bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitively Assembled Aramid‐MXene Janus Aerogel Film Exhibiting Concurrently Robust Shielding and Effective Anti‐Reflection Performance
Authors: Xu Jian , Fang Jiangyu , Zuo Peiyuan , Wang Yizhe , Zhuang Qixin
Published: March 2024

The fast progress in electronic devices demands superior anti‐reflective performance of electromagnetic interference shielding materials. However, high‐performance shielding strategies are mainly dependent on reflection effects and this inevitably results in a trade‐off between shielding and anti‐reflective properties during structural designs. Herein, this work proposes a novel gradual heterogeneity design to fundamentally overcome the contradiction. The different steric hindrances in MXene nanosheets and aramid nanoclusters endow the competitively assembled laminal aerogel films with a unique Janus architecture. This Janus structure presents continuous gradient asymmetries and abundant cavities that enable prolonged energy attenuation paths and minimized reflection. Comparing to isotropic counterparts, the gradient design performances a 2174% reduction in reflection coefficient (0.0039) and a 53% increase in shielding efficiency (60.49 dB) in the terahertz band, both of which significantly outperform most state‐of‐the‐art anti‐reflective shielding structures. Moreover, the Janus architecture comprising interconnected arch‐shaped substructures provides the aerogel films with anisotropic EMI and thermal management capabilities, coupled with robust structural and performance stability. This work provides a conceptually novel platform for developing asymmetric architecture for advanced shielding materials.
Demonstration of Two Multi‐Component Target Ablation Approaches and Their Application in Combinatorial Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Jörns A. , von Wenckstern H. , Vogt S. , Schlupp P. , Grundmann M.
Published: March 2024

Combinatorial pulsed laser deposition (C‐PLD) based on segmented targets has led to new possibilities in the pace of discovery of novel advanced materials with significantly reduced deposition time and material consumption. However, fabrication of established segmented targets may be complex or not even possible for certain material combinations. In this article, two alternative C‐PLD techniques based on easy‐to‐fabricate segmented targets are presented. One approach uses two semi‐circular segments A and B with a systematic adjustable lateral shift of the target rotation axis from the target center. The other approach is based on a new target design defined by an ABA‐segmentation where B is a horizontal bar between two semi‐circular segments of A. Both approaches enable growth of discrete composition libraries. The concepts and important parameters are introduced and computer simulations as function of the geometric parameters are made to yield the expected thin film compositions. As proof‐of‐concept, the techniques are employed on the transparent, semiconducting ternary alloy zinc‐tin‐oxide. The simulations are in very good agreement with the experimental data. Physical properties of films grown by the demonstrated approaches are compared with those obtained by established PLD processes.
Does corporate social responsibility spending affect cash ratio: Evidence from central public sector enterprises
Authors: Khatri Preeti , Bhatia Mani
Published: March 2024

The researcher examines the effect of spending on corporate social activities on cash holdings. The financial dataset was collected using the Prowess database and corporate social responsibility expenditure from the Indian CSR portal. Using a panel dataset of 12 Central Public Sector Enterprises indexed in the National Stock Exchange was considered as a sample for the current research. A random effect model was applied to test the hypothesis. The study's findings provide a positive indication of the causal effect of spending in corporate social activities on cash holdings. The author has considered the expenditure amount of corporate social responsibility on the sample of public sectors undertaking of India. As in previous studies, authors had considered CSR ratings. This study provides proficient information to the top management level, shareholders, and stakeholders of the Central Public Sector Enterprises regarding the disbursement of corporate social activities in India.
Deletion of concurrent chemotherapy on the basis of sequential chemoradiotherapy for non‐metastatic stage T4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma in IMRT era
Authors: Zheng Yuming , Xue Fen , Ou Dan , Niu Xiaoshuang , Hu Chaosu , He Xiayun
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with concurrent chemotherapy is deemed as the mainstay treatment in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Nevertheless, the tolerance of severe acute toxicity of concurrent chemotherapy was unsatisfied. In addition, T4 is the predicting factor of poor prognosis for NPC patients. In this retrospective analysis, the long‐term outcomes IMRT combined by induction chemotherapy deleting concurrent chemotherapy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy for T4 non‐metastatic NPC were analyzed.

Materials and Methods

From January 2005 to November 2016, a total of 145 biopsy‐proven non‐metastatic T4 NPC was treated with IMRT combined by induction chemotherapy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. The survival and side effects of the patients were analyzed.

Results

Median follow‐up time was 74 months (ranges, 8–186 months). 10.0%, 61.3%, 27.3%, and 1.3% developed grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 mucositis during IMRT, respectively. 5.5% and 2.0% patients experienced grade 1 and 2 nausea and vomiting; no patients developed grade 3 or 4 nausea and vomiting. Of 145 patients enrolled, 5‐year and 10‐year overall survival(OS) rates were 73.7% and 53.9%, local progression‐free survival(LPFS) rates were 86.1% and 71.6%, regional progression‐free survival(RPFS) rates were 96.7% and 92.8%, distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) rates were 86.7%, 78.2%, respectively. At the last follow‐up, five patients developed cranial nerve injury, one patient developed mandibular bone necrosis, four patients developed temporal lobe injury, four patients developed nasopharyngeal massive hemorrhage (three cases after recurrence and one case without recurrence), and five patients developed second primary tumor.

Conclusion

The survival outcomes of treating T4 NPC IMRT combined by induction chemotherapy deleting concurrent chemotherapy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy are encouraging. Moreover, mucosal reaction, nausea, and vomiting reaction were reduced during IMRT.
Relationship between fear of progression and symptom burden, disease factors and social/family factors in patients with stage‐IV breast cancer in Shandong, China
Authors: Lu Qianrun , Liu Qiuyue , Fang Shu , Ma Yujin , Zhang Baoxuan , Li Huihui , Song Lihua
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess fear of progression (FoP)'s relationship with symptom burden and disease and social/family factors, as well as, determine the status of FoP in women with stage‐IV breast cancer in Shandong, China.

Methods

Two hundred and sixteen women were recruited from the department of breast cancer internal medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute. Data for this observational study were collected between October 2020 and January 2021 using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, the Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form (FoP‐Q‐SF) and a participant information scale. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

After excluding invalid responses, the data of 200 participants were analysed. The average total FoP‐Q‐SF score was 29.39 ± 9.39 (95% confidence interval, 21.81–27.64). The FoP level among the participants was relatively low. For disease and social/family factors, FoP statistically significantly differed by satisfaction with family emotional support and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score. The ECOG score was positively correlated with FoP. Furthermore, symptom burden was positively correlated with FoP.

Conclusions

Among patients with stage‐IV breast cancer, satisfaction with family emotional support, ECOG score and symptom burden play key roles in FoP. Interventions, including providing appropriate emotional support from family, improving physical fitness and relieving symptom burden, must be considered in future studies, which may improve patients' overall physical and mental status and provide a supportive therapeutic environment.
Chemical Constituents from the Heartwood of Solanum Verbascifolium L. And Their Anti‐Inflammatory Activities Combined Network Pharmacology
Authors: Zhao Jin‐Na , Yu Shu‐Fei , Wu Zhi‐Hang , Chen Lu , Fu Rong , Li Ze , Qu Yan‐Liang , Huang Jian , Wang Li‐Bo , Piao Xian‐Mei , Wang Jin‐Hui
Published: March 2024

Phytochemical studies on 95 % ethanol extract of the heartwood of Solanum verbascifolium L. resulted in the isolation of one new amide derivative (1), and 21 known phenylpropanoids compounds. The structures were characterized by spectral analysis and high‐resolution mass spectrometric analysis. The anti‐inflammatory activity of amide compounds 1–4 and 6–9 by investigating their impact on the release of nitric oxide (NO) in MH−S cells. Our findings unveiled significant inhibitory effects on NO secretion. Compound 1 exhibited robust dose‐dependent suppression, with pronounced inhibition observed at both 20 μM (P<0.01) and 40 μM (P<0.01). Furthermore, compound 9 demonstrated noteworthy inhibitory effects at 40 μM (P<0.01). Similarly, compounds 3 and 4 displayed substantial inhibition of NO secretion at the same concentration, although the significance level was slightly lower (P<0.05). It is expected that there is a substantial association between the anti‐inflammatory activities of amides and their targets, specifically PTGS2, by combining network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. This discovery emphasizes amides′ potential as an interesting subject for additional study in the realm of anti‐inflammatory medications.
Triterpene Glycosides from the Viscera of Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus with Embryotoxicity
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Lu Zhen , Yan Zhi , Li Xiaodong , Yin Xiuli , Zhang Ranran , Li Yaxi , Wang Song , Xie Ruliang , Li Ke
Published: March 2024

Sea cucumbers release chemical repellents from their guts when they are in danger from predators or a hostile environment. To investigate the chemical structure of the repellent, we collected and chemically analyzed the viscera of stressed sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) in the Yellow Sea of China. Two undescribed triterpene glycosides (1 and 2), together with a known cladoloside A (3), were identified and elucidated as 3β‐O‐{2‐O‐[β‐d‐quinovopyranosyl]‐4‐O‐[3‐O‐methyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl]‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl}‐holosta‐9(11),25(26)‐dien‐16‐one (1), 3β‐O‐{2‐O‐[β‐d‐glucopyranosyl]‐4‐O‐[3‐O‐methyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl]‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl}‐holosta‐9(11),25(26)‐dien‐16‐one (2), 3β‐O‐{2‐O‐[3‐O‐methyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐d‐quinovopyranosyl]‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl}‐holosta‐9(11),25(26)‐dien‐16‐one (3) by spectroscopic analysis, including HR‐ESI‐MS and NMR spectra. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 display embryonic toxicity, as indicated by their 96‐hour post‐fertilization lethal concentration (96 hpf‐LC50) values of 0.289, 0.536, and 0.091 μM, respectively. Our study discovered a class of triterpene glycoside compounds consisting of an oligosaccharide with four sugar units and a holostane aglycone. These compounds possess embryotoxicity and may serve as chemical defense molecules in marine benthic ecosystems.
Design, Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of Nootkatone Derivatives Containing Acylhydrazone and Oxime Ester
Authors: Liang Qilong , Gao Futian , Jian Junyou , Yang Jue , Hao Xiaojiang , Huang Liejun
Published: March 2024

In an attempt to search for new natural products‐based antifungal agents, fifty‐three nootkatone derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antifungal activity against Phytophthora parasitica var nicotianae, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum and Phomopsis sp. by the mycelium growth rate method. Nootkatone derivatives N17 exhibited good inhibitory activity against Phomopsis. sp. with EC50 values of 2.02 μM. The control effect of N17 against Phomopsis. sp. on kiwifruit showed that N17 exhibited a good curative effect in reducing kiwifruit rot at the concentration of 202 μM(100×EC50 ), with the curative effect of 41.11 %, which was better than commercial control of pyrimethanil at the concentration of 13437 μM(100×EC50 ) with the curative effect of 38.65 %. Phomopsis. sp. mycelium treated with N17 showed irregular surface collapse and shrinkage, and the cell membrane crinkled irregularly, vacuoles expanded significantly, mitochondria contracted, and organelles partially swollen by the SEM and TEM detected. Preliminary pharmacological experiments show that N17 exerted antifungal effects by altering release of cellular contents, and altering cell membrane permeability and integrity. The cytotoxicity test demonstrated that N17 showed almost no toxicity to K562 cells. The presented results implied that N17 may be as a potential antifungal agents for developing more efficient fungicides to control Phomopsis sp.
Reduction characteristic of chlorobenzene by a newly isolated Paenarthrobacter ureafaciens LY from a pharmaceutical wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Liu Nan , Yao Yan‐yan , Zhang Jin , Zhang Ji‐guo , Wu Chao , Ouyang Du‐juan , Zou Chang‐yong , Yang Zhen‐qiang , Li Ji‐xiang
Published: March 2024

A highly efficient chlorobenzene‐degrading strain was isolated from the sludge of a sewage treatment plant associated with a pharmaceutical company. The strain exhibited a similarity of over 99.9% with multiple strains of Paenarthrobacter ureafaciens. Therefore, the strain was suggested to be P. ureafaciens LY. This novel strain exhibited a broad spectrum of pollutant degradation capabilities, effectively degrading chlorobenzene and other organic pollutants, such as 1, 2, 4‐trichlorobenzene, phenol, and xylene. Moreover, P. ureafaciens LY co‐metabolized mixtures of chlorobenzene with 1, 2, 4‐trichlorobenzene or phenol. Evaluation of its degradation efficiency showed that it achieved an impressive degradation rate of 94.78% for chlorobenzene within 8 h. The Haldane–Andrews model was used to describe the growth of P. ureafaciens LY under specific pollutants and its concentrations, revealing a maximum specific growth rate (μmax) of 0.33 h−1. The isolation and characterization of P. ureafaciens LY, along with its ability to degrade chlorobenzene, provides valuable insights for the development of efficient and eco‐friendly approaches to mitigate chlorobenzene contamination. Additionally, investigation of the degradation performance of the strain in the presence of other pollutants offers important information for understanding the complexities of co‐metabolism in mixed‐pollutant environments.
Efficient CO2 Electroreduction to CO Facilitated by Porous Ag(111)‐dominant Ag Nanofoams and Cooperative Ionic Liquid Electrolytes
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Zeng Shaojuan , Jiang Chongyang , Peng Kuilin , Feng Jiaqi , Yuan Lei , Li Xin , Xu Fei , Zhang Xiangping
Published: March 2024

The application of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to generate value‐added products, including carbon monoxide (CO), represents a sustainable strategy for addressing the global carbon balance. Silver (Ag) has gained significant attention as an attractive and cost‐effective electrocatalyst for CO2RR‐to‐CO due to high activity. Here, the porous Ag nanofoam catalysts with Ag(111)‐dominant were prepared by in‐situ electrolysis‐deposition method in the ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte. The Ag nanofoam catalysts exhibited exceptional activity in converting CO2 to CO, with a high Faradaic efficiency (>95 %) in a wide range of −1.9 ~ −2.4 V vs. Ag/Ag+ in the 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4]) electrolyte. The maximum CO partial current density of −125.40 mA cm−2 was obtained on this Ag nanofoam catalyst, representing 62 % improvement over Ag(110)‐dominant Ag electrode (−77.35 mA cm−2) at −2.4 V vs. Ag/Ag+ in the [Bmim][BF4] electrolyte. Density functional theory calculations demonstrated that the Ag(111) crystal facet formed by in‐situ electrolysis‐deposition method prefers to adsorb [Bmim][BF4] which can stabilize the reaction intermediate, thereby weakening the reaction free energy and promoting CO2 electroreduction.
Murine Models of Cryptococcus Infection
Authors: Hansakon Adithap , Angkasekwinai Pornpimon
Published: March 2024

Cryptococcus is recognized as one of the emerging fungal pathogens that have major impact on diverse populations worldwide. Because of the high mortality rate and limited antifungal therapy options, there is an urgent need to understand the impact of dynamic processes between fungal pathogens and hosts that influence cryptococcal pathogenesis and disease outcomes. With known common limitations in human studies, experimental murine cryptococcosis models that can recapitulate human disease provide a valuable tool for studying fungal virulence and the host interaction, leading to development of better treatment strategies. Infection with Cryptococcus in mice via intranasal inhalation is mostly used because it is noninvasive and considered to be the most common mode of infection, strongly correlating with cryptococcal disease in humans. The protocols described in this article provide the procedures of establishing a murine model of Cryptococcus infection by intranasal inhalation and assessing the host immune response and disease progression during Cryptococcus infection. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Murine model of pulmonary cryptococcal infection via intranasal inhalation

Basic Protocol 2: Assessment of the pulmonary immune response during Cryptococcus infection

Support Protocol: Evaluation of pulmonary gene expression by real‐time PCR

Basic Protocol 3: Enumeration of survival rate and organ fungal burden
Toward plasma drifts in EMC3: Implementation of gradient, divergence, and particle tracing schemes
Authors: De Wolf Ruben , Reimold Felix , Feng Yuhe , Jacobs Matthieu , Dekeyser Wouter , Samaey Giovanni , Baelmans Martine
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a first implementation of gradient, divergence, and particle tracing schemes for the EMC3 code, a stochastic 3D plasma fluid code widely employed for edge plasma and impurity transport modeling in tokamaks and stellarators. These schemes are essential to accommodate plasma drift computations, which are currently absent in the code. Plasma drifts have been recognized to significantly influence transport of particles and energy, and their inclusion in future code upgrades will substantially enhance the code's predictive capabilities. For gradient and divergence calculations, we introduce a second‐order least‐squares gradient scheme. We confirm the second‐order convergence properties and assess the accuracy of several analytical test cases in the presence of synthetic noise. In the second part of this paper, we employ the validated gradient scheme in a fourth‐order Runge–Kutta particle tracing scheme to trace a particle through a generic drift velocity field. The impact of synthetic noise on the scheme's performance is investigated by evaluating various error metrics. We find that the implemented schemes function as intended and exhibit sufficient accuracy to enable drift computations.
The anticancer activity of bovine lactoferrin is reduced by deglycosylation and it follows a different pathway in cervix and colon cancer cells
Authors: Ramírez‐Sánchez Diana A. , Canizalez‐Román Adrián , León‐Sicairos Nidia , Pérez Martínez Gaspar
Published: March 2024

Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) is a glycosylated protein with purported beneficial properties. The aim of this work was to determine the role of bLF glycosylation in the adhesion, internalization, and growth inhibition of cancer cells. The viability of cervix (HeLa) and colon (Caco‐2) cancer cells (MTT assay and epifluorescence microscopy) was inhibited by bLF, while deglycosylated bLF (bLFdeg) had no effect. Adhesion to cell surfaces was quantified by immunofluorescence assay and showed that bLF was able to bind more efficiently to both cell lines than bLFdeg. Microscopic observations indicated that bLF glycosylation favored bLF binding to epithelial cells and that it was endocytosed through caveolin‐1‐mediated internalization. In addition, the mechanism of action of bLF on cancer cell proliferation was investigated by determining the amount of phosphorylated intermediates of signaling pathways such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (known as Akt). Chemoluminescence immunoassay of phosphorylated intermediates showed that bLF inhibited Akt phosphorylation, consistent with its growth inhibiting activity. This assay also indicated that the bLF receptor/signaling pathways may be different in the two cell lines, Caco‐2 and HeLa. This work confirmed the effect of glycosylated bLF in inhibiting cancer cell growth and that glycosylation is required for optimal surface adhesion, internalization, and inhibition of the ERK/Akt pathway of cell proliferation through glycosylated cell surface receptors.
Retrofitting a poorly designed system into a full performing nitrogen‐removal activated sludge process—a scientific challenge
Authors: Orhon Derin , Özkaya Zübeyde , Solmaz Bülent , Sözen Seval
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

This study intended to detect the inherent deficiencies of prescription‐type empirical design procedures often adopted for nitrogen ‐removal activated sludge systems. Principles of process stoichiometry and kinetics were used to identify a series of hotspots that were likely to impair and disrupt system performance and efficiency. Available data, derived from an existing plant subject to a similar design approach, were utilized to numerically assess significant hotspots and to define a sustainable remedial action in compliance with applicable scientific principles.

RESULTS

Critical appraisal of the implemented design exposed a large spectrum of deficiencies affecting system efficiency and performance, including nitrification efficiency, denitrification potential, anoxic volume and sludge age, internal recycling and nitrate removal. The major role of the inorganic suspended solids as a design parameter was also ignored. The remedial strategy adopted for retrofitting corrected all the observed discrepancies and it devised a sustainable approach of flipping around the existing reactors so that they could be operated as a series of carousel/fast recycle reactors, each including anoxic and aerobic volume fractions to provide full nitrification.

CONCLUSION

The merit of the proposed remedial strategy was justified by offering two additional options of equally effective system operation with either reduced reactor volume or increased sewage flow. The study presented conclusive evidence to show why prescription‐type design should be avoided, providing numerical proof that this methodology is incompatible with stoichiometric and kinetic characteristics of sewage under local conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Impact of semolina‐barley mixture on the volatolomic profile of dough and pasta: characterization by a multivariate chemometric approach
Authors: Palombi Lorenzo , Pati Sandra , Lamacchia Carmela , Montebello Roberta , Savastano Maria Luisa , Tufariello Maria
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Barley flour, known to be rich in various phytochemicals, has been demonstrated to improve the technological and nutritional properties of pasta; however, its volatile profile, on which its aromatic properties depend, also plays an important role in the acceptance of barley‐enriched pasta. In the present work, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of semolina doughs enriched with different percentages of barley and of the related pasta were characterized by solid phase micro‐extraction (HS‐SPME) coupled to gas‐chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and evaluated using a multivariate statistical approach, including principal component analysis (PCA), cluster heatmaps, Pearson's and Spearman's correlations, and partial least squares correlation (PLSC).

RESULTS

The effects of single raw materials, and their interactions, were studied to establish their importance in the volatile profile of the samples, and the correlation between the dough VOCs and the processed product VOCs was assessed. The presence of barley flour markedly affected the volatile profile in comparison with the dough obtained with only durum wheat. For alcohols, esters, terpenes, and some aldehydes there was a clear correlation with the percentage of barley. For some of the VOCs, on the other hand, a strong dependence on the ingredients interaction effect due to the mixing stage has been demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

The heatmaps allowed a good graphical visualization of the relationship between molecules and barley percentage, offering the possibility to select the best one according to the desired volatolomic footprint. Pasta with 40% of barley was demonstrated to give pasta with the most complex volatile profile. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of binary mixtures of natural waxes in mechanical properties and microstructure of oleogels
Authors: Pino Neuvis Alejandro , Marchetti Lucas , Lorenzo Gabriel
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Solid fats are critical to obtaining a wide range of food texture and quality characteristics, but their consumption is strongly associated with higher cardiovascular disease risks. Structuring unsaturated oils with natural waxes into oleogels (OG) is an innovative solution to develop fat mimics with a healthier profile.

RESULTS

Soy wax (SW), beeswax (BW) and carnauba wax (CW), have been used in binary mixtures of waxes, aiming to understand their interactions and influence on OG quality properties and microstructural characteristics. In the present study, OGs were produced using binary wax mixtures and analyzed for texture, color, smoke point, microstructure, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Wax combinations led to antagonistic (mixtures with SW) and synergistic interactions (BW/CW) based on their mechanical properties. At the microstructural level BW/CW blends showed a reduction in crystal size and with a more compact structure. XRD and FTIR spectra revealed a packing of orthorhombic perpendicular subcell for most OGs, whereas SW produced samples with an arrangement with β' crystals, characteristic of edible solid fats. Additionally, when compared to commercial beef fat, BW/CW mixtures showed similar quality attributes indicating that they could act as fat mimic.

CONCLUSION

The combined analysis of microstructure, spectroscopic and mechanical properties enhanced the understanding of how the nature of the interactions between waxes and lipid phases impact in the final quality of the structured oils. The study's insights indicate that binary wax combinations can efficiently replace solid fats, offering healthier alternatives at the same time as preserving desired sensory characteristics. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prediction of Severe Epidemics of Chickpea Ascochyta Blight Using Weather Variables
Authors: Naseri Bita , Mahmodi Farshid
Published: March 2024

Chickpea production is threatened by severe epidemics of Ascochyta blight occurring in main chickpea growing lands under appropriate weather conditions worldwide. In this 4‐year research, occurrence of Ascochyta blight was monitored across nine main chickpea growing areas of Kermanshah province, western part of Iran. Each year, commercial chickpea fields were studied on a weekly basis from March to June. Disease data were collected as disease incidence (percentage of infected plants) and severity (percentage of infected tissues) and occurrence of epidemics. Weather data were collected as air temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity (RH) on a daily basis. According to a factor analysis, which explained 83% of data variance, 13 weather predictors were selected to estimate disease epidemics developed across different areas. Before modeling, a principal component analysis determined predictive values for these selected weather variables. Then, eight predictors of rainy days in March and April, mean RH in February, mean minimum temperature in January–March–April, and rainfalls in May and June were involved in model based on their predictive values. Current findings advanced our knowledge on the best weather predictors of severe epidemics of Ascochyta blight in chickpea crops at large scale.
Biodegradable Honeycomb‐Mimic Scaffolds Consisting of Nanofibrous Walls
Authors: Ko Young Gun , Smith Callahan Laura A. , Ma Peter X.
Published: March 2024

The scaffold is a porous three‐dimensional (3D) material that supports cell growth and tissue regeneration. Such 3D structures should be generated with simple techniques and nontoxic ingredients to mimic bio‐environment and facilitate tissue regeneration. In this work, simple but powerful techniques are demonstrated for the fabrication of lamellar and honeycomb‐mimic scaffolds with poly(L‐lactic acid). The honeycomb‐mimic scaffolds with tunable pore size ranging from 70 to 160 µm are fabricated by crystal needle‐guided thermally induced phase separation in a directional freezing apparatus. The compressive modulus of the honeycomb‐mimic scaffold is ≈4 times higher than that of scaffold with randomly oriented pore structure. The fabricated honeycomb‐mimic scaffold exhibits a hierarchical structure from nanofibers to micro‐/macro‐tubular structures. Pre‐osteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured on the honeycomb‐mimic nanofibrous scaffolds exhibit an enhanced osteoblastic phenotype, with elevated expression levels of osteogenic marker genes, than those on either porous lamellar scaffolds or porous scaffolds with randomly oriented pores. The advanced techniques for the fabrication of the honeycomb‐mimic structure may potentially be used for a wide variety of advanced functional materials.
APA moves to promote safe firearm storage, suicide prevention
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2024

Recognizing the urgent need to address the high prevalence of firearm‐related suicides in the United States, the American Psychological Association's (APA) governing Council of Representatives approved on Feb. 24, by a vote of 157–6, a resolution aimed at promoting secure firearms storage practices. This resolution underscores the critical role that psychologists and health care providers can have in preventing suicides by advocating for secure firearm storage and safety strategies, APA officials stated.
A new Hermite finite element for nonlinear Kirchhoff rods: The plane case
Authors: Armero Francisco
Published: March 2024

This article presents the formulation of a finite element method for nonlinear Kirchhoff rods, based on a interpolation of the rod's geometry in terms of Hermite shape functions. The critical use of the same interpolation scheme for both the geometry and the kinematics of the rod is shown to lead to the correct invariant properties of the final numerical formulation, thus leading to the correct resolution of the fundamental equilibrium relations along it (balance of forces and moments). The so‐called “self‐straining” is completely avoided. Several numerical examples are presented illustrating the adequacy of the proposed formulation for the analysis of thin rods undergoing large finite deformations.
Molluscicidal effect mechanism study on metaldehyde to Pomacea canaliculate at low temperature
Authors: Chen Huabao , Zhou Yue , Zhang Min , Gong Guoshu , Yue Guizhou , Luo Liya , Qiu Xiaoyan , Yang Chunping
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Metaldehyde is a molluscicide commonly used to control Pomacea canaliculate. Its efficacy is significantly impacted by water temperature, although the underlying mechanisms have not been fully explored.

RESULTS

In this study, we systematically investigated the temperature effect and molecular mechanisms of metaldehyde on P. canaliculata. The molluscicidal effect at various temperatures indicated that metaldehyde's molluscicidal activity significantly decreases with a drop in temperature. The LC50 value was only 458.8176 mg/L at 10 °C, while it surged to a high of 0.8249 mg/L at 25 °C. The impact of low temperature (10 °C) on metaldehyde's molluscicidal activity was analyzed via transcriptomics. The results revealed that the effect of low temperature primarily influences immunity, lipid synthesis, and oxidative stress. The expression of stress and immune‐related genes, such as MANF, HSP70, Cldf7, HSP60, and PclaieFc, significantly increased. Furthermore, we studied the function of five target genes using RNA interference (RNAi) and discovered that Cldf7 and HSP70 could notably affect metaldehyde's molluscicidal effect. The mortality of P. canaliculata increased by 36.17% (72 h) after Cldf7 interference and by 48.90% (72 h) after HSP70 interference.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that low temperature can induce the extensive expression of the Cldf7 and HSP70 genes, resulting in a substantial reduction in metaldehyde's molluscicidal activity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
An Ultralow Concentration of Cr2O3 Dopants‐Driven Lower Temperature Sintering ZnO‐Based Varistor Ceramics
Authors: Cheng Yadong , Zheng Liaoying , Zeng Huarong , Tian Tian , Shi Xue , Man Zhenyong , Ruan Xuezheng , Li Guorong , Zhu Min
Published: March 2024

Low working voltage‐driven ZnO‐based varistor ceramics play an important role in the multilayer chip varistors, which require a low sintering temperature of ZnO varistor for its low energy consumption. Herein, a remarkable reduction of the sintering temperature from the usual 1100–1300 °C to 950 °C is successfully achieves in the ZnO ceramics via a certain 0.05 mol% of Cr2O3 dopants. The underlying mechanism is found to be involved with the formation of basal‐plane inversion boundaries between the ZnO grains, which can promote the rapid grain growth within the ceramics. Furthermore, the ZnO varistors with 0.05 mol% Cr2O3 dopant exhibit excellent performance. A low breakdown voltage of 416 V mm−1, a high nonlinear coefficient of 39, and a low leakage current of 3.4 μA are obtained simultaneously. This work presents an effective and promising approach for the cost‐efficient preparation of high‐performance ZnO‐based varistors, which have particular significance for the application of multilayer chip varistors with low working voltage.
Electronic Structure Evolution in the Temperature Range of Metal–Insulator Transitions on Sn/Ge(111)
Authors: Nair Maya N. , Palacio Irene , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Taleb‐Ibrahimi Amina , Michel Enrique G. , Mascaraque Arantzazu , Tejeda Antonio
Published: March 2024

One‐third of monolayer of Sn adatoms on a Ge(111) substrate forms a 2D triangular lattice with one unpaired electron per site. The system presents a metal–insulator transition when decreasing the temperature and it is known to exhibit strong electron–phonon coupling at 120–150 K. Herein, a study of the electronic band structure for α‐Sn/Ge(111) between 150 and 5 K is reported. Both the experimental Fermi surfaces and the energy dispersions along high symmetry directions as a function of the temperature are presented. At 5 K it is observed a weakly or low‐dispersing spectral feature, exhibiting an extended gap in the reciprocal space. This feature is derived from the topmost occupied band, which is metallic at high temperature and which develops a kink associated with the strong electron–phonon coupling. The spectral evolution is partially explained with an increase of the electron–phonon coupling when decreasing the temperature. The increase of the electron–phonon coupling at low temperatures gives light into the new physics of this 2D system. The bandwidth is progressively reduced when reducing the temperature, enhancing the electronic correlation effects, and triggering the Mott transition.
Actigraphy methodology in the Kids Mod PAH trial: Physical activity as a functional endpoint in pediatric clinical trials
Authors: Avitabile Catherine M. , Krishnan Usha S. , Yung Delphine , Handler Stephanie S. , Varghese Nidhy , Bates Angela , Fineman Jeff , Sullivan Rachel , Friere Grace , Austin Eric , Mullen Mary P. , Pereira Carol , Christensen Eric J. , Yenokyan Gayane , Collaco Joseph M. , Abman Steven H. , Romer Lew , Dunbar Ivy D. , Rosenzweig Erika B.
Published: March 2024

Pulmonary vasodilator treatment can improve hemodynamics, right ventricular function, symptoms, and survival in pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, clinical trial data are lacking due to many constraints. One major limitation is the lack of relevant trial endpoints reflective of hemodynamics or functional status in patients in whom standard exercise testing is impractical, unreliable, or not reproducible. The Kids Mod PAH trial (Mono‐ vs. Duo Therapy for Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) is an ongoing multicenter, Phase III, randomized, open‐label, pragmatic trial to compare the safety and efficacy of first‐line combination therapy (sildenafil and bosentan) to first‐line monotherapy (sildenafil alone) in 100 pediatric patients with PH across North America. Investigators will measure participants’ physical activity with a research‐grade, wrist‐worn actigraphy device at multiple time points as an exploratory secondary outcome. Vector magnitude counts per minute and activity intensity will be compared between the treatment arms. By directly and noninvasively measuring physical activity in the ambulatory setting, we aim to identify a novel, simple, inexpensive, and highly reproducible approach for quantitative assessment of exercise tolerance in pediatric PH. These data will increase the field's understanding of the effect of pulmonary vasodilator treatment on daily activity – a quantitative measure of functional status and wellbeing in pediatric PH and a potential primary outcome for future clinical trials in children with cardiopulmonary disorders.
Reliability modeling of systems with random failure threshold subjected to cumulative shocks using machine learning method
Authors: Shamstabar Yousof , Ebrahimmagham Neda , Samimi Yaser , Shahriari Hamid
Published: March 2024

Modeling and evaluation of a system reliability is a key issue in shock model analysis. In cumulative shock model, a system fails when the total damages caused by shocks exceeds the system failure threshold level. The reliability of a system with random failure threshold level under cumulative shocks is investigated in this work, considering the general dependency between inter‐arrival times of shocks and their damages magnitudes. Clustering, as one of the unsupervised machine learning methods, is utilized here by applying a genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) for its implementation. Phase‐type (PH) distributions and their properties are also applied for finding a system failure distribution functions, determining the convolutions, evaluating the integrals, and ultimately modeling the system reliability. An illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the implementation and effectiveness of the proposed modeling procedure and the suggested approach for computing the system reliability and remaining useful lifetime (RUL). Also, an example case study of X‐ray machine in healthcare industry is provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed model. Applying other machine learning methods for patterns recognition is an area for future research.
Flexible development and evaluation of machine‐learning‐supported optimal control and estimation methods via HILO‐MPC
Authors: Pohlodek Johannes , Morabito Bruno , Schlauch Christian , Zometa Pablo , Findeisen Rolf
Published: March 2024

Model‐based optimization approaches for monitoring and control, such as model predictive control and optimal state and parameter estimation, have been used successfully for decades in many engineering applications. Models describing the dynamics, constraints, and desired performance criteria are fundamental to model‐based approaches. Thanks to recent technological advancements in digitalization, machine‐learning methods such as deep learning, and computing power, there has been an increasing interest in using machine learning methods alongside model‐based approaches for control and estimation. The number of new methods and theoretical findings using machine learning for model‐based control and optimization is increasing rapidly. However, there are no easy‐to‐use, flexible, and freely available open‐source tools that support the development and straightforward solution to these problems. This article outlines the basic ideas and principles behind an easy‐to‐use Python toolbox that allows to solve machine‐learning‐supported optimization, model predictive control, and estimation problems quickly and efficiently. The toolbox leverages state‐of‐the‐art machine learning libraries to train components used to define the problem. Machine learning can be used for a broad spectrum of problems, ranging from model predictive control for stabilization, set point tracking, path following, and trajectory tracking to moving horizon estimation and Kalman filtering. For linear systems, it enables quick generation of code for embedded model predictive control applications. HILO‐MPC is flexible and adaptable, making it especially suitable for research and fundamental development tasks. Due to its simplicity and numerous already implemented examples, it is also a powerful teaching tool. The usability is underlined, presenting a series of application examples.
A Near‐Infrared Photothermal‐Responsive Underwater Adhesive with Tough Adhesion and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Yan Yonggan , Wei Luxing , Shao Jinlong , Qiu Xiaoyong , Zhang Xiaolai , Cui Xin , Huang Jun , Ge Shaohua
Published: March 2024

Developing tunable underwater adhesives that possess tough adhesion in service and easy detachment when required remains challenging. Herein, a strategy is proposed to design a near infrared (NIR) photothermal‐responsive underwater adhesive by incorporating MXene (Ti3C2Tx)‐based nanoparticles within isocyanate‐modified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer chains. The developed adhesive exhibits long‐term and tough adhesion with an underwater adhesion strength reaching 5.478 MPa. Such strong adhesion is mainly attributed to the covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds at the adhesive‐substrate interface. By making use of the photothermal‐response of MXene‐based nanoparticles and the thermal response of PDMS‐based chains, the adhesive possesses photothermal‐responsive performance, exhibiting sharply diminished adhesion under NIR irradiation. Such NIR‐triggered tunable adhesion allows for easy and active detachment of the adhesive when needed. Moreover, the underwater adhesive exhibits photothermal antibacterial property, making it highly desirable for underwater applications. This work enhances the understanding of photothermal‐responsive underwater adhesion, enabling the design of tunable underwater adhesives for biomedical and engineering applications.
Graph‐based mutually exciting point processes for modelling event times in docked bike‐sharing systems
Authors: Sanna Passino Francesco , Che Yining , Cardoso Correia Perello Carlos
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces graph‐based mutually exciting processes (GB‐MEP) to model event times in network point processes, focusing on an application to docked bike‐sharing systems. GB‐MEP incorporates known relationships between nodes in a graph within the intensity function of a node‐based multivariate Hawkes process. This approach reduces the number of parameters to a quantity proportional to the number of nodes in the network, resulting in significant advantages for computational scalability when compared with traditional methods. The model is applied on event data observed on the Santander Cycles network in central London, demonstrating that exploiting network‐wide information related to geographical location of the stations is beneficial to improve the performance of node‐based models for applications in bike‐sharing systems. The proposed GB‐MEP framework is more generally applicable to any network point process where a distance function between nodes is available, demonstrating wider applicability.
Workup and management of liver transplantation in alcohol‐related liver disease
Authors: Germani Giacomo , Degré Delphine , Moreno Christophe , Burra Patrizia
Published: March 2024

Alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) represents the most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Outcomes of LT for ALD are comparable with those of LT for other etiologies; however, ALD is still considered a controversial indication for LT, mainly because it is considered a self‐inflicted disease with a high risk of return to alcohol use after LT. Pre‐LT evaluation criteria have changed over time, with a progressive re‐evaluation of the required pre‐transplant duration of abstinence. Despite the fact that some transplant programs still require 6 months of abstinence in order to consider a patient suitable for LT, there is increasing evidence that a pre‐transplant abstinence period of <6 months can be considered for well‐selected patients. Early LT for severe alcohol‐related hepatitis that has not responded to medical therapy has been shown to be an effective therapeutic option with high survival benefit when performed within strict and well‐recognized criteria. However, high variability in LT access exists for these patients due to the presence of social and medical stigma. A psycho‐social assessment, together with an evaluation by an addiction specialist, should be mandatory in patients with ALD who are potential candidates for LT in order to assess the risk of post‐transplant return to alcohol use and to ensure good long‐term outcomes. Finally, before LT, attention should be paid to the presence of other potential comorbidities (i.e., cardiovascular and neurological diseases), which could represent a potential contraindication to LT. Similarly, after LT, patients should be adequately monitored for the development of cardiovascular events and screened for “de novo” tumors, although standardized protocols for this monitoring do not exist at this time.
Operant social self-administration in male CD1 mice
Authors: Lee Samantha S. , Venniro Marco , Shaham Yavin , Hope Bruce T. , Ramsey Leslie A.
Published: March 2024

Rationale and Objective

We recently introduced a model of operant social reward in which female CD1 mice lever press for access to affiliative social interaction with a cagemate peer mouse of the same sex and strain. Here we determined the generality of the operant social self-administration model to male CD1 mice who, under certain conditions, will lever press to attack a subordinate male mouse.

Methods

We trained male CD1 mice to lever press for food and social interaction with a same sex and strain cagemate peer under different fixed-ratio (FR) schedule response requirements (FR1 to FR6). We then tested their motivation to seek social interaction after 15 days of isolation in the presence of cues previously paired with social self-administration. We also determined the effect of housing conditions on operant social self-administration and seeking. Finally, we determined sex differences in operant social self-administration and seeking, and the effect of housing conditions on unconditioned affiliative and antagonistic (aggressive) social interactions in both sexes.

Results

Male CD1 mice lever pressed for access to a cagemate peer under different FR response requirements and seek social interaction after 15 isolation days; these effects were independent of housing conditions. There were no sex differences in operant social self-administration and seeking. Finally, group-housed CD1 male mice did not display unconditioned aggressive behavior toward a peer male CD1 mouse.

Conclusions

Adult socially housed male CD1 mice can be used in studies on operant social reward without the potential confound of operant responding to engage in aggressive interactions.