bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photopatterned coumarin‐functionalized polymer dielectric for organic transistors and complementary inverters
Authors: Park Chang Hyun , Tarsoly Gergely , Park Dohyung , Pyo Seungmoon
Published: May 2023

Solution‐processable and patternable polymer dielectrics are of great importance for the development of high‐performance flexible electronic devices, as the patterning process is essential to enhance performance and integration of devices. In this study, we report the photopatterning of a coumarin‐functionalized polymer gate dielectric, poly(7‐(4‐vinyl‐benzyloxyl)‐4‐methylcoumarin) (PVBMC), which was synthesized by introducing the photoreactive coumarin moiety in the position of the hydroxyl group of poly(4‐vinylphenol). Photopatterning of the PVBMC with a resolution of up to 50 μm was performed under ultraviolet light (365 nm) irradiation and the properties of the resulted photopatterned PVBMC were investigated. Pentacene (p‐type) and PTCDI‐C8 (n‐type) organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) with the patterned PVBMC were prepared. The resulting p‐ and n‐type OTFTs achieved maximum mobilities of 0.126 cm2/V/s and 1.15 × 10−3 cm2/V/s, respectively, with high operational stability. Organic complementary inverters were also demonstrated by integrating the p‐ and n‐type OTFTs on a single substrate. The resulting devices exhibited a gain (dVOUT/dVIN) of 12.6 and proper switching behavior up to 20 Hz. Our findings demonstrate the potential of this dielectric material for use in other flexible electronic applications.
Thermal transport properties of functionalized graphene/palmitic acid phase‐change composites: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Che Deyong , Zhang Shengxu , Gao Long , Sun Baizhong , Tong Xiaohui , Gegentana
Published: May 2023

Considering the importance of high‐performance composite phase change materials (PCMs) for the realization of efficient thermal energy storage, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted in this study to investigate the thermal properties of graphene/palmitic acid composites and the related interfacial thermal transport. The effects of the interactions between functionalized graphene and fatty acids on the thermal transport properties needs to be investigated further. The addition of functionalized graphene (with epoxy, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups) increased the phase transition temperature and decreased the specific heat capacity of the PCM, whereas both of these parameters increased with increasing functional group coverage (FGC). Further the effects of the FGC and functional group type on the interfacial thermal resistance (ITR) were investigated by analyzing the interaction energy and vibrational density of states, and the ITR decreased with increasing FGC. Compared to that of pure PA, the phase‐transition temperatures of the PA/pristine graphene composites were higher by ~7 K. The ability of functional groups to decrease the ITR decreased in the order of epoxy < hydroxyl < carboxyl at a constant FGC of 10.12%, with the ITR decreasing by 31.26%, 44.77%, and 56.41%, respectively. The obtained insights are expected to facilitate the design of high‐performance energy storage systems based on composites of fatty acids as PCMs.

Highlights

Thermal transport in functionalized graphene/palmitic acid composites is studied.

Effects of functional group type/coverage on composite thermal properties are probed.

Molecular dynamics simulations are used for thermal property analysis.

The obtained insights promote the design of high‐performance phase‐change materials.
Portable near‐infrared and Raman spectroscopic devices as complementary tools for instantaneous quality control of turmeric powder
Authors: Cruz Jordi , Khongkaew Putthiporn , Bertotto Judit Puig , Cárdenas Vanessa , Alcalà Manel , Nuchtavorn Nantana , Rojsanga Piyanuch , Suwanvecho Chaweewan , Phechkrajang Chutima
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Process analytical technology (PAT) guidance is implemented in the quality assurance of phytocompounds to achieve the Industry 4.0 concept. Near‐infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopies are feasible for rapid, reliable quantitative analysis through transparent packaging without removing the samples from their original containers. These instruments can serve PAT guidance.

Objective

This study aimed to develop online portable NIR and Raman spectroscopic methods for quantifying total curcuminoids in turmeric samples through a plastic bag. The method mimicked an in‐line measurement mode in PAT compared with placing samples into a glass vessel (at‐line mode).

Materials and methods

Sixty‐three curcuminoid standard‐spiked samples were prepared. Then, 15 samples were randomly selected as fixed validation samples, and 40 of the 48 remaining samples were chosen as calibration set. The results obtained from the partial least square regression (PLSR) models constructed by using the spectra acquired from NIR and Raman were compared with the reference values from high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

The optimum PLSR model of at‐line Raman was achieved with three latent variables and a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.46. Meanwhile, the PLSR model of at‐line NIR with one latent variable offered an RMSEP of 0.43. For the in‐line mode, PLSR models created from Raman and NIR spectra had one latent variable with RMSEP of 0.49 and 0.42, respectively. The R2 values for prediction were 0.88–0.92.

Conclusion

The models established from the spectra from portable NIR and Raman spectroscopic devices with the appropriate spectral pretreatments allowed the determination of total curcuminoid contents through plastic bag.
Peroxidase‐mimicking activity of nanozymes‐loaded polymeric artificial organelles potentially active in acidic environment
Authors: Moreno Silvia , Alex Sonia , Fernandez Laia Lopez , Lappan Uwe , Boye Susanne , Voit Brigitte , Appelhans Dietmar
Published: May 2023

The design of compartments capable of carrying out biological reactions in a local space has provoked enormous interest by providing spatiotemporal and long‐term selective control of biological activity. On the other hand, the application of metal‐porphyrins in the field of biomedical science as nanozymes is gaining substantial importance. Porphyrins are the most widely studied tetrapyrrole‐based compounds because of their important roles in vital biological processes and they possess peculiar photochemical, photophysical, and photo/redox properties. Herein, we demonstrate the use of pH‐responsive and photo‐crosslinked polymersomes for loading β‐cyclodextrin‐Hemin complexes as potential peroxidase‐mimicking cavity. The loading of catalytic active centers into polymeric vesicles represents a simple and effective strategy for enzyme mimicry. Physicochemical and enzyme‐like properties are studied using a variety of characterization methods at different simulated microenvironments. This work offers an improvement of the aqueous solubility of the Hemin molecule, crucial for biomedical applications. In addition, these nanocompartments can be used as artificial radical‐producing and hydrogen peroxide‐consuming organelles, being able to replace cell functions in different microenvironments. Therefore, these artificial organelles, entrapping nanozymes, could provide promising synergistic and more personalized therapies on demand in modern nanomedicine.
Expedient discovery of novel oxime ester derivatives of piperine/piperine analogs as potent pesticide candidates and their mode of action against Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval
Authors: Lv Min , Li Shaochen , Wen Houpeng , Wang Yanyan , Du Jiawei , Xu Hui
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, pest infestation and resistance have appeared as a consequence of repeated and extensive use of pesticides. Thus, development of new effective pesticide candidates in crop protection is highly desirable. Herein, a series of new piperine derivatives containing oxime ester scaffolds were regioselectively and stereoselectively prepared as pesticidal agents.

RESULTS

Steric configurations of compounds 2, 5z and 13e were definitively determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Against Tetranychus cinnabarinus, notably, compounds 5f [median lethal concentration (LC50) = 0.14 mg mL−1] and 5v (LC50 = 0.13 mg mL−1) showed >107‐fold greater acaricidal activity than piperine (LC50 = 15.02 mg mL−1), which were comparable to the commercial acaricide spirodiclofen. Against Aphis citricola, compound 5d (LD50 = 19.12 ng aphid−1) exhibited 6.1‐fold more potent aphicidal activity than piperine (LD50 = 116.06 ng aphid−1). Additionally, through scanning electron microscopy, the toxicology study suggested that the acaricidal activity of piperine derivatives may be related to damage of the cuticle layer crest of T. cinnabarinus.

CONCLUSION

The structure–activity relationships suggested that 3,4‐dioxymethylene of piperine was crucial for its acaricidal activity; and introduction of a certain length of aliphatic chain at the C‐2 position was beneficial to the aphicidal and acaricidal activities. Compounds 5f and 5v are potential leads for further structural modification as acaricidal agents. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pitsubcosides A–L, highly esterified eudesmane sesquiterpenoid glycosides with antibacterial activity from Pittosporum subulisepalum and their mechanism
Authors: Guan Shengnan , Xia Jiankai , Huang Rong , Ding Jiaqi , Liu Xinzheng , Zhang Yufeng , Zhang Xiuyun
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Plants from the genus Pittosporum are traditionally used as antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agents. A bioassay evaluation of the extract of Pittosporum subulisepalum revealed antibacterial activity. This study focused on the discovery of the antibacterial metabolism in P. subulisepalum, as well as the modes of action of its active components.

RESULTS

A chemical investigation of an ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of the aerial parts of P. subulisepalum led to the isolation of 12 previously undescribed eudesmane sesquiterpenoid glycoside esters (ESGEs), pitsubcosides A–L (1–12). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR, high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, electronic circular dichroism spectra and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography analysis or by comparing with authentic samples. The new ESGEs were characterized by their highly esterified glycoside moieties. Among them, compounds 1–3, 5 and 8 showed a moderate inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) and Erwinia carotovora with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 3.13 to 100 μm. Among them, compounds 3 and 5 showed remarkable antibacterial activity against S. aureus and Psa with MIC values of 6.25 and 3.13 μm, respectively. Live bacterial mass and the biofilms of S. aureus and Psa were quantified using methyl tetrazolium and crystal violet assays. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy experiments revealed an antibacterial mechanism of cell membrane architectural disruption.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that ESGEs possess great potential for the development of antibacterial agents to control plant pathogens. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Electronic, Elastic, and Thermoelectric Properties of Bulk CdX (X = S, Se, and Te) Binary Semiconductors from First‐Principles Approaches
Authors: AlGhamdi G. S. , Saini Anuradha , Kumar Ranjan
Published: May 2023

The electronic, mechanical, and thermoelectric properties of the bulk II–VI binary semiconductors CdX (X = S, Se, and Te) are investigated using first‐principles approaches based on density functional theory (DFT). Calculations for both the zinc‐blende and wurtzite phases of these semiconductors have been performed. The calculated lattice constants, energy band structures, and elastic properties agree with previous theoretical works. According to the results, these semiconductors have low lattice thermal conductivities of about 3–4.5 W m−1 K−1 at room temperature. At high temperatures, p‐type CdX (X = S, Se, and Te) semiconductors outperform n‐type semiconductors in thermoelectric performance.
Changes in extreme precipitation in Taiwan's Mei‐yu season
Authors: Henny Lexi , Thorncroft Chris D. , Hsu Huang‐Hsiung , Bosart Lance F.
Published: May 2023

High‐resolution Taiwan Climate Change Projection Information and Adaptation Knowledge Platform (TCCIP) gridded precipitation data are used to characterize days in the Mei‐yu season with the most extreme precipitation (EP). These “EP days” are grouped into weather types based on the presence of features such as tropical cyclones (TCs) and atmospheric rivers (ARs), then analyzed from the perspective of weather type frequency and synoptic changes. During the 1979–2019 period, EP days associated with ARs were associated with significant increasing trends in season‐total precipitation. These AR‐related precipitation increases are due to four events in 2005, 2006, 2012, and 2017 which had long duration and unusually intense precipitation, and which were anomalous even within the longer 1960–2019 time period. Meanwhile, TC‐related EP days contribute less precipitation than they did in the 1980s due to decreased frequency of TCs on EP days and in the Mei‐yu season climatology. Over the 1979–2019 period, the AR‐related and TC‐related trends combine to produce EP increases in western Taiwan and decreases in eastern Taiwan. Mei‐yu season southwesterly integrated vapor transport (IVT), wind speed, and specific humidity have all increased in association with these extreme events. Low‐level winds appear to the primary factor influencing the IVT increase, with increased moisture also contributing. The wind trends are consistent with climatological pressure increases south of Taiwan and decreases over the East Asian landmass, which facilitate a strengthened circulation in a corridor extending from the southern China coastline over Taiwan during this season.
Separation identification approach for the Hammerstein‐Wiener nonlinear systems with process noise using correlation analysis
Authors: Li Feng , Liang Mingjun , He Naibao , Cao Qingfeng
Published: May 2023

This article develops a novel separation identification approach for the Hammerstein‐Wiener nonlinear systems with process noise using correlation analysis technique. The Hammerstein‐Wiener nonlinear systems have three parts, namely, an input nonlinear block, a linear block, and an output nonlinear block. The designed hybrid signals that consist of separable signal and random signal are devoted to achieving parameters separation identification of the Hammerstein‐Wiener nonlinear system, that is, the three blocks are identified independently. First, the characteristics of separable signals under the action of static nonlinear block are analyzed, and two groups of separable signals with amplitude relation are utilized to estimate parameters of output nonlinear block. Moreover, the linear block parameters are identified by using correlation analysis approach, which deals with effectively immeasurable problem of internal variable information. Finally, the data filtering technique is implemented to weaken the influence of noises, and filtering‐based recursive extended least squares algorithm is developed for figuring out the parameters of nonlinear block and colored noise model. The validity and accuracy of the proposed scheme are verified by two simulations, and simulation results exhibit that the proposed method can obtain higher identification precision and better robustness than the existing identification algorithms.
Corporate venture capital contributions to strategic renewal: Neglected paths and barriers
Authors: Danneels Erwin , Miller Danny
Published: May 2023

Research Summary

Via a study of the corporate venture capital (CVC) unit of a multinational corporation, we examine how CVC contributes to strategic renewal. We find the commonly featured direct path to renewal to have limited impact as access to venture technology is constrained by key external institutional barriers. By contrast, we highlight a less studied, but potentially more important, indirect path: the unit's and hence the parent corporation's access to a high‐technology ecosystem. Obstacles on this path are internal and organizational: including challenges of integration, goal disparities, and competition for resources and credit between the CVC unit and corporate parent. The significance of the indirect path and revelation of understudied institutional and organizational barriers suggest new directions for rechanneling and contextualizing studies of CVC.

Managerial Summary

We studied the corporate venture capital (CVC) unit of a large multinational firm to discover how such investments can have strategic contributions to the parent firm. We found numerous obstacles in using technological knowledge from the ventures the unit invests in because of legal and reputation barriers against disseminating proprietary information. By contrast, opportunities abound from participating in an entrepreneurial ecosystem to which the CVC activities provide access. These expose the unit to the promises and challenges of emerging technologies and fields, providing important information the unit is free to share with the parent to guide strategic renewal. To do so, however, managers must overcome substantial organizational, political, and resource barriers between the CVC unit and the parent corporation.
CNTs Bridged Basal‐Plane‐Active 2H‐MoS2 Nanosheets for Efficient Robust Electrocatalysis
Authors: Yang Fan , Hu Ping , Yang Fairy Fan , Chen Bo , Yin Fei , Hao Ke , Sun Ruiyan , Gao Lili , Sun Zhehao , Wang Kuaishe , Yin Zongyou
Published: May 2023

2D 2H‐phase MoS2 is promising for electrocatalytic applications because of its stable phase, rich edge sites, and large surface area. However, the pristine low‐conductive 2H‐MoS2 suffers from limited electron transfer and surface activity, which become worse after their highly likely aggregation/stacking and self‐curling during applications. In this work, these issues are overcome by conformally attaching the intercalation‐detonation‐exfoliated, surface S‐vacancy‐rich 2H‐MoS2 onto robust conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which electrically bridge bulk electrode and local MoS2 catalysts. The optimized MoS2/CNTs nanojunctions exhibit outstanding stable electroactivity (close to commercial Pt/C): a polarization overpotential of 79 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and the Tafel slope of 33.5 mV dec−1. Theoretical calculations unveil the metalized interfacial electronic structure of MoS2/CNTs nanojunctions, enhancing defective‐MoS2 surface activity and local conductivity. This work provides guidance on rational design for advanced multifaceted 2D catalysts combined with robust bridging conductors to accelerate energy technology development.
Use of environmental DNA to assess American Eel distribution, abundance, and barriers in a river–canal system
Authors: George Scott D. , Baldigo Barry P. , Rees Christopher B. , Bartron Meredith L. , Wiley John J. , Stich Daniel S. , Wells Scott M. , Winterhalter Dylan R.
Published: May 2023

Objective

The American Eel Anguilla rostrata historically was one of the most common fish species in Atlantic coast watersheds, but extensive dam construction and other factors caused a widespread population decline. One of the watersheds where American Eels have declined considerably is the Mohawk River in eastern and central New York. Recent attempts to characterize the distribution and abundance of American Eels in this watershed have been ineffective, and the extent to which a series of locks and dams on the Hudson River and lower Mohawk River limits use of the watershed is unclear.

Methods

We developed a model between environmental DNA (eDNA) quantity and American Eel abundance in the Hudson River watershed in which the DNA concentration in water samples explained up to 65% of the variability in eel density and 56% of the variability in eel biomass. We then used this relationship to interpret eDNA data collected twice from 36 sites across the Mohawk River watershed in 2021 and make inferences about the distribution and abundance of American Eels.

Result

American Eel DNA was detected almost exclusively in the downstream-most 4 km of the Mohawk River within a series of barriers. The concentration of DNA was reduced by approximately 80% across each successive upstream barrier before becoming too low to detect consistently. Our data suggest that eel population density was high in the Hudson River estuary and declined rapidly in the lower Mohawk River, and the species was nearly absent or undetectable in the Mohawk River and its tributaries upstream of the Crescent Dam and the Waterford Flight of Locks.

Conclusion

Barriers appear to be largely restricting American Eels from using over 99% of the Mohawk River watershed. Therefore, improvements in fish passage at dams and hydroelectric facilities in the region could help the American Eel to regain access to this part of its native range.
Leptophilic gauge bosons at lepton beam dump experiments
Authors: Moroi Takeo , Niki Atsuya
Published: May 2023

Abstract

It has been recently known that we can use beams of future lepton colliders, the International Linear Collider (ILC), the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC), and the muon collider, for beam dump experiment if a shield and a detector are installed behind the beam dump. We study the prospect of searching for leptophilic gauge bosons (LGBs) in association with $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_e-{L}_{\mu }} $$
U

1

L
e

−

L
μ

, $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_e-{L}_{\tau }} $$
U

1

L
e

−

L
τ

, and $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$
U

1

L
μ

−

L
τ

gauge symmetries at such lepton beam dump experiments. We perform a detailed calculation of the number of the LGB events, taking into account bremsstrahlung and pair-annihilation processes. We show that the lepton beam dump experiments at future lepton colliders can reach parameter regions which have not been covered.
Character table sudokus
Authors: Sambale Benjamin
Published: May 2023

It is a fun game to complete a partial character table of a finite group. We show that one can reconstruct a missing row or column from a given table. The proof relies on deep properties of fully ramified characters. Moreover, we extend a classification of groups with a “large” character degree started by Snyder and continued by Durfee and Jensen.
Predictive value and accuracy of [18F]FDG PET/CT modified response criteria for checkpoint immunotherapy in patients with advanced melanoma
Authors: Ayati Narjess , Jamshidi-Araghi Zahra , Hoellwerth Magdalena , Schweighofer-Zwink Gregor , Hitzl Wolfgang , Koelblinger Peter , Pirich Christian , Beheshti Mohsen
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in metastatic melanoma and dramatically alter the treatment of these patients. Given the high cost and potential toxicity, a reliable method for evaluating treatment response is needed. In this study, we assessed tumor response in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with ICIs using three modified response criteria: PET Response Evaluation Criteria for Immunotherapy (PERCIMT), PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors for up to Five Lesions (PERCIST5), and immunotherapy-modified PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors for up to Five Lesions (imPERCIST5).

Methods

Ninety-one patients with non-resectable stage IV metastatic melanoma who received ICIs were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Each patient had two [18F]FDG PET/CT scans performed before and after ICI therapy. Responses at the follow-up scan were evaluated according to PERCIMT, PERCIST5, and imPERCIST5 criteria. Patients were classified into four groups: complete metabolic response (CMR), partial metabolic response (PMR), progressive metabolic disease (PMD), and stable metabolic disease (SMD). To assess the “disease control rate,” two groups have been defined based on each criterion: patients with CMR, PMR, and SMD as “disease-controlled group (i.e., responders)” and PMD as the “uncontrolled-disease group (i.e., non-responders)”. The correspondence between metabolic tumor response defined by these criteria and clinical outcome was assessed and compared.

Results

The response and the disease control rates were 40.7% and 71.4%, 41.8% and 50.5%, and 54.9% and 74.7% based on the PERCIMT, PERCIST5, and imPERCIST5 criteria, respectively. PERCIMT and imPERCIST5 showed significantly different disease control rates from that of PERCIST5 (P < 0.001), whereas it was not significant between PERCIMT and imPERCIST5. Overall survival was significantly longer in the metabolic responder groups than in the non-responder groups based on PERCIMT and PERCIST5 criteria (PERCIMT: 2.48 versus 1.47 years, P = 0.003; PERCIST5: 2.57 versus 1.81 years. P = 0.017). However, according to imPERCIST5 criterion, this difference was not observed (P = 0.12).

Conclusion

Although the appearance of new lesions can be secondary to an inflammatory response to ICIs and indicative of pseudoprogression, given the higher rate of true progression, the appearance of new lesions should be interpreted deliberately. Of the three assessed modified criteria, PERCIMT appear to provide more reliable metabolic response assessment that correlates strongly with overall patient survival.
Land application of industrial wastes: impacts on soil quality, biota, and human health
Authors: De Silva Shamali , Carson Peter , Indrapala Demidu V. , Warwick Barry , Reichman Suzie M.
Published: May 2023

Globally, waste disposal options such as landfill, incineration, and discharge to water, are not preferred long-term solutions due to their social, environmental, political, and economic implications. However, there is potential for increasing the sustainability of industrial processes by considering land application of industrial wastes. Applying waste to land can have beneficial outcomes including reducing waste sent to landfill and providing alternative nutrient sources for agriculture and other primary production. However, there are also potential hazards, including environmental contamination. This article reviewed the literature on industrial waste applications to soils and assessed the associated hazards and benefits. The review investigated wastes in relation to soil characteristics, dynamics between soils and waste constituents, and possible impacts on plants, animals, and humans. The current body of literature demonstrates the potential for the application of industrial waste into agricultural soils. The main challenge for applying industrial wastes to land is the presence of contaminants in some wastes and managing these to enhance positive effects and reduce negative outcomes to within acceptable limits. Examination of the literature also revealed several gaps in the research and opportunities for further investigation: specifically, a lack of long-term experiments and mass balance assessments, variable waste composition, and negative public opinion.
An interpretable method for automated classification of spoken transcripts and written text
Authors: Wahde Mattias , Della Vedova Marco L. , Virgolin Marco , Suvanto Minerva
Published: May 2023

We investigate the differences between spoken language (in the form of radio show transcripts) and written language (Wikipedia articles) in the context of text classification. We present a novel, interpretable method for text classification, involving a linear classifier using a large set of $$n-$$

n
-

gram features, and apply it to a newly generated data set with sentences originating either from spoken transcripts or written text. Our classifier reaches an accuracy less than 0.02 below that of a commonly used classifier (DistilBERT) based on deep neural networks (DNNs). Moreover, our classifier has an integrated measure of confidence, for assessing the reliability of a given classification. An online tool is provided for demonstrating our classifier, particularly its interpretable nature, which is a crucial feature in classification tasks involving high-stakes decision-making. We also study the capability of DistilBERT to carry out fill-in-the-blank tasks in either spoken or written text, and find it to perform similarly in both cases. Our main conclusion is that, with careful improvements, the performance gap between classical methods and DNN-based methods may be reduced significantly, such that the choice of classification method comes down to the need (if any) for interpretability.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor microenvironment is more suppressive than colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) tumor microenvironment
Authors: Santagata Sara , Rea Giuseppina , Castaldo Daniela , Napolitano Maria , Capiluongo Anna , D’Alterio Crescenzo , Trotta Anna Maria , Ieranò Caterina , Portella Luigi , Di Maro Salvatore , Tatangelo Fabiana , Albino Vittorio , Guarino Rita , Cutolo Carmen , Izzo Francesco , Scala Stefania
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

While HCC is an inflammation-associated cancer, CRLM develops on permissive healthy liver microenvironment. To evaluate the immune aspects of these two different environments, peripheral blood-(PB), peritumoral-(PT) and tumoral tissues-(TT) from HCC and CRLM patients were evaluated.

Methods

40 HCC and 34 CRLM were enrolled and freshly TT, PT and PB were collected at the surgery. PB-, PT- and TT-derived CD4+CD25+ Tregs, M/PMN-MDSC and PB-derived CD4+CD25− T-effector cells (Teffs) were isolated and characterized. Tregs’ function was also evaluated in the presence of the CXCR4 inhibitor, peptide-R29, AMD3100 or anti-PD1. RNA was extracted from PB/PT/TT tissues and tested for FOXP3, CXCL12, CXCR4, CCL5, IL-15, CXCL5, Arg-1, N-cad, Vim, CXCL8, TGFβ and VEGF-A expression.

Results

In HCC/CRLM-PB, higher number of functional Tregs, CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ was detected, although PB-HCC Tregs exert a more suppressive function as compared to CRLM Tregs. In HCC/CRLM-TT, Tregs were highly represented with activated/ENTPD-1+Tregs prevalent in HCC. As compared to CRLM, HCC overexpressed CXCR4 and N-cadherin/vimentin in a contest rich in arginase and CCL5. Monocytic MDSCs were highly represented in HCC/CRLM, while high polymorphonuclear MDSCs were detected only in HCC. Interestingly, the function of CXCR4-PB-Tregs was impaired in HCC/CRLM by the CXCR4 inhibitor R29.

Conclusion

In HCC and CRLM, peripheral blood, peritumoral and tumoral tissues Tregs are highly represented and functional. Nevertheless, HCC displays a more immunosuppressive TME due to Tregs, MDSCs, intrinsic tumor features (CXCR4, CCL5, arginase) and the contest in which it develops. As CXCR4 is overexpressed in HCC/CRLM tumor/TME cells, CXCR4 inhibitors may be considered for double hit therapy in liver cancer patients.
Non-ownership business models in the manufacturing industry: Uncertainty-exploiting versus uncertainty-mitigating designs and the role of context factors
Authors: Bock Maximilian , Wiener Martin , Saunders Carol
Published: May 2023

With the emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things, a growing number of manufacturing firms has started to adopt non-ownership business models (NOBMs). NOBM providers maintain ownership of offered machinery and sell only the machine use and/or performance as a service to their clients. While the adoption of NOBMs is found to be associated with novel business opportunities related to client-side uncertainties, it is also found to result in a considerable increase in provider-side uncertainties. Drawing on a multiple-case study with three leading manufacturers, we find notable differences in terms of NOBM designs, ranging from a primary focus on exploiting client-side uncertainties to a primary focus on mitigating provider-side uncertainties. Moreover, our study uncovers four context factors that help explain key differences in NOBM designs. In particular, we identify two machine attributes (human dependency and energy efficiency) and two market attributes (average client size and antitrust regulations) that “push” providers toward either uncertainty-exploiting or uncertainty-mitigating NOBM designs. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The Effectiveness of School-Based Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Programmes to Improve Emotional Regulation in 7–12-Year-Olds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pickerell Lynn E. , Pennington Kyla , Cartledge Charlotte , Miller Kirsty A. , Curtis Ffion
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Though findings have been mixed, some primary or elementary school-based mindfulness and cognitive behavioural interventions have been shown to improve aspects of emotion regulation. Age is suggested as a potential mediator but previous reviews have not addressed this comprehensively, making evaluation of impact unclear. The current review brought together the evidence surrounding the impact of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) or cognitive behavioural interventions (CBIs) on emotion regulation in children aged between 7 and 12 years.

Method

Databases (British Education Index, Child Development and Adolescent Studies, CINAHL, Education Source, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, SAGE, Web of Science) were searched for published and unpublished randomised controlled trials evaluating the effect of primary school-based MBIs (n = 18) or CBIs (n = 12) on measures of emotional awareness, modulation and expression.

Results

Analysis of the MBIs in this review indicated a significant improvement in emotional awareness, an increase in positive emotions and a reduction in depression. Sub-analyses found an effect of age, duration and universal delivery for MBIs. Analysis of the CBIs indicated significant improvement in child negative expressive behaviours as reported by parents. Risk of bias was low across domains of incomplete outcome data and selective outcome reporting but was unclear in other domains.

Conclusions

Evidence from the MBI studies suggested that universal interventions with a shorter duration had more significant effects, particularly for 10–12-year-old participants. Future research should investigate programme design features and the suitability of content and skill-focus for different age groups, employing qualitative techniques for analysis. This could lead to reconsideration of typical intervention formats for primary school children.

Pre-registration

PROSPERO #CRD42019139283.
A validated targeted assay for environmental DNA detections of the Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus)
Authors: Chevrinais Marion , Parent Geneviève J.
Published: May 2023

The Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) was assessed as a species of Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) under the Canadian Species-At-Risk Act (SARA) in 2001, and by the National Marine Fisheries Service in USA in 2004. Monitoring of marine Species-At-Risk would rely ideally on non-destructive methods. However, most monitoring of marine fish at-risk rely on trawl surveys that are potentially destructive of the environment. Inferring a species presence using environmental DNA (eDNA) detections offers an attractive alternative for Species-At-Risk monitoring, because it is non-destructive, specific, and sensitive. We developed and optimized a real-time quantitative PCR probe-based (qPCR) detection protocol that targets the eDNA of Atlantic wolffish,A. lupus. The qPCR protocol was validatedin silico,in vitro, andin situ. Species-specificity was assessedin vitroby testing against the two other species ofAnarhichaspresent in the northwest Atlantic. We did not observe DNA amplification for either of these two species. The assay was highly sensitive, with a limit of detection (95% confidence level) of 1.5 DNA copies per qPCR reaction.In situtests showed thatA. lupuseDNA is detected from expected depth strata in areas of known wolffish abundance. This study provides a proof-of-concept experiment that offers a robust, targeted, and non destructive protocol for detection eDNA of the Atlantic wolffish.
A rigid–flexible coupling finite element model of coupler for analyzing train instability behavior during collision
Authors: Zhang Jingke , Zhu Tao , Yang Bing , Wang Xiaorui , Xiao Shoune , Yang Guangwu , Liu Yanwen , Che Quanwei
Published: May 2023

Rail vehicles generate huge longitudinal impact loads in collisions. If unreasonable matching exists between the compressive strength of the intermediate coupler and the structural strength of the car body, the risk of car body structure damage and train derailment will increase. Herein, a four-stage rigid–flexible coupling finite element model of the coupler is established considering the coupler buckling load. The influence of the coupler buckling load on the train longitudinal–vertical–horizontal buckling behavior was studied, and the mechanism of the train horizontal buckling instability in train collisions was revealed. Analysis results show that an intermediate coupler should be designed to ensure that the actual buckling load is less than the compressive load when the car body structure begins to deform plastically. The actual buckling load of the coupler and the asymmetry of the structural strength of the car body in the lateral direction are two important influencing factors for the lateral buckling of a train collision. If the strength of the two sides of the car body structure in the lateral direction is asymmetrical, the deformation on the weaker side will be larger, and the end of the car body will begin to deflect under the action of the coupler force, which in turn causes the train to undergo sawtooth buckling.
Integrating social and ecological considerations in floodplain relocation and restoration programs
Authors: Shi Linda , Sylman Shanasia , Hulet Carri , Brenner Rebecca Morgenstern , Safi Amelia Greiner , Corsi Paul
Published: May 2023

In the United States, most floodplain relocation (or buyout) programs focus on moving homeowners, then deal separately with what happens with the land afterward. These programs typically divide processes for relocation planning, engagement, funding, and implementation from those related to post-buyout land management and restoration. The structural and operational conditions that lead to this separation of roles and responsibilities miss out on opportunities to create more synergistic socio-ecological strategies that may produce healthier outcomes for both people and the environment. In other domains, research shows that healthy people and healthy environments can co-create each other through more virtuous cycles. In this perspective essay, we argue that we can better create such virtuous cycles in floodplain relocation programs by integrally considering social and ecological components. Such efforts can encourage more people to decide to relocate, thereby creating more contiguous places to restore. They can also empower more residents to help steward these sites, an action that in turn helps heal and strengthen flood-affected communities. These arguments, while particular to the United States, have resonance for floodplain management and land use planning worldwide.
Comparison of structural characteristics and molecular markers of rabbit skin, pig skin, and reconstructed human epidermis for an ex vivo human skin model
Authors: Uhm Chanyang , Jeong Haengdueng , Lee Su Hyon , Hwang Jae Sung , Lim Kyung-Min , Nam Ki Taek
Published: May 2023

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development approved a reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model for in vitro skin irritation and corrosion tests as an alternative to animal testing for cosmetics, which has been banned in the European Union since 2013. However, RHE models have several limitations, such as high manufacturing costs, a loose skin barrier, and inability to simulate all cellular and non-cellular components of the human epidermis. Therefore, new alternative skin models are needed. Ex vivo skin models have been suggested as promising tools. Here, we investigated the structural similarities in the epidermis of pig and rabbit skin, a commercial RHE model (Keraskin), and human skin. To compare the structural similarity, the thickness of each epidermal layer was compared using molecular markers. Among the candidate human skin surrogates, the epidermal thickness of the pig skin was the most similar to that of human skin, followed by rabbit skin and Keraskin. Keraskin showed thicker cornified and granular layers than human skin, while rabbit skin displayed thinner layers. Moreover, the proliferation indices of Keraskin and rabbit skin were higher than those of human skin, whereas the proliferation index of the pig skin was similar to that of human skin. Some or none of the human skin barrier proteins FLG, CLDN1, and CDH1 were expressed in pig and rabbit skin, whereas all human proteins were expressed in Keraskin. Collectively, we propose ex vivo pig skin as the most suitable model for skin irritation testing because of its similarity to human skin.
Initial search for low grade clay in Pakistan for producing LC3 ecofriendly cement
Authors: Hussain Syed Muhammad Fahad , Sheikh Muhammad Danyal , Jamil Tariq , Khan Asad-ur-Rehman , Ayub Tehmina , Hu Chuanlin
Published: May 2023

Industrialization has though brought comfort to our daily lives, but it has placed a lot of pressure on the planet’s natural resources, subsequently, it has adversely affected the environment. As the need for cement in the construction sector has grown, it has climbed dramatically globally. Around the world, more than 10 billion cubic meters of concrete are produced each year; it is doubtful that this volume will decrease. A significant expected rise in CO2 emissions is caused by increased cement demand. According to the UN Environment Program, buildings are responsible for up to 41% of global anthropogenic carbon emissions. The primary source of greenhouse gases utilized in the manufacturing of cement is clinker. Due to the unsustainable supply of fly ash, calcined clay appears to be a better Supplemental Cementitious Material (SCMs). Kaolin clay is widely available in Pakistan. The purpose of this investigation is to describe the mineral and thermal characteristics of Pakistani clays by examining their geographic distribution. Clay samples were gathered from 39 different places throughout Pakistan during a field investigation program. X-ray diffraction, X-ray Fluorescence, Reactivity, and thermogravimetric analyses were used to analyze the clay samples’ mineral content and thermal characteristics. This study demonstrates that Pakistan has a substantial amount of kaolin clay reserves close to existing groups of cement plants. Pakistani clays can be utilized as SCM in the production of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) due to the country’s vast kaolin clay reserves. This study further supports the viability of producing LC3 in the nation by providing a thorough analysis of the cement business, known deposits of qualifying clay, and the country’s cement production process.
A Historical Introduction to English Law
Authors: Sandberg Russell
Published: May 2023

There are some stories that need to be told anew to every generation. This book tells one such story. It explores the historical origins of the common law and explains why that story needs to be understood by all who study or come into contact with English law. The book functions as the prequel to what students learn during their law degrees or for the SQE. It can be read in preparation for, or as part of, modules introducing the study of English law or as a starting point for specialist modules on legal history or aspects of legal history. This book will not only help students understand and contextualise their study of the current law but it will also show them that the options they have to change the law are greater than they might assume from just studying the current law.
On sets with unit Hausdorff density in homogeneous groups
Authors: Julia Antoine , Merlo Andrea
Published: May 2023

It is a longstanding conjecture that given a subset E of a metric space, if E has unit

$\mathscr {H}^{\alpha }\llcorner E$

-density almost everywhere, then E is an

$\alpha $

-rectifiable set. We prove this conjecture under the assumption that the ambient metric space is a homogeneous group with a smooth-box norm.
Optimal control of tidal flow
Authors: Schmitz Christian , Pelz Peter F.
Published: May 2023

The tidal flow through a channel connecting two basins with different tidal regimes can be optimally controlled by means of a turbine fence or array to maximise the extracted mechanical power. The paper gives the optimal control strategy as a function of the blockage ratio

$\sigma$

, i.e. the ratio of the turbine cross-section to the cross-section of the local passage of a turbine. The results presented are a physically consistent generalisation of the results of Garrett & Cummins (Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A, vol. 461, 2060, pp, 2563–2572), valid only for

$\sigma =1$

and turbine efficiency of one, now for arbitrary blockage ratio

$0 < \sigma \leqslant 1$

. Published research over the past decade on the same topic has taken the momentum equation and the turbine drag force as a starting point. The new approach presented here, in contrast, takes the energy equation as the starting point and uses the relative volume flow as the control variable. As the work shows, this new approach has three advantages. First, starting with the energy equation allows us to derive an optimal flow control problem resulting in an Euler–Lagrange equation using the physically consistent and experimentally validated actuator disk model for the free surface flow of Pelz et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 889, 2020) in a direct and formal way. The optimal control problem is solved (a) numerically and (b) analytically. In the latter case, the turbine characteristics are approximated by a rational function in the relevant design and operating range. The analytical solution (b) validated against the numerical solution (a) is surprisingly concise and easy to apply in practice, as shown by use cases. Second, instead of the induction factor, we use the volume flow that is the same for all turbines in a cascade, i.e. a row of turbines in the direction of flow, which significantly reduces the complexity of the optimal control task of turbine arrays. Third, we obtain a well-founded energy estimate, whereas previous methods overestimate the energy yield due to inconsistent turbine disc models (for the consistency and valid parameter ranges of different models, also in comparison with experiments, see Pelz et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 889, 2020). The results can be used for the conceptual design of turbine arrays, but also for a sound physically realistic and consistent resource assessment of tidal power for a system consisting of two basins, a channel and a turbine fence with

$0<\sigma \leqslant 1$

and operated in a complete tidal cycle.