bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on enteral nutrient components causing decreased gastric phenytoin absorption
Authors: Urashima Yoko , Ueno Tatsuya , Takeda Chiyuki , Kusaba Hiroshi , Tanaka Rina , Noda Karin , Kawakami Kanako , Murakami Takuo , Kawaguchi Aoi , Suemitsu Yuka , Urashima Kazuya , Suzuki Kaoru , Kurachi Kazumi , Nishihara Masami , Neo Masashi , Myotoku Michiaki , Kobori Takuro , Obata Tokio
Published: June 2023

Background

Previously, we revealed that coadministration of particular enteral nutrients (ENs) decreases plasma concentrations and gastric absorption of phenytoin (PHT), an antiepileptic drug, in rats; however, the mechanism has not been clarified.

Methods

We measured the permeability rate of PHT using a Caco‐2 cell monolayer as a human intestinal absorption model with casein, soy protein, simulated gastrointestinal digested casein protein (G‐casein or P‐casein) or simulated gastrointestinal digested soy protein (G‐soy or P‐soy), dextrin, sucrose, degraded guar gum, indigestible dextrin, calcium, and magnesium, which are abundant in the ENs, and measured the solution's properties.

Results

We demonstrated that casein (40 mg/ml), G‐soy or P‐soy (10 mg/ml), and dextrin (100 mg/ml) significantly decreased the permeability rate of PHT compared with the control. By contrast, G‐casein or P‐casein significantly increased the permeability rate of PHT. We also found that the PHT binding rate to casein 40 mg/ml was 90%. Furthermore, casein 40 mg/ml and dextrin 100 mg/ml have high viscosity. Moreover, G‐casein and P‐casein significantly decreased the transepithelial electrical resistance of Caco‐2 cell monolayers compared with casein and the control.

Conclusion

Casein, digested soy protein, and dextrin decreased the gastric absorption of PHT. However, digested casein decreased PHT absorption by reducing the strength of tight junctions. The composition of ENs may affect the absorption of PHT differently, and these findings would aid in the selection of ENs for orally administered PHT.
Three‐Month Complication Rate of Ultrasound‐Guided Soft Tissue Surgical Procedures Across Six Sports Medicine Clinics
Authors: Hall Mederic M. , Kliethermes Stephanie A. , Henning P. Troy , Hoffman Douglas F. , Mautner Kenneth , Obunadike Ezi , Onishi Kentaro , Pourcho Adam M. , Sellon Jacob L. , Chimenti Ruth
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To 1) determine the types and frequency of complications within 3 months following ultrasound‐guided surgical procedures, and 2) identify any patient demographics, co‐morbidities, or procedural characteristics that were associated with an increased risk of complications.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed at six Sports Medicine clinics across the United States. The Clavien‐Dindo classification was used to categorize procedural complications on a 5‐point scale from 1, representing any deviation in post‐procedure care without requiring pharmacological or invasive treatment to 5, representing death. Generalized Estimating Equations for binomial outcomes with a logit link were used to estimate the overall and procedure‐specific 3‐month complication rates.

Results

Among 1902 patients, 8.1% (n = 154) had diabetes and 6.3% (n = 119) were current smokers. The analysis included 2,369 procedures, which were performed in either the upper extremity (44.1%, n = 1045) or lower extremity (55.2%, n = 1308) regions. The most common procedure was ultrasound‐guided tenotomy (69.9%, n = 1655). Additional procedures included, trigger finger release (13.1%, n = 310), tendon scraping (8.0%, n = 189), carpal tunnel release (5.4%, n = 128), soft tissue release (2.1%, n = 50), and compartment fasciotomy (1.6%, n = 37). Overall, there was a complication rate of 1.2% (n = 29 complications; 95% CI: 0.8–1.7%). Individual procedures had complication rates that ranged from 0 to 2.7%. There were 13 Grade I complications in 13 patients, 12 Grade II complications in 10 patients, 4 Grade III complications in 4 patients, and 0 Grade IV or V complications. No associations between complication risk and any patient demographics (age, sex, BMI), co‐morbidities (diabetes, smoker), or procedure characteristics (type, region) were identified.

Conclusion

This retrospective review provides an evidence‐based estimate supporting the low level of risk associated with ultrasound‐guided surgical procedures for patients from a variety of geographical settings who are seeking care at private and academic‐affiliated clinics.
Synthesis and Study of Copolymers Bearing Two Coumarin Side Groups in Monomer Unit: Toward Photoalignment of Liquid Crystals
Authors: Chen Xinshi , Han Li , Hou Junbo , Zhao Yue
Published: June 2023

Photodimerization of coumarin derivatives in photoactive polymers under linearly polarized UV (LPUV) light irradiation is a photochemical reaction often used to prepare the surface alignment layer that can orient liquid crystals (LCs) due to the anisotropic interfacial interactions. Herein, the synthesis of a series of novel coumarin‐containing copolymers and their use for the photoalignment surface layer of LCs is reported. These copolymers have the particular feature of bearing two coumarin side groups in each monomer unit, which is designed to have a high content of the chromophores. The alignment of LCs induced by the photoalignment layers of the coumarin‐containing copolymers is investigated. It is found that the photoalignment layers can effectively induce orientation of LC molecules along the direction of the UV light polarization used to prepare the surface layers, with an order parameter of around 0.5 achieved by adjusting the preparation conditions. Moreover, the electro‐optical behaviors of LC cells made with the photoalignment layers are investigated, confirming the alignment of LCs without the use of rubbed surfaces. Optically inscribing the photoalignment layer for nonuniform and organized LC alignment is also demonstrated.
Enzymatic depletion of l‐Met using an engineered human enzyme as a novel therapeutic strategy for melanoma
Authors: Wilder Carly S. , Chiou Jennifer , Battenhouse Anna , Saha Achinto , Chen Zhao , Kim Eunice , Gadallah Mohamed I. , Tiziani Stefano , Georgiou George , Stone Everett , DiGiovanni John
Published: June 2023

Many cancers, including melanoma, have a higher requirement for l‐methionine in comparison with noncancerous cells. In this study, we show that administration of an engineered human methionine‐γ‐lyase (hMGL) significantly reduced the survival of both human and mouse melanoma cells in vitro. A multiomics approach was utilized to identify global changes in gene expression and in metabolite levels with hMGL treatment in melanoma cells. There was considerable overlap in the perturbed pathways identified in the two data sets. Common pathways were flagged for further investigation to understand their mechanistic importance. In this regard, hMGL treatment induced S and G2 phase cell cycle arrest, decreased nucleotide levels, and increased DNA double‐strand breaks suggesting an important role for replication stress in the mechanism of hMGL effects on melanoma cells. Further, hMGL treatment resulted in increased cellular reactive oxygen species levels and increased apoptosis as well as uncharged transfer RNA pathway upregulation. Finally, treatment with hMGL significantly inhibited the growth of both mouse and human melanoma cells in orthotopic tumor models in vivo. Overall, the results of this study provide a strong rationale for further mechanistic evaluation and clinical development of hMGL for the treatment of melanoma skin cancer and other cancers.
Activin A/ACVR2A axis inhibits epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in colon cancer by activating SMAD2
Authors: Zhang Hui , Ruan Qiang , Chen Changjiang , Yu Hui , Guan Shen , Hu Dan , Yang Chunkang , Lin Ruirong , Zhuo Changhua
Published: June 2023

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Liver metastasis is the major direct cause of colorectal cancer‐related deaths. Although radical resection is the most effective treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastasis, several patients are not eligible for surgery. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel treatments based on the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying liver metastasis in colorectal cancer. This study demonstrated that activin A/ACVR2A inhibits colon cancer cell migration and invasion, as well as suppresses the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of mouse colon cancer cells. This finding has been further validated in animal experiments. Mechanistic studies revealed that activin A binds to Smad2 (instead of Smad3) and activates its transcription. Analysis of the paired clinical samples further confirmed that the expression levels of ACVR2A and SMAD2 were the highest in adjacent healthy tissues, followed by primary colon cancer tissues and liver metastasis tissues, suggesting that ACVR2A downregulation may promote colon cancer metastasis. Bioinformatics analysis and clinical studies demonstrated that ACVR2A downregulation was significantly associated with liver metastasis and poor disease‐free and progression‐free survival of patients with colon cancer. These results suggest that the activin A/ACVR2A axis promotes colon cancer metastasis by selectively activating SMAD2. Thus, targeting ACVR2A is a potential novel therapeutic strategy to prevent colon cancer metastasis.
Handicap as a Measure of Perceived‐Health Status in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Silva Daniela Pimenta , Coelho Miguel , Soares Tiago , Vale Thiago Cardoso , Correia Guedes Leonor , Maciel Ricardo Oliveira Horta , Antunes Ana Patrícia , Camargos Sarah Teixeira , Valadas Anabela , Godinho Catarina , Maia Débora Palma , Pita Lobo Patrícia , Maia Raphael Doyle , Teodoro Tiago , Rieder Carlos R. , Velon Ana Graça , Tumas Vítor , Barbosa Egberto Reis , Teive Hélio A.G. , Ferraz Henrique Ballalai , Rosas Maria José , Calado Ana , Lampreia Tânia , Simões Rita , Vila‐Chã Nuno , Costa Maria Manuela , Rodrigues Ana Margarida , Caniça Verónica , Cardoso Francisco , Ferreira Joaquim J. ,   the MDS‐UPDRS Portuguese Validation Study Group
Published: June 2023

Background

Handicap is a patient‐centered measure of health status that encompasses the impact of social and physical environment on daily living, having been assessed in advanced and late‐stage Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Objective

To characterize the handicap of a broader sample of patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 405 PD patients during the MDS‐UPDRS Portuguese validation study, using the MDS‐UPDRS, Unified Dyskinesias Rating Scale, Nonmotor symptoms questionnaire, PDQ‐8 and EQ‐5D‐3L. Handicap was measured using the London Handicap Scale (LHS).

Results

Mean age was 64.42 (±10.3) years, mean disease duration 11.30 (±6.5) years and median HY 2 (IQR, 2–3). Mean LHS was 0.652 (±0.204); “Mobility,” “Occupation” and “Physical Independence” were the most affected domains. LHS was significantly worse in patients with longer disease duration, older age and increased disability. In contrast, PDQ‐8 did not differentiate age groups. Handicap was significantly correlated with disease duration (r = −0.35), nonmotor experiences of daily living (EDL) (MDS‐UPDRS‐I) (r = −0.51), motor EDL (MDS‐UPDRS‐II) (r = −0.69), motor disability (MDS‐UPDRS‐III) (r = −0.49), axial signs of MDS‐UPDRS‐III (r = −0.55), HY (r = −0.44), presence of nonmotor symptoms (r = −0.51) and PDQ‐8 index (r = −0.64) (all P < 0.05). Motor EDL, MDS‐UPDRS‐III and PDQ‐8 independently predicted Handicap (adjusted R2 = 0.582; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

The LHS was easily completed by patients and caregivers. Patients were mild‐moderately handicapped, which was strongly determined by motor disability and its impact on EDL, and poor QoL. Despite correlated, handicap and QoL seem to differ in what they measure, and handicap may have an added value to QoL. Handicap seems to be a good measure of perceived‐health status in a broad sample of PD.
Late Presentation of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in a Former Association Football Player
Authors: Cullinane Patrick W. , Wrigley Sarah , Bradshaw Teisha Y. , Shaw Karen , Shribman Samuel , de Pablo Fernandez Eduardo , Warner Thomas T. , Jaunmuktane Zane
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by widespread accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau that typically occurs in people who have suffered repetitive head impacts. To date, very few cases have been reported in association football players.

Objectives

To describe the clinicopathological features of a case of CTE in an 84‐year‐old former football player who was clinically diagnosed as having dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Methods

A retrospective review of the patient's primary care and hospital medical records was performed along with a comprehensive neuropathological examination.

Results

This patient presented at age 84 with symmetrical parkinsonism and cognitive impairment that was exacerbated by prochlorperazine. His condition was rapidly progressive with recurrent falls within 1 year. Other features included headaches, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, disturbed sleep and aggression. He received a clinical diagnosis of DLB and died approximately 2 years after the onset of symptoms. A post‐mortem examination revealed stage 4 CTE.

Conclusions

While the contemporaneous onset of parkinsonism and cognitive symptoms in the context of possible neuroleptic sensitivity is suggestive of DLB, the additional symptoms of aggressive behavior, depression and suicidality in a former football player are consistent with the neuropathological diagnosis of CTE. This case, which is notable for the late presentation, demonstrates that CTE may masquerade as other dementias and highlights the importance of seeking a history of repetitive head impacts.
The effects of fintech development on financing constraints of small and medium‐sized enterprises—Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Chun , Xiao Bowen , Wang Jie , Ye Huanzhuo
Published: June 2023

Based on the data of listed small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) from 2011 to 2020, this paper studies the effects of fintech on the financing constraints of SMEs in China. The results denote that fintech can significantly ease financing constraints of SMEs; with a 1% increase in fintech, the financing constraints of SMEs decrease by 0.0767%. The intermediary mechanism analysis illustrates that fintech can ease the financing constraints of SMEs by alleviating financial industry concentration and information asymmetry. Besides, regions with a higher degree of marketization and industries with relatively free competition are both more conducive to fintech alleviating the financing constraints of SMEs.
PETRA: A pencil beam trimming algorithm for analytical proton therapy dose calculations with the dynamic collimation system
Authors: Bennett Laura C. , Hyer Daniel E. , Erhart Kevin , Nelson Nicholas P. , Culberson Wesley S. , Smith Blake R. , Hill Patrick M. , Flynn Ryan T.
Published: June 2023

Background

The Dynamic Collimation System (DCS) has been shown to produce superior treatment plans to uncollimated pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy using an in‐house treatment planning system (TPS) designed for research. Clinical implementation of the DCS requires the development and benchmarking of a rigorous dose calculation algorithm that accounts for pencil beam trimming, performs monitor unit calculations to produce deliverable plans at all beam energies, and is ideally implemented with a commercially available TPS.

Purpose

To present an analytical Pencil bEam TRimming Algorithm (PETRA) for the DCS, with and without its range shifter, implemented in the Astroid TPS (.decimal, Sanford, Florida, USA).

Materials

PETRA was derived by generalizing an existing pencil beam dose calculation model to account for the DCS‐specific effects of lateral penumbra blurring due to the nickel trimmers in two different planes, integral depth dose variation due to the trimming process, and the presence and absence of the range shifter. Tuning parameters were introduced to enable agreement between PETRA and a measurement‐validated Dynamic Collimation Monte Carlo (DCMC) model of the Miami Cancer Institute's IBA Proteus Plus system equipped with the DCS. Trimmer position, spot position, beam energy, and the presence or absence of a range shifter were all used as variables for the characterization of the model. The model was calibrated for pencil beam monitor unit calculations using procedures specified by International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Report Series 398 (IAEA TRS‐398).

Results

The integral depth dose curves (IDDs) for energies between 70 MeV and 160 MeV among all simulated trimmer combinations, with and without the ranger shifter, agreed between PETRA and DCMC at the 1%/1 mm 1‐D gamma criteria for 99.99% of points. For lateral dose profiles, the median 2‐D gamma pass rate for all profiles at 1.5%/1.5 mm was 99.99% at the water phantom surface, plateau, and Bragg peak depths without the range shifter and at the surface and Bragg peak depths with the range shifter. The minimum 1.5%/1.5 mm gamma pass rates for the 2‐D profiles at the water phantom surface without and with the range shifter were 98.02% and 97.91%, respectively, and, at the Bragg peak, the minimum pass rates were 97.80% and 97.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

The PETRA model for DCS dose calculations was successfully defined and benchmarked for use in a commercially available TPS.
Secured data offloading using reinforcement learning and Markov decision process in mobile edge computing
Authors: Samriya Jitendra Kumar , Kumar Mohit , Gill Sukhpal Singh
Published: June 2023

Mobile Internet services are developing rapidly for several applications based on computational ability such as augmented/virtual reality, vehicular networks, etc. The mobile terminals are enabled using mobile edge computing (MEC) for offloading the task at the edge of the cellular networks, but offloading is still a challenging issue due to the dynamism, and uncertainty of upcoming IoT requests and wireless channel state. Moreover, securing the offloading data enhanced the challenges of computational complexities and required a secure and efficient offloading technique. To tackle the mentioned issues, a reinforcement learning‐based Markov decision process offloading model is proposed that optimized energy efficiency, and mobile users' time by considering the constrained computation of IoT devices, moreover guarantees efficient resource sharing among multiple users. An advanced encryption standard is employed in this work to fulfil the requirements of data security. The simulation outputs reveal that the proposed approach surpasses the existing baseline models for offloading overhead and service cost QoS parameters ensuring secure data offloading.
Extraction of natural fibers of Catole coconut (Syagrus Cearensis): Application as reinforcing filler in polypropylene‐based composites
Authors: do Nascimento Emanuel Pereira , Luna Carlos Bruno Barreto , Ferreira Eduardo da Silva Barbosa , dos Santos Filho Edson Antonio , Siqueira Danilo Diniz , Wellen Renate Maria Ramos , Araújo Edcleide Maria
Published: June 2023

Polypropylene/Syagrus Cearensis fiber composites compatibilized with polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) and styrene(ethylene‐butylene)‐styrene copolymer (SEBS‐g‐MA) were successfully produced using a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder followed by injection molding. The composites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties were determined by Izod impact and tensile testing. Thermal properties were obtained by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Heat deflection temperature (HDT) was determined to study the thermomechanical properties of the composites. XRD and DSC indicated the presence of two polypropylene polymorphs: α and β. The unmodified PP/Fiber composites showed an incompatible behavior, presenting low fiber/matrix interaction and poor interfacial adhesion. The poor compatibility led to low elongation at break and impact strength but high tensile strength. PP‐g‐MA coupling agent promoted some adhesion to the PP/fiber interfaces but not enough to improve the impact strength. The composites with PP‐g‐MA exhibited improved tensile modulus and strength. The enhanced PP/fiber interfacial interaction promoted by SEBS‐g‐MA generated a better interplay of mechanical properties, improving impact strength and elongation at break while preserving the elastic modulus and tensile strength. In general, the fibers enhanced the thermomechanical stability of PP, as evidenced by higher HDT values.
Kids gone wild – Alcohol use and patient characteristics in pediatric trauma during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Patel Neesha S , Waibel Brett H , Berning Bennett J , Terzian WT Hillman , Evans Charity H , Hanna Angela M , Hamill Mark E
Published: June 2023

Importance

Reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic effects on pediatric trauma have been variable.

Objective

We investigated the characteristics of pediatric trauma including alcohol use during the pandemic at our urban trauma center.

Methods

The trauma database of our adult level 1 trauma center was queried for all pediatric (age ≤ 18 years) patients presenting between March 1, 2020, and October 30, 2020. Data from 2017 to 2019 served as a control. Variables analyzed included demographics, mechanisms, injury severity, hospitalization characteristics, and positive blood alcohol.

Results

Pandemic pediatric trauma volumes increased by 67.5% (330/year vs. 197/year). Pandemic patients were younger (median age 13 vs. 14 years, P = 0.011), but similar in gender, ethnicity, severity, hospital length of stay, mortality, and rates of penetrating injury. Falls doubled (79/year vs. 34/year) and shifted away from high falls >6 meters (0% vs. 7.9%) to moderate falls 1–6 meters (58.2% vs. 51.5%) (P = 0.028). Transportation injury rates were similar however mechanisms shifted from motor vehicle crashes (−13.5%) towards recreational vehicles including motorcycles (+2.1%), all‐terrain vehicles (+8.6%), and bicycles (+3.8%) (P = 0.018). Pediatric‐positive blood alcohol was significantly higher (11.2% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001), especially for ages 14–18 years (21.7% vs. 9.5%, P < 0.001).

Interpretation

Pediatric trauma volumes during the COVID‐19 pandemic increased. Pandemic patients had more recreational vehicle injuries and higher rates of positive blood alcohol. This suggests an increased need for alcohol assessment and targeted interventions in the pediatric population during pandemics or periods of school closures.
Nongrowth regime in microwave chemical vapor deposition reactor due to formation of plasma nonhomogeneity
Authors: Bogdanov Sergey A. , Vikharev Anatoly L. , Gorbachev Aleksey M. , Radishev Dmitry B. , Lobaev Mikhail A.
Published: June 2023

A new form of microwave discharge with a filament inside plasma volume was investigated in a microwave plasma‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. The threshold values of methane content in a hydrogen–methane gas mixture, gas pressure, and microwave power for discharge transition to the new form were found. The parameters' range of existence of the new form of discharge was investigated in three types of CVD reactors. Measurements of the electron density, gas temperature, and spatial distributions of the plasma optical emission lines intensity were carried out for both forms of the discharge. The reasons for the transition of the discharge to a new form and the possibility of using the new discharge form in the microwave plasma‐assisted (MPA) CVD reactor are discussed.
Identification of a potential prognostic plasma biomarker of acute ischemic stroke via untargeted LC‐MS metabolomics
Authors: Wu Ming‐Hsiu , Chang Chiz‐Tzung , Lin Yu‐Ning , Chen Chao‐Jung
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Stroke is the sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to an inadequate blood flow or blood vessel rupture, and it seriously affects the quality of life. The metabolite biomarkers are needed for predicting the functional outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Experimental Design

To identify biomarkers for AIS, untargeted LC/MS metabolomics was performed on plasma samples from subjects with favorable prognosis (mRS ≤ 2) and unfavorable prognosis (mRS > 2). The identified markers were further absolutely quantified by a targeted MRM approach.

Results

There were 10 upregulated and 26 downregulated markers. Among these candidates, one was successfully identified as glycocholic acid and then absolutely quantified in plasma samples. Glycocholic acid could discriminate between subjects with favorable and unfavorable prognosis with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68 and odds ratio of 5.88.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Glycocholic acid was identified as a potential plasma metabolite marker of non‐progressive outcomes after ischemic stroke and could serve as predictive prognostic markers for clinical acute stroke outcomes.
Surface denitration structure on dynamic combustion performance and muzzle flame of mixed nitrate gun propellant
Authors: Li Shiying , Chen Hao , Li Yu , Shi Yudong , Yuan Ye , Li Wenjia , Ding Yajun , Zhou Jie , Liang Hao , Xiao Zhongliang
Published: June 2023

The gun propellant is an inaccessible energy and fuel for projectile to achieve destructive capability in a weapon system. Nitrocellulose/nitroglycerine/triethylene glycol dinitrate(NC/NG/TEGDN) based gun propellant with higher energy level than single‐based gun propellant can meet the demands of modern warfare. Currently, deterring strategy is commonly used to improve the combustion progressivity of NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant, together with aggravating the harmful emission phenomena such as muzzle smoke and flame. Therefore, it is essential to design and fabricate NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant with both good combustion progressivity and low characteristic signal. In this work, a gradiently denitrated NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant was successfully prepared by denitration strategy, whose structure was confirmed by FT‐IR, Raman and SEM. Here, closed bomb vessel test and interior ballistic test were conducted. The results showed that the gradiently denitrated NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant exhibited better combustion progressivity and interior ballistic performance than raw gun propellant, and these properties can be controlled by modulating the degree of denitration. Meanwhile, the change laws of the muzzle smoke and flame of the gradiently denitrated NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant were investigated by the smoke box method and high‐speed photography. Furthermore, a lower characteristic signal for the gradiently denitrated NC/NG/TEGDN based gun propellant was found compared to the deterred gun propellant by theoretical calculations. This work provides a new idea for preparing and applying a gun propellant with excellent comprehensive performance, including high energy, good combustion progressivity and low characteristic signal.
A Miniaturized Spin‐Exchange Relaxation‐Free Atomic Magnetometer Array Based on a 1 × 8 Planar Lightwave Circuit Waveguide Splitter
Authors: Xu Yuting , Chai Zhen , Sun Jie , Bai Dongbi , Huang Kun , Tian Zhongxing , Cui Zhibo , Pei Yuzhuo
Published: June 2023

Using spin‐exchange relaxation‐free (SERF) atomic magnetometer array (AMA) in magnetocardiography and magnetoencephalography has presented a challenge in reducing its packing volume for integrated instrumentation and convenient maintenance. This study presents a novel, space‐saving SERF AMA based on an 8‐channel planar lightwave circuit (PLC) waveguide splitter with a compact footprint of 26 × 2.5 mm2. The PLC splitting configuration allows the synchronization of the pump for a multisensor array, resulting in highly consistent performance among the sensors, with an impressive ultrahigh sensitivity of 34 fT Hz−1/2within a measurement bandwidth of 105 Hz. The PLC splitting method shows great promise in expanding the channel capacity of small‐scale SERF AMAs, offering a cost‐effective method for high‐resolution medical diagnoses through functional magnetic imaging of humans. In addition, this method is expected to find applications in fields such as electromagnetic induction imaging, biological magnetism, and geomagnetic observation.
A fourth‐moment phenomenon for asymptotic normality of monochromatic subgraphs
Authors: Das Sayan , Himwich Zoe , Mani Nitya
Published: June 2023

Given a graph sequence and a simple connected subgraph , we denote by the number of monochromatic copies of in a uniformly random vertex coloring of with colors. We prove a central limit theorem for (we denote the appropriately centered and rescaled statistic as ) with explicit error rates. The error rates arise from graph counts of collections formed by joining copies of which we callgood joins. Good joins are closely related to the fourth moment of , which allows us to show afourth moment phenomenonfor the central limit theorem. For , we show that converges in distribution to whenever its fourth moment converges to 3. We show the convergence of the fourth moment is necessary to obtain a normal limit when .
The impact of heterogeneity and geometry on the proof complexity of random satisfiability
Authors: Bläsius Thomas , Friedrich Tobias , Göbel Andreas , Levy Jordi , Rothenberger Ralf
Published: June 2023

Satisfiability is considered the canonical NP‐complete problem and is used as a starting point for hardness reductions in theory, while in practice heuristic SAT solving algorithms can solve large‐scale industrial SAT instances very efficiently. This disparity between theory and practice is believed to be a result of inherent properties of industrial SAT instances that make them tractable. Two characteristic properties seem to be prevalent in the majority of real‐world SAT instances, heterogeneous degree distribution and locality. To understand the impact of these two properties on SAT, we study the proof complexity of random ‐SAT models that allow to control heterogeneity and locality. Our findings show that heterogeneity alone does not make SAT easy as heterogeneous random ‐SAT instances have superpolynomial resolution size. This implies intractability of these instances for modern SAT‐solvers. In contrast, modeling locality with underlying geometry leads to small unsatisfiable subformulas, which can be found within polynomial time.
The impact of home resources, students' attitudes toward learning, and instructional strategies on science achievement
Authors: Ker Hsiang‐Wei , Lee Ying‐Haur , Ho Shu‐Meei
Published: June 2023

Science achievements of individuals play a crucial role when students aim to pursue highly demanded occupations and advanced academic degrees. Enhancing science attainment is crucial in improving the effectiveness of science education. This study investigates the impact of home educational resources, students' attitudes toward learning, instructional practices and strategies, and school factors on science achievement. This investigation utilizes Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2019 eighth‐grade science data from the United States. The technique of hierarchal linear models is employed to find the effects of the multilevel factors on science achievements. Results of fixed effects show that science achievement is primarily affected by home educational resources, attitude toward learning, and school composition by student background. Of the four attitudinal predictors, students' confidence in science is most correlated to their achievements. Home educational resources, students like learning science, and self‐efficacy for computer use predictors, have significant random effects on science achievement. This study finds that ensuring adequate resources and employing appropriate instructional methodologies to reinforce students' motivation in learning are two major priorities in improving science achievement. The limitations of this research and suggestions for future work are also discussed.
Evaluation and optimization of business environment based on sustainable development perspective: Exploring the role of the reform of government functions
Authors: Yin Xingmin , Yuan Yunqian , Zhou Jinglin
Published: June 2023

The existing research on the business environment index system has a single viewpoint, which can hardly reflect the requirements of SDGs on the business environment. Few studies have focused on the “front end” factors determining the business environment. Based on panel data from 2011 to 2020, this study measures the business environment in 275 Chinese cities and uses the ArcGIS software and Natural Breaks (Jenks) to examine its spatiotemporal characteristics. The PSM‐DID model is utilized to examine the policy implications of the reform of government functions on the business environment. The findings demonstrate that China's urban business environment's total score has risen, and its geographic characteristics are “strong in the east and weak in the west.” Among the various sub‐dimensions of the business environment, the largest contribution is the infrastructure environment, followed by the rule of law environment. The reform of government functions can improve the business environment from the second year onward. Regional and city‐level heterogeneities exist in the effects of the reform of government functions on the business environment. In addition, informatization level, population density, and consumption level can optimize the business environment. This study provides a guide for accelerating the creation of a marketized, legalized, international, and sustainable business environment.
Intermittent Fasting Primes the Tumor Microenvironment and Improves Nanomedicine Delivery in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Becker Svea , Momoh Jeffrey , Biancacci Ilaria , Möckel Diana , Wang Qingbi , May Jan‐Niklas , Su Huan , Candels Lena Susanna , Berres Marie‐Luise , Kiessling Fabian , Hatting Maximilian , Lammers Twan , Trautwein Christian
Published: June 2023

Fasting has many health benefits, including reduced chemotherapy toxicity and improved efficacy. It is unclear how fasting affects the tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor‐targeted drug delivery. Here the effects of intermittent (IF) and short‐term (STF) fasting are investigated on tumor growth, TME composition, and liposome delivery in allogeneic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse models. To this end, mice are inoculated either subcutaneously or intrahepatically with Hep‐55.1C cells and subjected to IF for 24 d or to STF for 1 d. IF but not STF significantly slows down tumor growth. IF increases tumor vascularization and decreases collagen density, resulting in improved liposome delivery. In vitro, fasting furthermore promotes the tumor cell uptake of liposomes. These results demonstrate that IF shapes the TME in HCC towards enhanced drug delivery. Finally, when combining IF with liposomal doxorubicin treatment, the antitumor efficacy of nanochemotherapy is found to be increased, while systemic side effects are reduced. Altogether, these findings exemplify that the beneficial effects of fasting on anticancer therapy outcomes go beyond modulating metabolism at the molecular level.
Amorphous Fe‐Phytate Enables Fast Polysulfide Redox for High‐Loading Lithium Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zeng Guangfeng , Chen Dongjiang , Zhen Cheng , Feng Chao , Pang Yashuai , He Weidong
Published: June 2023

Utilizing catalysts to accelerate polysulfides conversion are of paramount importance to eliminate the shuttling effect and improve the practical performance of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. The amorphism, attributes to the abundant unsaturated surface active sites, has recently been recognized as a contribution to increase the activity of catalysts. However, the investigation on amorphous catalysts has received limited interest in lithium‐sulfur batteries due to lack of understanding of their composition structure activity. Herein, a amorphous Fe‐Phytate structure is proposed to enhance polysulfide conversion and suppress polysulfide shuttling by modifying polypropylene separator (C‐Fe‐Phytate@PP). The polar Fe‐Phytate with distorted VI coordination Fe active centers strongly intake polysulfide electron by forming FeS bond to accelerate the polysulfide conversion. The surface mediated polysulfides redox gives rise to a higher exchange current in comparison with carbon. Furthermore, Fe‐Phytate owns robust adsorption to polysulfide and effectively reduce the shuttling effect. With the C‐Fe‐Phytate@PP separator, the Li‐S batteries exhibit an outstanding rate capability of 690 mAh g−1 at 5 C and an ultrahigh areal capacity of 7.8 mAh cm−2 even at a high sulfur loading of 7.3 mg cm−2. The work provides a novel separator for facilitating the actual applications of Li‐S batteries.
Flexible Metasurface for Microwave‐Infrared Compatible Camouflage via Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Nam Juyeong , Chang Injoong , Lim Joon‐Soo , Woo Haneul , Yook Jong‐Gwan , Cho Hyung Hee
Published: June 2023

Metamaterials have the powerful ability to freely control multiband electromagnetic (EM) waves through elaborately designed “artificial atoms” and are hence in the limelight in various fields. Typically, camouflage materials manipulate wave–matter interactions to achieve the desired optical properties, in particular, various techniques are used for multiband camouflage materials in both infrared (IR) and microwave (MW) ranges to overcome the scale difference between these bands. However, in the context of components required for microwave communications, simultaneous control of IR emission and MW transmission is required, which is challenging owing to differences in the wave–matter interactions in these two bands. Herein, the state‐of‐the‐art concept of flexible compatible camouflage metasurface (FCCM) is demonstrated, which can manipulate IR signatures while maintaining MW selective transmission simultaneously. For achieving maximum IR tunability and MW selective transmission, it is performed optimization using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Consequently, the FCCM exhibits compatible camouflage performance with both IR signature reduction and MW selective transmission is demonstrated, with 77.7% IR tunability and 93.8% transmission achieved for a flat FCCM. Furthermore, the FCCM reached the 89.8% IR signature reduction effect even in curved situations.
Accelerated Oxygen Evolution Kinetics by Engineering Heterojunction Coupling of Amorphous NiFe Hydr(oxy)oxide Nanosheet Arrays on Self‐Supporting Ni‐MOFs
Authors: Zhe Taotao , Li Fan , Ma Kaixuan , Liu Mengru , Li Ruixia , Li Mingyan , Wang Canglong , Luo Qiong , Lü Xin , Wang Li
Published: June 2023

Designing definite transition metal heterointerfaces is considered an effective strategy for the construction of efficient and robust oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts, but rather challenging. Herein, amorphous NiFe hydr(oxy)oxide nanosheet arrays (A‐NiFe HNSAs) are grown in situ on the surface of a self‐supporting Ni metal–organic frameworks (SNMs) electrode via a combination strategy of ion exchange and hydrolytic co‐deposition for efficient and stable large‐current‐density water oxidation. The existence of the abundant metal–oxygen bonds on the heterointerfaces can not only be of great significance to alter the electronic structure and accelerate the reaction kinetics, but also enable the redistribution of Ni/Fe charge density to effectively control the adsorption behavior of important intermediates with a close to the optimal d‐band center, dramatically narrowing the energy barriers of the OER rate‐limiting steps. By optimizing the electrode structure, the A‐NiFe HNSAs/SNMs‐NF exhibits outstanding OER performance with small overpotentials of 223 and 251 mV at 100 and 500 mA cm−2, a low Tafel slope of 36.3 mV dec−1, and excellent durability during 120 h at 10 mA cm−2. This work significantly provides an avenue to understand and realize rationally designed heterointerface structures toward effective oxygen evolution in water‐splitting applications.
Biased Symmetry Breaking in the Formation of Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides: toward Control of Homochiral Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Shi Wenying , Liang Kaixiang , Wang Ruixing , Liu Jing , Lu Chao
Published: June 2023

Homochiral supramolecular assembly (HSA) based on achiral molecules has provided important clues to understand the origin of biological homochirality from the aspect of symmetry breaking. However, planar achiral molecules still face the challenge of forming HSA due to the lack of driving force for twisted stacking, which is a prerequisite for homochirality. Here, with the benefit of the formation of 2D intercalated layered double hydroxide (LDH, host–guest nanomaterials) in vortex motion, planar achiral guest molecules can form the chiral units with spatially asymmetrical structure in the confinement space of LDH. Once the LDH is removed, these chiral units are in a thermodynamic non‐equilibrium state, which can be amplified to HSA by self‐replicating. Especially, the homochiral bias can be predicted in advance by controlling the vortex direction. Therefore, this study breaks the bottleneck of complicated molecular design and provides a new technology to achieve HSA made of planar achiral molecules with definite handedness.
A model to predict the rear face damage caused by non‐deforming projectile impact on plain and steel fiber reinforced concrete barriers
Authors: Shrira Osnat , Dancygier Avraham N.
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a model for evaluation of the rear face damage in concrete barriers subjected to impact of non‐deforming projectiles. This is an improved and extended version of a previously published model, which now covers both plain and steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) barriers. The rear face damaged area commonly measured in tests is characterized by an equivalent diameter, evaluated by the model. Calibration and then validation are based on published experimental data. Different sets of experiments, of plain concrete and SFRC, reported by different researchers, were used for the model's calibration and for its validation. The calibrated model's predictions show reasonable agreement with the reported experimental results, especially in view of their considerable scatter. The main findings from a parametric study of the model's predictions refer to the influence on the rear face damage (at barrier thickness lower than the scabbing limit thickness) of including steel fibers in the concrete mix, the barrier thickness, impact level, and the projectile diameter. The model's predictions demonstrate the lower extent of damage in SFRC barriers, compared to plain concrete. The use of the model enables quantitative assessment of this damage and of its reduction in SFRC barriers.
Role of nanotechnology as a zero waste tool
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sanmitro , Girigoswami Agnishwar , Nag Moupriya , Rubab Tanzil , Girigoswami Koyeli
Published: June 2023

In the advancing generation, commercialization and industrial development are on the incessant proliferation. Due to this unremitting need for development, the danger to the biological health of the environment is on the assurgent rise. Many “clean and green” industrial protocols have been generated and taken into purview but has been ineffective in keeping abreast with the ever‐growing pace of environmental threats. Technology in today's world has been the game changer in revolutionizing the way humans live their lives today but at the same time, has also become the greatest source of threat to the very sustainability of the planet. Thus, newer technological enhancements have been initiated to compensate for the harm to the environment. Of these, green and sustainable nanotechnological methodology and tools to be used as zero waste tools have been developed to efficiently beat the crisis of the hour. For example, the development of various nano‐based zero‐waste tools to the introduction of nanotechnology in various industries like automobiles, water, agriculture, and so on, has changed the way sustainable development has been adopted. This article aims to enhance the success of nanotechnology in the various sustainable developments done in industrial fields to cope up with the need of a “clean and green” environment.
Agave bagasse cookies as a carbon source for lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Escobedo‐García Sarai , Flores‐Gallegos Adriana C. , Salas‐Tovar Jesús A. , González‐Herrera Silvia M. , Palomo‐Ligas Lissethe , Campos‐Muzquiz Lizeth G. , Rodríguez‐Herrera Raúl
Published: June 2023

Currently, the Agave genus has a high economic importance because due to the products that can be obtained from these plants, with alcoholic beverage production being the most common use. The principal storage carbohydrates of agave are fructans. In this study, the utilization of Agave salmiana (green agave) and Agave atrovirens (ashy agave) bagasse cookies as a carbon source by lactic acid‐producing bacteria (LAB), as well as the acceptability of cookies by consumers was evaluated. The cookies were manufactured and digested in vitro, and fermentation by LAB was performed to evaluate pH changes, bacterial growth, and relative carbohydrate intake. The results showed that the bacteria assimilated the digested agave cookies as a carbon source, and there was no significant difference in the pH of both agave bagasse and the growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei. The highest bacterial growth of the L. lactis was observed at 12 h with green bagasse cookies. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate the potential of agave bagasse to be used as functional food ingredients.
Self‐reported treatment effectiveness for Crohn's disease using a novel crowdsourcing web‐based platform
Authors: Engel Tal , Dotan Eran , Synett Yossi , Held Ron , Soffer Shelly , Ben‐Horin Shomron , Kopylov Uri
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Internet and social media platforms have become an unprecedented source for sharing self‐experience, potentially allowing the collection and integration of health data with patient experience. StuffThatWorks (STW) is an online open platform that applies machine learning and the power of crowdsourcing, where patients with chronic medical conditions can self‐report and compare their individual outcomes using a structured online questionnaire. We aimed to conduct a cross‐sectional, international, crowdsourcing, artificial‐intelligence (AI) web‐based study of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) self‐reporting their outcomes.

Methods

A proprietary STW Bayesian inference model was built to measure improvement in CD severity (on scale of 1–5) for each treatment and ranked treatments using effectiveness. The effectiveness of first‐line biological treatments was analyzed by multiple comparisons and by calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each treatment pair.

Results

We included 7593 self‐reported CD patients for the analysis. Most of the participants were female (75.8%) and from English‐speaking countries (95.7%). Overall, anti‐TNF drugs were the most reported tried treatment (52.8%). Infliximab (IFX) was ranked as the most effective treatment by the STW effectiveness model followed by bowel surgery (second), adalimumab (ADA, third), ustekinumab (UST, 4rd), and vedolizumab (VDZ, fifth). In paired comparison analyses, IFX was most effective, ADA had similar effectiveness compared to UST and all three were more effective than VDZ.

Conclusion

We present the first online crowdsourcing AI platform‐based study of self‐reported treatment effectiveness in CD. Net‐based crowdsourcing patient‐reported outcome platforms can potentially help both clinicians and patients select the best treatment for their condition.