bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Artificial Intelligence‐Motivated Skin‐Like Optical Fiber Tactile Sensor
Authors: Li Tianliang , Su Yifei , Zheng Han , Chen Fayin , Li Xiong , Tan Yuegang , Zhou Zude
Published: April 2023

Soft and stretchable tactile sensors have received extensive attention for their potential applications in wearables, human–robot interaction, and intelligent robots. Herein, inspired by the functions of skin somatosensory signal generation and processing, an artificial intelligence‐motivated skin‐like optical fiber tactile (SOFT) sensor is proposed. It features multifunctional touch interaction capabilities including tactile amplitude and position and tensile strain. Four fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are embedded in a skin‐like three‐layer laminate structure of the SOFT sensor, forming a flexible tactile sensing array with a stretchability larger than 20%. Fusing the two‐level cascaded neural network, the position and magnitude of the contact force can be distinguished simultaneously. The recognition accuracy for contact position is up to 92.41% and the error is less than 4.2% within the force range of 0–3.5 N. Several SOFT sensor‐based interactive applications including pressure password interface and music playback are achieved by combining the artificial intelligence spatiotemporal dynamic logic analysis. Furthermore, the sensor is also capable of complex scenes involving tension and tactile sensing, such as dexterous hand perception and human–robot interaction control. This work provides novel insights into artificial intelligence‐based integrated skin that shows broad promise in intelligent prosthetics and bionic robotic.
A Perspective on Miniature Soft Robotics: Actuation, Fabrication, Control, and Applications
Authors: Chi Yinding , Zhao Yao , Hong Yaoye , Li Yanbin , Yin Jie
Published: April 2023

Soft robotics enriches the robotic functionalities by engineering soft materials and electronics toward enhanced compliance, adaptivity, and friendly human machine. This decade has witnessed extraordinary progresses and benefits in scaling down soft robotics to small scale for a wide range of potential and promising applications, including medical and surgical soft robots, wearable and rehabilitation robots, and unconstructed environments exploration. This perspective highlights recent research efforts in miniature soft robotics in a brief and comprehensive way in terms of actuation, powering, designs, fabrication, control, and applications in four sections. Section 2 discusses the key aspects of materials selection and structural designs for small‐scale tethered and untethered actuation and powering, including fluidic actuation, stimuli‐responsive actuation, and soft living biohybrid materials, as well as structural forms from 1D to 3D. Section 3 discusses the advanced manufacturing techniques at small scales for fabricating miniature soft robots, including lithography, mechanical self‐assembly, additive manufacturing, tissue engineering, and other fabrication methods. Section 4 discusses the control systems used in miniature robots, including off‐board/onboard controls and artificial intelligence‐based controls. Section 5 discusses their potential broad applications in healthcare, small‐scale objects manipulating and processing, and environmental monitoring. Finally, outlooks on the challenges and opportunities are discussed.
Inaccurate penicillin allergy labels: Consequences, solutions, and opportunities for rhinologists
Authors: Liu Matthew Y. , McCoul Edward D. , Brooks Edward G. , Lao Veronica F. , Chen Philip G.
Published: April 2023

A patient‐reported history of penicillin allergy is a common label with a prevalence of about 10%. However, as many as 95% of patients reporting a penicillin allergy do not have a true immunoglobin‐E (IgE)‐mediated allergic reaction. Unfortunately, penicillin allergy mislabeling is problematic, leading to inappropriate antibiotic use and negative consequences, such as adverse drug events, suboptimal outcomes, and increased costs. As physicians who treat patients of all ages for common sinonasal pathology in the clinic and operating room in addition to frequently providing testing and management of allergic diseases, rhinologists are well positioned to aid in delabeling patients with inaccurate penicillin allergies. This viewpoint highlights the consequences of inaccurate penicillin allergy designation in the clinic and perioperative period and explores misconceptions regarding cross‐reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins. Opportunities are explored for shared decision‐making with colleagues in other specialties, such as anesthesiology, and practical recommendations are provided to aid rhinologists when faced with a patient who holds a questionable history of penicillin allergy. Rhinologists can play an active role in delabeling patients with inaccurate penicillin allergies with the goal of ensuring appropriate antibiotic use for future medical encounters.
Retinotopic degeneration of the retina and optic tracts in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Adhikari Suman , Qiao Yuchuan , Singer Maxwell , Sagare Abhay , Jiang Xuejuan , Shi Yonggang , Ringman John M. , Kashani Amir H.
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the correlation between retinal thickness and optic tract integrity in subjects with autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) causing mutations.

METHODS

Retinal thicknesses and diffusion tensor images (DTI) were obtained using optical coherence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. The association between retinal thickness and DTI measures was adjusted for age, sex, retinotopy, and correlation between eyes.

RESULTS

Optic tract mean diffusivity and axial diffusivity were negatively correlated with retinotopically defined ganglion cell inner plexiform thickness (GCIPL). Fractional anisotropy was negatively correlated with retinotopically defined retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. There was no correlation between outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and any DTI measure.

DISCUSSION

In ADAD, GCIPL thickness is significantly associated with retinotopic optic tract DTI measures even in minimally symptomatic subjects. Similar associations were not present with ONL thickness or when ignoring retinotopy. We provide in vivo evidence for optic tract changes resulting from ganglion cell pathology in ADAD.
Comparison of genetic and health risk factors for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white participants
Authors: Xiao Cally , Pappas Ioannis , Aksman Leon M. , O'Bryant Sid E. , Toga Arthur W. ,   the Health and Aging Brain Study (HABS‐HD) Study Team, Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

The influence of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is well studied in the non‐Hispanic white (NHW) population but not in the Hispanic population. Additionally, health risk factors such as hypertension, stroke, and depression may also differ between the two populations.

METHODS

We combined three data sets (National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center [NACC], Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative [ADNI], Health and Aging Brain Study: Health Disparities [HABS‐HD]) and compared risk factors for MCI and AD between Hispanic and NHW participants, with a total of 24,268 participants (11.1% Hispanic).

RESULTS

APOEε4 was associated with fewer all‐cause MCI cases in Hispanic participants (Hispanic odds ratio [OR]: 1.114; NHW OR: 1.453), and APOEε2 (Hispanic OR: 1.224; NHW OR: 0.592) and depression (Hispanic OR: 2.817; NHW OR: 1.847) were associated with more AD cases in Hispanic participants.

DISCUSSION

APOEε2 may not be protective for AD in Hispanic participants and Hispanic participants with depression may face a higher risk for AD.

Highlights

GAAIN allows for discovery of data sets to use in secondary analyses.

APOEε2 was not protective for AD in Hispanic participants.

APOEε4 was associated with fewer MCI cases in Hispanic participants.

Depression was associated with more AD cases in Hispanic participants.
Investigating hafting and composite tool repair as factors creating variability in backed artefacts: Evidence from Ngungara (Weereewa/Lake George), south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Way Amy Mosig , Koungoulos Loukas , Wyatt‐Spratt Simon , Hiscock Peter
Published: April 2023

Across the Australian continent, backed artefacts are produced in enormous numbers during the mid‐late Holocene. Previous examinations have revealed variation in the average shape of these artefacts, at both continental and regional scales. To better understand the factors creating this variability, we examine a large assemblage of backed artefacts from Ngungara (Weereewa/Lake George), in south‐eastern Australia. This is one of the few open sites in Australia which has high‐resolution evidence for spatially distinct, short‐term workshops. Within these well‐bounded workshops both locally manufactured and imported backed artefacts are present. However, across this landscape the shape of these artefacts is not uniform; rather, similarly shaped backed artefacts are concentrated in different workshop areas. Through the analysis of backed artefacts in different workshops, we suggest that “insert copying” or the replacement of spent inserts with similarly shaped, locally manufactured artefacts creates variability in backed artefact shape.
Catalytic semi‐hydrogenation through hydrogen transfer from carbohydrates as a sustainable hydrogen source over bimetallic PdCuFe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Cho Jin Hee , Won Youngdae , Kim Byeong Moon
Published: April 2023

We established a novel heterogeneous catalytic system for the semi‐hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene through hydrogen transfer from biomass as an abundant and cheap hydrogen source using a bimetallic PdCuFe3O4 nanoparticle catalyst. A wide range of carbohydrates from biomass sources were successfully utilized in the selective semi‐hydrogenation of diphenylacethylene in 2‐butanone/water.
Development and validation of web‐based prognostic nomograms for massive hepatocellular carcinoma (≥10 cm): A retrospective study based on the SEER database
Authors: Huang Guizhong , Lin Qiaohong , Yin Pengfei , Mao Kai , Zhang Jianlong
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Massive hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC, a maximum tumor size of at least 10 cm) tends to have a poor prognosis. Therefore, this study aims to construct and validate prognostic nomograms for MHCC.

Methods

Clinic data of 1292 MHCC patients between 2010 and 2015 were got from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) cancer registration database. The whole set was separated into the training and validation sets at a ratio of 2:1 randomly. Variables, significantly associated with cancer‐specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) of MHCC were figured out by multivariate Cox regression analysis and were taken to develop nomograms. The concordance index (C‐index), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were taken to validate the predictive abilities and accuracy of the nomograms.

Results

Race, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), grade, combined summary stage, and surgery were identified as independent factors of CSS, and fibrosis score, AFP, grade, combined summary stage, and surgery significantly correlated with OS in the training cohort. They then were taken to construct prognostic nomograms. The constructed model for predicting CSS exhibited satisfactory performance with a C‐index of 0.727 (95% CI: 0.746–0.708) in the training group and 0. 672 (95% CI: 0.703–0.641) in the validation group. Besides, the model for predicting OS of MHCC also showed strong performance both in the training group (C‐index: 0.722, 95% CI: 0.741–0.704) and the validation (C‐index: 0.667, 95% CI: 0.696–0.638) group. All calibration curves and decision curves performed satisfactory predictive accuracy and clinic application values of the nomograms.

Conclusion

The web‐based nomograms for CSS and OS of MHCC were developed and validated in this study, which prospectively could be tested and may serve as additional tools to assess patient's individualized prognosis and make precise therapeutic selection to improve the poor outcome of MHCC.
Enhanced Stability for Chemoselective Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes by Carbon Layer Coated Ni‐Fe Alloy Catalyst
Authors: Xie Qingqing , He Huizi , Qin Xiaofei , Zhang Min , Wan Hongliu , Song Chang , Yang Yong , Sun Xiaodong
Published: April 2023

Non‐noble bimetallic alloys serve as an alternative catalytic material for noble metal‐based catalysts that could be applied in selective hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds. However, maintaining the catalytic stability for bimetallic nanoparticles in the selective hydrogenation process remains a substantial challenge, due to its high tendency to structural transformation upon reactive circumstances. Herein, this problem is solved by constructing carbon‐protected catalytic sites within carbon layer‐coated Ni−Fe nanoalloy composite via pyrolysis of NiFex(OH)2/glucose precursor. The optimized NiFe0.06@C catalyst exhibits excellent stability and selectivity to aminostyrene (>97 %) in the chemoselectivity hydrogenation of 3‐nitrostyrene reaction. Various characterization indicates that the enhancement in stability originates from the protective effect of the carbon layer, which prevents the oxidation and aggregation of Ni−Fe nanoparticles during the reaction process. This work greatly advances non‐noble metal‐catalyzed selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes and helps the rational design of bimetallic catalysts.
Detection and quantification of two commercial flatfishes (Solea solea and Pleuronectes platessa) in the North Sea using environmental DNA
Authors: Maes Sarah M. , Desmet Sam , Brys Rein , Sys Klaas , Ruttink Tom , Maes Sara , Hostens Kris , Vansteenbrugge Lies , Derycke Sofie
Published: April 2023

Sustainable fisheries management requires regular scientific monitoring of fish stocks. When information on certain fish stocks is limited, environmental DNA (eDNA) holds promise to complement traditional monitoring surveys. However, a better understanding of how eDNA concentrations relate to fish abundance and biomass is needed. Here, eDNA quantification of two commercially important flatfish species in the North‐East Atlantic, common sole (Solea solea) and European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), was assessed. First, species‐specific, probe‐based assays for plaice and sole targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, respectively, were developed (for sole) and validated (for both species). Subsequently, two mesocosm experiments revealed a significant and positive relationship between both abundance and biomass and eDNA concentrations for both species at three eDNA emission time periods (5 min, 1 h, and 24 h). Larger plaice shed significantly more eDNA (copies L−1) than smaller conspecifics. Finally, eDNA was obtained from seawater collected during research surveys in the Belgian part of the North Sea in spring 2020 (i.e., local scale) and the southwestern North Sea in autumn 2020 and 2021 (i.e., regional scale). eDNA concentrations were compared to the observed abundance (individuals per km2) and fish density in terms of biomass (kg per km2) as observed in the trawl at the same station. Local eDNA concentrations of both sole and plaice were positively correlated with observed abundance and fish density. The correlation between regional eDNA concentrations and fish density was positive and significant for sole in 2020 and 2021 and for plaice in 2020, but not in 2021. The correlation between regional eDNA concentrations and observed abundance was positive and significant for sole and plaice in 2020, but not in 2021. These results illustrate the potential of eDNA to estimate abundance and biomass parameters for stock assessments of flatfishes in the North Sea.
Individual differences in contextual threat generalisation and uncertainty: The role of intolerance of uncertainty
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Gu Yuanyuan , Huang Lihui , Lei Yi
Published: April 2023

Threat generalisation is an adaptive process that is essential for individual survival. In contrast, over‐generalisation is a pathological process that underlies the development of anxiety disorders. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is an individual characteristic known to influence threat generalisation by altering the responses to threat in uncertain situations. However, how it affects contextual threat generalisation remains unclear. Here, we used a novel paradigm to investigate whether contextual threat generalisation varied between individuals depending on their IU level (high or low) and the predictability of a situation (predictable or unpredictable). We analysed shock expectancy in 82 participants (age: 18–27 years) during threat acquisition and generalisation. Results showed that compared with the low IU group, the high IU group exhibited increased contextual threat generalisation to threat‐related cues in unpredictable situation. These findings suggest that IU could be a marker for anxiety disorder susceptibility, as well as a target for anxiety treatment.
Community pharmacist‐provided test and treat programs for acute infectious conditions
Authors: Koski Renee R. , Klepser Nick , Koski Madelyn , Klepser Michael , Klepser Donald
Published: April 2023

Community pharmacists' roles have expanded in recent years to include offering test and treat programs where they perform testing on Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA)‐waived point‐of‐care testing (POCT) devices to diagnose specific acute infectious conditions, such as influenza and group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis, and then potentially prescribe and dispense appropriate antimicrobials. Availability of these services in pharmacies has several benefits, including increased access to care, decreased overutilization of other health care services, and decreased antimicrobial resistance. States have different requirements for collaborative practice agreements and reimbursement for these clinical services in community pharmacies. Several studies have looked at outcomes related to community pharmacies implementing test and treat programs for influenza and/or GAS. Other studies looked at outcomes related to implementing testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 and referring for treatment. Most studies described successful implementation and barriers to integration of these programs into pharmacy workflow. Some studies showed that patients want these services to be offered in community pharmacies and are willing to pay for the services. Data show that these services are cost effective compared to physician provider‐based treatment. Newer CLIA‐waived POCT technology may increase implementation of these services, but studies are needed to evaluate their utility in community pharmacies. Pharmacy schools should implement widespread training on these devices, and research should continue in this area to test the use of newer technology (i.e., multiplexed devices) and their economic impact.
Nighttime medication administration and patient perception of sleep in the intensive care unit
Authors: Howell Alexandria , Seung Hyunuk , So Jennifer Y. , Schuchardt Jessica , Ahmed Nehal , Wilburn Brady , Heavner Mojdeh S.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Environmental, patient, disease, and care‐related factors can lead to sleep disruption in the intensive care unit (ICU). Medication administration is a potentially modifiable factor in this setting that has not been well described as a target for sleep improvement.

Objectives

To determine characteristics of nighttime medication administration practices in the ICU, evaluate the effect on patient perceived sleep, and assess the opportunity for pharmacist‐led nighttime medication administration stewardship.

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study. Patients included for chart review had perceived sleep measured using the Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Data were collected on patient characteristics, ICU exposures, and nighttime medications administered. Four RCSQ groups defined for comparison were RCSQ 0–25 indicating “very poor” sleep, 26–50 “poor” sleep, 51–75 “good” sleep, and 76–100 “very good” sleep.

Results

Overall, 115 patients with RCSQ assessments and 435 nighttime medication administrations were included. Nighttime medications were most commonly cardiovascular (28.9%) and central nervous system (21.4%) agents, administered via intravenous (54.5%) and oral (22.7%) routes. Patient characteristics were comparable between the four groups except for history of head trauma. Patients reporting very poor sleep had a significantly higher median number of nighttime medications administered as compared to patients reporting very good sleep (4.0 [interquartile range (IQR) (2, 6)] vs. 2.5 [IQR 1, 4], adjusted p = 0.048). Approximately three‐quarters of nighttime medications occurred between the hours of 22:00–0:59 and 5:00–5:59. Nearly 40% of nighttime medications could have been retimed for daytime administration.

Conclusions

Unnecessary nighttime medication administration is common and associated with poor patient perceived sleep in the ICU. Pharmacists are well‐positioned to evaluate timing of medication administration and cluster medication‐related care for daytime hours, when appropriate. Nighttime medication stewardship optimization by pharmacists is an opportunity to improve patient perceived sleep in the ICU.
Mode of delivery preference in prenatal genetic counseling between English‐ and Spanish‐speaking patients at two US medical institutions
Authors: Steyer Taylor A. , Hodges Priscila D. , Rouse Caroline E. , Torres‐Martinez Wilfredo , Wetherill Leah , Hines Karrie A.
Published: April 2023

Although Hispanic individuals are at an increased risk for various genetic conditions, they have lower uptake of genetic counseling and genetic testing. Virtual appointments have many advantages that may help Spanish‐speaking patients access genetic services more readily. Despite these benefits, there are limitations that may make them less attractive options for these individuals. This study aimed to determine if satisfaction with genetic counseling or mode of delivery preference differs between English‐ and Spanish‐speaking individuals who have had a virtual prenatal genetic counseling session. Participants were recruited from prenatal genetic counseling clinics at Indiana University Health and Eskenazi Hospital. A REDCap survey was sent to all eligible participants. Survey questions included mode of delivery preference for future genetic counseling sessions (virtual versus in‐person), the validated Genetic Counseling Satisfaction Scale, and questions inquiring about the importance of various factors affecting mode of delivery preference. Spanish‐speaking individuals preferred future visits to be in‐person, while English‐speaking individuals preferred future visits to be virtual (Fisher's exact p = 0.003). Several factors were associated with these preferences, including waiting time, ability to leave/take off work for an appointment, length of session, childcare arrangements, and people attending the appointment (all p < 0.05). Both language groups reported similar mean satisfaction with the genetic counseling provided during their previous virtual appointments (p = 0.51). This study found that certain aspects of virtual genetic counseling appointments make them less appealing to Spanish‐speaking individuals. Making virtual genetic counseling appointments more appealing while continuing to offer in‐person appointments may help Spanish‐speaking individuals receive necessary genetics services. Continued research into disparities and barriers to telemedicine for Spanish‐speaking patients is necessary to increase access to this service delivery model for genetic counseling.
The institutionalization of sharing economy platforms in China
Authors: Li Dun , Schoenherr Tobias
Published: April 2023

Recent past has witnessed a great proliferation of sharing economy platforms with great successes, but also many failures on their journey toward institutionalization, that is, their establishment and acceptance in society. To develop insight on factors contributing to this institutionalization process, this paper relies on the literature in institutional entrepreneurship and investigates sharing economy platforms in China, highlighting institutional voids that are encountered, and suggesting ways on how they can be overcome. These insights are derived through a multiple case study approach involving 61 semi‐structured interviews with managers from eight sharing economy platforms (DiDi, Uber China, Huochebang, Yunmanman, OfO, Mobike, Evcard, and Zhida) across four sharing economy industries in China (ride‐sharing, logistics‐sharing, bike‐sharing, and car‐sharing). The findings highlight the importance of exchange and collaboration with stakeholders (allies) in the network, as well as the effective response to emerging issues through the adaptation of the business models. In addition, mergers and acquisitions, and the role of government are identified as critical components in aiding platforms in their progression toward institutionalization. Further cognitive, regulative, and normative factors are found to represent valuable institutional pillars that serve as a fertile foundation throughout the institutionalization process. Overall, the findings provide an intriguing insight into the journey of Chinese sharing economy platforms toward institutionalization.
Constraints using the liquid fraction from roadside grass as a bio‐based fertilizer
Authors: Scott Hannah , de Souza Marcella Fernandes , Meers Erik , Rintoul‐Hynes Naomi Laura Jane
Published: April 2023

Background

Roadside grass cuttings are currently considered a waste product due to their association with road sweepings as contaminated waste, therefore, their potential as a biofertilizer is understudied.

Aim

This study aimed to determine whether grass liquid fraction (GLF) collected from a roadside verge in Maldegem, Belgium, and pressed using a screw press was suitable as a biofertilizer.

Methods

The characterization of the heavy metal content of the GLF was conducted using an ICP‐OES. From May to September 2019, a pot experiment was set up using a randomized block design to compare tomato plant growth, yield, and nutrition for GLF‐treated plants to two commercial fertilizers and tap water as a control.

Results

The heavy metal content of the GLF was below the maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) for organic fertilizers as set out by the European Comission fertilizer regulation 1069/2009 and 1107/2009 (European Comission, 2019). However, despite having a fairly well‐balanced nutrient content (0.1% N, 0.04% P2O5, and 0.2% K2O), GLF had a negative effect on the growth, root weight, and yield of the tomato plants, killing six out of ten plants. GLF also promoted mold growth in the soil of some plants. Since the GLF was uncontaminated, heavy metal toxicity did not cause the negative effect.

Conclusions

Previous research showed that liquid fractions from some plants negatively affect the growth of others due to allelopathic chemicals; this, together with the stimulation of fungal growth, could have caused the negative effects observed. Future experiments will investigate the herbicidal property of GLF and possible treatments to potentially recover the nutrients contained within the GLF for application as a biofertilizer.
High‐precision and high‐stability inkjet printing technology for QD color converter‐type micro‐LED display
Authors: Yoshida Hidehiro , Nakatani Shuhei , Usui Yukiya , Wakabayashi Daisuke , Ohtsuka Futoshi
Published: April 2023

This paper reports on the development of a specialized inkjet printing head and equipment for high‐resolution printing of QD dispersed inks. First, to achieve a robust process, we proposed an inkjet head design compatible with higher ink viscosity and with an ink circulation system to avoid particle aggregation. Further, we introduce a multi‐restrictor inside the head to minimize ink fluid pumping pulsations on the print head and a drive‐per‐nozzle technology with individual nozzle waveform control. Results include down to 0.8 pL ± 1.8% droplet variation across all nozzles, with a three‐sigma accuracy 1.0 μm for droplet landing position. By combining optimized ink, inkjet head, and equipment technology, we successfully fabricated color converter‐type micro‐LED display panels.
The corrosion behavior of nonferrous metals in deep geological repository environments
Authors: Senior Nicholas , Martino Taylor , Diomidis Nikitas , Gaggiano Roberto
Published: April 2023

The advanced technologies of modern civilization produce radioactive wastes that require careful disposal if they cannot be recycled. These materials can originate from a variety of activities, such as scientific research, medicine, or nuclear power generation and, as such, can result in numerous waste forms. In this paper, the corrosion behavior of several less‐common metals is studied, specifically: aluminum, copper, lead, magnesium, zinc, and zirconium, all under simulated cementitious environments. The data reported rely on the production of hydrogen as a corrosion end‐product to calculate the uniform corrosion rate as a function of time. At 50°C, in either young cement water (pH 13.5) or saturated portlandite (pH 12.5) and after approximately 2 years of exposure, magnesium was found to corrode at ∼10 µm/year; aluminum at 1 µm/year (portlandite only); zinc at ∼100 nm/year; lead at <1 nm/year and both copper and zirconium at less than 0.1 nm/year.
A novel numerical approach based on shifted second‐kind Chebyshev polynomials for solving stochastic Itô–Volterra integral equation of Abel type with weakly singular kernel
Authors: Saha Ray Santanu , Gupta Reema
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a collocation method based on shifted second‐order Chebyshev polynomials is implemented to obtain the approximate solution of the stochastic Itô–Volterra integral equation of Abel type with weakly singular kernel. In this method, operational matrices are used to convert the stochastic Itô–Volterra integral equation to algebraic equations that are linear. The algorithm of the proposed numerical scheme has been presented in this paper. Also, the error bound and convergence of the proposed method are well established. Consequently, two illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the efficiency, plausibility, reliability, and consistency of the current methodology.
Exploiting the Use of Salvia Hispanica L. (chia) Oil as a Renewable Raw Material to Produce Air‐Drying Alkyd Resins: A Comparative Study
Authors: Glenn Anthony F. , Brito Gabriel F. S. , Resende Graciane , Jaques Lumena L. , Barroso Raíssa G. M. R. , Araruna Thainá , Machado Fabricio
Published: April 2023

This work addresses a comparative study focused on the synthesis of alkyd resins from different renewable resources such as chia, castor and palm vegetable oils through the alcoholysis–polycondensation process. The formed alkyd resins are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. Besides, intrinsic viscosity and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) assays are conducted to evaluate the differences between the obtained resins focusing on their molecular weight and physicochemical properties. FTIR shows a satisfactory conversion from vegetable oils to alkyd resins. Both 1H NMR and 13C NMR indicate that alkyd resins are successfully synthesized. The values for molecular‐weight dispersity (ÐM) obtained for the resins are 2.3, 1.3, and 1.7 from chia, palm, and crude castor, along with the weight‐average molecular weight (Mw) of 4516, 1025, and 2451 g mol−1, respectively. The chia alkyd resin shows a 571.92 cP and is the highest viscosity obtained. It is also observed that an increase in phthalic anhydride can increase the molecular weight of the alkyd resin. This comparative study indicates that chia oil alkyd resin has enormous potential to be employed as a surface coating agent.
IFN‐γ and androgens disrupt mitochondrial function in murine myocytes
Authors: Fenimore John M , Springer Danielle A , Romero Maria E , Edmondson Elijah F , McVicar Dan W , Yanpallewar Sudhirkumar , Sanford Michael , Spindel Thea , Engle Elizabeth , Meyer Thomas J , Valencia Julio C , Young Howard A
Published: April 2023

The effect of cytokines on non‐traditional immunological targets under conditions of chronic inflammation is an ongoing subject of study. Fatigue is a symptom often associated with autoimmune diseases. Chronic inflammatory response and activated cell‐mediated immunity are associated with cardiovascular myopathies which can be driven by muscle weakness and fatigue. Thus, we hypothesize that immune dysfunction‐driven changes in myocyte mitochondria may play a critical role in fatigue‐related pathogenesis. We show that persistent low‐level expression of IFN‐γ in designated IFN‐γ AU‐Rich Element deletion mice (ARE mice) under androgen exposure resulted in mitochondrial and metabolic deficiencies in myocytes from male or castrated ARE mice. Most notably, echocardiography unveiled that low ejection fraction in the left ventricle post‐stress correlated with mitochondrial deficiencies, explaining how heart function decreases under stress. We report that inefficiencies and structural changes in mitochondria, with changes to expression of mitochondrial genes, are linked to male‐biased fatigue and acute cardiomyopathy under stress. Our work highlights how male androgen hormone backgrounds and active autoimmunity reduce mitochondrial function and the ability to cope with stress and how pharmacological blockade of stress signal protects heart function. These studies provide new insight into the diverse actions of IFN‐γ in fatigue, energy metabolism, and autoimmunity. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Dual Cross‐Linked Functional Layers for Stable and Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Jing , Wang Haixin , Wang Jianan , Chen Rui , Liu Sanwan , Gao You , Pan Yongyan , Ren Fumeng , Meng Xin , Yang Zhichun , Liu Zonghao , Chen Wei
Published: April 2023

The operational stability of p–i–n perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is dramatically subjected to the quality of the perovskite light harvester and the interface layer atop the perovskite. Herein, a dual crosslinked functional layer strategy of using the versatile polydimethylsiloxane as an additive both in the perovskite layer and in phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester interface layer, to improve the device tolerance against light, thermal, humidity, and bending stress, is reported. As a result, a promising power conversion efficiency of 21.6% (stabilized at 21.3%) for nickel oxide‐based p–i–n PSCs is achieved. In addition, the unencapsulated devices maintain 97% of their initial efficiencies after continuous operation under 1 sun equivalent illumination at 60 °C with maximum power point tracking for 1000 h and 80% of their initial efficiencies exposed in ambient air for 500 h. The application of the aforementioned strategy in the flexible device also improves the bending mechanical stability, of which the corresponding flexible devices maintain 85% of their initial efficiencies after 1000 cycles at a radius of 8 mm.
A consistent approach for global buckling of steel structures
Authors: Nonn Jonas , Wilden Vera , Feldmann Markus
Published: April 2023

The ”General Method“ according to chapter 6.3.4 of EN1993‐1‐1 or 8.3.4 of prEN1993‐1‐1 deals with the verification of stability problems of frame and beam structures with loadings in‐plane. The ”General method“ according to Eurocode is intended for the general case of a combined moment and normal force. For the choice of the reduction factor χop, there are two options for applying the reduction curve, either the minimum of lateral torsional buckling (LTB) and flexural buckling (FB) or a weighted combination of both. With the use of analytical derivations, it can be shown that this approach leads to inconsistencies which can possibly lead to incorrect results. In this paper an alternative approach is presented which leads to unification and fully mechanical justification in verification. The approach allows e.g. the verification of stability of an entire frame system directly and without interaction factors (as in the equivalent member method). In addition, the issue of a consistent equivalent imperfection is addressed. With the use of this method, geometrical non‐linear analyses of structures showing out‐of‐plane instability can be omitted; only an in‐plane calculation and a determination of a linear buckling analysis is necessary. Finally, examples are presented in this paper that demonstrate the application of the approach shown.
Boosting hydrogen peroxide production via establishment and reconstruction of single‐metal sites in covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Yang Shuai , Lu Lanlu , Li Ji , Cheng Qingqing , Mei Bingbao , Li Xuewen , Mao Jianing , Qiao Panzhe , Sun Fanfei , Ma Jingyuan , Xu Qing , Jiang Zheng
Published: April 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been well developed in electrocatalytic systems owing to their controllable skeletons, porosities, and functions. However, the catalytic process in COFs remains underexplored, hindering an in‐depth understanding of the catalytic mechanism. In this work, uniform Pt–N1O1Cl4 sites chelated via C–N and C=O bonds along the one‐dimensional and open channels of TP–TTA–COF were established. Different from conventional single‐metal sites constructed for the near‐free platinum for hydrogen evolution, the as‐constructed PtCl–COF showed 2e− oxygen reduction for H2O2 production. We tracked the dynamic evolution process of atomic Pt sites in which Pt–N1O1Cl4 was transformed into Pt–N1O1(OH)2 using in situ X‐ray adsorption. The theoretical calculations revealed that the strong Pt–support interaction in Pt–N1O1(OH)2 facilitated *OOH formation and thus led to higher selectivity and activity for the oxygen reduction reaction in the 2e− pathway. This work can expand the applications of COFs through the regulation of their local electronic states for the manipulation of the metal center.
Die Regulierung von Deepfakes auf EU-Ebene: Überblick eines Flickenteppichs und Einordnung des Digital Services Act- und KI-Regulierungsvorschlags
Authors: Karaboga Murat
Published: April 2023

Die aus der Verwendung von Deepfakes resultierenden Herausforderungen sind in den letzten Jahren zunehmend in den Fokus der öffentlichen und politischen Diskussion gerückt. Angesichts dessen wurden weltweit und insbesondere in der EU verschiedene Regulierungsbemühungen eingeleitet. Der vorliegende Beitrag skizziert die mit Deepfakes assoziierten Chancen und Herausforderungen und diskutiert die entsprechenden Regulierungsbemühungen mit Fokus auf die EU-Ebene. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich, dass Deepfakes bereits heute in mehrfacher Hinsicht von EU-Recht erfasst werden und dass insbesondere der Digital Services Act (DSA)- und KI-Regulierungsvorschlag (AI Act) einen einschlägigen Regulierungsansatz bilden. Um die Verbreitung von Deepfakes zu regulieren, bleibt allerdings sowohl im Rahmen beider Vorschläge als auch darüber hinaus viel zu tun.
Quark and gluon two-loop beam functions for leading-jet pT and slicing at NNLO
Authors: Abreu Samuel , Gaunt Jonathan R. , Monni Pier Francesco , Rottoli Luca , Szafron Robert
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We compute the complete set of two-loop beam functions for the transverse momentum distribution of the leading jet produced in association with an arbitrary colour-singlet system. Our results constitute the last missing ingredient for the calculation of the jet-vetoed cross section at small veto scales at the next-to-next-to-leading order, as well as an important ingredient for its resummation to next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic order. Our calculation is performed in the soft-collinear effective theory framework with a suitable regularisation of the rapidity divergences occurring in the phase-space integrals. We discuss the occurrence of soft-collinear mixing terms that might violate the factorisation theorem, and demonstrate that they are naturally absorbed into the beam functions at two loops in the exponential rapidity regularisation scheme when performing a multipole expansion of the measurement function. As in our recent computation of the two-loop soft function, we present the results as a Laurent expansion in the jet radius R. We provide analytic expressions for all flavour channels in x space with the exception of a set of R-independent non-logarithmic terms that are given as numerical grids. We also perform a fully numerical calculation with exact R dependence, and find that it agrees with our analytic expansion at the permyriad level or better. Our calculation allows us to define a next-to-next-to-leading order slicing method using the leading-jet pT as a slicing variable. As a check of our results, we carry out a calculation of the Higgs and Z boson total production cross sections at the next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD.
Genetic and physical localization of a major susceptibility gene to Pyrenophora teres f. maculata in barley
Authors: Alhashel Abdullah F. , Fiedler Jason D. , Nandety Raja Sekhar , Skiba Ryan M. , Bruggeman Robert S. , Baldwin Thomas , Friesen Timothy L. , Yang Shengming
Published: April 2023

Key message

Genetic characterization of a major spot form net blotch susceptibility locus to using linkage mapping to identify a candidate gene and user-friendly markers in barley.

Spot form net blotch (SFNB), caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Pyrenophora teres f. maculata (Ptm), is an economically important foliar diseases in barley. Although various resistance loci have been identified, breeding for SFNB-resistant varieties has been hampered due to the complex virulence profile of Ptm populations. One resistance locus in the host may be effective against one specific isolate, but it may confer susceptibility to other isolates. A major susceptibility QTL on chromosome 7H, named Sptm1, was consistently identified in many studies. In the present study, we conduct fine mapping to localize Sptm1 with high resolution. A segregating population was developed from selected F2 progenies of the cross Tradition (S) × PI 67381 (R), in which the disease phenotype was determined by the Sptm1 locus alone. Disease phenotypes of critical recombinants were confirmed in the following two consecutive generations. Genetic mapping anchored the Sptm1 gene to an ⁓400 kb region on chromosome 7H. Gene prediction and annotation identified six protein-coding genes in the delimited Sptm1 region, and the gene encoding a putative cold-responsive protein kinase was selected as a strong candidate. Therefore, providing fine localization and candidate of Sptm1 for functional validation, our study will facilitate the understanding of susceptibility mechanism underlying the barley-Ptm interaction and offers a potential target for gene editing to develop valuable materials with broad-spectrum resistance to SFNB.
„Die passende Chemie wäre entscheidend … wenn man denn eine Wahl hätte“ – eine qualitative Studie zu Präferenzen von Therapiesuchenden einer ambulanten Psychotherapie
Authors: Pantle Vanessa , Maier Lena , Schmalbach Ileana , Engesser Deborah , Lieb Klaus , Wiegand Hauke Felix , Singer Susanne
Published: April 2023

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Mit der Psychotherapiestrukturreform von 2017 sollte u.a. der Zugang zu ambulanter Psychotherapie erleichtert werden. Ein Aspekt der Evaluation der Reform ist, die Perspektive der Therapiesuchenden abzubilden. Der Fokus der vorliegenden Studie liegt dabei auf der Frage, welche Präferenzen Therapiesuchende äußern und inwiefern sie diese in den Suchprozess einbringen können.

Methoden

Mit Hilfe von qualitativen, leitfadengestützten Interviews wurden Therapiesuchende zu Beginn ihrer Suche (erster Erhebungszeitpunkt = t1) zu ihren Präferenzen und drei Monate später (zweiter Erhebungszeitpunkt = t2) nach ihren Erfahrungen befragt. Im Rahmen einer strukturierten Inhaltsanalyse wurden die Transkripte zunächst kategorisiert, bevor Generalisierungen, welche die Kernaussagen der Interviews abbilden, abgeleitet wurden.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 83 Interviews mit 46 Therapiesuchenden geführt. Mehr als die Hälfte gaben an, dass sie anfängliche Präferenzen im Verlauf der Suche nicht länger priorisierten, um so die Chance auf einen Therapieplatz zu erhöhen. Vor der Suche lag der Fokus darauf, dass „die Chemie“ zu dem Therapeuten/der Therapeutin stimmt; nach bzw. während der Suche war z. B. die Vereinbarkeit mit dem Alltag entscheidender.

Diskussion

Die Studie zeigt, dass es weiter nötig ist, den Zugang zu Psychotherapie zu vereinfachen und die grundlegende Versorgungssituation zu verbessern. Um gute Voraussetzungen für den Therapieprozess und die Behandlungsergebnisse zu schaffen, wäre es erforderlich, den Therapiesuchenden die Berücksichtigung ihrer Präferenzen zu ermöglichen.
Bacterial diversity of middle ear cholesteatoma by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in China
Authors: Liang Qiulin , Long Ruiqing , Li Shuling , Jiang Chaowu , Gao Jingyu , Cheng Sheng , Liu Zhuohui , Ruan Biao
Published: April 2023

In this study, the bacterial diversity of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma (MEC) was evaluated to reveal its pathogenesis and provides a guide for the use of antibiotics. Twenty-nine cases of acquired MEC and eight cases of healthy middle ears undergoing cochlear implantation (CI) were evaluated. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to profile the bacterial communities in lesions and healthy tissues of the middle ear. ACE (P = 0.043) and Chao1 (P = 0.039) indices showed significant differences in alpha diversity (P < 0.05). Analysis of PERMANOVA/Anosim using the Bray–Curtis distance matrix results suggested that the between-group differences were greater than the within-group differences (R = 0.238, P < 0.05, R2 = 0.066, P < 0.05). Bacterial community analysis revealed that Alphaproteobacteria at the class level and Caulobacterales and Sphingomonadales at the order level were significantly different (P < 0.05). In the LefSe (Linear discriminant analysis effect size) analysis, Porphyromonas bennonis was elevated, and Bryum argenteum and unclassified Cyanobacteriales were reduced at the species level in MEC (P < 0.05). Fifteen metabolic pathways were found to be significantly different between the two groups by analysing the abundance of metabolic pathways in level 2 of the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Seven and eight metabolic pathways were significantly elevated in the MEC and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of acquired MEC was further refined through analysis of metabolic pathways. These findings indicate that the acquired MEC and healthy middle ear contain more diverse microbial communities than previously thought.
Commentary: Explore Conditional Dependencies in Item Response Tree Data
Authors: Jeon Minjeong
Published: April 2023

Item response tree (IRTree) models are widely used in various applications for their ability to differentiate sets of sub-responses from polytomous item response data based on a pre-specified tree structure. Lyu et al. (Psychometrika) article highlighted that item slopes are often lower for later nodes than earlier nodes in IRTree applications. Lyu et al. argued that this phenomenon might signal the presence of item-specific factors across nodes. In this commentary, I present a different perspective that conditional dependencies in IRTree data could explain the phenomenon more generally. I illustrate my point with an empirical example, utilizing the latent space item response model that visualizes conditional dependencies in IRTree data. I conclude the commentary with a discussion on the potential of exploring conditional dependencies in IRTree data that goes beyond identifying the sources of conditional dependencies.