bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrusion 3D‐printed tricalcium phosphate‐polycaprolactone biocomposites for quercetin‐KCl delivery in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Toulou Connor , Chaudhari Vishal Sharad , Bose Susmita
Published: March 2024

Critical‐sized bone defects pose a significant challenge in advanced healthcare due to limited bone tissue regenerative capacity. The complex interplay of numerous overlapping variables hinders the development of multifunctional biocomposites. Phytochemicals show promise in promoting bone growth, but their dose‐dependent nature and physicochemical properties halt clinical use. To develop a comprehensive solution, a 3D‐printed (3DP) extrusion‐based tricalcium phosphate‐polycaprolactone (TCP‐PCL) scaffold is augmented with quercetin and potassium chloride (KCl). This composite material demonstrates a compressive strength of 30 MPa showing promising stability for low load‐bearing applications. Quercetin release from the scaffold follows a biphasic pattern that persists for up to 28 days, driven via diffusion‐mediated kinetics. The incorporation of KCl allows for tunable degradation rates of scaffolds and prevents the initial rapid release. Functionalization of scaffolds facilitates the attachment and proliferation of human fetal osteoblasts (hfOB), resulting in a 2.1‐fold increase in cell viability. Treated scaffolds exhibit a 3‐fold reduction in osteosarcoma (MG‐63) cell viability as compared to untreated substrates. Ruptured cell morphology and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential indicate the antitumorigenic potential. Scaffolds loaded with quercetin and quercetin‐KCl (Q‐KCl) demonstrate 76% and 89% reduction in bacterial colonies of Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. This study provides valuable insights as a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering (BTE) in orthopedic repair.
Mechanisms of revenue manipulation under ASC 606
Authors: Hubbard Benjamin
Published: March 2024

The implementation of ASC 606 significantly changed revenue recognition practices for many firms in the capital market by increasing the level of discretion required to record revenue amounts. I examine the impact of this increase in discretion on revenue manipulation around external targets. I find that firms near analyst revenue targets have increased levels of discretionary revenues under ASC 606 relative to their peers, indicating increased revenue manipulation. Further analysis reveals that these increased levels of discretionary revenues are concentrated in firms characterized as having increased opportunity or incentive to use ASC 606 opportunistically to manipulate revenues upwards. Specifically, firms with more complex revenue operations and firms in earlier life cycles are associated with increased discretionary revenues under ASC 606. I also provide preliminary evidence of revenue manipulation varying systematically with industry characteristics. This paper is one of the first to provide evidence of capital market consequences stemming from ASC 606, while also highlighting the impact of firm characteristics on the choice to manage revenues.
Hydrolysis mechanism of the cyclohexaborate anion: Unraveling the intricacies
Authors: Jia Lifan , Wang Yunxia , Song Lulu , Liu Ruirui , Li Longgang , Li Jisheng , Zhou Yongquan , Pan Jianmin , Zhu Fayan
Published: March 2024

is a highly polymerized borate anion of three six‐membered rings. Limited research on the hydrolysis mechanism under neutral solution conditions exists. Calculations based on density functional theory show that undergoes five steps of hydrolysis to form H3BO3 and . At the same time, there are a small number of borate ions with different degrees of polymerization during the hydrolysis process, such as triborate, tetraborate, and pentaborate anions. The structure of the borate anion and the coordination environment of the bridging oxygen atoms control the hydrolysis process. Finally, this work explains that in existing experimental studies, the reason for the low content in solution environments with low total boron concentrations is that it depolymerizes into other types of borate ions and clarifies the borate species. The conversion relationship provides a basis for identifying the possibility of various borate ions existing in the solution. This work also provides a certain degree of theoretical support for the cause of the “dilution to salt” phenomenon.
β‐sheets mediate the conformational change and allosteric signal transmission between the AsLOV2 termini
Authors: Xiao Sian , Ibrahim Mayar Tarek , Verkhivker Gennady M. , Zoltowski Brian D. , Tao Peng
Published: March 2024

Avena sativa phototropin 1 light‐oxygen‐voltage 2 domain (AsLOV2) is a model protein of Per‐Arnt‐Sim (PAS) superfamily, characterized by conformational changes in response to external environmental stimuli. This conformational change begins with the unfolding of the N‐terminal A'α helix in the dark state followed by the unfolding of the C‐terminal Jα helix. The light state is characterized by the unfolded termini and the subsequent modifications in hydrogen bond patterns. In this photoreceptor, β‐sheets are identified as crucial components for mediating allosteric signal transmission between the two termini. Through combined experimental and computational investigations, the Hβ and Iβ strands are recognized as the most critical and influential β‐sheets in AsLOV2's allosteric mechanism. To elucidate the role of these β‐sheets, we introduced 13 distinct mutations (F490L, N492A, L493A, F494L, H495L, L496F, Q497A, R500A, F509L, Q513A, L514A, D515V, and T517V) and conducted comprehensive molecular dynamics simulations. In‐depth hydrogen bond analyses emphasized the role of two hydrogen bonds, Asn482‐Leu453 and Gln479‐Val520, in the observed distinct behaviors of L493A, L496F, Q497A, and D515V mutants. This illustrates the role of β‐sheets in the transmission of the allosteric signal upon the photoactivation of the light state.
Integrating Full Bayesian Inference and Student's t‐Distribution Method for Enhanced Outlier Handling in Caffeine Population Pharmacokinetics: Assessing Drug–Drug Interactions with Enasidenib in Relapsed or Refractory AML and MDS Patients
Authors: Cheng Yiming , Du Shengnan , Hu Hongxiang , Wang Xiaomin , Carayannopoulos Leon , Li Yan
Published: March 2024

As the first‐in‐class, selective, and potent inhibitor of the isocitrate dehydrogenase‐2 (IDH2) mutant protein, enasidenib was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with an IDH2 mutation. Known for its interactions with various cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and transporters in vitro, a clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) trial was initiated to assess the impact of multiple doses of enasidenib on the single‐dose PK of sensitive probe substrates of several cytochrome P450 enzymes and transporters. In this study, a population pharmacokinetic analysis approach was employed to address challenges posed by high, nonzero baseline caffeine concentrations. Moreover, we integrated full Bayesian inference into this approach innovatively for a more detailed understanding of parameter uncertainty and greater modeling flexibility, alongside Student's t‐distribution for robust error modeling in handling the abnormal outlier caffeine concentration data observed in this trial. Our analyses demonstrated that multiple doses of enasidenib altered caffeine clearance to a clinically meaningful extent, as evidenced by an approximate 8‐fold decrease. This finding led to a specific recommendation in the package insert to avoid the concurrent use of certain CYP1A2 substrates with enasidenib, unless directed otherwise in the prescribing information. Furthermore, this research underlines the technical benefits of integrating full Bayesian inference and incorporating Student's t‐distribution for residual error modeling in the PK field.
Photocatalytic bio‐inspired PDA‐RGO/g‐C3N4 nanocomposite incorporated PES membrane for removal of environmental antibiotic pollutants
Authors: Govardhanan B. , GokulaKrishnan S.A. , Arthanareeswaran G. , Ashok M. , Chen Yong‐Song , Taweepreda W.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Membrane technology makes it more suitable for the treatment of environmental polluted organic wastewater. Membrane fouling is one of the major concerns in commercial membranes. To overcome this issue, photocatalytic nanomaterials are embedded into the membrane to enhance its surface nature and reusability. In this investigation, polydopamine functionalized graphene oxide (PDA‐RGO), graphite carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) and PDA‐RGO/g‐C3N4 nanomaterials were incorporated within polyethersulfone membrane fabricated via a phase inversion technique. These as‐prepared membranes’ functional groups and surface morphologies were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission electron microscopy (FESEM). These as‐prepared membranes were investigated for photocatalytic activity under visible‐light‐driven photodegradation by environmental pollutants such as Rhodamine B (RhB) and Norfloxacin (NOR).

RESULTS

Compared with pristine PES membrane, the PDA‐RGO/g‐C3N4‐PES nanocomposite membrane showed higher photocatalytic activity for Rhodamine B 94.6% and Norfloxacin 96.8%, also reached greater water flux 189 L m−2 h−1. Therefore, the bio‐inspired nanocomposite‐modified PDA‐RGO/g‐C3N4 photocatalytic membrane could have huge potential in processing environmentally polluted water.

CONCLUSIONS

PDA‐RGO/g‐C3N4‐PES nanocomposite membrane improved the membrane hydrophilicity, water flow, anti‐fouling performance, rejection studies and photocatalytic degradation than the pristine membrane. The synergistic result of PDA‐RGO and g‐C3N4 exhibits better photodegradation efficiency of the membrane towards environmental pollutants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Insights into the G‐quadruplex DNA interaction landscape: Comparative analysis of anionic Zn(II) and Co(II) phthalocyanine‐tetrasulfonate complexes
Authors: Bağda Efkan
Published: March 2024

G‐quadruplexes play a pivotal role in regulating various cellular processes, including gene expression and replication, making them essential structures in understanding, and manipulating cellular functions. The development of G‐quadruplex ligands holds significant promise in therapeutic and research applications, offering targeted tools to modulate G‐quadruplex structures and potentially influence critical biological pathways. An exciting frontier in G‐quadruplex research lies in the exploration of anionic ligands, and their profound impact on stabilizing and modulating G‐quadruplex DNA. In this study, the interaction of two anionic phthalocyanine compounds (Zinc (II) phthalocyanine 3,4′,4″,4‴‐tetrasulfonic acid, tetrasodium salt, ZnAPC; cobalt (II) phthalocyanine 3,4′,4″,4‴‐tetrasulfonic acid, tetrasodium salt, CoAPC) and three separate G‐quadruplex‐forming DNA sequences was investigated. Interactions were carried out by DNA polymerase stop studies along with spectroscopic studies. According to the results of experimental data, it was determined that ZnAPC actively interacts with the G‐quadruplex DNA structures. On the other hand, it was thought that the interaction with CoAPC was less and even occurred in simple electrostatic interactions. KD constants and Bmax constants for the interaction with ZnAPC were calculated. The KD constants for ZnAPC were found to be (1.16 ± 0.07) × 10−5, (9.75 ± .24) × 10−6 and (1.00 ± 0.36) × 10−4 M for AS1411, Vegf, and Tel21, respectively. Accordingly, it was concluded that ZnAPC interacts with G‐quadruplex DNA ligands effectively.
The relationship between December haze pollution in the Sichuan Basin and preceding climate factors
Authors: Luo Yu , Zhao Pengguo , Xu Luyang , Chen Chao , Wang Shunjiu , Liu Jia
Published: March 2024

Haze pollution (HP) is one of the most serious disasters in the Sichuan Basin (SCB), adversely affecting human health, transportation, tourism and agriculture. HP in December is severe and differs from the haze days in January and February in terms of their temporal variations. To improve the understanding of December haze days in the SCB (DHDSCB), this study not only shows the atmospheric circulations and local meteorological circumstances related with the haze variation, but also analyses its relationship with the prior atmospheric apparent heat source over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and the sea surface temperature (SST). The key circulation system associated with the interannual variation of the DHDSCB is that the SCB is controlled by the positive geopotential height anomalies and anomalous anticyclonic circulations with weak southwestward water vapour transport. Moreover, unfavourable local meteorological circumstances limit the vertical (horizontal) dispersion of pollutants. In addition, the DHDSCB during 1981–2022 is also found to have significant relationships with two preceding climate factors, which are the atmospheric apparent heat source (Q1) over the western TP in preceding November and the SST difference between the western Maritime Continent and western Australia in preceding autumn. The enhancement of Q1 over the western TP in preceding November is closely related to the midlatitude North Atlantic–southern Mediterranean Middle East–Arabian Sea–TP and its downstream region teleconnection pattern. Consequently, the anticyclonic circulation prevails over the SCB, and SCB is with less precipitation and more haze days in December. The western Maritime Continent and western Australia SST pattern in preceding Autumn is correlated with the Bay of Bengal–eastern TP and its downstream–Japan–Bering Sea teleconnection pattern, providing unfavourable moisture condition for the precipitation over the SCB and leading to the onset, development and maintenance of static weather in December. Therefore, the Q1 over the western TP and the SST pattern over the western Maritime Continent and western Australia may be potential indicators for the subseasonal prediction of HP in the SCB in December.
Measurement practices of alanine aminotransferase in children: Temporal changes and etiology for increased values
Authors: Aitokari Linnea , Hiltunen Pauliina , Huhtala Heini , Kurppa Kalle , Kivelä Laura
Published: March 2024

Data on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measurement practices and diagnoses associated with increased values are limited. We evaluated these issues by collecting ALT measurements from 1‐ to 16‐year‐old patients investigated in 1992–2018 in a tertiary center. Diagnoses were gathered in 2008–2018. Altogether 145,092 measurements from 28,118 children were taken 42% undergoing repeated testing. Testing increased from 21/1000 to 81/1000 children and the prevalence of elevated values fluctuated between 18% and 26%. An increase was seen especially in emergency care and departments of rheumatology, gastroenterology, hemato‐oncology, and psychiatry. Common acute causes associated with elevated ALT were infections (45%), hemato‐oncologic conditions (17%), and external reasons (13%), whereas autoimmune diseases (28%), psychiatric conditions (14%), and metabolic‐dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (10%) were common chronic causes. In conclusion, ALT testing increased 3.9‐fold while the proportion of increased values remained stable, indicating that increased testing was justified. However, in some departments the testing efficiency was low.
Shwachman–Diamond syndrome mimicking mitochondrial hepatopathy
Authors: Kaufman Odelya , Donnelly Colleen , Cork Emalyn , Fiel Maria I. , Chu Jaime , Ganesh Jaya
Published: March 2024

Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the Shwachman–Bodian–Diamond syndrome (SBDS) gene. The syndrome is characterized by multiorgan dysfunction primarily involving the bone marrow and exocrine pancreas. Frequently overlooked is the hepatic dysfunction seen in early childhood which tends to improve by adulthood. Here, we report a child who initially presented with failure to thrive and elevated transaminases, and was ultimately diagnosed with SDS. A liver biopsy electron micrograph revealed hepatocytes crowded with numerous small mitochondria, resembling the hepatic architecture from patients with inborn errors of metabolism, including mitochondrial diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the mitochondrial phenotype in an SDS patient. These findings are compelling given the recent cellular and molecular research studies which have identified SBDS as an essential regulator of mitochondrial function and have also implicated SBDS in the maintenance of mitochondrial DNA.
Impact of visual enhancement and color conversion algorithms on remote sound recovery from silent videos
Authors: Choong Ren‐Jun , Yap Wun‐She , Hum Yan Chai , Lai Khin Wee , Ling Lloyd , Vodacek Anthony , Tee Yee Kai
Published: March 2024

The visual microphone is a technique for remote sound recovery that extracts sound information from tiny pixel‐scale vibrations in a video. Despite having demonstrated success in sound recovery, the impact of various visual enhancement and color conversion algorithms applied on the video before the sound recovery process has not been explored. Thus, it is important to investigate these effects have on the recovered sound quality, as the vibrations are so small the effects play an important role. This work experimented with different color to grayscale conversions and visual enhancement algorithms on 576 videos, and found that the recovered sound quality is indeed greatly affected by the choice of algorithms. The best conversion algorithms were found to be the average of the red, green and blue color channels and the perceptual lightness in the CIELAB color space, improving the recovered sound quality by up to 23.22%. Furthermore, visual enhancement techniques such as gamma correction have been found to corrupt vibration information, leading to a 22.47% drop in recovered sound quality in one of the tested videos. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid or minimize the use of visual enhancement techniques for remote sound recovery to prevent the elimination of useful subtle vibrations.
Exploring the association between post–critical incident intervention preferences and self‐reported coping self‐efficacy among firefighters
Authors: Sarabia Joselyn R. , Dellor Elinam , Freisthler Bridget , Kieninger Katherine
Published: March 2024

Critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) is a commonly utilized intervention in the fire service that aims to minimize psychological harm and adverse mental health outcomes after a potentially traumatic incident. This study aimed to explore firefighter preferences regarding CISD and alternative post–critical incident interventions in relation to firefighter coping self‐efficacy (FFCSE) and trauma coping self‐efficacy (CSE‐T). Firefighters (N = 241) completed an online survey and provided complete data. Most participants were White (n = 203, 84.2%), non‐Hispanic (n = 221, 91.7%) men (94.2%; n = 227). CISD was the most preferred intervention among firefighters (n = 113, 46.9%) as compared to informal peer support (n = 31, 12.9%), formal one‐on‐one counseling (n = 29, 12.0%), and no intervention (n = 68, 28.2%). Firefighters who preferred CISD had statistically significant lower levels of FFCSE, R2 = .033–.044, ps = .012–.030, and CSE‐T, R2 = .035–.061 ps = .017–.024, compared to those who preferred no intervention. Firefighters who preferred formal one‐on‐one counseling had statistically significantly lower levels of FFCSE, R2 = .033–.044, ps = .003–.011, and CSE‐T, R2 = .035–0.061, p < .001–p = .002, compared to those who preferred no intervention. The findings from this study may guide future research to increase knowledge on firefighter intervention preferences and the association between preference and coping self‐efficacy.
Normalized solutions to nonlinear Schrödinger equations with competing Hartree‐type nonlinearities
Authors: Bhimani Divyang , Gou Tianxiang , Hajaiej Hichem
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we consider solutions to the following nonlinear Schrödinger equation with competing Hartree‐type nonlinearities,
under the ‐norm constraint
where , , and appearing as Lagrange multiplier is unknown. First, we establish the existence of ground states in the mass subcritical, critical, and supercritical cases. Then, we consider the well‐posedness and dynamical behaviors of solutions to the Cauchy problem for the associated time‐dependent equations.
Convexity properties of Yoshikawa–Sparr interpolation spaces
Authors: Aleksandrowicz Karol , Prus Stanisław
Published: March 2024

We study stability of the three geometric properties: uniform convexity, nearly uniform convexity, and property under the Yoshikawa–Sparr interpolation method when the resulting interpolation space is considered with various equivalent norms. We give an example which shows that interpolation spaces obtained by the discrete and continuous versions of the method need not be isometric and present a method of transferring geometric properties from the discrete case to the continuous one.
Microglial Activation and Progression of Nigrostriatal Dysfunction in Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Stær Kristian , Iranzo Alex , Stokholm Morten Gersel , Hvingelby Victor S. , Danielsen Erik Hvid , Østergaard Karen , Serradell Mónica , Otto Marit , Svendsen Kristina B. , Garrido Alicia , Vilas Dolores , Santamaria Joan , Møller Arne , Gaig Carles , Brooks David J. , Borghammer Per , Tolosa Eduardo , Pavese Nicola
Published: March 2024

Background

Using 11C‐(R)‐PK11195‐PET, we found increased microglia activation in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) patients. Their role remains to be clarified.

Objectives

The objective is to assess relationships between activated microglia and progression of nigrostriatal dysfunction in iRBD.

Methods

Fifteen iRBD patients previously scanned with 11C‐(R)‐PK11195 and 18F‐DOPA‐PET underwent repeat 18F‐DOPA‐PET after 3 years. 18F‐DOPA Ki changes from baseline were evaluated with volumes‐of‐interest and voxel‐based analyses.

Results

Significant 18F‐DOPA Ki reductions were found in putamen and caudate. Reductions were larger and more widespread in patients with increased nigral microglia activation at baseline. Left nigral 11C‐(R)‐PK11195 binding at baseline was a predictor of 18F‐DOPA Ki reduction in left caudate (coef = −0.0426, P = 0.016).

Conclusions

Subjects with increased baseline 11C‐(R)‐PK11195 binding have greater changes in nigrostriatal function, suggesting a detrimental rather than protective effect of microglial activation. Alternatively, both phenomena occur in patients with prominent nigrostriatal dysfunction without a causative link. The clinical and therapeutic implications of these findings need further elucidation. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Fog climatology at Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Authors: Hao Ran , Lyu Rui , Hao Xue , Yi Jun , Wang Weijie , Cheng Tiantao , Xu Bo
Published: March 2024

Using 22‐year ground observations on meteorological variables, we conducted a statistical analysis to reveal fog characteristics at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (SPIA). Fog events were classified by fog types using an objective method. Two types of advection fogs are dominant in fog events at SPIA, followed by radiation fogs. Different fogs have evident annual and monthly variations in frequency. Advection fog mostly appear from February to April, while radiation fog is mainly between November and February. Six synoptic patterns associated with fogs were determine by a self‐organizing maps cluster method, two of which, namely ‘west of marine high pressure’ and ‘inverted trough’, are most favourable for the formation of advection fogs, whereas ‘bottom of weak cold high‐pressure’ is favourable for radiation fogs. The frequency of advection fog occurrence exhibits temporal fluctuations with distinct peaks occurring 2–3 h after sunset, around midnight, and 1–2 h before sunrise, while almost all radiation fog occur in the second half of the night, and favourable conditions for fog onset become more effective with the length of the night. Radiation fog exhibits a longer duration than advection fog and tends to result in lower visibility. The prevalent wind direction for the formation of advection fog is generally from the east to the southeast, whereas radiation fog is typically associated with westerly winds. The temperature and air pressure during the formation of both advection and radiation fogs follow a normal distribution in most seasons. More fog characteristics were categorized by fog types and seasons.
Comparison of optimal harvesting policies with general logistic growth and a general harvesting function
Authors: Reis Miguel , Brites Nuno M. , Santos Carla , Dias Cristina
Published: March 2024

This paper explores stochastic differential equation models to characterize the growth dynamics of a stock modeled by generalized logistic growth under a general harvesting function. The latter function adds diminishing marginal productivity to effort increases, while the former incorporates several well‐known growth functions as particular instances. In order to obtain optimal policies, a Crank–Nicolson discretization scheme is derived for the general models. We employ the optimal control theory to determine the optimal harvesting policy for a specific harvested stock and compare the expected net present value of the harvester's total profit earned across harvesting policies. The main conclusion is that models with a higher growth rate result in greater profit values.
Assessing gambling disorder using frequency‐ and time‐based response options: A Rasch analysis of the gambling disorder identification test
Authors: Molander Olof , Wennberg Peter , Dowling Nicki A. , Berman Anne H.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The Gambling Disorder Identification Test (GDIT) is a recently developed self‐report measure. The GDIT includes items with multiple response options that are either based on frequency or time, and item response theory evaluations of these could yield vital knowledge on its measurement performance.

Methods

The GDIT was evaluated using Rasch analysis in a study involving 597 Swedish gamblers.

Results

In a three‐dimensional Rasch model, the item response difficulty range extended from −1.88 to 4.06 and increased with higher time‐ and frequency‐based responses. Differential item functioning showed that some GDIT items displayed age and gender‐related differences. Additionally, person‐separation reliability indicated the GDIT could reliably be divided into three to four diagnostic levels.

Conclusions

The frequency‐ and time‐based item response options of the GDIT offer excellent measurement, allowing for elaborate assessment across both lower and higher gambling severity. The GDIT can be used to detect DSM‐5 Gambling Disorder, thereby holding significance from both epidemiological and clinical standpoints. Notably, the 3‐item GDIT Gambling Behavior subscale also shows potential as a brief screening tool for identifying at‐risk gambling behavior.
Neuromuscular consequences of spinal cord injury: New mechanistic insights and clinical considerations
Authors: Debenham Mathew I. B. , Franz Colin K. , Berger Michael J.
Published: March 2024

The spinal cord facilitates communication between the brain and the body, containing intrinsic systems that work with lower motor neurons (LMNs) to manage movement. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can lead to partial paralysis and dysfunctions in muscles below the injury. While traditionally this paralysis has been attributed to disruptions in the corticospinal tract, a growing body of work demonstrates LMN damage is a factor. Motor units, comprising the LMN and the muscle fibers with which they connect, are essential for voluntary movement. Our understanding of their changes post‐SCI is still emerging, but the health of motor units is vital, especially when considering innovative SCI treatments like nerve transfer surgery. This review seeks to collate current literature on how SCI impact motor units and explore neuromuscular clinical implications and treatment avenues. SCI reduced motor unit number estimates, and surviving motor units had impaired signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction, force‐generating capacity, and excitability, which have the potential to recover chronically, yet the underlaying mechanisms are unclear. Furthermore, electrodiagnostic evaluations can aid in assessing the health lower and upper motor neurons, identify suitable targets for nerve transfer surgeries, and detect patients with time sensitive injuries. Lastly, many electrodiagnostic abnormalities occur in both chronic and acute SCI, yet factors contributing to these abnormalities are unknown. Future studies are required to determine how motor units adapt following SCI and the clinical implications of these adaptations.
Fast explicit time integration schemes for parabolic problems in mechanics
Authors: Oñate Eugenio , Zárate Francisco , Gimenez Juan M. , Lohner Rainald , Idelsohn Sergio R.
Published: March 2024

We present a family of fast explicit time integration schemes of first, second and third order accuracy for parabolic problems in mechanics solved via standard numerical methods that have considerable higher computational efficiency versus existing explicit methods of the same order. The derivation of the new explicit schemes is inspired on the finite increment calculus (FIC) procedure used for obtaining stabilized numerical schemes in fluid and solid mechanics. The new (so‐called) explicit FIC‐Time (EFT) schemes allow considerable larger time steps than the standard first order forward Euler (FE) scheme and the second and third order Adams–Bashforth schemes. The comparison with Runge–Kutta schemes also favors the FIC‐Time schemes in terms of the limit time step size (for second order schemes) and the total number of matrix‐vector multiplications per time step (for second and third order schemes). The new first order explicit schemes have a faster convergence to steady‐state than the FE scheme. The accuracy and efficiency of the new EFT schemes are verified in examples of application to the transient heat conduction equation using the finite element method.
Synthesis of Mono‐, Di‐, Tri‐, and Tetra‐cationic Pyridinium and Vinylpyridinium Modified [2.2]Paracyclophanes: Modular Receptors for Supramolecular Systems
Authors: Wang Yichuan , Li Yuting , Fuhr Olaf , Nieger Martin , Hassan Zahid , Bräse Stefan
Published: March 2024

In this report, a new series of mono‐, di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐cationic pyridinium and vinyl pyridinium‐modified [2.2]paracyclophanes as useful molecular tectons for supramolecular systems are described. Regioselective functionalization at specific positions, followed by resolution step and successive transformations through Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐Heck cross‐coupling chemistry furnish a series of modular PCP scaffolds. In our proof‐of‐concept study, on N‐methylation, the PCPs bearing (cationic) pyridyl functionalities were demonstrated as useful molecular receptors in host‐guest supramolecular assays. The PCPs on grafting with light‐responsive azobenzene (−N=N−) functional core as side‐groups impart photosensitivity that can be remotely transformed on irradiation, offering photo‐controlled smart molecular functions. Furthermore, the symmetrical PCPs bearing bi‐, and tetra‐pyridyl functionalities at the peripheries have enormous potential to serve as ditopic and tetratopic 3D molecular tectons for engineering non‐covalent supramolecular assemblies with new structural and functional attributes.
Gender discrimination and merit‐based selection: A case study of Mexico
Authors: Chudnovsky Mariana , Castañeda Farill Carmen E.
Published: March 2024

Does the merit‐based selection process help to reduce gender discrimination in public administrations? To answer this question, we conducted an in‐depth case study in Mexico and built two original databases for analysis. First, we measure vertical and horizontal discrimination, and second, we examine merit‐based competitions for access to upper management levels of the Mexican public administration to explore their role in reproducing gender discrimination. We find the existence of both vertical and horizontal segregation, and the analysis of merit‐based competition results shows that women have difficulty winning competitions for the highest hierarchical levels and traditionally male sectors. Based on these findings, we explore the role of merit‐based competitions in reproducing gender discrimination. Finally, we urge for the inclusion of a gender perspective in public service reforms in Latin America.
ZnO nanoparticles: A sustainable fabrication enhanced by eggshell waste and its germicidal, anti‐proliferative, and photodecomposition properties
Authors: Vijayakumar S. , Pandidurai S. , Wadaan Mohammad Ahmad , Mythili R. , Santhosh D. , Balamurali N. , Vidhya E.
Published: March 2024

Recently, there has been a lot of interest in the fabrication of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) due to the growing importance of developing recyclable assets, affordable methods, sustainable substances, and safe compounds. The current study demonstrates the environmentally friendly fabrication of ZnO NPs through the use of an aqueous extract derived from discarded eggshells. The analysis of ZnO NPs involved the use of UV, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) with EDX techniques. The anti‐germs effects of fabricated NPs on pathogens were investigated using the agar diffusion technique. The cell‐damaging effects were assessed using the MTT assay, whereas the photodecomposition capacity was examined with Congo red and methylene blue dye. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the existence of tetragonal crystal morphology. The generated ZnO NPs have a crystallite size of 17.6 nm. According to FE‐SEM examination, the created sample's average grain size has been determined to be between 20 and 30 nm. The sustainable production of ZnO NPs showed remarkable anti‐germs properties against human pathogenic organisms and had good efficacy in damaging Osteosarcoma cell lines (MG‐63) during the experiment. Additionally, it emerged that the manifestation of remarkable catalytic efficiency fell by 78.1% after 60 min for methylene blue. Based on the findings, it has been determined that sustainable production of ZnO NPs shows great potential across multiple fields such as anti‐germs, anti‐proliferative, and photodecomposition properties.
Medicine utilization studies in Australian individual‐level dispensing data: A blinded, multi‐center replicated analysis
Authors: Gillies Malcolm B. , Bharat Chrianna , Camacho Ximena , Daniels Benjamin , Hall Kelly , Kelly Thu‐Lan , Kelty Erin , Lin Jialing , Litchfield Melisa , Lopez Derrick , Noghrehchi Firouzeh , Raubenheimer Jacques , Varney Bianca , Pratt Nicole
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Medicine dispensing data require extensive preparation when used for research and decisions during this process may lead to results that do not replicate between independent studies. We conducted an experiment to examine the impact of these decisions on results of a study measuring discontinuation, intensification, and switching in a cohort of patients initiating metformin.

Methods

Four Australian sites independently developed a HARmonized Protocol template to Enhance Reproducibility (HARPER) protocol and executed their analyses using the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme 10% sample dataset. Each site calculated cohort size and demographics and measured treatment events including discontinuation, switch to another diabetes medicine, and intensification (addition of another diabetes medicine). Time to event and hazard ratios for associations between cohort characteristics and each event were also calculated. Concordance was assessed by measuring deviations from the calculated median of each value across the sites.

Results

Good agreement was found across sites for the number of initiators (median: 53 127, range: 51 848–55 273), gender (56.9% female, range: 56.8%–57.1%) and age group. Each site employed different methods for estimating days supply and used different operational definitions for the treatment events. Consequently, poor agreement was found for incidence of discontinuation (median 55%, range: 34%–67%), switching (median 3.5%, range: 1%–7%), intensification (median 8%, range: 5%–12%), time to event estimates and hazard ratios.

Conclusions

Differences in analytical decisions when deriving exposure from dispensing data affect replicability. Detailed analytical protocols, such as HARPER, are critical for transparency of operational definitions and interpretations of key study parameters.
Physicomechanical, water absorption and thermal properties and morphology of Paederia foetida fiber–Al2O3 powder hybrid‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Herlina Sari Nasmi , Suteja Suteja , Pruncu Catalin Iulian , Setyawan Indra , Ilyas Rushdan Ahmad , Lamberti Luciano
Published: March 2024

Hybridization of natural fibers with ceramic materials for reinforcing composites allows the optimization of the properties of these materials. For this reason, the present study aims to investigate physical, mechanical, water absorption, swelling and thermal properties as well as morphological characteristics of a hybrid Paederia foetida fibers–alumina powder (PFs–Al2O3)‐reinforced epoxy composite. Epoxy resin served as the matrix, while PFs and Al2O3 were employed as reinforcement. Five types of composites were fabricated using the hot‐pressing technique. The corresponding ratios of PFs:Al2O3 volume fractions (%) considered here were 0:40 (SFA), 10:30 (SFB), 20:20 (SFC), 30:10 (SFD) and 40:0 (SFE). The results reveal that the density of the hybrid PFs–Al2O3 composites decreased for increasing volume fractions of PFs: from 2.173 g cm−3 of SFA to 1.042 g cm−3 of SFE. The highest values of tensile strength (i.e. 49.085 MPa), tensile elastic modulus (i.e. 1.431 GPa) and impact strength (24 kJ m−2) were obtained for the SFD composite material with 30% volume fraction of PFs and 10% volume fraction of Al2O3: this happened because interface bonds between PFs, Al2O3 and epoxy phases achieved their optimal configuration. Overall, mechanical properties of the hybrid PFs–Al2O3‐reinforced epoxy composites were superior to those of composites reinforced only by PF fibers or only by Al2O3. Water absorption and swellability reached their maximum values at the steady state occurring after tested samples remained immersed in water for 820 h. The SFE composite reinforced only by PFs presented the highest water absorption and swelling (i.e. 6.034% and 5.81%, respectively) while for all other hybrid composites (SFD, SFC and SFB) these two quantities remained below 5%. Density and volume fraction of voids of hybrid PFs–Al2O3‐reinforced composites were consistent with the corresponding properties of the composites reinforced only by Al2O3 or PFs. SFD was also the most thermally stable material. Scanning electron microscopy observations of fractured surfaces indicated that the microstructure of the PFs–Al2O3‐reinforced epoxy composites presents several voids, fiber pullouts and transverse fibers, which together optimize the mechanical response of the composite material. Remarkably, the SFD composite material was highly competitive with the most recently developed hybrid composites employing natural reinforcements. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Blue Delayed Luminescence Emission in Neutral Nitrogen Vacancy Containing Chemical Vapor Deposition Synthetic Diamond
Authors: James Ff ion L. L. , Wassell Amber M. , McGuinness Colin D. , Lanigan Peter M. P. , Fisher David , Klemencic Georgina M. , Hodges Chris , Lynch Stephen A.
Published: March 2024

Herein, the authors investigate the temperature‐dependent properties of delayed luminescence in an as‐grown nitrogen‐containing chemical vapor deposition synthetic diamond gemstone when excited above its bandgap. At room temperature, this gemstone exhibits delayed luminescence from nitrogen‐vacancy centers at 575 nm. However, at 77 K, the first recorded instance of a long‐lived delayed blue luminescence centered at ≈465 nm, accompanied by spectral peaks at 419, 455, and 499 nm is reported. By analyzing spectral and temporal data at different temperatures, it can be speculated on potential photophysical transitions. This discovery documents the initial observation of this delayed luminescence emission, contributing to the collective understanding of synthetic diamonds.
Optimal sample size allocation for two‐arm superiority and non‐inferiority trials with binary endpoints
Authors: Kirchner Marietta , Schüpke Stefanie , Kieser Meinhard
Published: March 2024

The sample size of a clinical trial has to be large enough to ensure sufficient power for achieving the aim the study. On the other side, for ethical and economical reasons it should not be larger than necessary. The sample size allocation is one of the parameters that influences the required total sample size. For two‐arm superiority and non‐inferiority trials with binary endpoints, we performed extensive computations over a wide range of scenarios to determine the optimal allocation ratio that minimizes the total sample size if all other parameters are fixed. The results demonstrate, that for both superiority and non‐inferiority trials the optimal allocation may deviate considerably from the case of equal sample size in both groups. However, the saving in sample size when allocating the total sample size optimally as compared to balanced allocation is typically small.
Effects of silymarin supplementation on liver and kidney functions: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Shooka , Ashtary‐Larky Damoon , Asbaghi Omid , Farrokhi Vida , Jadidi Yasaman , Mofidi Fatemeh , Mohammadian Mehrnaz , Afrisham Reza
Published: March 2024

It is suggested that supplementation with silymarin (SIL) has beneficial impacts on kidney and liver functions. This systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis assessed the impact of SIL administration on certain hepatic, renal, and oxidative stress markers. A systematic search was conducted in various databases to identify relevant trials published until January 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of SIL on kidney and liver markers were included. A random‐effects model was used for the analysis and 41 RCTs were included. The pooled results indicated that SIL supplementation led to a significant reduction in serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, creatinine, and aspartate aminotransferase, along with a substantial elevation in serum glutathione in the SIL‐treated group compared to their untreated counterparts. In addition, there was a nonsignificant decrease in serum levels of gamma‐glutamyl transferase, malondialdehyde (MDA), total bilirubin, albumin (Alb), total antioxidant capacity, and blood urea nitrogen. Sub‐group analyses revealed a considerable decline in MDA and Alb serum values among SIL‐treated participants with liver disease in trials with a longer duration (≥12 weeks). These findings suggest that SIL may ameliorate certain liver markers with potential hepatoprotective effects, specifically with long‐term and high‐dose supplementation. However, its nephroprotective effects and impact on oxidative stress markers were not observed. Additional high‐quality RCTs with longer durations are required to determine the clinical efficacy of SIL supplementation on renal and oxidative stress markers.
Applying Kansei Engineering and Eye Movement to Packaging Design Elements—A Case of Tea Packaging Design
Authors: Wang Shuai , Wang Lei , Mou Chudi , Fan Guoling , Zhang Yue , Jiang Yi , Liu Xuying , Li Hui
Published: March 2024

Excellent tea packaging design wins customers and enhances branding. This report studies tea packaging design elements and gives designers constructive references to efficiently improve tea packaging design. The authors of this study first obtained consumers' perception of tea packaging through card sorting and semantic differential (SD). Second, the consumers' Kansei dimensions were extracted by Procrustes analysis (PA). Third, eye tracking technology thoroughly analysed the consumers' eye movement indexes. This technology analysed eye moment as the subjects were exposed to various packaging design elements in order to identify variance, key design elements and outliers.
Unlocking the potential of genetic research in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Insights from clinicians, researchers, and study team
Authors: Swietlik Emilia M. , Fay Michaela , Morrell Nicholas W.
Published: March 2024

Genetic research and testing are increasingly important for understanding and treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. We aimed to explore how attitudes toward genetic research among clinical and research teams impacted the engagement in genetic research and the integration of genetic insights into clinical practice. We conducted 53 semistructured interviews and focus groups with patients, clinicians, and researchers from nine UK Pulmonary Hypertension centers, who had genetic research experience. Transcripts were thematically coded using inductive analysis. In this study, we focus on the researchers’, clinicians’, and study team's perspectives. From the interview data, several key themes emerged, ranging from study design, recruitment, and consent procedures to the return of individual genetic results. Additionally, participants reflected on both the successes of these studies and the future directions of genetic research. The analysis highlighted the critical importance of fostering collaborative networks firmly rooted in existing clinical and research infrastructure in rare disease study setups. Furthermore, the significance of trust‐building, personalized communication, and transparency among stakeholders was underscored. The study offered valuable insights into the motivating and hindering factors to participant recruitment and consent procedures. Lastly, the findings gathered from processes surrounding the return of individual genetic results, genetic counselling, and the recruitment of relatives provided invaluable lessons regarding the integration of genetics into clinical practice. This in‐depth analysis yields a crucial understanding of attitudes to genetic research among various stakeholders and sheds light on the complexities of genetic research and the evidence‐practice gap.
Model‐free distributed optimal control for general discrete‐time linear systems using reinforcement learning
Authors: Feng Xinjun , Zhao Zhiyun , Yang Wen
Published: March 2024

This article proposes a novel data‐driven framework of distributed optimal consensus for discrete‐time linear multi‐agent systems under general digraphs. A fully distributed control protocol is proposed by using linear quadratic regulator approach, which is proved to be a sufficient and necessary condition for optimal control of multi‐agent systems through dynamic programming and minimum principle. Moreover, the control protocol can be constructed by using local information with the aid of the solution of the algebraic Riccati equation (ARE). Based on the Q‐learning method, a reinforcement learning framework is presented to find the solution of the ARE in a data‐driven way, in which we only need to collect information from an arbitrary follower to learn the feedback gain matrix. Thus, the multi‐agent system can achieve distributed optimal consensus when system dynamics and global information are completely unavailable. For output feedback cases, accurate state information estimation is established such that optimal consensus control is realized. Moreover, the data‐driven optimal consensus method designed in this article is applicable to general digraph that contains a directed spanning tree. Finally, numerical simulations verify the validity of the proposed optimal control protocols and data‐driven framework.