bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of worm‐like micelles of alcohol propoxylated sulfate/alcohol ethoxylated surfactants mixtures for crude oil recovery
Authors: Guevara Mairis , Cárdenas Antonio Luis , Forgiarini Ana
Published: December 2024

Systems with elongated cylindrical micelles, also known as worm‐like micelles (WM) or viscoelastic surfactants (VES), have high surface activity and high viscosity, which makes them attractive in different applications such as improved oil recovery, friction reducing agents in heating and cooling fluids, household and personal care products. This study examines the carbon's chain length of alkyl propoxylated sodium sulfate anionic surfactants (C16O(PO)15S, C14O(PO)15S, and C12O(PO)15S) mixed with a nonionic ethoxylated surfactant on viscoelastic properties and interfacial tension. Results show that the larger the surfactant's carbon chain, the greater the possibility of forming WM. Furthermore, the propylene oxides' (PO) number and the nonionic surfactant's type of tail (linear or branched) is studied, not only on WM formation but also on WM/crude interfacial tension values. It is observed that the surfactant's molecular structure plays an important role in WM formation. By increasing the anionic surfactant's PO from 15 to 20 units, the maximum value of zero viscosity goes from 4.507 to 0.092 Pa.s and by changing the structure of the nonionic surfactant from linear (C12‐13EO8) to branched (C12‐14EO9) keeping the PO number of the extended surfactant constant, the zero viscosity value goes from 4.507 to 0.28 Pa.s. Likewise, the WM/crude interfacial tension reached values of the order of 10−3 mN/m in the salinity range studied, which makes these systems very interesting for polymer substitution in enhanced crude oil recovery (EOR).
Synthesis, characterization, biodegradation, and evaluation of the surface‐active properties of non‐ionic gemini surfactants derived from lauryl diethanolamide
Authors: Tognotti Gerónimo , Gutierrez Carolina Guadalupe , Murguía Marcelo César
Published: December 2024

The surface activities and application properties of aqueous solution surfactants are greatly influenced by their structure, especially the spacer group that connects the polar head groups. Herein, four new non‐ionic Gemini surfactants with different spacers were designed and synthesized, and their surfactant properties and biodegradability were studied. The synthesis of these compounds involves a two‐step procedure. The first step is the formation of an amide from lauric acid and diethanolamine. The second step is the reaction of lauryl diethanolamide with four different spacers, the latter being flexible‐hydrophilic, and rigid‐hydrophobic in structure, respectively. Their structures were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT‐IR, and ESI‐MS. The critical micelle concentration (CMC), the surface tension at CMC (γCMC), the efficiency of these compounds to reduce the surface tension by 20 mN/m (C20 and pC20), the effectiveness (πCMC), the maximum surface excess (Γmax), and the minimum surface area (Amin) were measured at 20, 40, and 50°C. The molecular architecture of the spacers in these compounds strongly influences the thermodynamic parameters, such as the standard change for Gibbs free energy of adsorption (ΔG°ads) and the standard change for Gibbs free energy of micellization (ΔG°mic). The ability of these surfactants to reduce surface tension is particularly good, but their distinguishing characteristic is their high relative propensity to form micellar aggregates. This aggregation ability improves as the hydrophilicity and flexibility of the spacer increase. Finally, in less than 30 days, all non‐ionic Gemini surfactants were determined to be 99% biodegradable in river water.
Tracheoesophageal puncture and quality of life after total laryngectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bourmand Raika , Olsson Sofia E. , Fijany Arman
Published: December 2024

Objective

Total laryngectomy (TL) is a standard induction treatment for laryngeal cancer. Patients have shown decreased quality of life (QOL) following laryngectomy potentially due to its impact on communication. This study is a systematic review of the effects of TEP on QOL in TL patients.

Methods

Data was extracted from PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science. A systematic review of literature assessing QOL after TEP within the last decade was conducted using PRISMA methodology. The initial search yielded 71 publications filtered to 15 after removing duplicates, non‐English publications, and title screening. Two researchers independently reviewed abstracts, and 11 articles were retained. After a full article review, 6 examined QOL in TEP patients.

Results

The studies concluded that post‐TL, patients with TEP experienced improved QOL than before the procedure or non‐TEP alternatives for speech. The collective sample size yielded 253 patients. Meta‐analysis demonstrated significant improvement in QOL described by the University of Washington—Quality of Life Index (p < .0001) and insignificant improvement defined by the Voice Handicap Index (p = .07). Several additional indices were included in the articles, all of which indicated improved QOL in TL patients post‐TEP. These scales could not undergo meta‐analysis due to their presence in only 1 study each.

Conclusion

TEP is a valuable intervention in improving patient QOL and satisfaction following TL. There is no standardized tool for describing QOL in TL patients, so the authors recommend tools be chosen based on the specific aspects of QOL they represent.

Level of evidence

2a.
Coupling of dimethylsulfoniopropionate production and carbon fixation in four temperate phytoplankton species excludes active short‐term regulation of dimethylsulfoniopropionate synthesis under increased light‐stress
Authors: Bach Mareike G. , Gademann Tamara , van Leeuwe Maria A. , Elzenga J. Theo M. , Stefels Jacqueline
Published: December 2024

The production of the secondary metabolite dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) by marine microalgae has a strong impact on the global sulfur cycle, as DMSP is the precursor of the climate active gas dimethylsulfide. Quantifying the impact of abiotic parameters on DMSP production is needed to accurately depict DMSP production in ecosystem models. In this study, we investigated if de novo production of DMSP was upregulated under short‐term elevated irradiance and ultraviolet A radiation (UVA‐R). We exposed high‐light and low‐light acclimated cultures of Emiliania huxleyi, Tetraselmis sp., Thalassiosira oceanica, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum to high irradiance and UVA‐R treatments and followed de novo DMSP production and carbon fixation. We show that combined photosynthetically active radiation and UVA‐R resulted in increased net photoinhibition rates, but decreased specific DMSP production and growth compared to non‐UVA‐R treatments for all species. Photoacclimation to high photosynthetically active radiation resulted in a decreased UVA‐R sensitivity and positively affected the DMSP‐to‐carbon concentration ratios within the cultures. We conclude that there is no active short‐term upregulation of DMSP production under elevated photosynthetically active radiation and UVA‐R. Instead, the production of DMSP in response to light‐stress is closely coupled to particulate organic carbon production in all cases. While the relatively high cellular concentrations of DMSP do not exclude a de facto antioxidant function, its production is likely regulated by other cellular processes, for example, an overflow mechanism. The data of this study aim to improve the mechanistic understanding of DMSP synthesis, as well as to quantify DMSP production rates in different marine phytoplankton species.
Time series of phytoplankton net primary production reveals intense interannual variability and size‐dependent chlorophyll‐specific productivity on a continental shelf
Authors: Fontaine Diana N. , Marrec Pierre , Menden‐Deuer Susanne , Sosik Heidi M. , Rynearson Tatiana A.
Published: December 2024

Phytoplankton community size structure influences the production and fate of organic carbon in marine food webs and can undergo strong seasonal shifts in temperate regions. As part of the Northeast US Shelf (NES) Long‐Term Ecological Research program, we measured net primary production (NPP) rates and chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations in three phytoplankton size classes (< 5, 5–20, and > 20 μm) during winter and summer for 3 yr along a coastal‐to‐offshore transect. Mean depth‐integrated NPP was 37% higher in summer than winter, with limited cross‐shelf differences because of significant interannual variability. When averaged across the shelf, depth‐integrated NPP was dominated by the > 20 μm size class in winter and generated equally by the three size fractions in summer because of substantial contributions from cells > 20 μm at the Chl a maximum depth. Furthermore, the relationship between Chl a and NPP, in terms of relative contributions, varied by size class. Variations in this relationship have implications for models of primary productivity on the NES and beyond. In comparison to historical NPP data, we identified equivalent levels of winter NPP but observed a 25% decrease in summer NPP, suggesting a potential reduction in the seasonality of NPP on the NES. Together, our results highlight seasonal shifts in NPP rates of different phytoplankton size classes, with implications for food web structure and export production. These data emphasize the importance of quantifying size‐fractionated NPP over time to constrain its variability and better predict the fate of organic carbon in coastal systems under environmental change.
Effect of LaF3 on the Properties of Pb‐Free Cu‐Based Self‐Lubricating Composites
Authors: Liu Cong , Yin Yanguo , Li Rongrong , Wang Haoping , Li Liang
Published: December 2024

A strategy involving the use the rare‐earth compound LaF3 with good lubrication and stability properties as a filler in the preparation of Cu‐based composites was proposed to solve the problem of poor wear resistance in Pb‐free Cu‐Bi materials. The influence and regulatory mechanism of LaF3 content on the mechanical and tribological properties of these composites were studied. The results indicate that LaF3 has a good refining effect on Cu alloy grains, and LaF3 and Bi are distributed in a network along the grain boundaries of the Cu alloy in the material. As the LaF3 content increases, the mechanical properties and friction coefficient of the composite gradually decrease, and the wear rate first declines and then increases. The wear resistance of Cu‐Bi composite containing LaF3 mainly depends on the mechanical support provided by the matrix. When the LaF3 content is higher than 6%, the composite strength is extremely low, and the increase in lubricant content at the friction interface does not play a decisive role in the material wear behaviour. The material wear rate increases with the increase in LaF3 content. Therefore, using 6% LaF3 is recommended to improve the wear resistance of the material and maintain a balance among its mechanical properties, antifriction and wear resistance.
Rapid and Versatile Functionalization of Poly‐Ethylene Imine via Dynamic Aminal Formation
Authors: Shen Peidong , Pollard Brett , Ueland Maiken , Lawes Douglas , Connal Luke A
Published: December 2024

The study of dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) is growing rapidly in polymer chemistry. The dynamic covalent chemistry of polyaminals formed by the reaction of linear polyethyleneimine (L‐PEI) with various functional aldehydes is explored. The study demonstrates the pH‐dependent kinetics of polyaminal formation and the versatility of polyaminals in controlling the release of aldehydes under ambient conditions. Additionally, the controlled temperature‐induced release of aldehydes and the dynamic shuffling behavior of aminals in polymer systems are investigated, emphasizing the potential for dynamic, covalently bonded polymers through dynamic aminal chemistry. The research showed the dynamic covalent aminal exchange for creating a range of new polymer materials.
Extracellular Matrix‐Inspired Antibacterial Fibrous Hydrogels Containing Polyhexamethylene Biguanide and Gd3+
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Xi Jingyun , Xu Yuanyuan , Zhang Yuxin , Du Wenli , Meng Xinyue , Zhang Jieyu , Hu Xuefeng , Wang Yunbing
Published: December 2024

Traditional bulk hydrogels containing antibiotics or metal ions often fall short in effectively treating wound infections due to mechanical limitations, bacterial resistance, and potential cytotoxicity. To address these challenges, an extracellular matrix (ECM)‐inspired antibacterial fibrous hydrogel featuring an anisotropic topological structure is developed that closely mimics the natural ECM environment. A novel antibacterial agent, PHMB‐VAN‐Gd (PVG), is synthesized by reacting polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) with O‐Vanillin (VAN) to form the Schiff base ligand PHMB‐VAN (PV), followed by coordination with gadolinium ions (Gd3⁺). Employing silk fibroin (SF) as the matrix, the PVG complex is incorporated into fibrous hydrogels through electrospinning, generating structures that replicate the fibrous architecture of the ECM. The resulting SF‐PVG fibrous hydrogels exhibited robust antibacterial activity, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Furthermore, the aligned fiber orientation and substantial mechanical strength of these hydrogels facilitated cellular functions, promoting cell attachment and proliferation. This study underscores the significant potential of SF‐PVG hydrogels for wound infection treatment.
Multicolor Mechanochromic Polymer Blends That Can Distinguish between Tensile–Stress States
Authors: Ishizuki Kuniaki , Takahashi Akira , Otsuka Hideyuki
Published: December 2024

Mechanochromic polymers can be used to visualize mechanical stimuli applied to materials. However, many of these polymers exhibit single‐color mechanochromism, i.e., the polymer changes from its original color to another, thus potentially limiting the range of applications. Here, a versatile and readily accessible strategy for creating multicolor mechanochromic polymer blends that can detect whether a material is currently under stress or has already experienced stress is presented. The polymer blends are prepared by blending a segmented polyurethane and a polycaprolactone, each embedded with a radical‐type mechanochromophore. These polymers appear either blue, pink, or green by stretching depending on the mechanochromophore employed. The introduction of different mechanochromophores into each of the segmented polyurethane and polycaprolactone polymers with different chain mobilities and the subsequent blending of these polymers affords a mechanochromic polymer blend that can be used to visually distinguish via a color change whether it is experiencing stress or has recently experienced stress. The colors observed under stress and after stress can be tuned as easily as mixing paint based on the combination of the mechanochromophores (“rainbow mechanochromism”). The strategy developed in this study can be expected to significantly advance the research of mechanochromic polymer materials.
Long COVID across SARS‐CoV‐2 variants: Clinical features, pathogenesis, and future directions
Authors: Lok Laurence Si Chong , Sarkar Shuvam , Lam Calista Chi In , Law Chak Fun , Chau Sin Teng , Leung Chun Yip Thomas , Cheang Wai Hin , Li Ting , Monteiro Olivia , Baptista‐Hon Daniel Tomas
Published: December 2024

Long coronavirus disease (COVID) is characterized by persistent symptoms following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and has emerged as a significant health concern. As SARS‐CoV‐2 evolved from the wild‐type strain to the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants, there may be a variant‐specific influence on long COVID akin to the acute disease. This review aims to summarize our current knowledge of variant‐specific influences in long COVID incidence, symptom profile as well as mechanisms of pathogenesis. We highlight that long COVID incidence may be lower with the Omicron variants. The symptom profile of long COVID may also show some dependence on the different variants, with a reduction in cardiopulmonary symptoms with more recent SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. This heterogeneity of long COVID may also be related to the variant‐specific differences in affecting the immune system, viral persistence, and autoimmunity. However, emerging data also suggest that vaccinations may play a big role in shaping the presentation of long COVID. We also highlight ongoing work on long COVID incidence and symptom profiles in populations infected only by the Omicron variants. This will be beneficial toward more useful disease definitions and the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Physical Activity as a Buffer in the Association Between Perceived Ethnic‐Racial Discrimination and Latinx Adolescent Mental Health
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Halgunseth Linda C.
Published: December 2024

Latinx adolescents, members of the largest historically minoritized population in the United States (US), experience pervasive ethnic‐racial discrimination, adding extra challenges to this pivotal developmental stage which is marked by significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes. Exposure to ethnic‐racial discrimination is closely connected to their mental health. Physical activity has numerous psychophysiological health benefits, making it a potential yet understudied protective mechanism against the adverse impacts of perceived discrimination. By utilizing data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the current study examined the buffering effect of physical activity in the association between perceived ethnic‐racial discrimination and mental health in a national sample of Latinx adolescents (N = 1392; Mage = 11.92 SD = 0.66). Findings revealed that longer periods of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity exhibited a weaker positive association between perceived ethnic‐racial discrimination and internalizing problems compared to peers who engaged in shorter periods of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, indicating a protective role of physical activity for Latinx adolescents experiencing ethnic‐racial discrimination. This study highlights the importance of promoting moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity to support resilience and mental health in Latinx youth facing ethnic‐racial discrimination.
Angle‐Adjusted Transverse Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap in Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Case Series of 63 Patients
Authors: Park Jin‐Woo , Park Bo Young
Published: December 2024

Background

The thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap is a viable option for reconstructing various soft tissue defects. Despite its numerous benefits, including reduced donor site morbidity, the TDAP flap has not gained popularity because of its anatomical variations and technical challenges. Herein, we aimed to introduce the application of the angle‐adjusted transverse TDAP flap in lower extremity reconstruction and provide novel perspectives, with emphasis of outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent lower extremity reconstruction using a novel, modified transverse‐TDAP flap at a single center between 2015 and 2019. This modification introduced a more transverse pattern with an innovative angle adjustment of approximately 30°–60°, specifically designed to optimize coverage and adaptability to various defects and aimed to prevent irritation at the posterior aspect of the scar, which could otherwise lead to pain during rehabilitation—addressing a common challenge in traditional TDAP flap designs. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of the TDAP flap, including patient characteristics, surgical details, long‐term outcomes, functional evaluation of donor site using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, and postoperative complications.

Results

Sixty‐three consecutive patients who underwent TDAP free flap reconstruction were included. Mean follow‐up duration was 54.3 months; most common etiology was trauma (25 cases; 39.7%), followed by diabetes (16 cases; 28.6%). Twenty‐six cases (41.3%) involved lesions in the foot, and 11 (17.5%) involved lesions in the distal tibia. Complications included total flap loss in five patients and donor site complications in one patient. As assessed using the ASES, the average functional score of the donor site was 97.8 points.

Conclusions

The modified transverse‐TDAP flap provides favorable outcomes with minimal donor site morbidity, making it a viable alternative in clinical practice. Its design ensures effective coverage with reduced complications, establishing it as a reliable choice for lower extremity reconstruction.
WNT2 blockade augments antitumor immunity by attenuating myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in colorectal cancer
Authors: Cui Cheng , Zhang Tian‐Tian , Lin Qian , Huang Tu‐Xiong , Rao En‐Yu , Du Ji‐Hui , Fu Li
Published: December 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent an immunosuppressive heterogeneous population of immature monocytes and granulocytes constituting a major obstacle for CRC therapy. Previous studies demonstrated that WNT2 is enriched in tumor microenvironment (TME), promoting CRC progression. However, the role of WNT2 in regulating MDSCs to facilitate CRC progression remains largely unexplored. Our analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and blood samples from 50 primary and recurrent CRC patients revealed a positive correlation between WNT2 expression and MDSCs abundance. Treatment with recombinant WNT2 protein significantly enhanced the accumulation and immunosuppressive function of MDSCs in vitro. Conversely, anti‐WNT2 monoclonal antibody remarkably reduced the percentage and functional activity of MDSCs in CRC tumor‐bearing mice. Mechanistic analyses further demonstrated that WNT2 mediates MDSCs activities through the p38 MAPK/Akt pathway. Collectively, our findings not only highlight the pivotal role of WNT2 in CRC progression by enhancing MDSCs activities within the TME, but also provide evidence that WNT2 levels and MDSCs abundance in peripheral blood could serve as predictive biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of CRC patients.
On the Use of Strong Proton Donors as a Tool for Overcoming Line Broadening in NMR: A Comment
Authors: Charisiadis Pantelis , Venianakis Themistoklis , Papaemmanouil Christina D. , Primikyri Alexandra , Tzakos Andreas G. , Siskos Michael G. , Gerothanassis Ioannis P.
Published: December 2024

Overcoming line broadening of labile protons and achieving high‐resolution NMR spectra is crucial for the structural and conformational analysis of organic molecules. Recently, Ma et al. (Magn. Reson. Chem. 2024, 62, 198–207) demonstrated the effectiveness of 2,2,2‐trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in sharpening NMR signals for nitrogen‐containing compounds which exhibit prototropic tautomerization or conformational isomerism using high molar ratio of [acids]/[solute] ~ 5 to 200. In this commentary, we provide an overview of earlier publications and highlight the extensive applications of TFA in enhancing NMR resolution across a variety of organic functional groups, with the use of very small ratios of [acids]/[solute] ~ 10−3 to 10−2. The prospects for the unequivocal structure analysis using labile protons as the starting point will be analyzed.
Grafting Well‐Defined Synthetic Polymers to Chitosan Nanocrystals via Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization
Authors: Ramirez‐Foyo Carlos Antonio , García‐Valdez Omar , Leung Alfred C. W. , Lam Edmond , Champagne Pascale , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: December 2024

Chitosan nanocrystals (ChsNCs) are a renewable resource attracting research interest due to their outstanding physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. ChsNCs exhibit promising potential applications as reinforcing materials in polymer‐based nanocomposites. However, the hydrophilic surface of ChsNCs leads to poor dispersibility in hydrophobic polymer matrices, hindering these potential applications. In this work, the first graft modification of ChsNCs using nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) is reported. ChsNCs are initially functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate to provide a reactive surface group that enables the polymer‐graft modification. Polystyrene and poly (methyl methacrylate) with well‐defined molecular weight polymers are first synthesized via NMP, and the polymers are then “grafted to” the ChsNCs surface, yielding polymer‐graft modified ChsNCs.
Acceleration of Simultaneous Multislice Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting With Spatiotemporal Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Lu Lan , Liu Yilin , Zhou Amy , Yap Pew‐Thian , Chen Yong
Published: December 2024

Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) can be accelerated with simultaneous multislice (SMS) imaging for joint T1 and T2 quantification. However, the high inter‐slice and in‐plane acceleration in SMS‐MRF causes severe aliasing artifacts, limiting the multiband (MB) factors to typically 2 or 3. Deep learning has demonstrated superior performance compared to the conventional dictionary matching approach for single‐slice MRF, but its effectiveness in SMS‐MRF remains unexplored. In this paper, we introduced a new deep learning approach with decoupled spatiotemporal feature learning for SMS‐MRF to achieve high MB factors for accurate and volumetric T1 and T2 quantification in neuroimaging. The proposed method leverages information from both spatial and temporal domains to mitigate the significant aliasing in SMS‐MRF. Neural networks, trained using either acquired SMS‐MRF data or simulated data generated from single‐slice MRF acquisitions, were evaluated. The performance was further compared with both dictionary matching and a deep learning approach based on residual channel attention U‐Net. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method, trained with acquired SMS‐MRF data, achieves the best performance in brain T1 and T2 quantification, outperforming dictionary matching and residual channel attention U‐Net. With a MB factor of 4, rapid T1 and T2 mapping was achieved with 1.5 s per slice for quantitative brain imaging.
Compressive‐Sensing‐Assisted Mixed Integer Optimization for Dynamical System Discovery With Highly Noisy Data
Authors: Shi Tony , Ma Mason , Tran Hoang , Zhang Guannan
Published: December 2024

The identification of governing equations for dynamical systems is an everlasting challenge for the fundamental research in science and engineering. Machine learning has exhibited great success in learn and predicting dynamical systems from data. However, the fundamental challenges still exist: discovering the exact governing equations from highly noisy data. In the present work, we propose a compressive sensing‐assisted mixed integer optimization (CS‐MIO) method to make a step forward from a modern discrete optimization lens. In particular, we first formulate the problem into a mixed integer optimization model. The discrete optimization nature of the model leads to exact variable selection by means of cardinality constraint, and thereby powerful capability of exact discovery of governing equations from noisy data. Such capability is further enhanced by incorporating compressive sensing and regularization techniques for highly noisy data and high‐dimensional problems. The case studies on classical dynamical systems have shown that CS‐MIO can discover the exact governing equations from large‐noise data, with up to two orders of magnitude larger noise compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods. We also show its effectiveness for high‐dimensional dynamical system identification through the chaotic Lorenz 96 system.
Responses to Scandals in Nonprofit Organizations: A Moral Reasoning Model of Volunteer Support
Authors: Jedicke Eva Maria , Nolte Isabella M. , Lindenmeier Jörg
Published: December 2024

While research on donor reactions to nonprofit scandals has increased recently, the reaction of volunteers remains understudied. Therefore, this study addresses the impact of nonprofit scandals on volunteer behavior. Drawing on the moral reasoning framework, this research examines how the moral reasoning strategies of moral rationalization, moral decoupling, and moral coupling affect volunteers' responses to nonprofit scandals. This study considers volunteers' time and cash donation behavior as response variables. Furthermore, our model integrates moral intensity and cognitive dissonance as drivers of volunteers' support behavior. The empirical study is based on cross‐sectional data and uses a structural equation approach for data analysis. This study provides insights into the dynamics of volunteer behavior in situations where the behavior of nonprofit organizations can be classified as unethical.
A Scalable Convex Min–Max Optimization Algorithm for Robust Control of Polytopic Positive Systems
Authors: Babazadeh Maryam , Akbarisisi Sanaz
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we investigate the robust control of a class of bilinear positive systems. The main objective is to minimize the norm of the controlled system while dealing with polytopic uncertainties. In contrast to traditional Lyapunov‐based robust control problems with polytopic uncertainties, we establish that minimizing the objective function over the vertices of the polytopic set, rather than considering its infinite elements, is adequate for achieving the globally optimal solution. Following this, we present a customized algorithm that relies on partial cutting plane to address the min–max problem. The introduced robust control strategy exhibits global convergence to the optimal solution and demonstrates scalability with the number of states and the number of vertices in the uncertain family. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in handling uncertainties.
Characteristics of patients with neurotic disorders requiring long‐term treatment: Relationship to “nervous personality” as described in Morita's Shinkeishitsu theory
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroshi , Uchino Takashi , Funatogawa Tomoyuki , Mizuno Masafumi , Nemoto Takahiro
Published: December 2024

Aim

Few studies have investigated the association between premorbid personality and the prognosis of neurotic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the presence of a “nervous personality” described in Morita's Shinkeishitsu theory and the duration of treatment in patients with neurotic disorders.

Methods

The study included 70 patients aged ≥15 years old who first visited the Department of Psychiatry, Toho University Omori Medical Center, between January 2010 and December 2010 and were diagnosed as having neurotic disorders. The subjects' medical records over a 10‐year period from 2010 until 2020 were examined retrospectively to determine the influence of the presence of a “nervous personality” in the subjects on the duration of their treatment.

Results

There were no significant differences in the basic demographic characteristics or severity of illness at the first visit between groups with and without a “nervous personality.” The mean and median duration of treatment were 25 months and 5 months in the group with a “nervous personality,” and 5 months and 2 months in the group without a “nervous personality,” respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significant difference in the duration of treatment between the two groups. Multiple regression analysis performed using treatment duration as the dependent variable identified only presence of a “nervous personality” among the independent variables as a significant factor influencing the duration of treatment, with the duration of treatment being 20 months longer in the group of subjects with a “nervous personality.”

Conclusion

The presence of a “nervous personality,” as described in Morita's Shinkeishitsu theory, may prolong the required duration of treatment in patients with neurotic disorders.
Registration of ‘GA09436‐16LE12’: A new soft red winter wheat cultivar adapted to the US southeast region
Authors: Mergoum Mohamed , Johnson Jerry W. , Sutton Steve , Lopez Benjamin , Bland Daniel , Buck James W. , Buntin G. D. , Mailhot Daniel J. , Harrison Stephen A. , Murphy J. Paul , Mason Richard E. , Sutton Russell L. , Babar Md A. , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Boyles Richard , Brown‐Guedira Gina L. , Baik Byung‐Kee , Chen Z. , Marshall David , Cambron Sue E. , Chen X. , Cowger Christina
Published: December 2024

Soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; SRWW) is a major crop in the US southeast (SE) region. However, growing successful wheat crop is challenged by many stresses resulting in substantial losses in yield and quality. To alleviate these challenges, developing new cultivars with high yield potential with resistance to major pests in the region and good quality is warranted. This constitutes the major goal of the SRWW breeding programs ate the University of Georgia (UGA) and the regional institutions including the southern universities GRAINS (SUNGRAINS) programs. ‘GA09436‐16LE12’ (Reg. no. CV‐1209, PI 700011) SRWW cultivar was among the adapted wheat developed and released by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in 2019. While GA09436‐16LE12 is generally adapted to the US SE region, it specifically well fit to the Georgia environments. It has high yield, very good resistance to most dominant diseases including leaf (caused by Puccinia triticina Erikss.) and stripe (caused by P. striiformis Westend.) rusts; powdery mildew (caused by Erisyphe graminis); and Soil‐borne wheat mosaic virus. GA09436‐16LE12 has improved Fusarium head blight (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) which is reflected in lower levels of Deoxynivalenol toxin and Fusarium damaged kernels levels. It also showed moderate field resistance to Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)] although it is susceptible to the biotypes B, C, O, and L. GA09436‐16LE12 has good grain volume weight and good milling and baking quality as a SRWW.
Breadth and Depth of Patient and Caregiver Supportive Services in Community Oncology (WF‐1803CD)
Authors: McLouth Laurie E. , Sterba Katherine R. , Snavely Anna C. , Weaver Kathryn E. , Dressler Emily V. , Kent Erin E. , Adonizio Christian S. , Danhauer Suzanne C. , Kuzma Charles , Moore Timothy , Nightingale Chandylen L.
Published: December 2024

Background

Providing supportive services to patients and their caregivers is essential to quality cancer care, yet the depth, availability, and infrastructure underlying these services remains unknown in community practice. We assessed these factors among practices within the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) to guide priorities for comprehensive supportive service(s) development and inform implementation of evidence‐based interventions in clinical practice.

Methods

Supportive care leaders at NCORP practices completed online surveys regarding availability of services to patients and caregivers within seven domains, service infrastructure (e.g., staffing, technology), and implementation recommendations for caregiver‐specific services. Primary outcomes were the proportion of practices offering at least one service in each domain to both populations and the proportion offering caregiver training/education.

Results

Of the 103 participating practice groups, only 15.5% offered at least one service in each domain to both populations; 21.4% offered caregiver training/education. Psychological (83.5%) and spiritual/religious (75.7%) services were most widely available to both; health promotion (28.2%) services were least available to both. Services offered were largely available on‐site with dedicated staff; caregiver‐specific services were nearly always off‐site and typically self‐pay. Practices most often used the patient health portal to communicate with patients and caregivers (54.4%). Only 28.9% provided bilingual staff for services. Social workers (35.7%) and navigators (34.7%) were recommended to support caregiver services.

Conclusions

To meet national recommendations for supportive service provision, practices should invest in caregiver education/training programs, expand health promotion programs, and increase interpretation services. Future interventions should leverage existing resources (e.g., recommended staff, patient portal).
Investigation of Laser Initiation of Graphite‐Coated TATP and HMTD with Regard to the Influence of Coating Thickness Accompanied by Sensor‐Safe Surveillance Using a Microphone
Authors: Ünal Emre , Muhr Matthias , Klapötke Thomas M. , Kaul Peter
Published: December 2024

Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD), known for their propensity towards use in improvised explosive devices due to facile synthesis from readily accessible precursors, present a considerable security challenge. Their sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, such as impact and friction, as well as to thermal input, necessitates the development of advanced detection methodologies. This study is dedicated to evaluate the influence of varied laser beam parameters during radiation on these peroxide‐based energetic materials. A novel approach for the controlled energy delivery to substances under investigation involves the application of coatings with predefined absorption coefficients. This technique, coupled with the careful selection of laser parameters, enables the controlled local initiation of reaction in the energetic material without reaching the threshold for mass combustion, thereby avoiding detonation or deflagration. The experimental setup involves the laser irradiation of defined quantities of graphite‐coated TATP and HMTD, with the subsequent laser processing being monitored using a sensitive microphone. This set‐up enables a detailed investigation of the physical phenomena that manifest themselves during the interaction and thus contributes to the state of knowledge about the safe handling and detection of these energetic materials.
Investigation of Mg/Li2O2 and Mg/CaO2 Pyrotechnic Delay Compositions as Delay Pellets
Authors: Michalski Dennis A. , Wickleder Claudia , Kaul Peter M.
Published: December 2024

Due to the toxicity and negative environmental impact of lead‐ and chromate(IV and VI)‐based delay compositions, alternative substance mixtures are required to be investigated as possible substitutes for pyrotechnic materials. Therefore, the Mg/ CaO2 and Mg/Li2O2 delay compositions were subject of this work. These mixtures were processed into pellets with the aid of the dry binders HPMC, MgSt, PEG1, PEG2 and PVP and used in delay elements. The binder content used for all the composition was 5 wt%. Burning rates were investigated while taking the influence of oxidizer particle size and the effect of different binders into account. The results show that the combustion rate can be adjusted both via the grain size and by means of the various binders. Further, the impact of the different binders on the ignition temperature of the Mg/Li2O2 and Mg/CaO2 compositions was measured. The compositions were also classified as insensitive to impact and friction. However, during preparation of delay pallets, unintended ignition of pellets occurred while using the HPMC, PEG1, PEG2 and PVP binders. For this reason, safety measures should be followed and special care should be taken while preparing delay pellets. While the peroxides could be identified with Raman spectroscopy, no peroxide residue was found in the reaction products of both peroxide magnesia mixtures.
In‐Source Collision‐Induced Dissociation (CID) Improves Higher‐Energy Collisional Dissociation (HCD)‐Dependent Fragmentation of ADP‐Ribosyl Peptides
Authors: Kasai Taku , Nakamura Yuto , Aikawa Masanori , Singh Sasha A.
Published: December 2024

Rationale

ADP‐ribosylation is a posttranslational modification whose higher‐energy collisional dissociation (HCD) products are dominated by complete or partial modification losses, complicating peptide sequencing and acceptor site localization efforts. We tested whether in‐source collision‐induced dissociation (CID) performed on a quadrupole‐Orbitrap could convert ADPr to the smaller phosphoribose‐H2O derivative to facilitate HCD‐dependent peptide sequencing.

Methods

ADP‐ribosyl (ADPr) peptides derived from the human macrophage‐like cell line THP‐1 were analyzed on a quadrupole‐Orbitrap. We monitored the dissociation of ADPr (+ 541.061 Da) to phosphoribosyl‐H2O (+ 193.997 Da) peptides while varying the source and high‐field asymmetric waveform ion mobility mass spectrometry (FAIMS) compensation voltages. Xcorr and ptmRS were used to evaluate peptide sequencing and acceptor site confidence, respectively. Phosphoribosyl‐H2O acceptor sites were compared with those determined by electron‐transfer higher‐energy collision dissociation (EThcD), performed on a quadrupole‐ion trap‐Orbitrap.

Results

In‐source CID of ADPr peptides to their phosphoribosyl‐H2O derivatives increased with increasing source voltage (up to 50 V), as judged by monitoring the corresponding modification loss ([adenosine monophosphate/AMP]+) and the number of identified phosphoribosyl‐H2O peptide identifications. The average Xcorr increased from 1.36 (ADPr) to 2.26 (phosphoribosyl‐H2O), similar to that achieved with EThcD for ADPr peptides (2.29). The number of high‐confidence acceptor sites (> 95%) also increased, from 31% (ADPr) to 70% (phosphoribosyl‐H2O), which was comparable to EThcD (70%).

Conclusions

In‐source CID converts ADP‐ribosyl to phosphoribosyl‐H2O peptides that are more amenable to HCD‐dependent peptide sequencing, providing an alternative method for acceptor site determination when ETD‐based methods are not available.
Recognizing and Fostering Moments of Liberatory Design Possibility in Youth Engineering Design Experiences
Authors: Handley Jacqueline
Published: December 2024

An increased interest in expanding engineering education with youth brings with it a multitude of approaches toward developing engineering programming. In this article, I explore how developing programming for the purpose of fostering liberatory design offers a means of supporting young people in both personally consequential and technically relevant design work. Qualitatively following community‐based engineering design work with seven Youth of Color over 3 years of observation and interview, I document how flexible front‐end design work aided in moments of liberatory design possibility. Subsequently, these moments supported these young peoples' connection engineering and their engagement in canonically recognizable design work. My work reinforces and expands recent work that calls for youth‐centered, justice‐oriented engineering work beyond tech‐specific experiences. Further, youths' experiences raise questions about the development of future engineering experiences for all young people, not just those seeking to pursue engineering.
Joint Modelling of Longitudinal Measurements and Time‐to‐Event Outcomes With a Cure Fraction Using Functional Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Guo Siyuan , Zhang Jiajia , Halabi Susan
Published: December 2024

In studying the association between clinical measurements and time‐to‐event outcomes within a cure model, utilizing repeated observations rather than solely baseline values may lead to more accurate estimation. However, there are two main challenges in this context. First, longitudinal measurements are usually observed at discrete time points and second, for diseases that respond well to treatment, a high censoring proportion may occur by the end of the trial. In this article, we propose a joint modelling approach to simultaneously study the longitudinal observations and time‐to‐event outcome with an assumed cure fraction. We employ the functional principal components analysis (FPCA) to model the longitudinal data, offering flexibility by not assuming a specific form for the longitudinal curve. We used a Cox's proportional hazards mixture cure model to study the survival outcome. To investigate the longitudinal binary observations, we adopt a quasi‐likelihood method which builds pseudo normal distribution for the binary data and use the E‐M algorithm to estimate the parameters. The tuning parameters are selected using the Akaike information criterion. Our proposed method is evaluated through extensive simulation studies and applied to a clinical trial data to study the relationship between the longitudinal prostate specific antigen (PSA) measurements and overall survival in men with metastatic prostate cancer.
A Multi‐Functional Molecule for Highly Durable, Bending‐Resistant, Low‐Voltage Driving PSLC Films toward Smart Windows With Radiative Cooling
Authors: Shi Yingjie , Song Zhexu , Wu Yishuo , Gao Yanzi , Yu Meina , Yang Huai , Zou Cheng
Published: December 2024

Polymer‐stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs) are widely used in smart windows, light modulators, and dimmed glass. However, their low mechanical strength, unsatisfactory electro‐optical properties, and poor durability limit their large‐scale application. In this study, a PSLC film with outstanding performance is prepared by incorporating a multifunctional molecule into a fine‐sculptured liquid crystal/polymer composite. The multifunctional molecule is designed to form a vertically oriented layer with a silane coupling agent through a two‐step self‐assembly process and improve the mechanical strength of PSLCs by connecting the polymer networks through covalent bonds. In addition, it endowed the film with good thermal stability through the reversible change from hydrogen bonds at low temperatures to C═N bonds at high temperatures. A PSLC film with ultralow saturation voltage (Vsat < 25 V), wide operating temperature and viewing angle performance, high mechanical strength (60–100% improvement), and high stability (15 000 cycles) is prepared through the self‐assembly of the multifunctional molecule followed by photomask‐assisted photopolymerization. Finally, a bending‐resistant, flexible PSLC film with passive radiative cooling capacity is tested and achieved excellent temperature management. This composite film demonstrated superior performance in every aspect, promoting the application of PSLCs in smart windows for cars and buildings.
A Corn‐Based Electrically Conductive Glue for Integration of Edible Electronics
Authors: Contreras‐Pereda Noemí , Galli Valerio , Cataldi Pietro , Annese Valerio Francesco , Coco Giulia , Athanassiou Athanassia , Luzio Alessandro , Caironi Mario
Published: December 2024

Edible electronics leverages the electronic properties of food‐grade materials to create non‐toxic technologies that can be either environmentally degraded or digested by the body after the completion of their function. Various edible electronic components have been recently proposed, and their integration into more complex circuits and systems is urgently needed for point‐of‐care devices. In this context, developing a safe technology for interconnecting edible components is crucial. To this aim, here an edible electrically conductive adhesive made from zein, an edible protein derived from corn, and activated carbon, a food additive, are reported. Different formulations are proposed depending on the ratio between adhesive binder (zein) and electrically conductive filler (activated carbon), evidencing a trade‐off between resistivity and adhesion, passing from a 3 × 103 Ω cm resistivity and 2 MPa lap shear adhesion strength to 5 × 102 Ω cm and 0.5 MPa values upon increasing the filler content. As a proof‐of‐concept, the conductive adhesive is validated in different applications relevant to edible electronics, such as mounting devices on top of innovative edible substrates, interconnecting state‐of‐the‐art edible batteries, and conforming highly adhesive electrodes for fruit monitoring.