bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐Agent Control of Laser‐Guided Shape‐Memory Alloy Microrobots
Authors: Kim Minsoo , Yu Alan , Kim Daehyeon , Nelson Bradley J. , Ahn Sung‐Hoon
Published: September 2023

Microrobots have a high demand for multi‐agent control to enhance their effectiveness in performing various tasks. While light is a power source that can control many micro‐structures, the range of controllable objects is limited to polymeric structures, simple particles, or bio‐cells. This study presents a multi‐agent microrobot control platform that utilizes a laser and artificial structures made of a shape‐memory alloy (SMA). The SMA microrobots can travel at speeds of up to 150 µm s−1 (2.5 BL s−1) and demonstrate complex path navigation, algorithm‐based control, and vision‐based feedback control. By utilizing the minimum potential energy algorithm, the paths of microrobots are optimized to perform navigation tasks in the shortest routes, bypassing obstacles. Additionally, the vision system calibrates the paths before every laser scanning cycle. Finally, the SMA microrobot platform with algorithm‐based path planning and real‐time feedback allows multi‐agent control, overcoming inconsistent locomotion caused by the uncertainty of complex microenvironments. As SMAs have a high energy density, fast actuation speed, good chemical resistance, and excellent biocompatibility, these SMA microrobots are expected to open up a wide range of potential applications for micro‐robotics in various fields, such as micro‐chemical reactions and biomedical devices.
The Landscape of Biomimetic Nanovesicles in Brain Diseases
Authors: You Qing , Liang Fuming , Wu Gege , Cao Fangfang , Liu Jingyi , He Zhaohui , Wang Chen , Zhu Ling , Chen Xiaoyuan , Yang Yanlian
Published: September 2023

Brain diseases, such as brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and brain injuries, are caused by various pathophysiological changes, which pose a serious health threat. Brain disorders are often difficult to treat due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Biomimetic nanovesicles (BNVs), including endogenous extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from various cells and artificial nanovesicles, possess the ability to penetrate the BBB and thus can be utilized for drug delivery to the brain. BNVs, especially endogenous EVs, are widely distributed in body fluids and usually carry various disease‐related signal molecules such as proteins, RNA, and DNA, and may also be analyzed to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of brain diseases. This review covers the exhaustive classification and characterization of BNVs and pathophysiological roles involved in various brain diseases, and emphatically focuses on nanotechnology‐integrated BNVs for brain disease theranostics, including various diagnosis strategies and precise therapeutic regulations (e.g., immunity regulation, disordered protein clearance, anti‐neuroinflammation, neuroregeneration, angiogenesis, and the gut–brain axis regulation). The remaining challenges and future perspectives regarding the nanotechnology‐integrated BNVs for the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases are also discussed and outlined.
Enhanced Magneto‐Optical Effects in Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Indium Tin Oxide at Telecommunication Wavelengths
Authors: Ikeda Kenji , Liu Tianji , Ota Yasutomo , Kobayashi Nobukiyo , Iwamoto Satoshi
Published: September 2023

Epsilon‐near‐zero (ENZ) materials exhibit near‐zero permittivity and induce various intriguing linear and nonlinear optical phenomena. Magneto‐optical (MO) effects, which are notoriously weak in the optical domain, have been predicted to be significantly enhanced in ENZ materials, which can facilitate the realization of compact nonreciprocal devices. However, to date, enhanced MO effects have been predominantly observed in effective ENZ media, which are commonly based on complex combinations of photonic nanostructures. It is difficult for these effective media to achieve isotropic ENZ responses, which severely limits their use in the development of ENZ‐MO devices. Here, enhanced MO effects in pristine indium tin oxide (ITO) with ENZ properties at technologically important telecommunication wavelengths are demonstrated. MO transmission (reflection) spectroscopy of ITO films with different ENZ wavelengths reveal Faraday (Kerr) rotation peaks around the respective ENZ (EN‐one) wavelengths, demonstrating that these observations are due to the intrinsic properties of the ITO materials. The demonstrated mechanism of the MO effect enhancement is universal and can be applied to various ENZ materials, including those incorporating ferromagnetic materials. Native ENZ materials with enhanced MO responses will greatly expand the opportunities for the development of novel nonreciprocal nanophotonic devices, such as on‐chip optical isolators and one‐way topological waveguides.
High‐Speed Waveguide‐Integrated InSe Photodetector on SiN Photonics for Near‐Infrared Applications
Authors: Tamalampudi Srinivasa Reddy , Villegas Juan Esteban , Dushaq Ghada , Sankar Raman , Paredes Bruna , Rasras Mahmoud
Published: September 2023

On‐chip integration of two‐dimensional (2D) materials holds immense potential for novel optoelectronic devices across diverse photonic platforms. In particular, indium selenide (InSe) is a very promising 2D material due to its ultra‐high carrier mobility and outstanding photoresponsivity. Herein, a high‐speed photodetector based on a multilayer 90 nm thick InSe integrated on a silicon nitride (SiN) waveguide is reported. The device exhibits a remarkable low dark current density of ≈40 nA μm−2, a photoresponsivity of 0.38 A W−1, and an external quantum efficiency of ≈48.4%. Tested under ambient conditions at near‐infrared 976 nm wavelength, it exhibits an absorption coefficient of 0.11 dB μm−1. Additionally, the photodetector demonstrates a 3‐dB radiofrequency bandwidth of 85 MHz and an open‐eye diagram at data transmission of 1 Gbit s−1. Based on these exceptional optoelectronic advantages, integrated multilayer InSe enables the realization of active photonic devices for a range of applications, such as short‐reach optical interconnects, LiDAR imaging, and biosensing.
A Flexible, 2.4‐GHz Wireless Ion Sensor System Using Printed Organic Amplifiers with 3‐V Single Supply
Authors: Shiwaku Rei , Matsui Hiroyuki , Hommura Yuki , Takeda Yasunori , Nagamine Kuniaki , Tokito Shizuo
Published: September 2023

Integration of organic thin‐film transistor (OTFT) devices with a wireless data transmission system such as 2.4‐GHz Bluetooth low energy (BLE) is a significant requirement for activating the Internet of Thing (IoT) ecosystem based on a vast number of sensors, while conventional OTFT circuits have problems with their high output impedance and the need for multiple power supplies. Here, a wireless, real‐time, and flexible sodium ion sensing system composed of a printed Na+ sensor, printed OTFT‐based amplifiers, inorganic passive elements, a BLE module, and a 3‐V sheet‐type battery is demonstrated. The printed organic amplifier circuits based on dual threshold technology and dual‐gate structure are combinable with a BLE module because of their low output impedance of 50 kΩ and operate with 3‐V single supply as well as improving operational stability under illumination. The sensitivity to Na+ concentration is improved from 53.7 to 242.5 mV dec−1 (4.5 times higher) by the OTFT‐based amplifier, and the data is transmitted in real‐time to a tablet via the BLE wireless communication.
FINDER: A Fluidly Confined CRISPR‐Based DNA Reporter on Living Cell Membranes for Rapid and Sensitive Cancer Cell Identification
Authors: Yin Yao , Xie Wei , Xiong Mengyi , Gao Yingying , Liu Qin , Han Da , Ke Guoliang , Zhang Xiao‐Bing
Published: September 2023

The accurate, rapid, and sensitive identification of cancer cells in complex physiological environments is significant in biological studies, personalized medicine, and biomedical engineering. Inspired by the naturally confined enzymes on fluid cell membranes, a fluidly confined CRISPR‐based DNA reporter (FINDER) was developed on living cell membranes, which was successfully applied for rapid and sensitive cancer cell identification in clinical blood samples. Benefiting from the spatial confinement effect for improved local concentration, and membrane fluidity for higher collision efficiency, the activity of CRISPR‐Cas12a was, for the first time, found to be significantly enhanced on living cell membranes. This new phenomenon was then combined with multiple aptamer‐based DNA logic gate for cell recognition, thus a FINDER system capable of accurate, rapid and sensitive cancer cell identification was constructed. The FINDER rapidly identified target cells in only 20 min, and achieved over 80 % recognition efficiency with only 0.1 % of target cells presented in clinical blood samples, indicating its potential application in biological studies, personalized medicine, and biomedical engineering.
Aptamers: Features, Synthesis and Applications
Authors: P. U Aiswarya , Raj Gopika , John Jinju , Mohan K Malavika , John Franklin , George Jinu
Published: September 2023

Aptamers have become a topic of interest among the researchers and scientists since they not only possess all of the benefits of antibodies but also possess special qualities including heat stability, low cost, and limitless uses⋅ Here we give a review about the features, applications, and challenges of aptamers and also how they are beneficial over the antibodies for biomedical applications. Their unique features make aptamers a prominent tool in therapeutics, diagnostics, biosensors and targeted drug delivery. In conclusion, aptamers represent exciting materials for a variety of applications and can be modified to improve their properties and to extend their applications in biomedical field.
Conceptualizing college‐going volition in rural Appalachian high school students
Authors: Graham Danielle L. , Hardin Erin E. , Gibbons Melinda M.
Published: September 2023

Understanding the gap between students’ aspirations for postsecondary education and their actual postsecondary attainment is key to understanding and reducing educational and vocational inequities. Just as work volition has emerged as a key factor in understanding access to decent work, students’ sense of control over or volition in the college‐going process may be a key factor in understanding their access to postsecondary education. In the current study, we adapted a common measure of work volition to create a measure of college‐going volition (CGV). In a large sample of rural Appalachian high school students, the measure showed good psychometric properties and strong measurement invariance across gender and prospective college‐generation groups. There were no gender differences in CGV, but prospective first‐generation college students demonstrated significantly lower CGV than their continuing‐generation peers. CGV also accounted for significant unique variance in college‐going self‐efficacy beyond educational barriers.
Investigating the impact of dynamic structural changes of Au/rutile catalysts on the catalytic activity of CO oxidation
Authors: Hu Xiaochun , Fan Qianwenhao , Tan Mingwu , Luo Yuqing , Wu Xianyue , Manuputty Manoel Y. , Ding Jie , Choksi Tej S. , Kraft Markus , Xu Rong , Sun Zhiqiang , Liu Wen
Published: September 2023

The surface properties of oxidic supports and their interaction with the supported metals play critical roles in governing the catalytic activities of oxide‐supported metal catalysts. When metals are supported on reducible oxides, dynamic surface reconstruction phenomena, including strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) and oxygen vacancy formation, complicate the determination of the structural–functional relationship at the active sites. Here, we performed a systematic investigation of the dynamic behavior of Au nanocatalysts supported on flame‐synthesized TiO2, which takes predominantly a rutile phase, using CO oxidation above room temperature as a probe reaction. Our analysis conclusively elucidated a negative correlation between the catalytic activity of Au/TiO2 and the oxygen vacancy at the Au/TiO2 interface. Although the reversible formation and retracting of SMSI overlayers have been ubiquitously observed on Au/TiO2 samples, the catalytic consequence of SMSI remains inconclusive. Density functional theory suggests that the electron transfer from TiO2 to Au is correlated to the presence of the interfacial oxygen vacancies, retarding the catalytic activation of CO oxidation.
FeIII‐Based Eutectic Mixtures as Multi‐task and Reusable Reaction Media for Efficient and Selective Conversion of Alkynes into Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Ramos‐Martín Marina , Ríos‐Lombardía Nicolas , González‐Sabín Javier , García‐Garrido Sergio E. , Concellón Carmen , Presa Soto Alejandro , del Amo Vicente , García‐Álvarez Joaquín
Published: September 2023

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Vicente del Amo, Alejandro Presa Soto and Joaquín García‐Álvarez (QuimSinSos Group) at the University of Oviedo. The image depicts the use of the FeIII‐based deep eutectic mixture [FeCl3⋅6 H2O/Gly (3:1)] (Gly = glycerol) as both promoter and solvent for the straightforward and selective hydration of alkynes, working under mild (45 °C), bench‐type reaction conditions (air) and in the absence of ligands, co‐catalysts or co‐solvents. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202301736.
Enriching a randomized controlled treatment trial for anorexia nervosa by lived experience—Chances and effects of a lived experience council in the SUSTAIN study
Authors: Giel Katrin Elisabeth , Bremer Judith , Rieß‐Stumm Susanne , Gregg Bettina , Fritz Anke , Klemm Isabel , Daugelat Melissa‐Claire , Schag Kathrin ,   the SUSTAIN Study Group
Published: September 2023

Background

The development and advancement of treatment and care options is one priority in the field of eating disorders. The inclusion of persons with lived experience with eating disorders into clinical research could enrich and accelerate this endeavor, as they can add different perspectives on the disease and its treatment. Although lived experience perspectives are increasingly part of eating disorder research, they have not been widely or structurally implemented into clinical trials and there is limited information on the practice of participatory research, its framework and consequences.

Aims

The present work outlines the participatory collaboration with a lived experience council in the randomized controlled treatment trial SUSTAIN.

Materials & Methods

The manuscript is a participatory publication co‐written by individuals with lived experience with anorexia nervosa and eating disorder researchers.

Results

We report on motivations for this approach, our collaboration principles, structures and shared experience of working together in the trial, the potential burdens and benefits related to participation for people with lived experience.

Discussion

We outline future directions and perspectives to integrate a participatory framework into clinical eating disorder research.

Conclusion

The involvement of people with experiential knowledge is complex, but possible in clinical research on ED and bears huge potential for the development of more effective care.

Public Significance

Incorporating perspectives of people with lived experience into a participatory framework of mental health research bears huge potential on a societal level. This includes more relevant research topics and designs, more tailored and effective interventions, and facilitated implementation, as well as dissemination, higher credibility, destigmatization of mental illness, and patient empowerment. Participatory clinical research, however, needs structural anchorage within science and society.
The link between involuntary non‐regular employment and poor mental health: A cross‐sectional study of Japanese workers
Authors: Shimazaki Takashi , Yamauchi Takashi , Takenaka Koji , Suka Machi
Published: September 2023

Involuntary non‐regular employment is a severe inequity problem worldwide, and it may significantly affect the mental health of employees. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between employment type and mental health. Additionally, the characteristics of involuntary non‐regularly employed workers were explored. An online‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in Japan, and 1566 participants were included in the data analysis. The eligible participants were divided into four categories: regularly employed (n = 1092), voluntary (n = 134), average (n = 233) and involuntary (n = 107) non‐regularly employed individuals, respectively. Involuntary non‐regular employment was associated with greater lack of vigour, anger‐irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. It was higher among women, those who were single or had no childcare, and those who had lower personal income or shorter working hours, or who tended not to practice relaxation activities. Lower personal income was associated with a risk of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Those individuals experiencing involuntary non‐regular employment had a higher risk of poor mental health; subgroup analysis showed that this was particularly true among men. Both encouragement of employment stability via policy reform and workplace mental health support for involuntary non‐regularly employed individuals are urgent health concerns.
Performance of a Pilot‐Scale Nitrifying Trickling Filter Treating Municipal Aerated Lagoon Effluent
Authors: Coats Erik R. , Watson Ben , Lee Kiersten , Hammer Matt
Published: September 2023

Colfax, WA, operates an aerated lagoon to achieve compliance with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which currently requires biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) removal. However, ammonia removal may soon be required, and Colfax is considering a nitrifying trickling filter (NTF) that would allow them to also maintain the lagoons. To obtain data from which to ultimately design a full‐scale system, a four‐year NTF pilot study was performed. Results demonstrated that an NTF would be an effective, reliable NH3 removal method and could produce effluent NH3 concentrations < 1.0 mg/L. NTF performance was characterized by zero‐ and first‐order kinetics; zero‐order rates correlated with influent NH3 concentrations and mass load. Utilizing data from these investigations it was determined that the pilot NTF could be reduced by 19%, which demonstrates the value of pilot testing. Finally, pilot data was evaluated to provide a data set that will be useful to engineers designing full‐scale NTFs.
The value of radiomics model based on ultrasound image features in the differentiation between minimal breast cancer and small benign breast masses
Authors: Lyu Shuyi , Zhang Meiwu , Zhang Baisong , Zhu Jiazhen , Gao Libo , Qiu Yuqin , Yang Liu , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2023

Background

Female breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the most common cancer, and is also the main cause of cancer death for women worldwide. Breast cancer <1 cm showed excellent survival rate. However, the diagnosis of minimal breast cancer (MBC) is challenging.

Objective

The purpose of our research is to develop and validate an radiomics model based on ultrasound images for early recognition of MBC.

Methods

302 breast masses with a diameter of <10 mm were retrospectively studied, including 159 benign and 143 malignant breast masses. The radiomics features were extracted from the gray‐scale ultrasound image of the largest face of each breast mass. The maximum relevance minimum reduncancy and recursive feature elimination methods were used to screen. Finally, 10 features with the most discriminating value were selected for modeling. The random forest was used to establish the prediction model, and the rad‐score of each mass was calculated. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the model, we calculated and compared the area under the curve (AUC) value, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the model and three groups with different experience in predicting small breast masses, and drew calibration curves and decision curves to test the stability and consistency of the model.

Results

When we selected 10 radiomics features to calculate the rad‐score, the prediction efficiency was the best, the AUC values for the training set and testing set were 0.840 and 0.793, which was significantly better than the insufficient experience group (AUC = 0.673), slightly better than the moderate experience group (AUC = 0.768), and was inferior to the experienced group (AUC = 0.877). The calibration curve and decision curve also showed that the radiomics model had satisfied stability and clinical application value.

Conclusion

The radiomics model based on ultrasound image features has a satisfied predictive ability for small breast masses, and is expected to become a potential tool for the diagnosis of MBC, and it is a zero cost (in terms of patient participation and imaging time).
The evaluation of online Modified Objective Structured Examination (MOSE) as postgraduate admissions re‐examination: A report from Fujian Medical University, China
Authors: Zhang Chang‐Yuan , Yu Hao , Wang Shan‐Zhi , Chen Ping , Cheng Hui
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This paper aims to explore the successful implementation of online postgraduate admissions re‐examination in China, specifically focusing on the Modified Objective Structured Examination (MOSE). It introduced the specific practice of the online postgraduate admissions re‐examination in China and investigated the perceptions of applicants, postgraduate supervisors and admissions staffs about the online MOSE re‐examination.

Methods

Surveys were administrated 3 years after the implementation of online MOSE postgraduate admissions re‐examination in China. Separate surveys were conducted with applicants, postgraduate supervisors, and admissions staff members to gather their opinions and suggestions regarding the online MOSE re‐examination.

Results

A total of 65 applicants, 43 postgraduate supervisors and seven admissions staff members completed the surveys. Over 80% of the applicants agreed that the online MOSE comprehensively evaluated their medical humanities, communication, medical knowledge, and overall competence. Furthermore, 89.30% of postgraduate supervisors believed that the students recruited through online MOSE were either “not significantly different,” “better,” or “much better” compared to those recruited through on‐site re‐examination. Admissions staff members also expressed a favorable view of online MOSE re‐examination.

Conclusion

The online MOSE re‐examination is an effective, convenient, and affirmative evaluation method for postgraduate admissions re‐examination.
Resurgence of goal‐directed actions and habits
Authors: Fujimaki Shun , Hu Ting , Kosaki Yutaka
Published: September 2023

This study investigated how goal‐directed and habitual behaviors recover after extinction within the context of the resurgence effect, a form of relapse induced by the removal or worsening of alternative reinforcement. Rats were trained to press a target lever with one reinforcer (O1) for either minimal (4) or extended (16) sessions. An extinction test after the completion of O1 devaluation confirmed that minimal and extended training formed goal‐directed and habitual behaviors, respectively. Then, pressing an alternative lever was reinforced with a second reinforcer (O2) while the target response was placed on extinction. When O2 was discontinued, the minimally trained target response resurged with goal‐directed status as in the extinction test. However, the extinguished habitual behavior in the extensively trained rats did not recover as a habit but instead with goal‐directed status, possibly due to the context specificity of habits or the introduction of a new response–reinforcer contingency. The critical finding that reinforcer devaluation consistently led to less resurgence regardless of the amount of acquisition training provides a clinical implication that coupling differential‐reinforcement‐of‐alternative‐behavior (DRA) treatments with the devaluation of the associated reinforcer of problematic behavior could effectively diminish its recurrence.
Predicting body fat percentage at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age in infants born preterm: A diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Razzaghy Jacqueline , Zhang Li , Yi Nengjun , Salas Ariel A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Current standards for assessing body composition can be costly and technically challenging. There is a need for a predictive equation that combines multiple clinical and anthropometric factors to predictbody composition outcomes at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) or discharge.

Methods

To develop a widely applicable equation that predicts body fat percentage in preterm infants, we analyzed anthropometric data collected prospectively from a cohort of infants born very preterm between 2017 and 2018. We integrated clinical variables significantly associated with adiposity into a predictive equation using Bayesian linear regression models and leave‐one‐out cross‐validation.

Results

We analyzed data from 86 infants born at 32 weeks of gestation or less (median gestational age, 30 weeks; mean birthweight, 1471 ± 270 g). Weight gain and increase in length per week from birth to 36 weeks of PMA, midarm circumference at 36 weeks of PMA, male sex, and higher enteral fluid intake (>180 ml/kg/day) were the strongest predictors of body fat percentage in the model with the highest predictive value (R2 = 0.65). The correlation between actual and predicted body fat percentage using this Bayesian model was high (r = 0.82).

Conclusions

Weight gain and increase in length per week from birth to 36 weeks of PMA, midarm circumference at 36 weeks of PMA, male sex, and enteral fluid intake are significant predictors of body fat percentage at 36 weeks of PMA in very preterm infants.
Gamification's role in fostering user engagement with healthy food‐based digital content
Authors: Charry Karine , Poncin Ingrid , Kullak Avreliane , Hollebeek Linda D.
Published: September 2023

Though digital platforms (e.g., social media) are often used to promote unhealthy, calorie‐dense foods, the dynamics characterizing consumers' engagement with healthy nutrition‐based content (e.g., as stimulated trough gamification) on these platforms remains tenuous, warranting further exploration. Addressing this gap, we deploy a qualitative field study and two experiments to show that challenge, a gamification mechanic that relies on rewarding incremental behavioral (e.g., food choice) improvements, shapes consumers' enjoyment of, and engagement with, digital healthy food‐based content. Study 1 (n = 95) shows that challenge induces consumer enjoyment, boosting their engagement with healthy food‐related digital content. Study 2 (n = 94) corroborates these findings by revealing a serial mediation effect of gamification‐based challenge on consumers' enjoyment of, and engagement with, healthy food‐based content. Extending Study 1, we also identify engagement's positive effect on consumers' app reuse intent. Moreover, we identify a moderating role of consumers' stage of change‐based action (i.e., readiness to act on their health), which strengthens the association of gamification‐based challenge/enjoyment. Overall, the findings substantiate gamification's role in boosting consumers' engagement with digital healthy food‐based content. We conclude by deriving pertinent implications from our analyses.
New general decay results for a fully dynamic piezoelectric beam system with fractional delays under memory boundary controls
Authors: Hao Jianghao , Yang Jing
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we investigate the general stability results of a fully dynamic piezoelectric beam system with internal fractional delays under memory boundary controls. Firstly, by introducing two new equations and using two Volterra's inverse operators to deal with fractional delay terms and boundary memory terms, respectively, a new equivalent system is obtained. Secondly, by combining Faedo–Galerkin approximations with the compactness argument, we prove the local existence and uniqueness of weak solution. Finally, under a broader class of kernel functions, by constructing Lyapunov functionals and new equations and applying some technical lemmas, we establish the optimal and explicit energy decay results for two cases, namely, initial values
and without imposing initial values equal to 0, that is,
. It is worth pointing out that we focus more on the analysis of
, because the stability results of
are special cases of
. This is the first time to analyze the stability of strong coupling problem by combining internal fractional delay and boundary viscoelastic damping. The obtained general decay results are not necessarily exponential or polynomial, which generalize the relevant results in the existing literature.
Uncertainty quantification in coastal aquifers using the multilevel Monte Carlo method
Authors: Litvinenko Alexander , Logashenko Dmitry , Tempone Raul , Vasilyeva Ekaterina , Wittum Gabriel
Published: September 2023

We are solving a problem of salinisation of coastal aquifers. As a test case example, we consider the Henry saltwater intrusion problem. Since porosity, permeability and recharge are unknown or only known at a few points, we model them using random fields and random variables. The Henry problem describes a two‐phase flow and is non‐linear and time‐dependent. The solution to be found is the expectation of the salt mass fraction, which is uncertain and time‐dependent. To estimate this expectation, we use the well‐known multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) method. The MLMC method takes just a few samples on computationally expensive (fine) meshes and more samples on cheap (coarse) meshes. Then, by building a telescoping sum, the MLMC method estimates the expected value at a much lower computational cost than the classical Monte Carlo method. The deterministic solver used here is the well‐known parallel and scalable ug4 solver.
On the relevance of descriptor fidelity in microstructure reconstruction
Authors: Seibert Paul , Raßloff Alexander , Kalina Karl , Safi Ali , Reck Paul , Peterseim Daniel , Klusemann Benjamin , Kästner Markus
Published: September 2023

A common strategy for reducing the computational effort of descriptor‐based microstructure reconstruction in the Yeong–Torquato algorithm lies in restricting the choice of descriptors to an efficiently computable subset. As an alternative, the number of iterations can be reduced by gradient‐based optimization as in differentiable microstructure characterization and reconstruction (DMCR). This allows for, but does not require, the use of a set of informative, high‐dimensional and computationally expensive descriptors that would be unfeasible for a high number of iterations. For this reason, the present work investigates the role of descriptor fidelity on microstructure reconstruction results. More precisely, spatial two‐ and three‐point correlations as well as the lineal path function are computed on 2D planes as well as on 1D lines. These descriptors are used for reconstruction with the Yeong–Torquato and DMCR algorithm and the results are compared throughout various microstructures, respectively.
Extraction solvent selection for Cannabis sativa L. by efficient exploration of cannabinoid selectivity and phytochemical diversity
Authors: Tzimas Petros S. , Petrakis Eleftherios A. , Halabalaki Maria , Skaltsounis Leandros A.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Cannabis sativa L. is attracting worldwide attention due to various health‐promoting effects. Extraction solvent type is critical for the recovery of bioactive compounds from the plant, especially cannabinoids. However, the choice of solvent is varied and not adequately warranted elsewhere, causing confusion in involved fields.

Objective

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of extraction solvent on C. sativa (hemp) with regard to cannabinoid recovery and phytochemical profile of the extracts, considering most of the related solvents.

Methodology

The majority of solvents reported for C. sativa (n = 14) were compared using a representative hemp pool. Quantitative results for major and minor cannabinoids were rapidly and reliably obtained using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection (UPLC‐PDA). In parallel, high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic (HPTLC) fingerprinting was employed, involving less toxic mobile phase than in relevant reports. Various derivatisation schemes were applied for more comprehensive comparison of extracts.

Results

Differential selectivity towards cannabinoids was observed among solvents. MeOH was found particularly efficient for most cannabinoids, in addition to solvent systems such as n‐Hex/EtOH 70:30 and ACN/EtOH 80:20, while EtOH was generally inferior. For tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)‐type compounds, EtOAc and n‐Hex/EtOAc 60:40 outperformed n‐Hex, despite its use in the official EU method. Solvents that tend to extract more lipids or more polar compounds were revealed based on HPTLC results.

Conclusion

Combining the observations from UPLC quantitation and HPTLC fingerprinting, this work allowed comprehensive evaluation of extraction solvents, in view of robust quality assessment and maximised utilisation of C. sativa.
Co/CoS2 Heterojunction Embedded in N, S‐Doped Hollow Nanocage for Enhanced Polysulfides Conversion in High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zheng Ming , Zhao Junzhe , Wu Wei , Chen Runzhe , Chen Suhao , Cheng Niancai
Published: September 2023

Modulating the electronic configuration of the substrate to achieve the optimal chemisorption toward polysulfides (LiPSs) for boosting polysulfide conversion is a promising way to the efficient Li–S batteries but filled with challenges. Herein, a Co/CoS2 heterostructure is elaborately built to tuning d‐orbital electronic structure of CoS2 for a high‐performance electrocatalyst. Theoretical simulations first evidence that Co metal as the electron donator can form a built‐in electric field with CoS2 and downshift the d‐band center, leading to the well‐optimized adsorption strength for lithium polysulfides on CoS2, thus contributing a favorable way for expediting the redox reaction kinetics of LiPSs. As verification of prediction, a Co/CoS2 heterostructure implanted in porous hollow N, S co‐doped carbon nanocage (Co/CoS2@NSC) is designed to realize the electronic configuration regulation and promote the electrochemical performance. Consequently, the batteries assembled with Co/CoS2@NSC cathode display an outstanding specific capacity and an admirable cycling property as well as a salient property of 8.25 mAh cm−2 under 8.18 mg cm−2. The DFT calculation also reveals the synergistic effect of N, S co‐doping for enhancing polysulfide adsorption as well as the detriment of excessive sulfur doping.
Large‐Area Soluble Covalent Organic Framework Oligomer Coating for Organic Solution Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Yu Huiting , Guan Jiayu , Chen Yaohan , Sun Yuxuan , Zhou Shengyang , Zheng Jifu , Zhang Qifeng , Li Shenghai , Zhang Suobo
Published: September 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a family of engaging membrane materials for molecular separation, which remain challenging to fabricate in the form of thin‐film composite membranes due to slow crystal growth and insoluble powder. Here, an additive approach is presented to construct COF‐based thin‐film composite membranes in 10 min via COF oligomer coating onto poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK）ultrafiltration membranes. By the virtue of ultra‐thin liquid phase and liquid‐solid interface‐confined assembly, the COF oligomers are fast stacked up and grow along the interface with the solvent evaporation. Benefiting from the low out‐plane resistance of COFs, COF@PEEK composite membranes exhibit high solvent permeances in a negative correlation with solvent viscosity. The well‐defined pore structures enable high molecular sieving ability (Mw = 300 g mol−1). Besides, the COF@PEEK composite membranes possess excellent mechanical integrities and steadily operate for over 150 h in the condition of high‐pressure cross flow. This work not only exemplifies the high‐efficiency and scale‐up preparation of COF‐based thin‐film composite membranes but also provides a new strategy for COF membrane processing.
Entropy‐Tuned Layered Oxide Cathodes for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Shu , Wu Lichen , Fu Hongwei , Rao Apparao M. , Cha Limei , Zhou Jiang , Lu Bingan
Published: September 2023

The manganese‐based layered oxides as a promising cathode material for potassium ion batteries (PIBs) have attracted considerable interest owing to their simple synthesis, high specific capacity, and low cost. However, due to the irreversible phase transition and the Jahn–Teller distortion of the Mn3+, its application in potassium ion batteries is limited, leading to slow potassium ion kinetics and severe capacity attenuation. Here, entropy‐tuning by changing the content of cathode material composition is proposed to address the above challenges. Compared to low and high entropy variants of K0.45MnxCo(1‐x)/4Mg(1‐x)/4Cu(1‐x)/4Ti(1‐x)/4O2, where x = 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4, the medium entropy K0.45Mn0.6Co0.1Mg0.1Cu0.1Ti0.1O2 shows more balanced electrochemical properties in the PIBs. Benefiting from entropy‐tuned suppression of the Jahn–Teller distortion of the Mn3+, the K0.45Mn0.6Co0.1Mg0.1Cu0.1Ti0.1O2 can achieve a high K+ ion transport rate and alleviated volume variation while retaining high specific capacity. Accordingly, the medium entropy K0.45Mn0.6Co0.1Mg0.1Cu0.1Ti0.1O2 cathode in the full cell exhibits a high capacity of 100 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1, delivers superior rate capability (65.8 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1) and cycling stability (67.8 mAh g−1 after 350 cycles at 100 mA g−1). The entropy‐tuning strategy is expected to open new avenues in designing PIB cathode materials and beyond.
A probabilistic modeling and evolutionary optimization approach for serverless workflow configuration
Authors: Wang Weiguo , Wu Quanwang , Zhang Zhiyong , Zeng Jie , Zhang Xiang , Zhou Mingqiang
Published: September 2023

Serverless computing has nowadays become a mainstream paradigm to develop cloud‐native applications owing to its high scalability, ease of usage and cost‐effectiveness. Nevertheless, because of its poor infrastructure transparency, two main challenges emerge when users migrate their applications to a serverless platform: the lack of an effective analytical model for performance and billing, and the trade‐off problem between them. In this paper, we formally define a serverless workflow and introduce the concept of execution instances. Based on them, a probabilistic performance and cost evaluation model is built to obtain their expected values for an input serverless workflow. Then, we design a tailored evolutionary optimization algorithm called EASW to tackle budget‐constrained performance optimization and performance‐constrained cost optimization problems. Extensive experiments were carried out to test the proposed model and optimization algorithm on AWS Lambda. Results reveal that our model can achieve an accuracy over 98% and EASW can yield a better memory configuration solution than existing methods for constrained optimization.
Comorbidity between major depressive disorder and physical diseases: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, mechanisms and management
Authors: Berk Michael , Köhler‐Forsberg Ole , Turner Megan , Penninx Brenda W.J.H. , Wrobel Anna , Firth Joseph , Loughman Amy , Reavley Nicola J. , McGrath John J. , Momen Natalie C. , Plana‐Ripoll Oleguer , O'Neil Adrienne , Siskind Dan , Williams Lana J. , Carvalho Andre F. , Schmaal Lianne , Walker Adam J. , Dean Olivia , Walder Ken , Berk Lesley , Dodd Seetal , Yung Alison R. , Marx Wolfgang
Published: September 2023

Populations with common physical diseases – such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders – experience substantially higher rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) than the general population. On the other hand, people living with MDD have a greater risk for many physical diseases. This high level of comorbidity is associated with worse outcomes, reduced adherence to treatment, increased mortality, and greater health care utilization and costs. Comorbidity can also result in a range of clinical challenges, such as a more complicated therapeutic alliance, issues pertaining to adaptive health behaviors, drug‐drug interactions and adverse events induced by medications used for physical and mental disorders. Potential explanations for the high prevalence of the above comorbidity involve shared genetic and biological pathways. These latter include inflammation, the gut microbiome, mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis dysregulation, and brain structure and function. Furthermore, MDD and physical diseases have in common several antecedents related to social factors (e.g., socioeconomic status), lifestyle variables (e.g., physical activity, diet, sleep), and stressful live events (e.g., childhood trauma). Pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies are effective treatments for comorbid MDD, and the introduction of lifestyle interventions as well as collaborative care models and digital technologies provide promising strategies for improving management. This paper aims to provide a detailed overview of the epidemiology of the comorbidity of MDD and specific physical diseases, including prevalence and bidirectional risk; of shared biological pathways potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of MDD and common physical diseases; of socio‐environmental factors that serve as both shared risk and protective factors; and of management of MDD and physical diseases, including prevention and treatment. We conclude with future directions and emerging research related to optimal care of people with comorbid MDD and physical diseases.
Conclusion: Organisations and Ecosystems in Transition—Nurturing Transformative Governance
Authors: Caro-Gonzalez Antonia
Published: September 2023

In this transformative journey, we have explored the crucial aspects of managing change and navigating the complexities of emerging systems and innovations.
Whitney stratifications are conically smooth
Authors: Nocera Guglielmo , Volpe Marco
Published: September 2023

The notion of conically smooth structure on a stratified space was introduced by Ayala, Francis and Tanaka. This is a very well behaved analogue of a differential structure in the context of stratified topological spaces, satisfying good properties such as the existence of resolutions of singularities and handlebody decompositions. In this paper we prove Ayala, Francis and Tanaka’s conjecture that any Whitney stratified space admits a canonical conically smooth structure. We thus establish a connection between the theory of conically smooth spaces and the classical examples of stratified spaces from differential topology.
Preliminary assessment of automated radiology report generation with generative pre-trained transformers: comparing results to radiologist-generated reports
Authors: Nakaura Takeshi , Yoshida Naofumi , Kobayashi Naoki , Shiraishi Kaori , Nagayama Yasunori , Uetani Hiroyuki , Kidoh Masafumi , Hokamura Masamichi , Funama Yoshinori , Hirai Toshinori
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In this preliminary study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) series for generating radiology reports from concise imaging findings and compare its performance with radiologist-generated reports.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 28 patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) scans and had a diagnosed disease with typical imaging findings. Radiology reports were generated using GPT-2, GPT-3.5, and GPT-4 based on the patient’s age, gender, disease site, and imaging findings. We calculated the top-1, top-5 accuracy, and mean average precision (MAP) of differential diagnoses for GPT-2, GPT-3.5, GPT-4, and radiologists. Two board-certified radiologists evaluated the grammar and readability, image findings, impression, differential diagnosis, and overall quality of all reports using a 4-point scale.

Results

Top-1 and Top-5 accuracies for the different diagnoses were highest for radiologists, followed by GPT-4, GPT-3.5, and GPT-2, in that order (Top-1: 1.00, 0.54, 0.54, and 0.21, respectively; Top-5: 1.00, 0.96, 0.89, and 0.54, respectively). There were no significant differences in qualitative scores about grammar and readability, image findings, and overall quality between radiologists and GPT-3.5 or GPT-4 (p > 0.05). However, qualitative scores of the GPT series in impression and differential diagnosis scores were significantly lower than those of radiologists (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our preliminary study suggests that GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 have the possibility to generate radiology reports with high readability and reasonable image findings from very short keywords; however, concerns persist regarding the accuracy of impressions and differential diagnoses, thereby requiring verification by radiologists.
Removal of metronidazole antibiotic by modified red mud from aqueous solutions: process modeling, kinetic, and isotherm studies
Authors: Lotfi Golsefidi Fatemeh , Zahmatkesh Anbarani Mohaddeseh , Bonyadi Ziaeddin
Published: September 2023

Metronidazole is a type of antibiotic that is commonly used to treat bacterial infections in both humans and animals. The objective of this study was to eliminate MDZ from aqueous solutions using MRM. To gain a better understanding of the adsorption mechanism, we utilized kinetic and isotherm models to investigate the factors that affect the removal of MDZ. The Box–Behnken model was utilized to design experimental factors, which included the initial concentration of MDZ (ranging from 5 to 80 mg/L), MRM dose (ranging from 0.1 to 0.7 g/L), reaction time (ranging from 10 to 60 min), and pH (ranging from 4 to 10). Analysis of the adsorbent using FESEM, FTIR, EDX, DLS, and zeta potential provided valuable insights into its morphology, surface properties, functional groups, size, and electrical charge. Acid modification of red mud increased the porosity and number of pores on the adsorbent surface, thereby enhancing its ability to adsorb the MDZ antibiotic. The FTIR spectrum displays various bands corresponding to different functional groups, such as O–H, Si(Al)–O, Fe–O, and carbonate groups. EDX analysis revealed that the composition of MRM includes carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen elements. The DLS and zeta potential data demonstrate the impact of particle size and electric charge of the adsorbent on the removal of MDZ. The maximum removal of MDZ, which was 69.87%, was achieved at an MDZ concentration of 42.5 mg/L, a pH of 7, a contact time of 35 min, and an adsorbent dose of 0.4 g/L. The removal of MDZ follows both the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 6.04 mg/g. The findings of this study indicate that MRM successfully removes MDZ from aqueous solutions.