bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Manifestations and Phenotype Spectrum in Infants With Feeding Difficulty
Authors: Han Mingyu , Shi Wei , Chen Xiangxiang , Wu Dingwen , Sun Yi , Wang Weiyan , Zhan Canyang , Hu Lingling , Yuan Tianming
Published: August 2024

Background

Feeding difficulties frequently co‐occur with multisystem disorders attributed to rare genetic diseases. In this study, we aimed to describe the genetic manifestations and phenotype spectrum in infants experiencing feeding difficulties.

Methods

This case series included infants under 6 months old with feeding difficulties admitted to the neonatal department of Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from October 2018 to May 2022. All infants underwent whole‐exome sequencing (WES) during hospitalisation, and their clinical phenotypes and genetic results were analyzed.

Results

Among 28 infants studied, nine were preterm and 19 were full‐term. Median admission age was 13.5 days (IQR 6.5, 35), with a median hospital stay of 16 days (IQR 10.5, 30). Overall, 12 (42.9%) cases were complicated with multiple malformations. Abnormal muscle tone (53.6%) and neurological issues (42.9%) were notable prevalent in these infants. Cranial MR abnormalities were noted in 96.2% of cases. Based on the combined analysis of WES results and clinical phenotypes, a total of 22 (78.3%) patients displayed disease‐related genetic variation identified through WES; among them, 15 (53.6%) patients received genetic diagnoses, while 7 (25%) patients were suspected diagnoses. Positive findings were more frequent in full‐term (89.5%) than preterm infants (55.6%). Ultimately, 24 (85.7%) patients were discharged alive, with 75% requiring post‐discharge tube feeding. Following discharge, five patients developed new symptoms linked to genetic variants, and two patients died.

Conclusions

Feeding difficulty may constitute a facet of the phenotypic spectrum of rare genetic diseases. Whole‐exome sequencing can enhance molecular diagnosis accuracy for infants with feeding difficulties.
Association of Quantity and Diversity of Different Types of Fruit Intake with New‐Onset Kidney Stones
Authors: Gan Xiaoqin , Yang Sisi , Zhou Chun , He Panpan , Ye Ziliang , Liu Mengyi , Zhang Yanjun , Huang Yu , Xiang Hao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Qin Xianhui
Published: August 2024

Scope

This study aims to assess the association between intake of different types of fruit (citrus, pomes, tropical fruits, berries, gourds, drupes, dried fruits, and other fruits), the intake diversity of fruit types, and risk of new‐onset kidney stones in general population.

Methods and results

A total of 205 896 participants with at least one completed 24‐h dietary recall from the UK Biobank are included. During a median follow‐up of 11.6 years, 2074 cases of kidney stones are documented. Compared with nonconsumers, participants with higher intake of citrus (50–<100 g day−1; hazards ratio [HR] = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–0.91; ≥100 g day−1; HR = 0.75; 95%CI, 0.63–0.89), pomes (≥100 g day−1; HR = 0.86; 95%CI, 0.77–0.96), or tropical fruits (50–<100 g day−1; HR = 0.86; 95%CI, 0.75–0.99; ≥100 g day−1; HR = 0.88; 95%CI, 0.79–0.99) have a lower risk of new‐onset kidney stones. However, there is no significant association of intake of berries, gourds, drupes, dried fruits, and other fruits with kidney stones. A higher fruit variety score is significantly associated with a lower risk of new‐onset kidney stones (per 1‐score increment, HR = 0.86; 95%CI, 0.81–0.91).

Conclusions

Higher intake of citruses (≥50 g day−1), pomes (≥100 g day−1), and tropical fruits (≥50 g day−1), as well as increasing diversity of intake of these three fruits, are associated with a lower risk of new‐onset kidney stones.
Design of high selectivity tunable bandpass filter with switchable single‐/dual‐band responses
Authors: Cao Liangzu , Li Shouzhan
Published: August 2024

This article proposes a switchable filter with four operating states, namely dual‐band mode, lower band mode, upper band mode, and all‐stop mode. The transition between these states is achieved by using positive intrinsic negative diodes, while the center frequency tuning is done by using varactors. In order to verify the design concept, a prototype has been fabricated on an F4BME substrate with a dielectric constant of 2.25 and a thickness of 1 mm, and the measured results were in agreement with the simulations. Notably, the dual‐band mode yields four transmission zeros (TZs), while the single‐band mode produces two TZs. The final circuit size of the designed filter is 0.18 × 0.14 λg, making it ideally suited for reconfigurable multi‐band communication systems.
Diffusion MRI in prostate cancer with ultra‐strong whole‐body gradients
Authors: Molendowska Malwina , Palombo Marco , Foley Kieran G. , Narahari Krishna , Fasano Fabrizio , Jones Derek K. , Alexander Daniel C. , Panagiotaki Eleftheria , Tax Chantal M. W.
Published: August 2024

Diffusion‐weighted MRI (dMRI) is universally recommended for the detection and classification of prostate cancer (PCa), with PI‐RADS recommendations to acquire b‐values of ≥1.4 ms/μm2. However, clinical dMRI suffers from a low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) as the consequence of prolonged echo times (TEs) attributable to the limited gradient power in the range of 40–80 mT/m. To overcome this, MRI systems with strong gradients have been designed but so far have mainly been applied in the brain. The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility, data quality, SNR and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) of measurements in PCa with a 300 mT/m whole‐body system. A cohort of men without and with diagnosed PCa were imaged on a research‐only 3T Connectom Siemens MRI system equipped with a gradient amplitude of 300 mT/m. dMRI at high b‐values were acquired using high gradient amplitudes and compared with gradient capabilities mimicking clinical systems. Data artefacts typically amplified with stronger gradients were assessed and their correction evaluated. The SNR gains and lesion‐to‐healthy tissue CNR were statistically tested investigating the effect of protocol and b‐value. The diagnostic quality of the images for different dMRI protocols was assessed by an experienced radiologist using a 5‐point Likert scale and an adapted PI‐QUAL scoring system. The strong gradients for prostate dMRI allowed a significant gain in SNR per unit time compared with clinical gradients. Furthermore, a 1.6–2.1‐fold increase in CNR was observed. Despite the more pronounced artefacts typically associated with strong gradients, a satisfactory correction could be achieved. Smoother and less biased parameter maps were obtained with protocols at shorter TEs. The results of this study show that dMRI in PCa with a whole‐body 300‐mT/m scanner is feasible without a report of physiological effects, SNR and CNR can be improved compared with lower gradient strengths, and artefacts do not negate the benefits of strong gradients and can be ameliorated. This assessment provides the first essential step towards unveiling the full potential of cutting‐edge scanners, now increasingly becoming available, to advance early detection and diagnostic precision.
Quantitative ultrashort echo time MR imaging of knee osteochondral junction: An ex vivo feasibility study
Authors: Athertya Jiyo S. , Suprana Arya , Lo James , Lombardi Alecio F. , Moazamian Dina , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang , Ma Yajun
Published: August 2024

Compositional changes can occur in the osteochondral junction (OCJ) during the early stages and progressive disease evolution of knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are not able to image these regions efficiently because of the OCJ region's rapid signal decay. The development of new sequences able to image and quantify OCJ region is therefore highly desirable. We developed a comprehensive ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI protocol for quantitative assessment of OCJ region in the knee joint, including UTE variable flip angle technique for T1 mapping, UTE magnetization transfer (UTE‐MT) modeling for macromolecular proton fraction (MMF) mapping, UTE adiabatic T1ρ (UTE‐AdiabT1ρ) sequence for T1ρ mapping, and multi‐echo UTE sequence for T2* mapping. B1 mapping based on the UTE actual flip angle technique was utilized for B1 correction in T1, MMF, and T1ρ measurements. Ten normal and one abnormal cadaveric human knee joints were scanned on a 3T clinical MRI scanner to investigate the feasibility of OCJ imaging using the proposed protocol. Volumetric T1, MMF, T1ρ, and T2* maps of the OCJ, as well as the superficial and full‐thickness cartilage regions, were successfully produced using the quantitative UTE imaging protocol. Significantly lower T1, T1ρ, and T2* relaxation times were observed in the OCJ region compared with those observed in both the superficial and full‐thickness cartilage regions, whereas MMF showed significantly higher values in the OCJ region. In addition, all four UTE biomarkers showed substantial differences in the OCJ region between normal and abnormal knees. These results indicate that the newly developed 3D quantitative UTE imaging techniques are feasible for T1, MMF, T1ρ, and T2* mapping of knee OCJ, representative of a promising approach for the evaluation of compositional changes in early knee OA.
Probabilistic perturbation bounds of matrix decompositions
Authors: Petkov Petko H.
Published: August 2024

In this article, we determine probabilistic approximations of the entries of random perturbation matrices implementing the Markoff inequality. These approximations are used to derive with prescribed probability asymptotic componentwise perturbation bounds of some orthogonal and unitary matrix decompositions. We show that the probabilistic asymptotic bounds are significantly less conservative than the corresponding deterministic perturbation bounds. As case studies, we consider the determining of probabilistic perturbation bounds of the QR decomposition, the singular value decomposition and the Schur decomposition of a matrix using an unified method for asymptotic componentwise perturbation analysis of these decompositions. It is demonstrated that the probability bounds of the orthogonal transformations, singular values and eigenvalues are much tighter than the corresponding deterministic asymptotic bounds. The probabilistic bounds derived are appropriate for perturbation analysis of large‐order matrix problems.
Diffuse interface modeling of non‐isothermal Stokes‐Darcy flow with immersed transmissibility conditions
Authors: Suh Hyoung Suk
Published: August 2024

The coupling between free and porous medium flows has received significant attention since it plays an important role in a wide range of problems from fluid‐soil interactions to biofluid dynamics. However, modeling this coupled process remains a difficult task as it often involves a domain decomposition algorithm in conjunction with a special treatment at the interface. The problem can become more challenging under non‐isothermal conditions because it requires the iterative procedure at every time step to simultaneously meet the transient mass continuity, force equilibrium, and energy balance for the entire system. This article presents a diffuse interface framework for modeling non‐isothermal Stokes‐Darcy flow and the corresponding finite element formulation that bypasses the need for explicitly splitting the domain into two, which enables the unified treatment for distinct regions with different hydrothermal flow regimes. To achieve this goal, we employ the Allen‐Cahn type phase field model to generate the diffuse geometry, where the solution field can be seen as a regularized approximation of the Heaviside indicator function, allowing us to transfer the interface conditions into a set of immersed boundary conditions. Our formulation suggests that the isothermal operator splitting strategy can be adopted without compromising accuracy if the heat and mass transfer processes are decoupled by assuming that the density and viscosity of the phase constituents are independent to the temperature. Numerical examples are also introduced to verify the implementation and to demonstrate the model capacity.
Neural processing of sweet taste in reward regions is reduced following bariatric surgery
Authors: Alessi Jonathan , Dzemidzic Mario , Harezlak Jaroslaw , Kareken David A. , Considine Robert V.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Bariatric surgery reduces sweet‐liking, but mechanisms remain unclear. We examined related brain responses.

Methods

A total of 24 nondiabetic bariatric surgery and 21 control participants with normal weight to overweight were recruited for an observational controlled cohort study. They underwent sucrose taste testing outside the scanner followed by stimulation with 0.40M and 0.10M sucrose compared with water during functional magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 21 bariatric participants repeated these procedures after surgery.

Results

Perceived sweet intensity was not different among the control, presurgery, or postsurgery groups. Bariatric participants' preferred sweet concentration decreased after surgery (0.52M to 0.29M; p = 0.008). Brain reward system (ventral tegmental area, ventral striatum, and orbitofrontal cortex) region of interest analysis showed that 0.40M sucrose activation  (but not 0.10M) decreased after surgery. Sensory region (primary somatosensory and primary taste cortex) 0.40M sucrose activation was unchanged by surgery and did not differ between control and bariatric participants. Primary taste cortex activation to 0.10M sucrose solution was greater in postsurgical bariatric participants compared with control participants.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery reduces the reward system response to sweet taste in women with obesity without affecting activity in sensory regions, which is consistent with reduced drive to consume sweet foods.
Postoperative Respiratory Complications After Adenotonsillectomy in Children With High‐Risk Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Kou Yann‐Fuu , Korpon Jonathan R. , Dabbous Helene , Johnson Romaine F. , Mitchell Ron B. , Wani Anna , Chorney Stephen R.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Identify patient characteristics and polysomnogram (PSG) parameters associated with postoperative respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy (AT) among children with high‐risk obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care children's hospital.

Methods

Pediatric patients (<18 years) with high‐risk OSA (any 1 of: apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] >30, O2 nadir <80% and peak CO2 >60 mm Hg) on overnight PSG from 2019 to 2021 were included. Primary outcomes were major respiratory intervention during the postoperative admission, prolonged hospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay.

Results

A total of 307 patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 6.5 years and 63% were male. Twenty‐five (8.1%) required major respiratory intervention and 29 (9.7%) required ICU admission after AT. Major interventions and ICU admissions were significantly associated with neuromuscular disease (P < .01), higher obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index (oAHI), higher CO2 peak, and lower O2 nadir. Prolonged admission had similar findings except oAHI was not significantly associated. Younger children were significant more likely to require ICU admission or prolonged admission.

Conclusion

Increased oAHI and worsening O2 and CO2 parameters on preoperative PSG were associated with postoperative respiratory complications in children with high‐risk OSA. Children with neuromuscular disease and age 0 to 2 had higher risk of ICU stay and prolonged hospitalization. Clinicians should recognize the importance of parameters beyond oAHI when anticipating postoperative monitoring.
A case of masticatory muscle tendon–aponeurosis hyperplasia revealed after orthognathic surgery
Authors: Nakao Noriko , Ohba Seigo , Shido Rena , Fujita Shuichi , Sumi Misa , Yamada Tomohiro
Published: August 2024

Background

Masticatory muscle tendon–aponeurosis hyperplasia (MMTAH) is a condition in which the tendons and fascia of the masticatory muscles, including the masseter muscle, overgrow.

Case presentation

A 36‐year‐old male underwent orthognathic surgery to correct malocclusion with mandibular protrusion. A strong skeletal relapse was observed immediately after surgery. The patient was clinically diagnosed with MMTAH after examination. He opened his mouth up to 46 mm after coronoidectomy and masseter muscle tendonectomy surgery.

Conclusion

Based on the available previous reports, this is the first report of MMTAH resulting from strong skeletal relapse after orthognathic surgery.
Rapid mitragynine quantification and fingerprinting of products from Mitragyna speciosa Korth. leaf (Kratom) using high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography
Authors: Hayeema Toveelah , Wungsintaweekul Juraithip
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Kratom (leaves from Mitragyna speciosa Korth.; Rubiaceae) is a herbal medicine known for its analgesic properties and psychoactive effects. Kratom in Thailand is currently legal; however, it is prohibited in some countries and considered a narcotic plant.

Objective

Our aim was to establish a reliable, simple, and rapid method for quantifying mitragynine in Kratom leaves and related products through a combination of high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) and densitometry.

Methodology

A densitometric HPTLC method was developed and validated in terms of specificity, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision, and robustness. The fingerprints of kratom leaves, Mitragyna spp., and related products were constructed.

Results

For HPTLC, samples were applied to silica gel 60 F254 plates, and the mobile phase comprised n‐hexane, ethyl acetate, and triethylamine (1:1:0.15, v/v/v). Densitometric detection was carried out under ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 226 nm. The validated method exhibited a range of 14.31–143.10 μg/mL, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.9993. Spiked recovery rates were within a range of 98.3%–100.9%, and the LOD and LOQ were 3.80 and 11.53 μg/mL, respectively. Kratom samples were analyzed with the developed method, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9641, compared to the high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode‐array detection (HPLC–DAD) method. The HPTLC fingerprints displayed a distinctive pattern, facilitating discrimination among different plant parts and Mitragyna spp.

Conclusion

The established method offers the advantages of simplicity, ease of use, and speed of analysis, serving as a practical alternative for mitragynine quantification in kratom leaf and its related products.
Automated multiplexed affinity‐based enrichment of peptides for LC‐MS/MS plasma proteomics
Authors: Junior Sergio Mosquim , Levander Fredrik
Published: August 2024

Plasma proteomics offers high potential for biomarker discovery, as plasma is collected through a minimally invasive procedure and constitutes the most complex human‐derived proteome. However, the wide dynamic range poses a significant challenge. Here, we propose a semi‐automated method based on the use of multiple single chain variable fragment antibodies, each enriching for peptides found in up to a few hundred proteins. This approach allows for the analysis of a complementary fraction compared to full proteome analysis. Proteins from pooled plasma were extracted and digested before testing the performance of 29 different antibodies with the aim of reproducibly maximizing peptide enrichment. Our results demonstrate the enrichment of 3662 peptides not detected in neat plasma or negative controls. Moreover, most antibodies were able to enrich for at least 155 peptides across different levels of abundance in plasma. To further reduce analysis time, a combination of antibodies was used in a multiplexed setting. Repeated sample analyses showed low coefficients of variation, and the method is flexible in terms of affinity binders. It does not impose drastic increases in instrument time, thus showing excellent potential for usage in large scale discovery projects.
Delay the progression of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis: Fraxin targets ferroptosis via the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Ye Fang‐Chen , Sun Tao , Liu Fei‐Jun , Wu Ming‐Jian , Zheng Wen‐Hao , Wu Ling‐Feng
Published: August 2024

Glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIOP) commonly accelerates bone loss, increasing the risk of fractures and osteonecrosis more significantly than traditional menopausal osteoporosis. The extracellular environment influenced by glucocorticoids heightens fracture and osteonecrosis risks. Fraxin (Fra), a key component of the traditional Chinese herbal remedy Cortex Fraxini, is known for its wide‐ranging pharmacological effects, but its impact on GIOP remains unexplored. This investigation aims to delineate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Fra in combating dexamethasone (Dex)‐induced ferroptosis and GIOP. We established a mouse model of GIOP via intraperitoneal injections of Dex and cultured osteoblasts with Dex treatment for in vitro analysis. We evaluated the impact of Fra on Dex‐treated osteoblasts through assays such as C11‐BODIPY and FerroOrange staining, mitochondrial functionality tests, and protein expression analyses via Western blot and immunofluorescence. The influence of Fra on bone microarchitecture of GIOP in mice was assessed using microcomputerized tomography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, double‐labeling with Calcein–Alizarin Red S, and immunohistochemistry at imaging and histological levels. Based on our data, Fra prevented Dex‐induced ferroptosis and bone loss. In vitro, glutathione levels increased and malondialdehyde, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species decreased. Fra treatment also increases nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and COL1A1 expression and promotes bone formation. To delve deeper into the mechanism, the findings revealed that Fra triggered the activation of Nrf2/GPX4 signaling. Moreover, the use of siRNA‐Nrf2 blocked the beneficial effect of Fra in osteoblasts cultivated with Dex. Fra effectively combats GIOP by activating the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis.
Thermomagnetic Models for the Improved Rosen–Morse Oscillator
Authors: Ahmed A. D. , Eyube E. S. , Najoji S. D. , Tanko P. U. , Onate C. A. , Omugbe E. , Mohammed B. D. , Makasson C. R. , Mshelia E. H.
Published: August 2024

This study solves the radial Schrödinger wave equation (RSWE) with the improved Rosen–Morse (IRM) potential constrained by an electromagnetic field. Energy eigenvalues are derived using the parametric Nikiforov–Uvarov method and Pekeris approximation. The internal partition function, isobaric molar heat capacity formula, and magnetization model are then deduced from the equation governing pure vibrational energy states. These analytical models are applied to several pure substances, specifically Br2 (X 1Σg+), BrF (X 1Σ+), ICl (X 1Σg+), and P2 (X 1Σg+) molecules. Numerical approximations of the energy eigenvalues for these molecules closely match their exact values. The isobaric molar heat capacity expression yields mean percentage absolute deviations of 1.6585%, 0.9162%, 1.2193%, and 0.7232% when compared against experimental data for Br2 (X 1Σg+), BrF (X 1Σ+), ICl (X 1Σg+), and P2 (X 1Σg+), respectively. These results align well with other heat capacity models in existing literature.
Double burden of malnutrition in 115 Latin American cities: An ecological analysis
Authors: Mazariegos Mónica , Sánchez Brisa N. , Ortigoza Ana , Moore Kari , Kroker‐Lobos María F. , Ramírez‐Zea Manuel , Sarmiento Olga L. , Miranda J. Jaime , Pérez‐Ferrer Carolina
Published: August 2024

Background

Using harmonized aggregated data on health and socioeconomic environments in Latin American cities (from the Salud Urbana en América Latina (SALURBAL) study), we assessed the association of city‐level contextual factors with the prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in urban settings.

Methods

This ecological study used aggregated survey data from 115 Latin American cities within five countries (Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru) collected between 2008 and 2016. DBM was defined as the coexistence of stunting in children under 5 years and overweight/obesity among adult women at the city‐level. We ran ordinal logistic regression models to examine macrolevel contextual factors that might explain the city‐level DBM. Independent variables were city‐level socioeconomic development index, women educational attainment and women labor force.

Results

Out of 115 Latin American cities, 19 cities from five countries were experiencing a moderate to high burden of stunting and simultaneously a very high burden of overweight/obesity in adult women. All cities had overweight/obesity prevalence above 40%. A poor social environment, higher levels of women education and greater women labor force at the city level were associated with greater levels of DBM.

Conclusion

Some Latin American cities are still facing moderate and high DBM, while all cities are experiencing an alarming high burden of overweight/obesity. Social macro‐level factors such as poor social environment, high women education and high women labor force were associated with the coexistence of stunting in children and overweight/obesity in adult women.
Identifying pollinator‐friendly sites within urban green spaces for sustainable urban agriculture
Authors: Rahimi Ehsan , Jung Chuleui
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The relentless urban expansion has led to the depletion of forests and agricultural lands. Yet, pinpointing viable zones for urban agriculture, particularly concerning pollinator presence, remains a formidable task for city planners.

Materials and Methods

Our study introduces a novel methodology to identify optimal locations for cultivating pollinator‐dependent crops. Leveraging species distribution models (SDMs), we generated habitat suitability maps for 243 pollinating insects, including bees (41 species), butterflies (140 species), and hoverflies (62 species) across South Korea. Subsequently, employing Graphab 2.8 software, we categorised 10 major cities in South Korea based on the connectivity of green space patches. Clusters exhibiting greater green space coverage, size, and connectivity displayed higher modularity values. Utilising ArcGIS software's zonal function, we computed key statistical parameters—minimum, maximum, mean, and sum values—of the pollinator taxa maps within each cluster.

Results

Our analysis unveiled a robust positive correlation between cluster modularity and the cumulative distribution of pollinators. Regions with heightened modularity exhibited richer pollinator populations, suggesting their suitability for urban agriculture for pollinator‐dependent crops.

Conclusion

This study proposes that employing graph theory‐based clustering of urban green spaces can effectively delineate areas conducive to urban agriculture. This strategic identification of green space clusters with optimal pollinator abundance holds promise for urban agricultural planning and sustainability initiatives.
Nano‐Enhanced Water Purification: Uncovering the Dye Adsorption Efficiency of Ni‐Zn‐S@Cyclodextrine Nanomaterial
Authors: Sajid Md. , Sharma Atul , Shukla Sneha , Khan Adiba , Ali Chaudhry Saif
Published: August 2024

This research investigates the synthesis of a hybrid nanomaterial, denoted as Ni‐Zn−S@Cyclodextrine, through a cost‐effective and easy co‐precipitation method. The resulting nanomaterial has been thoroughly characterized and applied for the adsorptive removal of Crystal violet and Congo red dyes from their solutions. The study delves into the thermodynamics and kinetics of the sorption process, as well as helps to propose adsorption mechanism for both the dyes onto the Ni‐Zn−S@Cyclodextrine surface. A comprehensive analysis, encompassing techniques, such as XRD, FTIR, SEM‐EDX, TEM, TGA, Zeta potential, and XPS, have been conducted to explore the structural and morphological attributes of the prepared nanomaterial. Furthermore, key sorption parameters, including adsorbent's dosage, temperature, contact time, and solution pH, have been systematically optimized to achieve maximum efficiency. The TEM images of prepared nanomaterial indicated the particle size ranging between 60–80 nm. Moreover, it exhibited a strong affinity for both the dyes, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 138.20 mgg−1 for Congo red and 129.95 mgg−1 for Crystal violet dyes at 303 K. The thermodynamics of the adsorption process indicated an endothermic and spontaneous nature. Isotherm studies revealed that the data best aligned with the Freundlich isotherm, while the kinetics of the reaction adhered to a pseudo‐second order within the investigated temperature range.
Enzymatic Insitu Crosslinking Can Improve Hydrogel Stability While Maintaining Matrix Stiffness
Authors: Kuth Sonja , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: August 2024

Next to the choice of a material, the crosslinking characteristics play an important role in the development of hydrogels for applications in the biomedical field. By decreasing crosslinking time or concentration one can reduce the density of the network and hence the stiffness of the hydrogel. However, at the same time in many cases the stability of the matrix is significantly reduced, leading to a rapidly degrading hydrogel structure. In this study, we evaluate and compare two different crosslinking methods while maintaining the material chemistry. The hydrogel system evaluated consisted of oxidized hyaluronic acid and gelatin, and it was crosslinked with microbial transglutaminase. We found that by in situ crosslinking (CL) instead of post CL we can significantly increase the stability of the hydrogel while maintaining the matrix stiffness. Encapsulated embryonic mouse fibroblasts showed an increased viability in in situ crosslinked samples. These findings indicate that it is possible to change hydrogel parameters independently, even if they are otherwise interrelated.
Microwave‐Assisted Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 1‐Aryl Benzotriazole 3‐Oxides
Authors: Desai Bhargav , Bharodiya Akshay , Koppolu Mani Kanta , Bhukya Hussain , Dholakiya Bharatkumar , Naveen Togati
Published: August 2024

In this work, we present a copper‐catalyzed rapid and efficient method for cross‐coupling of N‐hydroxy benzotriazole with boronic acids under microwave irradiation for the synthesis of 1‐aryl benzotriazole 3‐oxides. This protocol tolerates a wide range of substituted boronic acids to provide the corresponding products in good to excellent yields. The features of this strategy include a broad substrate scope, high functional group tolerance, short reaction time, and good to excellent yields.
Investigation of the Effect of Alloying Element Equilibrium Relationship on the Electromagnetic Microwave Absorption Properties of Nano FeNi Magnetic Particles
Authors: Xu Wenqi , Li Hongyang , Li Hong , Shen Zhenfeng , Zeng Shentao , Yang Feng , Cai Qing , Wang Ran , Guo Jiayou , Luo Cui , Liu Ying
Published: August 2024

In order to effectively comprehend the impact of alloying element equilibrium relationship of binary nano‐magnetic particles on their electromagnetic wave absorption performance, four sets of binary nano FeNi magnetic particles with Fe:Ni alloy ratios of 2:8, 4:6, 6:4, and 8:2 were prepared with liquid‐phase reduction and the microstructure, static magnetic properties, and electromagnetic wave absorption performance of the particles were studied. The results show that the nano FeNi magnetic particles exhibit a spherical geometric structure, with a decrease in crystallinity as the Fe:Ni alloy ratio increases. The remanence and coercivity initially increase and then decrease with the increased Fe:Ni alloy ratio, with a 270 % decrease in saturation magnetization intensity as the alloy ratio changes from 2:8 to 8:2. With the increase in the Fe:Ni alloy ratio, the real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivity exhibit a decreasing trend, while the real part of the magnetic permeability decreases with increasing frequency. Aside from the 8:2 Fe:Ni alloy ratio, significant polarization relaxation losses were observed in the prepared magnetic particles, with eddy current losses was not the main mechanism of magnetic losses. The attenuation constant shows a peak at high frequencies, and the impedance matching performance increases with the increase in the Fe:Ni alloy ratio. When the Fe:Ni alloy ratio changes from 2:8 to 8:2, the minimum reflection loss decreased by 3340 %, and at a thickness of 2.1 mm and a frequency of 12 GHz, the FeNi alloy particles with a ratio of 2:8 exhibited a minimum reflection loss of −17.2 dB with an effective absorption bandwidth of 1.92 GHz.
Harvesting Magneto‐Acoustic Waves Using Magnetic 2D Chromium Telluride (CrTe3)
Authors: Chowde Gowda Chinmayee , Kartsev Alexey , Tiwari Nishant , Sarkar Suman , Alexander Safronov A. , Chaudhary Varun , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar
Published: August 2024

A vast majority of electrical devices have integrated magnetic units, which generate constant magnetic fields with noticeable vibrations. The majority of existing nanogenerators acquire energy through friction/mechanical forces and most of these instances overlook acoustic vibrations and magnetic fields. Magnetic two‐dimensional (2D) tellurides present a wide range of possibilities for devising a potential flexible energy harvester. 2D chromium telluride (2D CrTe3) is synthesized, which exhibits ferromagnetic behavior with a higher T
c of ≈224 K. The structure exhibits stable high remnant magnetization, making 2D CrTe3 a potential material for harvesting magneto‐acoustic waves. A magneto‐acoustic nanogenerator (MANG) is fabricated and the basic mechanical stability and sensitivity of the device with change in load conditions are tested. A high surface charge density of 2.919 mC m−2 is obtained for the device. The thermal strain created in the lattice structure is examined using in‐situ Raman spectroscopy. The magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) responsible for long‐range FM ordering is calculated by theoretical modelling with insights into opening of electronic bandgap which enhances the flexoelectric effects. The MANG can be a potential NG to synergistically tap into the magneto—acoustic vibrations generated from the frequency changes of a vibrating device such as loudspeakers.
The paradox of standards and innovation: Reconceptualising standards and standardisation with the help of Niklas Luhmann
Authors: Kim Dong‐hyu
Published: August 2024

This research explores the intricate relationship between standards and innovation through the lens of Niklas Luhmann's theoretical framework. Standardisation transforms uncertainty into certainty, providing a stable foundation for modern social systems and shaping reality. Historically, standardisation has facilitated social homogenisation and bureaucratic efficiency, as observed by Max Weber. However, defining standards and standardisation remains ambiguous due to their diverse applications across various domains. This study reconceptualises standards and standardisation as dynamic constructs that integrate specific forms and general principles, aligning with Luhmann's notion of unity. It addresses the paradox of standards and innovation, which arises from the duality and simultaneity of complexity reduction (uniformity) and complexity increase (diversity), as well as the tension between compatibility (standards) and novelty (innovation). The research introduces the concept of stylisation to the works of technological standardisation, enabling the comparability of technological systems with art systems. By embracing dynamic stability and stylisation, systems can navigate the paradox effectively, ensuring sustainable growth and adaptation.
Molecular Mechanism of Egg White Protein for Strengthening the Cross‐Linking Properties of Heat‐Induced Wheat Gluten Gel
Authors: Cui Sijia , Wang Jialei , Liu Tengmei , Sun Jun
Published: August 2024

The chemical interaction between egg white protein (EWP) and wheat gluten (WG) is significantly influenced by the amount of EWP added. Therefore, the effects of EWP addition on the gelling properties and chemical interactions of heat‐induced WG–EWP gels are thoroughly examined. The results demonstrate that the enhancement in gel strength of WG–EWP gels is positively correlated with the amount of EWP added. EWP addition improves protein–protein interactions by reducing the freedom of water. The enhanced aggregation between WG and EWP is likely due to a decrease in surface hydrophobicity and an increase in β‐sheet content. EWP enhances cross‐linking with low molecular weight glutenin subunit (LMW‐GS), high molecular weight glutenin subunit (HMW‐GS), and gliadin (Gli). Specifically, EWP primarily cross‐links with ω‐, α‐, and γ‐Glis through S–S bonds and interacts with GS through hydrophobic interactions and S–S bonds. This study provides a theoretical foundation for improving the WG network structure in wheat‐based food production.
Flexural behavior of corroded RC beams repaired with high performance cementitious mortar under cyclic loading
Authors: Mudadu Antonio , Prota Andrea , Menna Costantino
Published: August 2024

The understanding of the cyclic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) elements is of vital importance in relation to the extent of the service life of buildings and infrastructures. Steel rebar corrosion plays a major role in this regard because it significantly affects the overall structural integrity, especially under cyclic loads, leading to reduced stiffness and load‐bearing capacity of structural elements. Cyclic condition has the potential to accelerate the corrosion‐induced cracking and spalling, the effectiveness of the bond strength between rebar and concrete, and also the ductility and energy dissipation characteristics of the structure. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a high‐performance thixotropic repairing cementitious mortar in improving the fatigue behavior of RC elements through a multiscale experimental approach. First, at the material scale of concrete specimens, two different concrete classes together with the repairing one‐component, pre‐blended, thixotropic cementitious mortar, were tested under incremental cyclic condition. Based on the results obtained from material scale, four reinforced concrete beams were exposed to different levels of accelerated corrosion by means of the impressed current technique and, subsequently, repaired by bonding a layer of the thixotropic high‐performance mortar onto the tension side. Finally, beams were tested under incremental cyclic four‐point bending test to investigate the fatigue behavior in terms of crack onset, propagation and energy dissipation. The resulting cyclic properties and cracking behavior of the structural elements were related to the level of corrosion achieved through the accelerated test and the effectiveness of the structural repair mortar was proven. In terms of code compliance, the repairing mortar was able to fulfill the requirements of frequent and quasi‐permanent combination of loads, remaining below all the threshold values provided by the Italian NTC2018 and Eurocode.
Trapped in Grandiosity? Narcissistic CEOs and Risk‐Taking in MENA Banks: The Moderating Effect of CEO Attributes
Authors: Khanchel Imen , Lassoued Naima , Ferchichi Sondes
Published: August 2024

Utilizing a panel data set consisting of 144 Middle East and North African (MENA) banks covering the period 2014–2021, this study (a) explores the correlation between CEO narcissism and insolvency risk (risk‐taking) and (b) investigates whether certain CEO attributes can moderate this association. We identify a significant positive relationship between CEO narcissism and insolvency risk, shedding light on the dark side of CEO narcissism as elucidated within the upper echelons theory. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the presence of returnee CEOs or politically connected CEOs strengthens the aforementioned relationship by increasing the likelihood of narcissistic CEOs contributing to amplify insolvency risk.
Introduction
Authors: Hansen Henning Otte
Published: August 2024

Megatrends are large global trends that are long-lasting, can be empirically documented, and have a major impact on businesses, economies, industries, societies and individuals. Furthermore, megatrends can also be used as a direction for the future. The focus of this book is agriculture, the food industry and food markets and the internal and external factors that surround and influence them. Megatrends can be used to reveal and explain a historical development. An understanding of the connections between drivers, megatrends and societal impacts can be useful when assessing the effects of political and economic interventions—understanding the present can help us predict the future. Megatrends can also be used to project a historical or current development: if megatrends are consistent and substantiated, they are likely to continue into the future.
Algorithms for representations of quiver Yangian algebras
Authors: Galakhov Dmitry , Gavshin Alexei , Morozov Alexei , Tselousov Nikita
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this note, we aim to review algorithms for constructing crystal representations of quiver Yangians in detail. Quiver Yangians are believed to describe an action of the BPS algebra on BPS states in systems of D-branes wrapping toric Calabi-Yau three-folds. Crystal modules of these algebras originate from molten crystal models for Donaldson-Thomas invariants of respective three-folds. Despite the fact that this subject was originally at the crossroads of algebraic geometry with effective supersymmetric field theories, equivariant toric action simplifies applied calculations drastically. So the sole pre-requisite for this algorithm’s implementation is linear algebra. It can be easily taught to a machine with the help of any symbolic calculation system. Moreover, these algorithms may be generalized to toroidal and elliptic algebras and exploited in various numerical experiments with those algebras. We illustrate the work of the algorithms in applications to simple cases of $$ \textrm{Y}\left({\mathfrak{sl}}_2\right) $$
Y

sl
2

, $$ \textrm{Y}\left({\hat{\mathfrak{gl}}}_1\right) $$
Y

gl
̂

1

and $$ \textrm{Y}\left({\hat{\mathfrak{gl}}}_{\left.1\right|1}\right) $$
Y

gl
̂

1

1

.
A note on the 1-D minimization problem related to solenoidal improvement of the uncertainty principle inequality
Authors: Hamamoto Naoki
Published: August 2024

This paper gives a second way to solve the one-dimensional minimization problem of the form :  $$\begin{aligned} \min _{f\not \equiv 0}\frac{\displaystyle \int \limits _0^\infty \left( f''\right) ^2x^{\mu +1}dx\int \limits _0^\infty \left( {x}^2\left( f'\right) ^2 -\varepsilon f^2\right) {{x}}^{\mu -1}d{x}}{\displaystyle \left( \int \limits _0^\infty \left( f'\right) ^2 {{x}}^{\mu }d{x}\right) ^2} \end{aligned}$$

min

f
≢
0

∫
0
∞

f

′
′

2

x

μ
+
1

d
x

∫
0
∞

x

2

f
′

2

-
ε

f
2

x

μ
-
1

d
x

∫
0
∞

f
′

2

x

μ

d
x

2

for scalar-valued functions f on the half line, where $$f'$$

f
′

and $$f''$$

f

′
′

are its derivatives and $$\varepsilon $$
ε
and $$\mu $$
μ
are positive parameters with $$\varepsilon < \frac{\mu ^2}{4}.$$

ε
<

μ
2

4

.

This problem plays an essential part of the calculation of the best constant in Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle inequality for solenoidal vector fields. The above problem was originally solved by using (generalized) Laguerre polynomial expansion; however, the calculation was complicated and long. In the present paper, we give a simpler method to obtain the same solution, the essential part of which was communicated in Theorem 5.1 of the preprint (Hamamoto, arXiv:2104.02351v4, 2021).
Spreading anomaly semantic segmentation and 3D reconstruction of binder jet additive manufacturing powder bed images
Authors: Gourley Alexander , Kaufman Jonathan , Aman Bashu , Schwalbach Edwin , Beuth Jack , Rueschhoff Lisa , Reeja-Jayan B.
Published: August 2024

Variability in the inherently dynamic nature of additive manufacturing introduces imperfections that hinder the commercialization of new materials. Binder jetting produces ceramic and metallic parts, but low green densities and spreading anomalies reduce the predictability and processability of resulting geometries. In situ feedback presents a method for robust evaluation of spreading anomalies, reducing the number of required builds to refine processing parameters in a multivariate space. In this study, we report layer-wise powder bed semantic segmentation for the first time with a visually light ceramic powder, alumina, or Al2O3, leveraging an image analysis software to rapidly segment optical images acquired during the additive manufacturing process. Using preexisting image analysis tools allowed for rapid analysis of 316 stainless steel and alumina powders with small data sets by providing an accessible framework for implementing neural networks. Models trained on five build layers for each material to classify base powder, parts, streaking, short spreading, and bumps from recoater friction with testing categorical accuracies greater than 90%. Lower model performance accompanied the more subtle spreading features present in the white alumina compared to the darker steel. Applications of models to new builds demonstrated repeatability with the resulting models, and trends in classified pixels reflected corrections made to processing parameters. Through the development of robust analysis techniques and feedback for new materials, parameters can be corrected as builds progress.
Everybody’s talkin’ at me: levels of majority language acquisition by minority language speakers
Authors: Brock William A. , Chen Bo , Durlauf Steven N. , Weber Shlomo
Published: August 2024

Immigrants in economies with a dominant native language exhibit substantial heterogeneities in language acquisition of the majority language. We model partial language acquisition as an equilibrium phenomenon. We consider an environment where heterogeneous agents from various minority groups choose whether to acquire a majority language fully, partially, or not at all, with varying communicative benefits and costs. We provide an equilibrium characterization of language acquisition and demonstrate that partial acquisition can arise as an equilibrium behavior. We also show that a language equilibrium may exhibit insufficient learning relative to the social optimum. Finally, we formulate a deterministic language learning dynamic process and find that our language equilibrium arises in the long run under suitable conditions.