bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate debt booms, financial constraints, and the investment nexus
Authors: Albuquerque Bruno
Published: April 2024

How do corporate debt booms affect investment? Using US firm‐level data over 1984Q1–2019Q4, and an instrument for firm‐specific debt booms that exploits systematic differences in firms' exposure to industry‐level debt booms, I find that debt booms cause investment growth to decline over the medium term. This result is driven by the financial constraints channel: Vulnerable firms experience a higher cost of debt in the short run, lower stock returns, and an increase in indicators proxying financial risk. Vulnerable firms also cut their investment spending after a debt boom, irrespective of their growth opportunities. Finally, I find that congestion effects from vulnerable firms on healthy firms are amplified during debt booms, stressing the risk that debt booms in a subset of firms may spill over to the rest of the economy.
In vitro evaluation of bone cell response to novel 3D‐printable nanocomposite biomaterials for bone reconstruction
Authors: Haghpanah Zahra , Mondal Dibakar , Momenbeitollahi Nikan , Mohsenkhani Sadaf , Zarshenas Kiyoumars , Jin Yutong , Watson Michael , Willett Thomas , Gorbet Maud
Published: April 2024

Critically‐sized segmental bone defects represent significant challenges requiring grafts for reconstruction. 3D‐printed synthetic bone grafts are viable alternatives to structural allografts if engineered to provide appropriate mechanical performance and osteoblast/osteoclast cell responses. Novel 3D‐printable nanocomposites containing acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) or methacrylated AESO (mAESO), polyethylene glycol diacrylate, and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) were produced using masked stereolithography. The effects of volume fraction of nHA and methacrylation of AESO on interactions of differentiated MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast (dMC3T3‐OB) and differentiated RAW264.7 osteoclast cells with 3D‐printed nanocomposites were evaluated in vitro and compared with a control biomaterial, hydroxyapatite (HA). Higher nHA content and methacrylation significantly improved the mechanical properties. All nanocomposites supported dMC3T3‐OB cells' adhesion and proliferation. Higher amounts of nHA enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation. mAESO in the nanocomposites resulted in greater adhesion, proliferation, and activity at day 7 compared with AESO nanocomposites. Excellent osteoclast‐like cells survival, defined actin rings, and large multinucleated cells were only observed on the high nHA fraction (30%) mAESO nanocomposite and the HA control. Thus, mAESO‐based nanocomposites containing higher amounts of nHA have better interactions with osteoblast‐like and osteoclast‐like cells, comparable with HA controls, making them a potential future alternative graft material for bone defect repair.
Clinical utility of C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Nguyen Anke L , Brick Claudia , Liu David , Gibson David J , Gibson Peter R , Sparrow Miles P
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

C‐reactive protein (CRP)‐to‐albumin ratio (CAR) is a novel score with prognostic value in inflammatory conditions. This study assessed the performance of CAR as an objective marker of disease activity and prediction of subtherapeutic infliximab trough levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on three different patient cohorts with IBD: patients who had (i) fecal calprotectin (FC) measurements; (ii) Mayo Endoscopic Scores; and (iii) infliximab trough levels available. The relative performances of CAR, albumin, and CRP were compared in predicting disease activity (based on FC or Mayo Endoscopic Score) and infliximab trough levels.

Results

In both the FC (n = 289) and endoscopy (n = 65) cohorts, albumin and CAR correlated with objective disease activity. CAR (area under the curve [AUC] 0.70) was only marginally better at detecting active disease, measured by FC, compared to CRP (AUC 0.68). A CAR >0.15 was able to detect Mayo 3 disease (AUC 0.83, sensitivity 81%, specificity 89%). Albumin (r = 0.38) and CAR (r = −0.42) correlated with infliximab trough levels (n = 204). The optimal CAR for detecting subtherapeutic infliximab trough levels was >0.08 (AUC 0.70, sensitivity 66%, specificity 64%). Both albumin and CAR were independent predictors of subtherapeutic infliximab trough levels but correlated poorly with infliximab trough levels longitudinally in the same patient.

Conclusion

CAR was only a modest discriminator of subtherapeutic infliximab levels and offers little more than CRP in detecting active disease. CAR has potential to detect severe Mayo 3 disease and could be calculated in patients admitted with suspected acute severe ulcerative colitis.
Genetic variants of unknown significance in alpha‐galactosidase A: Cellular delineation from Fabry disease
Authors: Klein Alexandra , Klug Katharina , Breyer Maximilian , Grüner Julia , Medala Vijay Krishna , Nordbeck Peter , Wanner Christoph , Klopocki Eva , Üçeyler Nurcan
Published: April 2024

Fabry disease (FD) is an X‐linked multiorgan disorder caused by variants in the alpha‐galactosidase A gene (GLA). Depending on the variant, disease phenotypes range from benign to life‐threatening. More than 1000 GLA variants are known, but a link between genotype and phenotype in FD has not yet been established for all. p.A143T, p.D313Y, and p.S126G are frequent examples of variants of unknown significance (VUS). We have investigated the potential pathogenicity of these VUS combining clinical data with data obtained in human cellular in vitro systems. We have analyzed four different male subject‐derived cell types for alpha‐galactosidase A enzyme (GLA) activity and intracellular Gb3 load. Additionally, Gb3 load in skin tissue as well as clinical data were studied for correlates of disease manifestations. A reduction of GLA activity was observed in cells carrying p.A143T compared with controls (p < 0.05). In cells carrying the p.D313Y variant, a reduced GLA activity was found only in endothelial cells (p < 0.01) compared with controls. No pathological changes were observed in cells carrying the p.S126G variant. None of the VUS investigated caused intracellular Gb3 accumulation in any cell type. Our data of aberrant GLA activity in cells of p.A143T hemizygotes and overall normal cellular phenotypes in cells of p.D313Y and p.S126G hemizygotes contribute a basic science perspective to the clinically highly relevant discussion on VUS in GLA.
Late‐onset refractory hemolytic anemia in siblings treated for methionine synthase reductase deficiency: A rare complication possibly prevented by hydroxocobalamin dose escalation?
Authors: Nguyen Alexandre , Deshayes Samuel , Nowoczyn Marie , Imbard Apolline , Mansour‐Hendili Lamisse , Cesbron Alexandre , Benoist Jean François , Schiff Manuel
Published: April 2024

Methionine synthase reductase deficiency (cblE) is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of cobalamin metabolism caused by pathogenic variants in the methionine synthase reductase gene (MTRR). Patients usually exhibit early‐onset bone marrow failure with pancytopenia including megaloblastic anemia. The latter can remain isolated or patients may present developmental delay and rarely macular dysfunction. Treatment mostly includes parenteral hydroxocobalamin to maximize the residual enzyme function and betaine to increase methionine concentrations and decrease homocysteine accumulation. We report herein 2 cblE siblings diagnosed in the neonatal period with isolated pancytopenia who, despite treatment, exhibited in adulthood hemolytic anemia (LDH >11 000 U/L, undetectable haptoglobin, elevated unconjugated bilirubin) which could finally be successfully treated by hydroxocobalamin dose escalation. There was no obvious trigger apart from a parvovirus B19 infection in one of the patients. This is the first report of such complications in adulthood. The use of LDH for disease monitoring could possibly be an additional useful biomarker to adjust hydroxocobalamin dosage. Bone marrow infection with parvovirus B19 can complicate this genetic disease with erythroblastopenia even in the absence of an immunocompromised status, as in other congenital hemolytic anemias. The observation of novel hemolytic features in this rare disease should raise awareness about specific complications in remethylation disorders and plea for hydroxocobalamin dose escalation.
Salt‐tolerant plant growth‐promoting Pseudomonas atacamensis KSS‐6 in combination with organic manure enhances rice yield, improves nutrient content and soil properties under salinity stress
Authors: Arora Naveen K. , Mishra Jitendra , Singh Pradyumna , Fatima Tahmish
Published: April 2024

In the current study salt tolerant‐plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (ST‐PGPR) Pseudomonas atacamensis KSS‐6, selected on the basis of prominent plant growth‐promoting (PGP) and stress tolerance properties was tested as bioinoculant to improve yield of rice grown in saline soil. The ST‐PGPR KSS‐6 was capable of maintaining the PGP traits up to 200 mM NaCl, however, higher salt stress conditions affected these activities. The study was designed to determine the effect of developed talc‐based bioformulation using KSS‐6 along with organic manure (OM) on growth and yield of paddy under saline conditions. Bioformulation broadcasting was also done to examine the effect on soil properties. It was found that the combinatorial treatment showed positive impact on growth and yield of rice under saline conditions. Co‐application of KSS‐6 with OM showed maximum increment in growth, chlorophyll content, plant fresh weight, and dry weight as compared to untreated control plants. Furthermore, the combinatorial treatment improved the nutrient content (P, K, Zn, Fe, Mg, and Mn) by more than 35% and enhanced the biochemical parameters such as proline, flavonoids, carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidant content of rice grains by more than 32%. Soil parameters including pH and electrical conductivity (EC), moisture content, total organic carbon, OM, sodium, and chloride ions were also improved upon treatment. There was significant lowering of EC from 7.43 to 4.3 dS/m when combination of OM and bacteria were applied. These findings suggest that the application of KSS‐6 in the form of bioinoculant could be a promising strategy to mitigate negative impacts of salt stress and enhance the yield and nutritional properties of rice grown in degraded and saline soil.
Processing effects on bilayer structures formation and rheological behavior of softeners using cationic di(hydrogenated tallow)dimethylammonium chloride aqueous dispersions
Authors: de Castro Nathan V. , Ferreira Guilherme A. , Loh Watson
Published: April 2024

The use of softeners is essential for enhancing laundered fabrics and hair textures after washing. For these, products based on double‐tailed cationic surfactants are used to reduce friction and static electricity, resulting in softer and smoother fibers. These surfactants form lamellar phases in water, which can be turned into vesicles and other bilayer aggregates upon shearing, greatly impacting on the rheological properties of these formulations. This study aims at elucidating how some parameters of the formulation process impact bilayer structures formation and the product rheology, using di(hydrogenated tallow)dimethylammonium chloride (DHTDMAC) aqueous dispersions as model system. Small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) analyses revealed lamellar phases starting from 3% DHTDMAC, with a bilayer thickness of 1.90 ± 0.03 nm, indicating significant carbon chain interdigitation. At this concentration (3%), bilayers exhibited a repetition distance of 69 nm, unveiling a behavior close to the one predicted for infinite swelling, in which lamellar structures persisted even at high dilution. Temperature plays a significant role in the rheological behavior, with elevated temperatures favoring vesicle formation, resulting in reduced apparent viscosity due to lower resistance of vesicles to flow. Upon heating, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses revealed a transition from Lβ (gel) to Lα (fluid) structures between 28 and 41°C, which was further confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Both structural and thermotropic features observed were discussed and compared to information reported for a high‐purity grade homologue of DHTDMAC, dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC) mixed with water. These findings deepen the understanding of fabric softener formulation and the impact of bilayer structures formation on their properties, and should be used to optimize new formulations, enhancing their overall performance and sensorial quality.
Improvement of processable properties of plant‐based high internal phase emulsions by mung bean protein isolate based on pH shift treatment
Authors: Wen Luming , Dai Hongmin , Li Sha , Liang Hongshan , Li Bin , Li Jing
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are unique emulsion systems that transform liquid oil into solid‐like fats, thus avoiding the use of saturated fat and leading to a healthier and more sustainable food system for consumers. HIPEs with oil volume fraction (ϕ) of 75–85% were fabricated with mung bean protein isolate (MPI) under different pH shift treatments at 1.0% concentration through the one‐step method. In the present study, we investigated the physical properties, microstructures, processing properties, storage stability and rheological properties of HIPEs.

RESULTS

The results suggested that the properties of MPI under different pH shift treatments were improved to different degrees, stabilizing HIPEs (ϕ = 75–85%) with various processability to meet food processing needs. Under alkali shift treatment conditions, the particle size of MPI was significantly reduced with better solubility. Moreover, the exposure of hydrophobic groups increased the surface hydrophobicity of MPI, awarding MPI better emulsifying properties, which could stabilize the HIPEs with higher oil phase fraction. In addition, the MPI under pH 12 shift treatment (MPI‐12) had the best oil‐carrying ability to form the stable HIPEs with oil volume fraction (ϕ) up to 85%, which was the highest oil phase in preparing the HIPEs using plant protein solely at a low concentration under neutral conditions.

CONCLUSION

A series of stable HIPEs with different processing properties was simply and feasibly fabricated and these are of great potential in applying edible HIPEs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Study of Lactobacillus plantarum coated with Tremella polysaccharides to improve its intestinal adhesion
Authors: Zhu Yeli , Tang Fuhao , Wang Yihan , Li Bingbing , Teng Jianwen , Huang Li , Xia Ning
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The adhesion of probiotics to the intestine is crucial for their probiotic function. In previous studies, Tremella polysaccharides (TPS) (with sodium casein) have shown the potential to encapsulate probiotics and protect them in a simulated gastrointestinal tract. This study explored the effect of TPS (with sodium casein) on the adhesion of probiotics.

RESULTS

Lactobacillus plantarum was coated with TPS and sodium casein in different proportions, and was freeze‐dried. The rheological properties of the mixture of probiotics powder and mucin solution were determined by static and dynamic rheological analysis. Aqueous solutions of probiotic powder and mucin mixture exhibited pseudoplastic fluid rheological properties. The higher the proportion of TPS content, the higher the apparent viscosity and yield stress. The mixed bacterial powder and mucin fluid displayed thixotropy and was in accordance with the Herschel–Bulkley model. The TPS increased the bio‐adhesive force of the probiotic powder and mucin. When using TPS as the only carbon source, the adhesion of L. plantarum to Caco‐2 cells increased by 228% in comparison with glucose in vitro. Twelve adhesive proteins were also detected in the whole‐cell proteome of L. plantarum. Among them, ten adhesive proteins occurred abundantly when grown with TPS as a carbon source.

CONCLUSION

Tremella polysaccharides therefore possess probiotic properties and can promote the intestinal adhesion of L. plantarum. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Adverse childhood experiences, individual‐level risk and protective factors, and recent drug use in a community sample of Nigerian women
Authors: Agwogie Martin Osayande , Kliewer Wendy , Ibrahim Muhammed Bashir
Published: April 2024

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with a wide range of health problems and health‐compromising behaviors, including drug use, but are understudied in sub‐Saharan Africa. Further, some data suggest that some types of ACEs are more strongly associated with outcomes than others. We investigated associations between different types of ACEs and recent drug use among 2,011 women living in Katsina State, Nigeria. This community‐based survey included questions on ACE exposure, modifiable individual‐level risk and promotive factors, and past‐year drug use. Tobacco, cannabis, and the nonmedical use of cough syrup with codeine and tramadol were the most frequently used drugs. Logistic regressions revealed that across most drugs, ACEs reflecting abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, but not community violence, increased the likelihood of drug use, odds ratios (ORs) = 1.30–3.10. Ease of access to drugs, ORs = 1.33–2.98, and personal religiosity, ORs = 1.19–2.27, also enhanced the risk of drug use, and higher depressive affect was associated with codeine, OR = 1.27, and tramadol use, ORs = 2.42. Practicing religious rites, ORs = 0.38–0.70; disapproval of drug use, ORs = 0.36–0.57; and perceived harm from drug use, ORs = 0.54–0.71, reduced the likelihood of drug use. Efforts to prevent abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction; reduce access to drugs; treat depression; and increase disapproval and harm associated with drug use may reduce drug use in the context of ACE exposure.
Genotype by Environment (G × E) Interaction and Yield Stability of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties Across Agroecological Regions of Ethiopia
Authors: Gebeyaw Mekonnen , Fikre Asnake , Abate Alemu , Alemu Setotaw Tesfahun , Bekele Nigusu , Zeleke Bantalem , Gebremariam Tesefaye
Published: April 2024

Genotype by environment (G × E) interaction obstructs breeding by persuading variations in genotype performance. The aim of the present study was to determine the stability and yield performance of Desi and Kabuli chickpea varieties at different agroecological regions of Ethiopia, using different stability parameters. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) for environments, genotypes, and importantly G × E interaction. AMMI and GGE biplot, AMMI's stability value (ASV) indicate that the Desi chickpea variety Teketay with mean yield of 2225.6 kg/ha (highest) and the variety Dimtu (1603.9 kg/ha) followed by Natoli with mean yield of 2004.9 kg/ha were found to be stable and adaptable to all environments. Similarly, from the Kabuli chickpea varieties, the variety Koka with mean grain yield of 2257.1 kg/ha (highest) and the variety Ejere with mean yield of 1997.6 kg/ha followed by Shasho (1798.59 kg/ha) were found to be stable and adaptable to all environments and should be promoted for production in chickpea‐growing areas of Ethiopia. In conclusion, identification of stable improved varieties for the different agroecological regions can assist the producers such as the farmers for the effective chickpea production. This leads to sustainable self‐sufficiency of food at the household and country level.
Experimental Study of the Interfacial Slip on Hydrodynamic Lubrication Under Different Wettabilities
Authors: Han Suli , Guo Feng , Shao Jing , Wang Qian , Li Xinming , Jin Wei
Published: April 2024

This article presents an experimental study about boundary slippage on the film thickness of hydrodynamic lubrication (HL) using a custom‐made slider‐on‐disc bearing testing apparatus. The interfaces with different affinity were obtained by surface energy modification of sliders with various oleophobic coatings, which are characterised by their contact angle (CA) and contact angle hysteresis (CAH). To study the mechanism of interfacial slip on HL under different wettability constraints, the film thickness and velocity profiles under shear were measured using interference and fluorescence photobleached method, respectively. The results showed that the CAH could better characterise the influence of interface effect on the film thickness of HL, which was explained by the correlation between CAH and the interface potential barrier. Furthermore, it was found that the slip velocity increased with lubricant viscosity and shear rate, which can be explained by the spatial heterogeneity of the flow in conformal contact and the critical shear stress slip model.
Graphene‐Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Nanocomposites‐Based Biosensor Implementation for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Asthana Nidhi , Kumar Devesh , Kyzas George Z.
Published: April 2024

Biosensor which is used in wide range of research areas is a type of device which analyzes chemical and biological reactions by responding with electrical output. In this process graphene has become a “miracle material” due to its chemical and physical properties and it is synthesized in this process by native graphite powder (Black Lead) with slight moderation of Hummers method. For membrane formation, PVB (polyvinyle butryl) is used. This copolymer is totally amorphous in nature. An additional, most important eminence of polymer based composite materials is that they can modify chemically to enhance their elasticity biocompatibility and reactivity. The novel nanocomposite membrane can be used for photocatalytic materials for organic pollutant degradation. This experimental study is focused on synthesis and catalytic activity of electrochemical biosensing polymer nanocomposites. In fact, there are many other fields where graphene‐enhanced sensors are on the rise, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors, pressure sensors, pH sensors, environmental contamination sensors, gas sensors, DNA sensors, and more.
Enhanced Dielectric and Electric Properties of ZnFe2O4‐Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Composites by Employing Surface Hydroxylated ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Sethy Manoranjan , Chakroborty Subhendu , Moharana Srikanta , Sahu Subash Ch , Barik Arundhati , Nath Nibedita , Behera Banarji , Mahaling R. N. , Asthana Nidhi
Published: April 2024

A facile solvent casting technique has been reported in the fabrication of surface hydroxylated ZnFe2O4 (h‐ZFO) nanoparticles (NPs) filled with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as a matrix. The h‐ZFO filler particles are synthesized from neat ZnFe2O4. The dielectric and electric performance of polymer‐based composites is much related to the interface binding between filler particles and polymer matrix. In this work, the surface alternation technique employed a new path is developed to improve the compatibility between ZFO particles and the PVDF matrix. These PVDF‐ZFO composites were studied by X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The h‐ZFO‐PVDF and ZFO‐PVDF composites are carefully analyzed by dielectric and electric properties by a wide range of frequencies. However, the morphological analysis exhibits uniform dispersion of the h‐ZFO NPs in the PVDF matrix. The h‐ZFO‐PVDF composites have a dielectric constant of about 35 for 1.5 wt.% of filler contents. Moreover, the h‐ZFO‐PVDF composites have lower dielectric loss than PVDF‐ZFO composites. It is suggested that the strong interaction between h‐ZFO filler particles and the PVDF matrix is the main reason for the improvement of dielectric properties. The outcomes of these methods have great potential for making high dielectric constants and relatively suppressed loss PVDF‐ZFO composites for advanced practical applications.
Development of Zeolite‐Loaded Air‐Brushed Nanofibers for Oral Use and Its Characterization
Authors: Shakir Arshiya , C Pushpalatha , Deveswaran R. , Jerin James Jithu
Published: April 2024

Zeolites are commercially available and naturally occurring minerals and synthetic materials, they are crystalline aluminosilicates with distinctive chemical and structural properties. Zeolites have a wide range of uses, including catalysis, gas separation, agronomy, animal feed additives, ecology, medicine, and cosmetics. The antibacterial activity of zeolite‐based nanofibers is fabricated and investigated in the current work utilizing a novel airbrushing method. Airbrushing is used to create zeolite‐loaded nanofibers with two groups of 5% and 10% zeolite, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Attenuation of Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR‐FT‐IR), contact angle measurement and an antibacterial test against Streptococcus mutans are used to characterize the fabricated zeolite‐loaded nanofibers. The SEM pictures demonstrate that the innovative strategy used in the study—air brushing—to effectively produce zeolite‐loaded nanofibers is a success. The morphology and diameter in nanometers is verified by SEM images for both groups. The ATR‐FT‐IR peaks confirm the blended compound and its chemical structure. The water contact angle measurement of the nanofibers of both groups show the hydrophobic qualities based on wettability. The findings of the zeolite nanofiber antibacterial test show a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 19 mm compared to a positive control groups ZOI of 28 mm, indicating superior antibacterial activity against gram‐positive S. mutans. Based on the findings, it can be stated that zeolite nanofiber can be created by airbrushing and has antibacterial properties that can be utilized to stop dental caries, where S. mutans is the primary pathogenic organism.
Magnetic Resonance‐Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)‐Thalamotomy for Essential Tremor: Lesion Location and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Arcadi Alana , Aviles‐Olmos Iciar , Gonzalez‐Quarante Lain Hermes , Gorospe Arantza , Jiménez‐Huete Adolfo , de la Corte Marta Macías , Parras Olga , Martin‐Bastida Antonio , Riverol Mario , Villino Rafael , Guridi Jorge , Rodríguez‐Oroz Maria C.
Published: April 2024

Background

Factors predicting clinical outcomes after MR‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)‐thalamotomy in patients with essential tremor (ET) are not well known.

Objective

To examine the clinical outcomes and their relationship with patients' baseline demographic and clinical features and lesion characteristics at 6‐month follow‐up in ET patients.

Methods

A total of 127 patients were prospectively evaluated at 1 (n = 122), 3 (n = 102), and 6 months (n = 78) after MRgFUS‐thalamotomy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained at 6 months (n = 60). Primary outcomes included: (1) change in the Clinical Rating Scale of Tremor (CRST)‐A+B score in the treated hand and (2) frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in all subitems of the CRST scale in the treated hand, CRST‐C, axial tremor (face, head, voice, tongue), AEs, and correlation of primary outcomes at 6 months with lesion characteristics. Statistical analysis included linear mixed, standard, and logistic regression models.

Results

Scores for CRST‐A+B, CRST‐A, CRST‐B in the treated hand, CRST‐C, and axial tremor were improved at each evaluation (P < 0.001). Five patients had severe AEs at 1 month that became mild throughout the follow‐up. Mild AEs occurred in 71%, 45%, and 34% of patients at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Lesion volume was associated with the reduction in the CRST‐A (P = 0.003) and its overlapping with the ventralis intermedius nucleus (Vim) nucleus with the reduction in CRST‐A+B (P = 0.02) and CRST‐B (P = 0.008) at 6 months.

Conclusions

MRgFUS‐thalamotomy improves hand and axial tremor in ET patients. Transient and mild AEs are frequent. Lesion volume and location are associated with tremor reduction. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A reconfigurable band‐notched wearable super ultra‐wideband antenna utilizing a split‐ring resonator
Authors: Ghanbari Leila , Keshtkar Asghar , Jarchi Saughar
Published: April 2024

This article presents a flexible ultra‐wideband (UWB) antenna that can be used in wireless body area networks (WBAN). The antenna has a switchable slotted split ring resonator (SRR) structure on the radiating patch, which creates band‐notch functionality. The antenna has three switchable states: UWB and two band‐notched states at central frequencies of 5.5 and 3.5 GHz. The antenna has compact dimensions of 30 × 38 × 0.38 mm3 and is fabricated on an RT5880 substrate. Its impedance bandwidth ranges from 2.7 to 50 GHz (a relative bandwidth of 180%). The antenna's performance has been evaluated under deformation, and its impact on the human body has been assessed using the specific absorption rate (SAR) parameter. The antenna has been manufactured, and its key features have been measured, demonstrating good agreement with simulations. Due to its low SAR, minimal thickness, and UWB performance, the antenna is a good candidate for WBAN applications.
Sharing versus donating: The role of message framing in consumers' private information disclosure for societal benefits
Authors: Wang Luming
Published: April 2024

Across three studies, this research elucidates how message frames—sharing versus donating—can affect consumers' private information disclosure for societal benefits through perceived sacrifice. This effect is moderated by perceived importance of the cause. First, we demonstrate that the sharing (donating) frame can generate more (less) private information disclosure for societal benefits. Second, we examine the mechanism by which the sharing (donating) frame leads to less (more) perceived sacrifice and then more (less) information disclosure. Third, we introduce the perceived importance of the cause and find that for people who perceive the importance of the cause is high, the donating (sharing) frame leads to less (more) perceived sacrifice and stronger (weaker) intention for private information disclosure. This research has implications for marketers, consumers, and society as a whole.
Investigating and characterizing electrical properties of polypyrrole/SiO2/FePS3 nanocomposite
Authors: Ahmed Eman H. , Fathi Ahlam M. , El‐Meligi A. A.
Published: April 2024

Novel nanocomposites of polypyrrole (PPy) embedded in silica (SiO2) and iron phosphorus trisulphide (FePS3) nanoparticles have been fabricated. The nanocomposite's dielectric characteristics have been examined in relation to temperature ranges of 25–200°C and frequency ranges of 0.1–7 MHz. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and dielectric measurements have all been used to evaluate the prepared nanocomposite. The monoclinic crystal structure of the prepared FePS3 and PPy/SiO2/FePS3 nanocomposite is confirmed by XRD, EDX, and TEM studies. The FePS3 is perfectly layered structure in the SEM image, and FePS3 and SiO2 particles are well intercalated, creating novel nanocomposites of two nanoparticle phases that served as a union network during the polymerization process. The IR spectrum shows that PPy is a dopant in the interlayer area of FePS3. The splitting major peak (570 cm−1) of FePS3 is visible at around 640 and 560 cm−1. The high AC conductivity values indicated that the combination of FePS3/SiO2 nano‐matrix contains PPy at high packing densities and confirming the semiconducting properties of the nanocomposite to be used in several electronic applications.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles reinforced gelatin/starch bio‐nanocomposite film for UV‐ray protection and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Sasikala M. , Umapathy M. J. , AlSalhi Mohamad S. , Devanesan Sandhanasamy , Rajasekar Aruliah , Arunkumar Paulraj , Narenkumar Jayaraman
Published: April 2024

The research aimed to prepare eco‐friendly bio‐nanocomposite films utilizing gelatin/starch (GS), nano‐ZnO, and Darbha grass extract via the solution casting method. Then, it was examined the mechanical and physical properties of different durations of sunlight exposure on the prepared films. The results indicated that up to 12 h of sunlight exposure led to increased film thickness, mechanical strength, and apparent density. Tensile strength increased from 4.8 to 34.8 MPa, and the average crystalline size of the nanoparticles was found to be 54.35 nm using scanning electron microscope. Compared with GS films, these bio‐nanocomposite films exhibited lower moisture content, oil permeability, and enhanced water barrier properties. Moreover, they displayed significant UV absorption and profound antimicrobial activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative food borne pathogenic bacteria. The nano‐ZnO/Darbha grass extract‐based bio‐nanocomposite films exhibited showed improved characteristics and could be applied in the field of food packaging application.
Synergistic enhancement: Ammonium Polyphosphate's impact on hybrid coating performance against corrosion and fire
Authors: Kabeb Siti M. , Hassan Azman , Ahmad Faiz
Published: April 2024

This research demonstrated the impact of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) content on corrosion resistance and flame retardancy properties of hybrid graphene oxide/halloysite/intumescent flame retardant (GO‐HNT‐IFR) coatings. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studied indicates that the GO0.6‐H0.3 coating exhibited superior corrosion resistance (Rct = 2.490 × 109 Ω·cm) compared with hybrid GO‐HNT‐IFR coatings. Tafel polarization data revealed a decrease in polarization resistance, Rp simultaneously increases the corrosion rate, Rcorr of the epoxy coatings containing APP compare with GO0.6‐H0.3 coating. Salt spray test result demonstrated that all epoxy coating filled with hybrid nanofillers maintained excellent surface integrity, preventing corrosion for up to 500 h under controlled accelerated corrosive conditions. A reasonable increment of limited oxygen index up to 12.5% was reported by the addition of 1 phr APP, indicating its best flame retardancy and thermal stability properties among coating samples. The appropriate addition of APP (1 phr) enhanced the flame retardancy and thermal stability properties of hybrid GO‐HNT‐IFR coatings to a certain extent but it is impaired by increasing the APP loading. Transmission electron microscopy results validated the formation of aggregation at high APP loading, consequently affecting coating performances as well as its adhesion strength.
Novel simulation of the blood–brain barrier using the polyacrylonitrile electrospun nanofibrous membrane on 3D‐printed Transwell
Authors: Raeiji Mohammad , Morshedi Dina , Mahmoudifard Matin
Published: April 2024

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) possesses an intricate structure and set of characteristics that effectively restricts the transportation of substances to the central nervous system. Consequently, the development of pharmaceuticals for brain disorders poses significant hurdles. Numerous attempts have been made to produce innovative simulates of BBB that exhibit a striking resemblance to BBB and are suitable for efficient drug screening, as well as being user‐friendly and easily reproducible. One of the models available is the commercial Transwell® system. In this system, chosen endothelial cells form a single layer on the rigid membrane of the upper chamber. In the present study, the two‐dimensional structure of this membrane was exchanged with a three‐dimensional membrane using the 3D printing method and developed a novel approach to fabricate the scaffold in one step on the fabricated Transwell. This novel method of horizontal electrospinning has reduced the mechanical damage associated with conventional vertical electrospinning, resulting in suitable mechanical properties for cell culture. The lower diameter of the nanofibers, the thickness of the mesh, bulk Young's modulus and hydrophobicity compared to conventional mesh‐based counterparts are characteristics which make it more similar to the natural basement membrane and improve cell culture necessities on the scaffold. The designed BBB model was characterized via cell morphology, trans‐endothelial electrical resistance, and permeability value. This human BBB model formed robust cell integrity and achieved the acceptable range of TEER and low permeability that confirm the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) scaffold as an in vitro cell culture platform with promising cell culture results of the brain microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3.
Iron overload disorders: Growth and gonadal dysfunction in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Tenuta Marta , Cangiano Biagio , Rastrelli Giulia , Carlomagno Francesco , Sciarra Francesca , Sansone Andrea , Isidori Andrea M. , Gianfrilli Daniele , Krausz Csilla
Published: April 2024

Hemochromatosis (HC) is characterized by the progressive accumulation of iron in the body, resulting in organ damage. Endocrine complications are particularly common, especially when the condition manifests in childhood or adolescence, when HC can adversely affect linear growth or pubertal development, with significant repercussions on quality of life even into adulthood. Therefore, a timely and accurate diagnosis of these disorders is mandatory, but sometimes complex for hematologists without endocrinological support. This is a narrative review focused on puberty and growth disorders during infancy and adolescence aiming to offer guidance for diagnosis, treatment, and proper follow‐up. Additionally, it aims to highlight gaps in the existing literature and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among specialists, which is essential in the era of precision medicine.
Mapping network connection and direction among symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic gastritis
Authors: Tang Qihui , Wang Rui , Niu Haiqun , Li Yifang , Li Yuting , Hu Zichao , Liu Xiangping , Tao Yanqiang
Published: April 2024

Regarding neurophysiological and developmental findings, anxiety and depression are usual comorbidities of gastritis patients. However, research related to anxiety and depression among chronic gastritis patients was conducted on the disease level while ignoring symptoms. Hence, we rendered the network approach to reveal the symptoms of anxiety and depression among chronic gastritis patients. Three hundred and sixty‐nine chronic gastritis patients (female = 139, Mage = 55.87 years) were asked to complete the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale and Self‐Rating Depression Scale. Three symptom networks and one directed acyclic graph (DAG) network were formed. First, in the anxiety network of chronic gastritis patients, dizziness was the most influential symptom. In the depression network of chronic gastritis patients, depressed affect and psychomotor retardation were the influential symptoms. Second, panic, easy fatiguability, weakness, palpitation, depressed affect, tachycardia, fatigue, and psychomotor agitation bridged the anxiety–depression network of chronic gastritis patients. Third, DAG networks showed that anxiousness and hopelessness could trigger other symptoms in the anxiety–depression networks of chronic gastritis patients. The current study provided insightful information on patients with chronic gastritis by examining the structures of symptoms.
Factors associated with discontinuation of treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension in the United States
Authors: Farber Harrison W. , Germack Hayley D. , Croteau Nicole S. , Simeone Jason C. , Tang Fei , Paoli Carly J. , Doad Gurinderpal , Panjabi Sumeet , De Marco Teresa
Published: April 2024

Information on factors leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment discontinuation is limited. This study analyzed 12,902 new PAH medication users to identify predictors of treatment discontinuation. Treatment by accredited pulmonary hypertension centers and combination therapy with PAH agents from different classes were less likely to result in discontinuation.
Computationally Secure Semi‐Quantum All‐Or‐Nothing Oblivious Transfer from Dihedral Coset States
Authors: Yan Xingyu , Wang Licheng , Gu Lize
Published: April 2024

The quest for perfect quantum oblivious transfer (QOT) with information‐theoretic security remains a challenge, necessitating the exploration of computationally secure QOT as a viable alternative. Unlike the unconditionally secure quantum key distribution (QKD), the computationally secure QOT relies on specific quantum‐safe computational hardness assumptions, such as the post‐quantum hardness of learning with errors (LWE) problem and quantum‐hard one‐way functions. This raises an intriguing question: Are there additional efficient quantum hardness assumptions that are suitable for QOT? In this work, leveraging the dihedral coset state derived from the dihedral coset problem (DCP), a basic variant of OT, known as the all‐or‐nothing OT, is studied in the semi‐quantum setting. Specifically, the DCP originates from the dihedral hidden subgroup problem (DHSP), conjectured to be challenging for any quantum polynomial‐time algorithms. First, a computationally secure quantum protocol is presented for all‐or‐nothing OT, which is then simplified into a semi‐quantum OT protocol with minimal quantumness, where the interaction needs merely classical communication. To efficiently instantiate the dihedral coset state, a powerful cryptographic tool called the LWE‐based noisy trapdoor claw‐free functions (NTCFs) is used. The construction requires only a three‐message interaction and ensures perfect statistical privacy for the receiver and computational privacy for the sender.
Machine Learning for Maximizing the Memristivity of Single and Coupled Quantum Memristors
Authors: Hernani‐Morales Carlos , Alvarado Gabriel , Albarrán‐Arriagada Francisco , Vives‐Gilabert Yolanda , Solano Enrique , Martín‐Guerrero José D.
Published: April 2024

Machine learning (ML) methods are proposed to characterize the memristive properties of single and coupled quantum memristors. It is shown that maximizing the memristivity leads to large values in the degree of entanglement of two quantum memristors, unveiling the close relationship between quantum correlations and memory. The results strengthen the possibility of using quantum memristors as key components of neuromorphic quantum computing.
Simulation study of digital waveform‐driven quadrupole mass filter operated in higher stability regions for high‐resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Hu Rui , Gundlach‐Graham Alexander
Published: April 2024

Rationale

The use of a frequency‐scanned digital quadrupole mass filter (QMF) with varying duty cycles shows promise for application as a high‐resolution mass analyzer design for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). High resolution in ICP‐MS is important to overcome isobaric polyatomic interferences. Here, we explore the possibility and the characteristics of using a digital quadrupole operating in higher stability regions for ICP‐MS.

Methods

We perform computational simulations in SIMION of a digital QMF that is operated by scanning the frequency of the digital waveform at a fixed driving voltage and various duty cycles. For ions in the atomic mass range (7–238 m/z), we investigate the expected resolution, transmission, fringe field effects, and ion trajectories. We compare different characteristics between sine and digital waveform QMF.

Results

Within the capability of current digital waveform generation technology, a digital QMF can produce variable mass resolution, from several hundred to more than 10 000. This mass resolution covers the low, medium, and high resolutions that are typical for sector‐field ICP‐MS. Additionally, simulations suggest that transmission of the QMF remains high at high resolution. For example, with 87.50/12.50 duty cycle (zone 4,1), resolution at 10% peak width is 10 420 for m/z 80. The transmission through the quadrupole, which is constant for all isoenergetic ions, is ~2.5%, and most ion loss is due to the defocusing effects of the fringe field. Compared to sinusoidal QMFs, ions need many fewer cycles in the digital QMF to obtain high resolution.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that the use of a frequency‐scanned, duty‐cycle‐modulated digital QMF as the mass analyzer for ICP‐MS has the potential to produce high resolution while maintaining considerable transmission, thus overcoming most spectral interferences in elemental MS.
Small Peptide Conjugates of Benzothiazole‐2‐Carboxylic Acids Targeting DprE1 Against Tuberculosis
Authors: Samoon Rabiya , Sau Shashikanta , Khan Arif , Latief Insha , Kalia Nitin Pal , Abdin Malik Zainul , Shafi Syed
Published: April 2024

Inhibitors of Decaprenylphosphoryl‐β‐D‐ribose 2′‐epimerase (DprE1) are being thoroughly explored as potential pharmacological entities for the development of new anti‐tubercular therapeutics. In this context, benzothiazole‐bearing

compounds have emerged as potential non‐covalent DprE1 inhibitors active against mycobacterium tuberculosis. In view of the promising anti‐tubercular activity of benzothiazole based non‐covalent DprE1 inhibitor TCA1; a series of thirty small peptide conjugates of benzothiazole‐2‐carboxylic acid has been synthesized and evaluated for their anti‐tubercular activity against the M.tb H37Ra strain by broth microdilution assay. Among the compounds tested, compounds methyl (6‐methoxybenzo[d]thiazole‐2 carbonyl)tryptophylalaninate and methyl (6‐methylbenzo[d]thiazole‐2‐carbonyl)tryptophylalaninate demonstrated potential anti‐tubercular activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 4 and 8 μg/mL, respectively. These compounds were further identified to be mycobactericidal and are completely killing the microbes at 8‐16 μg/mL concentrations. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity study of most potent compound methyl (6‐methoxybenzo[d]thiazole‐2 carbonyl)tryptophylalaninate illustrated no significant toxicity to the human cell line HepG2. Moreover, synthesised compounds were subject to molecular docking, ADME studies and MM‐GBSA calculations. In silico studies suggest that these compounds show strong interactions with key amino acids in the binding pocket of DprE1 (PDBID: 4KW5) with the most active conjugates residing well (with docking scores of −08.49 and −7.902 kcal/mol).
Nanopatterning Induced Si Doping in Amorphous Ga2O3 for Enhanced Electrical Properties and Ultra‐Fast Photodetection
Authors: Kaur Damanpreet , Rakhi  , Posti Raghvendra , Singh Jaspreet , Roy Debangsu , Sarkar Subhendu , Kumar Mukesh
Published: April 2024

Ga2O3 has emerged as a promising material for the wide‐bandgap industry aiming at devices beyond the limits of conventional silicon. Amorphous Ga2O3 is widely being used for flexible electronics, but suffers from very high resistivity. Conventional methods of doping like ion implantation require high temperatures post‐processing, thereby limiting their use. Herein, an unconventional method of doping Ga2O3 films with Si, thereby enhancing its electrical properties, is reported. Ion‐beam sputtering (500 eV Ar+) is utilized to nanopattern SiO2‐coated Si substrate leaving the topmost part rich in elemental Si. This helps in enhancing the carrier conduction by increasing n‐type doping of the subsequently coated 5 nm amorphous Ga2O3 films, corroborated by room‐temperature resistivity measurement and valence band spectra, respectively, while the nanopatterns formed help in better light management. Finally, as proof of concept, metal‐semiconductor‐metal (MSM) photoconductor devices fabricated on doped, rippled films show superior properties with responsivity increasing from 6 to 433 mA W−1 while having fast detection speeds of 861 µs/710 µs (rise/fall time) as opposed to non‐rippled devices (377 ms/392 ms). The results demonstrate a facile, cost‐effective, and large‐area method to dope amorphous Ga2O3 films in a bottom‐up approach which may be employed for increasing the electrical conductivity of other amorphous oxide semiconductors as well.