectroscopy reveal that the 3‐fluoropyrrolidinium cation only adopts one conformation, with the C−F bond in the pseudo‐axial orientation. Upon deprotonation of 3‐fluoropyrrolidinium, leading to the formation of 3‐fluoropyrrolidine, four conformations are predicted based on CCSD/DGTZVP quantum‐chemical calculations. Among these, the conformation favoring an N−H⋅⋅⋅F−C interaction emerges as the most stable, both in the gas phase and within an implicit DMSO medium. The heightened ring puckering observed in 3‐fluoropyrrolidinium compared to the most stable conformation of 3‐fluoropyrrolidine suggests that the singular conformation of the cation arises from a robust attractive electrostatic interaction resembling hydrogen bonding, rather than a charge‐dipole gauche effect as previously assumed.
A Systematic Literature Review for Investigating DevOps Metrics to Implement in Software Development Organizations
Authors: Kumar Ankur , Nadeem Mohammad , Shameem Mohammad
Published: October 2024

DevOps is a collaborative software development process where practitioners work as a team to continuously develop, deploy, and deliver software. DevOps practices still need to be mature, and practitioners face numerous challenges while considering DevOps as a software development process. The mainstream research community has helped simplify the DevOps adoption process and eliminate complexities by developing DevOps maturity models. However, the current maturity frameworks cannot measure every component of DevOps and do not mention metrics as parameters for measuring different DevOps practices or features. Therefore, this study aims to identify metrics for measuring practices and activities responsible for DevOps implementation. The systematic literature review (SLR) method was used to determine the metrics needed to measure DevOps practices. Using SLR, we have identified 32 metrics from 57 articles. The metrics identified in this study can be used to measure the impact of the practices adopted for DevOps implementation within software development organizations. Furthermore, we divided the identified metrics into Dev and Ops categories and five significant categories based on the DevOps lifecycle. The classification of metrics in our study into diverse regions provides a conceptual framework and understanding of DevOps measures.
Numerical Study on Droplet Splashing Behavior of Slag‐Splashing for Converter Protection Using Volume of Fluid‐Discrete Phase Model Two‐Way Conversion Model
Authors: Qi Fengsheng , Zhou Shuqi , Zhang Liangyu , Huo Huifang , Liu Zhongqiu , Cheung Sherman C.P. , Li Baokuan
Published: October 2024

Limited quantitative research exists on the complex phenomenon of slag splashing in converters. A comprehensive modeling framework is developed to fill this gap, integrating a 3D two‐phase flow model with a volume of fluid‐discrete phase model two‐way conversion model. This framework explores droplet behavior during splashing for converter protection, encompassing the mutual conversion between slag and discrete droplets induced by top‐blowing oxygen. It also tracks the trajectories of all droplets, enabling a detailed quantitative analysis of the splashing process. The Eulerian wall film model is used to simulate liquid film formation on the converter wall. Model predictions are validated against 1:10 scale experimental data from a 50 t converter. This assessment covers splashing rates, droplet locations, and size distribution under various operating conditions. Parametric studies identified an optimal top‐blowing flow rate of 8.80 Nm3 h−1 and an oxygen lance height of 233.2 mm, balancing splashing effectiveness with production cost and safety.
Promoting student success and retention through care teams and case management at small institutions
Authors: Arena Curtis , Butera Rae‐Anne , Perl Emily
Published: October 2024

Care teams, an important structure at most institutions of higher education, coordinate the work of various units to intervene with students who are at risk of attrition, academic failure, and/or are experiencing socio‐emotional struggles. The authors provide various examples of how case management and Care Teamwork is structured in the small institution setting. Using their institutions as case studies, the authors provide examples of various collaborative structures that coordinate case management and support at‐risk students; and situate this work in the small institution setting, with particular attention to the expectations that these institutions and students’ families have for high touch student success efforts; and discuss ways in which technology supports and contributes to case management and Care Team work.
Applying a theory of change framework to create transformative and equity‐based community engagement experiences at a small, liberal arts, Lasallian institution
Authors: Dempsey Sarah Beth , Diaz Adeline , Giordano Samantha , Meza Bianca
Published: October 2024

Saint Mary's College of California is a small, Catholic Lasallian, liberal arts institution located in the San Francisco Bay area. Founded in 1863, the institution currently serves approximately 2,000 enrolled students. The Catholic Institute for Lasallian Social Action (CILSA) is the social justice and community engagement center that provides institutional support for curricular and co‐curricular community engagement (CE) experiences. In the academic year 2020–2021, CILSA staff collaborated with CE faculty, alumni, staff, and community partners to develop a Theory of Change to explore the challenges, values, and strategies of engagement work and make change in our community. In this article, we will highlight our engaged learning programs, describe our process to create CILSA's Theory of Change, share the ways CILSA staff support and collaborate with each other, and showcase the Head‐Heart‐Hands framework for student reflection.
Innovations in staffing and service delivery structures and modalities in small institutions
Authors: McGhee James , Weinstein Sara
Published: October 2024

Small institutions are in a unique and perhaps necessary position to innovate as the field changes, resources falter, and the needs of the next generation of students and families become apparent and quite different from those supported by our historical structures and service modalities. This article examines the literature surrounding historical and innovative practices that higher education can explore to inform the future of student development practice. Additionally, the article explores new structural models and examines the efficacy of retaining the scaled down versions of the structures of large universities instead of creating new modalities that increase staff performance, provide better work/life harmony, create more efficient and effective services and functions, while increasing student engagement and connection.
FLOWERS AEP: An Analytical Model for Wind Farm Layout Optimization
Authors: LoCascio Michael J. , Bay Christopher J. , Martínez‐Tossas Luis A. , Bastankhah Majid , Gorlé Catherine
Published: October 2024

Annual energy production (AEP) is commonly used in objective functions for wind farm layout optimization. AEP is proportional to wind farm power production integrated over an annual distribution of free‐stream wind conditions. Physics‐based estimates of wind farm power production typically rely on low‐fidelity engineering wake models that approximate the steady‐state wind farm flow field. AEP estimates are then obtained by performing independent simulations for discrete wind conditions and using rectangular quadrature to account for each condition's expected frequency of occurrence. Depending on the number of simulated discrete wind conditions, this numerical integral could be hampered by poor accuracy or high computational costs. The FLOWERS AEP model instead poses an analytical integral of the engineering wake model over the variable wind conditions, yielding a closed‐form, analytical function for wind farm AEP. This paper derives the analytical functions for FLOWERS AEP and its derivatives with respect to turbine position, which are useful for gradient‐based wind farm layout optimization, in nondimensional form. We then analyze the benefits of the FLOWERS AEP model over conventional reference models, focusing on its low cost, adequate wake loss predictions, and smooth design space. Although the FLOWERS approach is found to predict the exact value of AEP with some error relative to the reference model (within 14% on average), it dramatically reduces computation time by an order of magnitude, produces a qualitatively similar design space at relatively low resolution, and yields comparable optimal layouts. This significant speed improvement is critical in layout optimization applications, where determining an optimal layout in an efficient manner is more important than precise AEP prediction.
Adversarial Attacks in Explainable Machine Learning: A Survey of Threats Against Models and Humans
Authors: Vadillo Jon , Santana Roberto , Lozano Jose A.
Published: October 2024

Reliable deployment of machine learning models such as neural networks continues to be challenging due to several limitations. Some of the main shortcomings are the lack of interpretability and the lack of robustness against adversarial examples or out‐of‐distribution inputs. In this paper, we comprehensively review the possibilities and limits of adversarial attacks for explainable machine learning models. First, we extend the notion of adversarial examples to fit in explainable machine learning scenarios where a human assesses not only the input and the output classification, but also the explanation of the model's decision. Next, we propose a comprehensive framework to study whether (and how) adversarial examples can be generated for explainable models under human assessment. Based on this framework, we provide a structured review of the diverse attack paradigms existing in this domain, identify current gaps and future research directions, and illustrate the main attack paradigms discussed. Furthermore, our framework considers a wide range of relevant yet often ignored factors such as the type of problem, the user expertise or the objective of the explanations, in order to identify the attack strategies that should be adopted in each scenario to successfully deceive the model (and the human). The intention of these contributions is to serve as a basis for a more rigorous and realistic study of adversarial examples in the field of explainable machine learning.
Global Groundwater Sustainability and Virtual Water Trade
Authors: Haqiqi Iman , Perry Chris J. , Hertel Thomas W.
Published: October 2024

Given that food production relies heavily on land and water, any policy to restrict water and land use will immediately raise concerns about local economic activity and global food security. This chapter explores both of these dimensions of global groundwater sustainability policy. In so doing, we highlight the importance of market-mediated spillover effects stemming from locally targeted policies. Using a multi-scale, multi-system framework integrating economic and biophysical determinants of sustainability, we find that the local economic impacts of a groundwater sustainability policy are often substantial. However, due to market-mediated responses—including surface water substitution, expansion of rainfed production, relocation, and virtual trade in blue water—the final impact on global food prices and production is surprisingly modest.
SIMPLE-G Model Specification: Mathematical Equations in a Multiscale Market Equilibrium Model
Authors: Haqiqi Iman
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces the mathematical representations for multisystem and multiscale sustainability analyses focusing on supply and demand in food and agricultural markets at different scales. Within a computable multiscale modeling framework like SIMPLE-G, the supply and demand equations are derived based on production, trade, or food consumption theories. For each of the five successively more complex models, agricultural inputs are either environmental resources (e.g., land and water) or manufactured and human inputs (e.g., fertilizer and labor). The degree of complexity in SIMPLE-G models depends on the details about agricultural inputs, the assumptions about market connections and input mobility, the choice of functional forms, and the spatial heterogeneity required by the research question.
Entwicklung Vorgehensmodell
Authors: Massimiani Andrea
Published: October 2024

Das siebte Kapitel dieser Dissertation zielt darauf ab, anhand der erzielten Ergebnisse aus der empirischen Untersuchung in Abschnitt 6.4 zunächst deren Wirkzusammenhänge darzustellen, um daraufhin den Bezugsrahmen plausibilisieren zu können. Darauf aufbauend wird ein Vorgehensmodell für Handelsunternehmen entwickelt, das die Schrittabfolge sowie die Implementierungsempfehlungen darlegt.
Introduction
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Li Jian , Zhao Yuanzheng , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2024

The advantages of pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs), the first type of electric propulsion system for space applications, include their low-power consumption, fast response, simple structure, easy integration, convenient control, and precise and controllable thrust, making them especially suitable for tasks such as microsatellite attitude control, position keeping, orbit raising, and formation flying. In recent years, with the increase in microsatellite applications, the demand for advanced on-orbit propulsion technologies for use in microsatellites has increased. Therefore, PPT research and applications have received widespread attention, becoming a hot topic and an important research direction in microsatellite propulsion technologies (Yang et al. in J Rocket Propul 32:32–36, 2006).
Numerical Simulation of the Nanosecond Laser Ablation of Al Propellant
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Li Jian , Zhao Yuanzheng , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2024

Pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs) using gaseous propellants (Ziemer and Choueiri in Is the gas-fed PPT an electromagnetic accelerator an investigation using measured performance. AIAA 99–2289, 1999; Ziemer et al. in Performance characterization of a high efficiency gas-fed pulsed plasma thruster. AIAA-97–2925, 1997; Ziemer in Performance scaling of gas-fed pulsed plasma thrusters. Princeton University, 2001; Ziemer and Petr in Performance of gas fed pulsed plasma thrusters using water vapour propellant. AIAA 2002–4273, 2002) typically far outperform those using solid propellants in terms of parameters such as specific impulse and propulsion efficiency.(Porneala and Willis in J Phys D Appl Phys 42:1–7, 2009) Therefore, during the PPT operation, first, the propellant is transformed from a solid state to a gaseous or plasma state to ensure that what is actually ionized in the discharge channel or discharge chamber of the thruster is not the solid propellant but rather the gaseous or plasma propellant. In general, the solid propellant cannot be completely converted to a gaseous or plasma state during the laser ablation process. To increase the gas and plasma components in the discharge channel, an intense laser with a nanosecond pulse width is used as the energy source for propellant ablation. This approach is important for improving the PPT propulsion performance.