bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms are associated with clinical outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Sherwood Andrew , Blumenthal James A. , Mentz Robert J. , Koch Gary G. , Rogers Joseph G. , Chang Patricia P. , Chien Christopher , Adams Kirkwood F. , Rose‐Jones Lisa J. , Jensen Brian C. , Donahue Mark , Johnson Kristy S. , Hinderliter Alan L.
Published: May 2024

Aims

The objective of this study was to examine associations between elevated depressive symptoms and increased risk of adverse clinical events patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), as well as the potential contribution of health behaviours.

Methods and results

One hundred forty‐two men and women with HFrEF were enrolled through heart failure (HF) clinics and followed over time. At baseline and 6 months, depressive symptoms were assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) and HFrEF disease activity by B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP). The Self‐Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) was used to assess HF self‐care behaviours. Proportional hazards regression models assessed the contribution of depressive symptoms and HFrEF disease biomarkers on death or cardiovascular hospitalization. Over a median follow‐up period of 4 years, 42 patients (30%) died, and 84 (60%) had cardiovascular hospitalizations. A 10‐point higher baseline BDI‐II score was associated with a 35% greater risk of death or cardiovascular hospitalization. Higher baseline BDI‐II scores were associated with poorer HF self‐care maintenance behaviours (R = −0.30, P < 0.001) and fewer daily steps (R = −0.19, P = 0.04), suggesting that elevated depressive symptoms may diminish important health behaviours. Increases in plasma BNP over 6 months were associated with worse outcomes. Changes in BDI‐II and plasma BNP over 6 months were positively related (R = 0.25, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

This study confirms that elevated depressive symptoms are associated with an increased likelihood of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with HFrEF. Poor health behaviours may contribute to the adverse association of elevated depressive symptoms with the increased hazard of adverse clinical outcomes.
Reinforcement learning based blockchain model for revoking unauthorized access in Virtualized Network Functions‐based Internet of Things Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Kalaivani C. T. , Renugadevi R. , Gracewell Jeffin , Arul Edwin Raj A.
Published: May 2024

VNFs boost data processing efficiency in Mobile Edge Computing (MEC)‐driven Internet of Things (IoT) for healthcare, smart cities, and industrial automation. VNF‐based IoT MEC systems encounter a significant security threat due to unauthorized access, posing risks to data privacy and system integrity. Existing approaches struggle to adapt to dynamic environments and lack tamper‐proof enforcement mechanisms. In this work, we propose a novel system combining Reinforcement Learning (RL) and blockchain technology to revoke unauthorized access in VNF‐based IoT MEC. We introduce the Integrated Action‐selection DRL Algorithm for Unauthorized Access Revocation (IASDRL‐UAR), a novel RL approach that excels in dynamic environments by handling both continuous and discrete actions, enabling real‐time optimization of security risk, execution time, and energy consumption. A behavior control contract (BCC) is proposed and integrated into the RL system, automating behavior checks and enforcement, streamlining security management, and reducing manual intervention. RL feedback plays a pivotal role in steering dynamic security adjustments, gaining valuable perspectives from user behavior via trust scores in the behavior contract. The security features of the proposed method are analyzed. Performance comparisons reveal a substantial improvement, with the proposed system outperforming existing methods by 30% in terms of throughput, 21.7% in system stability, and 26% in access revocation latency. Additionally, the system demonstrates a higher security index, energy efficiency, and scalability.
Evolving photonic authentication with sustainable luminescent smart e‐tags
Authors: Dias Lília M. S. , Fu Lianshe , Pereira R. F. P. , Carneiro Neto Albano N. , Bermudez V. de Zea , André P. S. , Ferreira Rute A. S.
Published: May 2024

Abstact

Counterfeiting remains a significant threat, causing economic and safety concerns. Addressing this, authentication technologies have gained traction. With the rise of the Internet of Things, authentication is crucial. Photonic Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) offer unique identifiers. We present low‐cost and sustainable e‐tags that may be printed virtually on any surface for authentication due to the bespoke texturization of sustainable inks of surface‐modified carbon dots. A single e‐tag provides randomized phosphorescence (or afterglow) patterns, which provide multiple layers of safety by exploiting different patterning, excitation energies, and temporal characteristics. A comprehensive case study employing photonic challenge‐response pairs, involving a sample size of up to 29 emission spectra in combination with 102 photographs taken with a smartphone, displays a low authentication probability of error (<10−11), which supports the potential of our combined approach toward the development of more robust photonic PUF systems.
Approximate closed‐form solution of free convection flow past a vertical cone
Authors: Khan Sajid , Zulifqar Zeshan , Ashraf Muhammad , Qadeer Asma
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a technique to find the closed‐form solution of the boundary‐value problem representing free convection flow past a vertical cone. Partial differential equations that govern the flow are converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations with the aid of similarity transformations. First, a numerical solution is obtained with the help of the bvp4c package of MATLAB, and then utilizing the numerical solution, the closed‐form solution is obtained. The accuracy of the closed‐form solution is analyzed by the residual technique. Graphs of the residuals of the governing equations indicate that our approximate closed‐form solution closely matches the exact solution.
A new evaluation system for drug–microbiota interactions
Authors: Liu Tian‐Hao , Zhang Chen‐Yang , Zhang Hang , Jin Jing , Li Xue , Liang Shi‐Qiang , Xue Yu‐Zheng , Yuan Feng‐Lai , Zhou Ya‐Hong , Bian Xiu‐Wu , Wei Hong
Published: May 2024

The drug response phenotype is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The high clinical conversion failure rate of gene‐targeted drugs might be attributed to the lack of emphasis on environmental factors and the inherent individual variability in drug response (IVDR). Current evidence suggests that environmental variables, rather than the disease itself, are the primary determinants of both gut microbiota composition and drug metabolism. Additionally, individual differences in gut microbiota create a unique metabolic environment that influences the in vivo processes underlying drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Here, we discuss how gut microbiota, shaped by both genetic and environmental factors, affects the host's ADME microenvironment within a new evaluation system for drug–microbiota interactions. Furthermore, we propose a new top‐down research approach to investigate the intricate nature of drug–microbiota interactions in vivo. This approach utilizes germ‐free animal models, providing foundation for the development of a new evaluation system for drug–microbiota interactions.
Estimating yield stability and predicting the response of sesame genotypes to climate change using the SALTMED model
Authors: Mehanna Hani , Saber Ayman , Samaha Ghada , El‐Aziz Mahmod Abd , Ragab Ragab
Published: May 2024

Climate change (CC) could lead to many crises. Therefore, increasing the number of cultivated varieties represents a low‐cost factor in confronting this problem. The effect of the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction on yield stability was estimated for 28 new sesame lines in the Beni Suwef, El‐Beheira and El‐Menoufia governorates in Egypt across 15 environments from 2019 to 2022 using AMMI analysis. The SALTMED model was used to predict the yield of sesame plants under five increasing air temperature scenarios (CC factor) to obtain future projections of sesame yield to determine the lines that are most genetically stable and facing CC. Variance analysis revealed significant differences in yield between the G and E groups and between the G × E interaction group. Fifteen genotypes yielded better control, and C6.4, C5.8 and C9.6 were selected as genetically stable according to AMMI analysis. The SALTMED model predicted that the yields of lines C3.8 and C6.2 were not affected under the high‐temperature scenarios across the three governorates, moreover lines C1.8, C2.3, and, C6.12 productions were not affected under Beni Suwef and El‐Beheira governorates. of lines C1.8, C2.3 and C6.12 were also not affected by the Beni Suwef or El‐Beheira governorates. It is now possible to establish a hybridization programme in sesame that combines parents with high productivity and high resilience to CC.
The cellular localization and oncogenic or tumor suppressive effects of angiomiotin‐like protein 2 in tumor and normal cells
Authors: Wang Huizhen , Li Jing , Yu Kexun , Lu Yida , Ma Mengdi , Li Yongxiang
Published: May 2024

Angiomiotin (AMOT) family comprises three members: AMOT, AMOT‐like protein 1 (AMOTL1), and AMOT‐like protein 2 (AMOTL2). AMOTL2 is widely expressed in endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and various cancer cells. Specifically, AMOTL2 predominantly localizes in the cytoplasm and nucleus in human normal cells, whereas associates with cell–cell junctions and actin cytoskeleton in non‐human cells, and locates at cell junctions or within the recycling endosomes in cancer cells. AMOTL2 is implicated in regulation of tube formation, cell polarity, and shape, although the specific impact on tumorigenesis remains to be conclusively determined. It has been shown that AMOTL2 enhances tumor growth and metastasis in pancreatic, breast, and colon cancer, however inhibits cell proliferation and migration in lung, hepatocellular cancer, and glioblastoma. In addition to its role in cell shape and cytoskeletal dynamics through co‐localization with F‐actin, AMOTL2 modulates the transcription of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) by binding to it, thereby affecting its phosphorylation and cellular sequestration. Furthermore, the stability and cellular localization of AMOTL2, influenced by its phosphorylation and ubiquitination mediated by specific proteins, affects its cellular function. Additionally, we observe that AMOTL2 is predominantly downregulated in some tumors, but significantly elevated in colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD). Moreover, overall analysis, GSEA and ROC curve analysis indicate that AMOTL2 exerts as an oncogenic protein in COAD by modulating Wnt pathway, participating in synthesis of collagen formation, and interacting with extracellular matrix receptor. In addition, AMOTL2 potentially regulates the distribution of immune cells infiltration in COAD. In summary, AMOTL2 probably functions as an oncogene in COAD. Consequently, further in‐depth mechanistic research is required to elucidate the precise roles of AMOTL2 in various cancers.
Cryptocurrency portfolio optimization: Utilizing a GARCH‐copula model within the Markowitz framework
Authors: Jeleskovic Vahidin , Latini Claudio , Younas Zahid I. , Al‐Faryan Mamdouh A. S.
Published: May 2024

The growing interest in cryptocurrencies has brought this new means of exchange to the attention of the financial world. This study aims to investigate the effects that a cryptocurrency can have when it is considered as a financial asset. The analysis is carried out from an ex‐post perspective, evaluating the performance achieved in a certain period by three different portfolios. These are the one composed only of equities, bonds and commodities, the second one only of cryptocurrencies, and the third one is a combination of these both ones and thus made up of all considered “traditional” assets and the most performing cryptocurrency of the second portfolio. For these purposes, the classic variance‐covariance approach is applied where the calculation of the risk structure is done via the GARCH‐Copula and GARCH‐Vine Copula approaches. The optimal weights of the assets in the optimized portfolios are determined through Markowitz optimization problem. The analysis mainly showed that the portfolio composed of cryptocurrency and traditional assets has a higher Sharpe index, from an ex‐post perspective, and more stable performances, from an ex‐ante perspective. We justify our selection of the Markowitz approach over conditional VaR and expected shortfall due to their heightened sensitivity to unsystematic extreme events in crypto markets.
Longitudinal in vivo cationic contrast‐enhanced computed tomography classifies equine articular cartilage injury and repair
Authors: Nelson Brad B. , Mäkelä Janne T. A. , Lawson Taylor B. , Patwa Amit N. , Snyder Brian D. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Grinstaff Mark W. , Seabaugh Kathryn A. , Barrett Myra F. , Goodrich Laurie R. , Kawcak Christopher E.
Published: May 2024

Cationic contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) capitalizes on increased contrast agent affinity to the charged proteoglycans in articular cartilage matrix to provide quantitative assessment of proteoglycan content with enhanced images. While high resolution microCT has demonstrated success, we investigate cationic CECT use in longitudinal in vivo imaging at clinical resolution. We hypothesize that repeated administration of CA4+ will have no adverse side effects or complications, and that sequential in vivo imaging assessments will distinguish articular cartilage repair tissue from early degenerative and healthy cartilage in critically sized chondral defects. In an established equine translational preclinical model, lameness and synovial effusion scores are similar to controls after repeated injections of CA4+ (eight injections over 16 weeks) compared to controls. Synovial fluid total protein, leukocyte concentration, and sGAG and PGE2 concentrations and articular cartilage and synovial membrane scores are also equivalent to controls. Longitudinal in vivo cationic CECT attenuation in repair tissue is significantly lower than peripheral to (adjacent) and distantly from defects (remote sites) by 4 weeks (p < 0.001), and this difference persists until 16 weeks. At the 6‐ and 8‐week time points, the adjacent locations exhibit significantly lower cationic CECT attenuation compared with the remote sites, reflecting peri‐defect degeneration (p < 0.01). Cationic CECT attenuation at clinical resolution significantly correlates with cationic CECT (microCT) (r = 0.69, p < 0.0001), sGAG (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001), and ICRS II histology score (r = 0.63, p < 0.0001). In vivo cationic CECT imaging at clinical resolution distinguishes fibrous repair tissue from degenerative and healthy hyaline cartilage and correlates with molecular tissue properties of articular cartilage.
Factors influencing gastrostomy tube feeding duration and nutrition outcomes in pediatric patients with Down syndrome: A descriptive cohort study
Authors: Aviles Thomas , Giangiordano Abby , Evelyn Danielle , Liu Chunyan , Dorfman Lev , Kaul Ajay
Published: May 2024

Background

Feeding difficulty is widely recognized in patients with Down syndrome, and many patients require gastrostomy tube (G‐tube) placement for nutrition. No reliable factors have been identified to predict the expected duration of G‐tube feeds in patients with Down syndrome. This descriptive cohort study aimed to determine the factors affecting the duration of G‐tube feeds. We also investigated change in body mass index (BMI) from G‐tube placement to discontinuation.

Methods

Medical records of patients with Down syndrome seen by a pediatric gastroenterologist at a tertiary care center between September 1986 and December 2021 were reviewed. Data collection included demographics, anthropometrics, comorbidities, and feeding route. Comparison was performed between patients who discontinued G‐tube feeds and those who did not.

Results

Two hundred twenty patients (45% female) were included. The median age at G‐tube placement was 5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.2–1.3 years). There were 113 (51%) patients who discontinued G‐tube feeds, after a median duration of 31.6 months (IQR: 15.6–55.7 months). Tracheostomy was the only covariant associated with a longer duration of G‐tube feeds (158 months vs 53 months; P = 0.002). Neither age at G‐tube placement nor any comorbidities were associated with BMI status at discontinuation of G‐tube.

Conclusion

In our cohort of patients with Down syndrome, age at placement of G‐tube did not impact the duration of G‐tube feeds. Most patients who had a G‐tube placed were likely to require enteral feeds for at least 1 year. Those who had a tracheostomy needed their G‐tube for a longer time.
Safflower protein as a potential plant protein powder: optimization of extraction and spray‐drying process parameters and determination of physicochemical and functional properties
Authors: Korkmaz Fatma
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

The research about sustainable and alternative plant protein sources has accelerated with the increasing need for protein. Safflower meal has a potential to be used in protein production due to its high protein content. This research aimed to produce an alternative plant‐based protein powder using safflower meal. Both extraction and spray‐drying parameters of safflower protein powder production were optimized using response surface methodology to achieve maximum yield. Moreover, the physicochemical and functional properties of safflower protein were determined and compared with those of commercial protein powders (soy, sunflower, pea, fava bean, and rice).

RESULTS

The optimum extraction conditions were found to be 33.06:1 mL−1 g solvent‐to‐meal ratio, pH 11.00, 23.34 °C extraction temperature, and 30.86 min extraction time, which were achieved with a protein yield response of 75.21%. The highest powder yield (51.28%) was recorded for drying conditions of inlet air temperature of 160.11 °C, aspiration rate of 54.17 m3 h−1, and feed flow rate of 16.01 mL min−1. According to the amino acid profile of safflower protein, the glutamic acid content (14 475 mg (100 g)−1) was highest, while the methionine content (96 mg (100 g)−1) was lowest. Moreover, safflower protein can be regarded as a high‐quality protein due to its high essential amino acid ratio (41.55%). The experiments showed that safflower protein had high solubility and good foam and emulsifying properties.

CONCLUSION

Safflower protein could be a nutritional and functional protein source for the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Melatonin protects zebrafish pancreatic development and physiological rhythms from sodium propionate‐induced disturbances via the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis
Authors: Xu Yixin , Zhang Shuhui , Bao Yehua , Luan Jialu , Fu Zhenhua , Sun Mingzhu , Zhao Xin , Feng Xizeng
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of sodium propionate as a preservative in food may affect public health. We aimed to assess the effects of sodium propionate on circadian rhythms and pancreatic development in zebrafish and the possible underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

In this experiment, we analyzed the relationship between circadian rhythms and pancreatic development and then revealed the role of the thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish. The results showed that sodium propionate interfered with the rhythmic behavior of zebrafish, and altered the expression of important rhythmic genes. Experimental data revealed that pancreatic morphology and developmental genes were altered after sodium propionate exposure. Additionally, thyroid hormone levels and key gene expression associated with the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis were significantly altered. Melatonin at a concentration of 1 μmol L−1, with a mild effect on zebrafish, observably alleviated sodium propionate‐induced disturbances in circadian rhythms and pancreatic development, as well as regulating the thyroid system.

CONCLUSION

Melatonin, while modulating the thyroid system, significantly alleviates sodium propionate‐induced circadian rhythm disturbances and pancreatic developmental disorders. We further revealed the deleterious effects of sodium propionate as well as the potential therapeutic effects of melatonin on circadian rhythm, pancreatic development and the thyroid system. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Critical roles and clinical perspectives of RNA methylation in cancer
Authors: Li Ganglei , Yao Qinfan , Liu Peixi , Zhang Hongfei , Liu Yingjun , Li Sichen , Shi Yuan , Li Zongze , Zhu Wei
Published: May 2024

RNA modification, especially RNA methylation, is a critical posttranscriptional process influencing cellular functions and disease progression, accounting for over 60% of all RNA modifications. It plays a significant role in RNA metabolism, affecting RNA processing, stability, and translation, thereby modulating gene expression and cell functions essential for proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Increasing studies have revealed the disruption in RNA metabolism mediated by RNA methylation has been implicated in various aspects of cancer progression, particularly in metabolic reprogramming and immunity. This disruption of RNA methylation has profound implications for tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy response. Herein, we elucidate the fundamental characteristics of RNA methylation and their impact on RNA metabolism and gene expression. We highlight the intricate relationship between RNA methylation, cancer metabolic reprogramming, and immunity, using the well‐characterized phenomenon of cancer metabolic reprogramming as a framework to discuss RNA methylation's specific roles and mechanisms in cancer progression. Furthermore, we explore the potential of targeting RNA methylation regulators as a novel approach for cancer therapy. By underscoring the complex mechanisms by which RNA methylation contributes to cancer progression, this review provides a foundation for developing new prognostic markers and therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating RNA methylation in cancer treatment.
Pathophysiological significance and modulation of the transient receptor potential canonical 3 ion channel
Authors: Boda Vijay K. , Yasmen Nelufar , Jiang Jianxiong , Li Wei
Published: May 2024

Transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) protein belongs to the TRP family of nonselective cation channels. Its activation occurs by signaling through a G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) and a phospholipase C‐dependent (PLC) pathway. Perturbations in the expression of TRPC3 are associated with a plethora of pathophysiological conditions responsible for disorders of the cardiovascular, immune, and central nervous systems. The recently solved cryo‐EM structure of TRPC3 provides detailed inputs about the underlying mechanistic aspects of the channel, which in turn enables more efficient ways of designing small‐molecule modulators. Pharmacologically targeting TRPC3 in animal models has demonstrated great efficacy in treating diseases including cancers, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite extensive scientific evidence supporting some strong correlations between the expression and activity of TRPC3 and various pathophysiological conditions, therapeutic strategies based on its pharmacological modulations have not led to clinical trials. The development of small‐molecule TRPC3 modulators with high safety, sufficient brain penetration, and acceptable drug‐like profiles remains in progress. Determining the pathological mechanisms for TRPC3 involvement in human diseases and understanding the requirements for a drug‐like TRPC3 modulator will be valuable in advancing small‐molecule therapeutics to future clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of the origin and activation mechanism of TRPC3 channels, diseases associated with irregularities in their expression, and new development in small‐molecule modulators as potential therapeutic interventions for treating TRPC3 channelopathies.
The value of microvascular breast reconstruction: Cost equivalence of TRAM and DIEP flaps implications in the era of CMS reforms
Authors: Foppiani Jose A. , Hernandez Alvarez Angelica , Kim Erin J. , Escobar‐Domingo Maria J. , Taritsa Iulianna C. , Schuster Kirsten A. , Lee Daniela , Ho Olivia A. , Rinker Brian , Lee Bernard T. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Recent CMS billing changes have raised concerns about insurance coverage for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. This study compared the costs and utilization of transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM), DIEP, and latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps in breast reconstruction.

Method

The study utilized the National Inpatient Sample database to identify female patients who underwent DIEP, TRAM, and LD flap procedures from 2016 to 2019. Key data such as patient demographics, length of stay, complications, and costs (adjusted to 2021 USD) were analyzed, focusing on differences across the flap types.

Results

A total of 17,770 weighted patient encounters were identified, with the median age being 51. The majority underwent DIEP flaps (73.5%), followed by TRAM (14.2%) and LD (12.1%) flaps. The findings revealed that DIEP and TRAM flaps had a similar length of stay (LOS), while LD flaps typically had a shorter LOS. The total hospital charges to costs using cost‐to‐charge ratio were also comparable between DIEP and TRAM flaps, whereas LD flaps were significantly less expensive. Factors such as income quartile, primary payer of hospitalization, and geographic region significantly influenced flap choice.

Conclusion

The study's results appear to contradict the prevailing notion that TRAM flaps are more cost‐effective than DIEP flaps. The total hospital charges to costs using cost‐to‐charge ratio and hospital stays associated with TRAM and DIEP flaps were found to be similar. These findings suggest that changes in the insurance landscape, which may limit the use of DIEP flaps, could undermine patient autonomy while not necessarily reducing healthcare costs. Such policy shifts could favor less costly options like the LD flap, potentially altering the landscape of microvascular breast reconstruction.
Well‐posedness and error analysis of wave equations with Markovian switching
Authors: Li Jiayang , Wang Xiangjun
Published: May 2024

Compared to traditional partial differential equation modeling methods, Markov switching models can accurately capture the abrupt changes or jumps that complex systems often experience in the real world. In this paper, we propose a novel wave equation model with Markovian switching to represent complex systems with state‐jumping phenomena better, and the well‐posedness of the model is proved. In addition, a numerical method with non‐uniform grids is also proposed for the proposed model to simulate the data in realistic situations, which is based on the use of finite element discretization in space and central difference discretization in time. Finally, we conduct several experiments to analyze the errors and stability of the proposed model and the traditional model. The results show that the Markov switching model proposed in this paper has a smaller error than the traditional models while ensuring stability and can more accurately simulate the state jump phenomena of real‐world systems.
High‐resolution 1H‐MRSI at 9.4 T by integrating relaxation enhancement and subspace imaging
Authors: Wang Yizun , Saha Urbi , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Roy Edward J. , Smith Andrew M. , Sweedler Jonathan V. , Lam Fan
Published: May 2024

Achieving high‐resolution and high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in vivo metabolic imaging via fast magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) has been a longstanding challenge. This study combines the methods of relaxation enhancement (RE) and subspace imaging for the first time, enabling high‐resolution and high‐SNR in vivo MRSI of rodent brains at 9.4 T. Specifically, an RE‐based chemical shift imaging sequence, which combines a frequency‐selective pulse to excite only the metabolite frequencies with minimum perturbation of the water spins and a pair of adiabatic pulses to spatially localize the slice of interest, is designed and evaluated in vivo. This strategy effectively shortens the apparent T1 of metabolites, thereby increasing the SNR during relatively short repetition time ((TR) compared with acquisitions with only spatially selective wideband excitations, and does not require water suppression. The SNR was further enhanced via a state‐of‐the‐art subspace reconstruction method. A novel subspace learning strategy tailored for 9.4 T and RE acquisitions is developed. In vivo, high‐resolution (e.g., voxel size of 0.6 × 0.6 × 1.5 mm3) MRSI of both healthy mouse brains and a glioma‐bearing mouse brain in 12.5 min has been demonstrated.
MoS2/graphene dispersed 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl propane sulfonic acid grafted polyarylene ether of di‐phenylenedi‐acetal high temperature‐proton exchange membrane fuel cell application
Authors: Senthil Theerthagiri , Natesan Goworiboy , Natarajan Prathap , Kannaiyan Dinakaran
Published: May 2024

A polyaryleneether has been synthesized from bis‐(4‐cholorophenyl)di‐acetal (DPDA) monomer with bisphenol A and allyl bisphenol‐A. The copolymer was then functionalized with 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl propane sulfonic acid through radical grafting (SPAE/DPDA). The successfully synthesized SPAE/DPDA polymer was validated by using FTIR and NMR. Secondly, a composite nanostructure of MoS2/GNS nanosheet has been prepared and characterized using PXRD, FE‐SEM, and HR‐TEM. The composite membrane casted with SPAE/DPDA and varying weight percentage of 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% MoS2/GNS nanosheet, has been characterized for ion exchange capacity (IEC), water stability (WU), swelling properties (SR), oxidative stability, and proton conductivity (PC).The MoS2/GNS dispersed SPAE/DPDA polymer nanocomposites membrane showed a chemical degradation of 22.56% and proton conductivity (PC) of 2.5 × 10−2 S/cm at 110°C. The results show that these membranes have high proton conductivity and can be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT‐PEMFCs).
Effectiveness of double cutout on lateral buckling analysis of fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Bulut Mehmet
Published: May 2024

Lateral buckling, an essential mechanical phenomenon observed in composite beams subjected to specific external loads and boundary conditions, is influenced by various factors including cutout dimension, shape, position, and beam thickness in woven fabric laminated composite cantilever beams. The investigation focused on examining the lateral buckling behavior of beams containing two square or circular cutouts and comparing the experimental critical buckling loads of beams without any cutouts, which yielded results demonstrating a significant level of agreement. Through the experimental analysis, it was determined that square cutouts exhibit superior lateral buckling behavior when compared to circular cutouts.

Highlights

The effects of cutout shapes on lateral buckling analysis on fiber reinforced composites.

The effects of cutout location on lateral buckling load on fiber reinforced composites.

Comparison of the lateral buckling performances of fiber reinforced composites in relation to the type and position of cutouts.
Population decline and public attitudes toward multicultural immigration policies in South Korea
Authors: Choi Sangwon , Song Jingyeong , Kwon Daeyoung , Kim Brian H. S.
Published: May 2024

Population decline due to low fertility and aging causes socioeconomic challenges such as a shrinking labour force and regional decline. In response to these challenges, there is a growing discussion about accepting immigrants to mitigate the side effects of population decline. This implies the importance of analyzing local peoples' perceptions as a basis of policy and planning in anticipation of demographic transitions toward a multicultural society. While there are many studies on local problems caused by depopulation and perceptions of immigrants based on contact theory and group threat theory, there has been relatively little research on the relationship between depopulation and individual perceptions of immigrants. This study fills this gap by using survey data of Seoul, Korea, the city experiencing both population decline and an increase in immigrants. It employs the multilevel ordered logit model to explore how the decrease in local population associates with individuals' perception on the need for multicultural immigration policies. The results suggest that individuals are more likely to have a positive view of multicultural immigration policies if their region is experiencing a higher population decline. This finding is significant as it demonstrates that a shift to an unfavourable demographic structure can have a positive impact on perceptions of immigrant acceptance, offering a new perspective on the relationship between immigrants and native residents.
Assessment for operational assimilation of horizontal line of sight winds from the European Space Agency's Aeolus at the Met Office
Authors: Halloran Gemma , Forsythe Mary
Published: May 2024

The European Space Agency's Aeolus satellite was launched in August 2018 and began delivering horizontal line‐of‐sight (HLOS) wind observations in early September 2018. In early 2019, the Met Office began assessing the suitability of the HLOS winds for operational assimilation into its global numerical weather prediction system. We performed a number of assimilation experiments to assess the impact of HLOS wind observations on our global forecasts. We have found that assimilating HLOS winds changes the zonal winds in the analysis fields predominantly in the Tropics and Southern Hemisphere, with the largest changes being in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. This has a positive impact on the accuracy of the global weather forecasts, with improvements in the root‐mean‐square error seen throughout the troposphere. Assimilation of Aeolus HLOS winds improves the standard deviation of the observation minus background (a 6 hr forecast) of almost all other observation types, suggesting that the numerical weather prediction model analysis is improved, which consequently improves the 6 hr forecast. In a set of short‐period observation denial experiments, we found that assimilating Aeolus has an impact similar in magnitude to assimilating surface winds from scatterometers. Assimilating winds from the Rayleigh channel has approximately three times the impact that assimilating HLOS winds from the Mie channel does. Both channels contribute a measureable improvement to the global forecast, and we therefore started operational assimilation of winds from the Mie channel in December 2020 and the Rayleigh channel operationally in May 2022.
Adaptive designs in public health: Vaccine and cluster randomized trials go Bayesian
Authors: Harari Ofir , Park Jay J. H. , Lat Prince Kumar , Mills Edward J.
Published: May 2024

Clinical trials in public health—particularly those conducted in low‐ and middle‐income countries—often involve communicable and non‐communicable diseases with high disease burden and unmet needs. Trials conducted in these regions often are faced with resource limitations, so improving the efficiencies of these trials is critical. Adaptive trial designs have the potential to save trial time and resources and reduce the number of patients receiving ineffective interventions. In this paper, we provide a detailed account of the implementation of vaccine and cluster randomized trials within the framework of Bayesian adaptive trials, with emphasis on computational efficiency and flexibility with regard to stopping rules and allocation ratios. We offer an educated approach to selecting prior distributions and a data‐driven empirical Bayes method for plug‐in estimates for nuisance parameters.
Efficient CO Oxidative Coupling to Dimethyl Oxalate over the Pd/Al2O3 Nanocatalyst with the Assistance of Co Doping
Authors: Li Bing , Zhu Jiaming , Huang Ziqing , Jia Bingjiang , Guo Bolin , Liu Jingyi , Zhang Qing
Published: May 2024

CO oxidative coupling to dimethyl oxalate (DMO) is an important approach for the product of ethylene glycol and CO elimination. In this work, the Co doped Pd/Al2O3 nanocatalyst was highly effective for CO oxidative coupling and enhanced remarkably CO conversion and the formation of DMO. The maximum DMO STY reached 1082 g L−1 h−1 over the Pd/Al2O3@1/20Co catalyst at 130 °C for 2 h under the space velocity of 3000 h−1, which is two times higher than that over the Pd/Al2O3 catalyst. The Co modification and its influence on the structure of the Pd/Al2O3 catalyst were also studied systematically by XRD, TEM, CO‐TPD, N2 physical adsorption and XPS techniques. An appropriate Co doing was confirmed to promote distinctly the generation of smaller Pd particles and the adjustment of the adsorption or activation of CO over the catalyst. A positive interaction between Pd nanoparticles and the modulated support with Co doping was demonstrated and favored the enhanced activity of the catalyst for the reaction.
What Makes Inhibitors of BET Proteins Bromodomain Selective? A Case Study with a Lead Candidate for Male Contraceptives
Authors: Pietra Francesco
Published: May 2024

BET proteins are epigenetic readers made of two bromodomains that regulate gene transcription by interacting with histones. Diseases that may ensue can be fight by inhibiting BET proteins, but the different role and close similarity of the two bromodomains make it difficult devising selective inhibitors. None has been approved as yet. The challenge of bromodomain selectivity has been taken here by going farther than ranking the importance of inhibitor‐protein contacts from distances in the crystal. Assessing inhibitor selectivity was based here, for the first time with BET proteins, on the energy involved in contacts between the inhibitor and amino acids, dissected from computer simulations under physiological‐like conditions. Because of the high relevance of hydrogen bonds, which are not adequately treated by Newtonian molecular dynamics, the strict environment of the inhibitor was treated by first principles, entrusting all other to a classical treatment, in what are termed QM‐MM simulations. In a case study with a lead candidate as male contraceptive it emerged that BD1 selectivity improves markedly by turning from the commonly dominant interaction with ASN to a different BD1‐specific stronger foothold.
Prenatal maternal stress, sleep quality, and neonatal birth weight: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Gui Yuyan , Wei Qian , Shi Yuyang , Zhang Yunhui , Shi Huijing , Xiao Xirong
Published: May 2024

To assess if the impacts of prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) on neonatal physical development including birth weight and body length vary by trimesters, and to explore the mediating effect of sleep quality in the relationships. A total of 2778 pregnant women were included from the Shanghai Maternal‐Child Pairs Cohort. PNMS and sleep quality were measured in the first trimester (12–16 gestational weeks) and third trimester (32–36 gestational weeks) using the Life Event Scale for Pregnant Women (LESPW) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. And total LESPW scores were classified into three groups: high stress (≥75th percentile), medium stress (≥25th and <75th percentile), and low stress (<25th percentile). Multiple linear and logistic regressions were employed to examine the associations between PNMS and birth weight, and bootstrap were utilized to explore the mediating effects of maternal sleep. Higher (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.521; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.104–2.096) and medium (aOR = 1.421; 95% CI, 1.071–1.885) PNMS and stress from subjective events (aOR = 1.334; 95% CI, 1.076–1.654) in the first trimester were significantly associated with elevated risk for large for gestational age. Maternal severe negative objective events stress (OE3) in the third trimester were negatively associated with birth weight (β = −0.667; 95% CI, −1.047∼−0.287), and maternal sleep latency during this period acted as a mediator in the association (indirect effect: β = −0.0144; 95% CI, −0.0427∼−0.0003). Besides, a significant negative correlation between total LESPW score (β = −0.022; 95% CI, −0.038∼−0.006; per 100 score) and body length in the third trimester was also observed. The impact of PNMS on neonatal birth weight varies by stress types and exposure timing. Prolonged maternal sleep latency in the third trimester correlated with lower birth weight, and mediating the link of OE3 and birth weight, which might indicate a critical period of vulnerability to the effects of PNMS on neonatal physical development.
Engineering Tough Supramolecular Hydrogels with Structured Micropillars for Tunable Wetting and Adhesion Properties
Authors: Tian Ye , Hou Li Xin , Zhang Xin Ning , Du Miao , Zheng Qiang , Wu Zi Liang
Published: May 2024

Soft‐lithography is widely used to fabricate microstructured surfaces on plastics and elastomers for designable physical properties such as wetting and adhesions. However, it remains a big challenge to construct high‐aspect‐ratio microstructures on the surface of hydrogels due to the difficulty in demolding from the gel with low strength and stiffness. Demonstrated here is the engineering of tough hydrogels by soft‐lithography to form well‐defined micropillars. The mechanical properties of poly(acrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid) hydrogels with dense hydrogen‐bond associations severely depend on temperature, with Young's modulus increasing from 8.1 MPa at 15 °C to 821.8 MPa at −30 °C, enabling easy demolding at low temperatures. Arrays of micropillars are maintained on the surface of the gel, and can be used at room temperature when the gel restores soft and stretchable. The hydrogel also exhibits good shape‐memory property, favoring tailoring the morphology with a switchable tilt angle of micropillars. Consequently, the hydrogel shows tunable wetting and adhesion properties, as manifested by varying contact angles and adhesion strengths. These surface properties can also be tuned by geometry and arrangement of micropillars. This facile strategy by harnessing tunable viscoelasticity of supramolecular hydrogels should be applicable to other soft materials, and broaden their applications in biomedical and engineering fields.
Thermally Enhanced Phosphorescent Carbon Nanodots for Monitoring Cold‐Chain Logistics
Authors: Liang Ya‐Chuan , Shao Hao‐Chun , Liu Kai‐Kai , Cao Qing , Jiang Li‐Ying , Shan Chong‐Xin , Kuang Le‐Man , Jing Hui
Published: May 2024

Room‐temperature phosphorescent materials, renowned for their long luminescence lifetimes, have garnered significant attention in the field of optical materials. However, the challenges posed by thermally induced quenching have significantly hindered the advancement of luminescence efficiency and stability. In this study, thermally enhanced phosphorescent carbon nanodots (CND) are developed by incorporating them into fiber matrices. Remarkably, the phosphorescence lifetime of the thermally enhanced CND exhibits a twofold enhancement, increasing from 326 to 753 ms, while the phosphorescence intensity experienced a tenfold enhancement, increasing from 25 to 245 as the temperature increased to 373 K. Rigid fiber matrices can effectively suppress the non‐radiative transition rate of triplet excitons, while high temperatures can desorb oxygen adsorbed on the surface of the CND, disrupting the interaction between the CND and oxygen. Consequently, a thermally enhanced phosphorescence is obtained. In addition, benefiting from the thermally enhanced phosphorescence property of CND, a warning indicator with an anti‐counterfeiting function for monitoring cold‐chain logistics is demonstrated based on CND.
Systematic Constructing FeOCl/BiVO4 Hetero‐Interfacial Hybrid Photoanodes for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Chen Yuxuan , Li Xiaolin , Yang Hao , Huang Yongchao
Published: May 2024

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4), as a promising photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, suffers from poor charge separation efficiency and light absorption efficiency. Herein, iron oxychloride (FeOCl) is introduced as a novel cocatalyst simply grafted on BiVO4 to construct an integrated photoanode, enhancing PEC performance. The optimized FeOCl/BiVO4 photoanode exhibits a superior photocurrent density value of 5.23 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) under AM 1.5G illuminations. From experimental analysis, such high PEC performance is ascribed to the unique properties of FeOCl, facilitating charge transport, increasing light absorption efficiency, and promoting water oxidation kinetics. Density functional theory calculations further confirm that FeOCl optimizes the Gibbs free energy of H and O‐containing intermediates (OOH*) during PEC processes, boosting the catalytic kinetics of PEC water splitting. This work presents FeOCl as a promising catalyst for constructing high efficient PEC water‐splitting photoanodes.
Phase Evolution Behavior during the Reduction Process of Medium‐Silica Fluxed Pellets
Authors: Cai Qiuye , Zhang Jianliang , Wang Yaozu , Ma Liming , Jiang Huiqing , Zhang Zedong , Liu Zhengjian , Zhang Guohua
Published: May 2024

To enhance the proportion of domestically manufactured Chinese pellets in the furnace, it is crucial to investigate the impact of calcium flux on the metallurgical characteristics of pellets and analyze the phase evolution behavior during the reduction process of medium‐silica fluxed pellets. This study examines the metallurgical properties of medium‐silica acid pellets and low‐basicity medium‐silica fluxed pellets produced in China. The results indicate that incorporating a small amount of calcium flux significantly enhances reducibility index (RI), reduces reduction swelling index, and lowers reductive degradation index (RDI+3.15 mm) for fluxed pellets. At a basicity level of 0.6, RI for medium‐silica fluxed pellets reaches 66.86%, while RDI−0.5 mm increases to 1.62% with increasing basicity levels. As pellet basicity increases, charge pressure drop (APmax) decreases, CaO content in silicate liquid phase within slag phase increases, and softening–melting zone widens, consequently leading to reduced solid‐phase particle content within pellets and increased fluidity within slag phase.
Cost optimization of tall buildings having tube composite columns using social spider algorithm
Authors: Paksoy Ahmed , Aydogdu Ibrahim , Akin Alper
Published: May 2024

This study aims to develop an algorithmic approach to obtain optimum designs for tall buildings having composite columns and investigate the material cost advantages of these buildings over steel structures. The social spider optimization (SSO) algorithm, a new meta‐heuristic optimization method that has shown promising results in optimizing frame structures, was used to obtain the optimum designs. Concrete‐filled steel tube sections were chosen for composite columns. To define the optimization problem, we considered the material cost of the structure as the objective function, the size of columns (strength, deflection, drift, and geometric limitations) as the constraint functions, and ready steel sections as the design variables. We tested eight different frame structures of varying heights and irregularities to analyze how cost varied according to these parameters. Our results demonstrate that composite columns are a more cost‐effective option than steel structures, even for buildings that are not considered high rises. We found that the difference in cost between the two types of structures increases with building height and irregularity. Additionally, our optimization algorithm was unable to find feasible designs for steel structures taller than 180 m using ready steel profiles.