bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orts‐ und Zeitangaben‐Harmonisierung zwischen Strahlungsdaten und Simulationssoftware
Authors: Vukadinovic Mario , Maas Anton
Published: December 2024

Diese Untersuchung fokussiert auf die Herausforderungen, die sich bei der Verarbeitung von Klimadaten durch Simulationssoftware ergeben. Ein zentraler Aspekt besteht darin, die unterschiedlichen Definitionen von Ort und Zeit zu berücksichtigen, wenn Testreferenzjahre (TRY) verschiedener Datenreihen verwendet werden. Dabei werden die Definitionen und Angaben der Zeiten miteinander verglichen und bewertet. Die Untersuchung erfolgt exemplarisch für die TRY des Deutschen Wetterdienstes (DWD), ist jedoch auch auf andere Klimadatengeber übertragbar. Es wird dargestellt, wie Zeitdefinitionen die Umrechnung von direkter und diffuser Strahlung beeinflussen und dass für simulative Berechnungen präzise und eindeutige Zeiten für bestimmte Orte unerlässlich sind. In diesem Kontext werden die Definitionen in den DWD‐TRY 2010, 2015 und 2045 beleuchtet. Es wird ersichtlich, dass Definitionen sogar innerhalb einheitlicher Datenreihen Inkonsistenzen aufweisen. Zudem wird erörtert, dass verschiedene Simulationssoftwares unterschiedlich mit diesen Definitionen umgehen. Abschließend betont die Analyse die Notwendigkeit einer genauen Übereinstimmung zwischen dem Standort des Gebäudes und dem Standort des Klimadatensatzes sowie die Bedeutung einer einheitlichen Zeitdefinition über verschiedene TRY‐Datenreihen hinweg. Eine präzise Erfassung der Strahlungsdaten ist für korrekte Anwendungen unerlässlich und ermöglicht die genaue Aufteilung der Strahlungswerte zwischen Osten und Westen.
Thermische Bauteilaktivierung: Ein Gamechanger der Energiewende für die Gebäudesanierung
Authors: Weiß Dirk , Tribulowski Katja , Kotte Luisa , Wicke Monika , Grunewald John
Published: December 2024

Diese Studie analysiert den Einfluss der thermischen Speichermasse auf die Energieeffizienz und das Lastmanagement in unterschiedlichen Gebäudesanierungsvarianten: ein Wärmedämmverbundsystem (WDVS) mit bestehenden Heizkörpern, WDVS in Kombination mit einer Flächenheizung und eine außenliegende Fassadenkonditionierung durch das Aktive Dämmheizkühlsystem (AktivDHKS). Ziel der Untersuchung ist es, das Potenzial dieser Sanierungsansätze zur Verbesserung der Lastverschiebung (Load‐Shifting) und zur Reduktion von Lastspitzen (Peak‐Shaving) im Stromnetz zu bewerten. Durch den Einsatz von thermischen Simulationen werden die dynamischen Reaktionen der Gebäudehüllen auf externe und interne Lasten sowie deren Interaktionen mit dem Energieversorgungssystem evaluiert. Die vorläufigen Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass insbesondere das AktivDHKS durch seine direkte Aktivierung der thermischen Masse erheblich zur Stabilisierung des Stromnetzes beitragen kann. Diese Erkenntnisse bieten wertvolle Impulse für die Entwicklung nachhaltiger Sanierungsstrategien, die sowohl ökonomische als auch ökologische Vorteile bieten und unterstützen somit die Realisierung der Ziele der Energiewende.
Simulativer Vergleich der thermischen Bedarfsabschätzung eines Einfamilienhauses
Authors: Spratte Tobias , Jansen David , Maier Laura , Müller Dirk
Published: December 2024

Im IBPSA Project 1 wurde neben der Kernbibliothek Modelica‐IBPSA auch die Bibliothek AixLib zur quelloffenen Modellierung von Gebäudeenergiesystemen mit Modelica entwickelt. Verglichen mit dem speziell für die energetische Gebäudesimulation entwickelten quelloffenen Programm EnergyPlus ermöglichen die Modelica‐Bibliotheken eine physikalisch realistischere Modellierung der Regelung moderner Anlagentechnik. In EnergyPlus hingegen ist die Wärmeübertragung durch die Gebäudehülle mit einem höheren Detailgrad modelliert. Fraglich ist, in welchem Ausmaß die in der AixLib getätigten Vereinfachungen die Ergebnisse einer energetischen Gebäudesimulation beeinflussen. In dieser Studie werden die erforderliche Heizleistung und der Heizbedarf eines Einfamilienhauses mittels Jahressimulationen des in der AixLib enthaltenen High‐Order‐Gebäudemodells des Einfamilienhauses und eines EnergyPlus‐Gebäudemodells des Einfamilienhauses ermittelt und verglichen. Die Ergebnisse des AixLib‐Gebäudemodells zeigen einen nach oben verschobenen Verlauf der erforderlichen Heizleistung gegenüber den Ergebnissen des EnergyPlus‐Gebäudemodells. In der kalten Jahreshälfte wird mit dem AixLib‐Gebäudemodell ein etwa 1 %, in der warmen Jahreshälfte ein etwa 31 % und im gesamten Jahr ein etwa 2 % höherer Heizbedarf berechnet. Die in EnergyPlus umgesetzte zusätzliche Diskretisierung der einzelnen Wandschichten führt insbesondere im Sommer zu höheren Oberflächentemperaturen der Außenwände, wodurch ein geringerer Heizbedarf berechnet wird.
Cherry‐Picking Tolerance About Untruthful News
Authors: Li Xilin , Hsee Christopher K. , Wang Shu
Published: December 2024

People are increasingly worried about untruthfulness in news reporting. We distinguish between two types of untruthfulness: apparent untruthfulness (containing false information) and consequential untruthfulness (giving readers a wrong impression of the truth). Consequential untruthfulness can be caused by both the presence of false information and cherry‐picking (reporting only parts of the truth). Despite this, we find that people's perception of untruthfulness depends largely on apparent untruthfulness. Consequently, they treat news that cherry‐picks information less negatively (e.g., less likely to criticize it and more likely to share it with others) than they treat news that contains false information, when the former is more consequentially untruthful than the latter. We dub this phenomenon as cherry‐picking tolerance. We also find that prompting people to think about the consequence of the news report (i.e., the impressions people form after they read the news reports) will mitigate the cherry‐picking tolerance. This research draws attention to the widespread practice of cherry‐picking in news reporting and calls for a new look at what constitutes fake news.
A PRISMA‐Based Systematic Review on Economic, Social, and Governance Practices: Insights and Research Agenda
Authors: Ed‐Dafali Slimane , Adardour Zahra , Derj Atar , Bami Adil , Hussainey Khaled
Published: December 2024

The article synthesizes existing research on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and explores their impact on corporate sustainability and financial outcomes. [Correction added on 17 December 2024, after first online publication: In the Abstract section, the definition of ESG has been corrected from ‘economic, social, and governance’ to ‘environmental, social, and governance’.] A systematic literature review (SLR) followed PRISMA guidelines, analyzing 85 peer‐reviewed articles from high‐quality journals indexed in Scopus. The results reveal that robust governance mechanisms—such as board diversity, strategic integration of ESG criteria, and effective risk management—are key drivers of enhanced ESG performance and corporate profitability. However, the findings also highlight significant gaps in current knowledge, particularly regarding emerging concepts like green innovation, ESG controversies, and digital transformation. The study concludes that further research is needed to develop a more nuanced understanding of how different governance structures and ESG practices interact and to provide clearer guidance for policymakers and corporate managers in fostering sustainable business practices.
Bridging the Gap Between the Source of Innovation and the Implementation of Circular Economy Principles in SMEs Within Emerging Economies: The Mediating Role of Frugal Innovation
Authors: Perera Ranjika Lalani , Badir Yuosre F.
Published: December 2024

Small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies encounter various challenges when it comes to adopting circular economy (CE) principles due to their resource‐constrained contexts. Consequently, they often rely on innovation to facilitate the implementation of these principles. In this study, we explore the effect of source of innovation, generation or adoption, on the implementation of CE principles within SMEs in emerging economies. We also go one step further and examine the mechanism through which the source of innovation affects the implementation of CE principles. We argue that in resource‐constrained contexts, firm may use frugal innovation as a mediator in the relationship between the source of innovation and the implementation of CE principles. We collected 306 survey responses from SMEs in India and Pakistan and analyzed the data through PLS‐SEM using SMARTPLS4 software. The findings indicate that both innovation generation and innovation adoption have a positive effect on implementing CE principles, with innovation adoption showing the most significant effect. Additionally, we discovered that frugal innovation plays a partial mediator role in the relationship between innovation generation/innovation adoption and implementing CE principles. These results suggest that SMEs in emerging economies can leverage both innovation generation and adoption to advance the adoption of CE principles, fostering the development of frugal innovations in the process, which further drive the implementation of CE principles. Moreover, our findings contribute to the ongoing research debate regarding the relationship between frugal innovation and sustainability, highlighting the impact of frugal innovation on environmental sustainability.
Antiviral Potential and In Silico Insights of Polyphenols as Sustainable Phytopharmaceuticals: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mahapatra Ananya Das , Paul Indrani , Dasgupta Sanjukta , Roy Oliva , Sarkar Srinjoy , Ghosh Tusha , Basu Sayantan , Chattopadhyay Debprasad
Published: December 2024

Polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, are reported to have health‐promoting, disease‐preventing abilities and several polyphenols having a wide spectrum of antiviral activities can be explored for preventive and/or therapeutic purposes. We have compiled the updated literature of diverse polyphenols active against common viral diseases, including herpes, hepatitis, influenza, rota and SARS‐corona‐viruses. The antiviral activity of bioactive polyphenols depends on the hydroxyl and ester groups of polyphenol molecules, as compounds with five or more hydroxyl groups and three specific methoxy groups showed antiviral potential, like anti‐rabies activity. This comprehensive review will explore selective polyphenols isolated from common ethnomedicinal or food plants. Comparing bioactivities of structurally related polyphenols and using bioinformatics studies, we have explored the three most promising phyto‐antivirals, including chrysin, resveratrol and quercetin, available in many foods and medicinal plants. Quercetin showed a maximum interaction score with human genes. We also explore the intricate structure–activity relationship between these polyphenols and pathogenic viruses with their mechanisms of antiviral action in selected virus models. Here, we report the promising potential of some phyto‐polyphenols in the management of viral diseases through an in‐depth analysis of the structure and bioactivity of these compounds.
Multiscale structural characterization, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of pea starch produced by two different processes
Authors: Sun Zhiwei , Zhao Xiangying , Liu Liping , He Qiangzhi , Li Ruiguo , Zhang Jiaxiang
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

Dry grinding pea starch (DG) and wet grinding pea starch (WG) are two primary industrial starches with significantly different structures, physicochemical properties, and application potentials. To date, there have been no detailed studies examining these differences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to (i) investigate the effects of dry grinding and wet grinding on the structure of pea starch, and (ii) examine how the structure of pea starch influences its physicochemical properties and digestibility.

Findings

The crystallinity (35.75%), medium and long amylopectin (AP) chains (22.00%), swelling power (17.23 g/g), gelatinization temperature (76.4°C), and gelatinization viscosity (5585.0 cP) of WG were higher than those of DG (24.29%, 20.36%, 16.90 g/g, 75.9°C, and 5196.3 cP). In contrast, the average particle size (APS) (24.31 μm), resistant starch content (45.80%), and gel hardness (509.70 g) were lower than those of DG (25.68 μm, 52.13%, and 617.53 g).

Conclusions

Significant structural differences exist between WG and DG, with APS and AP chain length distribution being the primary factors contributing to the distinct physicochemical characteristics of the two pea starches.

Significance and Novelty

This is the first detailed comparison of the properties of commercial pea starch produced by two different processes. The results provide theoretical insights that underpin the use of pea starch in functional foods and promote the development of new starch‐based products.
Normalization Strategies for Lipidome Data in Cell Line Panels
Authors: Leegwater Hanneke , Zhang Zhengzheng , Zhang Xiaobing , Hankemeier Thomas , Harms Amy C. , Zweemer Annelien J. M. , Le Dévédec Sylvia E. , Kindt Alida
Published: December 2024

Sample collection can significantly affect lipid concentration measurements in cell line panels, concealing intrinsic differences between cancer subtypes. Most quality control steps in lipidomic data analysis focus on controlling technical variation. Correcting for the total amount of biological material remains an additional challenge for cell line panels. Here, we investigated how we can normalize lipidomic data acquired from multiple cell lines to correct for differences in sample biomass. We studied how commonly used data normalization and transformation strategies influence the resulting lipid data distributions. We compared normalization by biological properties including cell count and total protein concentration, to statistical and data‐based approaches, such as median, mean, or probabilistic quotient‐based normalization. We used intraclass correlations to estimate how normalization influenced the similarity between replicates. Normalizing lipidomic data by cell count improved the similarity between replicates but only for cell lines with similar morphologies. When comparing cell line panels with diverse morphologies neither cell count nor protein concentration was sufficient to increase the similarity of lipid abundances between cell line replicates. Data‐based normalizations increased these similarities but resulted in a bias towards the large and variable lipid class of triglycerides. These artifacts are reduced by normalizing for the abundance of only structural lipids. We conclude that there is a delicate balance between improving the similarity between replicates and avoiding artifacts in lipidomic data and emphasize the importance of an appropriate normalization strategy in studying biological phenomena using lipidomics.
B(C6F5)3‐Catalyzed Regiodivergent Thioetherifications of Alkenes via Thiiranium Intermediates: Experimental and Computational Insights
Authors: Alotaibi Nusaybah , Babaahmadi Rasool , Das Sampurna , Richards Emma , Wirth Thomas , Pramanik Milan , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: December 2024

Precise control of selective alkene functionalization is a continuing challenge in the chemical community. In this study, we develop a substitution‐controlled regiodivergent thioetherification of di‐ or trisubstituted alkenes using 10 mol % tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C6F5)3] as a catalyst and N‐thiosuccinimide as a sulfenylating reagent. This metal‐free borane catalyzed C−S bond forming method is utilized for a Csp2−H sulfenylation reaction to synthesize an array of diphenylvinylsulfide derivatives with good to excellent yields (25 examples, up to 91 % yield). Some of the products exhibit aggregation‐induced emission luminogen properties used in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), chemical sensors, and biological imaging units. Depending upon the starting alkene, Csp3−S sulfenylation products could also be generated regioselectively. A variety of allylic thioethers from α‐alkyl substituted styrenes were isolable in good yields and selectivities (14 examples, up to 67 % yield). The DFT‐supported mechanistic study confirms that the reaction proceeds via a thiiranium ion intermediate, where the regioselectivity and product formation is determined by the alkene substituents which influence the activation barriers and energy profiles. Diphenylvinylsulfide derivatives can also be efficiently transformed into a range of synthetically valuable compounds, including vinyl sulfoxides, vinyl sulfones, and vinyl sulfoximines.
The Impact of Preprocedural Blood Pressure on Outcome After M‐TEER: The Paradox or Something Else?
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Schneider Leonhard , Nita Nicoleta , Felbel Dominik , Paukovitsch Michael , Gröger Mathias , Keßler Mirjam , Rottbauer Wolfang
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of systolic blood pressure (SBP) values on admission on the outcome of mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (M‐TEER).

Methodology

We included all patients who underwent interventional MV repair in our institution between January 2010 and October 2020. All data are obtained from the MiTra ULM registry. Based on SBP values measured on admission, all patients were divided into four groups: < 120, 120−129, 130−139, and ≥ 140 mmHg.

Results

Eight hundred and fifty‐eight patients were included in this study. There were no major differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the four observed groups. The patients with SBP on admission ≥ 140 mmHg had the lowest prevalence of functional MR and the highest LVEF. Higher SBP at admission (HR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63−0.87) and preprocedural LVEF values (HR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97−0.99) were predictors of lower 1‐year mortality but did not impact 1‐year hospitalization rate or MACE in the whole study population. When patients were separated into two groups according to the mechanisms of MR (functional and structural), the results showed that higher SBP on admission and better preprocedural LVEF were associated with significantly lower 1‐year CV mortality in both groups of patients, with functional and structural MR. Higher SBP at admission was also associated with lower 1‐year CV mortality (HR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55−0.96) in patients with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF > 50%), but not with 1‐year rehospitalization and MACE.

Conclusion

Higher SBP on admission (> 140 mmHg) is an independent predictor of a better 1‐year outcome in patients treated with M‐TEER. The effect of higher SBP on outcome after M‐TEER should be further investigated.
FAK and p130Cas Modulate Stiffness‐Mediated Early Transcription and Cellular Metabolism
Authors: Tumenbayar Bat‐Ider , Pham Khanh , Biber John C. , Tutino Vincent M. , Brazzo Joseph A. , Yao Peng , Bae Yongho
Published: December 2024

Cellular metabolism is influenced by the stiffness of the extracellular matrix. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its binding partner, p130Cas, transmit biomechanical signals, such as substrate stiffness, to the cell to regulate a variety of cellular responses, but their roles in early transcriptional and metabolic responses remain largely unexplored. We cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts with or without siRNA‐mediated FAK or p130Cas knockdown and assessed the early transcriptional responses of these cells to placement on soft and stiff substrates by RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. Exposure to the stiff substrate altered the expression of genes important for metabolic and biosynthetic processes, and these responses were influenced by knockdown of FAK and p130Cas. Our findings reveal that FAK‐p130Cas signaling mechanotransduces substrate stiffness to early transcriptional changes that alter cellular metabolism and biosynthesis.
An Integrated Approach to Develop a Potent Vaccine Candidate Construct Against Prostate Cancer by Utilizing Machine Learning and Bioinformatics
Authors: Albutti Aqel
Published: December 2024

Background

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among males. Prostaglandin G/H synthase (PGHS) is an essential enzyme in the synthesis of prostaglandins, and its activation has been linked to many malignancies, including colorectal cancer.

Aims

Due to the limited effectiveness and specificity of existing prostate cancer therapies, this study was designed to formulate improved treatment techniques.

Methods

Several immunoinformatic, reverse vaccinology, and molecular modeling methodologies were used to discover B‐ and T‐cell epitopes for the glioblastoma multiforme tumor PGH2_HUMAN. This research evaluated Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 protein as a potential vaccine candidate against the malignancy. The multi‐epitope vaccine architecture is engineered to activate the immune system, with each epitope docked to its respective HLAs. Further, MD simulations analysis was performed to validate the findings.

Results

A multi‐epitope subunit vaccine candidate was developed by concatenating the chosen B‐ and T‐cell epitopes. Results yield a codon adaptive index (CAI) of 0.93 and a GC content of 56.77%. Thus, it conforms to a biological requirement for effective protein expression, suggesting competent vaccine efficacy inside the Escherichia coli system. Significant interleukin and cytokine responses were seen, characterized by elevated levels of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ in the immune system's response to the immunization. Molecular docking demonstrated an efficient binding affinity of −278 kcal/mol, with hydrogen bonding to several residues. Furthermore, the system total root mean square deviation (RMSD) reached 3.23 Å, with a maximum of up to 5.0 Å at the 100 ns time point but remains stable till 400 ns time intervals followed by stable root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) and radius of gyration values. The hydrogen bond cloud residues are the critical sites that significantly influence the binding energies of MMPBSA and MMGBSA via substantial van der Waals interactions.

Conclusion

It has been determined that these in silico analyses will further augment the comprehension necessary for advancing the creation of targeted therapies for chemotherapeutic cancer treatments.
Impact of Aerogel Modification for Fe−N−C Activity and Stability towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Phosphoric Acid Electrolyte
Authors: Zierdt Tanja , Reuter Torben , Müller–Hülstede Julia , Buschermöhle Julia , Schonvogel Dana , Kröner Jessica , Schwan Marina , Milow Barbara , Wagner Peter , Andreas Friedrich K.
Published: December 2024

Resorcinol‐formaldehyde based carbon aerogel (CA) has been tailored to meet the requirements as a Fe−N−C carbon support, aiming to provide sufficient, inexpensive cathode catalysts for high‐temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT–PEMFCs). Therefore, different treatments of the aerogel are explored for optimal pore structure and incorporation of surface functionalities, which are crucial for Fe−N−C synthesis and electrochemical performance. Fe−N−Cs of differently modified aerogel are investigated in phosphoric acid electrolyte. The results show that HNO3 treatment for 5 h yields the Fe−N−C with highest mass activity and selectivity, attributed to the highest amount of nitrogen functionalities revealed by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (XPS) and proper Fe−Nx site formation. HNO3 oxidation for 2 h leads to Fe−N−C with slightly lower oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and selectivity. In contrast, the Fe−N−C synthesized from CA with H3PO4 treatment shows negligible ORR activity. The feasibility of one‐step activation and carbonization treatment with K2CO3 and, for the first time, with K2CO3 and melamine is proven as the obtained Fe−N−Cs exhibit promising ORR activity. The results are compared with the commercial Fe−N−C PMF‐014401. This study contributes to the advancement of cost‐efficient HT‐PEMFCs by optimizing Fe−N−C catalyst properties.
A New High Voltage Gain Common‐Ground Step‐Up DC‐DC Converter Integrating Coupled‐Inductors and Switched‐Capacitors
Authors: Imanlou Arash , Babaei Ebrahim , Hosseini Seyed Hossein
Published: December 2024

This study proposes a new high‐voltage gain quadratic‐structured common‐ground step‐up DC‐DC converter, integrating coupled‐inductors and switched‐capacitors. This configuration achieves a significant voltage gain without necessitating either a substantial duty cycle or an elevated turn ratio in the coupled‐inductors. A critical innovation is the embedding of the secondary windings of the coupled‐inductors into the switched‐capacitor cell, which not only enhances voltage gain but also effectively suppresses the inrush current typical in such cells. The converter's features include the successful recycling of energy from the leakage inductors; low voltage stress exerted on power switches; zero‐current switching (ZCS) turn‐on of the main switch; ZCS conditions for the diodes' turn‐off; reduced switching losses because of the application of a quasi‐resonant (QR) operation between the leakage inductors and middle capacitors; simultaneous operation of the power switches; continuous input current; a wide duty cycle range; and a common‐ground output–input connection. The operating principle, steady‐state analysis (CCM and DCM), design considerations, efficiency calculation, small‐signal modeling with controller design, and comparisons with other related converters are provided. Finally, experimental results from a 100‐ to 300‐W prototype with 20‐ to 30‐V input and 400‐V output are given to validate the proposed converter's theoretical analysis and feasibility.
High Step‐Up Isolated Multi‐Input Converter Based on Three‐Winding Coupled Inductor and Quasi‐Z‐Source for Excellent Voltage Gain With Independent Control and Expandability
Authors: Shen Chih‐Lung , Xie You‐Xun , Fan Shu‐Yuan , Huang Ho‐Teng , Xie Zhen‐Yuan
Published: December 2024

This article introduces a high step‐up isolated multi‐input converter (HSIMIC), which utilizes a three‐winding coupled inductor and a quasi‐Z‐source to obtain an extra‐high voltage gain and to feature galvanic isolation. The HSIMIC only requires a minimum count of active switches. In HSIMIC, diodes have zero current switching (ZCS) features at turn‐off, and leakage energy can be recycled. Based on the configuration of HSIMIC, the input sources can be processed simultaneously or individually. Even if either of the input sources is interrupted, the converter can still function and maintain the high step‐up characteristic. In addition, the input port number can be easily extended to deal with more clean energy sources. The converter operation principle, theoretical analysis, essential parameter design, and simulations are carried out. A 400‐W prototype is built and then tested to verify the theoretical analysis and validate the proposed HSIMIC.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind? Neuronal Gamma Oscillations During Occlusion Events in Infants
Authors: Slinning Regine , Agyei Seth B. , Kristoffersen Silje Hognestad , van der Weel F. R. (Ruud) , van der Meer Audrey L. H.
Published: December 2024

Object permanence allows infants to interact successfully with objects in the environment. What happens in the human infant brain when objects move in and out of sight? This study used high‐density electroencephalography (hdEEG) to record induced oscillatory brain activities in 29 locomotor infants before, during, and after occlusion of a moving object traveling at different speeds. Temporal spectral evolution (TSE) showed that before and after the occlusion event, event‐related synchronized (ERS) brain activity was observed, whereas event‐related desynchronized (ERD) activity was detected when the car was hidden behind the occluder. Both synchronized and desynchronized brain activities were found in the gamma frequency band (>30 Hz) in visual areas. Coherence connectivity analysis showed significant cluster differences before and during occlusion, during and after occlusion, and before and after occlusion in the gamma (30–150 Hz) and theta range (4–7 Hz) in several brain sources of interest. It was concluded that locomotor infants between 8.5 and 12 months of age show high‐frequency brain oscillations while perceiving a moving object going temporarily out of sight. The significant cluster differences indicate the beginning of specialized connectivity networks, where object permanence is processed within dedicated visual, parietal, and central areas along the dorsal processing stream.
Neural Correlates of Emotion Regulation and Associations With Disordered Eating During Preadolescence
Authors: Thomas Kai S. , Jones Catherine R. G. , Williams Marc O. , Vanderwert Ross E.
Published: December 2024

Difficulties with emotion regulation have been documented in individuals with eating and internalizing disorders. However, there is limited research examining the cognitive processes underlying these difficulties. Using a dimensional approach, the current study examined the link between the behavioral and neural correlates of response inhibition, disordered eating, and internalizing symptoms in a community sample of preadolescents. A total of 50 children (M age = 10.9 years; 58% male) completed an emotion Go/No‐Go task, while ERP components were recorded, as well as self‐report measures of disordered eating and internalizing symptoms. In addition, children completed an emotion recognition task to establish whether there were fundamental differences in emotion recognition across high and low levels of disordered eating and internalizing symptoms. Increased disordered eating was associated with increased mean P3‐NoGo amplitudes when inhibiting responses to happy facial expressions, as well as poorer recognition of happy faces. These associations were not found for internalizing symptoms. Our findings suggest an early disruption in response inhibition, specifically for happy emotional expressions, may be relevant to the development of disordered eating behaviors in preadolescence.
Cognitive and Neurobiological Correlates for Switching/Inhibition Moderate the Relations Between Word Reading and Reading Comprehension in Hebrew‐Speaking Children: An fMRI Study
Authors: Horowitz‐Kraus Tzipi , Abo‐elhija Donia , Apter Alan , Kraus Dror , Steinberg Tamar , Radhakrishnan Rupa , Barazany Daniel , Farah Rola
Published: December 2024

The expanded Simple View of Reading model suggests language processing and word reading as contributors to reading comprehension and points at the participation of executive functions as supporting these abilities. Switching and inhibition are both executive functions (EF) contributing to reading, especially in languages with two writing systems—shallow and deep, such as Hebrew. Here, we aimed to determine the specific role of switching/inhibition both cognitively and neurobiologically in the Simple View of Reading model among 49 eight‐ to 12‐year‐old Hebrew‐speaking children. Children underwent reading and cognitive behavioural testing as well as a five‐min resting‐state fMRI scan. Functional connectivity of the fronto‐parietal network related to switching/inhibition was determined and included in a moderation model. Results suggest that both switching/inhibition abilities and functional connectivity within the fronto‐parietal network moderate the relations between word reading and reading comprehension. This strengthens the contribution of switching/inhibition to facilitating reading comprehension and supports the need to include it as part of the expanded SVR model.
Thin Nickel Coatings on Stainless Steel for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution and Reduced Iron Leaching in Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Deo Yashwardhan , Thissen Niklas , Seidl Vera , Gallenberger Julia , Hoffmann Julia , Hofmann Jan P. , Etzold Bastian J. M. , Mechler Anna K.
Published: December 2024

One of the most mature technologies for green hydrogen production is alkaline water electrolysis. However, this process is kinetically limited by the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Improving the OER kinetics requires electrocatalysts, which can offer superior catalytic activity and stability in alkaline environments. Stainless steel (SS) has been reported as a cost‐effective and promising OER electrode due to its ability to form active Ni‐Fe oxyhydroxides during OER. However, it is limited by a high Fe‐to‐Ni ratio, leading to severe Fe‐leaching in alkaline environments. This affects not only the electrode activity and stability but can also be detrimental to the electrolyzer system. Therefore, we investigate the effect of different Ni‐coatings on both pure Ni‐ and SS‐supports on the OER activity, while monitoring the extent of Fe‐leaching during continuous operation. We show that thin layers of Ni enable enhanced OER activities compared to thicker ones. Especially, a less than 1 µm thick Ni layer on an SS‐support shows superior OER activity and stability with respect to the bare supports. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals traces of oxidized Fe species on the catalyst surface after OER, suggesting that Fe from the SS may be incorporated into the layer during operation, forming active Ni‐Fe oxyhydroxides with a very low Fe leaching rate. Utilizing inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy, we prove that thin Ni layers on SS decrease Fe leaching whereas the Fe from the uncoated SS‐support dissolves into the electrolyte during operation. Thus, OER active and stable electrodes can be obtained while maintaining a low Fe concentration in the electrolyte. This is particularly relevant for application in high‐performance electrolyzer systems.
A Storm Frame Optimization Method for Predicting and Warning the Safety Status of a Shearer
Authors: Zhang Pei , He Yanpeng , Ma Li , Cong Changkui
Published: December 2024

Real‐time monitoring, prediction, and early warning of operating status during intelligent mining are the key to ensuring stable production. To solve the problem of lag in determining the operating status of a shearer, this study proposes a new method for predicting and warning the real‐time operating status of the shearer involving the Storm framework, based on parallel optimization of data processing and the gated recurrent unit (GRU) model based on hyperparameter optimization. First, the GRU model is optimized through hyperparameter optimization to achieve adaptive and accurate prediction and early warning of multidimensional state parameters of the shearer. Second, a virtual machine is constructed to host the Storm framework, parallel optimized real‐time processing of data is performed on the Storm framework, and real‐time data flow patterns are constructed to speed up data processing and retrieval, ensuring each tuple is fully processed through the topology structure. Finally, the optimized GRU model is embedded into the optimized Storm framework to achieve real‐time prediction and early warning of different dimensional data of the shearer. The prediction accuracy, early warning accuracy, and processing efficiency of the Storm platform are used as evaluation indicators to analyze and evaluate the model, verifying the efficiency and applicability of the proposed model. Experimental results show that the model has a prediction accuracy of 93%, an early warning accuracy of 93.05%, and consumes 10 s. It can achieve high performance, low latency, and high precision in predicting and providing early warnings for the shearer's state parameters, greatly improving the efficiency of predicting and early warning the operating status parameters of the shearer. This model realizes real‐time prediction and early warning of the shearer's operating status, providing technical support for intelligent mining in coal mines.
Fluconazole for Preventing Radiation‐Induced Oral Mucositis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ueangphairot Waranyu , Muangwong Pooriwat , Suwannaphong Phimchat , Youngchim Sirida , Thammasit Patcharin , Kittidachanan Kittikun , Chitapanarux Imjai
Published: December 2024

Background

This study evaluated the efficacy of fluconazole prophylaxis in reducing radiation‐induced oral mucositis (RIOM) and Candida carriage in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods

A prospective, double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 78 HNC patients receiving either fluconazole (100 mg daily) or placebo during CCRT. The primary outcome was the incidence of grade 2 or higher RIOM. Secondary outcomes included positive Candida cultures and colony‐forming units (CFUs). Mixed‐effects ordinal logistic regression and logistic regression were used for analysis.

Results

Fluconazole significantly reduced the incidence of grade 2 or higher RIOM at week 7 (p = 0.039), positive Candida carriage at week 4 (p = 0.024) and week 7 (p = 0.029), and median CFUs at week 7 (p = 0.050).

Conclusions

Fluconazole significantly reduces RIOM severity and Candida colonization in HNC patients undergoing CCRT, suggesting its efficacy as a prophylactic treatment.
Post‐Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: The Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic and Gene–Environment Interaction
Authors: Pequeno Daniel Paixão , Carron Juliana , Gaspar Karla Cristina , Lima Carmen Silvia Passos , de Dantas Clarissa Rosalmeida , Lourenço Gustavo Jacob
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to assess the occurrence of post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. The goal also was to explore potential associations between PTSS, demographic factors, psychological variables, and specific genetic variants.

Methods

This study included a total of 155 HNC patients, divided into pre‐pandemic (n = 76) and COVID‐19 pandemic (n = 79) groups. PTSS assessments were conducted using a standardized questionnaire. The assessment of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) involved specific questionnaire items. Genetic variants were identified via RT‐PCR. Statistical analysis employed linear multivariate regression, while mediation analysis examined gene–environment interactions.

Results

In the pre‐pandemic, higher PTSS scores were found to be associated with younger age (p = 0.02) and a history of cumulative ACEs (p = 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that ACEs had a direct impact on PTSS scores, with the FKBP5 CC genotype (rs1360780, C>T) mediating this association by 29%. In the pandemic, elevated PTSS scores were correlated with a history of depression (p = 0.001), the negative impact of the pandemic (p = 0.007), and undergoing palliative treatment (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Our findings provide insights into the psychosocial and genetic factors contributing to PTSS in HNC patients, considering the additional stressors introduced by the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Breaking Traditions: Evaluating Single Fraction Radiation in Indolent Lymphoma
Authors: Ababneh Hazim S. , Patel Chirayu G.
Published: December 2024

As indolent non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (iNHLs) are very radiosensitive, radiation treatment (RT) has been established as an essential curative and palliative modality for early and advanced stages of the disease. Several studies have explored the role of very low‐dose RT for palliation in indolent non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas, demonstrating that this approach can lead to high rates of local control, and thereby, help improve the quality of life for these patients. While the most common schedule of very low‐dose RT used in the palliative setting is 4Gy in 2 fractions, which was established in the landmark FoRT trial, this requires patients to be available for two RT sessions, increasing the financial and opportunity costs for the patient. Currently, data regarding the use of a single fraction of very low‐dose RT (4Gy) for treating iNHLs in the palliative setting is still lacking. In this viewpoint, we aim to draw attention to this approach, where we emphasize the need for further exploration of the single‐dose fractionation schedule as a non‐toxic, simple, and easy treatment approach for iNHLs, which would inform future clinical trials to investigate this dose/fractionation.
Numerical Analysis of the Heat and Mass Transfer in a Ventilated Cavity for Turbulent Convective Flow With Extreme Hot and Humid Climate Conditions
Authors: Serrano‐Arellano J. , Demesa López F. N. , Aguilar‐Castro K. M. , Belman‐Flores J. M.
Published: December 2024

To analyze the temperature and relative humidity (RH) in a room located in the Lacandona jungle in Chiapas, Mexico, a numerical heat and mass transfer study was performed. The study was carried out in a ventilated cavity, by introducing air flow into user‐occupied spaces. The study analyzed the combination of temperature and humidity percentage to create thermal comfort conditions. The finite volume method was used to solve the governing equations, while pressure–velocity coupling was done with the SIMPLEC algorithm. Turbulent airflow was considered, and modeled using the k–ε turbulence model, with Reynolds numbers (Re) in the range from 100 to 5000. Seven sets of weather conditions were considered for a warm April day with solar radiation values that ranged from 0 to 981 W/m², outdoor temperatures between 19.9°C and 35.3°C, as well as RH from 42% up to 100%. The study analyzed temperature, RH, distribution efficiencies, and heat fluxes. It was found that the average temperature closest to thermal comfort was 25.8°C. This corresponds to an Re = 5000, being the best hygrothermal conditions with an average RH of 50%. However, this level of RH is unattainable by many air conditioning systems.
CEO Inside Debt and Corporate Investment Efficiency
Authors: Girardone Claudia , Li Jiyuan , Li Yiwei , Zhao Mengying
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates whether and how the chief executive officer (CEO)'s inside debt holding influences a firm's investment policy. Our evidence on a sample of US S&P 1500 firms indicates that CEO inside debt can significantly improve investment efficiency and help to overcome both over‐investment and under‐investment, suggesting that the CEO's higher positions of inside debt can lead to optimal investment decisions. The results are robust when we use PSM, entropy balancing, the Heckman two‐stage method and the lagged value of the independent variables to mitigate the endogeneity concerns and other robustness checks. Furthermore, we document that the effectiveness of the CEO inside debt on investment is not sensitive to agency problems, as well as financial constraints. Overall, we confirm the importance of investigating the effect of managerial inside debt holdings on corporate capital investment and provide new insights into how inside debt mitigates agency problems.
Efficacy of Pyloshot in combination with standard four‐drug antimicrobial treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Azad Hossein , Hormati Ahmad , Sarkeshikian Seyed S , Mohammadbeigi Abolfazl , Razavinia Fatemehsadat , Eshaghi Far Mohammad , Pezeshgi Modarres Mehdi
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim

The treatment for Helicobacter pylori is considered to be a combination of several strict regimens, with patients' dissatisfaction and poor compliance. Probiotics are effective in patients' antibiotic regimens. This study investigated the efficacy of the Pyloshot probiotic in combination with standard four‐drug therapy in patients with H. pylori infection.

Methods

This is an interventional study. The study population consisted of patients with H. pylori infection who were selected using the convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups: (i) A or standard four‐drug therapy (amoxicillin‐clarithromycin‐bismuth‐pantoprazole) plus two placebo capsules (80 cases). (ii) B or Pyloshot group (standard four‐drug therapy plus 2 Pyloshot probiotic capsules) (90 cases). Patients were followed up for 1 month after treatment completion. Eradication of H. pylori was also assessed using the stool antigen test. Data were analyzed using SPSS (v.26) statistical software.

Results

Based on the results from the present study, the number of negative stool antigen tests in group A was less than that in group B, and no statistically significant relationship was found between H. pylori eradication (based on stool antigen test) and the studied groups (P = 0.20). There was a statistically significant relationship between vomiting (P = 0.03), diarrhea (P = 0.04), constipation (P = 0.01), and headache (P = 0.04); vomiting and constipation were most frequent in the control group.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the present study, there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of treatment with Pyloshot probiotic and the standard four‐drug therapy in patients with H. pylori infection. However, the incidence of side effects was lower in the group treated with Pyloshot.
Quantifying non‐clinical outcomes of ultra‐hypofractionated breast radiotherapy in Western NSW—A narrative review
Authors: Yeo Faith , Beldham‐Collins Rachael , Roth Paul , Hammond Rodney
Published: December 2024

Ultra‐Hypofractionated Whole Breast Radiotherapy (U‐WBRT) has been proven to be a viable treatment option for breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy, however, due to its novelty our understanding of its non‐clinical benefits is still evolving. With increasing U‐WBRT selection during COVID and in rural and regional settings such as the Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD), it's important to quantify the savings when compared to other fractionation schedules (e.g. Conventional fractionation (C‐WBRT) involving 25 fractions and Moderate hypofractionation (M‐WBRT) with 15 fractions.) Using literature sourced from Medline, Embase, Pubmed and reports from relevant websites and organisations this narrative review investigates quantifiable methods of assessing non‐clinical benefits of U‐WBRT in rural settings according to the triple bottom line philosophy. This review was able to identify a standard set of quantifiable metrics that can compare the non‐clinical benefits of various fractionation schedules, with relevance to a rural setting. These include: fractionation trends, financial subsidy, average linear accelerator (Linac) minutes, hospital visits, travel time and distance, Linac energy consumption, travel and Linac carbon emissions. By identifying these metrics, non‐clinical benefits between the fractionation schedules can easily be quantified and compared.