bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considerations for the inclusion of metabarcoding data in the plant protection product risk assessment of the soil microbiome
Authors: Sweeney Christopher J. , Kaushik Rishabh , Bottoms Melanie
Published: July 2023

There is increasing interest in further developing the plant protection product (PPP) environmental risk assessment, particularly within the European Union, to include the assessment of soil microbial community composition, as measured by metabarcoding approaches. However, to date, there has been little discussion as to how this could be implemented in a standardized, reliable, and robust manner suitable for regulatory decision-making. Introduction of metabarcoding-based assessments of the soil microbiome into the PPP risk assessment would represent a significant increase in the degree of complexity of the data that needs to be processed and analyzed in comparison to the existing risk assessment on in-soil organisms. The bioinformatics procedures to process DNA sequences into community compositional data sets currently lack standardization, while little information exists on how these data should be used to generate regulatory endpoints and the ways in which these endpoints should be interpreted. Through a thorough and critical review, we explore these challenges. We conclude that currently, we do not have a sufficient degree of standardization or understanding of the required bioinformatics and data analysis procedures to consider their use in an environmental risk assessment context. However, we highlight critical knowledge gaps and the further research required to understand whether metabarcoding-based assessments of the soil microbiome can be utilized in a statistically and ecologically relevant manner within a PPP risk assessment. Only once these challenges are addressed can we consider if and how we should use metabarcoding as a tool for regulatory decision-making to assess and monitor ecotoxicological effects on soil microorganisms within an environmental risk assessment of PPPs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:337–358. © 2023 SETAC
Using spatiotemporal ratio analyses to quantitatively estimate water quality recovery of the Rio Doce
Authors: Wild Michael , Rouhani Shahrokh , Oehrig Jacob , Alves Pedro H. G. , Odle William , Gaspar Diogo F. A.
Published: July 2023

The Fundão Dam breached on 5 November 2015 (the “Event”), resulting in the release of tailings, water, scoured sediment and/or soil, and other debris to downstream watercourses. Statistical analyses using historical and recent water quality measurements were conducted to assess the extent to which water quality in the Rio Doce was recovering to baseline conditions. A review of station- and/or parameter-specific water quality time series in the Rio Doce revealed two challenges: pre-Event data imbalance and seasonality. Due to the combined effects of these two factors, data gathered from Rio Doce water quality stations before the Event likely underestimated concentration ranges and limited the usefulness of common recovery assessment techniques such as times series and water quality standard exceedance analyses. These challenges were addressed by calculating quarterly and watershed-specific river-to-tributary ratios. R code was used to produce spatiotemporal time series for 44 investigated parameters that were measured both before and after the Event. The water quality recovery durations shown by the parameter- and/or region-specific river-to-tributary ratio time series indicated that (a) turbidity provides the most conservative measure for water quality recovery; (b) chemical parameters associated with the tailings, like manganese and iron recovered faster than turbidity; and (c) other investigated parameters unrelated to the tailings showed either no discernable impact or rapid recovery after the Event. The resulting parameter- and/or region-specific river-to-tributary ratio time series provided reliable and quantifiable estimates of water quality recovery durations. The water quality in the region furthest from Fundão Dam, in Espírito Santo, recovered one year after the Event, while water quality in the closest region to Fundão Dam, upstream of Risoleta Neves (Candonga) Dam, recovered 4.2 years after the Event. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:74–86. © 2023 Newfields Companies, LLC. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
The effect of CEO‐to‐worker pay disparities on CEO compensation: The mediating role of shareholder say on pay votes
Authors: Develay Etienne , Wang Yan , Giamporcaro Stephanie
Published: July 2023

In response to large pay disparities caused by rising CEO compensation and stagnant employee pay, US financial regulators have taken several initiatives to mobilise shareholders. However, the ability of these initiatives to enhance shareholder engagement and reduce excessive CEO compensation has been questioned. Using a large sample of 1594 non‐financial firms from the Russell 3000 index over 2013–2019, we disentangle the complex role that shareholder engagement towards CEO‐to‐worker pay disparities plays on CEO compensation. We find that higher CEO‐to‐worker pay disparities increase shareholder dissent say on pay votes and that, paradoxically, shareholder dissent say on pay votes increase CEO compensation. Furthermore, we provide evidence that shareholder engagement mediates the relationship between CEO‐to‐worker pay disparities and CEO compensation through their say on pay votes. Our findings are consistent with the relative deprivation theory as shareholders react to large pay disparities to avoid the negative consequences of a feeling of deprivation on employees. They are also in line with the agency theory, as shareholder reactions to large CEO‐to‐worker pay disparities trigger reactions from the remuneration committee to better align CEO pay with their interests. Overall, our findings support the existence of a shareholder engagement channel driven by social comparison mechanisms and agency responses. This study has important implications for regulators by unpacking the usefulness of these regulatory initiatives to shareholders and also documenting their unintended consequences on CEO compensation.
A review of biomodified or biomimetic polymer dots for targeted fluorescent imaging and disease treatments
Authors: Guo Jintong , Du Meng , Chen Zhiyi , Chen Xueli , Yuan Zhen
Published: July 2023

Due to their inherent tunable spectrum, high brightness, excellent biostability and biocompatibility, and functionalization of surfaces, semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) are now playing an essential role in fluorescent (FL) imaging and disease treatment through bioconjugation with peptides or biomimetic materials. In particular, biomimetic Pdots exhibit their capability in targeted imaging of lesion and increased efficacy for targeting disease treatment. This review will inspect the recent advances in the design and functionalization strategies of biomodified and biomimetic Pdots for enhanced disease detection and therapy. More importantly, the application of these two modifications in targeted FL imaging and cancer treatment is to be addressed in detail. Meanwhile, the main challenges and prospects of biomimetic and biomodified Pdots are to be discussed, which will pave a new avenue for improved disease detection and imaging‐guided treatment.
Comment on “A posteriori localization of many‐body excited states through simultaneous diagonalization”
Authors: Wang Yu‐Chen , Feng Shishi , Liang WanZhen , Zhao Yi
Published: July 2023

We comment on an excited‐state localization method recently proposed by Blanc et al. (J. Comput. Chem. 2023, 44, 105). Elaborate comparisons are made to demonstrate that their method is a less‐comprehensive version of the diabatization method proposed by us 2 years earlier (J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2021, 12, 1032).
Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in large intestine presenting as multiple polypoid lesions
Authors: Yang Rui , Lan Tian , Tong Huan
Published: July 2023

A solitary large ulcerated mass is the common morphological feature of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the large intestine under endoscopy. Here we report a 54‐year‐old man with DLBCL presenting with multiple polypoid lesions in the large intestine, which is an uncommon morphological form of DLBCL.
Late‐stage functionalization of Vouacapane derivatives from Caesalpinia platyloba by a Groebke−Blackburn−Bienaymé reaction
Authors: Servín‐García Gabriela , Chacón‐García Luis , Islas‐Jácome Alejandro , Gómez‐Hurtado Mario A. , Rodríguez‐García Gabriela , del Río Rosa E. , Cortés‐García Carlos J.
Published: July 2023

An almost underexplored field within the natural products area is the synthesis of pseudo‐natural product libraries by employing isocyanide‐based multicomponent reactions as powerful synthetic tools and natural products or their functionalized derivatives as starting reagents. In this work, a novel synthetic strategy behind the late‐stage functionalization of fused Vouacapane‐azoles in a two‐step reaction was developed. The first reaction is a Vilsmeier–Haack formylation at furan ring of the natural product 6β‐acetoxyvouacapane, which was isolated from the leaves of Caesalpinia platyloba from its dichloromethane extracts. The second reaction was a Groebke–Blackburn–Bienaymé reaction to synthesize the pseudo‐natural products 11a‐f in moderate yields, containing pharmacophoric fragments furan and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine. The compounds described here are good candidates for biological activity assays.
Identification and biotechnological characterisation of yeast microbiota involved in spontaneous fermented wholegrain sourdoughs
Authors: García‐Béjar Beatriz , Fernández‐Pacheco Pilar , Carreño‐Domínguez Javier , Briones Ana , Arévalo‐Villena María
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

New strategies in the cereal‐based industry has brought about the elaboration of new sourdoughs with better microbial stability and safety as well as nutritional value such as those based on wholegrain flours. This has led to an increasing interest in the selection of adapted yeasts for using them as new starters. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterise diverse yeast strains from wholegrain spontaneous sourdoughs.

RESULTS

Three wholegrain sourdoughs (wheat, rye, and oat) were fermented and monitored for 96 h. Minimum pH values ranged from 3.1 to 3.5 while maximum yeast counts were reached at 72 h. A total of 76 yeast isolates were identified by polymerase chain reaction random amplification of polymorphic DNA (PCR‐RAPD) and catalogued in six different species by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The major species were Candida glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kazachstania unispora, and Wickerhamomyces anomalus. The studied kinetic parameters of the growth curves (λ, G, ODmax, and μmax) and the fermentation capacity allowed to ascertain that 12 and 5 strains, respectively, were better than baker's yeast control. The fibre assimilation ability (cellulose, xylose, and β‐glucan) was observed in the 27% of the strains and only four strains showed phytase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The yeast population in the three wholegrain sourdoughs were variable along the fermentation time. Genetic identification showed that strains and species presented a different trend for each sourdough although common species were determined (e.g., W. anomalus). Candida glabrata (4T1) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (3A6) showed, respectively, better kinetics and impedance results than the positive control, while W. anomalus (C4) was notorious in fibre assimilation and phytase degradation. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Learning healthcare systems in cardiology: A qualitative interview study on ethical dilemmas of a learning healthcare system
Authors: Laurijssen Sara , van der Graaf Rieke , Schuit Ewoud , den Haan Melina , van Dijk Wouter , Groenwold Rolf , le Sessie Saskia , Grobbee Diederick , de Vries Martine
Published: July 2023

Background

Implementation of an LHS in cardiology departments presents itself with ethical challenges, including ethical review and informed consent. In this qualitative study, we investigated stakeholders' attitudes toward ethical issues regarding the implementation of an LHS in the cardiology department.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using 35 semi‐structured interviews and 5 focus group interviews with 34 individuals. We interviewed cardiologists, research nurses, cardiovascular patients, ethicists, health lawyers, epidemiologists/statisticians and insurance spokespersons.

Results

Respondents identified different ethical obstacles for the implementation of an LHS within the cardiology department. These obstacles were mainly on ethical oversight in LHSs; in particular, informed con sent and data ownership were discussed. In addition, respondents reported on the role of patients in LHS. Respondents described the LHS as a possibility for patients to engage in both research and care. While the LHS can promote patient engagement, patients might also be reduced to their data and are therefore at risk, according to respondents.

Conclusions

Views on the ethical dilemmas of a LHSs within cardiology are diverse. Similar to the literary debate on oversight, there are different views on how ethical oversight should be regulated. This study adds to the literary debate on oversight by highlighting that patients wish to be informed about the learning activities within the LHS they participate in, and that they wish to actively contribute by sharing their data and identifying learning goals, provided that informed consent is obtained.
Influence of TiC addition on high‐temperature oxidation in rich pO2 atmosphere on Cr‐rich stainless steel
Authors: Wu Qianlin , Tao Yi , Dudziak Tomasz , Sun Kai , Du Hailiang , Fan Runhua , Fan Chunhua , Zhong Ning
Published: July 2023

In this study, the effect of TiC on the oxidation resistance of 304 stainless steel (304SS) at 650°C in air was investigated by examining oxidation kinetics and surface and cross‐sectional scale microstructures, in comparison with TiC‐free alloy. It was found that TiC addition deteriorated the oxidation resistance of 304SS at 650°C, in contrast with its improving effect on oxidation resistance at 850°C reported before. The variation of the TiC effect on the oxidation resistance of 304SS at different temperatures was attributed to the dual effect of TiC where the final results depended on if protective or nonprotective oxide scale formation occurred in TiC‐free 304SS materials.
Unbounded operators having self‐adjoint, subnormal, or hyponormal powers
Authors: Dehimi Souheyb , Mortad Mohammed Hichem
Published: July 2023

We show that if a densely defined closable operator A is such that the resolvent set of A2 is nonempty, then A is necessarily closed. This result is then extended to the case of a polynomial . We also generalize a recent result by Sebestyén–Tarcsay concerning the converse of a result by J. von Neumann. Other interesting consequences are also given. One of them is a proof that if T is a quasinormal (unbounded) operator such that is normal for some , then T is normal. Hence a closed subnormal operator T such that is normal is itself normal. We also show that if a hyponormal (nonnecessarily bounded) operator A is such that and are self‐adjoint for some coprime numbers p and q, then A must be self‐adjoint.
Existence of positive ground state solutions for the coupled Choquard system with potential
Authors: Chen Jianqing , Zhang Qian
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study the following coupled Choquard system in :
where and , in which denotes if and if . The function is a Riesz potential. By using Nehari manifold method, we obtain the existence of a positive ground state solution in the case of bounded potential and periodic potential, respectively. In particular, the nonlinear term includes the well‐studied case and , and the less‐studied case and . Moreover, it seems to be the first existence result for the case .
On the density of foliations without algebraic solutions on weighted projective planes
Authors: Lizarbe Ruben
Published: July 2023

We prove that a generic holomorphic foliation on a weighted projective plane has no algebraic solutions when the degree is big enough. We also prove an analogous result for foliations on Hirzebruch surfaces.
Upper semicontinuity of pullback D$\mathcal {D}$‐attractors for nonlinear parabolic equation with nonstandard growth condition
Authors: Zhang Jiangwei , Liu Zhiming , Huang Jianhua
Published: July 2023

This paper is devoted to the well‐posed problem and the existence of pullback ‐attractors for a class of nonlinear parabolic equation with nonstandard growth condition. First, by making use of Galerkin's method and monotone operator method, the existence of solutions is proved in Orlicz–Sobolev space with variable exponents depending on time and space, then the uniqueness and continuity of solutions are also obtained. Finally, by verifying the pullback ‐asymptotic compactness, the existence of pullback ‐attractors is proved. In particular, the upper semicontinuity of pullback ‐attractors of the corresponding equation with respect to the disturbance parameter λ is also proved.
Carleson and sampling measures on Bernstein spaces on Siegel CR manifolds
Authors: Calzi Mattia , Peloso Marco M.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we introduce and study Carleson and sampling measures on Bernstein spaces on a class of quadratic CR manifold called Siegel CR manifolds. These are spaces of entire functions of exponential type whose restrictions to the given Siegel CR manifold are ‐integrable with respect to a natural measure. For these spaces, we prove necessary and sufficient conditions for a Radon measure to be a Carleson or a sampling measure. We also provide sufficient conditions for sampling sequences.
Boundedness of bilinear pseudo‐differential operators with BS0,0m$BS^{m}_{0,0}$ symbols on Sobolev spaces
Authors: Shida Naoto
Published: July 2023

In this paper, bilinear pseudo‐differential operators with symbols in the bilinear Hörmander class are considered. In particular, the boundedness of these operators on Sobolev spaces is established. Our main result is proved by using symbolic calculus and the boundedness of those operators with certain S0, 0‐type symbols on Lebesgue spaces.
Transference and restriction of Fourier multipliers on Orlicz spaces
Authors: Blasco Oscar , Üster Rüya
Published: July 2023

Let G be a locally compact abelian group with Haar measure and be Young functions. A bounded measurable function m on G is called a Fourier ‐multiplier if
defined for functions in such that , extends to a bounded operator from to . We write for the space of ‐multipliers on G and study some properties of this class. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for m to be a ‐multiplier on various groups such as , and . In particular, we prove that regulated ‐multipliers defined on coincide with ‐multipliers defined on the real line with the discrete topology D, under certain assumptions involving the norm of the dilation operator acting on Orlicz spaces. Also, several transference and restriction results on multipliers acting on and are achieved.
Norm inequalities for the spectral spread of Hermitian operators
Authors: Massey Pedro , Stojanoff Demetrio , Zarate Sebastian
Published: July 2023

In this work, we introduce a new measure for the dispersion of the spectral scale of a Hermitian (self‐adjoint) operator acting on a separable infinite‐dimensional Hilbert space that we call spectral spread. Then, we obtain some submajorization inequalities involving the spectral spread of self‐adjoint operators, that are related to Tao's inequalities for anti‐diagonal blocks of positive operators, Kittaneh's commutator inequalities for positive operators and also related to the arithmetic–geometric mean inequality. In turn, these submajorization relations imply inequalities for unitarily invariant norms (in the compact case).
Improving the mechanical properties of 3D printed GelMA composite hydrogels by tannic acid
Authors: Zhang Xue , Yang Xiong , Wu Wenbi , Jiang Xuebing , Dong Yingchu , Yang Shuai , Gou Maling
Published: July 2023

The lack of advanced biomaterials is a major challenge in bio‐printing. Gelatin‐methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel, as one of the most commonly used biomaterials in 3D printing, has limited the applications of medicine because of its low mechanical properties. In this study, to enhance the mechanical strength of GelMA hydrogels, we prepared a composite hydrogel based on F127 diacrylate (F127DA) and GelMA, followed by lyophilization and tannic acid (TA) treatment. In this composite hydrogel, the F127DA could self‐assemble into nanomicelles as crosslinking centers for monomer polymerization, which provides additional energy dissipation in hydrogels due to the synergistic deformation of micelles and internal rearrangement of physical binding. After lyophilization of the composite hydrogel, the porous hydrogel was formed. The subsequent treatment of TA could diffuse into the inner of the hydrogel and react with the hydrogel via hydrogen bonds, resulting in the significant enhancement of mechanical properties. The maximum tensile deformation of the obtained hydrogel was about 11 times higher than that of GelMA. This work demonstrates a method to enhance the mechanical properties of 3D‐printed GelMA hydrogel with promising application in bioprinting.
Clinical characteristics and influencing factors of hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Meng , Zhao Meng , Yan Huan , Guo Hui , Shi Bingyin
Published: July 2023

Aim

Analysed clinical characteristics and influencing factors for hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and providing a scientific reference for precision nursing care of hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients with T2DM.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study involved 378 hospitalized patients diagnosed with T2DM who have suffered hypoglycemia. Through questionnaires and electronic medical records to obtain the data concerning the general information, clinical symptoms, all recorded blood glucose information, and the diabetes knowledge and self‐management level of the patients. The clinical characteristics and influencing factors for hypoglycemia were analysed on the basis of the classification of hypoglycemia published by the American Diabetes Association in 2020.

Results

Among 378 patients, 207 patients (54.76%) were experiencing Grade 1 hypoglycemia and 171 patients (45.24%) were experiencing Grade 2 hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia and Grade 2 hypoglycemia in patients with T2DM occurred predominantly within the first 3 days of hospitalization. Hypoglycemia occurred most frequently after breakfast (74 cases, 19.6%), of which Grade 1 hypoglycemia and Grade 2 hypoglycemia accounted for 50%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for Grade 2 hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes: older age, longer duration of diabetes, low body weight, diabetic nephropathy stages 4–5, diabetic autonomic neuropathy, inadequate self‐management ability and diabetes knowledge, and lower educational background.

Conclusions

Hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes occurs in the first 3 days during the hospitalization and most often after breakfast during the full day. Identifying high‐risk individuals and providing a scientific reference for precision nursing care of hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients with T2DM.
Viscoelastic behavior of jute fiber reinforced composite filled with ceramic particles after water aging
Authors: Wang Xiaomeng , Zhang Jiawei , Wu Qian , Yang Tao , Petrů Michal
Published: July 2023

Due to the special multi‐layered structure of plant fiber, jute fiber reinforced composite is sensitive to water. Its mechanical properties will be significantly decreased after water aging. In this paper, alumina ceramic particles are added into jute fiber reinforced composite to improve its water aging resistance and viscoelastic properties. Effects of temperature, vibration frequency and loading time on the viscoelastic properties of the composite before and after water aging are measured. Reversible and irreversible performances degradation caused by water aging is investigated. The results show that ceramic particles can effectively improve the viscoelastic properties of the composite. The storage modulus and relaxation modulus of the composite increase with the particle content, but the strength decreases due to the stress concentration caused by the particles. Therefore, filler content between 10%–30% is more suitable. It is also noticed that its mechanical properties partially recover after redry. Plasticization of the matrix can be reversed after water is removed, but hydrolysis of the matrix and interface damage are irreversible. In addition, a practical Fractional Differential Kelvin Model is established to predict the viscoelastic behavior of jute fiber reinforced composite filled with alumina ceramic particles, and the fitting results agree well with test data.
Microwave‐assisted molding of sisal/HDPEcomposites: Water absorption, diffusion kinetics and tribological behavior
Authors: Naik Tejas Pramod , Gairola Sandeep , Singh Inderdeep , Sharma Apurbba Kumar
Published: July 2023

Recyclability and environmental safety have prompted research toward clean and energy‐efficient manufacturing technologies for natural fiber‐reinforced composites. In the current investigation sisal/HDPE composites were fabricated using a novel energy and time efficient microwave‐assisted molding (MAM) method. Sisal fibers were successfully treated with novel microwave‐assisted alkali treatment (MAAT) at 640 W microwave power. For the outdoor application the effect of treatment method on mechanical properties, water absorption, and tribological behavior of the developed composites were studied. The treated composites have been found to absorb less water by 45.28% as compared to untreated (UT). The developed composites recorded increase in tensile strength (36.5%), flexural strength (41.05%), and hardness (4.38%) as compared to UT composites, which could be attributed to effective partial removal of non‐cellulosic content after treatment from fiber surface. During the wear test, sisal/HDPE composite was employed as a pin, and the abrasive paper (P1000) served as a counter surface in the pin‐on‐disc (POD) arrangement for two‐body abrasive wear. The SWR, COF, and friction force values of the treated composites reduced by about 61.72%, 33.33%, and 34%, respectively, as compared to those for the UT composites at minimum normal load (10 N) and sliding speed (0.5 m/s) which was due to positive effect of MAAT. Scanning electron microscope was used to examine the worn surface of composites to understand the mode of wear mechanism.

Highlights

Novel microwave‐assisted alkali treatment (MAAT) was used for treatment of fibers.

MAAT increased the fiber roughness.

Microwave‐assisted molding was used for fabrication of composites.

The water absorption behavior followed the Pseudo Fickian diffusion mechanism.

Polymeric composites with MAAT fiber had optimum performance.
Exploration of impact response and damage mechanism of discontinuous CFRP laminates subjected to low velocity impact
Authors: Xiao Lin , Lu Chunrui , Li Xiaodan , Xu Nuo , Zheng Ting , Wang Guanhui , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Dongxing
Published: July 2023

Carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) are widely used in many fields because of their excellent mechanical properties; however, they are very sensitive to low velocity impact. A new‐type biomimetic structure, which has a “bricks‐and‐mortar” arrangement of nacre from mollusk shells, was designed and manufactured for enhancing the impact resistance of the CFRPs. The impact response and absorption of impact energy of this structure were also investigated. Impact damage forms of the biomimetic structure were analyzed based on the surface and internal morphologies. The results indicate that biomimetic structure can decrease the impact damage of the CFRPs. Two damage behaviors of the biomimetic structure were observed under relatively higher impact energy. The discontinuous structure reduces the damage using a smaller load for the first damage and a larger deformation for the second damage, which improves the impact resistance of the CFRPs. The discontinuous structure restrains longitudinal crack propagation to a certain extent, effectively reducing the damaged area of the CFRPs. Thus, the proposed structure can increase the strength retention rate of the material by about 5%. In addition, the compression after impact damage modes of CFRPs with three types of structure are summarized and classified originally.
Regulating the temperature‐sensing behavior of poly(lactic acid) by incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Zhao Zhongguo , Xue Rong , Mi Dashan , Chen Chengzhi , Wang Chouxuan , Zhang Xin , Zhou Shengtai
Published: July 2023

In this work, the synergistic effect of using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to regulate the temperature response of electrical conductivity (σ) for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were reported. The addition of CNTs into PLA/GNPs composites markedly enhanced their crystallization capacity and σ, resulting in a reduction of percolation threshold from 2.87 (for PLA/GNPs) to 0.39 wt% (for PLA/GNPs/CNTs), which is attributed to the formation of a three‐dimensional conductive network within PLA consisting of CNTs and GNPs. Furthermore, elevating the heat treatment temperature from 80 to 140°C resulted in a reduced response time of PLA/CNTs/GNPs composites from 57 to 43 s at the Tend of 140°C. Notably, the combined use of CNTs and GNPs considerably amplified the value and stability of max . For example, the maximum increased from 120% for PLACNT0.6 to 240% for PLA/(CNT1/GNP1)0.6. The suppression of volume expansion of PLA led to a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) effect at relatively low temperatures, resulting in a reduction of NTC transition temperature from about 160 to 110°C. Additionally, the PLA/(CNT1/GNP1)0.6 exhibited a swift and sensitive response to temperature fluctuations in various heating scenarios, which demonstrated a potential for use as a thermosensitive material with fast response and temperature‐sensing ability.

Highlights

PLA‐based composites with NTC effect was prepared by adding CNTs and GNPs.

The transition temperature from PTC to NTC effect decreased by adding hybrid fillers.

The addition of hybrid CNTs and GNPs favored the formation of conductive network.

The mechanism for NTC transition was explained.
The influence of Scutellaria baicalensis extract obtained from traditional Chinese herbal medicine on the thermo‐oxidative degradation and stabilization of plasticized polylactic acid
Authors: Zhang Jie , Kong Zhe , Li Xiangyao , Zhang Chuang , Xu Kaijun , Cheng Guiqing , Wang Zhongwei , Yu Qing
Published: July 2023

Despite the advantage of biodegradability, polylactic acid (PLA) has some processing and application drawbacks, such as poor thermal oxygen stability. Herein, the modified PLA samples were prepared by mixing PLA granules, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), and Scutellaria baicalensis extract (SBE) obtained from traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Results revealed that the introduction of SBE improves the thermal oxidation stability of PLA‐ATBC matrix. When the content of SBE was 2.0 wt%, the oxidation onset temperature value of the modified sample is increased by 68°C versus PLA‐ATBC. The excellent antioxidant performance is attributed to the outstanding free radical quenching capacity of SBE. The introduction of SBE slightly decreased the degradation rate of PLA‐ATBC in an enzyme degradation process, which may be due to the SBE reducing the enzyme activity. Moreover, the addition of small amounts of SBE into the PLA‐ATBC matrix has little influence on polymer crystallization behavior, just decreased by ca. 8.6% (PLA‐ATBC‐SBE2.0 sample). SBE has no obvious effect on the water vapor permeability and surface wettability of PLA‐ATBC membranes. All results reveal that the SBE could play a role in the thermal oxygen stability of PLA‐ATBC without much change in its other performances.
Investigation of physical and rheological properties of LDPE/HDPE/thermoplastic starch biodegradable blend films
Authors: Zeraatpishe Mohammad , Hassanajili Shadi
Published: July 2023

In this work, low‐density polyethylene/high‐density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch (LDPE/HDPE/TS) films were prepared with different compositions to obtain environmentally friendly materials. LDPE/HDPE/TS blends, at ratios of 95:5:15, 90:10:15, 85:15:15, 85:15:20, 85:15:25, and 85:15:30, were processed into thin films by a single‐step single‐screw extrusion. Fourier transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs confirmed the immiscibility of matrices and TS in the blend. In the SEM images, relatively good surface adhesion between matrix and starch was observed due to the presence of HDPE and glycerol in blends at low TS content. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis depicted an increase in the percentage of crystallinity with increasing HDPE. Starch presence in the blend had a more pronounced effect on the crystallization of HDPE when compared to LDPE with the long chain branching. Water absorption of the samples decreased with increasing HDPE and increased with TS content. The rheological properties of LDPE/HDPE/TS blends were investigated before and after biodegradation. Results were fitted with well‐known rheological models to achieve more valuable data about the effect of the composition as well degradation condition on the blend property. By adding HDPE in the blends, rheological properties close to the neat LDPE were obtained for LDPE/HDPE/TS films in the melt state.
Bayesian optimization of tacrolimus exposure in stable kidney transplant patients
Authors: Nguyen Thomas D. , Smith Nicholas M. , Attwood Kris , Gundroo Aijaz , Chang Shirley , Yonis Mahfuz , Murray Brian , Tornatore Kathleen M.
Published: July 2023

Study Objective

The objective was to compare tacrolimus AUC0‐12 determined by Non‐Compartmental Analysis (NCA) using intensive sampling to Maximum a Posteriori‐Bayesian (MAP‐Bayesian) estimates from robust (n = 9 samples/subject) and sparse (n = 2 samples/subject) sampling in 67 stable KTRs and a validation group of similar patients.

Design

This open‐label, prospective, single center 12‐h PK study included nine serial samples collected in KTRs to determine steady‐state NCA tacrolimus AUC0‐12.

Setting

This study was conducted at a single site within a large, urban hospital in the western New York area.

Patients

This study described tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in stable kidney transplant recipients on maintenance tacrolimus therapy.

Intervention

Robust and sparse AUC0‐12 estimates by a MAP‐Bayesian approach were obtained using the Advanced Dosing Solutions (AdDS) and ADAPT5 freeware. Limited sampling strategies were evaluated using the original population PK model (n = 67), which was also assessed using a validation group (n = 15). AUC0‐12 agreement was tested by paired t‐tests with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland Altman analysis.

Measurements and Main Results

A total of 35 Black and 32 White stable KTRs (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] = 55.2 ± 15.7 mL/min/1.73m2) received the tacrolimus dose of 3.4 ± 1.7 mg/study with troughs of 6.8 ± 1.8 ng/mL. The NCA‐AUC0‐12 was 123.8 ± 33.6 μg·h/L compared to MAP‐Bayesian estimates for Robust‐AUC0‐12 of 124.7 ± 33.3 μg·h/L and optimal 2‐specimen Sparse‐AUC0‐12 of 119.7 ± 32.7 μg·h/L for the training group. Comparison of Robust‐AUC0‐12 to NCA‐AUC0‐12 had an ICC of 0.96 (p = 0.99) while comparison of Robust‐AUC0‐12 to Sparse‐AUC0‐12 using Pre‐dose trough [C(t0h)] and 1 h [C(t1h)] resulted in an ICC of 0.93 (p = 0.014). In the validation group, 5 Black and 10 White KTRs (eGFR = 56.4 ± 16.8 mL/min/1.73m2) received a mean tacrolimus dose of 1.9 ± 1.2 mg/study with a trough of 6.0 ± 1.7 ng/mL. The validation group's NCA‐AUC0‐12 (88.4 ± 33.1 μg·h/L) was comparable to Robust‐AUC0‐12 (85.1 ± 33.8 μg·h/L, ICC = 0.93; p = 0.12) and Sparse‐AUC0‐12 determined from C(t0h) and C(t4h) (86.7 ± 33.9 μg·h/L, ICC = 0.91; p = 0.61).

Conclusion

MAP‐Bayesian estimation for patient‐specific AUC0‐12 using sparse, two‐specimen sampling is comparable to NCA and may enhance tacrolimus TDM in stable KTRs.
Trunk muscles influence lower limb performance in crossfit athletes: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Silva Maria Vitória Gonçalves da , Soares Isabela Cristina , Ventura Stephanie Calde , Kuroda Melissa Nahomi , Gonçalves dos Santos Brenda Gaia , Nogueira da Silva Caroline , Borato Lucas André , Pedroni Cristiane Rodrigues
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Crossfit is a sport that combines cardio‐respiratory and muscle endurance, strength, flexibility, muscle power, speed, coordination, agility and balance. However, there is no information in the literature regarding functional performance of the lower limbs and the endurance of core muscles in this population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between trunk strength/endurance and lower limb function through lower limb symmetry and balance tests.

Methods

Forty‐one young adults aged 19–41 years (26.3 ± 5.4) participated, 15 sedentary and 26 cross fit practitioners for at least one year. The tests were as follows: Biering‐Sørensen Test of trunk extensor endurance, Trunk Flexors Endurance Test at 60°, Side Plank Endurance Test, Lumbar Dynamometry, Single‐Leg Hop Test and Star Excursion Balance Test.

Results and Discussion

Although there were higher values, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the groups for lower limb symmetry and strength of trunk flexor muscles. For balance, strength and resistance variables of trunk extensor muscles, the values found were higher in crossfit practitioners than in sedentary subjects.

Conclusion

There is a relationship between trunk muscle strength and endurance and lower limb balance. Moreover, cross fit athletes showed higher values of trunk muscle strength/endurance and lower limb balance compared to sedentary adults.
Assessment of ibrutinib scheduling on leukocyte, lymph node size and blood pressure dynamics in chronic lymphocytic leukemia through pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic models
Authors: Ibrahim Eman I. K. , Karlsson Mats O. , Friberg Lena E.
Published: July 2023

Ibrutinib is a Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) inhibitor for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It has also been associated with hypertension. The optimal dosing schedule for mitigating this adverse effect is currently under discussion. A quantification of relationships between systemic ibrutinib exposure and efficacy (i.e., leukocyte count and sum of the product of perpendicular diameters [SPD] of lymph nodes) and hypertension toxicity (i.e., blood pressure), and their association with overall survival is needed. Here, we present a semi‐mechanistic pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic modeling framework to characterize such relationships and facilitate dose optimization. Data from a phase Ib/II study were used, including ibrutinib plasma concentrations to derive daily 0–24‐h area under the concentration‐time curve, leukocyte count, SPD, survival, and blood pressure measurements. A nonlinear mixed effects modeling approach was applied, considering ibrutinib's pharmacological action and CLL cell dynamics. The final framework included (i) an integrated model for SPD and leukocytes consisting of four CLL cell subpopulations with ibrutinib inhibiting phosphorylated Btk production, (ii) a turnover model in which ibrutinib stimulates an increase in blood pressure, and (iii) a competing risk model for dropout and death. Simulations predicted that the approved dosing schedule had a slightly higher efficacy (24‐month, progression‐free survival [PFS] 98%) than de‐escalation schedules (24‐month, average PFS ≈ 97%); the latter had, on average, ≈20% lower proportions of patients with hypertension. The developed modeling framework offers an improved understanding of the relationships among ibrutinib exposure, efficacy and toxicity biomarkers. This framework can serve as a platform to assess dosing schedules in a biologically plausible manner.
Si‐Doping Effects in AlGaN Channel Layer on Performance of N‐Polar AlGaN/AlN FETs
Authors: Kowaki Taketo , Matsumura Wataru , Hanasaku Koki , Okuno Ryo , Inahara Daisuke , Matsuda Shunsuke , Kurai Satoshi , Yao Yongzhao , Ishikawa Yukari , Okada Narihito , Yamada Yoichi
Published: July 2023

The nitrogen‐polar (N‐polar) AlGaN/AlN structure is expected to have higher carrier density than conventional metal‐polar AlGaN/GaN electronic devices, and the AlN substrate offers various advantages, such as high breakdown voltage and high‐temperature operation. Herein, a N‐polar AlGaN/AlN‐heterostructured field‐effect transistor (FET) with static FET characteristics is successfully fabricated. However, the drain current density, IDS, remains significantly small. This study aims to improve IDS by doping Si in the topmost AlGaN channel layer under various conditions.
Betaine prevents cognitive dysfunction by suppressing hippocampal microglial activation in chronic social isolated male mice
Authors: Shi Meng Meng , Xu Xiao Fan , Sun Qiu Min , Luo Mingying , Liu Dan Dan , Guo Dong Min , Chen Ling , Zhong Xiao Lin , Xu Yang , Cao Wen Yu
Published: July 2023

Chronic social isolation (SI) stress, which became more prevalent during the COVID‐19 pandemic, contributes to abnormal behavior, including mood changes and cognitive impairment. Known as a functional nutrient, betaine has potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties in vivo. However, whether betaine can alleviate the abnormal behavior induced by chronic SI in mice remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of betaine in the treatment of behavioral changes and its underlying mechanism. Three‐week‐old male mice were randomly housed for 8 weeks in either group housing (GH) or SI. The animals were divided into normal saline‐treated GH, normal saline‐treated SI, and betaine‐treated SI groups in the sixth week. The cognitive and depression‐like behavior was determined in the eighth week. We found that long‐term betaine administration improved cognitive behavior in SI mice but failed to prevent depression‐like behavior. Moreover, long‐term betaine administration inhibited hippocampal microglia over‐activation and polarized microglia toward the M2 phenotype, which effectively inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors in SI mice. Finally, the protective effect of betaine treatment in SI mice might not be due to altered activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Collectively, our findings reveal that betaine can improve SI‐induced cognitive impairment, thus providing an alternative natural source for the prevention of memory loss caused by SI or loneliness.
Multiresponse surface methodology for hyperparameter tuning to optimize multiple performance measures of statistical and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Lin Chang‐Yun
Published: July 2023

Hyperparameter tuning is an important task in machine learning for controlling model complexity and improving prediction performance. Most methods in the literature can only be used to tune hyperparameters to optimize a single performance measure. In practice, participants may want to optimize multiple measures of the model; however, optimizing one measure may worsen another. Therefore, a hyperparameter tuning method is proposed using the multiresponse surface methodology to solve the tradeoff problem between multiple measures. A search algorithm that requires fewer tuning runs is developed to find the optimal hyperparameter settings systematically based on the preferences of participants for multiple measures of the model. An example using the random forest algorithm is provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed method to improve the prediction performance of the model on unbalanced data.
Senhance robotic radical prostatectomy: A single‐centre, 3‐year experience
Authors: Hudolin Tvrtko , Kuliš Tomislav , Penezić Luka , Zekulić Toni , Knežević Nikola , Čikić Bojan , Jurić Ilija , Anđelić Jerko , Saić Hrvoje , Kaštelan Željko
Published: July 2023

Background

Senhance Surgical System is a novel robotic platform used in University Hospital Centre Zagreb since February 2019. In this study, we present our 3‐year experience with this platform.

Patients and Methods

Data were prospectively collected for 200 patients who underwent extraperitoneal robotic radical prostatectomy (RRP) from May 2019 to March 2022.

Results

The median age of the patients was 65 years, and the prostate‐specific antigen was 6.9 ng/mL. Clinically, most of the patients had T1c stage. The estimated blood loss was 250 mL, and there were 6 conversions to laparoscopic and 2 to open prostatectomy. There were 15 early postoperative complications, 11 Clavien‐Dindo classification grade I, 3 grade II and 1 grade IV. Functional outcomes in the first 150 patients: 140 patients (93.3%) had good urinary control. Thirteen patients underwent additional oncological treatment.

Conclusion

RRP performed with the Senhance robotic platform is a feasible and safe procedure with good initial results.
Mapping Apennines river paths along different hydrological conditions from satellite images: A description of the method and potential applications
Authors: Giacomelli Serena , Chelli Alessandro , Bresciani Mariano , Ghirardi Nicola , Bartoli Marco , Marzano Francesco Nonnis
Published: July 2023

Climate change is producing large impacts on rivers, amplifying hydrological extremes. Prolonged drought periods result in dramatic stress for river biota and associated processes due to low discharge, reducing the interactions between rivers and their lateral environments or leading to hydrological intermittency. New quantitative methods are needed, to correlate discharge with the available riverine habitats. In this work we have mapped the wet surface and paths of two stretches of the Taro and Trebbia Apennine rivers, analyzing satellite images from periods with contrasting discharge. The considered stretches are critical due to different human pressures (large water withdrawals for agriculture and industrial use) and are particularly vulnerable to further, climate‐driven discharge reductions. The produced images offer multiple possibilities to extract qualitative and quantitative information at the whole stretch scales, including habitat reduction along with decreasing discharge, threshold discharge limiting lateral interactions, or the evaluation of longitudinal river continuity. We discuss the limitation and the potentialities of the method and the maps produced in terms of possible application in the field of river geomorphology, ecology, the definition of ecological river flow, risk assessment, and river management.