bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal direction selectivity in the absence of asymmetric starburst amacrine cell responses
Authors: Hanson Laura , Sethuramanujam Santhosh , deRosenroll Geoff , Jain Varsha , Awatramani Gautam B
Published: February 2019

In the mammalian retina, direction-selectivity is thought to originate in the dendrites of GABAergic/cholinergic starburst amacrine cells, where it is first observed. However, here we demonstrate that direction selectivity in downstream ganglion cells remains remarkably unaffected when starburst dendrites are rendered non-directional, using a novel strategy combining a conditional GABAA α2 receptor knockout mouse with optogenetics. We show that temporal asymmetries between excitation/inhibition, arising from the differential connectivity patterns of starburst cholinergic and GABAergic synapses to ganglion cells, form the basis for a parallel mechanism generating direction selectivity. We further demonstrate that these distinct mechanisms work in a coordinated way to refine direction selectivity as the stimulus crosses the ganglion cell’s receptive field. Thus, precise spatiotemporal patterns of inhibition and excitation that determine directional responses in ganglion cells are shaped by two ‘core’ mechanisms, both arising from distinct specializations of the starburst network.
Quantitative insights into the cyanobacterial cell economy
Authors: Zavřel Tomáš , Faizi Marjan , Loureiro Cristina , Poschmann Gereon , Stühler Kai , Sinetova Maria , Zorina Anna , Steuer Ralf , Červený Jan
Published: February 2019

Phototrophic microorganisms are promising resources for green biotechnology. Compared to heterotrophic microorganisms, however, the cellular economy of phototrophic growth is still insufficiently understood. We provide a quantitative analysis of light-limited, light-saturated, and light-inhibited growth of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 using a reproducible cultivation setup. We report key physiological parameters, including growth rate, cell size, and photosynthetic activity over a wide range of light intensities. Intracellular proteins were quantified to monitor proteome allocation as a function of growth rate. Among other physiological acclimations, we identify an upregulation of the translational machinery and downregulation of light harvesting components with increasing light intensity and growth rate. The resulting growth laws are discussed in the context of a coarse-grained model of phototrophic growth and available data obtained by a comprehensive literature search. Our insights into quantitative aspects of cyanobacterial acclimations to different growth rates have implications to understand and optimize photosynthetic productivity.
Mapping ISO 19115-1 geographic metadata standards to CodeMeta
Authors: Habermann Ted
Published: February 2019

The CodeMeta Project recently proposed a vocabulary for software metadata. ISO Technical Committee 211 has published a set of metadata standards for geographic data and many kinds of related resources, including software. In order for ISO metadata creators and users to take advantage of the CodeMeta recommendations, a mapping from ISO elements to the CodeMeta vocabulary must exist. This mapping is complicated by differences in the approaches used by ISO and CodeMeta, primarily a difference between hard and soft typing of metadata elements. These differences are described in detail and a mapping is proposed that includes sixty-four of the sixty-eight CodeMeta V2 terms. The CodeMeta terms have also been mapped to dialects used by twenty-one software repositories, registries and archives. The average number of terms mapped in these cases is 11.2. The disparity between these numbers reflects the fact that many of the dialects that have been mapped to CodeMeta are focused on citation or dependency identification and management while ISO and CodeMeta share additional targets that include access, use, and understanding. Addressing this broader set of use cases requires more metadata elements.
LiBiNorm: an htseq-count analogue with improved normalisation of Smart-seq2 data and library preparation diagnostics
Authors: Dyer Nigel P. , Shahrezaei Vahid , Hebenstreit Daniel
Published: February 2019

Protocols for preparing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) libraries, most prominently “Smart-seq” variations, introduce global biases that can have a significant impact on the quantification of gene expression levels. This global bias can lead to drastic over- or under-representation of RNA in non-linear length-dependent fashion due to enzymatic reactions during cDNA production. It is currently not corrected by any RNA-seq software, which mostly focus on local bias in coverage along RNAs. This paper describes LiBiNorm, a simple command line program that mimics the popular htseq-count software and allows diagnostics, quantification, and global bias removal. LiBiNorm outputs gene expression data that has been normalized to correct for global bias introduced by the Smart-seq2 protocol. In addition, it produces data and several plots that allow insights into the experimental history underlying library preparation. The LiBiNorm package includes an R script that allows visualization of the main results. LiBiNorm is the first software application to correct for the global bias that is introduced by the Smart-seq2 protocol. It is freely downloadable athttp://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/research/libinorm.
Recent dating of extinct Atlantic gray whale fossils, (Eschrichtius robustus), Georgia Bight and Florida, western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Garrison Ervan G. , Morgan Gary S. , McGrath Krista , Speller Camilla , Cherkinsky Alexander
Published: February 2019

The Atlantic gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) presents an interesting case study of climate related dispersal and extinction. While (limited) fossil records confirm its presence in the Atlantic up until the 18th Century, its abundance and distribution within the Eastern and Western basins are still not well understood. The discovery of presumed gray whale fossil remains from the Georgia Bight and the Atlantic coast of Florida, from the mid-1980s to late-2000s, provides a new opportunity to recover additional data regarding their chronology within the Western basin. Here, we apply accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon techniques to six fossil whale finds, identifying dates within marine isotope stage 3 (59–24 ka) and the late Holocene, ∼2,000 yr BP. We additionally confirm the taxonomic identification of two fossil bone samples as E. robustus using collagen peptide mass fingerprinting (ZooMS). The obtained dates, when combined with a larger corpus of previously published Atlantic gray whale fossil dates, support the hypothesis for the decline of the Atlantic gray whale in the late Pleistocene and the late Holocene. These new data augment the findings of the Eastern Atlantic Basin and better incorporate the Western Atlantic Basin into a pan-ocean understanding for the species.
Hydrocleys nymphoides (Alismataceae) naturalised in New South Wales waterways
Authors: Kodela Philip , Jobson Richard W
Published: February 2019

Hydrocleys nymphoides (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Buchenau (Alismataceae) is a stoloniferous emergent/floating perennial aquatic plant native to the Neotropics. In Australia it is naturalised in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the territory Norfolk Island. The earliest non-cultivated collection in New South Wales was made in November 1957 from Castle Hill in Sydney, and although it involved an infestation in several farm dams it was not considered an established naturalised species in that state. Since then it was reported occurring in a dam at Murwillumbah in 1993 and from 2009 naturalised records have been collected from the Murray River at South Albury, near Coffs Harbour on the north coast, and on the Hacking River at Audley in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney. H. nymphoides, commonly called Water Poppy, is grown as an ornamental and has the potential to escape further as an invasive weed, particularly in disturbed wetlands and waterways. A description with images of H. nymphoides, and notes on distribution and genome size are provided.
The Effect of Top Management Involvement on Supply Chain Risk Management through Buyer-Supplier Relationship
Authors: Siagian Hotlan , Tarigan Zeplin Jiwahusada , Hee Han Tae
Published: February 2019

This paper aims to examine the role of the buyer-supplier relationship in improving the impact of top management involvement in the supply chain risk management. The study used 55 export-oriented manufacturing companies domiciled in East Java of Indonesia, and three respondents from top management level represented each company. Of 55, 44 companies have completed the questionnaires which means the response rate of 80%. Data collection used a questionnaire designed with a five-item Likert scale. Data analysis used the partial least square technique with Smart-PLS software version 3.0 to examine the hypotheses. The finding revealed that top management involvement affects supply chain risk management, top management involvement affects the buyer-supplier relationship, and buyer-supplier relationship affects supply chain risk management. The last finding is that buyer-supplier relationship empirically the effect of top management involvement. This paper paves the way for the manager in improving supply chain risk management by practicing top management involvement and development of a relationship with the supplier.
Managing Work Family Conflict and Work Stress through Job Satisfaction and Its Impact on Employee Performance
Authors: I Riana Gede
Published: February 2019

Work satisfaction has an important role in reducing work stress and work family conflict. This research aims to analyze the influence of work family conflict and work stress on the work satisfaction and performance of employees.  The sample in this research is 46 married female employees. The data analysis technique used is the Partial Least Square (PLS) by using WarpPLS. The research results show that; work family conflict has a significant and negative influence on job satisfaction. Work family conflict has a significant and negative influence on employee performance. Work stress has a negative and significant influence on job satisfaction. Work stress has a negative and insignificant influence on employee performance. The analysis results provide information that work family conflict and work stress has an indirect influence on employee performance through job satisfaction. Furthermore, the indirect influence of work-family conflict on employee performance through job satisfaction is a full mediation. This means that job satisfaction has a strategic role in reducing the work stress and work family conflict so that it does not have a significant impact on employee performance. Job satisfaction can be improved by providing the feelings of fairness so that women can be satisfied with their job, conducting promotions, and supervisions. Finally, the social support of co-workers and management in the form of implementing family friendly policies is greatly needed to maintain the job satisfaction.
Robust Optimization Model for Bi-objective Emergency Medical Service Design Problem with Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Chaerani Diah , Adawiyah Siti Rabiatul , Lesmana Eman
Published: February 2019

Bi-objective Emergency Medical Service Design Problem is a problem to determining the location of the station Emergency Medical Service among all candidate station location, the determination of the number of emergency vehicles allocated to stations being built so as to serve medical demand. This problem is a multi-objective problem that has two objective functions that minimize cost and maximize service. In real case there is often uncertainty in the model such as the number of demand. To deal the uncertainty on the bi-objective emergency medical service problem is using Robust Optimization which gave optimal solution even in the worst case. Model Bi-objective Emergency Medical Service Design Problem is formulated using Mixed Integer Programming. In this research, Robust Optimization is formulated for Bi-objective Emergency Medical Service Design Problem through Robust Counterpart formulation by assuming uncertainty in demand is box uncertainty and ellipsoidal uncertainty set. We show that in the case of bi-objective optimization problem, the robust counterpart remains computationally tractable. The example is performed using Lexicographic Method and Branch and Bound Method to obtain optimal solution.
Hearing Aid Use at the Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Bessen Sarah , Zhang Wuyang , Garcia Morales Emmanuel E. , Akré Ellesse-Roselee L. , Reed Nicholas S.
Published: November 2024

This cross-sectional study examines self-reported uptake of hearing aids and devices among older adult participants in the National Health and Aging Trends Study.
Disparities in Continuous Glucose Monitoring Among Patients Receiving Care in Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Wallia Amisha , Agarwal Shivani , Owen Andrew L. , Lam Emily L. , Davis Ka’Derricka , Bailey Stacy C. , DeLacey Sean E. , Pack Allison P. , Espinoza Juan , Bright Dana , Eggleston Alice , Walter Eve , O’Brien Matthew J.
Published: November 2024

Importance

While continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been found to improve diabetes care processes and outcomes, adoption remains low.

Objective

To examine the association between CGM prescriptions and individual characteristics among patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes (T1D and T2D, respectively).

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective cross-sectional study using electronic health record data for patients with T1D or T1D from 275 clinic sites nationwide between January 2014 and February 2021. All participating clinics were federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), the largest US system of primary care for vulnerable populations. Data were analyzed from September 2022 to August 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, and CGM prescription orders.

Results

A total of 1168 patients with T1D (mean [SD] age, 41.8 [16.0] years; 600 [51.4%] male; 372 [31.9%] Black; 262 [22.4%] Hispanic, and 750 [64.2%] White patients) and 35 216 patients with T2D (mean [SD] age, 58.4 [13.1] years; 19 772 [56.1%] female; 12 030 [34.2%] Black; 12 979 [36.9%] Hispanic, and 20 413 [58.0] White patients) were included. Overall, CGM prescriptions were infrequent (129 [11.0%] for patients with T1D and 362 [1.0%] for those with T2D) but increased throughout the study period. Among patients with T1D, those who reported Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio [OR], 0.30; 95% CI, 0.16-0.57), Black race (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38-0.99), or were uninsured (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23-0.74) had lower multivariable odds of receiving a CGM prescription than White or insured adults, respectively. Similar findings were observed among patients with T2D reporting Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.32-0.57), Black race (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59-0.98), or being uninsured (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.31-0.58), relative to their counterparts. Among patients with T2D, hemoglobin A1c values higher than 9.0% (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 2.37-4.21) and a greater burden of diabetes complications were associated with higher odds of CGM prescription.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of electronic health record data, rates of CGM prescription orders were low among FQHC patients with T1D and T2D. Disparities in CGM orders were observed among patients reporting Hispanic ethnicity, Black race, and those who lacked health insurance. Future research is needed to understand the causes of infrequent CGM orders in FQHCs and drivers of observed disparities in this vulnerable patient population.
Medication Exposure and Mortality in Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Brodeur Sébastien , Chiu Yohann M. , Courteau Josiane , Dorais Marc , Oliver Dominic , Stip Emmanuel , Fleury Marie-Josée , Roy Marc-André , Vanasse Alain , Lesage Alain , Leclerc Jacinthe
Published: November 2024

Importance

The use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines may influence the risk of mortality in people with schizophrenia. However, many observational studies have not accounted for immortal time bias (ITB), which occurs when there is a period during which patients in the exposed group are necessarily alive and misclassified as exposed (the period between start of follow-up and initiation of drug). Ignoring ITB may lead to misinterpretation of the association between these drugs and mortality.

Objectives

To examine whether the cumulative dose of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines is associated with mortality risk in patients with schizophrenia and discuss the potential impacts of ignoring ITB.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used administrative data from Québec, Canada, including patients aged 17 to 64 years diagnosed with schizophrenia between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2012. Data analysis was performed from June 22, 2022, to September 30, 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, with follow-up from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017, or until death. Mortality risk was assessed for low, moderate, and high exposure to antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Cox proportional hazards regression models with time-fixed exposure (not controlling for ITB) and time-dependent exposure (controlling for ITB) were performed.

Results

The cohort included 32 240 patients (mean [SD] age, 46.1 [11.6] years; 19 776 [61.3%] men), of whom 1941 (6.0%) died during follow-up. No dose-response association was found for antipsychotics with mortality using the time-fixed method. However, high-dose antipsychotic use was associated with increased mortality after correcting for ITB (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07-1.55; P = .008). Antidepressants showed a reduced mortality risk using the time-fixed method, but only at high doses when correcting for ITB (AHR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74-1.00; P = .047). Benzodiazepines were associated with increased mortality risk regardless of the method.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study do not dispute the known efficacy of antipsychotics in schizophrenia, but they call into question the magnitude of long-term mortality benefits.
Neonatal Mortality Rates With and Without a Minimum Threshold
Authors: Liang Fu-Wen , Chang Yu-Shan , Chou Chia-Sui , Jeng Mei-Jy , Kawachi Ichiro , Lu Tsung-Hsueh
Published: November 2024

This cross-sectional study examines international variations in neonatal mortality rates with and without minimum thresholds for gestational age (22 weeks) and birth weight (500 g) in 2010 and 2020.
Lignocellulose‐Mediated Functionalization of Liquid Metals toward the Frontiers of Multifunctional Materials
Authors: Li Wei , Zhu Liyu , Xu Ying , Wang Guanhua , Xu Ting , Si Chuanling
Published: November 2024

Lignocellulose‐mediated liquid metal (LM) composites, as emerging functional materials, show tremendous potential for a variety of applications. The abundant hydroxyl, carboxyl, and other polar groups in lignocellulose facilitate the formation of strong chemical bonds with LM surfaces, enhancing wettability and adhesion for improved interface compatibility. Beyond serving as a supportive matrix, lignocellulose can be tailored to optimize the microstructure of the composites, adapting them for diverse applications. This review comprehensively summarizes the fundamental principles and recent advancements in lignocellulose‐mediated LM composites, highlighting the advantages of lignocellulose in composite fabrication, including facile synthesis, versatile interactions, and inherent functionalities. Key modulation strategies for LMs and innovative synthesis methods for functionalized lignocellulose composites are discussed. Furthermore, the roles and structure–performance relationships of these composites in electromagnetic shielding, flexible sensors, and energy storage devices are systematically summarized. Finally, the obstacles and prospective advancements pertaining to lignocellulose‐mediated LM composites are thoroughly scrutinized and deliberated upon. This review is expected to provide basic guidance for researchers to boost the popularity of LMs in diverse applications and provide useful references for design strategies of state‐of‐the‐art LMs.
A Sleeve Alters the Pressure‐Stretch Curve of a Hyperelastic Balloon to Enable Pre‐Programmed Sequencing
Authors: Gertler Ifat , Kuchenbecker Katherine J.
Published: November 2024

Coupled hyperelastic balloons that anchor alternately against a lumen wall provide an appealing locomotion method for soft robots, especially for pipe inspection and medical interventions. However, it is still challenging to use a single fluid channel to obtain a practical balloon actuation sequence, where the rear anchor is both the first to inflate and the first to deflate. The common solution delays the front balloon's reaction using fluid dynamics, producing a slow and/or bulky system. This study presents a new method that utilizes an inextensible sleeve along with geometry and mechanical properties to set the pressure‐stretch curve of two silicone‐rubber balloons so they can serve as the rear and front anchors when driven from a single fluid supply. Experimental measurements and numerical simulations compare the characteristic curves of thin and thick spherical balloons with identical diameters to that of a thin balloon inside a rigid encasing sleeve that delays its initial expansion. Pairing this encased thin balloon with a non‐encased thick balloon yields the desired asymmetric actuation sequence. A physical demonstration of the behavior needed for self‐propelling robots is achieved by placing such balloons within rigid tubes, connecting them to a shared supply, and sequentially adding and removing fluid.
Modulating Dynamic Photoresponse Behavior of Organic Phototransistors Through Morphology Control
Authors: Gong Weijie , Xue Di , Yan Chi , Yin Yao , Zhang Yingying , Lu Jie , Jiang Jichao , Zhang Jidong , Xiao Yuran , Ding Feng , Wang Zi , Huang Lizhen , Chi Lifeng
Published: November 2024

Organic phototransistors (OPTs) show great promise in optoelectronic applications, including memory devices, logic circuits, and neural networks, due to their effective photoelectric conversion and signal amplification capability. While most OPTs exhibit photomemory behavior, achieving a photoswitching response typically requires specific materials or a unique device structure. However, modulating between photomemory and photoswitching behavior within a single system is crucial for creating versatile, directionally functional devices. In this study, a straightforward approach is demonstrated to tune the response from photomemory to photoswitching in a single OPTs by adjusting the growth process of organic semiconductor. The findings show that the dynamic photoresponse is strongly linked to the film ordering, with reduced crystalline quality favoring photoswitching behavior and highly crystalline quality tending photomemory behavior. This shift correlates closely with changes in the properties and density of trap states in the active layers, as confirmed by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). Overall, this study introduces a simple, effective method to control the photoresponse of OPTs, enhancing the potential application of organic optoelectronic devices.
Steroid‐Induced Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome in a Young Patient Without Diabetes After Treating Him for Minimal Change Disease—Case Report
Authors: Albakr Rehab B.
Published: November 2024

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. The episodes of HHS have been reported in patients with no prior history of diabetes. However, these incidents have rarely been reported in the literature. The present study reports the case of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome in a patient without diabetes history after being prescribed high‐dose steroid therapy. This case highlights the importance of regularly monitoring blood glucose levels in patients prescribed supraphysiological doses of steroids. The present study presents a 29‐year‐old male patient with no previous history of diabetes who presented with HHS, manifested by a decreased level of consciousness, lethargy, and history of polyuria. Laboratory work revealed significantly high serum glucose and high serum osmolality, with no ketones. Two weeks prior to the presentation, the patient was started on 1 mg/kg of oral prednisolone for his new diagnosis of minimal change disease with a nephrotic syndrome picture. The management of HHS included aggressive fluid intake and insulin therapy, and the steroid was tapered quickly. Hyperglycemia resolved completely with normalization of his HbA1c after the complete stoppage of steroids and he did not require to continue lifelong insulin. The present study highlights the importance of assessing the risk of hyperglycemia, screening, and regular glucose monitoring in patients prescribed supraphysiological doses of steroids, even if no prior history of diabetes has been recorded..
Heterozygous Mutations in Both the AMN and CBS Genes: Double Haploinsufficiency as an Unusual Cause of Vitamin B12 Deficiency—A Case Report
Authors: Iversen Per Ole , Gueant Jean‐Louis , Oussalah Abderrahim , Refsum Helga , Nexo Ebba , Tjønnfjord Geir E. , Qvigstad Christian
Published: November 2024

Vitamin B12 deficiency is usually simple to diagnose. However, our patient demonstrates that in difficult cases, the ordinary clinician may need a transdisciplinary approach. The finding of a double haploinsufficiency as a possible cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in our patient, illustrates the usefulness of performing large panel clinical exome sequencing.
Solar and UV for photocatalytic degradation of spiramycin using nitrogen‐doped TiO2
Authors: Malik Hema , Wanchoo Ravinder Kumar , Toor Amrit Pal
Published: November 2024

The extensive use of antibiotics in both veterinary and clinical settings has unintentionally led to their presence in surface waters, raising significant concerns. Macrolides, a class of antibiotics classified as ‘emerging contaminants’, have the potential to infiltrate the environment and negatively impact human health. To address this issue, band gap engineering through surface modification of titanium dioxide (TiO2) has shown promising efficacy in mitigating such harmful contaminants. In our study, spiramycin (SPR) was subjected to both UV and solar radiation in the presence of a suitable catalyst in a slurry batch reactor. The synthesized catalysts were characterized using various techniques, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (FESEM‐EDX), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Optimization of key parameters indicated a maximum degradation of 91.08% degradation for 10 mgL−1 SPR with 2NTiO2 within 180 minutes under solar radiation. The reaction kinetics revealed that SPR degradation followed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) model. Additionally, the intermediates formed during the degradation process were identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LCMS) and a degradation pathway was proposed. A significant reduction in the toxicity of SPR was observed following the photocatalytic treatment.
Hydrodynamic large deviations of TASEP
Authors: Quastel Jeremy , Tsai Li‐Cheng
Published: November 2024

We consider the large deviations from the hydrodynamic limit of the Totally Asymmetric Simple Exclusion Process (TASEP). This problem was studied by Jensen and Varadhan and was shown to be related to entropy production in the inviscid Burgers equation. Here we prove the full large deviation principle. Our method relies on the explicit formula of Matetski, Quastel, and Remenik for the transition probabilities of the TASEP.
Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Model‐Based Hypothesis Generation for Dose Optimization of Clonidine in Neonates With Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Authors: Tang Fei , Ng Chee M. , Horn Jamie , Bada Henrietta S. , Leggas Markos
Published: November 2024

The No‐POPPY study (NCT03396588), a double‐blind, randomized trial compared morphine with clonidine therapy for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and found that the duration of treatment was similar across groups. This is significant because perinatal use of morphine has the potential for neurodevelopmental consequences. Still, the clonidine group reached symptom stabilization (Finnegan score (FS) < 8) later than the morphine group and had a more significant number of patients who required adjunct therapy. However, the mean FS was consistently lower in the clonidine group after day 6. This prompted us to use pharmacokinetic (PK) and parametric time‐to‐event (TTE) modeling to simulate dosage schedules that may decrease the time to stabilization and reduce the need for adjunct therapy. Population PK (popPK) analysis was conducted, and the final model was a one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination, incorporating allometric scaling and age effect on apparent clearance (CL/F) and apparent volume (V/F). The population estimates for CL/F and V/F were 13.6 L/h/70 kg and 416 L/70 kg, respectively, similar to the reported values. A Weibull model described the TTE data best, followed by incorporating predicted average concentrations to yield the final Weibull accelerated failure time model. Simulations of dosing strategies showed that increasing both the starting and maximum doses could potentially shorten the time to stabilization, and thus, length of treatment and hospital stay. Given the hypothesis‐generating nature of this analysis, the recommended dosing regimens should be tested prospectively to evaluate their benefits.
Tradition and Transmutation: A Diachronic Analysis on the Logic of Competitive Collective Action in the Tibetan Borderlands of Gan‐Qing‐Chuan, China
Authors: Xiong Zheng
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a unique approach to the study of Chinese ethnic group conflicts, diverging from the conventional focus on external factors such as macro‐causal analysis and strategy research. Instead, it delves into the internal theme of group conflicts, namely “the logic of collective action,” and analyzes its manifestations in the Tibetan borderlands of Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan China across two distinct historical periods: the tribal society period and the contemporary era. The findings indicate that in the contemporary Tibetan borderlands of Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan, the ideological discourses of “collective responsibility” and religion as mobilizing mechanisms have tended to diminish in influence, while the structural social mentality has grown in strength. While deliberations and oaths (mengshi) still constitute the preliminary phase to collective action, the subsequent action has shifted from predominantly “armed struggle” to the combination of “struggle and negotiation (wenzheng wudou),” and the framework of collective action from “retributive justice” to “restorative (distributive) justice,” embodied in “li (precedent)” and “li (reason).” The evolution of this logic of collective action is the inevitable result of the changing mechanism of power relations following the implantation of a new political power system in Tibetan borderland society.
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Authors: Choi Myungwoo , Lee Geonhee , Lee Yea‐Lee , Lee Hyejeong , Yang Jin‐Hoon , Jang Hanhwi , Han Hyeonseok , Kang MinSoung , Yoo Seonggwang , Jang A‐Rang , Oh Yong Suk , Park Inkyu , Oh Min‐Wook , Shin Hosun , Jeon Seokwoo , Lee Jeong‐O , Cho Donghwi
Published: November 2024

This work features a thin, flexible thermoelectric membrane in a multifunctional wearable device, highlighting its advanced energy harvesting capabilities.

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Synthesis of amino acid surfactants bioinspired from melanin using ethyl protocatechuate
Authors: Chen Jiadong , Tang Weikang , Han Mengqi , Chen Qinfei , Zhou Hong , Zhang Yongkui , Liu Wenbin
Published: November 2024

Amino acid surfactants are widely used in areas of life and industry. Biomimetic synthesis of a new type of amino acid surfactant was based on the melanogenesis using the natural substances ethyl protocatechuate. Ethyl protocatechuate was oxidized to o‐benzoquinone using silver oxide. The amino group of amino acids, including arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid, histidine, leucine, and threonine, was conjugated with o‐benzoquinone to synthesize melanin‐like amino acid surfactants. o‐Benzoquinone moiety behaved as hydrophobic part while amino acid residue served as hydrophilic head group. The critical micelle concentration of cysteine product was 1.18 mM. The melanin‐like amino acid surfactant showed excellent foamability, wettability, emulsification, solubilization, and dispersibility properties. Arginine product showed the longest foam half lifetime of 18 min; the wetting time of threonine product was 23 s; the emulsion delamination time of cysteine product was 1034 and 1940 s for liquid paraffin and soybean oil, respectively; threonine product had the most solubilization capacity of 9430 mL mol−1 of benzene; glutamic acid product showed the highest lime soap dispersing power value of 45.58%. It was the first invention for biomimetic synthesis of amino acid surfactant from aspect of both structure and route. Melanin‐like amino acid surfactant had promising potential in both fundamental research and industrial application.
Low‐Loss and Low‐Power Silicon Ring Based WDM 32×$\times$100 GHz Filter Enabled by a Novel Bend Design
Authors: Deng Qingzhong , El‐Saeed Ahmed H. , Elshazly Alaa , Lepage Guy , Marchese Chiara , Neutens Pieter , Kobbi Hakim , Magdziak Rafal , De Coster Jeroen , Vaskasi Javad Rahimi , Kim Minkyu , Tong Yeyu , Singh Neha , Filipcic Marko Ersek , Van Dorpe Pol , Croes Kristof , Chakrabarti Maumita , Velenis Dimitrios , De Heyn Peter , Verheyen Peter , Absil Philippe , Ferraro Filippo , Ban Yoojin , Van Campenhout Joris
Published: November 2024

Ring resonators are crucial in silicon photonics for various applications, but conventional designs face performance trade‐offs. Here a third‐order polynomial interconnected circular (TOPIC) bend is proposed to revolutionize the ring designs fundamentally. The TOPIC bend has a unique feature of continuous curvature and curvature derivative, which is theoretically derived to be essential for waveguide loss optimization. With the TOPIC bend, the silicon ring resonators demonstrated here have achieved three records to the best of our knowledge: the smallest radius (0.7 ) for silicon rings resonating with single guided mode, the lowest thermal tuning power (5.85 mW/) for silicon rings with 3.2 THz, and the first silicon ring‐based WDM 32100 GHz filter. The filter has doubled the channel amount compared to the state of the art, and meanwhile achieved low insertion loss (1.91 0.28 dB) and low tuning power (283 GHz ). Moreover, the TOPIC bend is not limited to ring applications, it can also be used to create bends with an arbitrary angle, with the advantages of ultra‐compact radius and heater integration, which are expected to replace all circular bends in integrated photonics, greatly reducing system size and power consumption.
Three‐dimensional braided composites with auxetic behavior in the transverse plane and equal Poisson's ratios along principal directions
Authors: Punith P. , Pakhare K. S. , Santhosh B. , Nair R. G. , Guruprasad P. J. , Naik N. K.
Published: November 2024

Analytical homogenization technique for obtaining elastic properties of three‐dimensional braided composites is presented. The effect of braiding angle on Poisson's ratios, configurations exhibiting equal Poisson's ratios along principal directions of braided composite representative unit cells (RUCs) and auxetic behavior in the transverse plane of RUCs are investigated. Two unique braided composite RUCs are presented. The exact jamming condition is utilized for obtaining braided composite configurations. The 4‐axes and 5‐axes arrangements are examined for each RUC. Obtained numerical results are compared with results reported in the literature. Equal Poisson's ratios along global orthonormal directions of both RUCs are achievable.

Highlights

Two RUCs for three‐dimensional braided composites have been identified.

Composites with auxetic behavior are possible for a range of braiding angles.

Composites with equal Poisson's ratios are possible for a few braiding angles.
Modeling of a sandwich beam with viscoelastic core partially supported by elastic foundation under moving load
Authors: Xiao Lili , Gao Lei , Zhou Dianyi
Published: November 2024

This research presents a novel investigation into the dynamic response of a sandwich beam distinguished by a viscoelastic core and functionally graded graphene platelet‐reinforced composite (FG‐GPLRC) face sheets. Notably, this study marks the first exploration of the impact of a partial Winkler elastic foundation on this configuration. Every nanocomposite layer consists of a laminate in which graphene platelets (GPLs) are evenly dispersed and arranged in a random orientation. Homogenization of FG‐GPLRC face sheets follows the Halpin–Tsai micromechanical rule, and their constitutive behavior adheres to the Hooke law. The viscoelastic core is modeled using the Kelvin–Voigt constitutive law. The first‐order sandwich theory defines the sandwich structure's displacements. This theory considers both shear deformations and rotary inertias for all sandwich layers. The problem is tackled through the Chebyshev–Ritz method and the Newmark time marching technique. A comprehensive verification analysis is conducted by comparing the findings with other existing experimental, numerical, and analytical results found in the literature. This combined approach reveals compelling insights into the interplay of sandwich composition, geometry, and boundary conditions.

Highlights

Viscoelastic core effectively dampens dynamic responses in sandwich beams.

Doubling face sheet thickness reduces maximum deflection by 31%.

Halving core thickness leads to a 53% reduction in dynamic deformation.

1% GPL reinforcement by weight reduces transverse displacement by 44%.

Extending elastic foundation decreases deflection by 25% but shows diminishing returns.
Enhancing the Performance and Stability of FAPbI3 Perovskite X‐ray Detectors via Bi‐Doping
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Hui , Wang Zihan , Wan Changmao , Ma Yuanbo , Liu Yupeng , Cao Chentai , Song Shuo , Ye Jiajiu , Pan Xu
Published: November 2024

Perovskite materials have demonstrated significant potential in X‐ray detection due to their high atomic number and robust X‐ray absorption capacity, especially organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites. Among these, CH(NH2)2PbI3 (FAPbI3) stands out for its narrow bandgap and robust absorption properties. However, FAPbI3 undergoes a rapid phase transition from a black octahedral perovskite phase to a yellow non‐perovskite phase under environmental conditions. This work addresses this issue by proposing the doping of Bi elements with mixed valence at the Pb site, verified through density functional theory simulations. The results indicate that Bi doping increases the formation of FA ionic vacancies, enhancing degradation energy and stabilizing the perovskite phase. FAPb0.99Bi0.01I3 exhibits higher ion‐migration activation energy (0.75 eV), carrier mobility (6.88 × 10−3 cm2 V−1), and carrier lifetime compared to FAPbI3. Additionally, Bi doping reduces FAPbI3 perovskite crystal defects, inhibits ion migration, and increases resistivity. These improvements confirm the feasibility of B‐site non‐homovalent doping in perovskite X‐Ray detector applications.
Reinforcement Learning Based Reciprocal Decision‐Making in Multi‐Player Pursuit‐Evasion Differential Games
Authors: Lu Shi , Yang Hao
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates reciprocal decision‐making in multi‐player pursuit‐evasion (MPE) differential games by analyzing altruistic decision‐making among players. The irrational decision‐making motivated by altruism is modeled by introducing a distance term between cooperative players and common adversaries into the original performance function. Based on the new performance function, the Nash policy under irrationality is first sought using the maximum principle, based on which reinforcement learning is proposed to approximate the Nash policy. Subsequently, sufficient conditions are proposed to determine whether irrational decision‐making is egoistic or altruistic and whether reciprocity is generated under altruistic decision‐making among players. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed results is verified by a numerical example.
Social debate and hate speech around the Trans Law in Spain: A systematic literature review
Authors: Sánchez‐Holgado Patricia , Gomes‐Barbosa Marcos , Mera‐Alonso Diego José , Arcila‐Calderón Carlos
Published: November 2024

The objective of this work is to identify the social debate generated in Spain by the approval of the Law for the real and effective equality of trans people and for the guarantee of the rights of LGTBI people. A systematic literature review is carried out. The results analyze both the actors and arguments around the Law and its wording, as well as the role played by social networks, such as Twitter, in the formulation of the conflict, with the prevalence of discriminatory messages of hate speech. As conclusions, the main points of debate are self‐determination, depathologization, the trans minors' rights, and the situation of discrimination of LGTBI people in social and work environments.
Bisphenol B Exposure Promotes Melanoma Progression via Dysregulation of Lipid Metabolism in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Ma Xuening , Shao Qianchao , Huang Shuxian , Zhang Weigao , Liu Hu , Jiayi Xu , Zhao Xunan , Li Peiqi , Shao Da , Bu YuanQing , Weng Dan
Published: November 2024

The increasing incidence of cancer underscore the necessity of investigating contributors such as endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA). Although BPA's risks are well‐documented, comprehensive studies on its substitutes, such as bisphenol B (BPB), are limited. Dysregulated lipid metabolism is a hallmark of cancer progression. Our previous work demonstrated that BPA and bisphenol S (BPS) disrupt lipid metabolism via the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) pathway. We hence hypothesized that BPB might similarly perturb lipid metabolism and promote tumor growth. BPB's impact on lipid metabolism was investigated in vitro and in vivo using B16 melanoma cancer cells. Our findings indicate BPB exposure significantly increased lipid metabolism in B16 cells, enhancing cell proliferation and migration, and promoting tumor development in mice. Utilizing siRNA transfection or chemical inhibitor, we found that stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1), a key enzyme in lipid synthesis pathway, was required for BPB‐induced lipid accumulation and cancer cell migration. Docking analysis revealed BPB may activate gene expression related to lipid metabolism and angiogenesis by interacting with PPARγ and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). This study illuminates BPB's potential role in advancing melanoma through lipid metabolism manipulation, highlighting the need for further research into the safety of BPA substitutes and their impact on cancer development.
Computational approaches for circRNA-disease association prediction: a review
Authors: Niu Mengting , Chen Yaojia , Wang Chunyu , Zou Quan , Xu Lei
Published: November 2024

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a covalently closed RNA molecule formed by back splicing. The role of circRNAs in posttranscriptional gene regulation provides new insights into several types of cancer and neurological diseases. CircRNAs are associated with multiple diseases and are emerging biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The associations prediction is one of the current research hotspots in the field of bioinformatics. Although research on circRNAs has made great progress, the traditional biological method of verifying circRNA-disease associations is still a great challenge because it is a difficult task and requires much time. Fortunately, advances in computational methods have made considerable progress in circRNA research. This review comprehensively discussed the functions and databases related to circRNA, and then focused on summarizing the calculation model of related predictions, detailed the mainstream algorithm into 4 categories, and analyzed the advantages and limitations of the 4 categories. This not only helps researchers to have overall understanding of circRNA, but also helps researchers have a detailed understanding of the past algorithms, guide new research directions and research purposes to solve the shortcomings of previous research.
Identifikation peroxisomaler Proteine durch quantitative SWATH-MS
Authors: Drews Oliver , Singin Öznur , Islinger Markus
Published: November 2024

Organelle proteomics is a valuable approach to identify novel proteins in a confined cellular compartment thereby increasing our understanding of the function of individual organelles in cellular metabolism or signaling. A major obstacle in annotating organelle proteomes by mass spectrometry(MS)-based proteomics is to distinguish between true organelle constituents and contaminants co-purified during fractionation. Here we give a short summary on a recently developed quantitative SWATH-MS approach to characterize the proteome of peroxisomes from mouse liver.
An Introduction to Law and Regulation
Authors: Yeung Karen , Ranchordás Sofia
Published: November 2024

Contemporary life relies on regulation. The quality and safety of the water we drink, the food we eat, and the social media applications we use are all governed by multiple regulatory regimes. Although rooted in law, regulation is a multidisciplinary endeavour. Debates about regulation, particularly in the face of rapid change and the emergence of new 'risks', are now commonplace. Despite extensive scholarship, regulation is often poorly understood, even by policy-makers, with unintended and even disastrous consequences. This book offers a critical introduction to core theories, concepts, methods, tools, and techniques of regulation, including regulatory policy, instruments, enforcement, compliance, accountability and legitimacy. Weaving extracts from texts drawn from many disciplines with accessible commentary, it introduces this important field to students, scholars, and practitioners in a scholarly yet accessible and engaging manner with discussion questions and additional readings for those seeking to deepen their knowledge.
From Stars to Life
Authors: Lingam Manasvi , Balbi Amedeo
Published: November 2024

How did life originate? Is there life beyond Earth? What is the future of life on our planet? The rapidly growing multidisciplinary field of astrobiology deals with life's big questions. This text harnesses the authors' two decades' experience of teaching acclaimed courses in astrobiology, and adopts a novel quantitative approach toward this emergent discipline. It details the physical principles and chemical processes that have shaped the origins and distribution of molecules, stars, planets, and hence habitable environments, life, and intelligence in the Universe. By synthesising insights from domains as diverse as astronomy and physics to microbiology, biochemistry and geology, the authors provide a cutting-edge summary of astrobiology, and show how answers to many fundamental questions are drawing closer than ever. Geared towards advanced undergraduates and graduate students in the physical sciences, the text contains more than 150 innovative problems designed to enhance students' knowledge and understanding.