bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and improvement of angular response for a commercial 2D detector array for patient‐specific QA
Authors: Wang Sha , Zheng Yuanshui
Published: August 2023

Purpose

MatriXX ionization chamber array has been widely used for the composite dose verification of IMRT/VMAT plans. However, in addition to its dose response dependence on gantry angle, there seems to be an offset between the beam axis and measured dose profile by MatriXX for oblique beam incidence at various gantry angles, leading to unnecessary quality assurance (QA) fails. In this study, we investigated the offset at various setup conditions and how to eliminate or decrease it to improve the accuracy of MatriXX for IMRT/VMAT plan verification with original gantry angles.

Methods

We measured profiles for a narrow beam with MatriXX located at various depths in increments of 0.5 mm from the top to bottom of the sensitive volume of the array detectors and gantry angles from 0° to 360°. The optimal depth for QA measurement was determined at the depth where the measured profile had minimum offset.

Results

The measured beam profile offset varies with incident gantry angle, increasing from vertical direction to lateral direction, and could be over 3 cm at vendor‐recommended depth for near lateral direction beams. The offset also varies with depth, and the minimum offset (almost 0 for most oblique beams) was found to be at a depth of ∼2.5 mm below the vendor suggested depth, which was chosen as the optimal depth for all QA measurements. Using the optimal depth we determined, QA results (3%/2 mm Gamma analysis) were largely improved with an average of 99.4% gamma passing rate (no fails for 95% criteria) for 10 IMRT and VMAT plans with original gantry angles compared to 94.1% using the vendor recommended depth.

Conclusions

The improved accuracy and passing rate for QA measurement performed at the optimal depth with original gantry angles would lead to reduction in unnecessary repeated QA or plan changes due to QA system errors.
LAC and OPI advise FTC to protect privacy rights of people with SUDs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2023

In an August 8 letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Legal Action Center (LAC) and the Opioid Policy Institute (OPI) urged the agency to clarify and strengthen its proposal to modernize the Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR). The proposal by the FTC, published in the Federal Register on June 9 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/06/09/2023‐12148/health‐breach‐notification‐rule), does not adequately cover substance use disorders (SUDs), but rather refers to categories and silos like “physical health” and “mental health.” This leaves interventions for SUDs — and drug use itself — in a “regulatory and policy blind spot,” according to the letter, a copy of which was obtained by ADAW.
Study: Medical cannabis did not reduce opioid pain prescriptions
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2023

State laws that allow medical cannabis to be prescribed and dispensed did not result in the reduced treatment of chronic noncancer pain, researchers have found. In the study, “Effects of U.S. State Medical Cannabis Laws on Treatment of Chronic Noncancer Pain,” lead author Emma E. McGinty, Ph.D., and colleagues found that the availability of medical cannabis did not reduce opioid prescriptions or non‐opioid procedures for pain. Proponents of cannabis legalization have long used the opioid epidemic as an argument for making the cannabis more available, but this study, published in the July issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, said cannabis did not have any effect. The study looked at 583,820 commercially insured adults with chronic noncancer pain and reported that the availability of medical cannabis did not change their practices. The researchers used data from 12 states that implemented medical cannabis laws and compared that data to 17 other states. The study found that medical cannabis laws led to an average difference of 0.05 percentage points in the proportion of patients who received any opioid prescription. The study looked at the first three years of the law implementation. The researchers were able to predict what would have happened had the law not been implemented. Their study limitations included assumptions involving parallel trends, a finite number of states, and the possible lack of generalizability to non‐commercially insured populations, each of which could not be validated by testing.
An Aggregation‐Induced Emission Molecule‐Assembled Nanovaccine with Self‐Adjuvanted Function for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Kefei , Gao Zhiyuan , Wu Zelin , Liu Wei , Li Jisen , Gao Heqi , Wei Jun , Ding Dan , Zheng Wenting
Published: August 2023

Cancer nanovaccine is a promising therapeutic strategy; however, the complicated composition and ambiguous structure of cancer nanovaccines hinder their clinical application. Thus, developing minimalist nanovaccine with simple structural molecule and potent immunostimulatory function is with great value. Herein, an organic small molecule with well‐defined molecular structure and strong aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) activity is synthesized. This molecule can self‐assemble into nanoparticle (NM‐7) acting as not only adjuvant but also carrier to capture model antigen ovalbumin to form nanovaccine, which can effectively deliver and chronically release antigens and induce effective antigen cross‐presentation in draining lymph nodes. Additionally, the photophysical property of AIE molecule facilitates the determination of in vivo tissue distribution of NM‐7. Notably, NM‐7/ovalbumin (OVA) nanovaccine induces robust tumor‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses with greatly reduced cell exhaustion. Accordingly, NM‐7/OVA nanovaccine shows potent efficacy in both prevention and therapeutic tumor models, and produces an impressive synergistic therapeutic effect when combined with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Therefore, AIE nanomaterial NM‐7 with simple synthesis, well‐defined molecular structure and self‐adjuvanted function provides a new reference and general strategy for cancer vaccine development.
Iron‐Chelated Silk Microfibers as a Novel Magneto‐Responsive Architecture for In Situ Aligning Biomaterial Scaffolds
Authors: Wojnowski Melissa A. , Martin Julia L. , Kanber Mohammad , Ngo Ken , Hendricks Gregory , Uzarski Joshua R. , Zlotak Aidan , McDonnell Camille , Trubko Raisa , Beltran‐Huarac Juan , Grimm Ronald L. , Coburn Jeannine M.
Published: August 2023

Magnetically functionalized biomaterials represent an exciting prospect in the development of stimuli‐responsive tissue engineering scaffolds. Magneto‐responsive properties are traditionally imparted to scaffold systems via integration of iron oxide‐based magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), yet poor understanding of long‐term MNP toxicity presents a significant translational challenge. Given the demonstrated iron‐binding capacity of silk fibroin (SF), passive chelation of ferric iron ions is explored herein as an alternative, MNP‐free approach for magnetic functionalization of silk fibroin (SF)‐based biomaterials. SF microfibers treated with aqueous ferric chloride (FeCl3) exhibit significantly increased iron content relative to the nascent protein. Coupled with the absence of detectable chlorine traces and inorganic iron oxide species, the ferric oxidation state of the iron detected within the FeCl3‐treated microfibers suggests that iron is incorporated, without reduction, at innate oxygen‐containing ligands in SF. On exposure to an external magnetic field, these ferric iron‐chelated SF microfibers (Fe3+‐mSF) display paramagnetic magnetization behaviors that facilitate field‐parallel alignment. Both magnetization and directional uniformity increase with iron exposure during FeCl3 treatment, suggesting the observed magnetic response of Fe3+‐mSF is derived from the chelated iron. This work is the first to investigate the magneto‐responsive properties and biocompatibility of ferric iron‐chelated SF, highlighting a novel, MNP‐free mechanism for synthesizing magnetically functionalizedscaffolds.
Rationally Integrated Precise ER‐Targeted and Oxygen‐Compensated Photodynamic Immunostimulant for Immunogenicity‐Boosted Tumor Therapy
Authors: Qian Yanrong , Wang Man , Xie Yulin , Sun Qianqian , Gao Minghong , Li Chunxia
Published: August 2023

Notwithstanding that immunotherapy has made eminent clinical breakthroughs, activating the immunogenicity and breaking the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITME) remains tempting yet challenging. Herein, a customized‐designed immunostimulant is engineered for attenuating ITME and eliciting an immune response to address this challenge head‐on. This immunostimulant is equipped with dual silica layers coated upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as nanocarriers modified with endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐targeted molecular N‐p‐Tosylglycine, in which the dense silica for chlorin e6 (Ce6) and the glutathione (GSH)‐responsive degradable silica for loading resveratrol (RES) ‐ (UCSMRER). On the one hand, this precise ER‐targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ under the 980 nm laser irradiation, which not only induced severe cell death directly but also caused intense ER stress‐based immunogenic cell death (ICD). On the other hand, tumor hypoxia aggravated by the PDT is alleviated by RES released on‐demand, which reduced oxygen consumption by impairing the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). This integrated precise ER‐targeted and oxygen‐compensated strategy maximized the PDT effect and potentiated ICD‐associated immunotherapy, which availed to attenuate ITME, activate tumor immunogenicity, and further magnify the anti‐tumor effect. This innovative concept about PDT and immunotherapy sheds light on cancer‐related clinical application.
Hematite α‐Fe2O3(0001) in Top and Side View: Resolving Long‐Standing Controversies about Its Surface Structure
Authors: Redondo Jesús , Michalička Jan , Kraushofer Florian , Franceschi Giada , Šmid Břetislav , Kumar Nishant , Man Ondřej , Blatnik Matthias , Wrana Dominik , Mallada Benjamin , Švec Martin , Parkinson Gareth S. , Setvin Martin , Riva Michele , Diebold Ulrike , Čechal Jan
Published: August 2023

Hematite is a common iron oxide found in nature, and the α‐Fe2O3(0001) plane is prevalent on the nanomaterial utilized in photo‐ and electrocatalytic applications. The atomic‐scale structure of the surface remains controversial despite decades of study, partly because it depends on sample history as well as the preparation conditions. Here, a comprehensive study is performed using an arsenal of surface techniques (non‐contact atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, low‐energy electron diffraction, and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy) complemented by analyses of the near surface region by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. The results show that the so‐called “bi‐phase” termination forms even under highly oxidizing conditions; a (1 × 1) surface is only observed in the presence of impurities. Furthermore, it is shown that the biphase is actually a continuous layer distorted due to a mismatch with the subsurface layers, and thus not the proposed mixture of FeO(111) and α‐Fe2O3(0001) phases. Overall, the results show how combining surface and cross‐sectional imaging provides a full view that can be essential for understanding the role of the near‐surface region on oxide surface properties.
Bulk‐Size and Highly Transparent Composite Phosphor for NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Wang Dandan , Liu Feng , Wu Hao , Pan Guohui , Wu Huajun , Hao Zhendong , Zhang Jiahua
Published: August 2023

Near‐infrared (NIR) phosphors offer a novel luminescent solution for NIR spectroscopy, but their efficiency remains low. Herein, it is demonstrated that the high transparency of a phosphor improves its external quantum efficiency by developing a new inorganic–organic composite phosphor. The new bulk‐size and highly transparent composite phosphor is fabricated through layer‐by‐layer assembly of micron‐sized hexagonal LiSrAlF6:Cr3+ powder phosphor. The inline transparency of the final bulk phosphor can be controlled from 0% to 90.2% at a large solid concentration of ≈47 vol.%. With high transparency, the new bulk phosphor allows the phosphor‐conversion light‐emitting diode (pc‐LED) a 2.9 times improvement in efficiency. This paper inspires a feasible and low energy consumption method to facilitate next‐generation NIR pc‐LED phosphors.
Methanol‐Induced Crystallization of Chiral Hybrid Manganese (II) Chloride Single Crystals for Achieving Circularly Polarized Luminescence and Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Song Zhexin , Liu Xiaojie , Yang Can , Wu Qi , Guo Xiaoyu , Liu Guokui , Wei Yaoyao , Meng Lingqiang , Dang Yangyang
Published: August 2023

Chiral hybrid Mn (II)‐based halides have attracted great interest in the optoelectronic field due to their low cost, non‐toxicity, abundant structural diversity, and excellent photoluminescence, chiroptical, and nonlinear optical characteristics. Here, chiral hybrids (R/S‐MBA)MnCl3·CH3OH (MBA = C6H5CH(CH3)NH3+) and (R/S‐NPA)Cl·H2O and (R, S‐NPA)Cl (NPA = C10H7CH(CH3)NH3+) single crystals are successfully obtained using methanol (CH3OH) as an induced‐crystallization reagent by slow evaporation method. Interestingly, (R/S‐MBA)MnCl3·CH3OH single crystals with obvious circular dichroism (CD) characteristics exhibit the strong red emission characteristics originating from the d‐d transition of Mn2+ cation, while (R/S‐NPA) Cl·H2O and (R, S‐NPA)Cl exhibit blue emission originating from the organic NPA group. Based on their chiral space group P21 (no.4), (R/S‐MBA)MnCl3·CH3OH single crystals show excellent circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with a relatively high luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) value, which is equivalent to that of reported Mn (II)‐based metal halides. Also, (R/S‐NPA)Cl·H2O and (R/S‐MBA)MnCl3·CH3OH exhibit the obvious second harmonic generation (SHG) response. This work not only deepens the understanding of the role of methanol‐induced crystallization in improving the quality and growth habits of Mn (II)‐based halide hybrid single crystals, but also provides guidance for further structural design, crystal growth, and optoelectronic applications of multi‐functional chiral hybrid Mn (II)‐based halide materials.
Scalable and Tunable PEDOT:PSS Emitter for Thermal Camouflage
Authors: Wu Zuoxu , Wang Xiaodong , Hou Shuaihang , Liu Yijie , Tang Zunqian , Yin Li , Qiao Youwei , Wang Jian , Liu Xingjun , Mao Jun , Zhang Qian , Cao Feng
Published: August 2023

Materials with tunable infrared emissivity are scarce but significant for thermal camouflage. In this study, the optical properties of the conjugated polymer PEDOT:PSS are investigated, and it is found that its infrared emissivity can be facilely modulated by regulating the PSS doping level in PEDOT:PSS, which enables superior thermal camouflage across broad application scenarios with different objects and background temperatures. An effective model with PEDOT particles embedded in the PSS matrix is proposed to elucidate the infrared optical response of PEDOT:PSS thick films. The PEDOT molecules possess strong electromagnetic shielding in the middle‐infrared wavelength range, contributing largely to the metallic infrared optical performance. Moreover, the metallic infrared optical properties of PEDOT:PSS become weaker through increasing the PSS doping level in PEDOT:PSS, resulting in an incredibly large infrared radiation modulation from IR “white” (high reflectivity) to IR “black” (large emissivity ε). Furthermore, the perfect thermal camouflage matched with the environment (εBG ≈75%) can be achieved for the PEDOT:PSS with a large PSS doping level across a wide temperature ranges from 35 to 60 °C. This work not only reveals the IR optical characteristics of PEDOT:PSS via the effective model but also paves the way for scalable thermal camouflage compatible with various application environments.
Exosomes‐transferred LINC00668 Contributes to Thrombosis by Promoting NETs Formation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Zhang Long , Zheng Bin , Bai Yang , Zhou Jing , Zhang Xin‐hua , Yang Yu‐qin , Yu Jing , Zhao Hong‐ye , Ma Dong , Wu Han , Wen Jin‐kun
Published: August 2023

Epidemiological studies show an association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and increased risk of thrombosis. However, how IBD influences thrombosis remains unknown. The current study shows that formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) significantly increased in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced IBD mice, which in turn, contributes to thrombus formation in a NETs‐dependent fashion. Furthermore, the exosomes isolated from the plasma of the IBD mice induce arterial and venous thrombosis in vivo. Importantly, proinflammatory factors‐exposed intestinal epithelial cells (inflamed IECs) promote neutrophils to release NETs through their secreted exosomes. RNA sequencing revealed that LINC00668 is highly enriched in the inflamed IECs‐derived exosomes. Mechanistically, LINC00668 facilitates the translocation of neutrophil elastase (NE) from the cytoplasmic granules to the nucleus via its interaction with NE in a sequence‐specific manner, thereby inducing NETs release and thrombus formation. Importantly, berberine (BBR) suppresses the nuclear translocation of NE and subsequent NETs formation by inhibiting the interaction of LINC00668 with NE, thus exerting its antithrombotic effects. This study provides a novel pathobiological mechanism linking IBD and thrombosis by exosome‐mediated NETs formation. Targeting LINC00668 can serve as a novel molecular treatment strategy to treat IBD‐related thrombosis.
12.84% Efficiency Flexible Kesterite Solar Cells by Heterojunction Interface Regulation
Authors: Xu Xiao , Zhou Jiazheng , Yin Kang , Wang Jinlin , Lou Licheng , Li Dongmei , Shi Jiangjian , Wu Huijue , Luo Yanhong , Meng Qingbo
Published: August 2023

Due to their environmental friendliness, low cost, and versatility in applications, flexible Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4(CZTSSe) solar cells have garnered significant attention in recent years. However, the lack of alkali metal elements in the flexible substrate has posed a challenge to the advancement of flexible CZTSSe solar cells. In this study, a post‐treatment strategy is proposed involving Rb ions to simultaneously regulate the surface properties of the CZTSSe film and the reactions during the CdS chemical bath deposition (CBD) process. Material and chemical characterization results confirm that Rb ions effectively passivate the detrimental Se0defect, leading to a more active surface for the CdS epitaxial growth. Additionally, the coordination between Rb ions and thiourea in the CBD solution improves the ion‐by‐ion deposition of the CdS layer. These beneficial effects significantly improve the heterojunction interface and consequently enable the flexible CZTSSe solar cell to achieve a record total‐area efficiency of 12.84% and excellent bending performance. Overall, the heterojunction interface regulation strategy employed in this work, along with the obtained remarkable results, offer promising prospects for the development of flexible CZTSSe solar cells.
Unveiling the Role of Ruthenium in Layered Sodium Cobaltite Toward High‐Performance Electrode Enabled by Anionic and Cationic Redox
Authors: Voronina Natalia , Köster Konstantin , Yu Jun Ho , Kim Hee Jae , Jung Min‐Gi , Jung Hun‐Gi , Lee Kug‐Seung , Kaghazchi Payam , Myung Seung‐Taek
Published: August 2023

The effect of Ru substitution on the structure and electrochemical properties of P2‐type Na0.67CoO2 is investigated. The first‐discharge capacities of Na0.67CoO2 and Na0.6 [Co0.78Ru0.22]O2 materials are 128 and 163 mAh g−1 (23.5 mA g−1), respectively. Furthermore, the rate capability is improved due to the electro‐conducting nature of Ru doping. Operando X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the Na0.67CoO2 does not undergo a phase transition; however, multiple Na+/vacancy ordered superstructures within the P2 phase appear during Na+ extraction/insertion. In contrast, the Na0.6[Co0.78Ru0.22]O2 material undergoes a P2–OP4 phase transition during desodiation, with no formation of Na+/vacancy ordering within the P2 phase. The increased discharge capacity of Na0.6[Co0.78Ru0.22]O2 is most likely associated with additional cationic Ru4+/Ru5+ redox and increased anionic O2−/(O2n−) redox participation. Combined experimental (galvanostatic cycling, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry) and theoretical (density functional theory calculations) studies confirm that Ru substitution provokes the oxygen‐redox reaction and that partial O2 release from the oxide lattice is the origin of the reaction. The findings provide new insight for improving the electrode performance of cathode materials via 4d Ru substitution and motivate the development of a new strategy for the design of high‐capacity cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries.
Alternative care sites and resident exposure in pediatric emergency medicine: Who, what, and where
Authors: Miller Kelsey A. , Cavallaro Sarah , Hirsch Alexander , Hudgins Joel , Levy Jason , Li Joyce , Lipton Galina , Marchese Ashley , Mannix Rebekah C. , Monuteaux Michael C. , Schutzman Sara , Miller Andrew F.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Emergency medicine (EM) physicians and pediatricians who provide acute pediatric care depend on clinical exposure during residency to learn pediatric EM. Increasing volumes of pediatric patients, especially with behavioral health complaints, have stressed pediatric emergency departments (ED) and prompted clinical operations innovations including alternative care sites outside the main ED. We investigated the impact of these recent trends and resulting alternative care sites on the exposure of residents to core pediatric conditions.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed patient encounters between July 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, at a pediatric ED that hosts one pediatric and three EM residencies. During the study, the hospital employed alternative care sites in response to increased and shifting patient populations. Median patients per resident per academic year were compared before and after the opening of alternative care sites, overall and stratified by patient factors (age, sex, Emergency Severity Index [ESI], and diagnostic category). The study also compared the percentage of residents who saw no patients with a given diagnosis between the two periods.

Results

Of 231,101 patient encounters, 199,947 were seen in the main ED and 31,154 in alternative care sites. The median number of patients seen by a single resident in a single academic year ranged from 82 to 136 for pediatric residents and from 128 to 183 for EM residents. The median number of patients per resident per year did not decrease for any age group, sex, ESI level, or diagnosis across the two periods. Residents saw a median of 19 more patients with psychiatric diagnoses (95% CI 15.4–22.7) in the more recent period. Seven diagnoses were not seen by at least 20% of residents during both periods.

Conclusions

Current pediatric ED capacity challenges can be addressed with alternative care sites without decreasing volume or variety of patients seen by residents.
Thermally activated delayed fluorescence carbazole‐triazine dendrimer with bulky substituents
Authors: Ikebe Hiroki , Nakao Kohei , Hisamura Eri , Furukori Minori , Nakayama Yasuo , Hosokai Takuya , Yang Minlang , Liu Guanting , Yasuda Takuma , Albrecht Ken
Published: August 2023

Carbazole‐triazine dendrimers with a bulky terminal substituent were synthesized, and the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) property was investigated. Compared to unsubstituted carbazole dendrimers, dendrimers with bulky terminal substituents showed comparable to better photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY) in neat films. Phenylfluorene (PF)‐substituted dendrimers showed the highest PLQY of 81%, a small ΔEst of 0.06 eV, and the fastest reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) rate of ∼1 × 105 s−1 compared to other dendrimers. Phosphorescence measurements of dendrimers and dendrons (fragments) indicate that the close proximity of the triplet energy of phenylfluorene‐substituted carbazole dendrons (3LE) to that of phenylfluorene‐substituted dendrimers (1CT, 3CT) contributes to RISC promotion and improves TADF efficiency. Terminal modification fine‐tunes the energy level and suppresses intermolecular interactions, and this study provides a guideline for designing efficient solution‐processable and non‐doped TADF materials.
Anion‐based regulating mechanism of structural and diffusive property of ionic liquids
Authors: Wang Mi , Wang Yanlei , Zhang Tao , Xia Yu , He Hongyan
Published: August 2023

Understanding the regulating mechanism of diffusive properties of ionic liquids (ILs) is vital for their practical chemical engineering applications. Herein, we investigate the regulating mechanism of three properties, the structural, thermodynamical, and diffusive properties, of imidazole ILs with 18 kinds of anion via molecular dynamics simulations combined with theoretical analysis. It shows that the radial distribution function and coordinate number for these 18 ILs are similar to each other. However, the vibrational spectrum and diffusive property change greatly with the anion structure, in which the self‐diffusive coefficient (SDC) even changes by an order of magnitude. Furthermore, free energy and entropy have an exponential relationship with SDC, while other structural properties or cation–anion correlations cannot be directly related to SDC. These quantitative relationships suggest that entropy or free energy can serve as the key indicators in designing functional ILs for high‐performance applications in the chemical engineering field.
Enzyme‐Driven, Switchable Catalysis Based on Dynamic Self‐Assembly of Peptides
Authors: Li Qing , Min Jiwei , Zhang Jiaxing , Reches Meital , Shen Yuhe , Su Rongxin , Wang Yuefei , Qi Wei
Published: August 2023

Covalent regulatory systems of enzymes are widely used to modulate biological enzyme activities. Inspired by the regulation of reactive‐site phosphorylation in organisms, we developed peptide‐based catecholase mimetics with switchable catalytic activity and high selectivity through the co‐assembly of nanofibers comprising peptides and copper ions (Cu2+). Through careful design and modification of the peptide backbone structure based on the change in the free energy of the system, we identified the peptide with the most effective reversible catalytic activity. Kinase/phosphatase switches were used to control the reversible transition of nanofiber formation and depolymerization, as well as to modulate the active‐site microenvironment. Notably, the self‐assembly and disassembly processes of nanofibers were simulated using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics. Furthermore, theoretical calculations confirmed the coordination of the peptide and Cu2+, forming a zipper‐like four‐ligand structure at the catalytically active center of the nanofibers. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the catalytic mechanism. This study opens novel avenues for designing biomimetic enzymes with ordered structures and dynamic catalytic activities.
Smart Emulsions Stabilized by a Multi‐headgroup Surfactant Tolerant to High Concentrations of Acids and Salts
Authors: Zhang Wanqing , Binks Bernard P. , Jiang Jianzhong , Cui Zhenggang
Published: August 2023

Retaining emulsions stable at high acidity and salinity is still a great challenge. Here, we report a novel multi‐headgroup surfactant (C3H7−NH+(C10COOH)2, di‐UAPAc) which can be reversibly transformed among cationic, anionic and zwitterionic forms upon pH variation. Stable oil‐in‐dispersion (OID) emulsions in strong acidity (pH=2) can be co‐stabilized by low concentrations of di‐UAPAc and silica nanoparticles. High salinity at pH=2 improves the adsorption of di‐UAPAc on silica particles through hydrogen bonding, resulting in the transformation of OID emulsions into Pickering emulsions. Moreover, emulsification/demulsification and interconversion between OID and Pickering emulsions together with control of the viscosity and droplet size can be triggered by pH. The present work provides a new protocol for designing surfactants for various applications in harsh aqueous media, such as strong acidity and high salinity, involved in oil recovery and sewerage treatments.
Nano‐hydroxyapatite reinforced polylactic acid bioabsorbable cancellous screws for bone fracture fixations
Authors: Prasad Arbind , Bhasney Siddharth Mohan , Prasannavenkadesan Varatharajan , Sankar Mamilla Ravi , Katiyar Vimal
Published: August 2023

Bioabsorbable polymer implants aid the fracture treatment to overcome the limitations of metallic implants like stress shielding, corrosion, and revision surgeries. The cancellous screw is one of the internal fixation implants more frequently used in fixation procedures. In this work, nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHAp) reinforced polylactic acid cancellous screws were developed for bone fracture treatment. The biocompatibility and mechanical tests were performed before and after in‐vitro hydrolytic degradation studies. The addition of nanofillers (10 wt% nHAp) enhanced the pullout strength, torsional strength, and shear strength by 18%, 48%, and 5%, respectively. The performed thermal studies confirmed that the nanohydroxyapatite facilitates the crystallization process. A mass loss of about 18% in the case of neat PLA and 12% in the case of 10 wt% nHAp was observed for 90 days of in‐vitro hydrolytic degradation studies. So, the developed combination of biocomposite could help fabricate patient‐specific bioabsorbable fixation devices like screws and plates.
Using photogrammetry to create virtual permanent plots in rare and threatened plant communities
Authors: Tirrell Andrea J. , Putnam Aaron E. , Cianchette Michael I. J. , Gill Jacquelyn L.
Published: August 2023

Premise

Many plant communities across the world are undergoing changes due to climate change, human disturbance, and other threats. These community‐level changes are often tracked with the use of permanent vegetative plots, but this approach is not always feasible. As an alternative, we propose using photogrammetry, specifically photograph‐based digital surface models (DSMs) developed using structure‐from‐motion, to establish virtual permanent plots in plant communities where the use of permanent structures may not be possible.

Methods

In 2021 and 2022, we took iPhone photographs to record species presence in 1‐m2 plots distributed across alpine communities in the northeastern United States. We then compared field estimates of percent coverage with coverage estimated using DSMs.

Results

Digital surface models can provide effective, minimally invasive, and permanent records of plant species presence and percent coverage, while also allowing managers to mark survey locations virtually for long‐term monitoring. We found that percent coverage estimated from DSMs did not differ from field estimates for most species and substrates.

Discussion

In order to continue surveying efforts in areas where permanent structures or other surveying methods are not feasible, photogrammetry and structure‐from‐motion methods can provide a low‐cost approach that allows agencies to accurately survey and record sensitive plant communities through time.
New rhadinosuchine proterochampsids from the late Middle‐early Late Triassic of southern Brazil enhance the diversity of archosauriforms
Authors: Paes‐Neto Voltaire D. , Lacerda Marcel B. , Ezcurra Martín D. , Raugust Tiago , Trotteyn María J. , Soares Marina B. , Schultz Cesar L. , Pretto Flávio A. , Francischini Heitor , Martinelli Agustín G.
Published: August 2023

Proterochampsidae is a clade of non‐archosaurian archosauriforms restricted to the Middle to the Late Triassic of the Ischigualasto‐Villa Unión Basin of Argentina and the Santa Maria Supersequence of Brazil. A reappraisal of proterochampsid specimens from the Brazilian Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone (AZ) of the Pinheiros‐Chiniquá Sequence (late Ladinian‐early Carnian) is presented here. One of the specimens was preliminary assigned to Chanaresuchus sp., whose type species comes from the Massetognathus‐Chanaresuchus AZ of the Chañares Formation of Argentina. However, our revision indicates that it differs from Chanaresuchus, being more closely related to the middle‐late Carnian Rhadinosuchus gracilis. We therefore propose the new taxon, Pinheirochampsa rodriguesi, to reallocate this specimen. Additionally, we present a revision of other putative Chanaresuchus occurrences in Brazil, including the only known specimen described for the Santacruzodon AZ (Santa Cruz do Sul Sequence; early Carnian), also proposing it as a new taxon: Kuruxuchampsa dornellesi. Both new species are characterized, among other features, by transverse expansion of the anterior end of the rostrum, similar to the condition present in Rhadinosuchus, but absent in Chanaresuchus, Gualosuchus, Pseudochampsa, and non‐rhadinosuchine proterochampsids. These two new species expand the growing knowledge of the non‐archosaurian archosauriform diversity during the Middle‐Late Triassic in South America and enhance faunal and chronological comparisons between approximately coeval geological units between Argentina and Brazil.
More is better? Understanding the effects of online interactions on patients health anxiety
Authors: Deng Zhaohua , Deng Zihao , Fan Guorui , Wang Bin , Fan Weiguo (Patrick) , Liu Shan
Published: August 2023

Online health platforms play an important role in chronic disease management. Patients participate in online health platforms to receive and provide health‐related support from each other. However, there remains a debate about whether the influence of social interaction on patient health anxiety is linearly positive. Based on uncertainty, information overload, and the theory of motivational information management, we develop and test a model considering a potential curvilinear relationship between social interaction and health anxiety, as well as a moderating effect of health literacy. We collect patient interaction data from an online health platform based on chronic disease management in China and use text mining and econometrics to test our hypotheses. Specifically, we find an inverted U‐shaped relationship between informational provision and health anxiety. Our results also show that information receipt and emotion provision have U‐shaped relationships with health anxiety. Interestingly, health literacy can effectively alleviate the U‐shaped relationship between information receipt and health anxiety. These findings not only provide new insights into the literature on online patient interactions but also provide decision support for patients and platform managers.
Dataset versus reality: Understanding model performance from the perspective of information need
Authors: Yu Mengying , Sun Aixin
Published: August 2023

Deep learning technologies have brought us many models that outperform human beings on a few benchmarks. An interesting question is: can these models well solve real‐world problems with similar settings (e.g., identical input/output) to the benchmark datasets? We argue that a model is trained to answer the same information need in a similar context (e.g., the information available), for which the training dataset is created. The trained model may be used to solve real‐world problems for a similar information need in a similar context. However, information need is independent of the format of dataset input/output. Although some datasets may share high structural similarities, they may represent different research tasks aiming for answering different information needs. Examples are question–answer pairs for the question answering (QA) task, and image‐caption pairs for the image captioning (IC) task. In this paper, we use the QA task and IC task as two case studies and compare their widely used benchmark datasets. From the perspective of information need in the context of information retrieval, we show the differences in the dataset creation processes and the differences in morphosyntactic properties between datasets. The differences in these datasets can be attributed to the different information needs and contexts of the specific research tasks. We encourage all researchers to consider the information need perspective of a research task when selecting the appropriate datasets to train a model. Likewise, while creating a dataset, researchers may also incorporate the information need perspective as a factor to determine the degree to which the dataset accurately reflects the real‐world problem or the research task they intend to tackle.
Value‐at‐Risk with quantile regression neural network: New evidence from internet finance firms
Authors: Zeng Li , Lau Wee‐Yeap , Abdul Bahri Elya Nabila
Published: August 2023

Traditional risk measurements have proven inadequate in capturing tail risk and nonlinear correlation. This study proposes a novel approach to measure financial risk in the Internet finance industry: a new Value‐at‐Risk (VaR) measurement based on quantile regression neural network (QRNN). Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) is utilized to optimize the QRNN model, which improves the model's performance in predicting internet finance risk. By comparing the TGARCH‐VaR and QR‐VaR approaches, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of the QRNN‐VaR approach and its potential to improve the accuracy of risk prediction in the Internet finance industry. This study further examines and compares the risks between the traditional and internet finance industries. It also considers the unique impact of COVID‐19 on industry risk based on statistical testing for differences and machine learning models. Our results indicate that the level of risk in the Internet finance industry is higher than in the traditional finance industry. Moreover, COVID‐19 has contributed to increased risk within the Internet finance industry. These findings have significant implications for investors and policymakers seeking to better understand and manage risks within the Internet finance industry, particularly in the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic.
Anemonin inhibits sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury via mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Liu Dan , Li Li , Li Zengyan
Published: August 2023

Elevated inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are the main pathologic features of acute kidney injury (AKI)‐caused by sepsis. Here, we made an investigation into the protective effects of the natural compound Anemonin (ANE) on sepsis‐induced AKI both in vitro and in vivo. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was applied to construct an in vitro AKI model in renal tubular epithelial cells, and the septic C57BL/6J mouse model was constructed via cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Cell viability and apoptosis were detected. The levels of p53, Bax, Bcl2, Caspase3, Caspase8, Caspase9, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), Sirt‐1, and forkhead box O3 were determined by Western Blot or RT‐PCR. The reactive oxygen species level and OS markers were measured. Furthermore, the pathological changes of kidneys were evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. As per the information presented, ANE improved LPS‐elicited apoptosis, inflammatory response, and OS in a dose‐dependent pattern in renal tubular epithelial cells. Besides, ANE activated the AMPK/Sirt‐1 pathway, and the AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) and Sirt‐1 inhibitor (EX‐527) significantly attenuated ANE‐mediated protection on renal tubular epithelial cells. In vivo, ANE mitigated the levels of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen in the CLP‐induced mouse sepsis model, reduced the renal tissue injury score, and attenuated OS, inflammation, and apoptosis levels in the kidney. Taken together, this study suggested that ANE has protective effects in sepsis‐triggered AKI through repressing inflammation, OS, and cell apoptosis by activating the AMPK/Sirt‐1 pathway.
Influence of Gegenqinlian decoction on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of saxagliptin in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: Yu Chao , Cui Mingyu , Yin Yifeng , Zhu Fengmei , Sui Yue , Yan Xueying , Gai Yingli
Published: August 2023

Gegenqinlian decoction (GQD) is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which originated from Shanghanlun. The combination of GQD and hypoglycemic drugs (saxagliptin, Sax, metformin) is often used to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in TCM clinics. However, the herb–drug interactions (HDIs) between GQD and hypoglycemic drugs are still unclear. In order to determine the safety of the combination, we assessed the influences of GQD on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Sax in T2DM rats. The plasma concentration of Sax (5 mg/kg) pretreated with GQD (freeze‐dried powder, 1.35 g/kg) or not was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and pharmacokinetics parameters were calculated. The influence of GQD on the pharmacodynamics of Sax was investigated by detecting the levels of weight, (see abbreviations list) OGTT, TC, TG, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, FBG, FINS, HOMA‐IR, QUICKI, AST, ALT, and the liver coefficient. The Cmax, AUC0‐t,and AUC0‐∞ of Sax increased significantly in the combination group whether in normal or T2DM rats. The results of pharmacodynamics showed that the weight of rats in each treatment group increased. FBG, TC, TG, LDL‐C, and HOMA‐IR decreased, HDL‐C, FINS, and QUICKI increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared with the model control group. The result showed that the combination of GQD and Sax could not only improve the hypoglycemic effect but also increase the plasma exposure of Sax. The potential HDIs between GQD and Sax should be taken into consideration in clinics. Moreover, for the complexity of the human compared with experimental animals, as well as genetic differences, the in‐depth study should be carried out to assess the uniformity of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between rats and humans.
Transaction governance structure, institutional voids and transaction efficiency: An analysis of small and medium‐sized enterprises in emerging markets
Authors: Masroor Imtiaz , Tasneem Sadia , Alam Md. Nur , Hossen Sk. Sharafat , Nabi Md. Noor Un , Ghosh Anindro
Published: August 2023

In an emerging market and developing economies, transaction governance structure (TGS) plays a crucial role in determining transaction costs (TC) and transaction efficiency (TE) for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The presence of institutional voids (IVs) further complicates the situation by adding uncertainty and complexity to the transactions. Therefore, understanding the interplay between TGS, TC, TE, and IVs is essential for SMEs to thrive and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country. This study investigates the impact of transaction governance structure on transaction efficiency with the moderating effect of institutional voids on small and medium‐sized IT and software firms in Bangladesh. A sample of 131 SMEs was selected using nonprobability convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected using a self‐administered structured questionnaire with a 5‐point Likert scale and analysed using the PLS‐SEM approach. The study findings reveal that TGS significantly and positively impacts TE, and IV moderates the relationship between TGS and TE positively. The results of the study reveal that TGS plays a crucial role in reducing transaction costs and enhancing transaction efficiency for small and medium‐sized firms in Bangladesh, thus presenting opportunities for inclusive growth and development in the country's software and IT sector. This study provided valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners on the importance of TGS and IV in enhancing transaction efficiency. Additionally, the study acknowledges the significance of meeting social and environmental needs by leveraging corporate assets and expertise, strengthening a company's competitive strategy, and developing new business opportunities.
Export performance in fourASEANcountries: The role of international quality certification, information and communication technology capability, and innovation
Authors: Harsanto Budi , Kirana Desty Hapsari , Akbar Adhadian , Alam Muntasir
Published: August 2023

The aim of this paper is to examine empirically the relationship between international quality certification, and information and communication technology (ICT) capability with the firm's export performance by considering the variables of the firm's innovation as a mediator. The data used in this research is derived from the Enterprise Survey from the World Bank involving total more than 4000 firms' respondents from four countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam. Analyzed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) technique, the findings show that both international quality certification and ICT capabilities, mediated by innovation, has a significant effect to export performance. The study's findings can help managers and policymakers in developing economies, particularly in ASEAN, improve their firms' export performance.
The arterial risk posed by the posterolateral approach: An anatomical cadaveric study of the fibular artery and its variability
Authors: Heeran Niamh , Gomaa Abdul‐Rahman , Mason Lyndon , Bond Alistair P.
Published: August 2023

The posterior malleolus of the tibia is commonly accessed surgically through the posterolateral approach. This approach gives good access to the fibula and lateral aspect of the posterior tibia, however; there is little known on the vascular risks with this approach. The aim of this study was to assess and describe the anatomy of the fibular artery and its branches at the ankle region and relate it to the surgical access of the posterior malleolus. Eleven cadaveric foot and ankle specimens were dissected in layers, preserving the fibular artery, anterior tibial artery (ATA), and posterior tibial artery (PTA). Five distinct variations were found in the fibular artery: variable terminal branching with a hyperplastic fibular artery; a superficially located fibular artery; variation in the level and number of anastomoses; variation in the muscular branches; and a variable anterior perforating branch. The mean proximal distance from a horizontal line drawn through the medial protuberance of the medial malleolus of the tibia (horizontal line reference point—HLRP) to the posterior communicating branch of the fibular artery was 37.93 mm (range 19.03–85.43 mm). The mean proximal distance between HLRP and the anterior perforating branch of the fibular artery was 44.23 mm (range 35.44–62.32 mm). In 10 specimens, the fibular artery was immobile distal to its anterior perforating branch. The posterolateral approach specifically puts the fibular artery at risk and knowledge of its anatomy and variability is important when undertaking this approach. Understanding the common variations within the ankle's arterial anatomy can help surgeons protect these vessels from damage during the surgical approach.