bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acquisition behaviours for nutrition‐related information based on a health promotion model for older adults in a long‐term care facility
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Huiping , Xie Ying , Zhao Yong , Zhao Qinghua , Xiao Mingzhao , Wang Jun , Huang Huanhuan
Published: June 2023

Aim

To explore the acquisition behaviours for nutrition‐related information of older adults in a long‐term care facility.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was used in this study.

Methods

Sixteen older adults in a long‐term care facility were recruited using purposive sampling between March and May 2021. Data were collected via face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews, based on open questions regarding acquisition behaviours for nutrition‐related information and flexible question formulation, and the data were analysed using an inductive–deductive method. A health promotion model was used as a conceptual framework to regulate the refinement of themes.

Results

Three themes were identified in this study. The first theme discussed the individual characteristics and experiences of older adults that contributed to their acquisition behaviours for nutrition‐related information. The second theme described behaviour‐specific cognitions of and the effects on the participants regarding the influencing factors involving various internal individual elements and external physical environment. The third theme explored the positive behavioural outcomes of the participants resulting from these acquisition behaviours.

Conclusion

Acquisition behaviours for nutrition‐related information of older adults in long‐term care facilities were affected by both individual characteristics and external physical environment factors. Access to nutritional information can help older adults cultivate a healthy diet. Although they exhibited a significant interest in nutrition, the participants still encountered several difficulties. Based on the actual care needs of the older people, appropriate nutritional information interventions should be provided by healthcare providers working in long‐term care facilities so as to improve the ability of the older people to acquire information independently.

Patient or public contribution

All 16 participants actively participated in the interview process and the preliminary preparation of the article.
Paleodiets of hunter‐gatherers from the central Patagonian coast: Reviewing scopes and limitations of stable isotope analyses
Authors: Kochi Sayuri , Gómez Otero Julieta , Zangrando A. Francisco , Tessone Augusto , Ugan Andrew
Published: June 2023

This work reviews paleodietary reconstructions of hunter‐gatherers from the northeast province of Chubut, Argentina. The isotopic record of human bone can complement information from zooarchaeological and technological studies with its particular resolution on the long‐term diet of individuals. Previous δ13C and δ15N studies found dietary differences between the coastal area and the lower basin of the Chubut River, both in the proportion of marine resources in the diet and the trophic positions of prey. However, it is challenging to test hypotheses concerning human diets in northeastern Patagonia, where C3 and CAM plants grow and terrestrial, riverine, and marine prey are available. Here, we focus on the local isotopic ecology to assess the scopes and limitations of δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes analyses. We provide new data on native faunas spanning different trophic levels of terrestrial, riverine, and marine environments. After establishing the basic patterns in the local isotope record, we reanalyze the available δ13Ccol, δ15N, and δ13Capa measurements from 23 individuals studied 15 years ago. That analysis reveals a relatively continuous distribution of several overlapping resources on the coast of northeastern Patagonia. Bayesian mixing models identified a combination of terrestrial and riverine resources aggregated as the main component of long‐term diets. However, it generated diffuse estimations. The Bayesian ellipses, describing isotopic niches, emphasized more the spatial variations in diet between coastal and valley groups.
Discovering efficient periodic behaviors in mechanical systems via neural approximators
Authors: Wotte Yannik P. , Dummer Sven , Botteghi Nicolò , Brune Christoph , Stramigioli Stefano , Califano Federico
Published: June 2023

It is well known that conservative mechanical systems exhibit local oscillatory behaviors due to their elastic and gravitational potentials, which completely characterize these periodic motions together with the inertial properties of the system. The classification of these periodic behaviors and their geometric characterization are in an ongoing secular debate, which recently led to the so‐called eigenmanifold
theory. The eigenmanifold characterizes nonlinear oscillations as a generalization of linear eigenspaces. With the motivation of performing periodic tasks efficiently, we use tools coming from this theory to construct an optimization problem aimed at inducing desired closed‐loop oscillations through a state feedback law. We solve the constructed optimization problem via gradient‐descent methods involving neural networks. Extensive simulations show the validity of the approach.
Barriers and facilitators of the return‐to‐school process affecting adolescent recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: A qualitative interview study of caregivers
Authors: Bhatt Neel S. , Shipman Kelly J. , Rosenberg Abby R. , Jenssen Kari M. , Ballard Sheri A. , Baker Kevin Scott , Barton Krysta S.
Published: June 2023

Background

Adolescent hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients remain out of school for a prolonged period of time; navigating their return to school after completion of therapy can be challenging for caregivers.

Methods

Between August 2020 and June 2021, we conducted individual semi‐structured interviews of 19 caregivers of adolescent HCT recipients (10–18 years of age at HCT; 1–7 years post HCT) to understand the challenges faced at the time of their child's return to in‐person school post HCT. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts, and thematic analysis was used to identify and organize emerging themes.

Results

Three themes emerged from the caregivers' experiences. First, caregivers reported facing several challenges related to lack of communication between their child's healthcare and school teams, which was burdensome for them. Second, some caregivers reported receiving support from school and healthcare professionals, as well as their child's peers, which helped reduce the burden of return to school. Caregivers also reported providing motivational, emotional, and spiritual support to patients. Lastly, caregivers made several recommendations regarding the need for better communication between family, healthcare professionals, and school professionals and availability of supportive care such as mental health counseling and neuropsychological testing. Notably, the need for a return‐to‐school navigator emerged as a key finding from our analysis.

Conclusions

Caregivers of adolescent HCT recipients face several challenges supporting their children's return to school post HCT, which are related to lack of communication between patients’ healthcare and school teams. While some reported receiving support from school and healthcare professionals and their child's peers, the need to coordinate the return‐to‐school process was burdensome for several caregivers. Additional work is needed to optimize support for HCT recipients and their caregivers during their return‐to‐school process to minimize burden. Our study findings have the potential to serve as a framework for developing and testing supportive care interventions to improve the return‐to‐school experience of HCT survivors and ultimately their quality of life.
Hybrid multiwalled‐carbon nanotube/nanosilica/polypropylene nanocomposites: Morphology, rheology, and mechanical properties
Authors: Yousefi Ali Akbar , Rezaei Mahsa , Naderpour Navid
Published: June 2023

Polymer composite are very interesting materials in automotive industry. Nanocomposites play a crucial role in the automotive parts and cars weight reduction fields. Hybridization of polymer nanocomposites is appeared as a process of choice in obtaining the required property/weight ration. Simple and hybrid nanocomposites of polypropylene (PP) blend with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) having different aspect ratios and nanosilica at different nanosilica contents were prepared in molten state in an internal mixer. Scanning electron microscopic images along with rheological and tensile properties revealed that only 0.2 wt% CNT is high enough to finely disperse nanosilica particles in PP matrix in the absence of any chemical compatibilizer. Differential scanning calorimetric thermograms showed that none of nanoparticles has any effect on crystallinity of PP. Mechanical characterizations showed that hybrid composites are superior to PP‐S3 composite. Due to its more intensive hydrodynamic motions it was also observed that the longer CNT showed a higher ability to disintegrate nanosilica particles aggregates. Transmission electron microscopic images well portrayed the nanosilica particles in the vicinity of CNTs' surfaces which accounts for electrostatic adsorption of fine nanosilica particles. At such a low CNT content (say 0.2 wt%) in the absence of any chemical compatibilizer, elongation at break of the tensiled nanocomposites raised from 13.23% to 35.41% and fracture energy was mounted from 1253 to 2750 J. This divulges the effectiveness of CNTs to disperse nanosilica in PP matrix but a poor adhesion between the particles and PP matrix is an overwhelming drawback yet. Under these conditions a maleic anhydride grafted PP (PP‐g‐MA) was added to the composite in molten state. The tensile strength of these chemically compatibilized nanocomposites increased with respect of that of their counterpart physically mixed nanocomposites. For example, in the presence of this chemical compatibilizer, the tensile strength of PP‐S3 nanocomposite raised from 21 to 28 MPa.
Advancing on viscosity characterization and modeling of SMC for compression molding simulation
Authors: Zulueta Kepa , Stelzer Philipp , Rienesl Konrad , Major Zoltan , Vilas Jose Luis , Arrillaga Alex
Published: June 2023

Sheet molding compounds are thermoset‐based and glass or carbon fiber reinforced composites. SMCs are transformed through compression molding and for optimizing this process, virtual compression molding tools are employed. These tools require material model calibrations based on raw material data obtained by different characterization techniques. In this research, temperature and shear rate dependent viscosity of two SMCs has been experimentally characterized by oscillatory rheometer (RPA) and extensional rheometry. The obtained results were fitted to the modified Cross‐Castro‐Macosko viscosity model. Finally, the compression molding of two validation plates was performed virtually and experimentally. The obtained results demonstrate that, testing by RPA is preferable for industrial partners because tests are run with standard equipment and no manual post‐processing of the experimental data is required. Besides, the comparison of the virtual clamping force estimation with the experimental clamping force, shows that material models calibrated with RPA‐generated data foresee a lower clamping force overestimation.
Surface modification of nylon 66 fiber and its reinforcement of coordination crosslinked acrylic rubber
Authors: Wei Shaohua , Li Qiuying , Liu Dekun , Li Xifei , Wu Chifei
Published: June 2023

The interface compatibility between the surfaces of nylon 66 (PA66) fiber and the acrylic rubber (AR) is the key factor to improve the mechanical properties of the composite materials. In this study, Lewis acid (CaCl2) was firstly used to reduce the crystallinity of PA66 fiber, and then a bioinspired polydopamine (PDA) function coating was constructed on the PA66 fiber surface to act as a bridge to introduce an epoxy‐functionalized silane layer (KH560). After that, the modified PA66 fiber was introduced in the CuSO4 coordination crosslinked AR composites to further increase the mechanical performances of AR. Results showed that Lewis acid could significantly reduce the surface crystallinity of PA66 fiber, the PDA coating has successfully coated the fiber surface. And SEM results showed, the interfacial compatibility between the fiber and rubber was obviously improved. Compared with the unmodified PA66 fiber filled AR composites, the tensile strength, modulus and hardness of the modified PA66 fiber filled AR composites were increased by 95%, 49%, and 16% respectively.
Improved rheological, barrier, antibacterial, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of graphene and graphene derivatives based linear low density polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Ghosh Suman Kumar , Nath Krishnendu , Ganguly Soumya Sarathi , Das Tushar Kanti , Paul Sangit , Ghosh Trisita , Das Amit Kumar , Das Narayan Ch.
Published: June 2023

Multifunctional polymer/graphene based lightweight and flexible nanocomposite films are increasingly being utilized in the packaging, electronics, and pharmaceutical industries together. Herein, two graphene derivatives: silver nanoparticle decorated reduced graphene oxide (G‐Ag) and chemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO) prepared by wet chemical method and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) have been incorporated into linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) thermoplastic matrix via melt compounding method. The incorporation of graphene derivatives affected the physico‐mechanical, electrical and thermal conductivity, and barrier properties (both oxygen and water vapor permeability) of the nanocomposite films. With 5 wt% of G‐Ag, rGO, and GNP loading, the thermal conductivity of these three nanocomposite films was enhanced by an average of 136.7%, 123%, and 143.3%, respectively. Graphene having high specific surface area and aspect ratio allow for a tortuous passage of oxygen and water molecules through the nanocomposite film, ultimately improving both oxygen and water vapor impermeability qualities for all LG‐Ag, LrGO, and LGNP nanocomposites. Moreover, the films have been tested against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria to ensure their bactericidal activity. The prepared composite films also showed Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (−21, −17, and −19 dB) higher than the commercial cut‐offs. The thermoplastic nanocomposite films with promising thermal conductivity might be an excellent choice for bacteria‐resistant and barrier‐capable packaging and efficient thermal management EMI shields in electronics.
Controlled aggregation properties of threonine modified by protecting groups to unusual self‐assembled structures
Authors: Gour Nidhi , Kshtriya Vivekshinh , Koshti Bharti , Patel Monisha , Boukhvalov Danil W.
Published: June 2023

We report for the very first time the controlled structural changes in the self‐assemblies of N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)‐O‐tert‐butyl‐l‐threonine (Fmoc‐Thr(tBu)‐OH) (FTU) to well defined unique morphologies. The self‐assembling properties of FTU were very interesting and intriguing as it resulted in the formation of unusual structures which resembles fibrous dumbbells and double‐sided broomstick‐like morphologies along with conventional spheres and rods under controlled conditions of concentration and temperature. The self‐assembly of other derivatives of threonine as well as another hydroxyl containing amino acid with same modification that is, ((N‐(9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)methoxy)carbonyl)‐O‐(tert‐butyl)‐l‐serine (Fmoc‐Ser(tBu)‐OH) (FSU) was also studied to understand the crucial role of –Fmoc, ‐tBu and an additional –CH3 group present in the structure of FTU in the process of self‐assembly. Solvent dependent morphological studies of FTU and FSU suggest important role of solubility parameters and crystallization in formation of these unusual structures. The control experiments of co‐incubation with tannic acid and urea and solution state 1H‐NMR studies elucidate π–π stacking interactions as the key driving force for the structure formation. Further, the interactions which can occur between pairs of FTU and FSU which cause initial self‐assembly was studied theoretically via computational modeling. These studies suggest pair of FTU can either interact via head‐to‐head (HH) or head‐to‐tail (HT) configurations and the most favorable probabilities of either of these interactions lead to morphological transitions in FTU self‐assembly under varying conditions. The studies reported herein hence demonstrate that bioorganic molecules like protected single amino acids can be efficiently used as scaffold for self‐assembly and provide a very simple and facile bottom‐up‐approach for the design of uncommon novel micro/nanoarchitects for multifarious applications.
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 62)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Dunlop Ewan D. , Yoshita Masahiro , Kopidakis Nikos , Bothe Karsten , Siefer Gerald , Hao Xiaojing
Published: June 2023

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since January 2023 are reviewed.
Registration of ‘Cedar Creek’ switchgrass
Authors: Casler Michael D. , Lee DoKyoung
Published: June 2023

‘Cedar Creek’ (Reg. no. CV‐290, PI 700113) switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) was selected for increased winter survivorship for three cycles, using surviving plants from ‘Kanlow’. The first two cycles were conducted at multiple locations in Wisconsin, and the third cycle was conducted at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, East Bethel, MN. All seed production and increases were conducted by either Illinois State University or the University of Illinois. Field evaluations of the third‐cycle population were conducted at five locations in Wisconsin between 2017 and 2021, located within USDA hardiness zones 3–5. Field experiments were planted in both 2016 and 2017. Averaged over the five locations and all trial years, Cedar Creek had 91% ground cover, compared with 96% for Cave‐in‐Rock, 95% for Shawnee, and 91% for Liberty. Biomass yield of Cedar Creek averaged 12.17 Mg ha−1, which was 20% higher than Liberty, 30% higher than Cave‐in‐Rock, 31% higher than Shawnee, and 520% higher than Kanlow. Cedar Creek is a high‐biomass lowland‐type of switchgrass and is the first lowland‐type adapted to USDA hardiness zones 3–5. Cedar Creek was released to the public by USDA‐ARS in 2021.
Shining a light on the dark proteome: Non‐canonical open reading frames and their encoded miniproteins as a new frontier in cancer biology
Authors: Posner Zoe , Yannuzzi Ian , Prensner John R.
Published: June 2023

In the decades following the discovery that genes encode proteins, scientists have tried to exhaustively and comprehensively characterize the human genome. Recent advances in computational methods along with transcriptomic and proteomic techniques have now shown that historically non‐coding genomic regions may contain non‐canonical open reading frames (ncORFs), which may encode functional miniproteins or otherwise exert regulatory activity through coding‐independent functions. Increasingly, it is clear that these ncORFs may play critical roles in major human diseases such as cancer. In this review, we summarize the history and current progress of ncORF research and explore the known functions of ncORFs and the miniproteins they may encode. We particularly highlight the emerging body of evidence supporting a role for ncORFs and miniproteins contributions in cancer. Finally, we provide a blueprint for high‐priority areas of future research for ncORFs in cancer, focusing on ncORF detection, functional characterization, and therapeutic intervention.
Dynamical Analysis in Chameleon Dark Energy
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: June 2023

A detailed analysis of the phase‐space for the field equations in scalar field cosmology with a chameleon cosmology in a spatially flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker spacetime is presented. For the matter source it is assumed that it is an ideal gas with a constant equation of state parameter, while for the scalar field potential and the coupling function of the chameleon mechanism it is considered that four different sets which provide four different models. The H‐normalization approach and the field equations with the help of dimensionless variables written is considered. The asymptotic solutions are determined from where the theory can describe the main eras of cosmological history and evolution that are found. Future attractors which describe acceleration exist; however, acceleration solutions related to the inflationary era is found in past, as also the radiation epoch and the matter dominated eras are provided by the dynamics. The Chameleon dark energy model can be used as a unified model for the elements which contribute to the dark sector of the universe that are concluded.
MOC 102: Get more out of MOC systems than “just managing changes”
Authors: Faulk Nancy , Costa da Fonseca Camila
Published: June 2023

Management of change (MOC) is the cornerstone of a successful risk‐based process safety (RBPS) program. Safe operation and maintenance of facilities that manufacture or store hazardous chemicals require robust process safety management (PSM) systems. The MOC element of RBPS program establishes a formal, documented authorization process to manage changes that may introduce unexpected new hazards or increase the risk of existing ones. Most companies have established MOC systems to evaluate and approve (or reject) proposed changes, leading managers and supervisors to assume that this PSM element is well in hand. Now that the MOC system is up and running, however, have you noticed “backsliding”, complacency, or just going through the motions? Or, perhaps there is reasonably good usage of the system in your company, but you consider that there ought to be more value to be gotten from the MOC system data.
Extrachromosomal DNA‐mediated glyphosate resistance in Italian ryegrass
Authors: Koo Dal‐Hoe , Ju Yoonha , Putta Karthik , Sathishraj Rajendran , Roma‐Burgos Nilda , Jugulam Mithila , Friebe Bernd , Gill Bikram S.
Published: June 2023

Background

An Italian ryegrass population from Arkansas, USA developed glyphosate resistance due to 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene amplification. The plants in this population with approximately 70 EPSPS copies were used in the present study for the physical mapping of amplified copies of EPSPS gene to determine the possible mechanism of EPSPS gene amplification conferring glyphosate resistance in Italian ryegrass.

Result

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of glyphosate resistant (GR) Italian ryegrass plants with approximately 70 EPSPS copies displayed EPSPS hybridization signals randomly on most of the metaphase chromosomes. Glyphosate susceptible (GS) Italian ryegrass plants with one EPSPS copy displayed single prominent EPSPS hybridization signal, which was co‐localized with 5S rDNA locus along with few additional signals on the outside of chromosomes. Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) followed by DNA blot using EPSPS gene as a probe identified a prominent EPSPS hybridization around the 400 kb region in GR DNA samples, but not in GS DNA samples.

Conclusion

We report the extrachromosomal DNA‐mediated glyphosate resistance in Italian ryegrass. Physical mapping of amplified copies of EPSPS gene in Italian ryegrass by FISH gives us a clue that the amplified copies of EPSPS gene may be present in the extrachromosomal DNA elements. Further analysis by PFGE followed by DNA blotting revealed that the extrachromosomal DNA containing EPSPS is approximately 400 kb similar in size with that of eccDNA replicon in Amaranthus palmeri. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Stepped Doped High k VDMOS: Switching Characteristics
Authors: Shukla Shaivya , Parmar Onika , Rajput Amit Singh , Mishra Zeesha
Published: June 2023

This paper presents the switching analysis of vertical stepped doped high k VDMOS. The introduction of vertical step doping in the n pillar of HK VDMOS brings improvement in switching performance. All the analysis of proposed and conventional device is carried out using silvaco ATLAS tool. Significant reduction in the switching delay is noted for different values of k. It is observed to be 40% for k = 20, 28.57% for k = 10, and 31.76% for k = 5. So the proposed step doped high k VDMOS can replace the high k VDMOS when fast switching is desired.
Immunosuppressive therapy selectively modulates B‐cell responses in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases receiving the inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine
Authors: Li Rui , Guo Ruru , Li Jia , Zheng Bing , Xu Ronghao , Jiang Xiaoyue , Chen Yingying , Tang Guo , Li Qianqian , Li Yixuan , Feng Jiaqi , Chen Xiaoxiang , Wang Ying , Ye Shuang , Du Fang , Lu Liangjing , Deng Jun
Published: June 2023

Background

Immunosuppressive medication reduces the immunogenicity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccines in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The primary aim of our study was to dissect the impact of immunosuppressive medication on cellular and humoral immune responses in RMD patients receiving the inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine.

Methods

A total of 28 RMD patients and five healthy controls (HCs) receiving two doses of the inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine (Sinovac‐CoronaVac) were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were collected before the primary vaccination (Week 0) and one week after the second vaccination (Week 5). Neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers and autoantibody titers were measured by a pseudovirus‐based neutralization assay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. CD4+ T‐cell and CD19+ B‐cell subsets and serum cytokines were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

The inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine was immunogenic in RMD patients and HCs after the second vaccination, but the nAb titers were lower in RMD patients than those in HCs. Only patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had notably increased nAb titers. Remarkably, IgG+CD27+, IgG+IgG1+, and IgG+IgG1− B cells were reduced, whereas IgG−IgG1+ B cells, and total IgA and IgG titers were markedly increased. However, Tfh cell and Tfr cell subsets and cytokines produced by Tfh cells were not increased. The flare rate was low in RMD patients with comparable autoantibody titers, unchanged CD4+ T cell subsets and serum pro‐inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐17, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor‐α) after the second vaccination.

Conclusions

Immunosuppressive therapy decreased the immunogenicity of the vaccine and maintained a low flare rate by selectively modulating B cell but not CD4+ T cell responses in RMD patients receiving the inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine. Optimization of the treatment regimen might ensure a durable and robust COVID‐19 vaccination response.
Decentralized adaptive tracking control for a class of interconnected nonlinear systems via dynamic high‐gain technique
Authors: Xu Lin‐Xing , Wang Yu‐Long , Wang Xiaofan , Ma Hong‐Jun
Published: June 2023

In this article, the problem of decentralized adaptive tracking control for a class of interconnected nonlinear systems is investigated, in which the interconnection term in each subsystem is related to the states of all subsystems. By utilizing the backstepping controller design method and dynamic high‐gain technique, two kinds of decentralized adaptive control schemes are developed. Some dynamic parameters are introduced into the controllers to counteract the effects of interactions among subsystems. Moreover, with the aid of graph theory, it is shown that all signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded. The novelty of the proposed method lies in that the tracking accuracy of each subsystem can be preset without adjusting the controller parameters. Finally, two illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed schemes.
A combined multilevel factor analysis and covariance regression model with mixed effects in the mean and variance structure
Authors: Orindi Benedict , Quintero Adrian , Bruyneel Luk , Li Baoyue , Lesaffre Emmanuel
Published: June 2023

Li et al developed a multilevel covariance regression (MCR) model as an extension of the covariance regression model of Hoff and Niu. This model assumes a hierarchical structure for the mean and the covariance matrix. Here, we propose the combined multilevel factor analysis and covariance regression model in a Bayesian framework, simultaneously modeling the MCR model and a multilevel factor analysis (MFA) model. The proposed model replaces the responses in the MCR part with the factor scores coming from an MFA model. Via a simulation study and the analysis of real data, we show that the proposed model is quite efficient when the responses of the MCR model are not measured directly but are latent variables such as the patient experience measurements in our motivating dataset.
Bayesian multivariate longitudinal model for immune responses to Leishmania: A tick‐borne co‐infection study
Authors: Pabon‐Rodriguez Felix M. , Brown Grant D. , Scorza Breanna M. , Petersen Christine A.
Published: June 2023

While many Bayesian state‐space models for infectious disease processes focus on population infection dynamics (eg, compartmental models), in this work we examine the evolution of infection processes and the complexities of the immune responses within the host using these techniques. We present a joint Bayesian state‐space model to better understand how the immune system contributes to the control of Leishmania infantum infections over the disease course. We use longitudinal molecular diagnostic and clinical data of a cohort of dogs to describe population progression rates and present evidence for important drivers of clinical disease. Among these results, we find evidence for the importance of co‐infection in disease progression. We also show that as dogs progress through the infection, parasite load is influenced by their age, ectoparasiticide treatment status, and serology. Furthermore, we present evidence that pathogen load information from an earlier point in time influences its future value and that the size of this effect varies depending on the clinical stage of the dog. In addition to characterizing the processes driving disease progression, we predict individual and aggregate patterns of Canine Leishmaniasis progression. Both our findings and the application to individual‐level predictions are of direct clinical relevance, presenting possible opportunities for application in veterinary practice and motivating lines of additional investigation to better understand and predict disease progression. Finally, as an important zoonotic human pathogen, these results may support future efforts to prevent and treat human Leishmaniosis.
Water‐Dispersable Silica‐Supported Nanocrystalline Pb‐Free Perovskite Rb7Bi3Cl16@SiO2 for ATP‐Responsive Bio‐Imaging
Authors: Huang Sai , Yu Zhang‐Cong , Xie Jie‐Ling , Wang Ao , Li Jin‐Kun , Meng Yan , Song Jun‐Ling
Published: June 2023

Lead‐free perovskite nanocrystal has attracted more and more attention due to its low toxicity and highly luminescence, however, its low stability in water and biotoxicity greatly limits its practical application in sensing in aqueous media, especially, biological imaging. Herein, we develop water‐dispersed Bi‐based perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) coated with SiO2, namely, Rb7Bi3Cl16 NCs@SiO2, where Rb7Bi3Cl16 NCs@SiO2 powder could be obtained through a simply mixing Rb7Bi3Cl16 nanocrystals dispersed in toluene and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Comparison with Rb7Bi3Cl16 nanocrystals (NCs), the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the Rb7Bi3Cl16 NCs@SiO2 dispersed in water is slight red‐shifted to 445 nm; in addition, its PL quantum yield (PLQY) is increased from 28.43 % of Rb7Bi3Cl16 NCs to 37.03 % owing to the surface passivation and coating of SiO2 from the hydrolysis of APTES. Therefore, this water‐stable, highly luminescent and low‐cytotoxic Rb7Bi3Cl16 NCs@SiO2 nanoparticles can be applied to cell imaging. Furthermore, the tannic acid modified Rb7Bi3Cl16 NCs@SiO2 exhibits adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate disodium salt (ATP) response performance, indicating its potential application in bio‐imaging and biomedicine.
Discovery of Potential KRAS‐SOS1 Inhibitors from South African Natural Compounds: An In silico Approach
Authors: Issahaku Abdul Rashid , Salifu Elliasu Y. , Agoni Clement , Alahmdi Mohammed Issa , Abo‐Dya Nader E , Soliman Mahmoud E. S. , Rudrapal Mithun , Podila Naresh
Published: June 2023

For decades the direct targeting of KRAS as a driver of non‐small cell lung cancer, colorectal and pancreatic cancers as well as the inhibition of the RAF‐MEK‐ERK pathway has shown little success due to feedback networks that keep the pathway in control. Inhibiting SOS1, a KRAS activator, has therefore become a promising escape route to treating KRAS‐driven cancers. The search for SOS1 inhibitors has since gained momentum although no drug has been approved yet. Owing to the time‐consuming and difficult processes that characterize the discovery and approval of drugs, natural products have become useful in addressing the unmet medical needs. In this study we employed computational techniques to screen South African natural products for inhibitors with the potential to inhibit SOS1‐KRAS activation. In this study, eight natural compounds, from plants and marine life, possessing antineoplastic activities with good docking and ADMET properties were identified. These compounds, viz., SANCDB00219, SANCDB0290, SANCDB00369, SANCDB00416, SANCDB00421, SANCDB00749, SANCDB00957 and SANCDB001124 exhibited favorable total free binding energies in complex with SOS1‐KRAScharacterized by conventional and carbon hydrogen bonds, van der Waals, pi‐alkyl and pi‐sigma interactions with the binding site residues. It was further revealed that these compounds induced conformational stability on the structural architecture of SOS1‐KRAS, and decreased the structural flexibility of its individual C‐α atoms as a mechanism of inhibition. Upon experimental validation, these compounds from a natural origin could serve as lead identification of small molecules to address SOS1‐KRAS associated diseases.
Solution Combustion Synthesis of NiS‐NiS2 Nanoparticles for Catalytic Reduction of Nitro Aromatics
Authors: Manjula M. C. , Manjunatha S. , Nagashree K. L. , Shivanna M. , Rao Madhuri P. , Nanda N. , Ramachandra P.
Published: June 2023

Exploring an efficient and economic reductant for nitro aromatics is of great significance for environmental remediation. In this work, nickel sulfide catalysts have been prepared by simple solution combustion method from a mixture of nickel(II) nitrate hexahydrate as oxidant (O) and thiourea as fuel (F) in different ratios. The phase and crystallinity, composition and morphology of synthesized samples were obtained by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. The catalytic efficiency of as synthesized nickel sulfide nanoparticles towards reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) as a model compound using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent was explored. The catalyst prepared with 1 : 3 O/F ratio that composed of NiS and NiS2 phases exhibited highest efficiency towards catalytic reduction of 4‐NP and the rate constant was found to be 0.429 min−1. Further, the catalyst could effectively reduce the nitro group in 2‐nitroaniline, 4‐nitroaniline and picric acid also. Reduced products of 2‐nitroaniline and 4‐nitrophenol were employed for the synthesis of benzimidazole and paracetamol successfully.
A New Neodymium Complex on Boehmite Nanoparticles with 1,3‐Bis(pyridine‐3‐ylmethyl)thiourea as a Practical and Reusable Nanocatalyst for the Chemoselective Synthesis of Tetrazoles
Authors: Tyula Yunes Abbasi , Moradi Parisa , Nikoorazm Mohsen
Published: June 2023

In first part, boehmite nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous solutions of NaOH and Al(NO3)3 ⋅ 9H2O. Then, it surface was modified by 3‐choloropropyltrimtoxysilane, and further 1,3‐bis(pyridin‐3‐ylmethyl)thiourea was anchored on the modified boehmite nanoparticles. In the final step, a neodymium complex was stabilized on its surface (Nd‐bis(PYT)@boehmite NPs). The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by TGA, BET, ICP, EDS, WDX, SEM, and XRD techniques. In the second part, Nd‐bis(PYT)@boehmite NPs were employed as an efficient, recoverable, and organic‐inorganic hybrid nanocatalyst in the homo‐selective synthesis of tetrazole compounds. The chemoselectivity of Nd‐bis(PYT)@boehmite NPs was studied in the [3+2] cycloaddition of phthalonitrile and sodium azide (NaN3). This catalyst is stable and has heterogeneous nature therefore it can be recovered and used again for several consecutively run without any re‐activation
Synthesis and Structural Analysis of N3‐Methyluridine and 2’‐Alkoxy/Fluoro‐N3‐Methyluridine Nucleosides by Using NMR Spectroscopy, X‐Ray Crystallography, and Computational Methods
Authors: Sahoo Avijit , Das Gourav , Choudhary Nishant Kumar , Harikrishna S. , Gore Kiran R.
Published: June 2023

Dual modifications (base and sugar) in siRNA have the potential to overcome off‐target effects and impart nuclease resistance. Here we present the synthesis and detailed structural analysis of N3‐methyluridine and 2’‐alkoxy/fluoro‐N3‐methyluridine modifications, the rationally designed modifications for oligonucleotide therapeutics. Using X‐ray crystallography and 1H NMR spectral data, it is clear that the C2’‐endo conformation of N3‐methyluridine switches to the C3’‐endo pucker state preferentially due to the introduction of electron‐withdrawing 2’‐alkoxy or fluoro substituents. DFT study confirms that the modifications preferentially acquire the C3’‐endo conformation. NBO analysis indicates that in the presence of the 2’‐alkoxy/fluoro substituents, the C3’‐endo conformation is stabilized due to nO4’→σ*C1’‐N1 anomeric as well as σC3’‐H→σ*C2’‐R and σC1’‐C2’→σ*C3’‐OH hyperconjugation effects. The W−C hydrogen bond energies of the modified nucleosides were calculated using the DFT and SAPT methods at the modified base pair regions, and it was observed that one of the hydrogen bonds gets disrupted due to the presence of the N3‐methyl group, causing significant decline in hydrogen bond energy. These detailed structural studies will help to expand the scope of these destabilizing modifications in the rational design of RNAi‐based therapeutics.
Effect of organizational status on employment‐related corporate social responsibility: Evidence from a regression discontinuity approach
Authors: Tian Tanya Y. , King Brayden G , Smith Edward B.
Published: June 2023

Research Summary

We examine the effect of organizational status on employment‐related corporate social responsibility (CSR). As employees derive nonpecuniary benefits from both organizational status and employment‐related CSR, lower status firms may invest in nonpecuniary employment‐related CSR to compete in a status‐segmented labor market. We identify the effect using a regression discontinuity design (RDD) in the context of the Fortune 1000 rankings, as we contend that the 500th rank position marks an artificial breakpoint in status where quality follows a smooth distribution. We find that firms just failing to make the Fortune 500 perform significantly better in nonpecuniary employment‐related CSR. Our findings provide causal evidence for the labor market advantage of organizational status and a richer window into the strategic motivations behind CSR investments.

Managerial Summary

We examine one strategic investment that lower status firms make to compete in a status‐segmented labor market: employment‐based corporate social responsibility (CSR). We identify the effect using a regression discontinuity design (RDD) in the context of the Fortune 1000 rankings, as we argue that the 500th rank position creates a discontinuity in status at a precise location where quality differences can be assumed to follow a smooth distribution. We find that firms just failing to make it into the Fortune 500 perform significantly better in nonpecuniary employment‐related CSR as compared to firms just in the Fortune 500. The findings demonstrate that building a reputation for being socially responsible may offset differences in status and make a lower status organization more appealing to employees.
Nanofluidic Aptamer Nanoarray to Enable Stochastic Capture of Single Proteins at Normal Concentrations
Authors: Yang Jinbin , Kamai Hiroki , Wang Yong , Xu Yan
Published: June 2023

Single‐molecule experiments allow understanding of the diversity, stochasticity, and heterogeneity of molecular behaviors and properties hidden by conventional ensemble‐averaged measurements. They hence have great importance and significant impacts in a wide range of fields. Despite significant advances in single‐molecule experiments at ultralow concentrations, the capture of single molecules in solution at normal concentrations within natural biomolecular processes remains a formidable challenge. Here, a high‐density, well‐defined nanofluidic aptamer nanoarray (NANa) formed via site‐specific self‐assembly of well‐designed aptamer molecules in nanochannels with nano‐in‐nano gold nanopatterns is presented. The nanofluidic aptamer nanoarray exhibits a high capability to specifically capture target proteins (e.g., platelet‐derived growth factor BB; PDGF‐BB) to form uniform protein nanoarrays under optimized nanofluidic conditions. Owing to these fundamental features, the nanofluidic aptamer nanoarray enables the stochastic capture of single PDGF‐BB molecules at a normal concentration from a sample with an ultrasmall volume equivalent to a single cell by following Poisson statistics, forming a readily addressable single‐protein nanoarray. This approach offers a methodology and device to surpass both the concentration and volume limits of single‐protein capture in most conventional methodologies of single‐molecule experiments, thus opening an avenue to explore the behavior of individual biomolecules in a manner close to their natural forms, which remains largely unexplored to date.
Magnetic Field‐Assisted Interface Embedding Strategy to Construct 2D/3D Composite Structure for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Over 24%
Authors: Liu Yue , Gao Yanbo , Bao Xinyu , Zhang Fujun , Xu Zehua , Hu Junhua , Shi Zhifeng , Lu Min , Wu Zhennan , Zhang Yu , Wang Dingdi , Yu William W. , Bai Xue
Published: June 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on 2D/3D composite structure have shown enormous potential to combine high efficiency of 3D perovskite with high stability of 2D perovskite. However, there are still substantial non‐radiative losses produced from trap states at grain boundaries or on the surface of conventional 2D/3D composite structure perovskite film, which limits device performance and stability. In this work, a multifunctional magnetic field‐assisted interfacial embedding strategy is developed to construct 2D/3D composite structure. The composite structure not only improves crystallinity and passivates defects of perovskite layer, but also can efficiently promote vertical hole transport and provide lateral barrier effect. Meanwhile, the composite structure also forms a good surface and internal encapsulation of 3D perovskite to inhibit water diffusion. As a result, the multifunctional effect effectively improves open‐circuit voltage and fill factor, reaching maximum values of 1.246 V and 81.36%, respectively, and finally achieves power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.21%. The unencapsulated devices also demonstrate highly improved long‐term stability and humidity stability. Furthermore, an augmented performance of 21.23% is achieved, which is the highest PCE of flexible device based on 2D/3D composite perovskite films coupled with the best mechanical stability due to the 2D/3D alternating structure.
A 4D‐Printing Inverse Design Strategy for Micromachines with Customized Shape‐Morphing
Authors: Wang Jingang , Zhang Yuzhao , Zheng Jianchen , Zhao Xiubao , Guo Hongji , Qiu Ye , Wang Xiaoduo , Liu Lianqing , Yu Haibo
Published: June 2023

An active heterostructure with smart‐response material used as “muscle” and inactive material as “skeleton” can deform over time to respond to external stimuli. 4D printing integrated with two‐photon polymerization technology and smart material allows the material or characteristic distribution of active heterostructures to be defined directly at the microscale, providing a huge programmable space. However, the high degree of design freedom and the microscale pose a challenge to the construction of micromachines with customized shape morphing. Here, a reverse design strategy based on multi‐material stepwise 4D printing is proposed to guide the structural design of biomimetic micromachines. Inspired by the piecewise constant curvature model of soft robot, a reverse design algorithm based on the Timoshenko model is developed. The algorithm can approximate 2D features to a constant‐curvature model and determine an acceptable material distribution within the explored printing range. Three Chinese “Long” (Chinese dragon heralds of good fortune) designed by the strategy can deform to the customized shape. In addition, a microcrawler printed using this method can imitate a real inchworm gait. These results demonstrate that this method can be an efficient tool for the action or shape design of bionic soft microrobots or micromachines with predetermined functions.
Morphology Controlling of All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells: From Donor Material Design to Device Engineering
Authors: Sun Xiaokang , Lv Jie , Zhang Chenyang , Wang Kai , Yang Chunming , Hu Hanlin , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: June 2023

Compared to polymer‐based organic solar cells, all‐small‐molecule organic solar cells (ASM‐OSCs) have garnered significant attention due to their well‐defined chemical structures, lower batch‐to‐batch variation, straightforward synthesis and purification procedures, and easy to modulate properties. Recent developments in small molecule donors have enabled ASM‐OSCs to achieve power conversion efficiencies in excess of 17%, gradually approaching those of polymer‐based devices, and demonstrating considerable potential for commercialization. However, structural and morphological features in the all‐small‐molecule blend films, including crystallization behavior, phase separation, and molecular arrangement, play a crucial role in the photoelectric performance. This review systematically introduces and discusses recent advancements in ASM‐OSCs in terms of design strategies for novel small molecule donors and device engineering. Additionally, the correlation between active layer morphology and structure and device performance is analyzed. Finally, the challenges and prospects of ASM‐OSCs are discussed.