bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploit the Bandwidth Capacities of the Perfluorinated Graded Index Polymer Optical Fiber for Multi-Services Distribution
Authors: Lethien Christophe , Loyez Christophe , Vilcot Jean-Pierre , Rolland Nathalie , Rolland Paul Alain
Published: June 2011

The study reported here deals with the exploitation of perfluorinated graded index polymer optical fiber bandwidth to add further services in a home/office network. The fiber properties are exhibited in order to check if perfluorinated graded index plastic optical fiber (PFGI-POF) is suitable to support a multiplexing transmission. According to the high bandwidth length of plastic fibers, both at 850 nm and 1,300 nm, the extension of the classical baseband existing network is proposed to achieve a dual concept, allowing the indoor coverage of wireless signals transmitted using the Radio over Fiber technology. The simultaneous transmission of a 10 GbE signal and a wireless signal is done respectively at 850 nm and 1,300 nm on a single plastic fiber using wavelength division multiplexing commercially available devices. The penalties have been evaluated both in digital (Bit Error Rate measurement) and radiofrequency (Error Vector Magnitude measurement) domains.
Patterns of diversity in leaves from canopies of Ginkgo biloba are revealed using Specific Leaf Area as a morphological character
Authors: Christianson Michael L. , Niklas Karl J.
Published: June 2011

• Premise of the study: The difference reported in the literature for the Specific Leaf Area (SLA, cm2/g) of leaves on short‐ and long‐shoots of Acer rubrum could mean that SLA can serve as a quantitative morphological trait. Our survey of SLA in canopies of Ginkgo biloba sampled a different clade of seed plants to investigate this morphological phenomenon. Such a survey in this dioecious taxon, and one in which a single canopy may have juvenile and reproductive portions, as well as one where canopies bear leaves of several shapes, examine these additional morphological factors as well as any long‐shoot short‐shoot differences.

• Methods: We measured SLA for a set of 642 dried leaves, a sampling across all morphological levels in canopies of large landscape specimens. The tabulated values were analyzed as distributions.

• Key results: Populations of leaves of G. biloba, sorted by morphological features of canopy structure, differ between long‐ and short‐shoots (175%), on the two genders of tree (131%), in the juvenile and reproductive portions of a canopy (183%), and with the presence or absence of seed on short‐shoots in the reproductive portion of megasporangiate canopies (114%). Basipetal leaves of long‐shoots and leaves of short‐shoots have similar values of SLA.

• Conclusions: With the exception of the acropetal decrease in SLA along long‐shoots, the differences among the several classes of leaf seem to reflect local sink strength, even though the sink itself develops after leaves mature. The large overall range in the values of SLA in Ginkgo underscores the relevance of the details of canopy structure to parsing ecological phenomena.
Characterizations of Model Manifolds by Means of Certain Differential Systems
Authors: Pigola S. , Rimoldi M.
Published: June 2011

We prove metric rigidity for complete manifolds supporting solutions of certain second order differential systems, thus extending classical works on a characterization of space-forms. Along the way, we also discover new characterizations of space-forms. We next generalize results concerning metric rigidity via equations involving vector fields.
Functional Equations and Fourier Analysis
Authors: Yang Dilian
Published: June 2011

By exploring the relations among functional equations, harmonic analysis and representation theory, we give a unified and very accessible approach to solve three important functional equations- the d'Alembert equation, the Wilson equation, and the d'Alembert long equation-on compact groups.
New Adder-Based RNS-to-Binary Converters for the
Moduli Set
Authors: Gbolagade Kazeem Alagbe
Published: June 2011

We investigate Residue Number System (RNS) to binary conversion, which is an important issue concerning the utilization of RNS numbers in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) applications. We propose two new reverse converters for the moduli set . First, we simplify the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) to obtain a reverse converter that uses mod-
operations instead of mod-
operations required by other state-of-the-art equivalent converters. Next, we further reduce the hardware complexity by making the resulting reverse converter architecture adder based. Two hybrid Cost-Efficient (CE) and Speed-Efficient (SE) reverse converters are proposed. These two hybrid converters are obtained by combining the best state-of-the-art converter with the newly introduced area-delay efficient scheme. The proposed hybrid CE converter outperforms the best state-of-the-art CE converter in terms of delay with similar area cost. Additionally, the proposed hybrid SE converter requires less area cost with smaller delay when compared to the best state-of-the-art equivalent SE converter.
Asymptotic Periodicity for a Class of Partial Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Caicedo Alejandro , Cuevas Claudio , Henríquez Hernán R.
Published: June 2011

We study the existence of S-asymptotically ω-periodic solutions for a class of abstract partial integro-differential equations and for a class of abstract partial integrodifferential equations with delay. Applications to integral equations arising in the study of heat conduction in materials with memory are shown.
Study on the Thermal Treatment of Nano-Ag/TiO2 Thin Film
Authors: Bing Peng , Jia Wang , Li-yuan Chai , Yun-yan Wang , Ai-li Mao
Published: June 2011

The photocatalytic degradation rates of methyl orange and antibacterial properties of nano-Ag/TiO2 thin film on ceramics were investigated in this study. XRD was used to detect the structure of film to clarify the impacts on the rates and properties. The effect of film layers, heating temperature, heating time, and embedding of Ag+ on the degradation rates and antibacterial properties were ascertained. The nano-Ag/TiO2 film of 3 layers with AgNO3 3% embedded and treated at 350°C for 2 h would exhibit good performance.
Corticosteroid Injections and Risk of Fracture
Authors: Sytsma Terin T. , Thomas Shannon , Fischer Karen M. , Greenlund Laura S.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are an important tool for pain relief in many musculoskeletal conditions, but the longitudinal effects of these treatments on bone health and fracture risk are unknown.

Objective

To determine whether cumulative doses of corticosteroid injections are associated with higher risk of subsequent osteoporotic and nonosteoporotic fractures.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included adult patients receiving any CSI from May 1, 2018, through July 1, 2022. Eligible patients resided in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and were empaneled to receive primary care within the Mayo Clinic. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate risk of fracture based on cumulative injected corticosteroid dose.

Exposure

Receipt of any CSI during the study period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was risk of fracture by total triamcinolone equivalents received. Secondary outcomes consisted of risks of fracture based on triamcinolone equivalents received in subgroups of patients not at high risk for fracture and patients with osteoporosis.

Results

A total of 7197 patients were included in the study (mean [SD] age, 64.4 [14.6] years; 4435 [61.6%] women; 183 [2.5%] Black and 6667 [92.6%] White), and 346 (4.8%) had a new fracture during the study period. Of these fractures, 149 (43.1%) were considered osteoporotic. In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model, there was no association of higher fracture risk based on cumulative CSI dose (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.04 [95% CI, 0.96-1.11]). There was also no associated higher risk of fracture in the non–high-risk (adjusted HR, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.98-1.26]) or osteoporosis (adjusted HR, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.90-1.11]) subgroups. Age, Charleson Comorbidity Index, and previous fracture were the only factors that were associated with higher fracture risk.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of cumulative injected corticosteroid dose and risk of subsequent fracture, no association was observed, including in patients with a preexisting diagnosis of osteoporosis. Treatment of painful conditions with CSI should not be withheld or delayed owing to concern about fracture risk.
Coupling Antisite Defect and Lattice Tensile Stimulates Facile Isotropic Li‐Ion Diffusion
Authors: Luo Jiawei , Zhang Jingchao , Guo Zhaoxin , Liu Zhedong , Wang Chunying , Jiang Haoran , Zhang Jinfeng , Fan Longlong , Zhu He , Xu Yunhua , Liu Rui , Ding Jia , Chen Yanan , Hu Wenbin
Published: May 2024

Despite widely used as a commercial cathode, the anisotropic 1D channel hopping of lithium ions along the [010] direction in LiFePO4 prevents its application in fast charging conditions. Herein, an ultrafast nonequilibrium high‐temperature shock technology is employed to controllably introduce the Li–Fe antisite defects and tensile strain into the lattice of LiFePO4. This design makes the study of the effect of the strain field on the performance further extended from the theoretical calculation to the experimental perspective. The existence of Li–Fe antisite defects makes it feasible for Li+ to move from the 4a site of the edge‐sharing octahedra across the ab plane to 4c site of corner‐sharing octahedra, producing a new diffusion channel different from [010]. Meanwhile, the presence of a tensile strain field reduces the energy barrier of the new 2D diffusion path. In the combination of electrochemical experiments and first‐principles calculations, the unique multiscale coupling structure of Li–Fe antisite defects and lattice strain promotes isotropic 2D interchannel Li+ hopping, leading to excellent fast charging performance and cycling stability (high‐capacity retention of 84.4% after 2000 cycles at 10 C). The new mechanism of Li+ diffusion kinetics accelerated by multiscale coupling can guide the design of high‐rate electrodes.
Electrosynthesis of Tetrasubstituted Sulfonated Pyrazoles through Iodide‐Mediated Multicomponent Coupling
Authors: Mahanty Kingshuk , Ghosh Sayan , Dubey Abhishek , De Sarkar Suman
Published: May 2024

An electrochemical protocol for synthesizing tetra‐substituted sulfonated pyrazoles is developed. The notable feature of this method is the electrocatalytic generation of an active iodine species, which enables the direct use of 1,3 dicarbonyls as the reactant and also eliminates the necessity for external electrolytes. A wide range of functionalities are compatible under the electrocatalytic condition, resulting good to excellent production of the desired pyrazole derivatives. Detailed synthetic and electrochemical studies enlighten the electrocatalytic pathway.
How Thick Aqueous Alkali Should be Better for Aluminum‐Air Batteries at Sub‐Zero Temperatures: A Critical Anti‐Freezing Concentration
Authors: Cui Hongyu , Gao Ming , Cao Guoqin , Liu Fanfan , Hu Junhua , Ban Jinjin
Published: May 2024

The application of portable aluminum‐air batteries (AABs) in extreme environments is an inevitable demand for future development. Aqueous electrolyte freezing is a major challenge for low‐temperature operations. Conventionally, enlightened by the organic system in metal ion batteries, blindly increasing the concentration is regarded as an efficient technique to reduce the freezing point (FP). However, the underlying contradiction between the adjusting mechanism of the FP and OH− transportation is ignored. Herein, the aqueous alkali solution of CsOH is researched as a prototype to disclose the intrinsic conductive behavior and related solvent structure evolution. Different from these inorganic electrolyte systems, the concept of a critical anti‐freezing concentration (CFC) is proposed based on a specific temperature. The relationship between hydrogen bond reconstruction and de‐solvation behavior is analyzed. A high conductivity is obtained at −30 °C, which is also a recorded value in an intrinsic aqueous AAB. The homogenous dissolution of the Al anode is also observed. As a general rule, the CFC concept is also applied in both the KOH and NaOH systems.
High‐Performance Azo Cathodes Enabled by N‐Heteroatomic Substitution for Zinc Batteries with a Self‐Charging Capability
Authors: Du Dawei , Chen Yuqi , Zhang Hao , Zhao Jiapeng , Jin Lanyu , Ji Weixiao , Huang He , Pang Siping
Published: May 2024

Redox‐active azo compounds are emerging as promising cathode materials due to their multi‐electron redox capacity and fast redox response. However, their practical application is often limited by low output voltage and poor thermal stability. Herein, we use a heteroatomic substitution strategy to develop 4,4′‐azopyridine. This modification results in a 350 mV increase in reduction potential compared to traditional azobenzene, increasing the energy density at the material level from 187 to 291 Wh kg−1. The introduced heteroatoms not only raise the melting point of azo compounds from 68 °C to 112 °C by forming an intermolecular hydrogen‐bond network but also improves electrode kinetics by reducing energy band gaps. Moreover, 4,4′‐azopyridine forms metal‐ligand complexes with Zn2+ ions, which further self‐assemble into a robust superstructure, acting as a molecular conductor to facilitate charge transfer. Consequently, the batteries display a good rate performance (192 mAh g−1 at 20 C) and an ultra‐long lifespan of 60,000 cycles. Notably, we disclose that the depleted batteries spontaneously self‐charge when exposed to air, marking a significant advancement in the development of self‐powered aqueous systems.
Pyrene‐Alkyne‐Based Conjugated Porous Polymers with Skeleton Distortion‐Mediated ⋅O2− and 1O2 Generation for High‐Selectivity Organic Photosynthesis
Authors: Li Guobang , Qiu Tianyu , Wu Qi , Zhao Zhao , Wang Lili , Li Yangguang , Geng Yun , Tan Huaqiao
Published: May 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in determining photocatalytic reaction pathways, intermediate species, and product selectivity. However, research on ROS regulation in polymer photocatalysts is still in its early stages. Herein, we successfully achieved series of modulations to the skeleton of Pyrene‐alkyne‐based (Tetraethynylpyrene (TEPY)) conjugated porous polymers (CPPs) by altering the linkers (1,4‐dibromobenzene (BE), 4,4′‐dibromobiphenyl (IP), and 3,3′‐dibromobiphenyl (BP)). Experiments combined with theoretical calculations indicate that BE‐TEPY exhibits a planar structure with minimal exciton binding energy, which favors exciton dissociation followed by charge transfer with adsorbed O2 to produce ⋅O2−. Thus BE‐TEPY shows optimal photocatalytic activity for phenylboronic acid oxidation and [3+2] cycloaddition. Conversely, the skeleton of BP‐TEPY is significantly distorted. Its planar conjugation decreases, intersystem crossing (ISC) efficiency increases, which makes it more prone for resonance energy transfer to generate 1O2. Therefore, BP‐TEPY displays best photocatalytic activity in [4+2] cycloaddition and thioanisole oxidation. Both above reactant conversion and its product selectivity exceed 99 %. This work systematically reveals the intrinsic structure–activity relationship among the skeleton structure of CPPs, excitonic behavior, and selective generation of ROS, providing new insights for the rational design of highly efficient and selective CPPs photocatalysts.
Amorphous MnRuOx Containing Microcrystalline for Enhanced Acidic Oxygen‐Evolution Activity and Stability
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Xu Liangliang , Yang Xiaoxuan , Guo Song , Zhang Yifei , Zhao Yang , Wu Gang , Li Gao
Published: May 2024

Compared to Ir, Ru‐based catalysts often exhibited higher activity but suffered significant and rapid activity loss during the challenging oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in a corrosive acidic environment. Herein, we developed a hybrid MnRuOx catalyst in which the RuO2 microcrystalline regions serve as a supporting framework, and the amorphous MnRuOx phase fills the microcrystalline interstices. In particular, the MnRuOx‐300 catalyst from an annealing temperature of 300 °C contains an optimal amorphous/crystalline heterostructure, providing substantial defects and active sites, facilitating efficient adsorption and conversion of OH−. In addition, the heterostructure leads to a relative increase of the d‐band center close to the Fermin level, thus accelerating electron transfer with reduced charge transfer resistance at the active interface between crystalline and amorphous phases during the OER. The catalyst was further thoroughly evaluated under various operating conditions and demonstrated exceptional activity and stability for the OER, representing a promising solution to replace Ir in water electrolyzers.
LiF‐Rich Alloy‐Doped SEI Enabling Ultra‐Stable and High‐Rate Li Metal Anode
Authors: Zhuang Huifeng , Xiao Hong , Zhang Tengfei , Zhang Fanchao , Han Pinyu , Xu Mengyuan , Dai Wenjing , Jiao Junrong , Jiang Lei , Gao Qiuming
Published: May 2024

Li metal is regarded as the “Holy Grail” in the next generation of anode materials due to its high theoretical capacity and low redox potential. However, sluggish Li ions interfacial transport kinetics and uncontrollable Li dendrites growth limit practical application of the energy storage system in high‐power device. Herein, separators are modified by the addition of a coating, which spontaneously grafts onto the Li anode interface for in situ lithiation. The resultant alloy possessing of strong electron‐donating property promotes the decomposition of lithium bistrifluoromethane sulfonimide in the electrolyte to form a LiF‐rich alloy‐doped solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer. High ionic alloy solid solution diffusivity and electric field dispersion modulation accelerate Li ions transport and uniform stripping/plating, resulting in a high‐power dendrite‐free Li metal anode interface. Surprisingly, the formulated SEI layer achieves an ultra‐long cycle life of over 8000 h (20,000 cycles) for symmetric cells at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. It also ensures that the NCM(811)//PP@Au//Li full cell at ultra‐high currents (40 C) completes the charging/discharging process in only 68 s to provide high capacity of 151 mAh g−1. The results confirm that this scalable strategy has great development potential in realizing high power dendrite‐free Li metal anode.
Interfacial Domino Effect Triggered by β‐Alanine Cations Realized Highly Reversible Zinc‐Metal Anodes
Authors: Guo Gaozhi , Ji Chenchen , Lin Jiadong , Wu Tianlong , Luo Yulu , Sun Chaorui , Li Mengjun , Mi Hongyu , Sun Lixian , Seifert Hans Jürgen
Published: May 2024

Realizing durative dense, dendrite‐free, and no by‐product deposition configuration on Zn anodes is crucial to solving the short circuit and premature failure of batteries, which is simultaneously determined by the Zn interface chemistry, electro‐reduction kinetics, mass transfer process, and their interaction. Herein, this work unmasks a domino effect of the β‐alanine cations (Ala+) within the hydrogel matrix, which effectively triggers the subsequent electrostatic shielding and beneficial knock‐on effects via the specifical adsorption earliest event on the Zn anode surface. The electrostatic shielding effect regulates the crystallographic energetic preference of Zn deposits and retards fast electro‐reduction kinetics, thereby steering stacked stockier block morphology and realizing crystallographic optimization. Meanwhile, the mass transfer rate of Zn2+ ions was accelerated via the SO42− anion immobilized caused by Ala+ in bulk electrolyte, finally bringing the balance between electroreduction kinetics and mass transfer process, which enables dendrite‐free Zn deposition behavior. Concomitantly, the interfacial adsorbed Ala+ cations facilitate the electrochemical reduction of interfacial SO42− anions to form the inorganic‐organic hybrid solid electrolyte interphase layer. The above domino effects immensely improve the utilization efficiency of Zn anodes and long‐term stability, as demonstrated by the 12 times longer life of Zn||Zn cells (3650 h) and ultrahigh Coulombic efficiency (99.4 %).
Do environmental and climate scores for financial institutions reflect lending and underwriting activity? A case study of global banks
Authors: Cregan Charlie , Kelly J. Andrew , Clinch J. Peter
Published: May 2024

Achieving international climate targets may require more than $8 trillion in annual investments to 2030. We investigate the extent to which third‐party environmental scores for banks reflect lending and underwriting in fossil‐fuel and low‐carbon industries, and how ratings are influenced by outward signals of commitment to climate action. We provide empirical evidence on the performance of leading Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings providers and offer actionable guidance as to how ESG ratings may be improved in this context. We find that banks' environmental scores are most strongly influenced by signals of future intention regarding climate action, rather than by prior and current lending and underwriting behaviour. Our analysis highlights the need for rating providers, when constructing environmental scores for banks, to place more weight on key capital allocation decisions, and less on future intentions. We recommend that banks disclose breakdowns of their financing activities in key carbon‐intensive and low‐carbon industries.
The Potential of Self‐Activating Au(I) Complexes in Gold Catalysis
Authors: Pérez‐Sánchez Juan Carlos , Herrera Raquel P. , Gimeno M. Concepción
Published: May 2024

Gold catalysis has emerged as a groundbreaking field in synthetic chemistry, revolutionizing numerous organic transformations. Despite the significant achieved advancements, the mechanistic understanding behind many gold‐catalyzed reactions remains elusive. This Concept article covers the so‐called “self‐activating” Au(I) complexes, sorting out their pivotal role in gold catalysis. We comment on how Au(I) complexes can undergo self‐activation, triggering diverse catalytic transformations without the need for external additives. The most important examples reported so far that underlie the catalytic activity of these species are discussed. This intrinsic reactivity represents a paradigm shift in gold catalysis, offering new avenues for the design of efficient and sustainable catalytic systems. Furthermore, we explore the factors influencing the stability, reactivity, and selectivity of these Au(I) complexes, providing insights into their synthetic utility and potential applications. This area of research not only advances our fundamental understanding of gold catalysis but also paves the way for the development of novel catalytic strategies with broad implications in organic synthesis and the chemical industry.
Iron‐Catalyzed Oxidative Deconstruction of Polyethylene Terephthalate to Terephthalic Acid under O2
Authors: Wang Sichang , Wang Liting , Xue Ting , Zhang Guoxiang , Ke Congyu , Zeng Rong
Published: May 2024

Comprehensive Summary

It is urgent to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) effectively, since it is the most consumed synthetic polyester and its improper disposal has caused significant environmental pollution. The existing chemical recycling methods highly rely on the nucleophilic substitutions and hydrogenative depolymerizations, which typically require the use of excess of nucleophiles, excess strong acids or bases, expensive metal catalysts, and explosive gas atmosphere. Here, we demonstrate a mild and efficient protocol for oxidative depolymerization of PET to terephthalic acid using only an O2 balloon. Terephthalic acid can be recycled from PET‐containing materials including a series of plastic products in daily life. The employing of relatively low loading of iron complex, the most earth‐abundant transition metal, as the catalyst and the preliminary results on the large‐scale reaction using 38 g of PET waste demonstrate the practical feasibility of this degradation method. This method can be also applicable for selective degradation of PET from mixed plastics. This work represents a rare example of a selective oxidative depolymerization and demonstrates the great potentials of such a concept in polyester recycling.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of C3‐Indolyl/(3‐chloro‐indolyl)‐C4‐aryl/heteroaryl‐azetidin‐2‐ones
Authors: Yadav Pooja , Fatimah Nasreen , Sahoo S. C. , Kumari Sumeeta , Berry Shiwani , Reenu  , Kumar Pinnaka Anil , Bhalla Aman
Published: May 2024

Herein, trans‐ and cis‐azetidin‐2‐ones 3–6 were strategically synthesized, capitalizing on the bioactivity of azetidin‐2‐ones and indole pharmacophore, followed by a comprehensive characterization using a diverse array of spectroscopic techniques. The sixteen azetidin‐2‐ones were examined for antimicrobial activities against both Gram‐negative (P. aeruginosa, E. coli, A. baumannii) and Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aureus, E. faecium, B. cereus), as well as against C. albicans and C. tropicalis fungal strains. The highly potent compounds (5 a, 6 b, 6 d) demonstrated maximum inhibition against all multidrug‐resistant strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.97–3.9 μg/mL, surpassing the potency of standard ampicillin (MIC: 3.12–50 μg/mL). Moreover, 6 b and 6 d exhibited significant inhibitory effects on C. albicans (MIC: 0.97 μg/mL), comparable to fluconazole. The presence of C3‐(3‐chloro‐indolyl) scaffold, combined with diverse electronic effects at N1/C4‐centers, particularly the inclusion of thiophen‐2‐yl motif, greatly influenced the activity of target compounds. Assessment of 4 d, 4 i–k and 6 d on THLE‐2 cell lines revealed their preferential safety. Molecular docking studies revealed seven compounds with active dual targeting of DNA GyrB and PBP2a proteins, demonstrating a potent broad‐spectrum antibacterial effect. In silico ADME analysis affirms positive drug‐likeness and favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics of indole‐derived hybrids, indicating a promising potential for addressing challenges in evolving multidrug resistance.
SharpEdge: A QoS‐driven task scheduling scheme with blockchain in mobile edge computing
Authors: Gu Ji , Liu Yushi , Xu Xiaolong
Published: May 2024

Mobile edge computing (MEC) promotes the development and popularity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices with higher connectivity and ultra‐low latency through network topology optimization and real‐time data analysis. With the exponential growth of data traffic generated by IoT devices, it is essential to prevent edge servers (ESs) from overloading through efficient task scheduling to ensure the quality of service (QoS). However, the lack of trust and incentive mechanisms between ESs deployed and managed by different infrastructure providers makes it challenging to perform peer‐offloaded tasks. Moreover, to meet the low‐latency requirement of many IoT applications, the execution efficiency of the task scheduling scheme in MEC needs to be improved. To address the above challenges systematically, a QoS‐driven task scheduling scheme with blockchain in MEC named SharpEdge is proposed. In SharpEdge, ESs publish tasks with rewards and then select the most reliable executors through a historical performance‐based reputation mechanism to perform peer offloading. The performance of the executor will be recorded into the blockchain after the task is completed. In addition, a concurrent consensus mechanism using sharding technology is designed, improving task scheduling efficiency. We implement SharpEdge based on Hyperledger Fabric and verify its performance in a simulated MEC environment.
Disturbance theory for ecosystem ecologists: A primer
Authors: Gough Christopher M. , Buma Brian , Jentsch Anke , Mathes Kayla C. , Fahey Robert T.
Published: May 2024

Understanding what regulates ecosystem functional responses to disturbance is essential in this era of global change. However, many pioneering and still influential disturbance‐related theorie proposed by ecosystem ecologists were developed prior to rapid global change, and before tools and metrics were available to test them. In light of new knowledge and conceptual advances across biological disciplines, we present four disturbance ecology concepts that are particularly relevant to ecosystem ecologists new to the field: (a) the directionality of ecosystem functional response to disturbance; (b) functional thresholds; (c) disturbance–succession interactions; and (d) diversity‐functional stability relationships. We discuss how knowledge, theory, and terminology developed by several biological disciplines, when integrated, can enhance how ecosystem ecologists analyze and interpret functional responses to disturbance. For example, when interpreting thresholds and disturbance–succession interactions, ecosystem ecologists should consider concurrent biotic regime change, non‐linearity, and multiple response pathways, typically the theoretical and analytical domain of population and community ecologists. Similarly, the interpretation of ecosystem functional responses to disturbance requires analytical approaches that recognize disturbance can promote, inhibit, or fundamentally change ecosystem functions. We suggest that truly integrative approaches and knowledge are essential to advancing ecosystem functional responses to disturbance.
Cognitive impairment in young and middle‐aged patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Miao Fengyu , Tian Aoxi , Wang Bin , Li Jing
Published: May 2024

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and prognostic implications of cognitive impairment in young and middle‐aged patients with acute heart failure (HF).

Methods

In a prospective cohort of patients with acute HF, we assessed cognitive function by the Mini‐Cog, predictors of the cognitive impairment and its associations with 30 day and 1 year cardiovascular death or HF rehospitalization among young and middle‐aged patients (<65 years old).

Results

Among 1958 young and middle‐aged patients, the prevalence of cognitive impairment was 19.6%. Predictors of cognitive impairment included older age, females, lower education levels and prior strokes. Compared with patients having normal cognitive function, cognitive impairment was associated with a higher risk of 30 day cardiovascular death or HF rehospitalization [hazard ratio (HR), 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–2.17, P = 0.02], but not for 1 year cardiovascular death or HF rehospitalization (HR, 1.06, 95% CI, 0.87–1.30, P = 0.55).

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment is present in a notable proportion of young and middle‐aged patients with acute HF and is associated with an increased risk of short‐term adverse outcomes. Strategies for screening and intervention for cognitive impairment at a younger age are necessary, particularly for those at high risk.
Gastrointestinal pain: A systematic review of temporal summation of pain paradigms and outcomes
Authors: Huisman Danielle , Mansfield Michael , Cummins Tatum M. , Moss‐Morris Rona , McMahon Stephen B. , Bannister Kirsty
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective

Since targeted treatment for gastrointestinal pain is elusive, identifying the mechanistic underpinning of this pain type is important. Facilitation of spinal neuronal responses underpins certain pain types, and the psychophysical temporal summation of pain (TSP) paradigm provides a proxy measure of spinal facilitatory processes. Our aim was to systematically review whether facilitated TSP is a feature of gastrointestinal pain in patients with, or pain‐free people experiencing experimentally induced, gastrointestinal pain.

Databases and Data Treatment

EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science were systematically searched, from inception to July 2023, for human studies reporting TSP paradigm outcomes in the context of gastrointestinal pain. The Appraisal tool for Cross‐Sectional studies was used for quality assessment and applied independently by two researchers.

Results

Fifteen papers consisting of cross‐sectional (n = 6), case–control (n = 8), and retrospective cohort (n = 1) studies, were included. Thirteen studies investigated TSP in people with gastrointestinal pain with (n = 5) or without (n = 8) defined pathology. Two studies evoked TSP by repetitive gut stimulation in people undergoing abdominal medical procedures. Preliminary evidence showed that facilitated TSP correlated with the presence of functional gastrointestinal pain in women, and those with a history of trauma. No effect was observed in people with inflammatory bowel disease, although it was often unclear if they experienced pain.

Conclusions

It is not possible to conclude whether facilitated TSP is a feature of gastrointestinal pain. We recommend that subgroup findings are corroborated and that TSP paradigms are standardized in order that direct comparisons between studies may be made.

Significance Statement

Evidence indicated that pain facilitatory processes, as evidenced by a facilitated TSP outcome, contribute to functional gastrointestinal pain in women and those with a history of trauma. However, heterogeneity of study populations and paradigms precluded statistical synthesis and findings would need be corroborated. Studies exploring facilitatory processes in people with inflammatory bowel diseases did not report significant results, but pain is not a given in these conditions and, conversely, may be driven by peripheral inflammation during active disease. This should be taken in consideration in future explorations.

Registration Review

PROSPERO CRD42022341845.
Enhancing outlier detection in air quality index data using a stacked machine learning model
Authors: Diallo Abdoul Aziz , Nderu Lawrence , Malenje Bonface Miya , Kikuvi Gideon Mutie
Published: May 2024

The air quality index (AQI) is a commonly employed metric for evaluating air quality across diverse locations and temporal spans. Similar to other environmental datasets, AQI data can exhibit outliers data points markedly divergent from the norm, signifying instances of exceptionally favorable or adverse air quality. This becomes crucial in identifying and comprehending severe pollution episodes with far‐reaching environmental and public health implications. This study utilizes air quality data from January 1, 2014, to January 31, 2021, collected at daily intervals in Shanghai City, China, as the experimental dataset. The dataset includes daily AQI measurements, along with six pollutant concentrations: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). Each pollutant's concentration is measured in micrograms per cubic meter (g/m). The dataset is then preprocessed by cleaning and normalizing it before using K‐means clustering to discover different patterns. A stacked ensemble machine learning model that incorporates K‐means clustering, random forest (RF) and gradient boosting classifier (GBC) is developed and compared to decision tree, support vector machine, K‐nearest neighbor and Naive Bayes algorithms to evaluate its performance in identifying outliers using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1‐score. The stacked model outperformed all other established models based on the accuracy, precision, recall, and F1‐score of 0.99, 0.99, 0.97, and 0.99, respectively.
Sovereign bonds' risk‐based heterogeneity
Authors: Georgoutsos Dimitris A. , Migiakis Petros M.
Published: May 2024

Are sovereign risk premia subject to heterogeneous effects from their drivers, associated with the risk class each sovereign bond belongs to? In the paper at hand, effects on sovereign bond risk premia stemming from macroeconomic, fiscal, and volatility factors, are examined by considering the classification of sovereign riskiness. Panel data estimation techniques are used, for 30 countries, with data in quarterly frequency for the period 2001Q1 to 2019Q4. Sovereign spreads are found to be subject to heterogeneous effects associated with their credit ratings; spreads on sovereign bonds considered low‐risk increase with higher growth rates and inflation, while spreads on highly risky bonds decrease with higher growth rates and are more sensitive to idiosyncratic and global volatility. Primary fiscal surpluses indeed lower spreads but cannot counterbalance the effects of volatility episodes and the prospects for low growth. Our results provide support for countercyclical fiscal policies, suggesting that spreads can be expected to be reduced by primary surpluses, under the condition that the economy expands and market volatility is low. Our main findings are robust to various alternative setups, samples, and control variables such as central banks' asset purchases.
Growth potential of machine learning in credit risk predicting of farmers in the industry 4.0 era
Authors: Chai Nana , Abedin Mohammad Zoynul , Wang Xiaoling , Shi Baofeng
Published: May 2024

This paper aims to design a model framework for farmer credit risk assessment based on machine learning. It reduces the degree of credit risk misjudgement caused by the weak correlation between evaluation indicators and default status and imbalanced data. Based on the empirical analysis of 8624 farmers' data from a commercial bank in China, the average rank of the OPSO‐GINI‐FS model designed from the feature dimension is 1.29, which is higher than that of the OPSO‐GINI‐IS model designed from the indicator dimension (1.57). This means that our model has a higher default risk identification ability than the traditional one. And the META‐SAMPLER method of processing imbalanced data is also promising. Moreover, we found the machine learning designed in this paper has a higher ability to identify farmers' loan default than the traditional econometric methods. These findings establish the potential of machine learning in credit risk identification from a micro perspective.
Identity verification of monoclonal antibodies by triple injection capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Carlsson Johan A. , Löfgren Maria , Amini Ahmad
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an approach based on triple injection capillary zone electrophoresis for identification of monoclonal antibodies. The analyte to be identified is injected between two zones of a known reference. The distances between the reference zones (plug I and III) and the target zone (plug II) are adjusted by partial electrophoresis of the first and second injection plugs. The full migration time of the target analyte is calculated from the observed migration time by considering the migration times of the reference in the first and third injection plugs. The relative migration time, that is, the ratio between the full migration time of the analyte and the migration time of the reference in the third injection plug provides the basis for identification. Here, eight monoclonal antibodies, including a pair of biosimilars, were used interchangeably as both analyte and reference to investigate potential of the method. The relative migration time for a preliminary positive identification were found to vary between 0.994 and 1.006 (1.000 ± 0.006, p = 95%). Beside the relative migration time, isoform distribution, peak profiles, and early migrating peaks, originating from components in the pharmaceutical formulations, were successfully used to verify the identity of all tested monoclonal antibodies.
The Amazon River plume—a Lagrangian view
Authors: Dippner Joachim W. , Montoya Joseph P. , Subramaniam Ajit , Umbricht Jacqueline , Voss Maren
Published: May 2024

Hydrographic data, nutrient data and bulk rates of nitrate uptake and primary production were determined in the Amazon River plume (ARP) in the Western Tropical North Atlantic (WTNA) during three cruises in May 2018, June/July 2019, with RV Endeavor and April/May 2021 with RV Meteor. Using daily quasi‐geostrophic surface velocity data from satellite observations, the geographical positions of the stations of observations were transformed onto Lagrangian coordinates to obtain a dynamically coherent and consistent spatial distribution. After the transformation, the observed surface salinity and temperature fields were consistent with the flow fields, the ARP formed a coherent structure and the retroflection of the North Brazil Current became visible. By transforming other surface variables such as nitrate concentration, photosynthetically available radiation, turbidity, bulk rates of nitrate uptake, and primary production onto Lagrangian coordinates, patterns became consistent with the physical variables at the surface. The use of “synchronous” fields as done here by transformation onto Lagrangian coordinates is essential for spatially structured analyses of data collected over tens of days in a highly dynamic region characterized by complex flow fields with low persistence such as the WTNA. Therefore, the use of the Lagrangian method provides a powerful tool for exploring spatial distributions of biologically relevant factors in regions with complex and dynamic flow patterns. These spatial distributions are qualitatively in agreement with satellite images of daily sea surface temperature and composites of monthly mean Chlorophyll a distributions.
Report: Conditions on inpatient unit in Connecticut demand more oversight
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2024

Incomplete treatment and discharge planning, inadequate protection of patients from harms that have included sexual abuse, and failure to provide a rodent‐free environment are among a litany of problems exposed in a scathing report from Connecticut's protection and advocacy agency about conditions at a state‐run inpatient mental health facility.
Eine haarige Angelegenheit
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: May 2024

Gewelltes, krauses oder glattes Haar gewünscht? Kein Problem: Chemische Substanzen knacken Quervernetzungen im Keratin und verändern so die Haarstruktur in die gewollte Richtung. Nun stehen einige der Mittel im Verdacht, der Gesundheit zu schaden.
Singapore, Science, and Angewandte
Authors: Nagler Peter
Published: May 2024

Singapore will host the Angewandte Colloquium in December. In particular, the focus will be on the nation‘s lead public sector R&D agency: A*STAR.
Natürlich‐nachhaltiges Nano
Authors: Heinzerling Peter
Published: May 2024

Nach den Vorgaben der Kultusministerkonferenz müssen sich Chemieleistungskurse mit Nanomaterialien befassen. Dazu eignen sich Nanopartikel, die sich mit natürlichen Substanzen aus Blüten oder Gewürzen herstellen lassen und Nanomaterialien so erfahr‐ und fassbar machen.
Wie es mit Spaß funktioniert
Authors: Brenner Doris
Published: May 2024

„Netzwerken kann ich nicht“, „Mir liegt diese Selbstdarstellung nicht“ – es gibt viele Vorbehalte gegen Networking. Oft entstehen sie aber nur aus falschen Vorstellungen. Und Kontakte knüpfen und pflegen ist leichter, als viele denken.
Augmenting barrier efficiency in clay‐based starch composite films for enhanced packaging sustainability
Authors: Kumari Priyanka , Kumari Neeraj , Mohan Chandra , Al‐Ansari Mysoon M. , Dixit Saurav
Published: May 2024

The pervasive utilization of plastic as a cost‐effective packaging material for food has led to environmental concerns, primarily due to its non‐biodegradable nature and the ensuing release of carbon dioxide gas that contributes to global warming. In response to these challenges, researchers have shifted their focus toward biopolymers to develop eco‐friendly packaging solutions. The present study introduces a novel approach to study the release of micronutrient (Fe) from clay free starch‐glycerol film and clay‐starch‐glycerol composite film. The structural composition and characteristics of the synthesized film are meticulously examined using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), ATR, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analytical techniques. Notably, XRD analysis reveals a significant interaction between the starch chains and Mt through hydrogen bonding, indicative of starch and glycerol intercalation within the nanoclay gallery—a phenomenon further corroborated by IR spectra analysis. The nanoclay‐infused starch/glycerol composite film exhibits a noteworthy 2.22‐fold increase in water vapor permeability compared to clay free film, attributed to the formation of a convoluted diffusion path indicating the enhancement of the barrier performance of starch‐based films. Comparative evaluations against earlier studies are undertaken to elucidate the advancements in barrier properties, subsequently elucidating the underlying mechanisms through analytical interpretations. From the release study, the release of Fe2+ from the film with clay was observed to be more prolonged compared to a film without clay. As a result, the Montmorillonite clay–polymer composite film was selected for coating rice seeds using the dip‐coating method.
Moisture effect on tensile and low‐velocity impact tests of flax fabric‐reinforced PLA biocomposite
Authors: Jiao‐Wang Liu , Charca Samuel , Abenojar Juana , Martínez Miguel A. , Santiuste Carlos
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the hygrothermal aging effect on the tensile and impact behavior of flax/PLA biocomposites. Specimens underwent up to four weeks of conditioning at 40°C in a climate chamber with water. Analysis covered porosity, moisture diffusibility, and transversal microstructure, enabling assessment of tensile strength, tensile modulus, and impact performance in relation to moisture uptake and fiber orientation. The study of tensile properties revealed that at approximately 12% moisture content, stiffness and yield stress decrease, while strength remains constant. Moisture diffusivity is higher in warp and weft yarn directions than the out‐of‐plane direction. Tensile testing at environmental equilibrium moisture reveals greater stiffness in the weft direction, correlated with lower crimp percentage and yarn angle. The main contribution of the paper is the study of the influence of moisture on the impact behavior, the results show that energy absorption capability of flax/PLA biocomposite increases with moisture content.

Highlights

Fully biodegradable composite material by heat‐compression molding subjected to hygrothermal aging conditions for up to four weeks.

The moisture diffusivity in both the warp and weft yarn directions registered higher values in comparison to the out‐of‐plane direction.

Tensile testing at environmental equilibrium moisture revealed that the stiffness in the weft direction presented higher values.

At 12% of moisture uptake, the stiffness and yield stress reached their lowest values, while strength remained constant.

However, the low‐velocity impact properties of the composites exhibited improvement with moisture.
Achieving High Efficiency and Stability by Blocking Moisture‐Oxygen Permeation Paths on Perovskite Surfaces Using the Curing Agent 4‐(2‐Carboxyvinyl) Benzoic Acid
Authors: Fang Kai , Wang Jintao , Chen Shuming , Jiang Ning , Liu Hao , Zhang Jian , Li Chuannan , Duan Yu
Published: May 2024

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are ideal candidates for the new generation of photovoltaics (PV) due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. However, the active layer of perovskite may have many defects such as vacancies, interstitials, and substitutions during the solution method preparation process. The defects in films can become fast channels for moisture‐oxygen penetration, which promotes the interaction of moisture and oxygen with the defects and accelerates the degradation of PV in air, significantly limiting the efficiency and stability of PSCs. Herein, the curing agent 4‐(2‐carboxyvinyl) benzoic acid is added to the perovskite precursor solution to enhance the device stability by forming a moisture‐oxygen‐blocking barrier at the grain boundaries, at the same time, the Lewis base property of the molecule plays a key role to realize the preferred crystal orientation of perovskite films, passivate the defects and enhance the PV performance, which can significantly improve the devices efficiency. The final optimized PSCs achieve an outstanding power conversion efficiency of 20.28% and show excellent stability, with the unencapsulated device maintaining 78% of its initial efficiency after 1000 h of under ambient environment.