bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective evaluation of multidimensional health‐related quality of life after endoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary adenomas using the endoscopic endonasal sinus and skull base surgery questionnaire
Authors: Joustra Gonneke E. , ten Dam Ellen , Vermeulen Karin M. , Korsten‐Meijer Astrid G. W. , Appelman Auke P. A. , Feijen Robert A.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Social functioning is an important factor in the evaluation of postoperative health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) for pituitary adenoma patients. In a prospective cohort study multidimensional HRQoL of non‐functioning (NFA) and functioning (FA) pituitary adenoma patients were evaluated following endoscopic endonasal surgery using the endoscopic endonasal sinus and skull base surgery questionnaire (EES‐Q).

Methods

Prospectively, 101 patients were included. The EES‐Q was completed preoperatively and postoperatively (2 weeks, 3 months, 1 year). Sinonasal complaints were completed daily during the first week postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared. A generalized estimating equation (uni‐ and multivariate) analysis was performed to identify significant HRQoL changes related to selected covariates.

Results

Two weeks postoperatively, physical (p < .05) and social (p < .05) HRQoL are worse and psychological (p < .05) HRQoL improved compared with preoperatively. Three months postoperatively, psychological HRQoL (p = .01) trended back to baseline and no differences in physical or social HRQoL were reported. One year postoperatively, psychological (p = .02) and social (p = .04) HRQoL improved while physical HRQoL remained stable. FA patients report a worse HRQoL preoperatively (social, p < .05) and 3 months postoperatively (social, p < .02 and psychological, p < .02). Sinonasal complaints peak in the first days postoperatively and gradually return to presurgical levels 3 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

The EES‐Q provides meaningful information on multidimensional HRQoL to improve patient‐centred health care. Social functioning remains the most difficult area in which to achieve improvements. Despite the relatively modest sample size, there is some indication that the FA group continues to show a downward trend (and thus improvement) even after 3 months, when most other parameters reach stability.

Level of evidence

Level II—B.
Monolithically Integrated Active Passive Waveguide Array Fabricated on Thin Film Lithium Niobate Using a Single Continuous Photolithography Process
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhu Yiran , Fang Zhiwei , Yu Shupeng , Huang Ting , Zhou Junxia , Wu Rongbo , Liu Jian , Ma Yu , Wang Zhe , Yu Jianping , Liu Zhaoxiang , Zhang Haisu , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Min , Cheng Ya
Published: January 2023

This work demonstrates a robust low‐loss optical interface by tiling passive (i.e., without doping of active ions) thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) and active (i.e., doped with rare earth ions) TFLN substrates for monolithic integration of passive/active lithium niobate photonics. The tiled substrates composed of both active and passive areas allow for patterning the mask of the integrated active passive photonic device at once using a single continuous photolithography process. The interface loss of tiled substrate is measured as low as 0.26 dB. Thanks to the stability provided by this approach, a four‐channel waveguide amplifier is realized in a straightforward manner, which shows a net gain of 5 dB at a 1550‐nm wavelength and 8 dB at a 1530‐nm wavelength for each channel. The robust low‐loss optical interface for passive/active photonic integration will facilitate large‐scale high performance photonic devices that require on‐chip light sources and amplifiers.
A Sub‐Picojoule per Bit Integrated Magneto‐Optic Modulator on Silicon: Modeling and Experimental Demonstration
Authors: Rombouts Marijn P. G. , Karinou Fotini , Pintus Paolo , Huang Duanni , Bowers John E. , Calabretta Nicola
Published: January 2023

Integrated magneto‐optic (MO) modulators are an attractive but not fully explored alternative to electro‐optic (EO) modulators. They are current driven, structurally simple, and could potentially achieve high efficiency in cryogenic and room temperature environments where fJ bit−1optical interfaces are needed. In this paper, the performance and energy efficiency of a novel MO modulator at room temperature are for the first time assessed. First, a model of the micro‐ring‐based modulator is implemented to investigate the design parameters and their influence on the performance. Then, a fabricated device is experimentally characterized to assess its performance in terms of bit rate and energy efficiency. The model shows efficient operation at 1.2 Gbps using a 16 mA drive current, consuming only 155 fJ bit−1. The experimental results show that the MO effect is suitable for modulation, achieving error‐free operation above 16 mA with a power consumption of 258 fJ bit−1at a transient limited data rate of 1.2 Gbps.
A novel variant in BCL11B in an individual with neurodevelopmental delay: A case report
Authors: Yu Yonglin , Jia Xiaoyi , Yin Hongwei , Jiang Hongfang , Du Yu , Yang Fan , Yang Zuozhen , Li Haifeng
Published: January 2023

Background

B‐Cell CLL/Lymphoma 11B (BCL11B) is a C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor that has broad biological functions and is essential for the development of the immune system, neural system, cardiovascular system, dermis, and dentition. Variants of BCL11B have been found in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and immunodeficiency.

Materials and Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and clinical examinations were performed to identify the etiology of our patient. A variant in the BCL11B gene, NM_138576.4: c.1206delG (p.Phe403Serfs*2) was found and led to frameshift truncation.

Results

We reported a male patient with developmental delay and cerebral palsy who carried the BCL11B variant. The detailed clinical features, such as brain structure and immune detection, were described and reviewed in comparison to previous patients.

Conclusions

The BCL11B‐related neurodevelopmental disorders are rare, and only 17 variants in 25 patients have been found to date. Our report expands the variants spectrum of BCL11B and increases the case of neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
On the existence of solutions for a parabolic‐elliptic chemotaxis model with flux limitation and logistic source
Authors: Sastre‐Gomez Silvia , Tello Jose Ignacio
Published: January 2023

In this article, we study the existence of solutions of a parabolic‐elliptic system of partial differential equations describing the behaviour of a biological species “
” and a chemical stimulus “
” in a bounded and regular domain
of
. The equation for
is a parabolic equation with a nonlinear second order term of chemotaxis type with flux limitation as

for
. The chemical substance distribution
satisfies the elliptic equation

The evolution of
is also determined by a logistic type growth term
. The system is studied under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. The main result of the article is the existence of uniformly bounded solutions for
and any
.
The Schwarz lemma in bicomplex analysis
Authors: Li Zekun , Dai Binlin
Published: January 2023

We investigate Schwarz lemma in the framework of bicomplex numbers, which are pairs of complex numbers making up a commutative ring with zero‐divisors. The bicomplex is a generalization of complex which has close relations with Fractal geometry, Minkowski Space‐Time, Maxwell's equations, Schrödinger equation, and Gaussian pulse wave. In this paper, we first construct a type of bicomplex Möbius transformation and obtain some results: the mapping properties on bicomplex sphere and bicomplex ball, preserving the inverse points with respect to the bicomplex sphere
. Then we obtain the Poisson integral formula in bicomplex setting, and by using the Poisson integral formula, we give the Schwarz lemma for bicomplex holomorphic functions in bicomplex setting. Finally, we shall give the Schwarz lemma and the Schwarz–Pick type lemma for holomorphic functions in bicomplex analysis. These results may give new energy for the development of quantum mechanics.
LGEANet: LSTM‐global temporal convolution‐external attention network for respiratory motion prediction
Authors: Zhang Kunpeng , Yu Jiahong , Liu Jia , Li Qian , Jin Shuang , Su Zhe , Xu Xiaotong , Dai Zhenhui , Wang Xuetao , Zhang Hua
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To develop a deep learning network that treats the three‐dimensional respiratory motion signals as a whole and considers the inter‐dimensional correlation between signals of different directions for accurate respiratory tumor motion prediction.

Methods

We propose a deep learning framework, named as LSTM‐Global Temporal Convolution‐External Attention Network (LGEANet). In LGEANet, we first feed each of the univariate time series into the Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) module respectively and utilize the strength of the global temporal convolutional layer to discover the temporal pattern of the univariate signals from hidden states of the LSTM. Then, External attention is adopted to capture the dynamic dependence of the multiple time series. Also, a traditional autoregressive linear model in parallel to the non‐linear neural network part was integrated to mitigate the scale insensitivity of the networks. A total of 304 motion traces for 31 patients are acquired from a public dataset in the experiments and four representative cases were selected for model evaluation. The respiratory signals were sampled at intervals of about 37.5 ms (26 frames per second) for an average duration of 71 min.

Results

The proposed LGEANet achieved better performance with higher empirical correlation coefficient value (CORRs) and lower mean absolute error value (MAEs) and relative squared error value (RSEs) than other investigated models. For the four representative datasets, when the response time is less than 231 ms, the model can achieve CORRs more than 0.96. And the averaged position error reduction by using the proposed model was about 67% in the superior–inferior (SI) direction, 41% in the anterior–posterior (AP) direction and 38% in the right–left (RL) direction compared to that without prediction. The proposed network achieved the greatest error reduction in the SI direction, which is the main direction of tumor motion.

Conclusions

The LGEANet achieves promising performance in minimizing the prediction error due to system latencies during real‐time tumor motion tracking.
Decentralized governance and collective action dilemma: Sub‐national governments' responses to COVID‐19 in China
Authors: Xin Ge , Chen Jia
Published: January 2023

While the Chinese government's responses to COVID‐19 since its outbreak have been widely discussed, scant attention has been paid to the cross‐regional variation in China in handling the pandemic in the early stage. This article adopts and synthesizes the theory of regionally decentralized governance and the institutional collective action dilemma framework to offer a novel analytical characterization of the pattern of sub‐national governments' counter‐COVID‐19 initiatives in different policy areas and highlights the peer effect and regional competition dynamics. We provide three brief case studies to illustrate various institutional collective action dilemmas under this framework that emerged in pandemic responses and must be addressed through re‐centralization. Despite its focus on China's regional responses to COVID‐19, this paper prompts the construction of a broad analytical framework for precipitating a better understanding of the complex structure of China's political and governance system in a time of crisis.
From two‐dimensional materials to polymer nanocomposites with emerging multifunctional applications: A critical review
Authors: Pinto Gabriel M. , Cremonezzi Josué M. O. , Ribeiro Hélio , Andrade Ricardo J. E. , Demarquette Nicole R. , Fechine Guilhermino J. M.
Published: January 2023

2D materials are a very up‐and‐coming class of additives in the field of polymer composites due to their versatility and exceptional intrinsic properties. This enables researchers to create a variety of nanocomposites that can be employed in a myriad of emerging multifunctional applications. The performance of such nanocomposites depends heavily on the quality of the 2D materials, their interactions with the polymer matrix, as well as on their dispersion and morphology when embedded in the polymer. In order to control these variables, one needs to choose wisely between the available synthesis techniques and mixing strategies, playing with the process‐structure–property relationships, while keeping in mind the compatibility with current industrial infrastructure. Therefore, this paper presents a brief review on the 2D materials most used in polymer nanocomposites, the main synthesis techniques and mixing routes developed, the state of the art on the most sought‐after properties in different systems, and what are the effects of the morphology evolution. In each section, the main challenges are highlighted, and possible strategies to overcome them are presented, for example, the advent of hybrid 2D nanostructures, which promote synergistic effects, enabling the combination of properties that were not previously achievable on the final material. Finally, the paper ends by presenting a perspective of the current state in the development of these emerging multifunctional nanocomposites and what are the most important steps that need to be taken, not only academically, but also industrially, in order for these materials to start being widely applied and become staples in the daily life of humanity.
Modified ethylene/α‐octene co‐polymer elastomer composites with sacrificial bonds crosslinking networks and their reinforced mechanical performance
Authors: Liu Huameng , Lin Ruijun , Huang Zhiyi , Yin Xingshan , Lin Xiaofeng , Lin Wenjing , Li Yong , Gu Yuxin , Yi Guobin
Published: January 2023

The low tensile strength of ethylene/α‐octene co‐polymer (POE) limits its application as high‐strength materials. In this study, 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (ATA) was grafted onto maleic anhydride functionalized POE (PM) by melt reaction to obtain side chains capable of forming hydrogen bonding and metal coordination bonding, and then ferric chloride hexahydrate and POE are blended with them to obtain composite materials with high strength and fracture energy. The introduction of iron‐based coordination bonding and hydrogen bonding double dynamic crosslinking network endow thermoplastic elastomers with excellent mechanical strength and high toughness. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, rheological tests, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal the existence of non‐covalent crosslinking networks. Based on the strengthening and toughening of non‐covalent dynamic crosslinking network, the tensile strength of the modified POE elastomer composites achieves 12.5 MPa along with the elongation at break of 3540%. In addition, the modified POE elastomer composites exhibit improved melt elasticity and thermal stability.
SPHERA, a new convection‐permitting regional reanalysis over Italy: Improving the description of heavy rainfall
Authors: Giordani Antonio , Cerenzia Ines Maria Luisa , Paccagnella Tiziana , Di Sabatino Silvana
Published: January 2023

Regional reanalyses allow us to better describe weather patterns related to rapidly evolving high‐impact events thanks to substantially finer detailing than global datasets. However, most regional datasets still do not permit the explicit representation of deep convection. SPHERA (High rEsolution ReAnalysis over Italy) is a new high‐resolution convection‐permitting reanalysis centred over Italy. It covers 26 years (1995–2020), is based on the non‐hydrostatic limited‐area model COSMO, and is produced by dynamically downscaling the global reanalysis ERA5. A nudging data assimilation scheme steers the model toward observations. The fine horizontal grid spacing of 2.2 km allows us to switch off deep‐convection parametrization. This study reports the added value of SPHERA over ERA5 in representing rainfall over Italy, particularly for severe precipitation, using rain‐gauge observations during 2003–2017 as reference. Concerning the 95th percentile of spatial rainfall distributions, ERA5 presents dry estimates with biases reaching −12 mm·day−1 over mountainous regions. At the same time, the enhanced locally driven effects of SPHERA produce seasonal biases ranging from wet in JJA (up to +12 mm·day−1) to dry in DJF (down to −9 mm·day−1). For daily maximum rates, the regional reanalysis shows better skill in detecting occurred events (with hit rates higher than ERA5 by roughly 0.4 points in the range of 15–80 mm·day−1) and frequency biases closer to 0 at all intensities when coming to daily averages. Similarly, for hourly maximum accumulations, improved adherence to observations is detected for SPHERA at all intensities, conversely to the underprediction of the global driver (with frequency biases <1 starting from 1.5 mm·hr−1). Additionally, the analyses of two specific events reveal the enhancements of SPHERA in simulating extreme precipitation, with a maximum intensity underestimation on the order of 24% versus the 73% detected for ERA5. Further improvements include the spatial detailing, timing, and temporal evolution of the events.
Motion control of connected and automated vehicles in a lane‐changing scenario with guaranteed tracking performance
Authors: Song Kai , Pan Xiangcheng , Hu Zhanyi , Jia Yifan , Huang Jin
Published: January 2023

The coupled, nonlinear vehicle dynamics and multi‐vehicle cooperative strategies make the lane‐changing maneuver control of vehicle platoons a challenging task. This paper presents the dynamic modeling and motion control of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) for lane‐changing maneuver, utilizing the ideology of constraint‐following servo control. To guarantee a transient and steady tracking performance, a series of equality constraints and bilateral inequality constraints bounded by decaying functions or scalar constants are imposed on the dynamic state to formulate a constrained dynamical system. Since the original Udwadia‐Kalaba (UK) approach cannot handle inequality constraints and underactuated systems, a creative diffeomorphism method is applied to transform the bounded state into an unbounded one. Then, based on the UK approach and Lyapunov stability theory, a novel constraint‐following controller is designed to render the transformed states asymptotically stable in a full actuated system, and to achieve uniform stability performance in an underactuated system. Finally, numerical simulations are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control methodology.
Separate but unequal: Revisiting the discussion of trans‐inclusive bathrooms
Authors: James Shauntey , Coley J.
Published: January 2023

Transgender students, often defined as “others,” experience legal difficulties navigating within public spaces, specifically in terms of bathroom usage. The ultimate question is whether institutions of higher education (IHEs) are denying equal access to transgender students by creating unisex bathrooms alongside the binary system. The problems with these unisex locations harken back to what the court found in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) that separate but equal does not ensure equality. This policy analysis explores (1) the campus climate for transgender students, (2) the evolution of the bathroom laws, (3) the suitability of unisex bathrooms alongside binary‐gendered bathrooms, and (4) transforming all bathrooms into undesignated locations.
Thermally and Magnetically Programmable Hydrogel Microactuators
Authors: Saadli Meriem , Braunmiller Dominik L. , Mourran Ahmed , Crassous Jérôme J.
Published: January 2023

The rapid development in micro‐machinery enabled the investigation of smart materials that can embody fast response, programmable actuation, and flexibility to perform mechanical work. Soft magnetic actuators represent an interesting platform toward combining those properties. This study focuses on the synthesis of micro‐actuators that respond to thermal and magnetic stimuli using micro‐molding with a soft template as a fabrication technique. These microsystems consist of a hydrogel matrix loaded with anisotropic magnetic nanospindles. When a homogeneous magnetic field is applied, the nanospindles initially dispersed in monomer solution, align and assemble into dipolar chains. The ensuing UV‐polymerization creates a network and conveniently arrests these nanostructures. Consequently, the magnetic dipole moment is coplanar with the microgel. Varying the shape, volume, and composition of the micro‐actuators during synthesis provides a temperature‐dependent control over the magnetic response and the polarizability. Beyond isotropic swelling, shaping the hydrogel as long thin ribbons with a passive layer on one side allows for differential swelling leading to bending and twisting deformations, for example, 2D‐ or 3D‐spiral. These deformations involve a reversible amplification of the magnetic response and orientation of the hydrogels under magnetic field. Temperature control herewith determines the conformation and simultaneously the magnetic response of the micro‐actuators.
Precision Nanocluster‐Based Toroidal and Supertoroidal Frameworks Using Photocycloaddition‐Assisted Dynamic Covalent Chemistry
Authors: Lakshmi Kavalloor Murali , Rival Jose V. , Sreeraj Pakath , Nambiar Sindhu R. , Jeyabharathi Chinnaiah , Nonappa  , Shibu Edakkattuparambil Sidharth
Published: January 2023

Atomically precise nanoclusters (NCs) have recently emerged as ideal building blocks for constructing self‐assembled multifunctional superstructures. The existing structures are based on various non‐covalent interactions of the ligands on the NC surface, resulting in inter‐NC interactions. Despite recent demonstrations on light‐induced reversible self‐assembly, long‐range reversible self‐assembly based on dynamic covalent chemistry on the NC surface has yet to be investigated. Here, it is shown that Au25 NCs containing thiolated umbelliferone (7‐hydroxycoumarin) ligands allow [2+2] photocycloaddition reaction‐induced self‐assembly into colloidal‐level toroids. The toroids upon further irradiation undergo inter‐toroidal reaction resulting in macroscopic supertoroidal honey‐comb frameworks. Systematic investigation using electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electron tomography (ET) suggest that the NCs initially form spherical aggregates. The spherical structures further undergo fusion resulting in toroid formation. Finally, the toroids fuse into macroscopic honeycomb frameworks. As a proof‐of‐concept, a cross‐photocycloaddition reaction between coumarin‐tethered NCs and an anticancer drug (5‐fluorouracil) is demonstrated as a model photo‐controlled drug release system. The model system allows systematic loading and unloading of the drug during the assembly and disassembly under two different wavelengths. The results suggest that the dynamic covalent chemistry on the NC surface offers a facile route for hierarchical multifunctional frameworks and photocontrolled drug release.
Solvent Mediated Nanoscale Quasi‐Periodic Chirality Reversal in Self‐Assembled Molecular Networks Featuring Mirror Twin Boundaries
Authors: Yamagata Kyohei , Maeda Matsuhiro , Tessari Zeno , Mali Kunal S. , Tobe Yoshito , De Feyter Steven , Tahara Kazukuni
Published: January 2023

Grain boundaries in polycrystals have a prominent impact on the properties of a material, therefore stimulating the research on grain boundary engineering. Structure determination of grain boundaries of molecule‐based polycrystals with submolecular resolution remains elusive. Reducing the complexity to monolayers has the potential to simplify grain boundary engineering and may offer real‐space imaging with submolecular resolution using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Herein, the authors report the observation of quasi‐periodic nanoscale chirality switching in self‐assembled molecular networks, in combination with twinning, as revealed by STM at the liquid/solid interface. The width of the chiral domain structure peaks at 12–19 nm. Adjacent domains having opposite chirality are connected continuously through interdigitated alkoxy chains forming a 1D defect‐free domain border, reflecting a mirror twin boundary. Solvent co‐adsorption and the inherent conformational adaptability of the alkoxy chains turn out to be crucial factors in shaping grain boundaries. Moreover, the epitaxial interaction with the substrate plays a role in the nanoscale chirality reversal as well.
Biomimetic Molybdenum Sulfide‐Catalyzed Tumor Ferroptosis and Bioimaging
Authors: Xu Yan , Yang Weitao , Han Yi , Bian Kexin , Zeng Weiwei , Hao Liangwen , Wang Hui , Cheng Yingsheng , Wang Peijun , Zhang Bingbo
Published: January 2023

The chemical generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) by the MoO42−‐catalyzed disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been widely applied in numerous catalytic processes; however, such molybdate ions cannot be administered for redox‐based cancer therapeutics. This work reports the albumin‐mediated biomimetic synthesis of highly active molybdenum sulfide (denoted MoB) nanocatalysts that mediate the simultaneous generation of1O2and superoxide anion (O2•−) from H2O2, which is relatively abundant in malignant tumors. The MoB‐catalyzed reactive oxygen species (ROS) are able to activate the ferroptosis pathway and cause lipid peroxidation for efficient cancer therapy. Furthermore, for the first time, the catalytic activity of MoB is visualized in situ. Moreover, a catalytic imaging modality based on MoB is developed for specific imaging of inflammation diseases without background interference. Therefore, this study presents a biomimetic strategy toward Mo‐based nanocatalysts for ROS‐facilitated tumor ferroptosis and catalytic imaging.
Self‐Supported Pd Nanorod Arrays for High‐Efficient Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia
Authors: Guo Heng , Li Mengyue , Yang Yuantao , Luo Rui , Liu Wei , Zhang Fengying , Tang Chun , Yang Guidong , Zhou Ying
Published: January 2023

Electrochemical nitrate (NO3−) reduction to ammonia (NH3) offers a promising pathway to recover NO3− pollutants from industrial wastewater that can balance the nitrogen cycle and sustainable green NH3 production. However, the efficiency of electrocatalytic NO3− reduction to NH3 synthesis remains low for most of electrocatalysts due to complex reaction processes and severe hydrogen precipitation reaction. Herein, high performance of nitrate reduction reaction (NO3−RR) is demonstrated on self‐supported Pd nanorod arrays in porous nickel framework foam (Pd/NF). It provides a lot of active sites for H* adsorption and NO3− activation leading to a remarkable NH3 yield rate of 1.52 mmol cm−2 h−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 78% at −1.4 V versus RHE. Notably, it maintains a high NH3 yield rate over 50 cycles in 25 h showing good stability. Remarkably, large‐area Pd/NF electrode (25 cm2) shows a NH3 yield of 174.25 mg h−1, be promising candidate for large‐area device for industrial application. In situ FTIR spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations analysis confirm that the enrichment effect of Pd nanorods encourages the adsorption of H species for ammonia synthesis following a hydrogenation mechanism. This work brings a useful strategy for designing NO3−RR catalysts of nanorod arrays with customizable compositions.
Towards a catalog of composite refactorings
Authors: Brito Aline , Hora Andre , Tulio Valente Marco
Published: January 2023

Catalogs of refactoring have key importance in software maintenance and evolution, since developers rely on such documents to understand and perform refactoring operations. Furthermore, these catalogs constitute a reference guide for communication between practitioners since they standardize a common refactoring vocabulary. Fowler's book describes the most popular catalog of refactorings, which documents single and well‐known refactoring operations. However, sometimes, refactorings are composite transformations, that is, a sequence of refactorings is performed over a given program element. For example, a sequence of Extract Method operations (a single refactoring) can be performed over the same method, in one or in multiple commits, to simplify its implementation, therefore, leading to a Method Decomposition operation (a composite refactoring). In this paper, we propose and document a catalog with eight composite refactorings. We also implement a set of scripts to mine composite refactorings by preprocessing the results of refactoring detection tools. Using such scripts, we search for composites in a representative refactoring oracle with hundreds of confirmed single refactoring operations. Next, to complement this first study, we also search for composites in the full history of 10 well‐known open‐source projects. We characterize the detected composite refactorings, under dimensions such as size and location. We conclude by addressing the applications and implications of the proposed catalog.
Exceptional Hydrogen Diffusion Rate over Ru Nanoparticle‐Doped Polar MgO(111) Surface
Authors: Yoskamtorn Tatchamapan , Mo Jiaying , Chen Lu , Wu Simson , Mukhopadhyay Sanghamitra , Hawkins Alex , Wu Xin‐Ping , Tsang Shik Chi Edman
Published: January 2023

Hydrogen (H) conductivity on oxide‐based materials is crucially important in fuel cells and related catalysis. Here, this work measures the diffusion rate of H generated from Ru nanoparticles loaded on polar MgO(111) facet particles under H2 at elevated temperatures without moisture and compares it to conventional nonpolar MgO(110) for the first time by in situ quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS). The QENS reveals an exceptional diffusion rate on the polar facet via a proton (H+) hopping mechanism, which is an order of magnitude superior to that of typical H+‐conducting oxides. This work attributes this to the unique atomic arrangement of alternate layers of Mg cations and O anions of the polar MgO(111) where the strong electrostatic field of terminal oxygen anions facilitates protonic migration with a lower degree of local covalency.
Transparent Oil–Water Separating Spiky SiO2 Nanoparticle Supramolecular Polymer Superhydrophobic Coatings
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Binh , Ly Nguyên Hoàng , Tran Huynh Nhu , Son Sang Jun , Joo Sang‐Woo , Vasseghian Yasser , Osman Sameh M. , Luque Rafael
Published: January 2023

A potential application of spiky SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with tubular and rough surfaces is investigated as superhydrophobic coatings, for their unique transparent, fluorinate‐free, and environmentally friendly properties. This study demonstrates a facile method for the successful fabrication of superhydrophobic coatings and SiO2@polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using spiky SiO2 NPs, N‐coordinated boroxines, and PDMS. Combined with spray coating technology, this method of superhydrophobic coating can be simply applied to both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces, including wood, fabric, glass, metal, sponge, and paper. The nanocomposite coating on the glass surface showed both excellent superhydrophobicity and high transparency, with a contact angle of 165.4 ± 1.0° and 96.93% transmittance at 550 nm, respectively. SiO2@PDMS‐modified glass substrate is found to be resilient to UV irradiation, water, and high temperature treatments at ambient conditions. Experimental data demonstrated that the simple but effective combination of N‐boroxine‐PDMS and spiky SiO2 NPs produces a layered coating material that exhibits many good integrated surface properties, including stability, transparency, superhydrophobicity, and oil–water separation.
Indigenous systems knowledge applied to protocols for governance and inquiry
Authors: Fletcher Gabrielle , Waters Joshua , Yunkaporta Tyson , Marshall Chels , Davis John , Manning Bancroft Jack
Published: January 2023

This paper details the progress to date of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab (IKS Lab) at Deakin University in establishing organisational processes and methods of inquiry grounded in Indigenous protocols. Continuity of traditional knowledge and practice in the Lab requires a deep‐time perspective of complex systems both local and nonlocal, ensuring that ancient psycho‐technologies are retrieved forward for context‐dependent, collectively responsive thought leadership and projects stewarding relational systems increase during phase shifts anticipated from future inflection points of wicked proportions. This work requires abductive reasoning, the eradication of discrete discipline boundaries, continuous adaptive responsiveness, distributed authority, agentic dyads of individual and group sovereignties, kinship protocols for solitary/pair/group/multigroup activity, traditional embassy protocols for dialogue between diverse systems and traditional Law‐based principles translated into propositions that can inform innovative systems functions and theory.
Structure‐property relationships of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) in aqueous formulations
Authors: Patti Antonella , Acierno Domenico
Published: January 2023

This study provides an overview of the rheological properties of aqueous polyurethanes (WPU), as the main component, or as a thickening additive in aqueous formulations. Waterborne polyurethanes (WPU) have been proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional solvent‐based solutions in a variety of industrial applications such as coatings, adhesives, inks. In all these fields, the control of rheological properties became an important prerogative to determine the quality of the dispersion and its potential applicability. First, the effect of parameters such as components, particle size and content, temperature, and interactions on dispersion viscosity was reported. Then, the effect of two additives, i.e. thickeners and nanomaterials, on structure–property relationships of WPU‐base systems, was described. Thickeners are rheological modifiers, commonly used to stabilize the dispersion and prevent flocculation and sedimentation of the particles, or to change the flow behavior of dispersions from Newtonian to pseudoplastic. These species can interact with water and polymer particles to create a network structure that alters the flow resistance, and thus viscosity. The use of hyperbranched aqueous polyurethane as thickening agent in WPU formulations was also presented. On the other hand, nanostructured fillers (0D/1D/2D) or a combination thereof in waterborne polyurethane led to the formation of specific microstructures that prevented the penetration of water, oxygen, and corrosive substances, also improved mechanical and thermal properties, allowing the development of high‐performance WPU‐based products.
Clinical resolution of systemic mycobacterial infection in a cat with a suspected spinal granuloma
Authors: Martín‐Ambrosio Francés Marina , Pradel Julie , Domínguez Elisabet , Sharman Mellora
Published: January 2023

An 8‐year‐old, female, spayed, domestic longhair cat presented with progressive pelvic limb weakness, lethargy and weight loss. Physical examination identified bilateral pelvic limb proprioceptive ataxia, tachypnoea and a subcutaneous nodular lesion on the left flank. Investigations documented a diffuse broncho‐interstitial and nodular pulmonary pattern, pyogranulomatous inflammation in the spleen and an intradural‐extramedullary spinal lesion at the level of L3. Mycobacterium microti was confirmed based on demonstration of organisms on histopathology of the subcutaneous nodule using Ziehl–Neelsen stain together with positive polymerase chain reaction and interferon‐gamma release assay results. Therapy with rifampicin, azithromycin and pradofloxacin was administered for 7 months. Serial monitoring, including repeated magnetic resonance imaging, demonstrated resolution of the clinical signs, pulmonary, subcutaneous and spinal lesions.
Wastewater treatment plants discharges disseminated more Giardia than Cryptosporidium
Authors: Onursal Asli , Icgen Bulent
Published: January 2023

Parasitic protozoa Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium parvum are causative agents for giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, respectively. These infections are mostly associated with waterborne diseases. The discharges from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that reach surface waters cause waterborne transmission because there are no regulations for monitoring these protozoa. This emphasizes how crucial the removal capacities of WWTPs to prevent the spread of infectious parasitic pathogens. For this reason, in this study, five different types of WWTPs including conventional activated sludge (CAS), biological nutrient removal (BNR), sequencing batch reactor (SBR), membrane bioreactor (MBR), and WWTP with coagulation–flocculation and UV disinfection (CoFlUV) units were investigated over a year, seasonally in terms of their G. intestinalis and C. parvum removal capacities. The seasonal abundances of these protozoa‐specific genes in both the influents and effluents of each WWTP were determined by qPCR. The reduction of protozoan rDNA copies in the effluent wastewater samples compared with the influent wastewater samples was assessed as log10 reduction values (LRVs). LRVs >3 were reachable for C. parvum in all types of WWTPs tested. However, only LRVs 1–2 were reachable for G. intestinalis in CAS, SBR, CoFlUV, and MBR. Significant seasonal variations were just observed in SBR and CAS for G. intestinalis and C. parvum (p < 0.05), respectively. The findings depicted that WWTPs tested disseminated more giardiasis causative agents than cryptosporidiosis. Therefore, G. intestinalis needs to be monitored in WWTPs' discharges to reduce any potential damage of this parasite to public health.

Practitioner Points

Removal of G. intestinalis and C. parvum in WWTPs was affected by the process.

LRV 2.92 was the highest LRV achieved for G. intestinalis.

LRV >3 was reachable for C. parvum.

WWTPs discharges disseminated more G. intestinalis than C. parvum.

WWTPs effluents should be monitored in terms of G. intestinalis.
Alkaline‐earth metal dimesitylphosphinites and their ether adducts – A structural study in solution and in the crystalline state
Authors: Fener Benjamin E. , Schüler Philipp , Görls Helmar , Liebing Phil , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: January 2023

Alkaline‐earth metalation of dimesitylphosphane oxide Mes2P(O)H (1) in ethereal solvents with dialkylmagnesium and alkylmagnesium bromide as well as the homoleptic bis(trimethylsilyl)amides of calcium, strontium, and barium yields [(L)MgR(μ‐OPMes2)]2 (L/R=thf/Et (2‐Et), Et2O/Br (2‐Br)), [(thf)3Ca(hmds)(OPMes2)] (3‐hmds), [(thf)3Mg(OPMes2)2] (2‐thf) and [(thf)4Ae(OPMes2)2] (Ae=Ca (3‐thf), Sr (4‐thf), and Ba (5‐thf)), depending on the applied stoichiometry. Exchange of thf ligands in 3‐thf by oligodentate ethers allows isolation of [(thf)2(dme)Ca(OPMes2)2] (3‐dme), [(thf)2(diglyme)Ca(OPMes2)2] (3‐diglyme) and [(thf)(triglyme)Ca(OPMes2)2] (3‐triglyme). Contrary to this finding, oligodentate amines are unable to substitute ligated thf ligands in 3‐thf. In ethereal solutions, the heteroleptic complexes 2‐Et, 2‐Br and 3‐hmds show Schlenk‐type equilibria, interconverting these compounds into their homoleptic counterparts.
Challenges and Opportunities of Computational Social Science for Official Statistics
Authors: Signorelli Serena , Fontana Matteo , Gabrielli Lorenzo , Vespe Michele
Published: January 2023

The vast amount of data produced everyday (so-called digital traces) and available nowadays represent a gold mine for the social sciences, especially in a computational context, that allows to fully extract their informational and knowledge value. In the latest years, statistical offices have made efforts to profit from harnessing the potential offered by these new sources of data, with promising results. But how difficult is this integration process? What are the challenges that statistical offices would likely face to profit from new data sources and analytical methods? This chapter will start by setting the scene of the current official statistics system, with a focus on its fundamental principles and dimensions relevant to the use of non-traditional data. It will then present some experiments and proofs of concept in the context of data innovation for official statistics, followed by a discussion on prospective challenges related to sustainable data access, new technical and methodological approaches and effective use of new sources of data.
Towards a More Sustainable Mobility
Authors: Pallonetto Fabiano
Published: January 2023

The transport sector is the second most important source of emissions in the EU. It is paramount to act now towards the decarbonisation of our transport system to mitigate climate change effects. Waiting for future technological advancements to minimise the existing anthropogenic emissions and dramatically boost its sustainability is risky for human survival. The current chapter highlights how the path towards a sustainable transport system is a whole stakeholders’ effort involving the mass deployment of available technology, changing user behaviours, data-driven legislation, and researching and developing future disruptive technologies. The author analyses and classifies the available data on various transport modals and assesses the impact of the technologies and policy measures in terms of potential reduction of carbon emissions, challenges, and opportunities. It also exemplifies outstanding test settings across the world on how already available technologies have contributed to the development of a lower-carbon transport setting. The chapter considers developing countries’ economic and infrastructural challenges in upgrading to a low-carbon transport system and the lack of data-driven decisions and stakeholders’ engagement measures in addressing the sector sustainability challenges. It also emphasised how a sustainable transport system should lay the foundation on data harmonisation and interoperability to accelerate innovation and promote a fast route for deploying new and more effective policies.
Natural Language Processing for Policymaking
Authors: Jin Zhijing , Mihalcea Rada
Published: January 2023

Language is the medium for many political activities, from campaigns to news reports. Natural language processing (NLP) uses computational tools to parse text into key information that is needed for policymaking. In this chapter, we introduce common methods of NLP, including text classification, topic modelling, event extraction, and text scaling. We then overview how these methods can be used for policymaking through four major applications including data collection for evidence-based policymaking, interpretation of political decisions, policy communication, and investigation of policy effects. Finally, we highlight some potential limitations and ethical concerns when using NLP for policymaking.
Das Netzwerk Universitätsmedizin: Technisch-organisatorische Ansätze für Forschungsdatenplattformen
Authors: Heyder Ralf ,   NUM Coordination Office, Kroemer Heyo K. , Wiedmann Silke , Pley Christina , Heyer Carolin , Heuschmann Peter , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , Krefting Dagmar , Illig Thomas , Nauck Matthias , Schaller Jens , Kraus Monika , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Stahl Dana , Hanß Sabine , Anton Gabriele , Schäfer Christian , Reese Jens-Peter , Hopff Sina M. , Lorbeer Roberto , Lorenz-Depiereux Bettina , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Zenker Sven , Eils Roland , Bucher Andreas , Kleesiek Jens , Vogl Thomas , Hamm Bernd , Penzkofer Tobias , Schirrmeister Wiebke , Röhrig Rainer , Walcher Felix , Majeed Raphael , Erdmann Bernadett , Scheithauer Simone , Grundmann Hajo , Dilthey Alexander , Bludau Anna ,   NUKLEUS Study Group,   NUM-RDP Coordination,   RACOON Coordination,   AKTIN Coordination,   GenSurv Study Group
Published: January 2023

Das Netzwerk Universitätsmedizin (NUM) besteht aus den 36 Standorten der Universitätsmedizin in Deutschland. Der Auftrag ist die Koordinierung der universitätsmedizinischen COVID-19-Forschung auf nationaler Ebene. Dazu werden u. a. gemeinsame Infrastrukturen für die Sammlung, Haltung und Nutzung medizinischer Forschungsdaten benötigt. Diese standen beim Start des NUM-Projekts im April 2020 nicht im erforderlichen Rahmen zur Verfügung. Medizinische Forschungsdaten sind extrem heterogen und gehen weit über „Real World Data“ (Daten aus dem Versorgungsalltag) hinaus. Eine universelle Lösung dafür gab es nicht, deshalb hat das NUM fünf Forschungsinfrastrukturen für unterschiedliche Datenarten, unterschiedliche Wege der Datengewinnung und unterschiedliche Datenentstehungssettings aufgebaut. Um die Bildung neuer Datensilos zu verhindern, arbeiten alle fünf Infrastrukturen auf Basis der FAIR-Prinzipien, nach denen Daten auffindbar (findable), zugänglich (accessible), interoperabel (interoperable) und wiederverwendbar (reusable) sein sollen. Zudem implementiert das NUM einen übergreifenden Steuerungsrahmen (Governance Framework), um die Weiterentwicklung dieser fünf Infrastrukturen zentral zu steuern. Der Artikel beschreibt den aktuellen Stand der Infrastrukturentwicklung im NUM und mögliche Perspektiven. Ein starker Fokus wird dabei auf die technisch-organisatorischen Grundlagen gerichtet.
LINC01004-SPI1 axis-activated SIGLEC9 in tumor-associated macrophages induces radioresistance and the formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Fen , Tian Hui , Wang Yungang , Zhang Jianbo , Liu Fang , Fu Lei
Published: January 2023

Radioresistance and immunosuppression remain the major obstacles in the anti-cancer treatments. This work studies the functions of sialic acid binding Ig like lectin 9 (SIGLEC9) and its related molecules in radioresistance and immunosuppression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The single-cell analysis showed that SIGLEC9 was mainly expressed on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Monocytes-derived macrophages were co-cultured with ESCC cells and subjected to radiotherapy. High or low doses of radiotherapy induced SIGLEC9 upregulation and M2 polarization of TAMs. Artificial inhibition of SIGLEC9 in TAMs suppressed the radioresistance and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in the co-cultured ESCC cells. Upstream molecules of SIGLEC9 were predicted via bioinformatics. LINC01004 recruited Spi-1 proto-oncogene (SPI1) in nucleus of TAMs to induce transcriptional activation of SIGLEC9. SIGLEC9 interacted with mucin 1 (MUC1). MUC1 overexpression in ESCCs induced M2 skewing of TAMs, enhanced radioresistance and immunosuppression, and promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin to suppress radiotherapy-induced ferroptosis of ESCC cells. These effects were blocked upon SIGLEC9 suppression. In vitro results were reproduced in the animal models with xenograft tumors. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the LINC01004-SPI1 axis-activated SIGLEC9 in TAMs induces radioresistance and the formation of immunosuppressive TME in ESCC.