bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Learning Assessment to Increase Diversity in Academic Health Sciences
Authors: Alegría Margarita , Thurston Idia Binitie , Cheng Michelle , Herrera Christian , Markle Sheri Lapatin , O’Malley Isabel Shaheen , Porter Danielle , Estrada Rodolfo , Giraldo-Santiago Natalia
Published: February 2024

Importance

Strategies and innovations to advance racial and ethnic equity in recruitment, promotion, and retention at academic health science institutions are needed.

Objective

This learning assessment aims to isolate evidence-based strategies to advance racial equity in the academic health sciences, which have implications for policy and institution-level interventions.

Evidence Review

This learning assessment used a mixed-methods approach, including a quantitative survey, qualitative in-depth interviews, and a scoping literature review. Survey respondents were recruited from outreach lists that included researchers working with racial and ethnic minoritized populations. In-depth interviews were conducted among 60 university administrators, faculty/staff, scholars, students, and individuals affiliated with governmental, nongovernmental, and identity-based professional associations. A search of the literature in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, ERIC, Education Source, Academic Search Ultimate, and CINAHL was conducted for the scoping review. The scoping review included 366 primary articles of studies evaluating strategies to advance racial and ethnic equity at academic health science institutions.

Findings

The survey yielded analyzable results from 328 individuals, including faculty, students, administrators, or staff, and individuals not currently employed at or enrolled full time at a university or college. The interviews included 60 participants with a mean (SD) age of 49.3 (16.5) years, and 39 (65%) were female. The scoping review included 366 primary research articles that met inclusion criteria for analysis. Data were analyzed individually across the survey, interviews, and scoping review, and findings were triangulated. While each of the 3 assessments yielded unique findings, 13 common themes emerged across all project components. Results revealed strategies implemented and evaluated successfully, as well as challenges and barriers to advancing equity in the academic health sciences.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, 13 meaningful strategies emerged across the survey, in-depth interviews, and scoping review. Through triangulation of findings, recommendations of actionable steps were made.
A distributed randomized method for the identification of switched ARX systems
Authors: Yu Miao , Bianchi Federico , Piroddi Luigi
Published: February 2024

The identification of switched systems amounts to a mixed integer nonlinear optimization problem, where the continuous variables are associated to the model parameterizations of the different modes, and the discrete ones are related to the switching signal (each data sample is assigned to a mode, and switching occurs when the mode assignment changes over time). In the batch form of the identification problem, the combinatorial complexity increases exponentially with the size of the training set, which makes the precise identification of the switching signal the most challenging task in the identification problem. To tackle this complexity we propose a distributed optimization approach, based on the solution of multiple instances of a much simpler problem, where switching can occur only at specific time instants (different for each subproblem), and an information sharing mechanism that preserves likely switching times to improve the local solutions. We employ an adapted version of a previously developed randomized algorithm to solve the individual subproblems. Another important feature of the proposed method is an a posteriori heuristic correction method, that is applied to further refine the switching locations based on the estimated local models before the information sharing phase. The performance of the proposed algorithm is analyzed and compared with other methods on synthetic datasets.
Adaptive fast finite‐time control for nonlinear systems subject to output hysteresis by fuzzy approach
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Xueyi , Wang Fang
Published: February 2024

This article investigates an adaptive fast finite‐time tracking control problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with output hysteresis. The idea of output hysteresis compensation is skillfully extended to adaptive design by employing a hysteresis inverse transformation and barrier Lyapunov function. The backstepping technique is adopted to establish the fast finite‐time control strategy, which can realize finite‐time convergence of the closed‐loop system. A rigorous theoretical analysis is performed to illustrate that the signals in the closed‐loop systems are bounded in finite time, and the tracking error can converge into a compact set with sufficient accuracy. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to confirm the effectiveness of the presented strategy.
Research on High‐Efficiency Curved Surface Polishing with Even Distribution of Slurry Based on Dielectrophoresis
Authors: Deng Qianfa , Zhang Chengqi , Sun Lizhi , Lyu Binghai , Wang Xu , Cheng Jun
Published: February 2024

To overcome the problems of low slurry utilization and poor surface uniformity in conventional small tool polishing of curved surfaces, a small tool polishing method based on slurry dielectrophoresis (STP‐DEP) is proposed. The dielectrophoretic effect distributes the slurry evenly and increases its dwell time in the processing area, enabling more abrasives to participate in polishing, thereby improving the material removal efficiency and surface uniformity of the workpiece. The observation experiment indicates that dielectrophoresis can efficiently distribute the slurry evenly. Compared with the traditional small tool polishing, the results show that the polishing efficiency of the STP‐DEP is improved by 34% on the premise of achieving the same surface roughness Ra of the workpiece. The Taguchi experiments are carried out on K9 convex lens. Results show that the optimal surface roughness Ra 3.3 nm (initial Ra 2400 nm, processing time 120 min) is obtained when the tool speed is 400 rpm, the pressing amount is 1 mm, the infeed angle is 15°, and the abrasive size is 3 μm. The research proves that the STP‐DEP successfully solves the problem of slurry uneven distribution, and realizes efficient surface polishing with high surface uniformity.
Chiral Light in Twisted Fabry–Pérot Cavities
Authors: Dyakov Sergey A. , Salakhova Natalia S. , Ignatov Alexey V. , Fradkin Ilia M. , Panov Vitaly P. , Song Jang‐Kun , Gippius Nikolay A.
Published: February 2024

Fundamental studies of the interaction of chiral light with chiral matter are important for the development of techniques that allow handedness‐selective optical detection of chiral organic molecules. One approach to achieve this goal is the creation of a Fabry–Pérot cavity that supports eigenmodes with a desired electromagnetic handedness. This paper theoretically studies chiral Fabry–Pérot cavities with mirrors comprising 1D photonic crystal slabs made of van der Waals As2S3, a material with one of the highest known in‐plane anisotropies. By utilizing the anisotropy provided by As2S3, Fabry–Pérot cavities with constitutional and configurational chiralities are designed. It is demonstrated that in cavities with constitutional chirality, electromagnetic modes of left or right handedness exist due to the chirality of both mirrors, often referred to as handedness preserving mirrors in the literature. At the same time, cavities with configurational chirality support modes of both handednesses due to the chiral morphology of the entire structure, set by the twist angle between the optical axes of the upper and lower non‐chiral anisotropic mirrors. The developed chiral Fabry–Pérot cavities can be tuned to any distance between the mirrors by properly twisting them, making such systems a prospective platform for the coupling of chiral light with chiral matter.
Stabilizing Single‐Source Evaporated Perovskites with Organic Interlayers for Amplified Spontaneous Emission
Authors: Chin Sang‐Hyun , Cortecchia Daniele , Forzatti Michele , Wu Chun‐Sheng , Alvarado‐Leaños Ada Lili , Folpini Giulia , Treglia Antonella , Kalluvila Justin Isabella Antony , Paliwal Abhyuday , Cho Changsoon , Roldán‐Carmona Cristina , Sessolo Michele , Petrozza Annamaria , Bolink Henk J.
Published: February 2024

Metal halide perovskites are promising semiconductors with promising applications in optoelectronic and photonic technologies. When coherent emission applications are targeted, materials with lower lasing thresholds and increased stabilities must be developed to increase the performance under continuous wave optical pumping condition and finally allow the realization of the long sought‐after electrically pumped lasers. Perovskite multiple‐quantum‐wells (MQWs) can potentially ease the population inversion by confining photoexcitation within the heterostructure's wells, but their fabrication process and structural design still require a delicate optimization to make them valuable photonic platforms. Here, perovskite MQWs are fabricated based on organic semiconductors and CsPbBr3, using a facile and easily scalable sequential single‐source vacuum evaporation method. Perovskite with the organic interlayer shows radically enhanced phase stability, passivated defects, and improved radiative recombination properties. In this way, upon proper design of the heterostructure wells and barriers thicknesses, optically pumped amplified spontaneous emission can be achieved. This work reports an effective fabrication approach for perovskite MQWs, while providing a deeper understanding of their photophysical properties to foster their application as coherent light emitters.
Plasma and Gas‐based Semiconductor Technologies for 2D Materials with Computational Simulation & Electronic Applications
Authors: Kim Changmin , Kim Muyoung , Kim Seongho , Kang Minji , Choi Min Sup , Kim Hyeong‐U
Published: February 2024

The technique of plasma processing is beneficial for wafer cleaning and precision etching of integrated circuits and essential in manufacture of advanced semiconductor devices with unmatched perfection. Research on two‐dimensional (2D) materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs), offers a promising solution to the challenges in semiconductor miniaturization. TMDs, with their atomic layer thicknesses and silicon‐like bandgaps, can be integrated using existing plasma systems. Different 2D crystal structures, such as 1T and 2H configurations, exhibit distinctive properties. Computational approaches are also developed to provide guidelines for controlled synthesis and etching of large‐scale and high‐quality 2D materials. Plasma/gas‐surface interactions during the synthesis, etching, and phase transformation of 2D materials are explored using atomistic simulations such as density functional theory and molecular dynamics. The reaction energetics, chemical species, and associated kinetics are discovered in the simulation study. These results decipher various mechanisms of 2D materials processing at the microscopic scale and predict certain optimal process parameters. Plasma/gas‐based semiconductor technologies are crucial in electronics because they enable production of advanced semiconductors. Plasma/gas etching allows precise and selective removal of material and plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition enhances chemical reactions for efficient film deposition; therefore, these processes are majorly important for harnessing 2D materials in electronic applications.
Tailoring the Electron‐Deficient Central Core on Fused‐Ring Nonfullerene Acceptors: Deciphering the Relationships Between Structure, Property, and Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Suárez‐Blas Fátima , Pandolfi Lorenzo , Alonso‐Navarro Matías J. , Riera‐Galindo Sergi , Martínez José Ignacio , Dörling Bernhard , Funes Alejandro , Harillo‐Baños Albert , Venuti Elisabetta , Ramos María Mar , Campoy‐Quiles Mariano , Segura José L.
Published: February 2024

In the field of organic solar cells, organic semiconductors with Y6‐based chemical structure and their corresponding quinoxaline‐based assemblies are settled down as promising materials in the field of OSCs. However, the chemical structure of Y6 derivatives does not allow an expansion in the electron‐withdrawing central core, in contrast to their quinoxaline‐based analogues. For this reason, herein, two different quinoxaline‐based A–D–A′–D–A derivatives with 2D π‐extended cores endowed with electroactive rylenimide moieties, named as Y6‐1Napht and Y6‐1Pery, are designed and synthesized. These enlarged fused‐ring electron acceptors (FREAs) allow to study the influence of the length of the ryleneimide moiety on its structural, optical, electrochemical, and thermal properties as well as the tailoring of the frontier molecular orbitals. These results are also supported by quantum chemical calculations and photoluminescence measurements that provide additional information about their thermal stability and the microstructure of the films. Finally, as a proof of concept and to study the influence of these chemical modifications on the central core, solar cells based on these π‐conjugated nonfullerene acceptors are fabricated.
A multi‐center, prospective, clinical study to evaluate the anti‐reflux efficacy of laparoscopic double‐flap technique (lD‐FLAP Study)
Authors: Kuroda Shinji , Ishida Michihiro , Choda Yasuhiro , Muraoka Atsushi , Hato Shinji , Kagawa Tetsuya , Tanaka Norimitsu , Mitsuhashi Toshiharu , Kakiuchi Yoshihiko , Kikuchi Satoru , Nishizaki Masahiko , Kagawa Shunsuke , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: February 2024

Background

Double‐flap technique (DFT) is a reconstruction procedure after proximal gastrectomy (PG). We previously reported a multi‐center, retrospective study in which the incidence of reflux esophagitis (RE) (Los Angeles Classification ≥Grade B [LA‐B]) 1 year after surgery was 6.0%. There have been many reports, but all of them were retrospective. Thus, a multi‐center, prospective study was conducted.

Methods

Laparoscopic PG + DFT was performed for cT1N0 upper gastric cancer patients. The primary endpoint was the incidence of RE (≥LA‐B) 1 year after surgery. The planned sample size was 40, based on an estimated incidence of 6.0% and an upper threshold of 20%.

Results

Forty patients were recruited, and 39, excluding one with conversion to total gastrectomy, received protocol treatment. Anastomotic leakage (Clavien–Dindo ≥Grade III) was observed in one patient (2.6%). In 38 patients, excluding one case of postoperative mortality, RE (≥LA‐B) was observed in two patients (5.3%) 1 year after surgery, and the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval was 17.3%, lower than the 20% threshold. Anastomotic stricture requiring dilatation was observed in two patients (5.3%). One year after surgery, body weight change was 88.9 ± 7.0%, and PNI <40 and CONUT ≥5, indicating malnutrition, were observed in only one patient (2.6%) each. In the quality of life survey using the PGSAS‐45 questionnaire, the esophageal reflux subscale score was 1.4 ± 0.6, significantly better than the public data (2.0 ± 1.0; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic DFT showed anti‐reflux efficacy. Taken together with the acceptable incidence of anastomotic stricture, DFT can be an option for reconstruction procedure after PG.
Deciphering the Chemical Language of the Immunomodulatory Properties of Veillonella parvula Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Pither Molly Dorothy , Andretta Emanuela , Rocca Giuseppe , Balzarini Fabio , Matamoros‐Recio Alejandra , Colicchio Roberta , Salvatore Paola , van Kooyk Yvette , Silipo Alba , Granucci Francesca , Martin‐Santamaria Sonsoles , Chiodo Fabrizio , Molinaro Antonio , Di Lorenzo Flaviana
Published: February 2024

Veillonella parvula, prototypical member of the oral and gut microbiota, is at times commensal yet also potentially pathogenic. The definition of the molecular basis tailoring this contrasting behavior is key for broadening our understanding of the microbiota‐driven pathogenic and/or tolerogenic mechanisms that take place within our body. In this study, we focused on the chemistry of the main constituent of the outer membrane of V. parvula, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS molecules indeed elicit pro‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory responses depending on their chemical structures. Herein we report the structural elucidation of the LPS from two strains of V. parvula and show important and unprecedented differences in both the lipid and carbohydrate moieties, including the identification of a novel galactofuranose and mannitol‐containing O‐antigen repeating unit for one of the two strains. Furthermore, by harnessing computational studies, in vitro human cell models, as well as lectin binding solid‐phase assays, we discovered that the two chemically diverse LPS immunologically behave differently and have attempted to identify the molecular determinant(s) governing this phenomenon. Whereas pro‐inflammatory potential has been evidenced for the lipid A moiety, by contrast a plausible “immune modulating” action has been proposed for the peculiar O‐antigen portion.
Analyzing the structure of the metal complexes of biologically active azo dye ligand
Authors: Saleh Mahmoud G. A. , El‐Sayed Wael A. , Zayed Ehab M. , Shawky Mohamed , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: February 2024

A novel azo dye ligand was created by diazotizing 4‐aminoantipyrine and then coupling it with 2‐aminophenol as part of a methodical investigation of physiologically active compounds, 4‐aminoantipyrine. The novel complexes containing Cr(III), Fe(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) were created from the target ligand (L). The structures of the ligand and metal complexes were verified by elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis–difference thermogravimetry (TGA‐DTG), conductivity measurements, infrared (IR), UV–Vis, 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and mass spectrometry. Using the Gaussian 09 tool, the density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP method was utilized to compute the energy gaps and other important theoretical features. Also, the newly synthesized azo dye ligand, in comparison with metal complexes, was screened for its antimicrobial activity. The crystal structures of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis as gram‐positive bacteria, Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli as gram‐negative bacteria, and fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans) species were compared with the produced azo dye and its metal complexes via molecular docking. Most of the complexes exhibited greater antimicrobial activities against these organisms than did the original azo dye ligand.
Low stress creep response of PTFE sealants applied to PEM fuel cells
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Koorata Poornesh Kumar
Published: February 2024

Viscoelastic properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) play a crucial role in forecasting its long‐term behavior in engineering applications. An attempt is made to explore the viscoelastic properties of PTFE sealants that are utilized in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). It is to be noted that PTFE sealants are vulnerable to creep under constant loading at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the creep of sealants will lead to leakage of reactants from the cell, which affects the performance of PEMFC. PTFE is an excellent choice as a sealant material in low‐temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (LT‐PEMFC), which operates in the temperature range of 60–80°C. PTFE can be prominently used as sealants in high‐temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT‐PEMFC), as it possesses no significant change in its physical properties within the temperature range of −150 to 300°C along with the working conditions of HT‐PEMFC. In LT‐PEMFC, the sealants will typically be subjected to low stresses in the range of 1–5 MPa. In this article, the creep response of PTFE sealant material is extensively studied at various temperatures of 25 (room temperature), 35, 45, 55, and 65°C and at three stress levels of 2, 3, and 4 MPa. The time–temperature superposition principle is utilized to develop master curve at a reference temperature of 25°C, to forecast long‐term creep characteristics of PTFE sealants. Moreover, the master curve for creep compliance is developed for 4.5 h.
Symbiont effector‐guided mapping of proteins in plant networks to improve crop climate stress resilience
Authors: Rehneke Laura , Schäfer Patrick
Published: February 2024

There is an urgent need for novel protection strategies to sustainably secure crop production under changing climates. Studying microbial effectors, defined as microbe‐derived proteins that alter signalling inside plant cells, has advanced our understanding of plant immunity and microbial plant colonisation strategies. Our understanding of effectors in the establishment and beneficial outcome of plant symbioses is less well known. Combining functional and comparative interaction assays uncovered specific symbiont effector targets in highly interconnected plant signalling networks and revealed the potential of effectors in beneficially modulating plant traits. The diverse functionality of symbiont effectors differs from the paradigmatic immuno‐suppressive function of pathogen effectors. These effectors provide solutions for improving crop resilience against climate stress by their evolution‐driven specification in host protein targeting and modulation. Symbiont effectors represent stringent tools not only to identify genetic targets for crop breeding, but to serve as applicable agents in crop management strategies under changing environments.
Reinforcement‐schedule thinning practices during functional communication training: A survey of behavior analysts
Authors: Mitteer Daniel R. , Boyle Megan A. , Craig Andrew R.
Published: February 2024

Researchers have investigated several schedule‐thinning approaches during functional communication training (FCT), including FCT with delay schedules (Delay FCT), FCT with discriminative stimuli (Signaled FCT), and FCT with delay‐and‐denial tolerance training (DDTT). Despite many publications on these approaches, it is unclear how regularly, how often, and under what conditions behavior analysts use these FCT thinning strategies. We analyzed survey data from 129 board‐certified behavior analysts® to determine (a) how often they use the three thinning approaches during FCT, (b) their most preferred thinning method, and (c) the variables (e.g., years of experience, treatment setting) associated with their most used and preferred approaches. DDTT was the most commonly implemented and preferred FCT thinning strategy. Relative to DDTT, Signaled FCT was more frequently used and preferred by doctoral‐level behavior analysts and those working in clinical settings. However, regardless of approach, behavior analysts reported several challenges that hold implications for practice and research.
Platform development for high‐throughput optimization of perfusion processes: Part I: Implementation of cell bleeds in microwell plates
Authors: Dorn Marie , Klottrup‐Rees Kerensa , Lee Ken , Micheletti Martina
Published: February 2024

The promise of continuous processing to increase yields and improve product quality of biopharmaceuticals while decreasing the manufacturing footprint is transformative. Developing and optimizing perfusion operations requires screening various parameters, which is expensive and time‐consuming when using benchtop bioreactors. Scale‐down models (SDMs) are the most feasible option for high‐throughput data generation and condition screening. However, new SDMs mimicking perfusion are required, enabling experiments to be run in parallel. In this study, a method using microwell plates (MWP) operating in semi‐perfusion mode with an implemented cell bleed step is presented. A CHO cell line was cultivated in a 24‐well MWP (Vw = 1.2 mL) and grown at four high cell density (HCD) setpoints. Quasi steady‐state condition was obtained by manually performing cell bleeds followed by a total medium exchange after centrifugation. Further, two HCD setpoints were scaled up (VW = 30 mL), comparing a squared six‐well deepwell plate (DWP) to shake flasks (SF). This evaluation showed comparable results between systems (DWP vs. SF) and scales (MWP vs. DWP + SF). The results show that the well‐plate‐based methods are suitable to perform HCD and quasi steady‐state cultivations providing a robust solution to industrially relevant challenges such as cell clone and media selection.
Analytical determination of ethylenediamine impurity in tripelennamine hydrochloride by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry using phthalaldehyde as the derivatizing agent
Authors: Kousrali Sayyad , Kowtharapu Leela Prasad , Mondal Tanmoy
Published: February 2024

In the pharmaceutical industry, effective risk management and control strategies for potential genotoxic impurities are of paramount importance. The current study utilized GC–MS to evaluate a precise, linear, and accurate analytical method for quantifying ethylenediamine present in tripelennamine hydrochloride using phthalaldehyde as a derivatizing agent. When phthalaldehyde is sonicated for 10 min at room temperature, it reacts with ethylenediamine to form (1z,5z)‐3,4‐dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]diazocine. This approach minimizes matrix interference issues and resolves sample preparation difficulties encountered during ethylenediamine identification in GC–MS. In this method, helium serves as the carrier gas, while methanol acts as the diluent. The stationary phase consists of a DB‐5MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm) with a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The retention time of (1z,5z)‐3,4‐dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]diazocine was determined to be 6.215 min. The method validation demonstrated limits of detection and quantification for (1z,5z)‐3,4‐dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]diazocine at 0.4 and 1.0 ppm, respectively, with a linearity range spanning from 1 to 30 ppm concentration with respect to the specification level. System suitability, precision, linearity, and accuracy of the current method were assessed in accordance with guidelines, yielding results deemed suitable for the intended use.
Fluorine substitutions engineering of benzotriazole‐based hole transport polymers toward high‐performance CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells
Authors: Dai Zheng , Duan Chen , Guo Qiang , Wang Zhibin , Jiang Naizhong , Ding Yuanjia , Gao Lei , Zhou Erjun
Published: February 2024

Developing suitable hole transport materials is of utmost importance in the quest to enhance the performance of CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Among the various undoped hole transport materials (HTMs), D‐π‐A type polymers incorporating benzodithiophene (BDT) as the D unit and benzotriazole (BTA) as the A unit have shown promising potential. To further optimize the energy level and enhance the hole transport ability of these HTMs, we employed a fluorine substitution strategy to synthesize P‐BTA‐2F and P‐BTA‐4F based on the polymer P‐BTA‐0F. Subsequently, we investigated the impact of varying degrees of fluorine substitution on the properties of the polymer materials and the performance of the devices. As the number of F substitutions increases, the polymer energy level of the HTM gradually shifts downward, the face‐on stacking of the HTM strengthens, the hole mobility of the HTM increases, and the rate of hole extraction and transport becomes faster. Ultimately, the CsPbI2Br PSCs based on the P‐BTA‐4F HTM achieve the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.68%. Those findings demonstrate that selecting an appropriate amount of fluorine substitution is crucial for regulating the performance of polymer HTMs and improving device efficiency.
Animation line art colorization based on the optical flow method
Authors: Yu Yifeng , Qian Jiangbo , Wang Chong , Dong Yihong , Liu Baisong
Published: February 2024

Coloring an animation sketch sequence is a challenging task in computer vision since the information contained in line sketches is too sparse, and the colors need to be uniform between continuous frames. Many the existing colorization algorithms can only be applied to one image and can be considered color filling algorithms. Such algorithms only provide a color result that fits within a reasonable range and can not be applied to the coloring of frame sequences. This paper proposes an end‐to‐end two‐stage optical flow colorization network to solve the animation frame sequence colorization problem. The first stage of the network finds the direction of the color pixel flow from the detail change between a given reference frame and the next frame of line artwork and then completes the initial coloring process. The second stage of the network performs color correction and clarifies the output of the first stage. Since our algorithm does not directly colorize the image but finds the path of the color change to colorize it, it ensures a consistent color space for the sequence frames after colorization. We conduct experiments on an animation dataset, and the results show that our algorithm is effective. The code is available athttps://github.com/silenye/Colorization.
Osthole Activates the Cholinergic Anti‐Inflammatory Pathway via α7nAChR Upregulation to Alleviate Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Li Shu‐Hang , Li Meng‐Ying , Yuan Tao‐Tao , Wang Guo‐Wei , Zeng Jian‐Bin , Shi Zhimian , Liu Jian‐Hang , Su Jun‐Cheng
Published: February 2024

Osthole (also known as Osthol) is the main anti‐inflammatory coumarin found in Cnidium monnieri and severs as the exclusive quality‐controlled component according the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, its underlying anti‐inflammatory mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that Osthole treatment significantly inhibited the generation of TNF‐α, but not IL‐6 in the classical LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage model. In addition, LPS induced the activation of both MAPK and NF‐κB signalling pathways, of which the former was dose‐dependently restrained by Osthole via suppressing the phosphorylation of JNK and P38 proteins, while the phosphorylation of IκB and P65 proteins remained unaffected. Interestingly, Osthole dose‐dependently up‐regulated the expression of the key cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway regulator α7nAChR, and the TNF‐α inhibition effect of Osthole was also significantly alleviated by the treatment of α7nAChR antagonist methylbetaine. These results demonstrate that Osthole may regulate TNF‐α by promoting the expression of α7nAChR, thereby activate the vagus nerve‐dependent cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway.
Nickel and Commercially Available Nickel‐Containing Alloys as Electrodes for the Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Kubo Nikolas Mao , Ketter Fabian , Palkovits Stefan , Palkovits Regina
Published: February 2024

Water electrolysis is a crucial technology for independency on fossil fuels. However, water splitting is limited by the sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). While many studies report highly active, non‐precious metal‐based electrocatalysts for alkaline OER, applicability under industrial conditions is often omitted. Such conditions require catalysts being applied on nickel or nickel‐containing alloys in elevated electrolyte concentrations. In contrast to the rather inert substrates often used in scientific studies, such industrially applied substrates exhibit significant OER activity themselves and show dynamic behaviour. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the OER behaviour of such substrates. Here, nickel and seven commercially available nickel‐containing alloys are investigated as anodes in alkaline OER and their elemental compositions correlated to their corresponding activities. Repeated potential cycling across the Ni(II)/Ni(III)‐redox couple is established as activity‐enhancing procedure. Overall, the nickel‐base alloy Hastelloy® X exhibits the highest activity due to its Fe‐, Cr‐, Mo‐ and Co‐content. Though, the activity gain differs significantly for the various materials. Comparing Ni and Hastelloy® X as least and most active materials, the positive impact of activation on both activity and stability becomes evident. While untreated Ni suffers from poor OER stability, the activity‐enhancing procedure also significantly increases electrode stability in 24 h chronopotentiometry.
Hybrid HfC‐SiCN matrix for improved oxidation resistance of carbon fiber–reinforced mini‐composites
Authors: Mujib Shakir Bin , Rasheed Mohammed , Arunachalam Saravanan R , Singh Gurpreet
Published: February 2024

Hafnium carbide (HfC) is an ultrahigh‐temperature ceramic with high melting point, chemical stability, hardness, and wear resistance. However, its low fracture toughness and poor thermal shock resistance limit its structural applications in extreme environments. In this study, co‐curing of liquid precursors was carried out prior to complete pyrolysis of individual polymeric precursors. First, HfC preceramic polymer precursor was cured, followed by silicon carbonitride (SiCN) precursor curing on a 2D carbon fiber (CF) cloth using the drop‐coating process. The infiltrated CFs were pyrolyzed at 800°C to achieve CF/HfC‐SiCN ceramic mini‐composites. The cross‐linked precursor‐to‐ceramic yield was observed to be as high as 65% when the procedure was carried out in an inert environment. Although stable up to 1200°C, CF/HfC‐SiCN samples demonstrated susceptibility to oxidation at 1500°C in ambient air. The oxidation of HfC in the presence of SiC leads to the formation of a hafnium‐containing silicate (HfxSiyOz) along with hafnia (HfO2). This compound of silicate and hafnia limits oxygen diffusion better than SiO2 and HfO2 individually. The incorporation of SiCN in HfC ceramic led to improved phase stability compared to a neat HfC system. The results of this study also show that the use of liquid‐phase precursors for HfC and SiCN in the polymer‐infiltrated pyrolysis method is a promising approach to fabricating high‐temperature structural ceramic matrix composites with good oxidation resistance.
Periostin is associated with prognosis and immune cell infiltration in pancreatic adenocarcinoma based on integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Chen Yijun , Zhang Fengyu , Zhang Bolin , Trojanowicz Bogusz , Hämmerle Monika , Kleeff Jörg , Sunami Yoshiaki
Published: February 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive human malignancies. Previous research has shown that periostin (POSTN) promotes pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Further, POSTN is involved in tumor microenvironment remodeling during tumor progression. However, the relationship between POSTN expression, immune cell infiltration, and the efficacy of immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer is unclear.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of POSTN differential expression, examining mRNA and protein levels. To gather data, we utilized various databases including gene expression profiling interactive analysis 2 (GEPIA2), gene expression omnibus (GEO), and the human protein atlas (HPA). To investigate the correlation between POSTN expression and clinical characteristics, we analyzed data from the Kaplan–Meier plotter database and clinical data sourced from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). Furthermore, we performed gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Additionally, we explored the relationship between POSTN expression and immune cell infiltration, as well as the immunophenoscore (IPS), by leveraging the cancer immunome atlas (TCIA) database. Lastly, we examined the tumor mutational burden (TMB) in pancreatic cancer in relation to POSTN expression.

Results

When compared with healthy pancreatic tissues, pancreatic cancer tissues displayed significantly higher levels of POSTN, which was indicative of a worse prognosis. POSTN expression was closely associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, ECM‐receptor interaction, and focal adhesion by GO, KEGG pathway, and GSEA analyses. Higher expression of POSTN was associated with increased infiltration of M2 macrophages. Additionally, increased IPS was linked to lower POSTN expression. IPS scores for CTLA4, PD‐1/PDL1, and CTLA4/PD‐1/PDL1 immune checkpoint inhibitors were also higher in the POSTN‐low expression group, suggesting that lower expression of POSTN is associated with a better outcome with checkpoint inhibitor treatment.

Conclusion

POSTN is related to pancreatic cancer prognosis, and may influence immune cell infiltration. High expression of POSTN is predicted to correlate with lower sensitivity to immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors in pancreatic cancer.
Assembly of Titanium‐oxo Clusters from Embonic Acid‐Modified {Ti2} Molecular Building Blocks with Efficient Sulfur‐Catalyzed Oxidation Activities
Authors: Gu Xiaoyan , Fu Yaomei , Zhao Liang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Xinlong , Li Baoli
Published: February 2024

To design and synthesize high‐nucleated titanium‐oxo clusters rationally based on molecular building blocks with potential coordination ability is still a great challenge. In this work, a family of titanium‐oxo clusters, including Ti2, Ti6, Ti12, and Ti20 clusters, have been assembled from large‐size ligand embonic acid‐modified {Ti2} molecular building blocks under solvothermal conditions. By modulating auxiliary linkers and solvent types, the {Ti2} building blocks exhibit varying degrees of polymerization to form high‐nuclear titanium‐oxo clusters. Notably, Ti20 with high nucleation, as the decamer containing {Ti2} building blocks, can act as a stable and heterogeneous catalyst to efficiently catalyze the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones and sulfoxides when using H2O2 as the green oxidant. This study provides a new approach for the design and synthesis of highly nucleated and homometallic TOCs based on {Ti2} units.
Multi‐electron Oxidation of Ce(III) Complexes Facilitated by Redox‐Active Ligands
Authors: Rupasinghe D. M. Ramitha Y. P. , Lopez Lauren M. , Poore Andrew T. , Baxter Makayla R. , Lin Nathan J. , Mitchell Andrew W. , Zeller Matthias , Tian Shiliang , Bart Suzanne C.
Published: February 2024

A family of cerium complexes featuring a redox‐active ligand in different oxidation states has been synthesized, including the the iminosemiquinone (isq)1− compound, Ce(dippisq)3 (1‐Ceisq), and the amidophenolate (ap)2− species CeIII(dippap)3K3 (2‐Ceap), [CeIII(dippap)3K][K(18‐c‐6)]2 (2‐Ceap 18c6), and [CeIII(dippap)3K][K(15‐c‐5)2]2 (2‐Ceap 15c5). Treating 2‐Ceap 15c5 with dioxogen furnishes the cerium(IV) derivative [CeIV(dippap)3][K(15‐c‐5)2]2 (3‐Ceap 15c5), and an analogous synthesis can be used to generate [CeIV(dippap)3][K(crypt)]2 (3‐Ceap crypt). Similarly, addition of hexamethyldisiloxane produces an interesting bis(amidophenolate) species, [(Me3SiO)2CeIV(dippap)2][K(15‐c‐5)2]2 (4‐CeOSiMe3). Full spectroscopic and structural characterization of each derivative was performed to establish the oxidation states of both the ligands and the cerium ions.
Effects of a combination of Poria Cocos, Ziziphus spinose, and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) on sleep quality and skin health: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hao Yining , Song Weimin , Qu Liping
Published: February 2024

Sleep is crucial for preserving both physical and mental health, including skin health. Presently, there is a burgeoning interest in the use of herbal and natural ingredients to mitigate the adverse effects of sleep disorders. In this 4‐week, randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial, 70 subjects with sleep disorders were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a Poria cocos, Ziziphus spinose, and GABA (PZG) supplement (10 mL per day). Total sleep duration was detected by wrist actigraphy, and sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Skin conditions were evaluated based on assessments of skin hydration, glossiness elasticity, color, severity of wrinkles, and skin roughness. After 4 weeks, the total sleep duration significantly increased by 12.96% (p = .006) and the PSQI score notably decreased by 59.94% (p = .000) compared to the baseline. Notably, compared to the baseline conditions, skin hydration, radiance, elasticity, firmness, wrinkle severity, and roughness were significantly improved in the PZG group. In addition, the PZG group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the placebo group in terms of changes from baseline in total sleep duration, PSQI score, skin hydration, wrinkle severity, and skin roughness. The present results demonstrated that the combined intake of herbs and GABA can improve sleep quality and enhance skin health without adverse effects.
Brain Pioneers and Moral Entanglement: An Argument for Post‐trial Responsibilities in Neural‐Device Trials
Authors: Goering Sara , Brown Andrew I. , Klein Eran
Published: February 2024

We argue that in implanted neurotechnology research, participants and researchers experience what Henry Richardson has called “moral entanglement.” Participants partially entrust researchers with access to their brains and thus to information that would otherwise be private, leading to created intimacies and special obligations of beneficence for researchers and research funding agencies. One of these obligations, we argue, is about continued access to beneficial technology once a trial ends. We make the case for moral entanglement in this context through exploration of participants’ vulnerability, uncompensated risks and burdens, depth of relationship with the research team, and dependence on researchers in implanted neurotechnology trials.
Medical Treatment of Idiopathic Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis: Should We Marinate or Slice the “Olive”?
Authors: Rudolph Colin D.
Published: February 2024

Some infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) have responded to oral atropine treatment. To achieve sufficient effect of atropine, it must be administered intravenously (i.v.). Therefore, with ultrasonography, we studied the changes in the pyloric muscle in HPS during and after intravenous administration of atropine. Twenty‐three infants were studied. Atropine sulfate was initially administered at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg day i.v., and the dose was increased by 0.01 mg/kg/day until vomiting ceased. When vomiting ceased after administration of intravenous atropine sulfate, the infants received oral atropine sulfate at twice the effective intravenous dose; this was continued for 2 weeks. Ultrasonography was repeated until pyloric muscles normalized. Twenty‐two infants were free from vomiting after 1‐8 days of intravenous atropine sulfate (dosages of 0.04‐0.11 mg/kg/day). In 21 infants, weight gain continued after atropine treatment even though no change in thickness of the pyloric muscles was demonstrated ultrasonographically. Only 2 infants required pyloromyotomy because of prolonged treatment or a mistake in underdosing of oral atropine. All of the 21 infants who recovered after intravenous atropine without surgery had normalization of pyloric muscle caliber, as shown by ultrasonography 4‐12 months after treatment. Atropine is an effective medicine for HPS. Regression of pyloric thickening after vomiting has been controlled implies that pyloric muscle hypertrophy could be worsened by the spasm that occurs in HPS.
Celiac Disease in Arabs
Authors: Rawashdeh M. O. , Khalil B. , Raweily E.
Published: February 2024

A systematic study of celiac disease in a defined population of Arab children has not been previously reported. We therefore performed a prospective study to determine the incidence and clinical presentation of celiac disease in Jordanian children. A total of 34 (12 boys and 22 girls) cases were diagnosed over a period of 36 months. Nine cases were clustered in three families. The incidence was calculated to be 1:2,800 live births. The mean age at presentation was 4.6 years (range 0.3‐13), but it was 8.4 years at the time of diagnosis. Diarrhea was the main initial symptom in 15 (44%) patient. Other signs and symptoms included recurrent abdominal pain in five patients (14%), short stature in four (12%), abdominal distension in three (9%), constipation in three (9%), pallor and recurrent mouth ulcers in two patients each. At the time of diagnosis, 24 (71%) had hypochromic microcytic anemia, and nine (26%) had rickets. The relatively high incidence of celiac disease may be related to the large wheat consumption in this population (135 kg/head/year), and the late onset could be related to the widespread prevalence of prolonged breast‐feeding in Jordan (12 months) and late introduction of cereals (6.2 months) in children with late presentation. The delay in diagnosis might be due to the presence of other diseases clinically resembling celiac disease in our community.
Endosonographic Evaluation of the Rectum in Children with Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction
Authors: Yachha S. K. , Dhiman R. K. , Gupta Rohit , Ghoshal U. C.
Published: February 2024

Rectal endoscopic ultrasonography (REUS) was performed using an Olympus EU‐M3 ultrasound fiberscope in 25 children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (median age of 8, range 3‐16 years) and in eight control subjects (median age of 8, range 6‐13). Rectal varices (tortuous or nodular distended veins seen beneath the mucosa) and portal hypertensive rectopathy were diagnosed endoscopically. At rectal endosonography, rectal varices were seen as rounded, oval, or longitudinal echo‐free structures in the submucosa. Perirectal veins outside the rectal wall were also seen in REUS. Portal hypertensive rectopathy was endoscopically observed in nine (36%) patients. Rectal varices were defected by endoscopy in nine (36%) and by endosonographic examination in 19 (76%) patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. The number (2, range 0‐10) and size (3, range 0‐4.5 mm) of submucosal veins seen on endosonography in patients were greater than in controls (0, range 0‐1, and 0, range 0‐2 mm; p < 0.001 for both). The size of perirectal veins was greater in patients than in controls (3.5, range 3‐5 mm versus 2.5, range 2‐3 mm; p < 0.001). Communicating veins between the submucosal and perirectal veins were seen in nine (36%) patients. Rectal endoscopic ultrasonography was superior to endoscopy in detecting the presence of rectal varices (76% versus 35%, p < 0.005). Our study suggests that endosonography is useful in detecting changes in the rectal and perirectal vasculature in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction.