bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible involvement of Interleukin‐17A in the deterioration of prepulse inhibition on acoustic startle response in mice
Authors: Wakabayashi Chisato , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

Aim

Proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐17A have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia which often shows sensorimotor gating abnormalities. This study aimed to examine whether a proinflammatory cytokine, IL‐17A, induces impairment in sensorimotor gating in mice. We also examined whether IL‐17A administration affects GSK3α/β protein level or phosphorylation in the striatum.

Methods

Recombinant mouse IL‐17A (low‐dose: 0.5 ng/mL and high‐dose: 50 ng/mL with 10 μL/g mouse body weight, respectively) or vehicle was intraperitoneally administered into C57BL/6 male mice 10 times in 3 weeks (sub‐chronic administration). Prepulse inhibition test using acoustic startle stimulus was conducted 4 weeks after the final IL‐17A administration. We evaluated the effect of IL‐17A administration on protein level or phosphorylation of GSK3α/β in the striatum by using Western blot analysis.

Results

Administration of IL‐17A induced significant PPI deterioration. Low‐dose of IL‐17A administration significantly decreased both GSK3α (Ser21) and GSK3β (Ser9) phosphorylation in mouse striatum. There was no significant alteration of GSK3α/β protein levels except for GSK3α in low‐dose IL‐17A administration group.

Conclusion

We demonstrated for the first time that sub‐chronic IL‐17A administration induced PPI disruption and that IL‐17A administration resulted in decreased phosphorylation of GSKα/β at the striatum. These results suggest that IL‐17A could be a target molecule in the prevention and treatment of sensorimotor gating abnormalities observed in schizophrenia.
Optimum control of under‐grate pressure of clinker cooler by optimizing the proportional integral derivative controller parameters using honey badger algorithm technique
Authors: Brijet Z. , Suresh T.
Published: June 2023

The minimum air pressure necessary at the grate to penetrate a bed of heated clinker of a certain thickness and permeability is known as under‐grate pressure. It is vital to keep the under‐grate pressure consistent because excessive pressure causes the clinker to form an unstable suspension and minimum pressure allows heat from the clinker to harm the cooler grates. So it is necessary to obtain excellent performance through reasonable control methods. For this purpose, this article proposes an optimization approach for a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller to control the pressure below the grate of the clinker cooler. The proposed optimization approach is the honey badger algorithm (HBA), which mimics the feeding habits of honey badgers. The main aim of proposed approach is to maintain and regulate under‐grate pressure of clinker cooler using HBA and provide optimum cooling rate to clinker. The proposed approach based grate cooler also provide the less electricity consumption and stable temperature. The proposed technique is implemented in MATLAB and its efficiency is compared to various existing techniques. From the simulation, the electricity consumption of proposed approach RMSE is 158 and mean accuracy is 98.65. Under‐grate pressure based RMSE is 5.01 and the mean accuracy become 99.55. The outlet temperature based RMSE of proposed approach is 4.32 and mean accuracy is 81.21. These values are lower than existing approaches, it reveals the proposed approach is better than the existing one.
Balance Disorder Trends in US Adults 2008‐2016: Epidemiology and Functional Impact
Authors: Mitchell Margaret B. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: June 2023

Objective

To quantify the changes in prevalence and impact of dizziness and balance disorders in adults from 2008 to 2016.

Study Design

Epidemiological survey analysis.

Setting

United States.

Methods

The balance modules of the adult 2008 and 2016 National Health Interview Surveys were examined, and persons reporting dizziness or balance problems identified. The prevalence of balance problems was determined and compared over time, adjusting for age and sex. Among those with balance problems, associated symptoms and self‐reported functional limitations were quantified and compared over time.

Results

In 2016, 36.8 ± 1.0 million (15.5% ± 0.3%) adults reported a balance problem in the past year, versus 24.2 ± 0.7 million (11.% ± 0.3%) in 2008 (p < .001). After adjustment for age and sex, this percentage increase remained significant (odds ratio 1.435 [1.332‐1.546], p < .001). Among those with balance problems, significantly more patients reported specific issues with feeling: off‐balance (69.4% vs. 65.4%; p = .005), faint (48.5% vs. 40.3%; p < .001), or vertiginous (45.9% vs. 39.3%; p < .001) in 2016 than 2008. More adults experienced anxiety (29.4% vs. 19.4%; p < .001) and depression (16.3% vs. 12.9%; p = .002) with their balance problems in 2016 than in 2008. In 2016, adults with balance problems were limited in ability to drive motor vehicles (13.0%), exercise (14.4%), or walk downstairs (12.8%). These rates were not significantly different from 2008 (all p > .05).

Conclusion

In this nationally representative analysis, we found a significantly increasing prevalence of balance problems and associated psychiatric symptom burden. This merits attention with respect to present and future health care resource allocation.
Understanding cure and interphase effects in functionalized graphene‐epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Gkaliou Kyriaki , Trakakis George , Manikas Anastasios , Davies Philip R. , Hall Jeremy , Galiotis Costas , Eaton Mark J.
Published: June 2023

Agglomerations effects of graphene‐based nanofillers are often reported in the literature to be the main reason on the deterioration of the mechanical properties, especially at high filler loadings. In our study, we focused on the correlated effects of plasma‐treated graphene nanofillers on the curing reaction and mechanical properties of an epoxy matrix. Specifically, we explored the effect of dispersion state, planar size, filler content, surface functionalization and stoichiometric ratio on the epoxy curing process. The surface of the treated graphene nanofillers were studied in detail by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated greater presence of oxygen containing groups with the crystallinity to be unaffected after the plasma process. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) was used to assess the changes in both the Tg and the mechanical properties of graphene‐epoxy nanocomposites. Rheological and microscopic data showed that a well‐dispersed material was achieved at high filler loadings with the use of calendaring and plasma functionalization. Although, a well‐dispersed material was achieved on the bulk composite, no further mechanical reinforcement was observed at high filler loadings. The adsorption of epoxy groups onto the graphene nanofillers' surface, leading to a stoichiometric imbalance between the epoxy chains and hardener molecules, was proposed to explain the results.
Tuning photoluminescence of polysiloxane functionalized carbon dots through changing polysiloxane compositions
Authors: Shen Jingbo , Wang Yang , Feng Yakai
Published: June 2023

Carbon dots (CDs) as the emerging carbon‐based nanomaterials have great application potential in the optical devices and bioimaging fields. Due to their poor stability, the conventional CDs are prone to self‐quenching and their photoluminescence is untunable. Herein, the polysiloxane functionalized CDs were prepared from the solvothermal reaction between citric acid and the polysiloxanes with different aminopropyl contents aiming to improve the stability and photoluminescence of CDs. The average size of the polysiloxane functionalized CDs ranged from 2.2 to 6.4 nm. The UV–visible absorption spectra of these CDs changed from long wavelength to short wavelength with the decrease of the aminopropyl content in the polysiloxanes. The fluorescence intensities and fluorescence cores of these CDs also varied with the aminopropyl contents in the polysiloxanes, which demonstrated that the photoluminescence of the functionalized CDs could be adjusted by the aminopropyl content in the polysiloxanes. When the aminopropyl content in the polysiloxanes was 50%–75%, the polysiloxane functionalized CDs possessed relatively high fluorescence quantum yield. The polysiloxane modification can effectively improve the stability of CDs and enable the tunable photoluminescence. This study provides a new strategy for improving the performances of CDs and is of importance for promoting the practical application of CDs.
Race‐neutral equations for assessment of lung function in children with thalassemia
Authors: Moaaz Marwa , Badreldin Omneya , El Chazli Yasmine , Fata Aya , Abougabal Mohamed
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to assess pulmonary dysfunction in children with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT) using the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) 2022 race‐neutral spirometric reference equations and to determine the main predicting factors. The spirometric results of 68 children with TDT were compared to the results of 68 healthy control subjects using both GLI‐2012 reference equations for Caucasians and GLI‐2022 global equations. Associations between the spirometric data and various anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory parameters were analyzed to detect predictors of pulmonary dysfunction in this group of patients. Children with TDT showed significantly lower values of FVC and FEV1 with a predominance of the restrictive pattern (23.53%). Thalassemic children with the restrictive pattern were significantly older, had a longer duration of regular blood transfusion, lower height, weight, and BMI z‐scores, higher average serum ferritin, and higher frequency of having a serum ferritin level >2500 ng/mL. The strongest predictor for having a restrictive spirometric pattern was high serum ferritin. Our analysis shows that the transition from GLI‐2012 spirometric reference equations for Caucasians to the GLI‐2022 global equations has led to a reduction in the prevalence rate of restrictive pulmonary dysfunction in children with TDT, which should not affect the patient outcome in the long term. Asymptomatic children with TDT exhibited a restrictive spirometric pattern in a significant proportion. The most important predictor was high serum ferritin. We encourage the inclusion of pulmonary function testing in the routine monitoring of patients with TDT, especially in older patients and those with iron overload.
Scrub typhus among patients with acute febrile illness in Bhutan: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Norbu Karma , Dema Karma , Choden Kuenga , Gyeltshen Tshewang
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Early diagnosis and treatment plays an important role in preventing mortality in scrub typhus infection. In districts situated in the subtropical region of Bhutan, scrub typhus remains an important aetiology among those with acute febrile illness. Zhemgang is one district at 572 m above sea level with warm humid climate, and the majority of population are involved in farming and livestock rearing.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study among patients with acute febrile illness in Zhemgang district, Bhutan, tested for scrub typhus rapid diagnostic kits. Variables were extracted from the laboratory registers for tests conducted between January 2019 and December 2020. Risk factors associated with scrub typhus were assessed using logistic regression. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of Health, Bhutan.

Results

There were 922 tests conducted for scrub typhus. The test positivity rate was 8.2% (n = 76) with the highest reported in Panbang Hospital (43, 56.6%) followed by Yebilaptsa Hospital (27, 35.5%) and Zhemgang Hospital (6, 7.9%). A higher number of cases were detected in females (44, 57.9%) and in the month of September (17, 16.3%). The factors associated with scrub typhus positivity rates were hospitals located in lower altitudes, age, sex and seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter).

Conclusions

One tenth of patients with acute febrile illness tested positive for scrub typhus with the adequate volume of tests prescribed by the clinicians. Our study shows that summer months recorded higher proportions of scrub typhus infection.
Robust online active learning
Authors: Cacciarelli Davide , Kulahci Murat , Tyssedal John Sølve
Published: June 2023

In many industrial applications, obtaining labeled observations is not straightforward as it often requires the intervention of human experts or the use of expensive testing equipment. In these circumstances, active learning can be highly beneficial in suggesting the most informative data points to be used when fitting a model. Reducing the number of observations needed for model development alleviates both the computational burden required for training and the operational expenses related to labeling. Online active learning, in particular, is useful in high‐volume production processes where the decision about the acquisition of the label for a data point needs to be taken within an extremely short time frame. However, despite the recent efforts to develop online active learning strategies, the behavior of these methods in the presence of outliers has not been thoroughly examined. In this work, we investigate the performance of online active linear regression in contaminated data streams. Our study shows that the currently available query strategies are prone to sample outliers, whose inclusion in the training set eventually degrades the predictive performance of the models. To address this issue, we propose a solution that bounds the search area of a conditional D‐optimal algorithm and uses a robust estimator. Our approach strikes a balance between exploring unseen regions of the input space and protecting against outliers. Through numerical simulations, we show that the proposed method is effective in improving the performance of online active learning in the presence of outliers, thus expanding the potential applications of this powerful tool.
Robust Multi‐Party Semi‐Quantum Private Comparison Protocols with Decoherence‐Free States against Collective Noises
Authors: Gong Li‐Hua , Chen Zhen‐Yong , Qin Li‐Guo , Huang Jie‐Hui
Published: June 2023

Based on the decoherence‐free states, two multi‐party semi‐quantum private comparison protocols are proposed to counteract collective noises. One can resist the collective‐dephasing noise well, and the other can resist the collective‐rotation noise. With the assistance of a semi‐honest third party (TP), multiple classical participants with restricted quantum abilities can compare their secret information by performing the proposed protocols once. It is manifested that the proposed protocols can resist both external attacks and internal attacks. Additionally, the operations in the multi‐party semi‐quantum private comparison protocols are simulated on the IBM Quantum Experience.
A systematic review on the molecular and clinical association between Human Papillomavirus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus co‐infection in Head, Neck and Oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chakraborty Shreya , Ramasubbu Kanagavalli , Banerjee Manosi , Balaji Menaka Priya , Vinayagam Yamini , V Devi Rajeswari
Published: June 2023

Head and neck cancer, one of the most commonly prevalent malignancies globally is a complex category of tumours that comprises cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. A specific subgroup of such cancers has been found with some unique chromosomal, therapeutic, and epidemiologic traits with the possibility of affecting via co‐infection. About 25% of all head and neck cancers in the population are human papillomavirus infection (HPV)‐associated, typically developing in the oropharynx, which comprises the tonsils. In the period of efficient combined antiviral treatment, HPV‐positive oral cancers are also becoming a significant contributor to illness and fatality for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)‐infected persons. Although the prevalence and historical background of oral HPV transmission are not thoroughly understood, it seems likely that oral HPV transmission is relatively frequent in HIV‐infected people when compared to the overall population. Therefore, there is a need to understand the mechanisms leading to this co‐infection, as there is very little research related to that. Hence, this study mainly focus on the therapeutical and biomedical analysis of HPV and HIV co‐infection in the above‐mentioned cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Venture team membership dynamics and new venture innovation
Authors: Fox Brian C. , Simsek Zeki , Heavey Ciaran
Published: June 2023

Research Summary

Although pre‐entry startup experience is widely recognized as a driver of innovation in new ventures, a core feature of new venture teams is that their membership is fluid. In this article, we theorize and test whether venture team membership fluidity incrementally explains new venture innovation. We also investigate and demonstrate that team fluidity conditions the impact of pre‐entry startup experience present at founding. Testing our hypotheses with a cohort of 440 new ventures tracked for 8 years, we find support for the model across a wide range of specifications. Our study advances current understanding of the relationship between pre‐entry experience and new venture innovation, as well as novel insights into the central but often overlooked role of team fluidity.

Managerial Summary

New ventures rely on innovations to establish a market presence and compete against established firms. Even though team members are an essential source of inspiration, ideas, and resources to foster innovation, teams often change substantially as the venture evolves. We ask the question—does modifying the make‐up of the team make it more likely that the venture can innovate? We contend that such change significantly shapes the cognitive and interpersonal processes by which team members contribute to innovations. Our results suggest that new ventures undergoing member change can boost innovation in three ways: adding new members to the team with relevant experiences, taking advantage of opportunities to pause and reflect upon team processes in the wake of change, and mitigating the disruptive effects of change.
A Bayesian hierarchical sparse factor model for estimating simultaneous covariance matrices for gestational outcomes in consecutive pregnancies
Authors: Kundu Debamita , Mitra Ritendranath , Albert Paul S. , Gaskins Jeremy T.
Published: June 2023

Covariance estimation for multiple groups is a key feature for drawing inference from a heterogeneous population. One should seek to share information about common features in the dependence structures across the various groups. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for estimating the covariance matrices for multiple groups using a hierarchical latent factor model that shrinks the factor loadings across groups toward a global value. Using a sparse spike and slab model on these loading coefficients allows for a sparse formulation of our model. Parameter estimation is accomplished through a Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme, and a model selection approach is used to select the number of factors to use. We validate our model through extensive simulation studies. Finally, we apply our methodology to the NICHD Consecutive Pregnancies Study to estimate the correlations between birth weights and gestational ages of three consecutive birth within four different subgroups (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese) of women.
Intermetallic FeSb2 as a Novel Adsorbent for the Efficient Decontamination of Lead Ions from Aquatic Systems**
Authors: Gujjar Sunidhi , Gujjar Deepak , Srivastava Manish , Kandpal Hem C.
Published: June 2023

Herein, an efficient adsorbent based on intermetallics was developed for the adsorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. Mesoporous FeSb2 particles were synthesized via a cost‐effective co‐precipitation method. The structural and morphological characterizations of FeSb2 were evaluated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), and zeta potential. The batch adsorption tests were performed as a function of initial Pb(II) concentration (5–70 mg L−1), contact time (24 h), pH (2–9), FeSb2 content (0.2–0.8 g L−1), and recyclability (6 cycles), to evaluate the efficacy of FeSb2 particles for Pb(II) removal. The adsorption behavior of FeSb2 was found to match well with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm model. The experimental maximum adsorption capacity (qm) was achieved as 86.625 mg g−1 for a Pb(II) concentration of 70 mg L−1. This value was found to be in good agreement with the value predicted by the Langmuir model, which was 88.26 mg g−1. Overall, this work documented the high potential of intermetallic FeSb2 for the efficient removal of extremely dangerous Pb(II) ions and laid the foundation for other intermetallics in a new role of adsorbent for various wastewater treatments.
Catalyst‐Free Defluoroalkylation of Trifluoromethylated Alkenes via Photoinduced Electron Donor‐Acceptor Complex
Authors: Gao Pan , Zhang Qingzheng , Li Yicheng , Cui Liping , Fan Xinting , Zhang Guodong , Chen Feng
Published: June 2023

Radicals can be formed expeditiously through the direct irradiation of an electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complex. Herein, we show a photocatalyst‐free strategy for gem‐difluoroalkenes synthesis realized by photo‐irradiation of the EDA complexes, which can be generated in situ between N‐alkylpyridinium salts and Hantzsch ester without any other additives. A wide variety of readily available alkylamines underwent deaminative defluoroalkylation to provide the corresponding gem‐difluoroalkenes. This reaction system exhibits high reactivity and good functional group tolerance and provides a practical and effective entry to a broad range of α‐alkyl‐substituted gem‐difluoroalkenes.
BiOI/ZnO Heterojunction for Increased Photodegradation of Metronidazole under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Zhu Zihan , Zhang Xuehan , Wang Wenzhuang , Cong Xinhang , Qin Haotong , Guo Feng
Published: June 2023

A heterojunction interface with a rational design can overcome the limitation of a single photocatalyst structure and enable the separation and transport of photogenerated carriers. p‐n Heterojunctions of BiOI/ZnO nano‐flake were achieved by a simple one–step hydrothermal process for metronidazole (MNZ) degradation under visible light. The measurements show that the BiOI/ZnO could completely remove MNZ within 180 min, which is 2.6 times and 4.8 times higher than that of pristine ZnO and BiOI, respectively. Under visible light irradiation, the electrostatic field formed within the p‐n heterojunction drives the flow of photogenerated electrons from the conduction band of BiOI to the conduction band of ZnO, while the holes are retained, promoting photogenerated carrier separation and enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. The fact that BiOI/ZnO good stability and reusability demonstrates the importance of heterostructure construction of two different semiconductors in overcoming the defects of traditional semiconductor materials.
Efficient treatment for oily wastewater via photo‐Fenton‐like processover NdFeO3 perovskite: Effect of calcination temperature
Authors: Nga Phan Thi To , Nam Chu Thi Hai
Published: June 2023

NdFeO3 (NFO) nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method, followed by calcination treatment at various temperatures. The NFO samples were systematically characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric, Fourier transform infrared spectra, UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption‐desorption analysis. The visible‐light photocatalytic performance of different calcined temperature NFO was examined by the photodegradation of oily wastewater. The results revealed that NFO nanoparticles calcined at 800 °C exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity when 0.3 g/L of H2O2 was added during the photocatalysis, suggesting that NFO could be a promising photo‐Fenton catalyst for decomposing organic contaminants in wastewater.
Insights into Hydrogen Bonding Effect as Well as Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Associated with Solvent Polarity and Atomic Electronegativity for 2‐Phenyl‐3‐Hydroxybenzo[g]quinolone
Authors: Zhao Jinfeng , Fan Liming , Li Liu , Jin Bing , Tang Zhe
Published: June 2023

Inspired by the excellent photochemical properties of 3‐hydroxyflavone and its derivatives, in this work, the novel 2‐phenyl‐3‐hydroxybenzo[g]quinolone (2P3HBQ) fluorophore is explored about its photo‐induced behaviors. By investigating the photoexcitation characteristics in different solvents as well as the substituted atomic electronegativity (O→S→Se), the solvent‐polarity‐related and atomic‐electronegativity‐dependent photo‐induced hydrogen bond of 2P3HBQ and its derivatives (2P3HBQ‐O, 2P3HBQ‐S and 2P3HBQ‐Se) indicates the S1‐state hydrogen bonding interactions could be enhanced. Particularly, the nonpolar solvent environment and low atomic electronegativity substitution play large roles in strengthening hydrogen bonding effects. Charge reorganization stemming from photoexcitation, strengthening excited state hydrogen bond effects, and the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) via frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) further reveals the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) tendency. Via the manner of constructing potential energy curves (PECs) with restricted optimization, we elaborate and reveal the novel solvent‐polarity‐regulated and the atomic‐electronegativity‐controlled ESIPT dynamical behaviors.
Complexation of the Structural Isomers, Propargylimine and Acrylonitrile, with HCN, HNC AND HCP
Authors: McDowell Sean A. C. , Arthurs Vivian C.
Published: June 2023

A computational study was undertaken of the binary complexes formed by combining HZ (Z=CN, NC, CP) with the structural isomers, acrylonitrile and the Z‐isomer of propargylimine (Z‐PGIM). Two sets of complexes are predicted – hydrogen‐bonded dimers of HZ and acrylonitrile/Z‐PGIM and a set of strongly bound dimers with covalently‐bonded 3‐atom ring(s). The latter dimers were obtained by optimization, starting from an unusual initial configuration, where the atoms of each interacting monomers are in close proximity to each other, and specifically involving an unsaturated bond on, at least, one of the monomers. Seven new dimers were obtained by this procedure and their bonding features were characterized by charge partitioning analyses to rationalize their relative stabilities.
Sustainable and Scalable Synthesis of 2D Ultrathin Hierarchical Porous Carbon Nanosheets for High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Dong Jiran , Zeng Jinsong , Li Jinpeng , Li Pengfei , Wang Bin , Xu Jun , Gao Wenhua , Chen Kefu
Published: June 2023

2D carbon nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanosheets, and their derivatives, representing the emerging class of advanced multifunctional materials, have gained great research interest because of their extensive applications ranging from electrochemistry to catalysis. However, sustainable and scalable synthesis of 2D carbon nanosheets (CNs) with hierarchical architecture and irregular structure via a green and low‐cost strategy remains a great challenge. Herein, prehydrolysis liquor (PHL), an industrial byproduct of the pulping industry, is first employed to synthesize CNs via a simple hydrothermal carbonization technique. After mild activation with NH4Cl and FeCl3, the as‐prepared activated CNs (A‐CN@NFe) display an ultrathin structure (≈3 nm) and a desirable specific surface area (1021 m2 g−1) with hierarchical porous structure, which enables it to be both electroactive materials and structural support materials in nanofibrillated cellulose/A‐CN@NFe/polypyrrole (NCP) nanocomposite, and thus endowing nanocomposite with impressive capacitance properties of 2546.3 mF cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the resultant all‐solid‐state symmetric supercapacitor delivers a satisfactory energy storage ability of 90.1 µWh cm−2 at 250.0 µW cm−2. Thus, this work not only opens a new window for sustainable and scalable synthesis of CNs, but also offers a double profits strategy for energy storage and biorefinery industry.
On the Working Mechanisms of Molecules‐Based Van der Waals Dielectrics
Authors: Li Pengyu , Zhao Yinghe , Li Huiqiao , Zhai Tianyou
Published: June 2023

Sb2O3 molecules offer unprecedented opportunities for the integration of a van der Waals (vdW) dielectric and a 2D vdW semiconductor. However, the working mechanisms underlying molecules‐based vdW dielectrics remain unclear. Here, the working mechanisms of Sb2O3 and two Sb2O3‐like molecules (As2O3 and Bi2O3) as dielectrics are systematically investigated by combining first‐principles calculations and gate leakage current theories. It is revealed that molecules‐based vdW dielectrics have a considerable advantage over conventional dielectric materials: defects hardly affect their insulating properties. This shows that it is unnecessary to synthesize high‐quality crystals in practical applications, which has been a long‐standing challenge for conventional dielectric materials. Further analysis reveals that a large thermionic‐emission current renders Sb2O3 difficult to simultaneously satisfy the requirements of dielectric layers in p‐MOS and n‐MOS, which hinders its application for complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) devices. Remarkably, it is found that As2O3 can serve as a dielectric for both p‐MOS and n‐MOS. This work not only lays a theoretical foundation for the application of molecules‐based vdW dielectrics, but also offers an unprecedentedly competitive dielectric (i.e., As2O3) for 2D vdW semiconductors‐based CMOS devices, thus having profound implications for future semiconductor industry.
Miniaturized Flexible Non‐Contact Interface Based on Heat Shrinkage Technology
Authors: Xiao Yu , Zhang Yuanlong , Qu Changming , Zhang Shaochun , Liu Hanyun , Xu Yun
Published: June 2023

High‐performance miniaturized flexible sensors are becoming increasingly important in wearable electronics. However, miniaturization of devices often requires high‐precision manufacturing processes and equipment, which limits the commercialization of flexible sensors. Therefore, revolutionary technologies for manufacturing miniaturized flexible sensors are highly desired. In this work, a new method for manufacturing miniaturized flexible humidity sensor by utilizing heat shrinkage technology is presented. This method successfully achieves much smaller sensor and denser interdigital electrode. Utilizing this method, a miniaturized flexible humidity sensor and array are presented, fabricated by anchoring nano‐Al2O3 into carbon nano‐tube as the humidity sensitive film. This heat shrinkage technology, forming wrinkle structure on the humidity sensitive film, endows the sensor with a high sensitivity over 200% (ΔR/R0) at humidity levels ranging from 0 to 90%RH and a fast recovery time (0.5 s). The sensor allows non‐contact monitoring human respiration and alerting in case of an asthma attack and the sensor array can be adaptively attached to the wrist as a non‐contact human–machine interface to control the mechanical hand or computer. This work provides a general and effective heat shrinkage technology for the development of smaller and more efficient flexible circuits and sensor devices.
High‐Throughput Synthesis and Machine Learning Assisted Design of Photodegradable Hydrogels
Authors: Seifermann Maximilian , Reiser Patrick , Friederich Pascal , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: June 2023

Due to the large chemical space, the design of functional and responsive soft materials poses many challenges but also offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of the scope of possible properties. Herein, an experimental workflow for miniaturized combinatorial high‐throughput screening of functional hydrogel libraries is reported. The data created from the analysis of the photodegradation process of more than 900 different types of hydrogel pads are used to train a machine learning model for automated decision making. Through iterative model optimization based on Bayesian optimization, a substantial improvement in response properties is achieved and thus expanded the scope of material properties obtainable within the chemical space of hydrogels in the study. It is therefore demonstrated that the potential of combining miniaturized high‐throughput experiments with smart optimization algorithms for cost and time efficient optimization of materials properties.
Large‐scale characterization of Java streams
Authors: Rosales Eduardo , Basso Matteo , Rosà Andrea , Binder Walter
Published: June 2023

Java streams are receiving the attention of developers targeting the Java virtual machine (JVM) as they ease the development of data‐processing logic, while also favoring code extensibility and maintainability through a concise and declarative style based on functional programming. Recent studies aim to shedding light on how Java developers use streams. However, they consider only small sets of applications and mainly apply manual code inspection and static analysis techniques. As a result, the large‐scale dynamic analysis of stream processing remains an open research question. In this article, we present the first large‐scale empirical study on the use of streams in Java code exercised via unit tests. We present stream‐analyzer, a novel dynamic program analysis (DPA) that collects runtime information and key metrics, which enable a fine‐grained characterization of sequential and parallel stream processing. We use a fully automatic approach to massively apply our DPA for the analysis of open‐source software projects hosted on GitHub. Our findings advance the understanding of the use of Java streams. Both the scale of our analysis and the profiling of dynamic information enable us to confirm with more confidence the outcome highlighted at a smaller scale by related work. Moreover, our study reports the popularity of many features of the Stream API and highlights multiple findings about runtime characteristics unique to streams, while also revealing inefficient stream processing and stream misuses. Finally, we present implications of our findings for developers of the Stream API, tool builders and researchers, and educators.
Strength in storytelling: Peacebuilding via wordless books
Authors: Martínez‐Alba Gilda , Pentón Herrera Luis Javier
Published: June 2023

Peace and restoration (henceforth, peacebuilding) have become buzzwords as we continue to wrestle with global problems. In this article, the authors focus on storytelling as a form of peacebuilding using wordless books (or picture books without words), with a focus on how peacebuilding may be conceptualized and woven into the fabric of the English language teaching field. Wordless books have been used for decades to help people develop meaning from pictures, comprehend story structures, improve engagement and motivation, support language learning, and develop storytelling skills (Cruzado‐Guerrero & Martínez‐Alba, 2022). As such, wordless books become part of an open invitation to engage in storytelling. Through this article, peacebuilding via storytelling using wordless books is explained as a social–emotional learning (SEL) classroom practice. Supported by the available literature focusing on storytelling and peacebuilding, the authors share a lesson design providing a clear way to develop capacity for peacebuilding skills using wordless books.
Sustaining Critical Approaches to Translanguaging in Education: A Contextual Framework
Authors: Mendoza Anna , Hamman‐Ortiz Laura , Tian Zhongfeng , Rajendram Shakina , Tai Kevin W. H. , Ho Wing Yee Jenifer , Sah Pramod K.
Published: June 2023

Translanguaging remains a timely and important topic in bi/multilingual education. The most recent turn in translanguaging scholarship involves attention to translanguaging in context in response to critiques of translanguaging as a universally empowering educational practice. In this paper, seven early career translanguaging scholars propose a framework for researching translanguaging “in context,” drawing on the Douglas Fir Group's (2016) transdisciplinary framework for language acquisition. Examining translanguaging in context entails paying attention to who in a classroom wields power, as a result of their greater proficiency in societally valued languages, their more “standard” ways of speaking these languages, their greater familiarity with academic literacies valued at school, and/or their more “legitimate” forms of translanguaging. In our framework for researching translanguaging in context, we propose three principles. The first principle is obvious: (1) not to do so apolitically. The other two principles describe a synergy between ethnographic research and teacher‐researcher collaborative research: (2) ethnographic research can assess macro‐level language ideologies and enacted language hegemonies at the micro‐ and meso levels, and (3) teacher‐researcher collaborations must create and sustain inclusive, equitable classroom social orders and alternative academic norms different from the ones documented to occur in context if left by chance.
Rationale and design of the ABOARD project (A Personalized Medicine Approach for Alzheimer's Disease)
Authors: Dreves Maria A. E. , van Harten Argonde C. , Visser Leonie N. C. , Rhodius‐Meester Hanneke , Köhler Sebastian , Kooistra Minke , Papma Janne M. , Honey Madison I. J. , Blom Marco M. , Smets Ellen M. A. , de Vugt Marjolein E. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , van der Flier Wiesje M. ,   the ABOARD Consortium
Published: June 2023

The key to stopping Alzheimer's disease (AD) lies in the pre‐dementia stages, with the goal to stop AD before dementia has started. We present the rationale and design of the ABOARD (A Personalized Medicine Approach for Alzheimer's Disease) project, which aims to invest in personalized medicine for AD. ABOARD is a Dutch public–private partnership of 32 partners, connecting stakeholders from a scientific, clinical, and societal perspective. The 5‐year project is structured into five work packages on (1) diagnosis, (2) prediction, (3) prevention, (4) patient‐orchestrated care, and (5) communication and dissemination. ABOARD functions as a network organization in which professionals interact cross‐sectorally. ABOARD has a strong junior training program “Juniors On Board.” Project results are shared with society through multiple communication resources. By including relevant partners and involving citizens at risk, patients, and their care partners, ABOARD builds toward a future with personalized medicine for AD.

Highlights

ABOARD (A Personalized Medicine Approach for Alzheimer's Disease) is a public–private research project executed by 32 partners that functions as a network organization.

Together, the project partners build toward a future with personalized medicine for Alzheimer's disease.

Although ABOARD is a Dutch consortium, it has international relevance.

ABOARD improves diagnosis, prediction, prevention, and patient‐orchestrated care.
Comparison of effect of CTG + STan with CTG alone on emergency Cesarean section rate: STan Australian Randomized controlled Trial (START)
Authors: Kuah S. , Simpson B. , Salter A. , Matthews G. , Louise J. , Bednarz J. , Chandraharan E. , Symonds I. , McPhee A. , Mol B. W. , Turnbull D. , Wilkinson C.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate whether use of ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram (STan) as an adjunct to continuous cardiotocography (CTG) reduces the rate of emergency Cesarean section (EmCS) compared with CTG alone.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial of patients with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation at ≥ 36 weeks' gestation, requiring continuous electronic fetal monitoring during labor at a tertiary maternity hospital in Adelaide, Australia, between January 2018 and July 2021. Participants were randomized to undergo CTG + STan or CTG alone. The calculated sample size was 1818 participants. The primary outcome was EmCS. Secondary outcomes included metabolic acidosis, a composite adverse perinatal outcome, and other maternal and neonatal morbidity and safety outcomes.

Results

The present study enrolled 970 women, of whom 967 were included in the primary analysis. EmCS occurred in 107/482 (22.2%) deliveries in the CTG + STan arm and in 107/485 (22.1%) in the CTG arm (adjusted relative risk, 1.02 (95% CI, 0.81–1.27); P = 0.89). There was no difference in the rate of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes between arms.

Conclusions

The addition of STan as an adjunct to continuous CTG did not reduce the EmCS rate. The smaller‐than‐anticipated sample size meant that this study was underpowered to detect absolute differences of ≤ 5% and, therefore, this negative finding could be due to a Type‐2 error. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Beyond landscape experience: A systematic literature review on the concept of spatial quality in flood‐risk management
Authors: Bakx Michiel , Stremke Sven , Lenzholzer Sanda
Published: June 2023

People often oppose the implementation of flood mitigation measures based on concerns about “spatial quality” (SQ). SQ can be an ambiguous concept, which can function as boundary object that unites stakeholders from various backgrounds. Yet, the ambiguity of SQ can also be misused to justify particular interests, result in unmet expectations and lead to miscommunication. To contribute to the understanding, communication and implementation of SQ in flood risk management projects, this study systematically reviewed the use of SQ in the literature. The first part of this review resulted in the identification of 19 aspects categorized into four dimensions of SQ: experiential, use, ecological, and long‐term quality. Based on these dimensions, we found in the second part of this review that SQ is understood either as (1) experiential quality only, (2) the combination of experiential, use, and ecological quality, and (3) the combination of all four dimensions. The review illustrates that the understanding of SQ is related to several context characteristics, including the country of author affiliation and the prominent school of thought with regards to objectivity and subjectivity. For example, only authors affiliated with Dutch institutions take into account all four dimensions of SQ. To bridge between these different understandings of SQ, this study provides a framework with a set of terms that can be used for the development of a shared language for SQ, ultimately fostering the implementation of this concept in flood risk management projects.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water
The Innovation Society
Authors: Hallonsten Olof
Published: June 2023

Current society’s obsession with innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth is superficial and unsustainable. It has little to do with real innovation, which is a process involving hard work and long-term devotion. Instead, innovation today is a catchword that has evolved into an ideology and a myth mobilized to underpin current society’s striving for constant economic growth for its own sake. The chapter outlines this problem, anchors it in a theoretical foundation of organizational sociology, and states the aims and purpose of the book.
We’re All Entrepreneurs Now
Authors: Hallonsten Olof
Published: June 2023

The obsession with innovation is paralleled and intertwined with a similar obsession with entrepreneurship, which is viewed as the path to salvation for individuals, organizations, and society at large. Entrepreneurship has become a prime cultural ideal in current society, and an entrepreneurship industry has been formed that promotes the narrative and imagology of entrepreneurship and caters to the apparent desire of the so-called me generation to constantly seek to promote individual achievement and self-actualization. The chapter analyzes and explains the development, with the help of a broader theoretical framework for understanding the cult of the individual in current society, and demonstrates how entrepreneurship has become a largely empty signifier.
The Tapering Length of Needles in Martensite/Martensite Macrotwins
Authors: Conti Sergio , Zwicknagl Barbara
Published: June 2023

We study needle formation at martensite/martensite macro interfaces in shape-memory alloys. We characterize the scaling of the energy in terms of the needle tapering length and the transformation strain, both in geometrically linear and in finite elasticity. We find that linearized elasticity is unable to predict the value of the tapering length, as the energy tends to zero with needle length tending to infinity. Finite elasticity shows that the optimal tapering length is inversely proportional to the order parameter, in agreement with previous numerical simulations. The upper bound in the scaling law is obtained by explicit constructions. The lower bound is obtained using rigidity arguments, and as an important intermediate step we show that the Friesecke–James–Müller geometric rigidity estimate holds with a uniform constant for uniformly Lipschitz domains.
Impact of obesity on patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Yang Phillip F , Ang Zhen Hao , Badiani Sarit , Berney Christophe R , Morgan Matthew J
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Patients with obesity undergoing rectal cancer surgery may have an increased risk of developing complications, though evidence is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the direct impact of obesity on postoperative outcomes using data from a large clinical registry.

Method

The Binational Colorectal Cancer Audit registry was used to identify patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery in Australia and New Zealand from 2007–2021. Primary outcomes were inpatient surgical and medical complications. Logistic regression models were developed to describe the association between body-mass index (BMI) and outcomes.

Results

Among 3,708 patients (median age 66 years [IQR 56.75–75], 65.0% male), 2.0% had a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, 35.4% had a BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, 37.6% had a BMI of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, 16.7% had a BMI of 30.0–34.9 kg/m2, and 8.2% had a BMI ≥ 35.0 kg/m2. Surgical complications occurred in 27.7% of patients with a BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, 26.6% of patients with a BMI of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.76–1.10), 28.5% with a BMI of 30.0–34.9 kg/m2 (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.76–1.21), and 33.2% with a BMI ≥ 35.0 kg/m2 (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.94–1.71). Modelling BMI as a continuous variable confirmed a J-shaped relationship. The association between BMI and medical complications was more linear.

Conclusion

Risk of postoperative complications is increased in patients with obesity undergoing rectal cancer surgery.
Wearables in der Rheumatologie
Authors: Xiong Tingting , Krusche Martin
Published: June 2023

Im Zuge der Digitalisierung der Medizin kommen Wearables eine zunehmende Bedeutung zu. Wearables (engl.: „wearable computing device“) sind kleine tragbare elektronische Geräte, über die der Anwender gesundheitsrelevante Daten wie Schrittzahl, Aktivitätsprofil, EKG, Herz- und Atemfrequenz oder Sauerstoffsättigung aufzeichnen kann. Erste Studien zum Einsatz von Wearables bei Patient:innen mit rheumatologischen Erkrankungen zeigen die Eröffnung von neuen Möglichkeiten zu Prävention, Krankheitsmonitorierung und Behandlung. Diese Arbeit soll eine Übersicht über die aktuelle Datenlage und den Einsatz der Wearables für das Fachgebiet der Rheumatologie liefern. Zusätzlich werden zukünftige potenzielle Anwendungsgebiete sowie Herausforderungen und Grenzen des Einsatzes von Wearables beleuchtet.