bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous head and neck angiosarcoma: The 30‐year UCLA experience
Authors: Evans Lauran K. , Sutton Sarah , Echanique Kristen , Armaneous Michael , Palacios Victoria , Sajed Dipti , St. John Maie
Published: October 2023

Background

Cutaneous angiosarcoma is an aggressive tumor commonly found in the head and neck region. There is no consensus regarding the definitive treatment for angiosarcoma.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review that evaluated 64 patients from 1983 to 2019. Demographic and clinical variables were examined for impact on recurrence using the time to recurrence and the overall survival in Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

Average age at diagnosis was 71 (32–95) years, with a 2.8 male: female ratio. Surgery was utilized in 62% of patients, with mean defect size of 11.4 ± 8.1 cm. Recurrence was found in 70% of patients, and mean time to recurrence was 15.3 ± 12.3 months. Decreased recurrence was associated with use of intraoperative frozen section analysis (p = .036) and negative margins (p = .086). Two‐year overall survival was 80%, and recurrence free survival was 30%.

Conclusions

Negative margins are associated with decreased recurrence, and intraoperative frozen section analysis may be considered to obtain preliminary surgical margins.

Level of Evidence: 4.
Promoting end‐of‐season low‐carbon product through online retailing channel under different cooperation strategies
Authors: Wu Qunli , Xu Xinxin
Published: October 2023

This paper considers the cooperation strategies in an online selling low‐carbon supply chain (OSLCSC). To promote the end‐of‐season low‐carbon product, the manufacturer in OSLCSC establishes a promotional online retailing channel based on a co‐operative agency sales format. Three possible collaboration strategies are considered. We examine the final cooperative equilibrium and find that from an environmental perspective, cooperation between the retailer and manufacturer can always promote ecological benefits. But from an economic perspective, the retailer and manufacturer will cooperate when the revenue‐sharing rate is high. In contrast, the retailer and manufacturer are always an incentive to partner with the platform. Furthermore, all the OSLCSC players could achieve a Pareto optimal in the three cooperation strategies under certain conditions. Additionally, we reveal that a high revenue‐sharing rate makes the retailer more beneficial when OSLCSC players do not cooperate. Lastly, we obtain that each cooperative strategy may be the ultimate equilibrium, depending mainly on the revenue‐sharing rate and customers' evaluation ratio of the online direct sales channel over online retailing channel.
Controllability of fractional dynamical systems having multiple delays in control with ψ‐Caputo fractional derivative
Authors: Panneer Selvam Anjapuli , Govindaraj Venkatesan
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the controllability problems for linear and nonlinear fractional control systems with multiple control delays in the context of the
‐Caputo fractional derivative. For the linear case, using the positive definiteness of the Gramian matrix, the necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained. For the nonlinear case, utilizing the iterative technique together with the completeness of the space, sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution are obtained. Just a few examples are included to make theoretical findings easier to grasp, and their respective graphs are plotted.
Development and benchmarking of a dose rate engine for raster‐scanned FLASH helium ions
Authors: Rank Luisa , Dogan Ozan , Kopp Benedikt , Mein Stewart , Verona‐Rinati Gianluca , Kranzer Rafael , Marinelli Marco , Mairani Andrea , Tessonnier Thomas
Published: October 2023

Background

Radiotherapy with charged particles at high dose and ultra‐high dose rate (uHDR) is a promising technique to further increase the therapeutic index of patient treatments. Dose rate is a key quantity to predict the so‐called FLASH effect at uHDR settings. However, recent works introduced varying calculation models to report dose rate, which is susceptible to the delivery method, scanning path (in active beam delivery) and beam intensity.

Purpose

This work introduces an analytical dose rate calculation engine for raster scanned charged particle beams that is able to predict dose rate from the irradiation plan and recorded beam intensity. The importance of standardized dose rate calculation methods is explored here.

Methods

Dose is obtained with an analytical pencil beam algorithm, using pre‐calculated databases for integrated depth dose distributions and lateral penumbra. Dose rate is then calculated by combining dose information with the respective particle fluence (i.e., time information) using three dose‐rate‐calculation models (mean, instantaneous, and threshold‐based). Dose rate predictions for all three models are compared to uHDR helium ion beam (145.7 MeV/u, range in water of approximatively 14.6 cm) measurements performed at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT) with a diamond‐detector prototype. Three scanning patterns (scanned or snake‐like) and four field sizes are used to investigate the dose rate differences.

Results

Dose rate measurements were in good agreement with in‐silico generated distributions using the here introduced engine. Relative differences in dose rate were below 10% for varying depths in water, from 2.3 to 14.8 cm, as well as laterally in a near Bragg peak area. In the entrance channel of the helium ion beam, dose rates were predicted within 7% on average for varying irradiated field sizes and scanning patterns. Large differences in absolute dose rate values were observed for varying calculation methods. For raster‐scanned irradiations, the deviation between mean and threshold‐based dose rate at the investigated point was found to increase with the field size up to 63% for a 10 mm × 10 mm field, while no significant differences were observed for snake‐like scanning paths.

Conclusions

This work introduces the first dose rate calculation engine benchmarked to instantaneous dose rate, enabling dose rate predictions for physical and biophysical experiments. Dose rate is greatly affected by varying particle fluence, scanning path, and calculation method, highlighting the need for a consensus among the FLASH community on how to calculate and report dose rate in the future. The here introduced engine could help provide the necessary details for the analysis of the sparing effect and uHDR conditions.
Subcutaneous deuterated substrate administration in mice: An alternative to tail vein infusion
Authors: Song Kyu‐Ho , Ge Xia , Engelbach John A. , Thio Liu Lin , Neil Jeffrey J. , Ackerman Joseph J. H. , Garbow Joel R.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Tail‐vein catheterization and subsequent in‐magnet infusion is a common route of administration of deuterium (2H)‐labeled substrates in small‐animal deuterium (D) MR studies. With mice, because of the tail vein's small diameter, this procedure is challenging. It requires considerable personnel training and practice, is prone to failure, and may preclude serial studies. Motivated by the need for an alternative, the time courses for common small‐molecule deuterated substrates and downstream metabolites in brain following subcutaneous infusion were determined in mice and are presented herein.

Methods

Three 2H‐labeled substrates—[6,6‐2H2]glucose, [2H3]acetate, and [3,4,4,4‐2H4]beta‐hydroxybutyrate—and 2H2O were administered to mice in‐magnet via subcutaneous catheter. Brain time courses of the substrates and downstream metabolites (and semi‐heavy water) were determined via single‐voxel DMRS.

Results

Subcutaneous catheter placement and substrate administration was readily accomplished with limited personnel training. Substrates reached pseudo‐steady state in brain within ∼30–40 min of bolus infusion. Time constants characterizing the appearance in brain of deuterated substrates or semi‐heavy water following 2H2O administration were similar (∼15 min).

Conclusion

Administration of deuterated substrates via subcutaneous catheter for in vivo DMRS experiments with mice is robust, requires limited personnel training, and enables substantial dosing. It is suitable for metabolic studies where pseudo‐steady state substrate administration/accumulation is sufficient. It is particularly advantageous for serial longitudinal studies over an extended period because it avoids inevitable damage to the tail vein following multiple catheterizations.
Characterization of muscle strength and mobility in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
Authors: Brisson Jean‐Denis , Brais Bernard , Mathieu Jean , Lessard Isabelle , Gagné‐Ouellet Valérie , Côté Isabelle , Gagnon Cynthia
Published: October 2023

Introduction/Aims

Muscle weakness, and its association with mobility limitations, has received little study in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) using quantitative and standardized assessments. The objectives of this study were to (1) document upper and lower limb muscle strength, upper limb functions, fatigue, and mobility capacities; (2) compare them with reference values and across participant age groups; and (3) explore associations between muscle strength, fatigue, and mobility capacities among adults with OPMD.

Methods

Thirty‐four participants were included in this cross‐sectional study. The following variables were assessed: quantitative maximal isometric muscle strength, grip and pinch strength, fatigue, walking speed, walking endurance, sit‐to‐stand, and stair ascent and descent capacities.

Results

Muscle strength was lower for older than younger participants for five muscle groups (P < .05). Walking endurance, sit‐to‐stand, stairs (ascent and descent), and strength of hip flexion, grip, and pinch were below 80% of reference values in participants ≥56 y old (55.3%–78.2%). Moderate to strong correlations were found between muscle strength and mobility capacities (ρ = 0.42–0.80, P < .05), and between fatigue and either muscle strength or mobility capacities (ρ = 0.42–0.75, P < .05).

Discussion

This study highlights the impact of OPMD on strength, endurance, and functional capacity, among others, with patients being well below reference values even before the age of 65 y. In addition to helping health professionals to offer better clinical guidance, these results will improve clinical trial readiness. The next steps will be to assess the metrological properties of outcome measures and continue to document the disease progression rate.
Why reconnect to nature in times of crisis? Ecosystem contributions to the resilience and well‐being of people going back to the land in Greece
Authors: Benessaiah K. , Chan K. M.
Published: October 2023

Multiple crises, including climate change, ecosystem degradation, economic, political and social upheavals, severely impact people's well‐being. Ecosystem services (or nature's contributions to people) play a key role during crisis that needs to be further elucidated. Most research focusses on the material benefits that ecosystems provide in times of crisis, paying less attention to intertwined intangible, nonmaterial dimensions. Yet, these intangible ecosystem benefits are often crucial for people's resilience and well‐being in times of need.

We examine the role that nature plays for resilience and well‐being in times of crisis through a case study of Greece's back‐to‐the‐land movement during the European economic crisis. We conducted semistructured interviews with 76 households that had gone back‐to‐the‐land to understand why people sought to reconnect to nature and what their experiences were.

Our results show that reconnecting to nature provided material ecosystem benefits such as food and income often from previously undervalued ecosystems (e.g. abandoned orchards) as well as nonmaterial ecosystem benefits such as mental health, feelings of safety, calm and independence that helped people cope with the crisis and adapt and transform to new socio‐ecological contexts.

Participants reported that reconnecting to nature also changed their relational values. People mentioned gaining new perspectives, meanings and relationships with others and the natural world. While the crisis significantly affected people's material well‐being, reconnecting with nature helped people cope with crisis but also prompted a profound reevaluation of what constitutes a good life, leading to changes in their subjective and relational well‐being. This enhanced their capacity to act and plan for the future (their agency).

Overall, our research emphasizes how reconnecting to nature and its multidimensional ecosystem benefits during crises can have transformative effects on individuals' resilience, well‐being and their relationships with the environment. Our research shows that not only material benefits of ecosystem services need to be valued but also intangible, nonmaterial benefits that affect material, subjective and relational dimensions of well‐being and resilience.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Interface failure identification of argon/nitrogen double plasma modified hybrid laminated para‐aramid composites
Authors: Zhou Yuhan , Jia Lixia , Chen Zhenhong , Shi Bao , Zhang Xiayun , Han Yuefen , Li Huifeng , Yan Ruosi
Published: October 2023

This work reveals the synergistic effect of argon/nitrogen double plasma alteration on the mechanical properties of para‐aramid fiber/epoxy resin composites with various laminating sequences. Acoustic emission monitored interface failure during tensile, bending and fracture testing. A comparative analysis was conducted on the bending performance of the composites modified by argon/nitrogen double plasma and single plasma. The results showed that the synergistic effect of nitrogen and high‐energy molecule argon optimized the modifying effect of argon/nitrogen double plasma. The optimal modification parameters obtained through fiber extraction testing analysis are power 200 W, time 120 s, and Ar/N2 double gas flow rate of 12 sccm. After plasma treatment, twill weave modifies better than plain weave. The AE signal amplitude of PX1 is minimized during stretching. Due to the difference in internal bending stiffness of PX2, interface delamination failure is more likely to occur. The PX5 had greater fiber and matrix debonding failure between mode‐II fracture tests due to the weak modification effect of plain weave and its difficulty in deformation. In ballistic testing, PX1 blocks impact force through fiber bundle stretching deformation, while PX4 is more brittle.

Highlights

Prepare para‐aramid/epoxy resin composites with various laminating sequences.

Study on the interfacial properties of composites treated with double plasma.

The composites with different gas sources treatment were analyzed.

Acoustic emission analysis was used to identify interface failure modes.

The bonding strength between plain and plain interfaces is the lowest.
“Lifelong and life‐wide learning in various contexts: From theory to practice” special issue
Authors: Giraldo‐García Regina J. , Chang Bo
Published: October 2023

The special issue, “Lifelong and Life‐wide Learning in Various Contexts: From Theory to Practice,” includes diverse manuscripts exploring learning environments and practices that shape the educational experience of people across contexts and at different stages of their life. It gathers pieces that include theoretical conceptualizations, critical analyses, and reflective counter‐narratives, effectively capturing our theme in captivating ways. For school psychologists and administrators to have a fully informed perspective on the nature of learning and factors contributing to students' overall development, understanding, and embracing lifelong and lifewide learning is essential.
Chitin and laminarin additively trigger wheat reactive oxygen species but not resistance to Fusarium head blight
Authors: Hao Guixia , Rhoades Nicholas A. , McCormick Susan
Published: October 2023

Plants respond to fungal infections by activating defense genes including producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). The fungus Fusarium graminearum causes Fusarium head blight (FHB), a serious disease of wheat and barley. FHB results in crop yield loss and contaminates grain with mycotoxins. In a prior study, we discovered that chitin induces tissue‐specific ROS burst in wheat. However, it is unknown whether other fungal cell wall components could induce defense response in wheat. Therefore, we evaluated ROS and defense gene responses in different wheat tissues that had been treated with chitin, laminarin, or both. Different ROS patterns were induced in wheat treated with laminarin or chitin. Furthermore, we found that ROS were enhanced in wheat tissues treated with both chitin and laminarin. This study provides novel information for enhancing plat immunity to increase plant resistance.
Proteomic and phosphoproteomic characterisation of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Chen Yanfang , Roselli Severine , Panicker Nikita , Brzozowski Joshua S. , Skerrett‐Byrne David A. , Murray Heather C. , Verrills Nicole M.
Published: October 2023

Fibroblasts are the most common cell type in stroma and function in the support and repair of most tissues. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) are amenable to isolation and rapid growth in culture. MEFs are therefore widely used as a standard model for functional characterisation of gene knockouts, and can also be used in co‐cultures, commonly to support embryonic stem cell cultures. To facilitate their use as a research tool, we have performed a comprehensive proteomic and phosphoproteomic characterisation of wild‐type primary MEFs from C57BL/6 mice. EIF2/4 and MTOR signalling pathways were abundant in both the proteome and phosphoproteome, along with extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytoskeleton associated pathways. Consistent with this, kinase enrichment analysis identified activation of P38A, P90RSK, P70S6K, and MTOR. Cell surface markers and matrisome proteins were also annotated. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD043244. This provides a comprehensive catalogue of the wild‐type MEF proteome and phosphoproteome which can be utilised by the field to guide future work.
Persistent sleep‐disordered breathing independently contributes to metabolic syndrome in prepubertal children
Authors: Armañac‐Julián Pablo , Martín‐Montero Adrián , Lázaro Jesús , Hornero Roberto , Laguna Pablo , Kheirandish‐Gozal Leila , Gozal David , Gil Eduardo , Bailón Raquel , Gutiérrez‐Tobal Gonzalo
Published: October 2023

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults, but its association in prepubertal children is still questionable due to the relatively limited cardiometabolic data available and the phenotypic heterogeneity.

Objective

To identify the role of OSA as a potential mediator of MetS in prepubertal children.

Methods

A total of 255 prepubertal children from the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial were included, with standardized measurements taken before OSA treatment and 7 months later. MetS was defined if three or more of the following criteria were present: adiposity, high blood pressure, elevated glycemia, and dyslipidemia. A causal mediation analysis was conducted to assess the effect of OSA treatment on MetS.

Results

OSA treatment significantly impacted MetS, with the apnea–hypopnea index emerging as mediator (p = .02). This mediation role was not detected for any of the individual risk factors that define MetS. We further found that the relationship between MetS and OSA is ascribable to respiratory disturbance caused by the apnea episodes, while systemic inflammation as measured by C‐reactive protein, is mediated by desaturation events and fragmented sleep. In terms of evolution, patients with MetS were significantly more likely to recover after OSA treatment (odds ratio = 2.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–5.46; risk ratio = 2.06, 95% CI 1.19–3.54) than the opposite, patients without MetS to develop it.

Conclusion

The findings point to a causal role of OSA in the development of metabolic dysfunction, suggesting that persistent OSA may increase the risk of MetS in prepubertal children. This mediation role implies a need for developing screening for MetS in children presenting OSA symptoms.
Liquiritin targeting Th17 cells differentiation and abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes alleviates psoriasis via NF‐κB and AP‐1 pathway
Authors: Guo Dandan , Wang Qianqian , Li Aifang , Li Shuxuan , Wang Baiyan , Li Yalan , Yuan Juan , Guo Tao , Feng Shuying
Published: October 2023

Psoriasis is a common immune‐mediated inflammatory skin disease, caused by disturbed interactions between keratinocytes and immune cells. Chinese medicine shows potential clinical application for its treatment. Liquiritin is a flavone compound extracted from licorice and shows potential antitussive, antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects, and therefore may have potential as a psoriasis therapeutic. The aim of this work was to examine the possible roles that liquiritin may have in treating psoriasis. HaCaT cells were stimulated by TNF‐α with or without liquiritin, harvested for analysis by western blots and RT‐qPCR, and the cellular supernatants were collected and analyzed by ELISA for cytokines. In addition, 4 groups of mice were examined: Normal, Vehicle, LQ‐L and LQ‐H. The mice were sacrificed after 6 days and analyzed using IHC, ELISA, RT‐qPCR and flow cytometry. The results showed that liquiritin could significantly inhibit the progression of psoriasis both in vitro and in vivo. Liquiritin strongly suppressed the proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes but did not affect cell viability. Moreover, liquiritin alleviated imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation and accumulation of Th17 cells and DCs in vivo. In TNF‐α‐induced HaCaT keratinocytes, both protein and mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were sharply decreased. In imiquimod‐induced mice, the activation of NF‐κB and AP‐1 was reduced after treatment with liquiritin. Collectively, our results show that liquiritin might act as a pivotal regulator of psoriasis via modulating NF‐κB and AP‐1 signal pathways.
Licochalcone A alleviates abnormal glucolipid metabolism and restores energy homeostasis in diet‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Wang Doudou , Yang Lin , Ding Wenwen , Chen Ziyi , Yang Xiaoxue , Jiang Yu , Liu Ying
Published: October 2023

Licochalcone A (LCA) is a bioactive chalcone compound identified in licorice. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LCA on glucolipid metabolism and energy homeostasis, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Blood glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance, serum parameters, and histopathology were examined in high‐fat‐high‐glucose diet (HFD)‐induced diabetic mice, with metformin as a positive control. Additionally, changes in key markers related to glucolipid metabolism and mitochondrial function were analyzed to comprehensively assess LCA's effects on metabolism. The results showed that LCA alleviated metabolic abnormalities in HFD‐induced diabetic mice, which were manifested by suppression of lipogenesis, promotion of lipolysis, reduction of hepatic steatosis, increase in hepatic glycogenesis, and decrease in gluconeogenesis. In addition, LCA restored energy homeostasis by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing mitophagy, and reducing adenosine triphosphate production. Mechanistically, the metabolic benefits of LCA were associated with the downregulation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and activation of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase, the two central regulators of metabolism. This study demonstrates that LCA can alleviate abnormal glucolipid metabolism and restore energy balance in diet‐induced diabetic mice, highlighting its therapeutical potential for the treatment of diabetes.
Quantifying 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance vortices in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A pilot study
Authors: Borhani Ali , Porter Kristin K. , Umair Muhammad , Chu Linda C. , Mathai Stephen C. , Kolb Todd M. , Damico Rachel L. , Hassoun Paul M. , Kamel Ihab R. , Zimmerman Stefan L.
Published: October 2023

In this 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study, vortical blood flow in the main pulmonary artery (MPA) is quantified using circulation (ᴦ), a metric used in fluid dynamics to quantify the rotational components of flow. Circulation (ᴦ) is a 4D flow CMR metric that quantifies the vortical blood flow pattern in the MPA of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), distinguishes them from healthy controls, and shows high correlation with invasive markers of PH severity.
Emotions and digital storytelling in the educational context: A systematic review
Authors: Sarıca Hatice Çıralı
Published: October 2023

Both emotions and digital storytelling (DST) have an important role in learning‐teaching processes. Emotions are also important for DST. There is currently much interest in how emotion and DST are addressed together in education, how relations are established, how they are grounded and what the outcomes are. There is a need for a systematic review study in order to find answers to these questions and to give direction to new researches. This systematic review study presents an overview of emotion and DST research trends (in terms of their demographics, research foci and issues) in an educational context, how they are theoretically grounded, and their outcomes. Seventy research articles were reviewed using a mixed‐method approach combining systematic mapping and systematic review. In the studies reviewed, DST serves emotional outcomes as a learning design, multimodal pedagogy, pedagogical method, practice or tool for students, teachers, adults and families. DST provides an emotional connection, engagement, experience and safe space; supports the development of self‐dynamics such as self‐reflection and self‐awareness of emotions; facilitates emotional sharing and empathy; and develops emotional skills in the learning‐teaching process. In addition, it is found that there are deficiencies in the theoretical frameworks of the studies. Finally, the results are discussed and directions for future studies are suggested.
Hierarchical gradient‐ and least‐squares‐based iterative estimation algorithms for input‐nonlinear output‐error systems from measurement information by using the over‐parameterization
Authors: Ding Feng , Xu Ling , Zhang Xiao , Ma Hao
Published: October 2023

This article investigates the parameter identification problems of the stochastic systems described by the input‐nonlinear output‐error (IN‐OE) model. This IN‐OE model consists of two submodels, one is an input nonlinear model and the other is a linear output‐error model. The difficulty in the parameter identification of the IN‐OE model is that the information vector contains the unknown variables, which are the noise‐free (true) outputs of the system, the approach taken here is to replace the unknown terms with the outputs of the auxiliary model. Based on the over‐parameterization model and the hierarchical identification principle, an over‐parameterization auxiliary model hierarchical gradient‐based iterative algorithm and an over‐parameterization auxiliary model hierarchical least‐squares‐based iterative algorithm are proposed to estimate the unknown parameters of the IN‐OE systems. Finally, two numerical simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Optimization‐based adaptive control for MIMO nonlinear systems: A data‐driven method
Authors: San Yang , Hui Yu , Cai Kaiquan , Meng Deyuan
Published: October 2023

This article concentrates on the challenging adaptive tracking problem of multi‐input and multi‐output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with unknown nonlinear dynamics, for which a novel optimization‐based data‐driven adaptive control (ODDAC) equipped with an extended dynamic linearization method is developed. Through considering MIMO nonlinear systems in the fully‐actuated case and over‐actuated case separately, the ODDAC is proposed consisting of a parameter updating algorithm and an adaptive control law. A new design of parameter updating algorithm is presented such that the estimation can be guaranteed to be bounded by a strict contraction process. By leveraging properties of the nonnegative matrix, a grouping‐based contraction mapping (GCM) analysis method is proposed for the convergence of tracking error. Notably, the GCM does not require the contraction mapping condition to hold at all time instants. The proposed ODDAC is data‐based, avoiding reliance on model information, and its validity is verified through simulations.
Event‐triggered finite‐time terminal sliding mode containment control of multi‐agent systems with nonlinearity and disturbances
Authors: Zhu Wei , Zhou Shuang , Zheng Huannan , Yang Junjie
Published: October 2023

Finite‐time containment control of second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with disturbances is investigated. The network topology among agents is assumed to be directed. An event‐triggered terminal sliding mode controller is designed, which is robust with respect to disturbances. Based on the control strategy, the accessibility of sliding manifold and the consensus tracking of the obtained sliding‐mode dynamics are achieved in finite‐time. Continuous update of controller is avoided and the settling time of the system convergence is evaluated. Moreover, the Zeno‐behavior of the triggering time sequence for each agent is excluded. Finally, the feasibility of the developed scheme is evaluated in numerical simulations.
Models of farms in spatial terms in sustainable and multifunctional development of rural areas in Poland
Authors: Sobolewska‐Mikulska Katarzyna , Gołębiewska Barbara , Bielska Anna , Sajnóg Natalia , Grontkowska Anna , Gębska Monika
Published: October 2023

The study aimed primarily to develop spatial farm models in sustainable and multifunctional development of rural areas. The secondary objective was to define the matrix of possible farm models, visualize their dislocation, and recommend multifunctional rural development. It was assumed that the types of model farms depend on the criteria that make it possible to assess the agricultural development potential and the size of agricultural production. Thus, it was assumed that agricultural production conditions influence the farm model but are not always of crucial importance. There are many possibilities for developing various production activities that are not strictly related to agricultural production conditions. The research was carried out with the GIS tool using multi‐criteria and spatial analysis techniques. The research made it possible to determine the models of farms in the rural areas in a specific region, however, the proposed model is suitable for use in other regions or countries.
Exploration and exploitation of multiple values: The dynamic evolution process of sustainable entrepreneurship in Chinese digital platform corporates
Authors: Li Fumeng , Long Jiancheng
Published: October 2023

As a booster of entrepreneurship and innovation, digital technologies are gradually unlocking their transformative potential to mitigate and address major environmental and social problems, together with the platform connecting stakeholders, they offer new opportunities for value co‐creation. While the digital sustainable entrepreneurship framework, encompassing opportunity recognition and exploiting process, is still in the preliminary exploration. The article focalize the digital platform application cases of four sustainable start‐ups and attempts to deconstruct the process of digital sustainable entrepreneurship grounded in the dynamic capability theory. The results indicate that the company integrates the identification of sustainability issues and prediction of heterogeneous needs into multiple opportunity perception, thus establishing stakeholder identification and psychological empowerment to reserve implicit resources, so as to realize the creation of mixed value based on digital platform construction and interaction. The process of “perception–accumulation–co‐creation” presents an alternating cycle of evolution. The results provide support for sustainable entrepreneurship by highlighting the role of dynamic capability as action potentials connected with digital platforms, which in turn foster the study of digital innovation management.
Complexes of SO3 with Pyridine and Bipyridine: Quantum‐Mechanical Methods for Interactions and Spectroscopy
Authors: Curtis Kevin , Yang Ying , Odoh Samuel O.
Published: October 2023

Ground‐ and excited‐state properties of complexes of SO3 with pyridine and bipyridine are studied with quantum‐mechanical approaches, an important endeavor as SO3 complexation is useful for mitigating its environmental impact and for designing photochromic polymers. Guided design of these polymers will benefit from detailed understanding of the performance of quantum‐mechanical methods to be used for such tasks. Therefore, here we study performance of density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) for predicting binding energies, relative energies and excitation spectra of pyridine‐SO3 and bipyridine‐SO3 complexes, in the gas phase and solution. Ground‐state properties are compared against DLPNO‐CCSD(T), DLPNO‐CCSD(T)‐F12 and CCSD(T)‐F12 calculations. Excited state properties are compared to second‐order Algebraic Diagrammatic Construction, ADC(2), and experimental data. For ground state properties, dispersion corrections make a massive improvement to computational data, with the revPBE‐D4 functional specifically recommended for its accuracy, ~1.5 kcal/mol error in the gas phase and ~2.8 kcal/mol in ethanol. For excited‐state properties, many density functionals perform quite well for predicting excitation energies, with most of them being range‐separated hybrids or double‐hybrids with spin‐scaled correlation. However, oscillator strengths from these functionals massively differ from ADC(2), with oscillator strengths from lower‐rung functionals like PBE, M06‐L and BP86 closer to ADC(2).
Bioactive Self‐Regulated Liquified Microcompartments to Bioengineer Bone‐Like Microtissues
Authors: Pinho Ana R. , Gomes Maria C. , Costa Dora C. S. , Mano João F.
Published: October 2023

Designing a microenvironment that drives autonomous stromal cell differentiation toward osteogenesis while recapitulating the complexity of bone tissue remains challenging. In the current study, bone‐like microtissues are created using electrohydrodynamic atomization to form two distinct liquefied microcapsules (mCAPs): i) hydroxypyridinone (HOPO)‐modified gelatin (GH mCAPs, 7.5% w/v), and ii) HOPO‐modified gelatin and dopamine‐modified gelatin (GH+GD mCAPs, 7.5%+1.5% w/v). The ability of HOPO to coordinate with iron ions at physiological pH allows the formation of a semipermeable micro‐hydrogel shell. In turn, the dopamine affinity for calcium ions sets a bioactive milieu for bone‐like microtissues. After 21 days post encapsulation, GH and GH+GD mCAPs potentiate autonomous osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells accompanied by collagen type‐I gene upregulation, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, and formation of mineralized extracellular matrix. However, the GH+GD mCAPs show higher levels of osteogenic markers starting on day 14, translating into a more advanced and organized mineralized matrix. The GH+GD system also shows upregulation of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANK‐L) gene, enabling the autonomous osteoclastic differentiation of monocytes. These catechol‐based mCAPs offer a promising approach to designing multifunctional and autonomous bone‐like microtissues to study in vitro bone‐related processes at the cell‐tissue interface, angiogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis.
Building Block Metal Nanocluster‐Based Growth in 1D Direction
Authors: Qiao Yao , Zou Jiafeng , Fei Wenwen , Fan Wentao , You Qing , Zhao Yan , Li Man‐Bo , Wu Zhikun
Published: October 2023

Metal nanoclusters with precisely modulated structures at the nanoscale give us the opportunity to synthesize and investigate 1D nanomaterials at the atomic level. Herein, it realizes selective 1D growth of building block nanocluster “Au13Cd2” into three structurally different nanoclusters: “hand‐in‐hand” (Au13Cd2)2O, “head‐to‐head” Au25, and “shoulder‐to‐shoulder” Au33. Detailed studies further reveals the growth mechanism and the growth‐related tunable properties. This work provides new hints for the predictable structural transformation of nanoclusters and atomically precise construction of 1D nanomaterials.
Alpha‐Emitter Radium‐223 Induces STING‐Dependent Pyroptosis to Trigger Robust Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Yang Mengdie , Liu Haipeng , Lou Jingjing , Zhang Jiajia , Zuo Changjing , Zhu Mengqin , Zhang Xiaoyi , Yin Yuzhen , Zhang Yu , Qin Shanshan , Zhang Han , Fan Xin , Dang Yifang , Cheng Chao , Cheng Zhen , Yu Fei
Published: October 2023

Radium‐223 (223Ra) is the first‐in‐class alpha‐emitter to mediate tumor eradication, which is commonly thought to kill tumor cells by directly cleaving double‐strand DNA. However, the immunogenic characteristics and cell death modalities triggered by 223Ra remain unclear. Here, it is reported that the 223Ra irradiation induces the pro‐inflammatory damage‐associated molecular patterns including calreticulin, HMGB1, and HSP70, hallmarks of tumor immunogenicity. Moreover, therapeutic 223Ra retards tumor progression by triggering pyroptosis, an immunogenic cell death. Mechanically, 223Ra‐induced DNA damage leads to the activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING)‐mediated DNA sensing pathway, which is critical for NLRP3 inflammasome‐dependent pyroptosis and subsequent DCs maturation as well as T cell activation. These findings establish an essential role of STING in mediating alpha‐emitter 223Ra‐induced antitumor immunity, which provides the basis for the development of novel cancer therapeutic strategies and combinatory therapy.
Host–Guest Complexation in Wide Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ferdowsi Parnian , Bravetti Gianluca , Schmidt Moritz C. , Ochoa-Martinez Efrain , Bijani Shanti , Rizzo Aurora , Colella Silvia , Steiner Ullrich , Ehrler Bruno , Kubicki Dominik J. , Milić Jovana V.
Published: October 2023

Wide‐bandgap hybrid halide perovskites are increasingly relevant in the fabrication of tandem solar cells. However, their efficiency and stability during operation are still limited by several factors, among which ion migration at the interface with charge‐selective extraction layers is one of the most detrimental ones. Herein, a host–guest complexation strategy is employed to control interfacial ion migration by using dibenzo‐21‐crown‐7 in wide‐bandgap hybrid halide perovskites based on methylammonium lead bromide. The capacity of the crown ether is demonstrated that affect the performances and stabilities of MAPbBr3 solar cells. As a result, power conversion efficiencies of up to 5.9% are achieved with an open circuit voltage as high as 1.5 V, which is accompanied by stability over 300 h at 85 °C under nitrogen atmosphere, as well as more than 300 h at ambient temperature, maintaining ∼80% of initial performance. This provides a versatile strategy for wide‐bandgap photovoltaic devices.
Insights into Modeling Approaches in Chemistry: Assessing Ligand‐Protein Binding Thermodynamics Based on Rigid‐Flexible Model Molecules
Authors: Komarov Igor V. , Bugrov Volodymyr A. , Cherednychenko Anton , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: October 2023

In the field of chemistry, model compounds find extensive use for investigating complex objects. One prime example of such object is the protein‐ligand supramolecular interaction. Prediction the enthalpic and entropic contribution to the free energy associated with this process, as well as the structural and dynamic characteristics of protein‐ligand complexes poses considerable challenges. This review exemplifies modeling approaches used to study protein‐ligand binding (PLB) thermodynamics by employing pairs of conformationally constrained/flexible model molecules. Strategically designing the model molecules can reduce the number of variables that influence thermodynamic parameters. This enables scientists to gain deeper insights into the enthalpy and entropy of PLB, which is relevant for medicinal chemistry and drug design. The model studies reviewed here demonstrate that rigidifying ligands may induce compensating changes in the enthalpy and entropy of binding. Some “rules of thumb” have started to emerge on how to minimize entropy‐enthalpy compensation and design efficient rigidified or flexible ligands.
Antifungal susceptibility profile of yeasts isolated from the oral cavity of cats
Authors: Nikaein Donya , Shirani Dariush , Sharifzadeh Aghil , Alavi Ava , Khosravi Ali Reza
Published: October 2023

Background

Microorganisms living in the oral cavity play an important role in health and disease of the host. Cats are susceptible to oral infections, and it is documented that fungi in the oral cavity could impact these infections. Antifungal resistance has been increasing in recent years.

Objectives

This study was designed to identify yeast isolates from the oral cavity of healthy cats and to evaluate their antifungal susceptibility pattern.

Methods

Oral specimens were collected from 60 cats and cultured at 37°C for 10 days. Yeasts were isolated and identified. Their antifungal susceptibility pattern was determined according to CLSI M44‐A.

Results

Three yeast genera were isolated, including Candida spp (55.5%), Rhodotorula spp (33.3%) and Hanseniaspora spp (11.1%). Antifungal susceptibility profiling showed that, apart from a dose‐dependent effect of itraconazole, Hanseniaspora spp was susceptible to all seven drugs studied. The Candida species were susceptible to all drugs except ketoconazole (sensitivity 80%) and caspofungin (sensitivity 40%). In R. glutinis and R. minuta, 100% sensitivity was observed for amphotericin B, posaconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole.

Conclusions

The results suggest that, in comparison with humans and other animals, cats have a different oral mycoflora in terms of species, number and diversity. However, these isolates have similar susceptibility patterns to those seen in isolates from other animals and humans. More studies should be done to further characterize the oral mycobiota of cats and its role in oral infections.
South-South Cooperation and Decoloniality
Authors: Mawdsley Emma
Published: October 2023

In this brief reflection, I do not attempt a comprehensive analysis of the multiple ways in which we might theorise and approach the ideas, materialities and practices of decoloniality and (whatever is meant by) ‘South-South Cooperation’. Rather, I explore whether and how contemporary South-South Cooperation (SSC) reflects, practices or achieves decoloniality in its normative imaginaries and languages, practices, relationalities, knowledge politics and power matrices. By SSC I refer to ‘official’, state-led institutions, policies and practices, which may enrol, fund and partner with the private sector and other civil society actors.
EADI Roundtable: Recasting Development Studies in Times of Multiple Crises
Authors: Kothari Uma , Altink Henrice , Saad-Filho Alfredo , Leach Melissa
Published: October 2023

On 3 November 2022, the annual EADI Directors’ Meeting was held at King’s College, University of London, UK. Part of the deliberations included an opening Roundtable discussion focusing on development studies in times of multiple crises.
Essentialist Approaches to Global Issues: The Ontological Limitations of Development Studies
Authors: Telleria Juan
Published: October 2023

There is a growing consensus among development researchers and practitioners that development studies is in a critical moment. This chapter offers reflections on the challenges and transformations that development studies face in order to redefine its remit, and to position itself within broader academic, policy, and practice communities.
In Search of Alternatives to Development: Learning from Grounded Initiatives
Authors: Kothari Ashish
Published: October 2023

Across the world, overwhelming evidence of the ecological unsustainability and social injustice of the current path of development has led to a range of responses. Substantial efforts have been made by various governments, corporations, and civil society towards ‘greening’ the economy, elaborating on, and attempting to adopt, principles of ‘sustainable development’. The most ambitious of these has been the 2015 agreement amongst countries to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, people’s movements across the world question these approaches as not being systemic enough to challenge the fundamental structures causing inequality, un sustainability and injustice. Much more structural transformations in practice and worldviews are needed, many examples of which already exist to point towards pathways out of multiple crises.
Data Collection Versus Knowledge Theft: Relational Accountability and the Research Ethics of Indigenous Knowledges
Authors: Tynan Lauren
Published: October 2023

Many opportunities exist for researchers to take knowledge, publish it and become an expert. As a Pairebeenne Trawlwoolway Aboriginal woman of lutruwita/Tasmania, Australia, I converse with the work of other Indigenous scholars to theorise ideas of relational accountability, refusal and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Reflecting on my own research experiences, I seek to move away from concepts of ‘data collection’ and ‘fieldwork’ by understanding data as knowledge and the field as a place of relations, not a research location to fly in and fly out of. An ethical practice that engages with cultural protocols and relationality decentres the academy as instigator and arbiter of ethical research and brings forth an ethical practice that is held in relationship with those who produce and own the knowledge, both people and Country.Whilst many development researchers already work in collaborative and relational ways with their research communities,this chapter invites us to do more; advocating for stronger research protocols, ongoing relations of accountability, and real engagement with Intellectual Property, copyright and co-authorship.
Toward Anticipatory Regulation and Beyond
Authors: Serentschy Georg , Timmers Paul , Matinmikko-Blue Marja
Published: October 2023

The emergence of the 6G ecosystem is another tipping point for policy and regulatory orthodoxy. Against the backdrop of the US offering overall the best conditions for innovation, policymakers in Europe must recognize the need to change their analytical and planning structures. Telecom regulators need to break out of their sectoral silos. Fortunately, many are ready to do so, and 6G provides the opportunity. 5G, and even more so 6G, IoT, cloudification, edge computing, etc., are gamechangers, and digital platforms have taken over a growing share of interpersonal communications, while most traditional telecom companies have been reduced to providing connectivity. We are therefore right to ask ourselves what we want to regulate and, above all, why. Are we regulating in the right place? By what means? In this chapter, we analyze regulatory developments in Europe, North America, and Asia and draw conclusions on how Europe's competitiveness and innovative strength can be improved with better interlinking of industrial policy, innovation, and regulation.