bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE DISCIPLINE OF VISIONING FOR LEADERS
Authors: Watkins Michael D.
Published: May 2024

The author is professor of leadership at the IMD Business School and a cofounder of Genesis Advisers, and particularly known for his classic book The First 90 Days. He discusses vision and visioning in the context of leadership and business: “The discipline of visioning is about building bridges between possible futures and current realities.” He cautions that a vision is not a mission, or strategy, and it is “not a set of core objectives.” He makes further distinctions: “Purpose is about defining why your organization exists. Vision is about identifying an inspiring future destination or achievement.” He writes that a “compelling vision helps employees understand how their work contributes to the enterprise’s success and furthers its mission and purpose.” He advocates moving from a personal vision to a shared vision: “Can you imagine a clear, desirable future state to which you want to lead your business?” He advocates and describes various techniques, including, in his words, backcasting, powerful simplification, the architect’s exercise, and the vision workshop. “Visioning in leadership,” he concludes, “involves developing and communicating the vision through powerful simplification and storytelling that align the organization’s strategies, policies and actions with the vision.”
Core–Shell Bacterial Cellulose/Graphene Oxide@Polydopamine Aerogel Fibers for Personal Thermal Management Textiles
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Zhao Guanzhi , Wang Chaoxia , Yin Yunjie
Published: May 2024

The porous nature and gel network of aerogel fibers make them ideal options for personal thermal management because they can significantly cut down on energy waste. However, aerogel fibers generally suffer from poor mechanical properties and single function. Herein, the porous continuous bacterial cellulose/graphene oxide@polydopamine core–shell aerogel fibers with high strength, excellent photothermal properties, and thermal insulation are investigated by wet spinning and freeze‐drying. The bacterial cellulose/graphene oxide@polydopamine aerogel fiber prepared by wet spinning method has a porous structure, which can prevent heat convection, reduce heat conduction, and suppress heat radiation, making the aerogel fiber have excellent thermal insulation properties. More crucially, graphene oxide may considerably enhance infrared radiation's capacity for heating, while polydopamine can enhance ultraviolet light absorption and boost photothermal conversion capability.
Turbidimetric bioassays: A solution to antimicrobial activity detection in asymptomatic bacteriuria isolates against uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Kenneally Ciara , Murphy Craig P. , Sleator Roy D. , Culligan Eamonn P.
Published: May 2024

Traditional bacteriocin screening methods often face limitations due to diffusion‐related challenges in agar matrices, which can prevent the peptides from reaching their target organism. Turbidimetric techniques offer a solution to these issues, eliminating diffusion‐related problems and providing an initial quantification of bacteriocin efficacy in producer organisms. This study involved screening the cell‐free supernatant (CFS) from eight uncharacterized asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) isolates and Escherichia coli 83972 for antimicrobial activity against clinical uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains using turbidimetric growth methods. ABU isolates exhibiting activity against five or more UPEC strains were further characterized (PUTS 37, PUTS 58, PUTS 59, S‐07‐4, and SK‐106‐1). The inhibition of the CFS by proteinase K suggested that the antimicrobial activity was proteinaceous in nature, potentially bacteriocins. The activity of E. coli PUTS 58 and SK‐106‐1 was enhanced in an artificial urine medium, with both inhibiting all eight UPECs. A putative microcin H47 operon was identified in E. coli SK‐106‐1, along with a previously identified microcin V and colicin E7 in E. coli PUTS 37 and PUTS 58, respectively. These findings indicate that ABU bacteriocin‐producers could serve as viable prophylactics and therapeutics in the face of increasing antibiotic resistance among uropathogens.
Market configurations when marginal costs are quality‐dependent
Authors: Pires Cesaltina Pacheco , Jorge Sílvia Ferreira , Catalão‐Lopes Margarida , Pinho Joana , Garcês Pedro , Alventosa Adriana
Published: May 2024

Most quality‐then‐price decision models under vertical product differentiation consider a predetermined market configuration. We endogenize market configuration considering quality‐dependent marginal costs and conclude that a strictly interior full coverage duopoly holds for some parameter values, unveiling the relevance of this commonly assumed market structure. Moreover, we show that a monopoly never arises in equilibrium, and (i) there are multiple equilibria at the frontier between interior and corner full coverage duopoly, (ii) the market is fully (partially) covered when relative tastes' heterogeneity is low (high), and (iii) there is a discontinuity in the transition from partial coverage to full coverage duopoly.
Can monetary incentives improve knowledge contribution? Effects on different types of knowledge
Authors: Luo Xiaopeng , Wang Shiqing
Published: May 2024

Enterprise social media (ESM) fosters knowledge sharing, but employee's participation in ESM typically wanes. Thus, monetary incentives are often used to solve this problem. This research examined the effect of monetary incentives on four types of knowledge (high‐quality and low‐quality, work‐related and non‐work‐related) and the mediating role of self‐efficacy. Using quasi‐experimental approach to analyze data from an internal company blog, the research indicates that monetary incentives do have impacts on stimulating knowledge contribution, although their effectiveness appears to vary with the type of knowledge. Besides, self‐efficacy could be evoked by monetary incentives and mediate between monetary incentives and knowledge contribution.
How well can global ensemble forecasts predict tropical cyclones in the southwest Indian Ocean?
Authors: Emerton R. , Hodges K. I. , Stephens E. , Amelie V. , Mustafa M. , Rakotomavo Z. , Coughlan de Perez E. , Magnusson L. , Vidale P.‐L.
Published: May 2024

The southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) recently experienced its most active, costliest and deadliest cyclone season on record (2018–2019). The anticipation and forecasting of natural hazards, such as tropical cyclones, are crucial to preparing for their impacts, but it is important to understand how well forecasting systems can predict them. Despite the vulnerability of the SWIO to tropical cyclones, comparatively little research has focused on this region, including understanding the ability of numerical weather prediction systems to predict cyclones and their impacts in southeast Africa. In this study, we evaluate ensemble probabilistic and high‐resolution deterministic forecasts of tropical cyclones in the SWIO from 2010 to 2020, using two state‐of‐the‐art global forecasting systems: one from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the other from the U.K. Met Office. We evaluate predictions of the track, assessing the location of the centre of each storm and its speed of movement, as well as its intensity, looking at maximum wind speeds and minimum central pressure, and discuss how the forecasts have evolved over the 10‐year period. Overall, ECMWF typically provides more accurate forecasts, but both systems tend to underestimate translation speed and intensity. We also investigate the impact of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) on tropical cyclones and their forecasts. The MJO impacts where and when tropical cyclones form, their tracks and intensities, which in turn impacts forecast skill. These results are intended to provide an increased understanding of the ability of global forecasting systems to predict tropical cyclones in the SWIO, for the purpose of decision making and anticipatory action.
Asymptotic profiles of basic reproduction number for a degenerate reaction–diffusion host–pathogen model
Authors: Wang Jianpeng , Wang Kai , Zhou Pan , Dai Binxiang , Teng Zhidong
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the basic reproduction number (BRN) is explored in terms of a degenerate reaction–diffusion host–pathogen model. The expressions of BRN
and local basic reproduction number (LBRN)
for the model are calculated. Some basic properties of
with respect to the general diffusion rates and the asymptotic profiles of
with respect to large diffusion rates and small diffusion rates are established by introducing two compact operators
and
. Our results reveal that
is the spectral radius of a sum of the product of additive operators and strongly positive compact linear operators with spectral radii one.
The association between weight loss medications and cardiovascular complications
Authors: Baser Onur , Samayoa Gabriela , Rodchenko Katarzyna , Isenman Lauren , Baser Erdem , Yapar Nehir
Published: May 2024

Objective

Obesity and its cardiovascular complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Little is known in real‐world settings about the effect of newly approved antiobesity medications (AOMs) on cardiovascular complications among patients with obesity.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined the association between newly approved AOM use and cardiovascular events among Medicare patients with obesity using data from 2020 to 2022. Patient age, gender, comorbidity scores, socioeconomic status, and baseline cardiovascular comorbidities were compared descriptively. Subgroup analysis compared variables by medication type. Relative risk and absolute risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events were estimated using Cox and Aalen regression models.

Results

The analysis included 5926 patients treated with semaglutide and tirzepatide, including Ozempic (5404 patients), Wegovy (375 patients), or Mounjaro (147 patients). Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were the most common comorbidities. For patients with AOMs, less incidence of heart failure (4.89% vs. 6.13%, p < 0.0001), atrial fibrillation (3.83% vs. 5.17%, p < 0.0001), arrhythmia (3.59% vs. 4.14%, p < 0.0153), and peripheral vascular disease (3.44% vs. 2.94%, p < 0.0395) was found versus patients without AOMs. Patients receiving AOMs showed an 8% risk reduction in any CVD. Protective effect on CVD was apparent over the first 375 days.

Conclusions

Results suggest that utilization of AOMs effectively alleviates the high prevalence of CVD.
Approach to weight management in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease in a real‐life clinical setting
Authors: Lockhart Pastor Paola , Amin Amin , Galvan Daniel , Negrete Vasquez Ofelia , Almandoz Jaime P. , Lingvay Ildiko
Published: May 2024

Objective

Excess adiposity represents a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and progression to end‐stage kidney disease. Anti‐Obesity Medications (AOMs) are vastly underutilized in patients with advanced CKD because of concerns related to safety and efficacy. This study was conducted to evaluate the real‐world approach to weight management and the efficacy and safety of AOMs in people with advanced CKD.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of individuals with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 and eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 referred to an academic medical weight‐management program between 01/2015 and 09/2022. Evaluation of weight‐management approaches, body weight change, treatment‐related side effects, and reasons for treatment discontinuation were reported.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients met inclusion criteria, 16 were treated with intensive lifestyle modifications (ILM) alone and 73 with AOMs (all treated with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist [GLP1‐RA] +/− other AOMs) along with ILM. Patients treated with AOMs had a longer duration of on‐treatment follow‐up (median 924 days) compared to (93 days) the ILM group. Over 75% of patients treated with AOMs lost ≥5% body weight versus 25% of those treated with ILM. Only 15% of patients treated with AOMs discontinued therapy due to treatment‐related side effects.

Conclusion

In patients with obesity and advanced CKD, GLP‐1RA‐based anti‐obesity treatment was well‐tolerated, effective, and led to durable weight reduction.
Association of hydroxyurea adherence with transcranial Doppler screenings in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Knight La'Kita M. J. , Tanabe Paula , Blewer Audrey L. , Goodrich James , King Allison A. , Reuter‐Rice Karin , Crego Nancy
Published: May 2024

Background

National sickle cell disease (SCD) guidelines recommend oral hydroxyurea (HU) starting at 9 months of age, and annual transcranial Doppler (TCD) screenings to identify stroke risk in children aged 2–16 years. We examined prevalence and proportion of TCD screenings in North Carolina Medicaid enrollees to identify associations with sociodemographic factors and HU adherence over 3 years.

Study design

We conducted a longitudinal study with children ages 2–16 years with SCD enrolled in NC Medicaid from years 2016–2019. Prevalence of TCD screening claims was calculated for 3 years, and proportion was calculated for 12, 24, and 36 months of Medicaid enrollment. Enrollee HU adherence was categorized using HU proportion of days covered. Multivariable Poisson regression assessed for TCD screening rates by HU adherence, controlling for age, sex, and rurality.

Results

The prevalence of annual TCD screening was between 39.5% and 40.1%. Of those with 12‐month enrollment, 77.8% had no TCD claims, compared to 22.2% who had one or higher TCD claims. Inversely, in children with 36 months of enrollment, 36.7% had no TCD claims compared to 63.3% who had one or higher TCD claims. The proportion of children with two or higher TCD claims increased with longer enrollment (10.5% at 12 months, 33.7% at 24 months, and 52.6% at 36 months). Children with good HU adherence were 2.48 (p < .0001) times more likely to have TCD claims than children with poor HU adherence.

Conclusion

While overall TCD screening prevalence was low, children with better HU adherence and longer Medicaid enrollment had more TCD screenings. Multilevel interventions are needed to engage healthcare providers and families to improve both evidence‐based care and annual TCD screenings in children with SCD.
Enrollment on upfront high‐risk neuroblastoma trials by race, ethnicity, and poverty status: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Umaretiya Puja J. , Naranjo Arlene , Zhang Fan F. , Irwin Meredith S. , DuBois Steven G. , Bagatell Rochelle , Bona Kira
Published: May 2024

It is not clear whether trial access disparities exist in the Children's Oncology Group (COG). Here, we leverage a cohort of children with high‐risk neuroblastoma (HR‐NBL) enrolled on the COG ANBL00B1 neuroblastoma biology study to examine subsequent enrollment to upfront COG therapeutic trials by race, ethnicity, and proxied poverty status. Among 1917 children with HR‐NBL enrolled on ANBL00B1, 696 (36.3%) subsequently enrolled on an upfront therapeutic trial with no difference by race, ethnicity, or proxied poverty status. In neuroblastoma, trial access disparities are not comparable to adult oncology, and efforts to advance equity should prioritize other mechanisms of survival disparities.
Interleaving carbon‐glass veils in glass epoxy composite for enhanced fracture toughness and interlaminar shear strength—A hybrid approach
Authors: Uppin Vinayak S. , Gouda P. S. Shivakumar , Sridhar Ippey , Umarfarooq M. A. , Edacherian Abhilash
Published: May 2024

The present study investigates the mode‐II fracture resistance and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) in glass epoxy laminates with the aid of glass‐carbon veils hybrid interleaving technique. Hybrid interleaves were prepared using various areal densities of non‐woven carbon and glass veils. Two methods, specifically inter‐ply and inter‐weaved ply interleaved glass epoxy composite laminates were manufactured by hand layup technique. End notch flexural and short beam test specimens were tested to estimate the mode‐II fracture resistance and ILSS. Test results indicated that the interleaved with inter‐weaved veil composite exhibited ~58% to ~82% and ~13% to ~61% enhancement for inter‐ply veil composite laminates when compared to plain samples. In context with the short beam test, a significant enhancement of approximately 23% in ILSS was noticed for the plain inter‐weaved veil constructed with a lower areal density of the carbon veil. Finally, the plain inter‐weaved interleaving technique has a prominent role in enhancing the resistance to fracture and shear strength in Glass epoxy laminates. Further, the fracture mechanisms of non‐interleaved and hybrid ply interleaved composite laminates were observed by scanning electron microscopic images.

Highlights

Interleaving non‐woven microfiber veil is the most promising and cost‐effective strategy to enhance the Interlayer toughness and strength.

Interleaving techniques used in this investigation have a significant effect on interlaminar fracture toughness (IFT) and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS).

The areal density of high‐modulus carbon veil showed a different phenomenal influence on IFT and ILSS.
A caregivers' perspective on social reintegration and stigma of childhood cancer survivors in Kenya
Authors: Lemmen Jesse , Mageto Susan , Njuguna Festus , Midiwo Nancy , Vik Terry A. , Kaspers Gertjan , Mostert Saskia
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Childhood cancer survivors' social reintegration may be hampered in low and middle‐income countries. The nature and extent of social challenges and prejudices that survivors encounter in such settings are largely unknown. This study explores caregivers' perspectives on social reintegration and stigmatization of Kenyan childhood cancer survivors.

Methods

Caretakers of childhood cancer survivors (<18 years) were interviewed using mixed‐methods questionnaires during home or clinic visits between 2021 and 2022. Stigma was assessed with an adjusted Social Impact Scale and risk factors were investigated.

Results

Caretakers of 54 survivors (median age 11 years) were interviewed. Families' income (93%) decreased since start of treatment. Caretakers (44%) often lost their jobs. Financial struggles (88%) were a burden that provoked conflicts within communities (31%). School fees for siblings became unaffordable (52%). Families received negative responses (26%) and were left or avoided (13%) by community members after cancer disclosure. Survivors and families were discriminated against because the child was perceived fragile, and cancer was considered fatal, contagious, or witchcraft. Survivors repeated school levels (58%) and were excluded from school activities (19%) or bullied (13%). Performance limitations of daily activities (p = 0.019), male sex (p = 0.032), solid tumors (p = 0.056) and a short time since treatment completion (p = 0.047) were associated with increased stigma. Caretakers recommended educational programs in schools and communities to raise awareness about cancer treatment and curability.

Conclusions

Childhood cancer survivors and their families experienced difficulties with re‐entry and stigmatization in society. Increasing cancer and survivorship awareness in schools and communities should facilitate social reintegration and prevent stigmatization.
Conversions and selectivities in cold plasma partial oxidation of methane
Authors: Müller Silvie , Ströfer Eckhard , Kohns Maximilian , Münnemann Kerstin , von Harbou Erik , Hasse Hans
Published: May 2024

In the present work, the application of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cold plasma technology for the partial oxidation of methane was systematically studied. Conversion of the reactants and selectivities were measured using an elaborate product analysis from a recent work by Müller et al. varying the reactant ratio in the feed, the mole fraction of the inert carrier gas argon in the feed, and the specific energy input at operating conditions close to ambient. The results from 20 new experiments carried out in the present work complement 23 previous experiments and provide an unprecedented comprehensive quantitative data set. This extends the available knowledge of partial oxidation of methane in DBD cold plasma considerably and is useful for testing mechanistic models.
Efficient inactivation effect of plasma‐activated water on oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Jia Yikang , Song Tianyi , Dong Yulin , Wang Xiangyu , Zhang Rui , Zhao Pengyu , Ma Sihong , Li Kaiyu , Liu Jin , Zeng Guang , Wang Zifeng , Zhang Hao , Zhang Jishen , Guo Li , Liu Dingxin
Published: May 2024

Oral diseases stemming from oral pathogenic bacteria pose a significant global health concern, and current methods for managing these pathogens have limitations. Plasma‐activated water (PAW), containing various reactive species, emerges as a promising disinfectant with impressive inactivation capabilities. In this study, PAW prepared by mixed‐mode plasma‐activated gases was applied to inactivate oral pathogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The PAW could reduce more than 6.1‐log10 planktonic bacteria and 4.1‐log10 bacteria within biofilm, respectively, and PAW treatment of planktonic bacteria effectively inhibited biofilm formation. Compared to chlorhexidine, PAW exhibited superior inactivation effects in both planktonic bacteria and biofilm. This study presented a potent strategy for bacteria eradication to reduce the incidence of oral diseases.
Targeting programmed cell death in inflammatory bowel disease through natural products: New insights from molecular mechanisms to targeted therapies
Authors: Wang Mengjie , Wang Zhiyuan , Li Zhichao , Qu Yuan , Zhao Jiting , Wang Lei , Zhou Xinpeng , Xu Ziqi , Zhang Di , Jiang Ping , Fan Bing , Liu Ying
Published: May 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disorder primarily characterized by intestinal inflammation and recurrent ulceration, leading to a compromised intestinal barrier and inflammatory infiltration. This disorder's pathogenesis is mainly attributed to extensive damage or death of intestinal epithelial cells, along with abnormal activation or impaired death regulation of immune cells and the release of various inflammatory factors, which contribute to the inflammatory environment in the intestines. Thus, maintaining intestinal homeostasis hinges on balancing the survival and functionality of various cell types. Programmed cell death (PCD) pathways, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and neutrophil extracellular traps, are integral in the pathogenesis of IBD by mediating the death of intestinal epithelial and immune cells. Natural products derived from plants, fruits, and vegetables have shown potential in regulating PCD, offering preventive and therapeutic avenues for IBD. This article reviews the role of natural products in IBD treatment by focusing on targeting PCD pathways, opening new avenues for clinical IBD management.
Performance of Rotation‐Symmetric Bosonic Codes in a Quantum Repeater Network
Authors: Li Pei‐Zhe , Dias Josephine , Munro William J. , van Loock Peter , Nemoto Kae , Lo Piparo Nicoló
Published: May 2024

Quantum error correction codes based on continuous variables play an important role for the implementation of quantum communication systems. A natural application of such codes occurs within quantum repeater systems which are used to combat severe channel losses and local gate errors. In particular, channel loss drastically reduces the distance of communication between remote users. Here, a cavity‐quantum electrodynamics (QED) based repeater scheme is considered to address the losses in the quantum channel. This repeater scheme relies on the transmission of a specific class of rotationally invariant error‐correcting codes. Several rotation‐symmetric bosonic codes (RSBCs) are compared for encoding the initial states of two remote users connected by a quantum repeater network against the convention of the cat codes and the performance of the system is quantified by using the secret key rate. In particular, the number of stations required to exchange a secret key over a fixed distance is determined and establish the resource overhead. For higher‐loss codes, the results show that a secret key rate (SKR) value of 0.01 bit per channel use can be achieved at a distance of 10000 km, with an elementary distance of 1.3 km.
Synthesis of N‐ureido Pyrrole Derivatives Through Gold‐Catalysed Reaction: Solvent and Catalyst Effect
Authors: Taşdemir Volkan
Published: May 2024

Substituted pyrroles were obtained as a result of metal‐catalyzed cyclization of α propargyl acetophenone and α‐propargyl‐β‐ketoesters with semicarbazide. Optimum conditions and general procedures with high yields were established in a single pot. Eleven different N‐ureido‐pyrrole derivatives were successfully yielded. Different ynone derivatives having various functionalities did not affect the cyclization reaction but except a slight decrease in product yield. Screening of optimum catalyst revealed that gold(III) chloride was the best catalyst for the cyclization reaction. We believe that this is the first time an N‐ureido‐pyrrole skeleton starting from ynone has been synthesized in the literature.
Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Nepeta Taxa Essential Oils from Turkey: Principal Component Analysis, Molecular Docking Study, Molecular Dynamics, MM‐PBSA and Drug‐Likeness Estimation
Authors: Yenigun Semiha , Basar Yunus , Gul Fatih , Marah Sarmad , Behcet Lutfi , Demirtas Ibrahim , Ozen Tevfik
Published: May 2024

Nepeta taxa are popular plants and sources of traditional Turkish medicine. Chemical constituents in the essential oils (EOs) hydrodistilled from above‐ground parts of Nepeta aristata (NA), N. baytopii (NB), N. italica (NI), N. nuda (NN), and N. stenantha (NS) were determined using GC‐MS. The pharmacological activities of EOs, such as biological activities, were evaluated in vitro. DNA protection activities of NS‐EO were found to be the most effective. The NA‐EO, NI‐EO, and NS‐EO were more potent urease inhibitors, while the NS‐EO exhibited potent AChE inhibitors. Their molecular docking, molecular dynamics and enzyme inhibition results were compatible with the major components. Furthermore, MolDock and binding affinity results were found to be high. Moreover, AChE‐tau‐cadinol, BChE‐tau‐cadinol and tyrosinase‐Caryophyllene oxide complexes showed stability when simulated for 100 ns, with high MM‐PBSA energy values. In addition, the main components′ pharmacokinetic properties were observed to be effective. The present study showed that EOs may be valuable natural products for future pharmacological research, food, and the cosmetic industry according to in vitro and in silico values.
Microwave‐Assisted Preparation of an Acidic Deep Eutectic Solvent: Green Analysis, Characterization and Application
Authors: Yap Pei Gee , Wang Yong , Gan Chee Yuen
Published: May 2024

Microwave irradiation was postulated to reduce time and energy for deep eutectic solvent (DES) production which is in line with the principle of green chemistry. In this study, the choline chloride (ChCl)‐malic acid (MA) DES was prepared using microwave‐assisted (DES‐Mic) and conventional (DES‐Con) approaches. Microwave was a relatively greener approach as it was rapid (5 min) and consumed 92.8 % energy less than DES‐Con. Moreover, DES‐Mic and DES‐Con exhibited similar physicochemical profiles (pH, solubility, density) and rheological properties. Structural profiling through FTIR analysis suggested hydrogen bond formation between the functional groups of ChCl and MA. The FTIR spectra also did not show structural differences in the DES synthesized using different methods. DES‐Mic and DES‐Con exhibited superior 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (80.8±0.1 and 83.2±0.3 %, respectively) free radical scavenging activities than ChCl (15.6±0.8 %), MA (20.0±1.4 %) and ChCl:MA aqueous mixture without subjected to DES synthesis conditions (ChCl:MAaq; 23.3±0.8 %). Both DES were also proven as more efficient solvents for the extraction of polysaccharides from ramie leaf, as they recorded higher yields (21.4±1.9 and 22.2±1.0 %, respectively) than equimolar of MA (17.7±2.6 %) and ChCl (6.4±0.2 %). Overall, microwave was proven as a more sustainable approach for DES preparation compared to conventional method, which could be further improvised for industrial applications.
Hydration of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO (001) Surfaces from First Principles
Authors: Maleki Farahnaz , Inico Elisabetta , Di Liberto Giovanni
Published: May 2024

In this work we present a computational study of alkaline earth oxides (001) surfaces interfaced with water by means of density functional theory (DFT) in conjunction with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations. We studied the nature of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO (001) surfaces in contact with water. Results show that water dissociation is promoted as the alkaline earth metal becomes heavier. Similarly, the coordination number of the cation atoms with water molecules follows the same trend, indicating a more favorable interaction. The combined analysis of rumpling and pair distribution functions allows to provide a correspondence between reactivity of atoms on the surface and capability to coordinate water molecules. Except for MgO, the remaining surfaces display strong structural changes upon hydration, a relevant message when modelling hydrated surfaces. We also investigated the effect of the water thickness by adsorbing a water monolayer and bilayer to the surface. The findings of the study and the adopted approach could be of help for future studies of more complex systems or to provide fundamental rationalizations.
NIR Absorbing Organic Chromophores Combination with NSAIDs for Remodeling of the Inflammatory Microenvironment to Amplify Tumor Ferroptosis‐Photothermal Synergistic Therapy
Authors: Chen Zhian , Zhang Di , Huang Huilin , Chen Jian , Li Zhenhao , Hu Yanfeng , Liu Ruiyuan
Published: May 2024

Photothermal therapy has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment, which can cause ferroptosis to enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy. However, excessively generated immunogenicity will induce serious inflammatory response syndrome, resulting in a discounted therapeutic effect. Herein, a kind of NIR absorption small organic chromophore nanoparticles (TTHM NPs) with high photothermal conversion efficiency (68.33%) is developed, which can induce mitochondria dysfunction, generate mitochondrial superoxide, and following ferroptosis. TTHM NPs‐based photothermal therapy is combined with Sulfasalazine (SUZ), a kind of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, to weaken inflammation and promote ferroptosis through suppressing glutamate/cystine (Glu/Cys) antiporter system Xc− (xCT). Additionally, the combination of SUZ with PTT can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), followed by promoting the maturation of DCs and the attraction of CD8+ T cell, which will secrete IFN‐γ and trigger self‐amplified ferroptosis via inhibiting xCT and simulating Acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain family member 4 (ACSL4). Moreover, the in vivo results demonstrate that this combination therapy can suppress the expression of inflammatory factors, enhance dendritic cell activation, facilitate T‐cell infiltration, and realize effective thermal elimination of primary tumors and distant tumors. In general, this work provides an excellent example of combined medication and stimulates new thinking about onco‐therapy and inflammatory response.
Visible Light‐Gating Responsive Nanochannel for Controlled Release of the Fungicide
Authors: Li Wenjie , Li Guang , Xu Weiwei , Li Ziheng , Qu Haonan , Ma Cuiguang , Zhang Haifan , Cai Meng , Bahojb Noruzi Ehsan , Quan Jiaxin , Periyasami Govindasami , Li Haibing
Published: May 2024

Fungicides have been widely used to protect crops from the disease of pythium aphanidermatum (PA). However, excessive use of synthetic fungicides can lead to fungal pathogens developing microbicide resistance. Recently, biomimetic nano‐delivery systems have been used for controlled release, reducing the overuse of fungicides, and thereby protecting the environment. In this paper, inspired by chloroplast membranes, visible light biomimetic channels are constructed by using retinal, the main component of green pigment on chloroplasts in plants, which can achieve the precise controlled release of the model fungicide methylene blue (MB). The experimental results show that the biomimetic channels have good circularity after and before light conditions. In addition, it is also found that the release of MB in visible light by the retinal‐modified channels is 8.78 µmol·m−2·h−1, which is four times higher than that in the before light conditions. Furthermore, MB, a bactericide drug model released under visible light, can effectively inhibit the growth of PA, reaching a 97% inhibition effect. The biomimetic nanochannels can realize the controlled release of the fungicide MB, which provides a new way for the treatment of PA on the leaves surface of cucumber, further expanding the application field of biomimetic nanomembrane carrier materials.
Bilateral Production Shield Enabling Highly Efficient Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Zhu Xiao‐Zhao , Wang Kai‐Li , Jin Run‐Jun , Chen Jin‐Hui , Hao Yi‐Hong , Nizamani Namatullah , Liu Yuan , Zhu Ying‐Hui , Zhang Mei‐E , Wang Zhao‐Kui , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: May 2024

Enhancing the intrinsic stability of perovskite and through encapsulation to isolate water, oxygen, and UV‐induced decomposition are currently common and most effective strategies in perovskite solar cells. Here, the atomic layer deposition process is employed to deposit a nanoscale (≈100 nm), uniform, and dense Al2O3 film on the front side of perovskite devices, effectively isolating them from the erosion caused by water and oxygen in the humid air. Simultaneously, nanoscale (≈100 nm) TiO2 films are also deposited on the glass surface to efficiently filter out the ultraviolet (UV) light in the light source, which induces degradation in perovskite. Ultimately, throughthe collaborative effects of both aspects, the stability of the devices is significantly improved under conditions of humid air and illumination. As a result, after storing the devices in ambient air for 1000 h, the efficiency only declines to 95%, and even after 662 h of UV exposure, the efficiency remains at 88%, far surpassing the performance of comparison devices. These results strongly indicate that the adopted Al2O3 and TiO2 thin films play a significant role in enhancing the stability of perovskite solar cells, demonstrating substantial potential for widespread industrial applications.
Achieving Excellent Strength–Ductility Synergy by Tailoring the Grain Size Distribution in a Metastable Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Guo Yanhui , Liu Xin , Fu Bin , Pang Linghuan , Li Xiaolin , Ding Yi
Published: May 2024

Ultrafine/fine‐grained austenitic stainless steel (ASS) is prepared through severe cold rolling (CR) and subsequent annealing. The microstructure evolution and tensile deformation behavior is investigated, focusing on the influence of grain size distribution on the mechanical properties and strain‐hardening behavior of the ASS. In the results, it is revealed that obvious ultrafine/fine‐grained hierarchical microstructure forms after annealing at 650 °C for 80 and 110 min, respectively. And, the CR‐80 sample with more ultrafine grains (UFGs) (86%) exhibits good combination of strength and ductility. The yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength, and total elongation  are 954 MPa, 1030 MPa, and 43.4%, respectively. The high YS mainly originates from the retained martensite and grain refinement strengthening, while the ductility enhancement can be attributed to the postponed transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) effect, which is a consequence of the significant number fraction of UFGs in the hierarchical microstructure. In this study, a new strategy is provided to solve the strength–ductility tradeoff in TRIP‐assisted metallic materials by tailoring the grain size distribution.
The discrete empirical interpolation method in class identification and data summarization
Authors: Hendryx Lyons Emily P.
Published: May 2024

The discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM) is well established as a means of performing model order reduction in approximating solutions to differential equations, but it has also more recently demonstrated potential in performing data class detection through subset selection. Leveraging the singular value decomposition (SVD) for dimension reduction, DEIM uses interpolatory projection to identify the representative rows and/or columns of a data matrix. This approach has been adapted to develop additional algorithms, including a CUR matrix factorization for performing dimension reduction while preserving the interpretability of the data. DEIM‐oversampling techniques have also been developed expressly for the purpose of index selection in identifying more DEIM representatives than would typically be allowed by the matrix rank. Even with these developments, there is still a relatively large gap in the literature regarding the use of DEIM in performing unsupervised learning tasks to analyze large datasets. Known examples of DEIM's demonstrated applicability include contexts such as physics‐based modeling/monitoring, electrocardiogram data summarization and classification, and document term subset selection. This overview presents a description of DEIM and some DEIM‐related algorithms, discusses existing results from the literature with an emphasis on more statistical‐learning‐based tasks, and identifies areas for further exploration moving forward.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Dimension Reduction

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Exploratory Data Analysis

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification
Singular solutions for space-time fractional equations in a bounded domain
Authors: Chan Hardy , Gómez-Castro David , Vázquez Juan Luis
Published: May 2024

This paper is devoted to describing a linear diffusion problem involving fractional-in-time derivatives and self-adjoint integro-differential space operators posed in bounded domains. One main concern of our paper is to deal with singular boundary data which are typical of fractional diffusion operators in space, and the other one is the consideration of the fractional-in-time Caputo and Riemann–Liouville derivatives in a unified way. We first construct classical solutions of our problems using the spectral theory and discussing the corresponding fractional-in-time ordinary differential equations. We take advantage of the duality between these fractional-in-time derivatives to introduce the notion of weak-dual solution for weighted-integrable data. As the main result of the paper, we prove the well-posedness of the initial and boundary-value problems in this sense.
Trauma und Erinnerung – ein Beitrag zur aktuellen Debatte in Recht und Psychotherapie
Authors: Schellong Julia , Schellong Anton , Gast Ursula , Frommberger Ulrich , Jatzko Alexander , Schäfer Ingo
Published: May 2024

Der Abruf von Erinnerungen an vergangene Ereignisse, Gefühle und Erfahrungen ist ein komplexer Prozess. Wenn wir traumatische Ereignisse erleben, wie es bei sexualisierter Gewalt der Fall ist, ergibt sich eine ganze Reihe zusätzlicher Schwierigkeiten und Komplexitäten. Besonders wichtig wird dies in Gerichtsverfahren, die sich überwiegend oder ausschließlich auf die Aussage des Opfers stützen, wo das Problem der Fehlbarkeit des Gedächtnisses in den Mittelpunkt rückt. Einige Forschungsarbeiten betonen die Möglichkeit, Erinnerungen hervorzurufen, zu verändern oder zu unterdrücken, insbesondere im Rahmen einer Psychotherapie. Dies hat zu der bedauerlichen Tatsache geführt, dass die Aussagen von Betroffenen, die sich einer Psychotherapie unterzogen haben, häufig als unzuverlässig angesehen werden. Dies wiederum kann zu dem Eindruck führen, dass eine Entscheidung zwischen der Behandlung der negativen Auswirkungen traumatischer Ereignisse und der Maximierung der Chancen für eine Verurteilung des Täters vor Gericht getroffen werden müsse. Der vorliegende Beitrag führt in einige zentrale Konzepte unseres derzeitigen Verständnisses von Erinnerung ein und gibt einen Überblick über die einschlägige wissenschaftliche Literatur und Debatte. Anschließend wird das Dilemma in Bezug auf die verschiedenen Gruppen aller Beteiligten (das heißt Betroffene, Justizangehörige und Psychotherapeut:innen) untersucht. Schließlich wird ein Rahmen für die Lösung dieses Problems vorgeschlagen, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf der Forschung in entscheidenden Bereichen, auf der Erweiterung von Therapierichtlinien und Dokumentationsverfahren sowie auf der Kommunikation dieser Bemühungen an alle Beteiligten liegt.
Structuring a scientific publication—what authors should pay attention to
Authors: Herbst Elmar , Kopf Sebastian , Günther Daniel ,   AGA Research Committee
Published: May 2024

This article gives a brief overview on how to prepare a scientific publication. Considerations relevant before preparing the manuscript are presented (i.e., preparation of a bulleted outline), and tips are provided for choosing an appropriate and catchy title. When preparing a manuscript, the introduction section is often too long. Here, authors should directly present the scientific/clinical problem, current knowledge on the topic, and the research question, followed by a clear hypothesis. The methods section should be prepared as a detailed recipe in order to make the study reproducible for others. The results section should focus on the primary and secondary endpoints of the study, with key results highlighted in figures and tables. In the discussion section, these endpoints should be discussed on the basis of current literature after a short summary of the main findings. Importantly, results should be discussed on the basis of scientific and clinical relevance rather than in terms of statistical significance.
Prediction and optimization kerf width in laser beam machining of titanium alloy using genetic algorithm tuned adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system
Authors: Ji Min , Thangaraj Muthuramalingam , Devaraj Saravanakumar , Machnik Ryszard , Karkalos Nikolaos E. , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis
Published: May 2024

In the power diode laser beam machining (DLBM) process, the kerf width (KW) and surface roughness (SR) are important factors in evaluating the cutting quality of the machined specimens. Apart from determining the influence of process parameters on these factors, it is also very important to adopt multi-response optimization approaches for them, in order to achieve better processing of specimens, especially for hard-to-cut materials. In this investigation, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and genetic algorithm tuned ANFIS (GA-ANFIS) were used to predict the KW on a titanium alloy workpiece during DLBM. Five machining process factors, namely power diode, standoff distance, feed rate, duty cycle, and frequency, were used for the development of the model due to their correlation with KW. As in some cases, traditional soft computing methods cannot achieve high accuracy; in this investigation, an endeavor was made to introduce the GA-assisted ANFIS technique to predict kerf width while machining grooves in a titanium alloy workpiece using the DLBM process based on experimental results of a total of 50 combinations of the process parameters. It was observed that FIS was tuned well using the ANN in the ANFIS model with an R2 value of 0.99 for the training data but only 0.94 value for the testing dataset. The predicting performance of the GA-ANFIS model was better with less value for error parameters (MSE, RMSE, MAE) and a higher R2 value of 0.98 across different folds. Comparison with other state-of-the-art models further indicated the superiority of the GA-ANFIS predictive model, as its performance was superior in terms of all metrics. Finally, the optimal process parameters for minimum KW and SR, from gray relational–based (GRB) multi-response optimization (MRO) approach, were found as 20 W (level 2) for laser power, 22 mm (level 5) for standoff distance, 300 mm/min (level 5) for feed rate, 85% (level 5) for duty cycle, and 18 kHz (level 3) for frequency.
A biharmonic analogue of the Alt–Caffarelli problem
Authors: Grunau Hans-Christoph , Müller Marius
Published: May 2024

We study a natural biharmonic analogue of the classical Alt–Caffarelli problem, both under Dirichlet and under Navier boundary conditions. We show existence, basic properties and $$C^{1,\alpha }$$

C

1
,
α

-regularity of minimisers. For the Navier problem we also obtain a symmetry result in case that the boundary data are radial. We find this remarkable because the problem under investigation is of higher order. Computing radial minimisers explicitly we find that the obtained regularity is optimal.
Cycle-Star Motifs: Network Response to Link Modifications
Authors: Bakrani Sajjad , Kiran Narcicegi , Eroglu Deniz , Pereira Tiago
Published: May 2024

Understanding efficient modifications to improve network functionality is a fundamental problem of scientific and industrial interest. We study the response of network dynamics against link modifications on a weakly connected directed graph consisting of two strongly connected components: an undirected star and an undirected cycle. We assume that there are directed edges starting from the cycle and ending at the star (master–slave formalism). We modify the graph by adding directed edges of arbitrarily large weights starting from the star and ending at the cycle (opposite direction of the cutset). We provide criteria (based on the sizes of the star and cycle, the coupling structure, and the weights of cutset and modification edges) that determine how the modification affects the spectral gap of the Laplacian matrix. We apply our approach to understand the modifications that either enhance or hinder synchronization in networks of chaotic Lorenz systems as well as Rössler. Our results show that the hindrance of collective dynamics due to link additions is not atypical as previously anticipated by modification analysis and thus allows for better control of collective properties.