bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryptocurrencies in an uncertain world: Comprehensive insights from a wide range of uncertainty indices
Authors: Hung Ngo Thai , Huynh Toan Luu Duc , Nasir Muhammad Ali
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the impacts of economic policy uncertainty on the Bitcoin market using the monthly data from January 2014 to December 2022. In so doing, six major uncertainty indices (Global Economic Policy Uncertainty, Equity Market Volatility, Twitter‐based Economic Uncertainty, Geopolitical risk index, The Cryptocurrency Policy Uncertainty Index, The Cryptocurrency Price Uncertainty Index), and in particular, two novel Cryptocurrency Uncertainty indexes as introduced by Lucey et al. (2022) are taken into account. Our findings uncover a negative connectedness between Bitcoin prices and the key selected uncertainty indices, suggesting that higher uncertainties result in lower Bitcoin fluctuation across time and frequency domains. Our results provide valuable information on constructing asset portfolios for investors who have investment strategies entailing Bitcoin since Bitcoin would be a diversifier under economic policy uncertainty shocks. Our results hold robust by using the alternative methodology.
Core processing neuron‐enabled circuit motifs for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Li Hanxi , Hu Jiayang , Chen Anzhe , Zhang Yishu , Wang Chenhao , Wang Beiduo , Tong Yi , Zhou Jiachao , Loh Kian Ping , Xu Yang , Hasan Tawfique , Yu Bin
Published: July 2023

Based on brain‐inspired computing frameworks, neuromorphic systems implement large‐scale neural networks in hardware. Although rapid advances have been made in the development of artificial neurons and synapses in recent years, further research is beyond these individual components and focuses on neuronal circuit motifs with specialized excitatory–inhibitory (E–I) connectivity patterns. In this study, we demonstrate a core processor that can be used to construct commonly used neuronal circuits. The neuron, featuring an ultracompact physical configuration, integrates a volatile threshold switch with a gate‐modulated two‐dimensional (2D) MoS2 field‐effect channel to process complex E–I spatiotemporal spiking signals. Consequently, basic neuronal circuits are constructed for biorealistic neuromorphic computing. For practical applications, an algorithm‐hardware co‐design is implemented in a gate‐controlled spiking neural network with substantial performance improvement in human speech separation.

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Teen perceptions of adolescent dating violence
Authors: Morrison Katheryn E. , Hymel Shelley , Craig Wendy , Dirks Melanie , Holfeld Brett
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Previous research shows that adolescents who experience dating violence most often disclose their victimization to a peer or friend, more so than to other sources of support. However, surprisingly little research has explored how adolescents respond to peer disclosures of dating violence. Addressing this gap, the present study assessed variations in adolescents' perceptions of blame, interpretations of the incident as violence, and intentions to respond across physical, psychological, sexual, cyber‐psychological, and cyber‐sexual dating violence scenarios.

Methods

As part of a national research project across Canada, 663 high school adolescents (432 girls, 65.2%) between the ages of 14‐17 were randomly assigned to complete a questionnaire which included one of five different hypothetical dating violence scenarios. Next, participants responded to questions about their perceptions of the incident, as well as victim and perpetrator blame and responsibility, and their intentions to respond.

Results

Results indicated that the type of dating violence experienced and the age and gender of participants all played a role in perceptions of blame, understandings of violence, and intentions to respond.

Conclusions

As one of the first studies to explore how adolescents perceived and responded to dating violence, considering both in‐person and cyber forms of dating violence, this study fills an important gap in the literature. Findings underscore the uniqueness of cyber forms of dating violence and how pre/intervention programs must address the specific contexts and issues unique to each type of dating violence.
Analysis for codon usage bias in membrane anchor of nonstructural protein 5A from BVDV
Authors: Gao Mingyang , Yang Xuanye , Wu Yuhu , Wang Jinqian , Hu Xinyan , Ma Zhongren , Zhou Jian‐hua
Published: July 2023

The nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a monotopic membrane protein. This protein can anchor to the cell membrane by an in‐plane amphipathic ⍺‐helix, which participates in the viral replication complex. In this study, the effects of synonymous codon usage pattern of NS5A and the overall transfer RNA (tRNA) abundance in cells on the formation of the in‐plane membrane anchor of NS5A were analyzed, based on NS5A coding sequences of different BVDV genotypes. BVDV NS5A coding sequences represent the most potential for BVDV genotyping. Moreover, the nucleotide usage of BVDV NS5A dominates the genotype‐specific pattern of synonymous codon usage. There is an obvious relationship between synonymous codon usage bias and the spatial conformation of the in‐plane membrane anchor. Furthermore, the overall tRNA abundance profiling displays that codon positions with a high level of tRNA abundance are more than ones with a low level of tRNA abundance in the in‐plane membrane anchor, implying that high translation speed probably acts on the spatial conformation of in‐plane membrane anchor of BVDV NS5A. These results give a new opinion on the effect of codon usage bias in the formation of the in‐plane membrane anchor of BVDV NS5A.
Increasing Pedicle Reach with Musculocutaneous Perforator Dissection in Anterolateral Thigh Free Flaps
Authors: Plonowska‐Hirschfeld Karolina A. , House Adrian , Park Andrea M. , Seth Rahul , Heaton Chase M. , Fridirici Zachary , Knott P. Daniel
Published: July 2023

Objective

To measure the increase in effective pedicle reach with microdissection of musculocutaneous perforators during anterolateral thigh (ALT) free tissue harvest.

Methods

A review of our institution's free flap database was performed to identify ALT free tissue transfers. The distance from pedicle vessel origin to its perforator's insertion at the fascia lata (effective pedicle length [EPL]) was measured prior to and following intramuscular dissection of musculocutaneous perforators. Pertinent clinicopathologic variables were abstracted from the electronic medical record.

Results

A total of 314 ALT free flaps were performed between February 2017 and August 2022. Of these, 85 had documentation of EPL before and after musculocutaneous perforator dissection. ALT reconstruction was primarily performed for reconstruction of oncologic ablative defects (66, 78%). The mean EPL prior to perforator microdissection was 8.8 cm (standard deviation, SD 2.8 cm; range 3–15 cm). Following perforator dissection, mean EPL significantly increased to 14.0 cm (SD 3.0 cm; range 7–22 cm) with a mean net gain of 5.2 cm in distance (95% confidence interval 4.8–5.6 cm; p < 0.001). Nine patients (11%) required operating room take‐back for anastomosis revision (3, 3.5%), recipient site hematoma evacuation (4, 4.7%), and wound dehiscence (2, 2.3%); one complete flap loss due to venous thrombosis was observed.

Conclusion

Dissection of musculocutaneous perforators during ALT free flap harvest can increase effective pedicle reach by 5.2 cm or nearly 60%. This harvest technique can facilitate the performance of tension‐free anastomoses when substantial vascular pedicle length or vascular pedicle tunneling is required.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:666–670, 2024
Particulate phosphorus in runoff in a Mediterranean agroforestry catchment driven by land use and rainfall characteristics
Authors: Ramos María Concepción , Lizaga Ivan , Gaspar Leticia , Navas Ana
Published: July 2023

This study examined phosphorus (P) delivery and transport in flood events in an agroforestry catchment, with cropland and forestland as the main land uses. Sediments were collected in artificial‐lawn mats (MATs) distributed in five locations across the catchment (MAT1 to MAT5) along 20 seasonal campaigns during 5 years, in which rainfall with different characteristics was recorded. The properties analyzed in the surface soils under different land uses, and in the MATs used for collecting sediments included particle size and other properties such as soil organic matter (SOM), low frequency magnetic susceptibility (χLF) and P and Ti concentrations. The rainfall characteristics of the events recorded in each campaign were analyzed and the campaigns were grouped using cluster analysis taken into account the characteristics of the sediments collected. There was a P enrichment in the sediments compared to the sediment sources. The greatest P concentration was associated to sediment rich in clay and SOM. However, the sediment showed lower χLF, which could be due to higher erosion rates from the most degraded soils. The highest P losses were recorded at the catchment outlet, where the surface occupied by croplands was higher, with P values around 1.3 × times higher than at the headwaters. The differences between monitoring campaigns were attributed to differences in precipitation patterns that influence the hydrological response. The higher P concentration in the sediment during the campaigns that accumulated higher amount of rainfall in shorter periods of time confirmed the direct influence of rainfall intensity on the P mobilization.
Rubio de Francía's weighted extrapolation in mixed‐norm spaces and applications
Authors: Kokilashvili Vakhtang , Meskhi Alexander
Published: July 2023

Weighted extrapolation for pairs of functions in mixed‐norm Banach function spaces defined on the product of quasi‐metric measure spaces and are derived. As special cases, we have appropriate results for mixed‐norm Lebesgue, Lorentz, and Orlicz spaces. Some of the derived results are applied to get weighted extrapolation in mixed‐norm grand Lebesgue spaces.
Friedrichs extensions of a class of discrete Hamiltonian systems with one singular endpoint
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Sun Huaqing , Yang Chen
Published: July 2023

This paper is concerned with Friedrichs extensions for a class of discrete Hamiltonian systems with one singular endpoint. First, Friedrichs extensions of symmetric Hamiltonian systems are characterized by imposing some constraints on each element of domains of the maximal relations H. Furthermore, it is proved that the Friedrichs extension of each of a class of non‐symmetric systems is also a restriction of the maximal relation H by using a closed sesquilinear form. Then, the corresponding Friedrichs extensions are characterized. In addition, ‐self‐adjoint Friedrichs extensions are studied, and two results are given for elements of , which make the expression of the Friedrichs extension simpler. All results are finally applied to Sturm–Liouville equations with matrix‐valued coefficients.
Inductive algebras for compact groups
Authors: Sharma Promod , Vemuri M. K.
Published: July 2023

Inductive algebras for a compact group are self‐adjoint.
MnO2 Decorated Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Hydrogel Relieving Tumor Hypoxia for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Yifan , Wang Jian , Li Hanrong , Guo Miantong , Sun Xiaoyan , Liu Chaoyong , Yu Changyuan
Published: July 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising cancer treatment modality; however, its therapeutic efficacy is greatly limited by tumor hypoxia. In this study, a metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐based hydrogel (MOF Gel) system that synergistically combines PDT with the supply of oxygen is designed. Porphyrin‐based Zr‐MOF nanoparticles are synthesized as the photosensitizer. MnO2 is decorated onto the surface of the MOF, which can effectively convert H₂O₂ into oxygen. Simultaneously, the incorporation of MnO2‐decorated MOF (MnP NPs) into a chitosan hydrogel (MnP Gel) serves to enhance its stability and retention at the tumor site. The results show that this integrated approach significantly improves tumor inhibition efficiency by relieving tumor hypoxia and enhancing PDT. Overall, the findings underscore the potential for employing nano‐MOF‐based hydrogel systems as promising agents for cancer therapy, thus advancing the application of multifunctional MOFs in cancer treatment.
The effect of major customers' geographical distance on enterprise technology innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Shang Duo , Yuan Dongliang , Fan Libo , Yu Xinyue
Published: July 2023

Short‐distance major customers can capture information. Information is the key to bargaining. Therefore, short‐distance major customers undercut the price of innovation products. However, there is little research between major customers' distance and enterprise innovation. We find that short‐distance major customers are threats to enterprise innovation. IPDC and HSR weaken the relationship. Further research finds that the inhibitory effect of short‐distance major customers is more pronounced when the industry competition degree is high and enterprise market power is low. At distances of more than 1000 km, major customers are no longer threats. Distance is new to the literature about customer characteristics.
Persistence of traveling waves to the time fractional Keller‐Segel system with a small parameter
Authors: Chen Shuting , Cao Jinde , Stamova Ivanka
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to investigate the time fractional Keller‐Segel system with a small parameter. After the fractional order traveling wave transformation, the heteroclinic orbit of the degenerate time fractional Keller‐Segel system is demonstrated through the method of constructing a suitable invariant region. Moreover, the persistence of traveling waves in the system with a small parameter can be further illustrated. The results are mainly reliance on the application of geometric singular perturbation theory and Fredholm theorem, which are fundamental theoretical frameworks for dealing with problems of complexity and high dimensionality. Eventually, the asymptotic behavior is depicted by the asymptotic theory to illustrate the rate of decay for traveling waves.
Wideband antenna with crescent heads for omnidirectional communications
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Lin , Fu Zhenzhan , Che Wenquan , Chen Zhijian , Liao Shaowei , Li Bing
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates a wideband omnidirectional antenna that possesses 124.7% of fractional bandwidth. The antenna's two crescent‐shaped radiating patches and their ultrawideband matching structures are printed on two laminates that are crossly placed vertically over the ground plane. Simulation shows that the structure on a single laminate radiates an “8”‐shaped pattern on the horizontal plane. The cross formation of the two printed laminates generates an omnidirectional radiation pattern by superimposing two “8”‐shaped patterns perpendicularly. The proposed antenna is fabricated and measured for demonstration. The measured results agree well with the simulation, indicating the omnidirectional antenna works from 1.38 to 5.95 GHz with a return loss of −10 dB. Simulation and measurement also show the gain variation on the xoy plane is 2 dB in the band of interest, which is small if the ultrawide bandwidth is considered. The above features make the proposed antenna a promising candidate for applications in the digital cellular system (DCS1800), long‐term evolution (LTE2300/2600), wireless local area network (WLAN2400), and IEEE 802.11p.
Foot‐related impairment in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Lassoued Ferjani Hanene , Cherif Ines , Ben Ammar Lobna , Ben Nessib Dorra , Kaffel Dhia , Maatallah Kaouther , Hamdi Wafa
Published: July 2023

Aim

Foot involvement is present in approximately 60%–90% of children with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It is a major cause of disability, which can lead to deterioration in daily activities and quality of life. However, it is often overlooked and can compromise patient management.

Purpose

Our objective was to describe the ankle and foot involvement in JIA and to appraise the functional impact of this damage on the child's performance and quality of life by using validated scores.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study included patients with JIA. Functional impairment was assessed through the Juvenile Arthritis Functionality Scale (JAFS) and the Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire for children.

Results

Twenty‐three patients aged 12.75 ± 3.9 and with 41 months of disease duration. After completing the Oxford score, the physical domain appeared to be the most altered. A long delay in diagnosis was associated with an alteration in the emotional domain of the Oxford score. Higher disease activity was significantly associated with impairment in both the physical activity and the footwear domains of the Oxford score. As regards clinical examination data, the presence of foot pain as well as the presence of tendinopathy were associated with an alteration of all Oxford score domains. The presence of flat feet significantly affected all domains of the Oxford score. The JAFS was reported to affect the child's performance ability and was associated with impairment in physical activity, school and play, and emotional domains.

Conclusion

Ankle and foot involvement was common in our study. Functional ability was most impaired in the lower limbs. High disease activity, foot and ankle pain, tenosynovitis, and flat feet were associated with poorer quality of life and higher functional impact.
International Medical Graduates in Otolaryngology Education: The Overlooked Path to Diversity and Inclusivity
Authors: Georgolios Alexandros , Henriquez Oswaldo A.
Published: July 2023

“International Medical Graduates” (IMGs) make up a large percentage of “underrepresented in medicine” physicians and comprise 25% of the US physician workforce. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, in its “Statement on Diversity,” has expressed its enduring commitment to inclusion and diversity in all its forms. However, unlike various other specialties, a discussion about integration of IMGs in Otolaryngology has not been raised in our community. This commentary reviews the data on the recruitment of IMGs in Otolaryngology residency programs and highlights the need for a strategic effort to increase their participation in the US residency programs. Strong benefits may be derived from this effort such as promoting inclusivity and diversity of the workforce and increasing the support of the nation's underserved communities.
Fabrication of flame‐retardant wood plastic composites based on wasted bean dregs with recycled PE via mechanochemical crosslinking
Authors: Jier Merewai , Bai Zhicheng , Dai Jinfeng , He Linbo , Yin Feixiang , Lin Zhiqian , Zhang Wangbin , Liu Lina , Qian Lijun , Xiao Youhua , Zhan Xianxu , Song Pingan
Published: July 2023

Fabricating wood‐plastic composites (WPCs) using recycled plastic and wasted biomass materials is one of the effective approaches to alleviate the global energy crisis and reduce carbon emission. However, the unsatisfactory mechanical properties and fire safety hazards significantly limit the application of WPCs. Herein, recycled high density polyethylene (R‐PE), bean dregs and intumesce flame retardant (IFR) were melt‐blended into flame‐retardant WPC by mechanochemical crosslinking. The results show that the as‐prepared WPC within 22 wt% IFR achieves a satisfactory UL‐94 V‐0 rating and a limiting oxygen index of 31.0%, exhibiting a 40%, 27.6%, and 16.4% reduction in peak heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke production respectively compared to controlled WPC. The results also revealed an unexpected improvement in the mechanical performance of WPCs using the strategy (elevation of 73.6% in the elastic modulus and 75.9% in the breaking elongation, respectively), which can be attributed to the improved interfacial compatibility between R‐PE, bean dregs and IFR. This work offers an innovative and feasible approach for fabrication of high‐performance fire‐retardant WPC based on recycling waste plastics and agriculture wastes, and contributing to the circular economy and sustainability in accordance with the greening strategy in the world.
Azo‐bridged hydroxyl‐rich porous pillar[5]arene polymers for efficient carbon dioxide conversion
Authors: Guo Qiqi , Zhang Shuguang , Gong Weitao
Published: July 2023

Two new azo‐bridged hydroxyl‐rich porous organic polymers (POPs), named PPDA‐P5 and TB‐P5, were designed and successfully fabricated via azo‐coupling reaction with per‐hydroxylated pillar[5]arene macrocycle as the core and p‐phenylenediamine and Troger's base (TB) diamine as the linker, respectively. Owing to the abundant nitrogen and hydroxyl groups, both polymers exhibited excellent interaction affinity toward carbon dioxide (CO2) and then were applied as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the transformation of CO2 to cyclic carbonates with high yield, even under mild conditions. Interestingly, TB‐P5 exhibited superior catalytic performance toward PPDA‐P5, indicating TB's positive role as an organic base. This design strategy and results provided new insight into the development of macrocycle‐based POPs in the field of heterogeneous catalysis.
Side chain engineering of fluorinated benzothiadiazole‐based polymers: Improving the charge transport in organic field‐effect transistors
Authors: Huang Weihong , Ji Zehua , Fang Qunxiang , Yang Wenming , Xu Wanzhen
Published: July 2023

Three donor‐acceptor (D‐A) polymers P1–P3 are designed and synthesized, with 4,7‐dibromo‐5,6‐difluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (FBT) as A and thiophene derivatives as D. All polymers show good thermal stability. The UV–vis absorption spectra show that P1 has too strong aggregation in solution, and it has no obvious temperature‐dependent aggregation (TDA) performance, which is also revealed in the variable temperature UV–vis absorption spectra. P2 film shows the same aggregation as in solution, P3 film shows stronger aggregation than that in solution. Polymers P1 and P2 both have strong TDA properties. Organic field effect transistors (OFETs) are prepared based on polymers P1, P2, and P3. OFETs devices prepared with high molecular weight polymers have better performance, and the polymer with 2‐nonyltridecyl side chain leads to the highest hole mobility around 0.252 cm2 V−1 s−1. The results show that the application of high molecular weight polymers and the selection of appropriate side chains are very important for the charge transport performance of OFETs.
Toward a greener future: Exploring sustainable thermoplastic elastomers
Authors: Jeon Jong Hyeok , Jung Jae Hwan , Choi Chungryong
Published: July 2023

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are based on a combination of the properties of plastic and elastomers, such as elasticity and processability. Although TPEs are known to be recyclable and reprocessible, their environmental impact remains a concern. To address this issue, researchers have focused on developing sustainable and environmentally friendly TPEs, synthesized from renewable bio‐based sources and capable of decomposing at the end of their lifecycle. Various approaches have been introduced to substitute conventional fossil‐based elastomers; however, limitations still exist in terms of mechanical properties, elastic recovery, cost‐effectiveness and degradability. In this perspective, previous distinguished related studies are discussed to provide valuable insights and guidance for the development of a novel sustainable TPE in the future.
Effect of direct plasma treatment and plasma‐treated liquid on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Özdemir Gizem D. , Ercan Utku K. , Karaman Ozan , Oltulu Fatih
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in treating squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a highly metastatic cancer. To assess the anticancer activity, two CAP treatment methods—direct treatment and indirect treatment (plasma‐treated N‐acetyl cysteine solution)—were used. Results indicate that both methods selectively target SCC cells, inducing oxidative and nitrosative stress, leading to decreased metabolic activity and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, a critical feature of cancer cells, metastatic behavior is also inhibited by CAP treatment. Coculture experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of CAP treatment in selectively inactivating SCC cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. These findings suggest the potential use of CAP as a selective and effective treatment for SCC.
Coupling of conformational dynamics and inhibitor binding in the phosphodiesterase‐5 family
Authors: Tripathi Shubhandra , Cote Rick H. , Vashisth Harish
Published: July 2023

Phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE5) is responsible for regulating the concentration of the second messenger molecule cGMP by hydrolyzing it into 5′‐GMP. PDE5 is implicated in erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. The substrate binding site in the catalytic domain of PDE5 is surrounded by several dynamic structural motifs (including the α14 helix, M‐loop, and H‐loop) that are known to switch between inactive and active conformational states via currently unresolved structural intermediates. We evaluated the conformational dynamics of these structural motifs in the apo state and upon binding of an allosteric inhibitor (evodiamine) oravanafil, a competitive inhibitor. We employed enhanced sampling‐based replica exchange solute scaling (REST2) method, principal component analysis (PCA), time‐lagged independent component analysis (tICA), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and well‐tempered metadynamics simulations to probe the conformational changes in these structural motifs. Our results support a regulatory mechanism for PDE5, where the α14 helix alternates between an inward (lower activity) conformation and an outward (higher activity) conformation that is accompanied by the folding/unfolding of the α8′ and α8″ helices of the H‐loop. When the allosteric inhibitor evodiamine is bound to PDE5, the inward (inactive) state of the α14 helix is preferred, thus preventing substrate access to the catalytic site. In contrast, competitive inhibitors of PDE5 block catalysis by occupying the active site accompanied by stabilization of the outward conformation of the α14 helix. Defining the conformational dynamics underlying regulation of PDE5 activation will be helpful in rational design of next‐generation small molecules modulators of PDE5 activity.
SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease mutation analysis via a kinematic method
Authors: Chen Xiyu , Leyendecker Sigrid , van den Bedem Henry
Published: July 2023

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the virus responsible for the COVID‐19 pandemic. COVID‐19 continues to cause millions of deaths globally in part due to immune‐evading mutations. SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (Mpro) is an important enzyme for viral replication and potentially an effective drug target. Mutations affect the dynamics of enzymes and thereby their activity and ability to bind ligands. Here, we use kinematic flexibility analysis (KFA) to identify how mutations and ligand binding changes the conformational flexibility of Mpro. KFA decomposes macromolecules into regions of different flexibility near‐instantly from a static structure, allowing conformational dynamics analysis at scale. Altogether, we analyzed 47 mutation sites across 69 Mpro–ligand complexes resulting in more than 3300 different structures which includes 69 mutated structures with all 47 sites mutated simultaneously and 3243 single residue mutated structures. We found that mutations generally increased the conformational flexibility of the protein. Understanding the impact of mutations on the flexibility of Mpro is essential for identifying potential drug targets in the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2. Further studies in this area can offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of molecular recognition.
Effects of thermoforming operation and tooling on the thermoformability of plastic‐coated fibre‐based materials
Authors: Afshariantorghabeh Sanaz , Pesonen Antti , Kärki Timo , Leminen Ville
Published: July 2023

Advances in the three‐dimensional (3D) forming of fibre‐based materials require the formulation of more formable materials and the development of process lines, machinery, and tools. Using a thermoforming process to convert fibre‐based materials into 3D forms is an emerging area of research which requires further investigation into the practicality of the process line and tooling in forming such materials. Accordingly, this study evaluated the impact of the thermoforming process operation and tooling on the thermoformability of plastic‐coated paperboards. The main objective was to provide design recommendations for the future development of thermoforming lines, followed by guidelines for tooling design to improve the performance of materials utilising the currently available machinery. This study examined the thermoforming behaviour of two different plastic‐coated paperboards in vacuum and pressure thermoforming by investigating their maximum acquired depth, shape accuracy, and damage mechanisms. The research findings, based on the depth and linear elongation achieved, indicate that the inferior performance of plastic‐coated paperboards in thermoforming cannot be wholly attributed to restrictions in the three‐dimensional formability of materials; the inability of the current process lines to utilise the maximum potential of materials can also lead to their inferior performance. Notably, the method of pressure supply and cooling of materials requires adjustment of these materials. From a tooling perspective, owing to the spring‐back effects, the enlargement of the mould dimensions should be considered during the design stage. Additionally, based on potential opportunities with the current unmodified machinery and materials, products in the size of standard food trays have a higher likelihood of being optimised with tooling design than smaller sized shapes, which still require additional developments in materials. Moreover, designing moulds without draft angles can reduce the risk of rupture owing to the prevention of localised stress formation in materials.
Finite time secure state estimation for linear cyber‐physical systems with actuator and sensor attacks
Authors: Liu Ang , Ren Yuwei , Fang Yixian , Song Xinmin , Li Chengdong
Published: July 2023

This manuscript studies the problem of secure state estimation (SSE) for a class of linear discrete cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) considered with output disturbances, actuator, and sensor attacks. The disturbances and attacks considered are unbounded. A finite time SSE (FTSSE) method is designed to realize SSE for CPSs in a predetermined finite time. First, a finite time observer is designed to implement the FTSSE for CPSs with actuator attacks and output disturbances. After that, the FTSSE method for CPSs with simultaneous sensor attacks is proposed by extending the designed finite time observer. The necessary conditions for the existence of the proposed FTSSE method are given, and its effectiveness is analyzed theoretically. In addition, the simultaneous estimation of disturbance and attack can be achieved by the designed estimator when the system satisfies some given conditions. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed method is verified by a simulation experiment.
Study to Determine the Safety and Efficacy of Microneedling as an Effective Treatment for Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Alqam Mona L. , Jones Brian C. , Hitchcock Thomas M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Acne is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit that occurs primarily in adolescents. There is no current ideal treatment for acne vulgaris, as many mainstay prescription treatment modalities can compromise the skin microbiome or have deleterious health effects. Further research is needed to investigate novel treatment modalities that account for the importance of the skin microbiome. Other developing treatment modalities for acne are still taking a similar mode of action as current treatments by trying to eliminate Cutibacterium acnes despite growing evidence that some C. acnes strains may be symbiotic in nature. The perception that microneedling will exacerbate the disease state and trigger more acneic lesions via the spread of acne-associated microbes has hindered research investigating whether microneedling is a safe and effective treatment. This pilot clinical study challenges such perceptions by clinical assessment to determine if microneedling may produce beneficial treatment outcomes without disrupting critical skin structure or skin microbiome.

Objectives

Test the safety and efficacy of microneedling as an effective treatment modality for acne vulgaris.

Methods

Subjects were split into two groups, one group received three treatments 4 weeks apart, and the second group received four treatments 2 weeks apart. Subjects received an acne assessment by an expert clinical grader at all clinical visits.

Results

There was a statistically significant reduction in both non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions at the 2-month follow-up compared to the baseline for Group 1. Group 1 and Group 2 saw a decline of 48.20% and 54.00% in non-inflammatory lesions and 57.97% and 36.67% in inflammatory lesions, respectively, at their last visit compared to baseline.

Conclusion

This study expands the utility of microneedling into a potential therapeutic modality for acne vulgaris. The data generated during the duration of this clinical study demonstrates that there is no scientific reason for microneedling to be contraindicated for acne. In this pilot, microneedling did not cause post-treatment complications and was seen to reduce acne lesions effectively. Thus, microneedling may have the potential to be a well-tolerated option for those suffering from acne, being a treatment that neither damages the sebaceous glands nor disrupts the skin microbiome.
Synergistic Effect of Electron Scattering and Space Charge Transfer Enabled Unprecedented Room Temperature NO2 Sensing Response of SnO2
Authors: Zhang Yajie , Jiang Yadong , Yuan Zhen , Liu Bohao , Zhao Qiuni , Huang Qi , Li Ziteng , Zeng Wen , Duan Zaihua , Tai Huiling
Published: July 2023

Metal oxide gas sensors have long faced the challenge of low response and poor selectivity, especially at room temperature (RT). Herein, a synergistic effect of electron scattering and space charge transfer is proposed to comprehensively improve gas sensing performance of n‐type metal oxides toward oxidizing NO2 (electron acceptor) at RT. To this end, the porous SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) assembled from grains of about 4 nm with rich oxygen vacancies are developed through an acetylacetone‐assisted solvent evaporation approach combined with precise N2 and air calcinations. The results show that the as‐fabricated porous SnO2 NPs sensor exhibits an unprecedented NO2‐sensing performance, including outstanding response (Rg/Ra = 772.33 @ 5 ppm), fast recovery (<2 s), an extremely low detection limit (10 ppb), and exceptional selectivity (response ratio >30) at RT. Theoretical calculation and experimental tests confirm that the excellent NO2 sensing performance is mainly attributed to the unique synergistic effect of electron scattering and space charge transfer. This work proposes a useful strategy for developing high‐performance RT NO2 sensors using metal oxides, and provides an in‐depth understanding for the basic characteristics of the synergistic effect on gas sensing, paving the way for efficient and low power consumption gas detection at RT.
The Structural and Electronic Engineering of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheets as Carbon‐Free Sulfur Hosts for Boosting Energy Density and Cycling Life of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Shen Wenxiang , Li Pengyue , Zhang Qi , Han Enshan , Gu Guoxian , Wang Ruihu , Li Xiaoju
Published: July 2023

The compact sulfur cathodes with high sulfur content and high sulfur loading are crucial to promise high energy density of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. However, some daunting problems, such as low sulfur utilization efficiency, serious polysulfides shuttling, and poor rate performance, are usually accompanied during practical deployment. The sulfur hosts play key roles. Herein, the carbon‐free sulfur host composed of vanadium‐doped molybdenum disulfide (VMS) nanosheets is reported. Benefiting from the basal plane activation of molybdenum disulfide and structural advantage of VMS, high stacking density of sulfur cathode is allowed for high areal and volumetric capacities of the electrodes together with the effective suppression of polysulfides shuttling and the expedited redox kinetics of sulfur species during cycling. The resultant electrode with high sulfur content of 89 wt.% and high sulfur loading of 7.2 mg cm−2 achieves high gravimetric capacity of 900.9 mAh g−1, the areal capacity of 6.48 mAh cm−2, and volumetric capacity of 940 mAh cm−3 at 0.5 C. The electrochemical performance can rival with the state‐of‐the‐art those in the reported Li–S batteries. This work provides methodology guidance for the development of the cathode materials to achieve high‐energy‐density and long‐life Li–S batteries.
Fabricating biomimetic materials with ice‐templating for biomedical applications
Authors: Lin Xiang , Fan Lu , Wang Li , Filppula Anne M. , Yu Yunru , Zhang Hongbo
Published: July 2023

The proper organization of cells and tissues is essential for their functionalization in living organisms. To create materials that mimic natural structures, researchers have developed techniques such as patterning, templating, and printing. Although these techniques own several advantages, these processes still involve complexity, are time‐consuming, and have high cost. To better simulate natural materials with micro/nanostructures that have evolved for millions of years, the use of ice templates has emerged as a promising method for producing biomimetic materials more efficiently. This article explores the historical approaches taken to produce traditional biomimetic structural biomaterials and delves into the principles underlying the ice‐template method and their various applications in the creation of biomimetic materials. It also discusses the most recent biomedical uses of biomimetic materials created via ice templates, including porous microcarriers, tissue engineering scaffolds, and smart materials. Finally, the challenges and potential of current ice‐template technology are analyzed.
Nano‐Metamaterial: A State‐of‐the‐Art Material for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wang Qiyue , Du Hui , Li Fangyuan , Ling Daishun
Published: July 2023

Metamaterials are artificially designed materials with multilevel‐ordered microarchitectures, which exhibit extraordinary properties not occurring in nature, and their applications have been widely exploited in various research fields. However, the progress of metamaterials for biomedical applications is relatively slow, largely due to the limitations in the size tailoring. When reducing the maximum size of metamaterials to nanometer scale, their multilevel‐ordered microarchitectures are expected to obtain superior functions beyond conventional nanomaterials with single‐level microarchitectures, which will be a prospective candidate for the next‐generation diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents. Here, a forward‐looking discussion on the superiority of nano‐metamaterials for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to the imaging principles, which is attributed to the unique periodic arrangement of internal multilevel structural units in nano‐metamaterials, is presented. Moreover, recent advances in the development of nano‐metamaterials for high‐performance MRI are introduced. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of nano‐metamaterials as promising MRI contrast agents for biomedical applications are briefly commented.
Molecular Orientation‐Dependent Exciton Separation in Optimized Single‐Component Y6 Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yan Yangjun , Zhao Shengda , Zhang Yajie , Wang Tong , Shi Yanan , Qiu Dingding , Zhang Jianqi , Zhu Lingyun , Wang Mengni , Qiao Jiawei , Hao Xiaotao , Zhang Xinghua , Wei Zhixiang
Published: July 2023

The excitons are generally decomposed into free charges by the heterojunction due to the low dielectric constant of organic materials. Recent research indicates that owing to the low exciton binding energy, the pure Y6 film can directly and spontaneously generate free charge carriers after photoexcitation, even without the assistance of the donor/acceptor interface driving force. However, the serious bimolecular recombination and trap‐assisted recombination also limit the photovoltaic efficiency of single‐component Y6 devices. Herein, efficient exciton separation and charge collection by changing the buffer layer and using mixed solvents to control the active layer morphology of single‐component devices based on Y6 are achieved. It is found that the short‐circuit current is significantly increased by properly adjusting the proportion of face‐on and edge‐on direction of molecules. Eventually, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single‐component devices based on Y6 is increased from 0.15% to 1.41%. The corresponding dynamic process is revealed by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy and entropy effect on the exciton dissociation. Effective charge separation and collection in single‐component devices is not only critical to improving the PCE, but provides an in‐depth understanding for the further design of high‐performance multicomponent devices.
A Constitutionally Dynamic Cage Acts as a Convertible and Adaptable Information Manager in Supramolecular Logic
Authors: Rajasekaran Vishnu Verman , Kundu Sohom , Mondal Debabrata , Schmittel Michael
Published: July 2023

A three‐component molecular ensemble consisting of the constitutionally dynamic cage 1, rotaxane 2 and luminophore 3 acts as a signal transducer which assimilates three input signals, i. e., Zn2+, H+, and Cu+, to perform individual logic operations (e. g. a 3‐input NOR gate with catalytic output, 3‐input AND gate with optical output) and operates as an unconventional 3‐input demultiplexer.
Corruption, formal institutions, and foreign direct investment: The case ofOECDcountries in Africa
Authors: Bahoo Salman , Alon Ilan , Floreani Josanco , Cucculelli Marco
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Corruption has shown a mixed impact on foreign direct investment (FDI). This study proposed moderating the role of two—foreign aid (international institution) from the home country and democracy (national institution) in the host country—between corruption‐FDI nexus.

Methodology

The framework is analyzed using panel data analysis (2001–2018) of bilateral foreign aid and FDI from 18 European members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to 34 African countries.

Findings

The presents several key findings. First, Africa's level of government corruption harms bilateral FDI from Europe. Second, the OECD's bilateral foreign aid moderates the negative effects of Africa's host‐country corruption on FDI. Third, the level of democracy in the host country also moderates the negative impact of corruption on FDI. Finally, foreign aid strongly moderates the negative effect of corruption on FDI in democratic countries compared to non‐democratic host countries.

Research Implications

This study provides the institutional analysis that bilateral foreign aid and democracy as formal institutions affect the European multinational enterprises's decision to invest in Africa.

Practical Implications

It presents the policy and managerial implications. First, European MNEs managers avoid investing in Africa, and governments must take strict actions to attract FDI. Second, foreign aid and democracy motivate MNEs to invest in Africa. Finally, the OECD policymaker could formulate rigorous and relevant conditions for foreign aid to Africa to reduce corruption.

Originality/Value

Through the lens of institutional theory and selectorate theory, the novel institutional role of foreign aid and democracy is proposed and tested between the nexus of corruption‐FDI.
Casimir energy and modularity in higher-dimensional conformal field theories
Authors: Luo Conghuan , Wang Yifan
Published: July 2023

Abstract

An important problem in Quantum Field Theory (QFT) is to understand the structures of observables on spacetime manifolds of nontrivial topology. Such observables arise naturally when studying physical systems at finite temperature and/or finite volume and encode subtle properties of the underlying microscopic theory that are often obscure on the flat spacetime. Locality of the QFT implies that these observables can be constructed from more basic building blocks by cutting-and-gluing along a spatial slice, where a crucial ingredient is the Hilbert space on the spatial manifold. In Conformal Field Theory (CFT), thanks to the operator-state correspondence, we have a non-perturbative understanding of the Hilbert space on a spatial sphere. However it remains a challenge to consider more general spatial manifolds. Here we study CFTs in spacetime dimensions d > 2 on the spatial manifold T2 × ℝd−3 which is one of the simplest manifolds beyond the spherical topology. We focus on the ground state in this Hilbert space and analyze universal properties of the ground state energy, also commonly known as the Casimir energy, which is a nontrivial function of the complex structure moduli τ of the torus. The Casimir energy is subject to constraints from modular invariance on the torus which we spell out using PSL(2, ℤ) spectral theory. Moreover we derive a simple universal formula for the Casimir energy in the thin torus limit using the effective field theory (EFT) from Kaluza-Klein reduction of the CFT, with exponentially small corrections from worldline instantons. We illustrate our formula with explicit examples from well-known CFTs including the critical O(N) model in d = 3 and holographic CFTs in d ≥ 3.
Twin theories, polytope mutations and quivers for GTPs
Authors: Franco Sebastián , Seong Rak-Kyeong
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We propose a unified perspective on two sets of objects that usually arise in the study of bipartite field theories. Each of the sets consists of a polytope, or equivalently a toric Calabi-Yau, and a quiver theory. We refer to the two sets of objects as original and twin. In the simplest cases, the two sides of the correspondence are connected by the graph operation known as untwisting. The democratic treatment that we advocate raises new questions regarding the connections between these objects, some of which we explore.

With this motivation in mind, we establish a correspondence between the mutations of the original polytope and the twin quiver. This leads us to propose that non-toric twin quivers are naturally associated to generalized toric polygons (GTPs) and we explore various aspects of this idea. Supporting evidence includes global symmetries, the ability of twin quivers to encode the generalized s-rule, and the connection between the mutations of polytopes and of configurations of webs of 5-branes suspended from 7-branes. We introduce three methods for constructing twin quivers for GTPs. We also investigate the connection between twin quivers obtained using different toric phases. Twin quivers provide a powerful new perspective on GTPs. The ideas presented in this paper may represent a step towards the generalization of brane tilings to GTPs.
Effective Hamiltonians and Counterterms for Hamiltonian Truncation
Authors: Miró Joan Elias , Ingoldby James
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We outline a procedure for applying Hamiltonian Truncation to Quantum Field Theories (QFTs) that have UV divergences. To do this, we derive a novel representation of an Effective Hamiltonian which makes manifest some of its important properties (e.g. the non-perturbative matching of the spectra between the UV theory and the theory described by the Effective Hamiltonian). We check the consistency of our procedure using Conformal Perturbation Theory. Finally we comment on how the Effective Hamiltonian, which incorporates non-local interactions, describes a local QFT.