bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible Photochromism for Dynamically Tuning Full‐Color Circularly Polarized Luminescence Toward Multi‐Level Anti‐Counterfeiting Application
Authors: Song Lujie , Dong Ying , Zhao Biao , Wu Youping , Deng Jianping
Published: April 2024

Photochromic circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) demonstrates broad application prospects in the field of advanced functional materials. However, the current photochromic CPL focuses predominantly on single‐band CPL adjustment, and how to achieve dynamically tunable CPL in multi‐band is still highly challenging. This work reports the success in utilizing reversible photochromism for realizing full‐color CPL emission. Photochromic flexible films are created consisting of triple components: spiropyran (SP) working as photochromic matter, polyurethane (PU) as matrix, and chiral helical polyacetylene as chiral component. Further introducing blue fluorophore 9‐anthracene carboxylic acid (ACA) in the film, blue CPL and red CPL are emitted respectively through selective absorption/transmission and circularly polarized fluorescence energy transfer (CPF‐ET). Doping the photochromic film with diverse fluorophores provides full‐color CPL emission. Adding Zn2+ further intensifies fluorescence and CPL via forming merocyanine (MC)‐Zn2+ complex. Taking advantage of the diverse fluorescence and CPL emission, anti‐counterfeiting, and secondary encryption application of the resulting photochromic CPL materials are demonstrated.
Proteomic Identification of Small Extracellular Vesicle Proteins LAMB1 and Histone H4 for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Risk Stratification
Authors: Pang Bairen , Wang Qi , Chen Haotian , Liu Zhihan , Han Meng , Gong Jie , Yue Liang , Ding Xuan , Wang Suying , Yan Zejun , Chen Yingzhi , Malouf David , Bucci Joseph , Guo Tiannan , Zhou Cheng , Jiang Junhui , Li Yong
Published: April 2024

Diagnosis and stratification of prostate cancer (PCa) patients using the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) test is challenging. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as a new star of liquid biopsy, has attracted interest to complement inaccurate PSA screening and invasiveness of tissue biopsy. In this study, a panel of potential small EV (sEV) protein biomarkers is identified from PCa cell lines using label‐free LC‐MS/MS proteomics. These biomarkers underwent further validation with plasma and urine samples from different PCa stages through parallel reaction monitoring‐based targeted proteomics, western blotting, and ELISA. Additionally, a tissue microarray containing cancerous and noncancerous tissues is screened to provide additional evidence of selected sEV proteins associated with cancer origin. Results indicate that sEV protein LAMB1 is highly expressed in human plasma of metastatic PCa patients compared with localised PCa patients and control subjects, while sEV protein Histone H4 is highly expressed in human urine of high‐risk PCa patients compared to low‐risk PCa patients and control subjects. These two sEV proteins demonstrate higher specificity and sensitivity than the PSA test and show promise for metastatic PCa diagnosis, progression monitoring, and risk stratification.
Water‐Soluble Multifunctional Binder with Extraordinary Bonding Strength for High‐Voltage Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ye Wendong , Li Wenxiu , Tang Liang , Yang Tingzhou , Zhang Wen , Zhang Yongguang , Chen Zhongwei
Published: April 2024

With the ever‐increasing demand for low‐cost energy storage systems, sodium‐ion (Na‐ion) batteries have received great attention. However, the large volume change, sluggish reaction kinetics, and unstable electrode/electrolyte interphase during cycling inevitably deteriorate the performance of Na‐ion batteries. Herein, a high‐voltage water‐soluble multifunctional binder with an extraordinary bonding strength is investigated. Such water‐soluble binder not only exhibits an excellent adhesion strength to maintain the mechanical integrity and enhance the Na‐ion diffusion across the interfac but also constructs a robust protective layer to prevent side reactions and improve the cycle durability at high voltages. As a result, a specific capacity of 91.3 mAh g−1 at 10.0C and high capacity retention of 92.3% for 1000 cycles are achieved. A good cycle stability and rate performance between 2.5 and 4.4 V can be observed after pairing with a high‐voltage electrode, and the practical application of the high‐voltage water‐soluble multifunctional binder is further confirmed by a 0.95 Ah Na‐ion pouch cell.
Dissolution Mechanism for Dendrite‐Free Aqueous Zinc‐Ions Batteries
Authors: Li Zhongheng , Shu Zheng , Shen Zhaoxi , Liu Yu , Ji Yu , Luo Lei , Li Rui , Cai Yongqing , Ian Hou , Xie Junpeng , Hong Guo
Published: April 2024

The commercialization of aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) for power‐grid energy storage systems is hindered by the safety concerns arising from the Zn dendrite growth. The primary approach in addressing this issue is to induce planar depositions. However, modulating the Zn dissolution process which directly reshapes surface morphology and reserves growth sites has long been overlooked. Herein, by utilizing ester compounds as an illustration, it is revealed that engineering the dissolution energy barrier is a pivotal factor in promoting homogeneous Zn dissolution. Ester adsorbents effectively redistribute charge densities at the electrode–electrolyte interface due to the presence of zincophilic ester functional group and conductive π‐conjugation structure. This effect eventually facilitates Zn dissolution across the surface, transforming the potholed and defective dissolution morphology into a smooth and consistent form. Thus, enhanced cycling stability can be achieved in both half‐cells and full‐cells, offering an extensive lifespan of thousands of hours for the dissolution and deposition cycles. This work provides a principle for the selection of Zn dissolution improvers to suppress Zn metal dendrite growth by regulating Zn dissolution behavior.
Innovative approach to predict soil moisture using the backpropagation‐Elman neural network
Authors: Zhang Ao Yang , Wei Na , Xue Jin , Qiao Yi , Hu Haiyu , Mou Lei , Wang Xingwei
Published: April 2024

Accurate moisture prediction aids in taking early preventive measures to minimize damage caused by severe storms, droughts, and floods. The study collected 24 types of statistical data from the Xilingol Grassland, Inner Mongolia, spanning from 2011 to 2021. By integrating Elman, backpropagation (BP), and soil moisture prediction model (Elman‐BP) neural networks, soil moisture to 2 m was predicted. The soil moisture mechanism model analysis revealed that soil moisture is related to water supply rather than directly correlated with time. Based on these findings, a two‐stage soil moisture prediction model was established. In the first stage, the Elman neural network model predicted future precipitation data based on observed values. In the second stage, soil moisture was predicted using a BP neural network model based on predicted precipitation data. Comparing the mean squared errors of training and prediction data across the three models revealed that the Elman‐BP neural network had superior predictive accuracy. The maximum relative errors for the trained Elman neural network, BP neural network, and Elman‐BP model were 31.35%, 20.98%, and 3.94%. Overall, results showed a link between soil moisture and water supply and that soil moisture decreased with increasing temperatures. Soil moisture at 10‐ and 40‐cm depths was increased with increasing rainfall. Furthermore, a delay exists between the 40‐ and 100‐cm soil depths. Moreover, soil moisture stability increased with depth.
Induction vacuum swing adsorption over magnetic sorbent monoliths and extrudates for ethylene/ethane separation
Authors: Baamran Khaled , Shareef Usman , Rezaei Fateme
Published: April 2024

Electrification of adsorption processes is emerging as an adaptable solution for future gas separations. This study develops magnetic sorbent structures for use in induction vacuum swing adsorption (IVSA) process specifically designed for olefin/paraffin separation. Two sorbents, namely Fe3O4/ZIF‐7 (ethane‐selective) and Fe3O4/13X (ethylene‐selective) were developed and formulated into extrudates (Fe20/ZIF‐7‐P) and monoliths (Fe20/13X‐M), and tested under different regeneration scenarios, including simultaneous and subsequent induction‐evacuation, induction only, and evacuation only. The dynamic adsorption results demonstrated that regeneration under subsequent induction‐evacuation improves desorption rate and capability. Under this regeneration scenario, Fe20/ZIF‐7‐P achieved an ethane desorption rate of 0.24 mmol/g.min, representing a remarkable 37.5% enhancement over the induction‐only scenario. Similarly, Fe20/13X‐M exhibited an ethylene desorption rate of 0.35 mmol/g.min, indicative of a 34.2% enhancement. Moreover, the IVSA cyclic runs highlighted the excellent regeneration capability and stability of both Fe20/ZIF‐7‐P and Fe20/13X‐M with Fe20/13X‐M exhibiting ethylene purity, recovery, and productivity of 99.4%, 99.6%, and 39.9 mol/kg.h, respectively. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of the hybrid induction/vacuum process as an effective technique for achieving efficient regeneration of sorbents in olefin/paraffin separation.
Gas‐Induced Electrical and Magnetic Modulation of Two‐Dimensional Conductive Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Meng Zheng , Stolz Robert M. , De Moraes Lygia Silva , Jones Christopher G. , Eagleton Aileen M. , Nelson Hosea M. , Mirica Katherine A.
Published: April 2024

Controlled modulation of electronic and magnetic properties in stimuli‐responsive materials provides valuable insights for the design of magnetoelectric or multiferroic devices. This paper demonstrates the modulation of electrical and magnetic properties of a semiconductive, paramagnetic metal−organic framework (MOF) Cu3(C6O6)2 with small gaseous molecules, NH3, H2S, and NO. This study merges chemiresistive and magnetic tests to reveal that the MOF undergoes simultaneous changes in electrical conductance and magnetization that are uniquely modulated by each gas. The features of response, including direction, magnitude, and kinetics, are modulated by the physicochemical properties of the gaseous molecules. This study advances the design of multifunctional materials capable of undergoing simultaneous changes in electrical and magnetic properties in response to chemical stimuli.
Heteroatom Substitution Strategy Modulates Thermodynamics Towards Chemically Recyclable Polyesters and Monomeric Unit Sequence by Temperature Switching
Authors: Zhang Da , Wang Xin , Zhang Zhengbiao , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we proposed a heteroatom substitution strategy (HSS) in the δ‐valerolactone (VL) system to modulate thermodynamics toward chemically recyclable polyesters. Three VL‐based monomers containing different heteroatoms (M1 (N), M2 (S), and M3 (O)), instead of C‐5 carbon, were designed and synthesized to verify our proposed HSS. All three monomers undergo organocatalytic living/controlled ROP and controllable depolymerization. Impressively, the resulting P(M1) achieved over 99 % monomer recovery under both mild solution depolymerization and high vacuum pyrolysis conditions without any side reactions, and the recycled monomers can be polymerized again forming new polymers. The systematic study of the relationship between heteroatom substitution and recyclability shows that introducing heteroatoms does change the thermodynamics of the monomers (ΔHpo, ΔSpo and Tc values), thereby adjusting the polymerizability and depolymerizability. DFT calculations found that the introduction of heteroatoms adjusts the ring strain by changing the angular strain of the monomers, and the order of their angular strain (M2>M1>M3) is consistent with the order of the experimentally obtained enthalpy change. Notably, the one‐pot/one‐step copolymerization of two of each of the three monomers enables the synthesis of sequence‐controlled copolymers from gradient to random to block structures, by simply switching the copolymerization temperature.
Do corporate sustainability practices mitigate earnings management? The moderating role of firm size
Authors: Rahman Haseeb Ur , Zahid Muhammad , Khan Parvez Alam , Al‐Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh , Hussainey Khaled
Published: April 2024

The majority of the prior empirical literature that inquired about the direct role of corporate sustainability practices (CSP) as a composite construct in mitigating earnings management (EM) has produced equivocal outcomes. Therefore, this study examines the role of CSP not only as a combined construct but also as its three separate dimensions—social, economic, and environmental sustainability in restricting EM directly and with the distinct moderation of firm size that has rarely been probed in the past. Using the data of 255 Pakistani companies from 2018 to 2022, the estimations of ordinary least squares with panel‐corrected standard errors revealed that CSP and its separate dimensions significantly control accruals‐based earnings management, and all these relationships are further amplified by the moderation of firm size. However, neither CSP nor any of its dimensions, either directly or with the moderation of firm size, have a significant role in reducing real‐based earnings management. The additional analysis also validated these findings but only for large companies rather than small companies after splitting the sample based on the firm's size. The findings endorse the stakeholder theory and ethical perspective but oppose managerial opportunism in Pakistan. Besides enriching the existing body of knowledge, this research also offers several important implications for the theory, methodology, practice, and policy.
Pursuing dynamics of minimal residual leukemic subclones in relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia during conventional therapy
Authors: Kim Dongchan , Kim Sheehyun , Song Hyojin , Gwak Daehyeon , Min Suji , Byun Ja Min , Koh Youngil , Hong Junshik , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Yun Hongseok , Shin Dong‐Yeop
Published: April 2024

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by clonal heterogeneity, leading to frequent relapses and drug resistance despite intensive clinical therapy. Although AML's clonal architecture has been addressed in many studies, practical monitoring of dynamic changes in those subclones during relapse and treatment is still understudied.

Method

Fifteen longitudinal bone marrow (BM) samples were collected from three relapsed and refractory (R/R) AML patients. Using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), the frequencies of patient's leukemic variants were assessed in seven cell populations that were isolated from each BM sample based on cellular phenotypes. By quantifying mutant clones at the diagnosis, remission, and relapse stages, the distribution of AML subclones was sequentially monitored.

Results

Minimal residual (MR) leukemic subclones exhibit heterogeneous distribution among BM cell populations, including mature leukocyte populations. During AML progression, these subclones undergo active phenotypic transitions and repopulate into distinct cell population regardless of normal hematopoiesis hierarchic order. Of these, MR subclones in progenitor populations of patient BM predominantly carry MR leukemic properties, leading to more robust expansion and stubborn persistence than those in mature populations. Moreover, a minor subset of MR leukemic subclones could be sustained at an extremely low frequency without clonal expansion during relapse.

Conclusions

In this study, we observed treatment persistent MR leukemic subclones and their phenotypic changes during the treatment process of R/R AML patients. This underscores the importance of preemptive inhibition of clonal promiscuity in R/R AML, proposing a practical method for monitoring AML MR subclones.
An Analysis of Calendaric Aging over 5 Years of Ni‐Rich 18650‐Cells with Si/C Anodes
Authors: Frie Fabian , Ditler Heinrich , Klick Sebastian , Stahl Gereon , Rahe Christiane , Ghaddar Tala , Sauer Dirk Uwe
Published: April 2024

Calendaric lifetime testing of lithium‐ion cells is time‐consuming and resource‐intensive. As Dubarry et al.[1] state, testing is often limited to a few aging conditions. This paper presents the results of a long‐term aging study on lithium‐ion cells with a nickel‐rich NCA cathode and a graphite‐silicon anode. 69 cells were stored at 5 different voltages and under 4 different temperatures for 5 years. Regular reference performance tests (RPT) provide insights for State of Health (SoH) calculation and further analysis through differential voltage analysis. The results are verified against post‐mortem analyses. The long aging period enables accurate determination of aging rates. Our results demonstrate that the storage voltage level strongly influences the degradation rate, with temperature playing a minor role. The identified aging effects include loss of active material on the cathode side and loss of lithium inventory. Initial degradation follows a
‐trajectory but is caused by overhang effects. The long‐term aging is rather linear.
Extended Reichardt's Dye–Synthesis and Solvatochromic Properties
Authors: Franzese Stephen , Saker Neto Nicolau , Wong Wallace W. H.
Published: April 2024

Three new pyridinium‐phenolate dyes based on the benchmark solvatochromic dye Betaine 30 were synthesised. The dyes contained phenylene spacers between the donor and acceptor groups. Their UV‐Vis absorption spectra were measured, with the dyes showing strong negative solvatochromic behaviour comparable to that of Betaine 30. These results stood in contrast to the behaviour of the π‐extended dye Betaine 21, originally reported in 1963. This dye was synthesised and found to be significantly more solvatochromic than previously reported but prone to degrade. All π‐extended dyes synthesised were found to be unstable in certain solvents. Although the increased distance between donor and acceptor did not enhance solvatochromism to the extent predicted, it was still determined that the reduced planarity caused by a phenylene spacer is not as detrimental as believed.
Nonlinear oscillations of dust‐acoustic waves in non‐Maxwellian dusty plasma under the gravitational force effect
Authors: Fermous Rachid , Benzekka Moufida , Amour Rabia , Mebrek Rima
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the role of dust grain's gravitational force on the nonlinear dust‐acoustic oscillations in non‐Maxwellian dusty plasma is analyzed. It is shown that increasing the number of non‐thermal ions causes the diminution of the electrostatic potential's amplitude and a reduction in the number of oscillations introduced by the gravitational force. We have also found that reducing the size of the dust grain induces qualitatively the same effects as an increase in the number of non‐thermal ions and when the gravitational force is considered, the electric charge exhibits oscillatory profile and becomes less negative far away from the origin. This result may be interesting in the study of astrophysical plasmas where the electromagnetic force is smaller than the gravitational one such as in the Halley Comet.
Proinflammatory polarization strongly reduces human macrophage in vitro phagocytosis of tumor cells in response to CD47 blockade
Authors: Antonsen Kristian W. , Jensen Anne G. , Carstensen Mikkel , Nejsum Lene N. , Sorensen Boe S. , Etzerodt Anders , Moestrup Søren K. , Møller Holger J.
Published: April 2024

Antibody‐based CD47 blockade aims to activate macrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells. However, macrophages possess a high degree of phenotype heterogeneity that likely influences phagocytic capacity. In murine models, proinflammatory (M1) activation increases macrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells, but in human models, results have been conflicting. Here, we investigated the effects of proinflammatory polarization on the phagocytic response of human monocyte‐derived macrophages in an in vitro model. Using both flow cytometry‐based and fluorescence live‐cell imaging‐based phagocytosis assays, we observed that mouse monoclonal anti‐CD47 antibody (B6H12) induced monocyte‐derived macrophage phagocytosis of cancer cells in vitro. Proinflammatory (M1) macrophage polarization with IFN‐γ+LPS resulted in a severe reduction in phagocytic response to CD47 blockade. This reduction coincided with increased expression of the antiphagocytic membrane proteins LILRB1 and Siglec‐10 but was not rescued by combination blockade of the corresponding ligands. However, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (TAPI‐0 or GM6001) partly restored response to CD47 blockade in a dose‐dependent manner. In summary, these data suggest that proinflammatory (M1) activation reduces phagocytic response to CD47 blockade in human monocyte‐derived macrophages.
A systematic vector autoregressive framework for modeling and forecasting mortality
Authors: Li Jackie , Liu Jia , Butt Adam
Published: April 2024

Recently, there is a new stream of mortality forecasting research using the vector autoregressive model with different sparse model specifications. They have been shown to be able to overcome some of the limitations of the more traditional factor models such as the Lee–Carter model. In this paper, we propose a more generalized systematic vector autoregressive framework for modeling and forecasting mortality. Under this framework, we progressively increase the sophistication of the diagonal parameters in the autoregressive matrix and formulate a range of model structures in a systematic fashion. They offer much flexibility for capturing the mortality patterns of different populations. The resulting models produce age coherent forecasts, and their parameters are reasonably interpretable for modelers, demographers, and industry practitioners. Using the mortality data of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan, we demonstrate that the proposed approach generates appropriate forecasts of mortality rates and life expectancies and produces very good performance in the fitting and out‐of‐sample analysis.
Near‐Infrared Triggered Biodegradable Microneedle Patch for Controlled Macromolecule Drug Release
Authors: Cheng Yifan , Yang Junzhu , Han Sanyang , Lu Yuan
Published: April 2024

Transdermal drug delivery of macromolecule drugs attracts significant attention due to the advantage of convenience and biocompatibility. However, the practical usage of it is limited by the low delivery efficiency and poor drug absorption. To develop an efficient, safe, and controllable transdermal delivery method, the near‐infrared (NIR) triggered calcium sulfate and gelatin biodegradable composite microneedle (MN) patches are developed. The MN patches are fabricated by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds, and the structure data can be adjusted by changing the molds. Such an MN patch can release both macro and micro molecule drugs. After loading with photothermal converter IR780, which can transfer energy of light to heat, the release of macromolecule drugs in MNs can be controlled by applying NIR irradiation. The control effect can be enhanced by spraying 1‐tetradecanol (TD) coating and optimizing the ratio (weight) of gelatin and calcium sulfate to 2:6. Besides, the MN patch can deliver drugs through the skin barrier, and the process can be controlled by NIR. Moreover, the insulin‐loaded MN patch exhibits some therapeutic effects on healthy mice. This work suggests that biodegradable MNs can achieve controllable drug delivery and potentially be applied in individual treatment via transdermal ingestion.
Anti‐ROS and NIR‐II‐Responsive Hyaluronic Acid Microneedle Loaded With Baicalin Nanoparticles for Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Xia Chuanlan , Fu Xinwei , Wang Qi , Chen Xinyue , Chen Jiucun , Kang Yuejun , Wang Bin
Published: April 2024

In this work, a natural medicine, baicalin, is designed for the treatment of psoriasis with the aid of hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based MNs patches. This is also to improve the solubility of baicalin and increase its residence time in infected part, which is made into nanoparticles by complexation with humic acid and Eu2+. The baicalin nanoparticles loaded‐MNs exhibit satisfactory rigidity, minimum injury, and controlled drug delivery. The anti‐reactive oxygen species (anti‐ROS) and anti‐inflammatory action are verified by the effective scavenging oxygen and nitrogen radicals. In addition, the loading of baicalin nanoparticles brings remarkable photothermic effect to the MNs, enabling the device to release a controlled drug under near‐infrared region II (NIR‐II) laser irradiation. With the aid of NIR‐II laser, the baicalin‐mediated treatment of psoriasis is significantly improved by expediting radical scavenging and suppressing inflammation. The design of baicalin MNs provides a new idea for the treatment of chronic disease.
Symmetry algebra classification of scalar n$$ n $$th‐order ordinary differential equations
Authors: Waqas Shah Said , Mahomed F. M. , Azad H.
Published: April 2024

We obtain a complete classification of scalar
th‐order ordinary differential equations for all subalgebras of vector fields in the real plane. While softwares like Maple can compute invariants of a given order, our results are for a general
. The
cases are well‐known in the literature. Further, it is known that there are three types of
th‐order equations depending upon the point symmetry algebra they possess, namely, first‐order equations which admit an infinite dimensional Lie algebra of point symmetries, second‐order equations possessing the maximum 8‐point symmetries, and higher‐order,
, admitting the maximum
dimensional point symmetry algebra. We show that scalar
th‐order equations for
do not admit maximally an
dimensional real Lie algebra of point symmetries. Moreover, we prove that for
, equations can admit two types of
dimensional real Lie algebra of point symmetries: one type resulting in nonlinear equations which are not linearizable via a point transformation and the second type yielding linearizable (via point transformation) equations. Furthermore, we present the types of maximal real
dimensional and higher than
‐dimensional point symmetry algebras admissible for equations of order
and their canonical forms. The types of lower‐dimensional point symmetry algebras which can be admitted are shown, and the equations are constructible as well. We state the relevant results in tabular form and in theorems.
Data‐driven models for traffic flow at junctions
Authors: Herty Michael , Kolbe Niklas
Published: April 2024

The simulation of traffic flow on networks requires knowledge on the behavior across traffic intersections. For macroscopic models based on hyperbolic conservation laws, there exist nowadays many ad‐hoc models describing this behavior. Based on real‐world car trajectory data we propose a new class of data‐driven models with the requirements of being consistent to networked hyperbolic traffic flow models. To this end, the new models combine artificial neural networks with a parametrization of the solution space to the half‐Riemann problem at the junction. A method for deriving density and flux corresponding to the traffic close to the junction for data‐driven models is presented. The model parameters are fitted to obtain suitable boundary conditions for macroscopic first‐ and second‐order traffic flow models. The prediction of various models are compared considering also existing coupling rules at the junction. Numerical results imposing the data‐fitted coupling models on a traffic network are presented exhibiting accurate predictions of the new models.
Dynamical analysis and optimal control of an age‐structured epidemic model with asymptomatic infection and multiple transmission pathways
Authors: Kang Yuenan , Nie Linfei
Published: April 2024

The diversity of transmission modes and the heterogeneity of populations in the transmission of infectious diseases are issues that have to be faced in the current disease protection. In this paper, an infectious disease model incorporating age structure and horizontal and environmental spread, along with asymptomatic infection, is proposed to describe diversification of disease transmission routes and population heterogeneity. The expression of the basic reproduction number
is derived by a linear approximation method, and it is concluded that if
, the disease‐free steady state is globally asymptotically stable; if
, the model has a unique endemic steady state which is locally asymptotically stable under certain conditions. Further, the uniform persistence of disease is proved using the persistence theory of the infinite‐dimensional dynamical system when
. In additional, the issue of optimal control problem according to this model is investigated, and the representation of optimal control with respect to state variables and adjoint variables is obtained which also imply the existence and uniqueness of optimal control. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to interpret the theoretical results and to discuss the impact of age and control measures in disease transmission.
Identification of the order in fractional discrete systems
Authors: Ponce Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we consider the problem of finding the order
in the fractional discrete system:

where
is a closed linear operator defined in a Banach space
, and
is the discrete Caputo fractional derivative of a given vector‐valued sequence
.
Metabolic fingerprinting by nuclear magnetic resonance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells during p53 reactivation‐induced senescence
Authors: Knopf Philipp , Pacheco‐Torres Jesus , Zizmare Laimdota , Mori Noriko , Wildes Flonne , Zhou Benyuan , Krishnamachary Balaji , Mironchik Yelena , Kneilling Manfred , Trautwein Christoph , Pichler Bernd J. , Bhujwalla Zaver M.
Published: April 2024

Cellular senescence is characterized by stable cell cycle arrest. Senescent cells exhibit a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype that can promote tumor progression. The aim of our study was to identify specific nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy‐based markers of cancer cell senescence. For metabolic studies, we employed murine liver carcinoma Harvey Rat Sarcoma Virus (H‐Ras) cells, in which reactivation of p53 expression induces senescence. Senescent and nonsenescent cell extracts were subjected to high‐resolution proton (1H)‐NMR spectroscopy‐based metabolomics, and dynamic metabolic changes during senescence were analyzed using a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)‐compatible cell perfusion system. Additionally, the ability of intact senescent cells to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) was quantified in the cell perfusion system. Analysis of senescent H‐Ras cell extracts revealed elevated sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine, myoinositol, taurine, and creatine levels, with decreases in glycine, o‐phosphocholine, threonine, and valine. These metabolic findings were accompanied by a greater degradation index of the ECM in senescent H‐Ras cells than in control H‐Ras cells. MRS studies with the cell perfusion system revealed elevated creatine levels in senescent cells on Day 4, confirming the 1H‐NMR results. These senescence‐associated changes in metabolism and ECM degradation strongly impact growth and redox metabolism and reveal potential MRS signals for detecting senescent cancer cells in vivo.
Performance and Consistency of ChatGPT‐4 Versus Otolaryngologists: A Clinical Case Series
Authors: Lechien Jérôme R. , Naunheim Mattheuw R. , Maniaci Antonino , Radulesco Thomas , Saibene Alberto M. , Chiesa‐Estomba Carlos M. , Vaira Luigi A.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To study the performance of Chatbot Generative Pretrained Transformer‐4 (ChatGPT‐4) in the management of cases in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Setting

Multicenter University Hospitals.

Methods

History, clinical, physical, and additional examinations of adult outpatients consulting in otolaryngology departments of CHU Saint‐Pierre and Dour Medical Center were presented to ChatGPT‐4, which was interrogated for differential diagnoses, management, and treatment(s). According to specialty, the ChatGPT‐4 responses were assessed by 2 distinct, blinded board‐certified otolaryngologists with the Artificial Intelligence Performance Instrument.

Results

One hundred cases were presented to ChatGPT‐4. ChaGPT‐4 indicated a mean of 3.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.09, 3.59) additional examinations per patient versus 2.10 (95% CI: 1.76, 2.34; P = .001) for the practitioners. There was strong consistency (k > 0.600) between otolaryngologists and ChatGPT‐4 for the indication of upper aerodigestive tract endoscopy, positron emission tomography and computed tomography, audiometry, tympanometry, and psychophysical evaluations. Primary diagnosis was correctly performed by ChatGPT‐4 in 38% to 86% of cases depending on subspecialty. Additional examinations indicated by ChatGPT‐4 were pertinent and necessary in 8% to 31% of cases, while the treatment regimen was pertinent in 12% to 44% of cases. The performance of ChatGPT‐4 was not influenced by the human‐reported level of difficulty of clinical cases.

Conclusion

ChatGPT‐4 may be a promising adjunctive tool in otolaryngology, providing extensive documentation about additional examinations, primary and differential diagnoses, and treatments. The ChatGPT‐4 is more effective in providing a primary diagnosis, and less effective in the selection of additional examinations and treatments.
Biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(propylene carbonate) blend with enhanced mechanical properties and heat resistance by uniaxial pre‐stretching
Authors: Zheng Gaofei , Han Lijing , Zheng Bihuang , Bian Junjia , Zhang Huiliang
Published: April 2024

Biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(propylene carbonate) (PLA/PPC) blends with balanced strength, ductility, and heat resistance were prepared by combining the modification of 30 wt% PPC and uniaxial pre‐stretching at 60°C. The undrawn PLA/PPC blend fractured in a brittle way due to the network structure composed of cohesional entanglements. After pre‐stretching, the elongation at break was increased to 229.4% at pre‐stretching ratio (PSR) of only 0.5, which should be attributed to the destruction of the network structure of cohesional entanglements and the orientation of PPC component in PLA matrix. With the increase of PSR, the modulus, strength at yielding, and break were improved obviously (2433.4, 76.1, and 98.3 MPa at PSR = 2.5) whereas the elongation at break (51.7% at PSR = 2.5) reduced gradually because of the formation of orientation, mesophase, and crystal phase. However, the elongation at break was still larger than that of neat PLA (6.8%) and undrawn PLA/PPC blend (12.3%), indicating that the uniaxial pre‐stretching was an effect way to strengthen and toughen PLA blends. Significantly, the heat resistance of ps‐PLA/PPC blend was increased obviously with increasing the PSR, which will promote the widespread application of the blends.
Enhancement of spent coffee grounds as biofiller in biodegradable polymer composite for sustainable packaging
Authors: Alharbi Majed , Bairwan Rahul Dev , Rizg Waleed Y. , Khalil H. P. S. Abdul , Murshid Samar S. A. , Sindi Amal M. , Alissa Mohammed , Saharudin Nur Izzaati , Abdullah C. K.
Published: April 2024

This study explores the utilization of Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG), a residual product of the coffee industry, as a microfiller reinforcement in Poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) biopolymer composites at varying concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%). Melt compounding via a twin‐screw extruder and subsequent compression molding were employed in the fabrication process. The SCG microfiller, with particle diameters ranging from 1.11 to 1.28 μm, exhibited a significant negative charge (zeta potential: −20 mV). Hydrophobicity increased up to 5% filler concentration, as indicated by higher water contact angles, but diminished at highest concentration likelihood of agglomeration of the spent coffee grounds within the biopolymer matrix. The addition of SCG enhanced overall mechanical properties, particularly at a 5% filler concentration. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) confirmed the successful incorporation of SCG microfiller, improving structural characteristics. Schematic drawings illustrated the interphase bonding of microfiller and matrix. However, properties diminished at the highest filler content (7%) due to coffee grounds' agglomeration. Despite this, SCG incorporation enhanced functional properties, making the biopolymer composite a promising material for sustainable packaging and various applications.

Highlights

Enhancement of properties of spent coffee grounds in PHBV biocomposites.

Characterization of Biocomposites for multifunctional properties.

Fracture and 2D analysis of the tensile fractured surface of biocomposites.

A promising material for sustainable and biodegradable packaging.
Away from home and excluded from local solidarity networks: Undocumented Afghan migrant men in Istanbul
Authors: Bozok Mehmet , Bozok Nihan
Published: April 2024

The paper presents a study on the solidarity networks of undocumented Afghan male migrants in Istanbul. The research was conducted between August 2015 and June 2020 in the migrant districts of Beykoz, Zeytinburnu and Fatih. The study found that Afghan migrants are excluded from existing local solidarity networks and instead form their own networks as a survival strategy. The study posits that there are three primary solidarity networks knitted by locals, which are ‘family’, ‘hometown’ and ‘neighbourhood’. We argue that the foundation of the solidarity networks among the locals is their shared language(s), mutual recognition, shared socio‐historical background and unofficial trust, making it difficult for newcomers to become a part of this solidarity. Afghan migrants are unable to access these networks, which aggravates their social exclusion. They use their social exclusion as a survival strategy and continue with their migration aspirations.
Optimum maintenance units in multi‐indenture systems
Authors: Zhao Qian Qian , Yoo Jae Yoon , Dohi Tadashi , Yun Won Young
Published: April 2024

This paper deals with an optimization problem of determining the maintenance units and age‐based inspection schemes to minimize the expected maintenance cost rate and satisfy a target system availability for multi‐indenture systems that have a modular structure with redundant units. Failures of primary components directly lead to system failures and can therefore be identified and maintained immediately, while failures of redundant components need to be identified by inspections. And the designated maintenance units need to be replaced during maintenance. By constructing the dual structure of the fault tree, we present a failure path enumeration method, based on which the system availability and expected maintenance cost rate models considering maintenance time are derived. For redundant units, two types of inspection policies are considered in our models: one is the corrective maintenance (CM)‐based inspection policy, and the other one is the age‐based inspection (PM) policy, inspections are performed at failures or age h, depending on which occurred earlier. A heuristic algorithm is proposed to find the reasonable maintenance units and inspection intervals simultaneously, and its performance is also compared and analyzed. Several numerical examples are studied to investigate the effect of parameters on optimal solutions.
An Electrochemical Strategy for Detection of Trace‐Level Binapacryl Using Square‐Wave Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Üner Gülcan , Inam Recai , Demir Ersin
Published: April 2024

Binapacryl is a fungicide and miticide from the dinitrophenol group and is used to control fungi and mites in agricultural areas. Since even trace amounts of pesticides can be highly toxic to humans and the environment, accurate and sensitive analytical methods are needed for their determination. Therefore, the electrochemical behavior of binapacryl fungicide on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was investigated using square wave cathodic stripping voltammetry (SWCSV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Some parameters such as accumulation potential, accumulation time, pulse amplitude, frequency, and step potential were optimized on GCE. From the plotted calibration graph, the linear operating range was found to be 0.16–6.20 μM (0.06–2.0 mg/L), and accordingly the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for the first and second peak were 0.060 μM/0.201 μM and 0.0627 μM/0.209 μM, respectively. The proposed method was applied for spiked tap water, apple juice and grape juice samples. An electroreduction mechanism has also been proposed for binapacryl with the participation of 2e−/2H+ via the nitro group of the molecule. Also, the selectivity of the method was demonstrated by investigating the interference effects of some pesticides on the determination of binapacryl.
Vacuum Evaporation Plating Enabling ≤ 10 µm Ultrathin Lithium Foils for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhao Yining , Li Shaopeng , Huang Xiaowei , Chen Weiyi , Wang Chenhui , Tang Xiaowei , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: April 2024

Lithium (Li) metal is widely recognized as a viable candidate for anode material in future battery technologies due to its exceptional energy density. Nevertheless, the commercial Li foils in common use are too thick (≈100 µm), resulting in a waste of Li resources. Herein, by applying the vacuum evaporation plating technology, the ultra‐thin Li foils (VELi) with high purity, strong adhesion, and thickness of less than 10 µm are successfully prepared. The manipulation of evaporation temperature allows for convenient regulation of the thickness of the fabricated Li film. This physical thinning method allows for fast, continuous, and highly accurate mass production. With a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2 for a plating amount of 0.5 mAh cm−2, VELi||VELi cells can stably cycle for 200 h. The maximum utilization of Li is already more than 25%. Furthermore, LiFePO4||VELi full cells present excellent cycling performance at 1 C (1 C = 155 mAh g−1) with a capacity retention rate of 90.56% after 240 cycles. VELi increases the utilization of active Li and significantly reduces the cost of Li usage while ensuring anode cycling and multiplication performance. Vacuum evaporation plating technology provides a feasible strategy for the practical application of ultra‐thin Li anodes.
Enhancing Endogenous Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritic Joints with an Anti‐Inflammatory Supramolecular Nanofiber Hydrogel Delivering HAS2 Lentivirus
Authors: Zhou Feng , Chen Muchao , Qian Yufan , Yuan Kai , Han Xuequan , Wang Weishan , Guo Jiong Jiong , Chen Qian , Li Bin
Published: April 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) management remains challenging because of its intricate pathogenesis. Intra‐articular injections of drugs, such as glucocorticoids and hyaluronic acid (HA), have certain limitations, including the risk of joint infection, pain, and swelling. Hydrogel‐based therapeutic strategies have attracted considerable attention because of their enormous therapeutic potential. Herein, a supramolecular nanofiber hydrogel is developed using dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DexP) as a vector to deliver lentivirus‐encoding hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) (HAS2@DexP‐Gel). During hydrogel degradation, HAS2 lentivirus and DexP molecules are slowly released. Intra‐articular injection of HAS2@DexP‐Gel promotes endogenous HA production and suppresses synovial inflammation. Additionally, HAS2@DexP‐Gel reduces subchondral bone resorption in the anterior cruciate ligament transection‐induced OA mice, attenuates cartilage degeneration, and delays OA progression. HAS2@DexP‐Gel exhibited good biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic mechanisms of the HAS2@DexP‐Gel are investigated using single‐cell RNA sequencing. HAS2@DexP‐Gel optimizes the microenvironment of the synovial tissue by modulating the proportion of synovial cell subpopulations and regulating the interactions between synovial fibroblasts and macrophages. The innovative nanofiber hydrogel, HAS2@DexP‐Gel, effectively enhances endogenous HA production while reducing synovial inflammation. This comprehensive approach holds promise for improving joint function, alleviating pain, and slowing OA progression, thereby providing significant benefits to patients.
Isoporous Membrane Mediated Imprinting Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Spatially‐Resolved Metabolomics and Rapid Histopathological Diagnosis
Authors: Liu Xingyue , Tao Liye , Jiang Xinrong , Qu Xuetong , Duan Wei , Yu Jiekai , Liang Xiao , Wu Jianmin
Published: April 2024

Surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) holds great value in spatial metabolomics and tumor diagnosis. Tissue imprinting on the SALDI target can avoid laser‐induced tissue ablation and simplifies the sample preparation. However, the tissue imprinting process always causes lateral diffusion of biomolecules, thereby losing the fidelity of metabolite distribution on tissue. Herein, a membrane‐mediated imprinting mass spectrometry imaging (MMI‐MSI) strategy is proposed using isoporous nuclepore track‐etched membrane as a mediating imprinting layer to selectively transport metabolites through uniform and vertical pores onto silicon nanowires (SiNWs) array. Compared with conventional direct imprinting technique, MMI‐MSI can not only exclude the adsorption of large biomolecules but also avoid the lateral diffusion of metabolites. The whole time for MMI‐based sample preparation can be reduced to 2 min, and the lipid peak number can increase from 46 to 113 in kidney tissue detection. Meanwhile, higher resolution of MSI can be achieved due to the confinement effect of the pore channel in the diffusion of metabolites. Based on MMI‐MSI, the tumor margins of liver cancer can be clearly discriminated and their different subtypes can be precisely classified. This work demonstrates MMI‐MSI is a rapid, highly sensitive, robust and high‐resolution technique for spatially‐resolved metabolomics and pathological diagnosis.
A comprehensive investigation on the effect of UHI in Baripada city using geo‐spatial technique and MLTHP model
Authors: Nandi Debabrata , Das Rashmi Ranjan , Sing Debasish , Bera Indrajit , Mishra Partha Sarathi , Sahu Pramod Chandra , Mohanta Kamal Lochan
Published: April 2024

According to the Times of India, Baripada city recorded the highest temperature in the world on April 14, 2023, at 43.5°C. It is located in the south‐west direction of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve. Observing the third highest temperature in the world, we are interested in finding out the reasons affecting climate change. This paper investigates the reasons for the temperature change in Baripada city and its surroundings by considering factors like Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Multi‐band Drought Index (NMDI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Normalized Difference Built‐up Index (NDBI), forest fires, rainfall patterns, wind patterns, and registration of motor vehicles. For this study, data has been collected from USGS (United States Geological Survey), NASA POWER, Forest Survey of India, ArcGIS Online, etc. The study of NDVI shows a significant relationship with the LST. Similarly, NMDI shows an abnormal change in the drought index from 0.092 in 1990 to 0.276 in 2022, and NDWI shows a continuous reduction of the water index of −0.382 in 1990 and −0.176 in 2010, followed by −0.212 in 2022. NDBI values show that the urban build‐up index is increased to an extent due to rapid urban settlements removing natural vegetation. The overall forest fire count found an abnormal rise in the Baripada region during 2011 and 2022 to 143 times. Focusing on all the above factors, an experimental study is finally carried out to confirm the rise in temperature using time‐series analysis and a multi‐layer locally tuned hidden layer perceptron (MLTHP) model to ensure the Times of India's report.