bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autosomal recessive intellectual disability caused by compound heterozygous variants of the EEF1D gene in a Chinese family
Authors: Zhang Jiamei , Liu Hongxing , Wang Mingmei , Xu Yiran , Zhu Dengna , Yang Fan
Published: December 2023

Background

Intellectual disability is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder, with the majority of affected children exhibiting global developmental delay before the age of 5 years. In recent years, certain children have been found to carry homozygous variations of the EEF1D gene, leading to autosomal recessive intellectual disability. However, the pathogenicity of compound heterozygous variations in this gene remains largely unknown.

Methods

Trio whole‐exome sequencing and copy number variation sequencing were done for the genetic etiological diagnosis of a 3‐year and 11‐month‐old Chinese boy who presented with brachycephaly, severe to profound global developmental delay, and hypotonia in the lower limbs.

Results

In this case, compound heterozygous variants of the EEF1D gene were found in the child through trio whole‐exome sequencing; one was a splice variant (NM_032378.6:c.1905+1G>A) inherited from his father, and the other was a nonsense variant (NM_032378.6:c.676C>T) inherited from his mother. The nonsense variant leads to the production of a premature termination (p.Gln226*). These variations have the ability to explain the clinical phenotypes of the child.

Conclusions

Our study expands the variation spectrum and provides compelling evidence for EEF1D as a candidate gene for autosomal recessive intellectual disability. However, due to the deficient number of reported cases, researchers need to further study EEF1D and supplement the clinical phenotypes and treatment measures.
PDSFit: PDS data analysis in the presence of orientation selectivity, g‐anisotropy, and exchange coupling
Authors: Abdullin Dinar , Rauh Corro Pablo , Hett Tobias , Schiemann Olav
Published: December 2023

Pulsed dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS), encompassing techniques such as pulsed electron–electron double resonance (PELDOR or DEER) and relaxation‐induced dipolar modulation enhancement (RIDME), is a valuable method in structural biology and materials science for obtaining nanometer‐scale distance distributions between electron spin centers. An important aspect of PDS is the extraction of distance distributions from the measured time traces. Most software used for this PDS data analysis relies on simplifying assumptions, such as assuming isotropic g‐factors of ~2 and neglecting orientation selectivity and exchange coupling. Here, the program PDSFit is introduced, which enables the analysis of PELDOR and RIDME time traces with or without orientation selectivity. It can be applied to spin systems consisting of up to two spin centers with anisotropic g‐factors and to spin systems with exchange coupling. It employs a model‐based fitting of the time traces using parametrized distance and angular distributions, and parametrized PDS background functions. The fitting procedure is followed by an error analysis for the optimized parameters of the distributions and backgrounds. Using five different experimental data sets published previously, the performance of PDSFit is tested and found to provide reliable solutions.
Personal Social Networks and Care‐Seeking for Head and Neck Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Batool Sana , Hansen Elisabeth E. , Sethi Rosh K. V. , Rettig Eleni M. , Goguen Laura A. , Annino Donald , Uppaluri Ravindra , Edwards Heather A. , Faden Daniel L. , Dohan Daniel , Dhand Amar , Reich Amanda J. , Bergmark Regan W.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To investigate the role of patients' personal social networks (SNs) in accessing head and neck cancer (HNC) care through patients' and health care workers' (HCWs) perspectives.

Study Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Tertiary HNC centers at 2 academic medical centers, including 1 safety net hospital.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed HNC, and HCWs caring for HNC patients, aged ≥18 years were recruited between June 2022 and July 2023. Semistructured interviews were conducted with both patients and HCWs. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis was performed with 2 coders (κ = 0.82) to analyze the data.

Results

The study included 72 participants: 42 patients (mean age 57 years, 64% female, 81% white), and 30 HCWs (mean age 42 years, 77% female, 83% white). Four themes emerged: (1) Patients' SNs facilitate care through various forms of support, (2) patients may hesitate to seek help from their networks, (3) obligations toward SNs may act as barriers to seeking care, and (4) the SN composition and dedication influence care‐seeking.

Conclusion

Personal SNs play a vital role in prompting early care‐seeking among HNC patients. SN‐based interventions could enhance care and improve outcomes for HNC patients.
Institutional hybridisation in Swedish public sector development cooperation
Authors: Iao‐Jörgensen Jenny
Published: December 2023

While the concept of hybridisation (blending of different organisational forms, logics, or identities) in public administration has gained traction, its interplay with principal‐agent dynamics, especially within development cooperation, remains underexplored. Recent shifts towards the “whole‐of‐society” paradigm in Swedish development cooperation introduce complexities in the inter‐organisational dynamics between actors involved. However, our understanding of how these dynamics influence the manifestation of hybridisation in everyday practices is limited. Drawing on the development cooperation experience of Swedish national authorities and data collected from interviews, focus group discussions, and archival documents, this study identifies the interplaying dynamics of three coexisting logics (managerialist, collaborative, and developmental), and two types of hybridisation (specialisation‐centric and integration‐centric). These findings shed light on the challenges and opportunities the inter‐organisational dynamics induce for translating the “whole‐of‐society” policy paradigm into development practice and outcomes. The study's theoretical and practical implications for hybridisation in public administration and development studies are discussed.
Synthesis and polymerization of cyclic formals of oligooxyethylene diols
Authors: Kubisa Przemysław
Published: December 2023

Polymers of general formula [−(CH2CH2O)m‐CH2O‐]n with well‐defined m value may be obtained by cationic ring‐opening polymerization of easily available cyclic formals of di‐, tri‐, tetra‐, penta‐ (and possibly higher) ethylene glycols. There are no significant kinetic or thermodynamic restrictions for their polymerization. Polymers with [(‐CH2CH2O)m‐CH2O‐]n structure may be treated as intermediates between polymers of ethylene oxide (POE) and polymers of 1,3‐dioxolane (PDXL), both of which find applications in the biomedical field as well as components of solid polymer electrolytes. Largely unexploited [(‐CH2CH2O)m‐CH2O‐]n polymers may broaden the scope of the application of polyacetals in both these areas.
High‐velocity ballistic response of AA 1100‐H14 based carbon‐fiber metal laminates: An experimental investigation
Authors: Jamsheed Mohammed , Rashid Faizan Mohammad , Velmurugan R.
Published: December 2023

A detailed experimental investigation was carried out for the high‐velocity ballistic response of AA 1100‐H14 based carbon‐fiber metal laminates (FMLs). FMLs with different metal volume fractions and the same thickness of carbon‐epoxy fiber laminates were tested to examine the surface and internal damage. The ballistic performance parameters, namely % escalation in absorbed energy, specific energy absorbed, ballistic limit, specific perforation energy, first cracking energy, and global deformation profile, were studied and a comparison was drawn with pure carbons fiber reinforced epoxy composite laminates. Despite having greater thickness, pure carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composite laminates absorbed less impact energy than FMLs and failed catastrophically. For FMLs, the % escalation in the absorbed energy and the specific energy absorption kept increasing with the increasing impact velocity until the onset of perforation. Once the perforation started, both these parameters showed a decreasing trend. Thick FMLs absorbed a good amount of energy, leading to projectile recoil suffering minimal damage. The ballistic velocity, specific perforation energy, and first cracking energy on the front and rear face of FMLs layers showed an increasing trend. The minimum for the thinner and maximum for the thicker FMLs attributed to the large thickness and more metal volume fraction. Contrary to the large deformation of the impacting points, pure carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composite laminates showed very minimal deformation as compared to FMLs. The brittle nature of the epoxy resin resisted the deformation to a large extent leading to less energy absorption.

Highlights

High‐velocity ballistic response of AA 1100‐H14 based carbon‐FMLs was investigated.

Ballistic performance parameters of FMLs were studied and was compared with carbons fiber reinforced composite laminates.

The ballistic limit of FMLs showed a direct dependence its thickness and metal volume fraction.

In the absence of any metallic layer, pure carbons fiber reinforced composite laminates absorbed less impact energy.
Persistence and recovery of dinotefuran in eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) foliage and twigs by UPLC‐MS/MS and ELISA
Authors: Lepeschkin‐Noel Sasha , Lewis Phillip , McCullough Deborah G.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Dinotefuran, a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, is approved for control of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) (Adelges tsugae Annand), an invasive sap‐feeding insect that can kill eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis). Dinotefuran is highly water soluble, facilitating more rapid translocation and HWA control than other neonicotinoids, but its persistence is not well‐known. Samples of needles and twigs were collected in spring 2021 from 50 hemlocks treated with a dinotefuran basal trunk spray in 2018 or 2019 (131–145 weeks and 85–93 weeks before sampling, respectively). Processed samples were analyzed with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC‐MS/MS) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

RESULTS

Dinotefuran residues were 4.6–6.1 times higher in needles than in twigs collected from the same trees. Average (±SE) residues in foliage samples collected from trees treated in 2019 ranged from 0.663 ± 0.243 to 0.564 ± 0.119 mg kg−1, compared with 0.213 ± 0.033 and 0.225 ± 0.132 mg kg−1 in foliage from trees treated in 2018. Foliage residues from UPLC‐MS/MS were consistently lower but strongly related to those from ELISA. Matrix effects appeared to disrupt ELISA analysis of twigs. None of the 25 trees treated in 2019 had live HWA when samples were collected in 2021 while low densities of HWA were observed on 52% of trees treated in 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

Dinotefuran was recovered from hemlock foliage, and to a lesser extent twigs, >2 years post‐treatment. This, along with its relatively rapid translocation, suggests dinotefuran is a viable option for protecting declining or heavily infested hemlocks from HWA. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Efficacy and toxic action of the natural product natamycin against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Cao Yuxuan , Zhang Xu , Song Xiaoning , Li Wenkui , Ren Zheng , Feng Juntao , Ma Zhiqing , Liu Xili , Wang Yong
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Sclerotinia stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum seriously endangers oilseed rape production worldwide, and the occurrence of fungicide‐resistant mutants of S. sclerotiorum leads to control decline. Thus, it is critical to explore new green substitutes with different action mechanisms and high antifungal activity. Herein, the activity and the action mechanism of natamycin against S. sclerotiorum were evaluated.

RESULTS

Natamycin showed potent inhibition on the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum, and half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) values against 103 S. sclerotiorum strains ranged from 0.53 to 4.04 μg/mL (mean 1.44 μg/mL). Natamycin also exhibited high efficacy against both carbendazim‐ and dimethachlone‐resistant strains of S. sclerotiorum on detached oilseed rape leaves. No cross‐resistance was detected between natamycin and carbendazim. Natamycin markedly disrupted hyphal form, sclerotia formation, integrity of the cell membrane, and reduced the content of oxalic acid and ergosterol, whereas it increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde content. Interestingly, exogenous addition of ergosterol could reduce the inhibition of natamycin against S. sclerotiorum. Importantly, natamycin significantly inhibited expression of the Cyp51 gene, which is contrary to results for the triazole fungicide flusilazole, indicating a different action mechanism from triazole fungicides.

CONCLUSION

Natamycin is a promising effective candidate for the resistance management of S. sclerotiorum. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of four chitinase genes on the female fecundity in Sogatella furcifera (Horváth)
Authors: Zeng Qing‐Hui , Gong Ming‐fu , Yang Hong , Chen Ning‐nan , Lei Qing , Jin Dao‐chao
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

The white‐backed planthopper (WPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), is a destructive rice pest with strong reproductive capacity. To gain insights into the roles of chitinases in the reproductive process of this insect species, this study represents the first‐ever endeavor to conduct an in‐depth exploration into the reproductive functions of four chitinase genes.

RESULTS

In this study, it was observed that four chitinase genes were expressed in female adults, with a relatively high expression level in the ovaries. SfCht2 and SfIDGF1 were highly expressed during later ovarian development. while SfENGase increased and then decreased with ovarian development. SfCht2, SfCht6‐2 and SfENGase were highly expressed in fat body on the first and second days after eclosion, whereas SfIDGF1 highest on day 7. Compared with control group, Silencing four chitinase genes inhibited ovarian development and significantly shortened the oviposition period of S. furcifera, reducing egg‐laying capacity but not affecting egg hatching. The detection demonstrated that the expression levels of SfVg, SfVgR and 70–90% juvenile hormone (JH) signaling pathway‐related reproductive genes was significantly down‐regulated. Moreover, SfCht6‐2 and SfENGase significantly affected the expression levels of Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway genes. SfENGase had the ability to impact nutrient signaling pathways and fatty acid metabolism, repressing vitellogenin synthesis and ultimately influencing ovarian development of S. furcifera.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study provides insight into the function of chitinases in insect fecundity and is of great significance for enriching the cognition of insect chitinase function. They will become the suitable target genes for controlling the most destructive rice planthoppers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Integration by Selective Area Growth of Multiple Semi‐Insulating Buried Heterostructure‐Distributed Feedback Lasers with Optimized Performance Over 100 nm in the O‐Band
Authors: Afonso Gustavo , Cerulo Giancarlo , Vaissiere Nicolas , Vakarin Vladyslav , Elias Antoine , Fortin Catherine , Paret Jean-François , Lanteri Delphine , Mekhazni Karim , Pommereau Frédéric , Decobert Jean
Published: December 2023

The introduction of selective area growth (SAG) in a mature semi‐insulating buried heterostructure (SIBH) platform for the realization of photonic integrated circuits on monolithic InP has been demonstrated. A thorough determination of the relations between quantum well thickness, transition energies, and mask geometries is performed on dedicated wafers by means of extensive micro‐X‐Ray diffraction and microphotoluminescence measurements. Based on those results, SAG is used to grow, with a single epitaxy step, AlGaInAs multiple quantum wells heterostructures, to tailor the active regions of Fabry–Pérot and distributed feedback (DFB) lasers emitting in the O‐Band. SIBH DFB lasers are realized, exhibiting threshold currents < 7.2 mA (at 25 °C), and emitting over 100‐nm spectral range in the O‐Band.
Lattice‐Mismatched Epitaxy of InAs on (111)A‐Oriented Substrate: Metamorphic Layer Growth and Self‐Assembly of Quantum Dots
Authors: Mano Takaaki , Ohtake Akihiro , Kuroda Takashi
Published: December 2023

In this article, recent developments in the lattice‐mismatched epitaxy of InAs on (111)A‐oriented substrates and related research topics, in which the presence or absence of the misfit dislocations is controlled via prescribed growth sequences, are reviewed. When InAs is grown on GaAs (111)A substrates, a unique lattice‐relaxation mechanism occurs. A misfit dislocation network is formed at the initial stage of InAs growth, that is followed by the layer‐by‐layer growth of relaxed InAs films. The InAs/GaAs (111)A heterostructure is being applied in infrared photodetectors which have a new operating principle that employs the high‐density dislocations at the interface. The InAs/GaAs (111)A heterostructure is also useful for the growth of InGaAs layers: a nearly lattice‐relaxed InGaAs containing different concentrations of indium can be formed by inserting a thin‐InAs layer between the InGaAs and GaAs. These InGaAs layers can be used as virtual substrates with a desired lattice constant for a range of devices. In addition to the formation of lattice‐relaxed structures, dislocation‐free InAs quantum dots (QDs) can be formed on InP (111)A substrates by applying droplet epitaxy. The C3v symmetry of the (111)A surface makes it possible to form symmetric InAs QDs that emit entangled photon pairs at telecommunication wavelengths.
Analysis of two binomial proportions in noninferiority confirmatory trials
Authors: Lakkis Hassan , Lakkis Andrew
Published: December 2023

In this article, we propose considering an approximate exact score (AES) test for noninferiority comparisons and we derive its test‐based confidence interval for the difference between two independent binomial proportions. This test was published in the literature, but not its associated confidence interval. The p‐value for this test is obtained by using exact binomial probabilities with the nuisance parameter being replaced by its restricted maximum likelihood estimate. Calculated type I errors revealed that the AES method has important advantages for noninferiority comparisons over popular asymptotic methods for adequately powered confirmatory clinical trials, at 80% or 90% statistical power. For unbalanced sample sizes of the compared groups, type I errors for the asymptotic score method were shown to be higher than the nominal level in a systematic pattern over a range of true proportions, but the AES method did not suffer from such a problem. On average, the true type I error of the AES method was closer to the nominal level than all considered methods in the empirical comparisons. In rare cases, type I errors of the AES test exceeded the nominal level, but only by a small amount. Presented examples showed that the AES method can be more attractive in practice than practical exact methods. In addition, p‐value and confidence interval of the AES method can be obtained in <30 s of computer time for most confirmatory trials. Theoretical arguments, combined with empirical evidence and fast computation time should make the AES method attractive in statistical practice.
Attapulgite and Graphene‐Based Molecular Imprinted Polymers as 5‐FU Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer**
Authors: Yang Zhe , Fang Jiahui , Ji Xinyuan , Tian Dating , Hu Sheng
Published: December 2023

Molecularly imprinted polymers and non‐imprinted polymers based on attapulgite and graphene composite were synthesized by coating with copolymer of acrylamide and methyl methacrylate. The adsorption results showed that the molecularly imprinted polymers and non‐imprinted polymers could reach the maximum drug loading of 2.4 and 1.6 mg/g, respectively. The in vitro release studies demonstrated that molecularly imprinted polymers and non‐imprinted polymers can control the release of 5‐fluorouracil and reach maximum release at approximately 48 h. Cytotoxicity analysis showed that 100 μg/mL of molecularly imprinted polymers loaded with 5‐fluorouracil gradually increased the inhibition rate of HeLa with increasing time and approached the maximum inhibition rate of 20 % at 72 h.
In Situ Fabrication of Heterogeneous Co/Nanoporous Carbon Nano‐Islands for Excellent Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Li Shanxin , Sun Yijing , Zhang Kai , Jiang Xuzhou , Yu Hongying
Published: December 2023

High‐performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers are essential for addressing electromagnetic pollution and military security. However, challenges remain in realizing cost‐effectiveness and modulating absorbing properties. In this study, heterogeneous Co/nanoporous carbon (NPC) nano‐islands are prepared by efficient method co‐precipitation combined with in situ pyrolysis. The multi‐regulation strategy of morphology, graphitization, and defect density is achieved by modulating the pyrolysis temperature. Adjusting the pyrolysis temperature can effectively balance the conductivity and defect density, optimizing the impedance matching and enhancing the attenuation. Furthermore, it facilitates obtaining the appropriate shape and size of Co magnetic nanoparticles (Co‐MNPs), triggering strong surface plasmon resonance. This resonance, in turn, bolsters the synergy of dielectric and magnetic loss. The incorporation of porous nanostructures not only optimizes impedance matching and enhances multiple reflections but also improves interfacial polarization. Additionally, the presence of enriched defects and heteroatom doping significantly enhances dipole polarization. Notably, the absorber exhibits an impressive minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −73.87 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of 6.64 GHz. The combination of efficient fabrication methods, a performance regulation strategy through pyrolysis temperature modulation, and radar cross section (RCS) simulation provides a high‐performance EMW absorber and can pave the way for large‐scale applications.
Hydrogenated TiO2 Carbon Support for PtRu Anode Catalyst in High‐Performance Anion‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Douglin John C. , Sekar Archana , Singh Ramesh K. , Chen Zihua , Li Jun , Dekel Dario R.
Published: December 2023

The availability of durable, high‐performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is currently a constraint for anion‐exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Herein, a rapid microwave‐assisted synthesis method is used to develop a core–shell catalyst support based on a hydrogenated TiO2/carbon for PtRu nanoparticles (NPs). The hydrogenated TiO2 provides a strong metal‐support interaction with the PtRu NPs, which improves the catalyst's oxophilicity and HOR activity compared to commercial PtRu/C and enables greater size control of the catalyst NPs. The as‐synthesized PtRu/TiO2/C‐400 electrocatalyst exhibits respectable performance in an AEMFC operated at 80 °C, yielding the highest current density (up to 3× higher) within the catalytic region (compared at 0.80–0.90 V) and voltage efficiency (68%@ 0.5 A cm−2) values in the compared literature. In addition, the cell demonstrates promising short‐term voltage stability with a minor voltage decay of 1.5 mV h−1. This “first‐of‐its‐kind in alkaline” work may open further research avenues to develop rapid synthesis methods to prepare advanced core–shell metal‐oxide/carbon supports for electrocatalysts for use in the next‐generation of AEMFCs with potential applicability to the broader electrochemical systems research community.
Preliminary Investigation of Thermoelectric Electromotive Force Oscillation of NiCr/NiSi Thin Film Thermocouple in Dynamic Calibration
Authors: Sun Yi , Liu Zhihui , Hao Yuji , Liu Jiabei , Wang Qizhen , Wang Haoyu , Li Zhiqiang , Yin Junwei , Wang Hualin , Jiang Weiwei , Liu Shimin , Cui Yunxian , Ding Wanyu
Published: December 2023

In order to reveal the dynamic response characteristic of thin film thermocouples (TFTCs), the nichrome/nisil (NiCr/NiSi) TFTCs are prepared onto the glass substrate. With short pulse infrared laser system, NiCr/NiSi TFTCs are dynamically calibrated. The thermoelectric electromotive force (TEF) curves of NiCr/NiSi TFTCs are recorded by the memory hicorder system, which could reflect TEF signals with resolution ratio in nanosecond and microvolt, simultaneously. With increasing laser energy from 15.49 to 29.59 mJ, TEF curves display more and more violent oscillation, even negative value. The results show that the bounce of thermal energy happens between two interfaces of TFTCs because the thermal conductivity of glass and air is significantly lower than that of NiSi/NiCr TFTCs. The bounce of thermal energy results in the obvious decrease of nNiCr and nNiSi, as well as oscillation of TEF. For laser energy in 29.59 mJ, the bounce of thermal energy in NiCr film could result in nNiCr < nNiSi. Then, TEF value appears abnormal negative value. Based on the results, the complex thermal energy transport process in TFTCs dynamic calibration is revealed, which results in the oscillation of thermal energy and TEF signal.
Charge Management Enables Efficient Spontaneous Chromatic Adaptation Bipolar Photodetector
Authors: Zhao Dan , Wang Yan , Sun Xianglang , Wu Xin , Li Bo , Zhang Shoufeng , Gao Danpeng , Liu Baoze , Gong Shaokuan , Li Zhen , Zhang Chunlei , Chen Xihan , Xiao Shuang , Yang Shangfeng , Li Zhong'an , Zhu Zonglong
Published: December 2023

Solution‐processed photodetectors have emerged as promising candidates for next‐generation of visible‐near infrared (vis–NIR) photodetectors. This is attributed to their ease of processing, compatibility with flexible substrates, and the ability to tune their detection properties by integrating complementary photoresponsive semiconductors. However, the limited performance continues to hinder their further development, primarily influenced by the difference of charge transport properties between perovskite and organic semiconductors. In this work, a perovskite‐organic bipolar photodetectors (PDs) is introduced with multispectral responsivity, achieved by effectively managing charges in perovskite and a ternary organic heterojunction. The ternary heterojunction, incorporating a designed NIR guest acceptor, exhibits a faster charge transfer rate and longer carrier diffusion length than the binary heterojunction. By achieving a more balanced carrier dynamic between the perovskite and organic components, the PD achieves a low dark current of 3.74 nA cm−2 at −0.2 V, a fast response speed of <10 µs, and a detectivity of exceeding 1012 Jones. Furthermore, a bioinspired retinotopic system for spontaneous chromatic adaptation is achieved without any optical filter. This charge management strategy opens up possibilities for surpassing the limitations of photodetection and enables the realization of high‐purity, compact image sensors with exceptional spatial resolution and accurate color reproduction.
GUI testing of Android applications: Investigating the impact of the number of testers on different exploratory testing strategies
Authors: Di Martino Sergio , Fasolino Anna Rita , Starace Luigi Libero Lucio , Tramontana Porfirio
Published: December 2023

Graphical user interface (GUI) testing plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and functionality of mobile apps. In this context, exploratory testing (ET), a distinctive methodology in which individual testers pursue a creative, and experience‐based approach to test design, is often used as an alternative or in addition to traditional scripted testing. Managing the exploratory testing process is a challenging task that can easily result either in wasteful spending or in inadequate software quality, due to the relative unpredictability of exploratory testing activities, which depend on the skills and abilities of individual testers. A number of works have investigated the diversity of testers' performance when using ET strategies, often in a crowdtesting setting. These works, however, investigated ET effectiveness in detecting bugs, and not in scenarios in which the goal is to generate a re‐executable test suite, as well. Moreover, less work has been conducted on evaluating the impact of adopting different exploratory testing strategies. As a first step toward filling this gap in the literature, in this work, we conduct an empirical evaluation involving four open‐source Android apps and 20 masters students that we believe can be representative of practitioners partaking in exploratory testing activities. The students were asked to generate test suites for the apps using a capture and replay tool and different exploratory testing strategies. We then compare the effectiveness, in terms of aggregate code coverage that different‐sized groups of students using different exploratory testing strategies may achieve. Results provide deeper insights into code coverage dynamics to project managers interested in using exploratory approaches to test simple Android apps, on which they can make more informed decisions.
Stimulus‐Responsive Nano‐Prodrug Strategies for Cancer Therapy: A Focus on Camptothecin Delivery
Authors: Chu Bingyang , Deng Hanzhi , Niu Ting , Qu Ying , Qian Zhiyong
Published: December 2023

Camptothecin (CPT) is a highly cytotoxic molecule with excellent antitumor activity against various cancers. However, its clinical application is severely limited by poor water solubility, easy inactivation, and severe toxicity. Structural modifications and nanoformulations represent two crucial avenues for camptothecin's development. However, the potential for further structural modifications is limited, and camptothecin nanoparticles fabricated via physical loading have the drawbacks of low drug loading and leakage. Prodrug‐based CPT nanoformulations have shown unique advantages, including increased drug loading, reduced burst release, improved bioavailability, and minimal toxic side effects. Stimulus‐responsive CPT nano‐prodrugs that respond to various endogenous or exogenous stimuli by introducing various activatable linkers to achieve spatiotemporally responsive drug release at the tumor site. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest research advances in stimulus‐responsive CPT nano‐prodrugs, including preparation strategies, responsive release mechanisms, and their applications in cancer therapy. Special focus is placed on the release mechanisms and characteristics of various stimulus‐responsive CPT nano‐prodrugs and their application in cancer treatment. Furthermore, clinical applications of CPT prodrugs are discussed. Finally, challenges and future research directions for CPT nano‐prodrugs are discussed. This review to be valuable to readers engaged in prodrug research is expected.
Verteporfin‐Loaded Bioadhesive Nanoparticles for the Prevention of Hypertrophic Scar
Authors: Wang Peng , Peng Zhangwen , Yu Liu , Liu Yiling , Wang Hanwen , Zhou Ziheng , Liu Hengdeng , Hong Sheng , Nie Yichu , Deng Yang , Liu Yang , Xie Julin
Published: December 2023

Hypertrophic scarring (HS) is a common skin injury complication with unmet needs. Verteporfin (VP) should be an ideal HS‐targeted therapeutic drug due to its efficient fibrosis and angiogenesis inhibitory abilities. However, its application is restricted by its side effects such as dose‐dependent cytotoxicity on normal cells. Herein, the bioadhesive nanoparticles encapsulated VP (VP/BNPs) are successfully developed to attenuate the side effects of VP and enhance its HS inhibition effects by limiting VP releasing slowly and stably in the lesion site but not diffusing easily to normal tissues. VP/BNPs displayed significant inhibition on the proliferation, migration, collagen deposition, and vessel formation of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFBs) and dermal vascular endothelial cells (HDVECs). In a rat tail HS model, VP/BNPs treated HS exhibits dramatic scar repression with almost no side effects compared with free VP or VP‐loaded non‐bioadhesive nanoparticles (VP/NNPs) administration. Further immunofluorescence analysis on scar tissue serial sections validated VP/BNPs effectively inhibited the collagen deposition and angiogenesis by firmly confined in the scar tissue and persistently releasing VP targeted to nucleus Yes‐associated protein (nYAP) of HSFBs and HDVECs. These findings collectively suggest that VP/BNPs can be a promising and technically advantageous agent for HS therapies.
Ruthenium Complex Optimized Contact Interfaces of NiOX Nanocrystals for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Luo Gan , Zhang Yuxi , Zhu Qinglong , An Ziqi , Lv Pin , Chen Jiahui , Zhu Yanqing , Hu Min , Li Wangnan , Cao Kun , Ku Zhiliang , Huang Wenchao , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Lu Jianfeng
Published: December 2023

Nickel oxide (NiO
X
) is a desirable hole‐transporting material for perovskite solar cells owing to their merits of low‐cost, stable, and readily scalable. However, the NiO
X
|perovskite interface suffers from serious recombination and poor photostability because of the interfacial redox reactions. Herein, NiO
X
nanoparticles with tunable size have been synthesized at low temperatures by controlling the reactivity of the hydrolysis reaction. A self‐assembled monolayer composed of a ruthenium complex, i.e., C106, is then introduced to optimize the interfacial properties. The C106 molecule chemically bonds to NiO
X
via carboxyl acid group, which passivates the surface defects of NiO
X
and suppresses the negative redox reaction at the interface. The modification leads to an improvement in perovskite film morphology, crystallization, and band alignment. As a result, the efficiency of solar cells has been improved from 18.1% to 20.5%. More importantly, the modified solar cells retain >80% of their initial performance after continuous operation under 100 mW cm−2 irradiation for 800 h, which is much enhanced than the unmodified devices.
Robust nonparametric estimation of average treatment effects: A propensity score‐based varying coefficient approach
Authors: Tian Zhaoqing , Wu Peng , Yang Zixin , Cai Dingjiao , Hu Qirui
Published: December 2023

We present a novel nonparametric approach for estimating average treatment effects (ATEs), addressing a fundamental challenge in causal inference research, both in theory and empirical studies. Our method offers an effective solution to mitigate the instability problem caused by propensity scores close to zero or one, which are commonly encountered in (augmented) inverse probability weighting approaches. Notably, our method is straightforward to implement and does not depend on outcome model specification. We introduce an estimator for ATE and establish its consistency and asymptotic normality through rigorous analysis. To demonstrate the robustness of our method against extreme propensity scores, we conduct an extensive simulation study. Additionally, we apply our proposed methods to estimate the impact of social activity disengagement on cognitive ability using a nationally representative cohort study. Furthermore, we extend our proposed method to estimate the ATE on the treated population.
Electromechanical analysis of a bending‐torsion coupling piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Zhang Taotao , Wang Linda , Liu Wende
Published: December 2023

Piezoelectric energy harvester devices have been widely used for collection of the vibration energy. Especially, the cantilever structure has been extensively studied to optimizing its energy harvesting performance. In this paper, a new type of bending torsion coupled piezoelectric energy harvester is proposed with the combination of the elastic connection and the optimized design of the eccentric mass. The energy harvesting performance under indirect impact load is analyzed by the theory of mechanical vibration and Hamiltonian principle. The geometry effect of the tip mass is investigated. The theoretical calculation method is verified by comparison with the finite element method. The results show that reasonable resistance selection and the frequency matching of the main structure and the energy capture structure will significantly change the energy harvesting effect. The frequency matching of the structures can be optimized by improving the eccentric arrangement. It is demonstrated that the proposed structure of the piezoelectric energy harvester has better energy harvesting efficiency as compared with the traditional structures.
Use of mirtazapine in the treatment of canine behaviour problems: A review of 32 cases
Authors: Argüelles Juan , Duque Blanca , Miralles Marina , Bowen Jonathan , Fatjo Jaume
Published: December 2023

Background

Canine behaviour problems seen by speciality behavioural medicine services often involve chronic anxiety disorders that have resulted in maladaptation of the individual to its environment. Common stressors include the presence of other individuals (other dogs or people), noise and being alone. The treatment of these behavioural problems usually includes a combination of behaviour modification, environmental modification and biological therapies. Within the latter, anxiolytic drugs such as clomipramine or fluoxetine have proven useful.

Methods

Here, we present a retrospectively analysed series of 32 cases that were treated with the anxiolytic drug mirtazapine, which is widely used in human medicine but has not previously been reported for the treatment of behavioural problems in dogs (although it is marketed as an appetite stimulant in cats). Cases included dogs with a range of anxiety‐related behavioural problems.

Results

Eighty‐one percent of dogs that presented with a behavioural problem showed improvement and suspected adverse effects were mild and tolerable.

Limitations

Further studies are required to isolate this result from the other therapeutic measures and to compare its efficacy with other drugs.

Conclusion

Mirtazapine appears to be a suitable and safe option for the treatment of anxiety‐related behavioural problems in dogs.
Synthetic turbulence modelling for offshore wind farm engineering models using coherence aggregation
Authors: Chabaud Valentin
Published: December 2023

Turbulent wind fields are known to be a major driver for structural loads and power fluctuations on offshore wind turbines. At the single‐turbine scale, there exist well‐established design standards based on wind spectra and coherence functions calibrated from years of measurements, which are used to generate multiple 10‐min wind field realisations known as synthetic turbulence boxes, themselves used as input to turbine‐scale aero‐hydro‐servo elastic codes. These methods are however not directly applicable at farm scale. When analysing the dynamics of large offshore wind farms, measurements reveal the importance of large, low‐frequency turbulent vortices for power fluctuations and hence for wind farm control and grid integration. Also, farm‐scale wind fields are needed as input to farm‐scale aero‐servo‐elastic codes for the modelling of wake dynamics, affecting structural loads. These new concerns motivate an upgrade in the original turbine‐scale wind field representation: (1) spectral models need to be based on farm‐scale measurements, (2) the frozen‐turbulence assumption merging temporal and along‐wind coherence must be lifted, (3) simplifications are needed to reduce the number of degrees of freedom as the domain becomes excessively large. This paper suggests models and algorithms for aggregated farm‐wide corrrelated synthetic turbulence generation—lumping the wind field into space‐averaged quantities—adapted to the aero‐hydro‐servo elastic modelling of large offshore wind farms. Starting from the work of Sørensen et al. in the early 2000s for grid integration purposes, methods for structural load modelling (through wake meandering and high‐resolution wind field reconstruction) are introduced. Implementation and efficiency matters involving mathematical subtleties are then presented. Finally, numerical experiments are carried out to (1) verify the approach and implementation against a state‐of‐the‐art point‐based—as opposite to aggregated—synthetic turbulence generation code and (2) illustrate the benefit of turbulence aggregation for the modelling of large offshore wind farms.
Estimating the effort required to detect Kirtland's snakes (Clonophis kirtlandii)
Authors: Stewart Tyler M. , Kuhns Andrew R. , Phillips Christopher A. , Crawford John A. , Dreslik Michael J.
Published: December 2023

Snakes are difficult to study due to their cryptic coloration, minimal movements, and use of inaccessible habitats. Although well‐timed surveys during a species' active season can result in higher detection rates and conserve survey resources (i.e., time and money), survey effort may not ensure the detection of rare and cryptic species. Thus, in such instances, a strategic species‐specific sampling design is needed. The Kirtland's snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) is a rare, cryptic species assumed to be experiencing range‐wide declines. Naturalists have noted the disappearance of Kirtland's snakes from various habitats since the early 1970s. The primary objective of our study was to determine detection of Kirtland's snakes and the environmental and temporal factors influencing detection. We calculated the effort needed to detect individuals at sites by estimating detection probabilities of 3 known Kirtland's snake populations in Illinois from 2019 to 2021. Based on 77 Kirtland's snake detections over 226 site visits (34.1%) across 3 study sites, we found that high cloud cover, moderate air temperature, and low relative humidity enhanced the detection probability of this species. The middle of May to the beginning of July was the best time to conduct surveys when detection rates were highest. As our results suggested, it is imperative to establish strategic monitoring programs maximizing conservation resources to document populations for conservation action and range shifts for species of conservation concern, such as Kirtland's snakes.
Comparative responses of flocculating and nonflocculating yeasts to cell density and chemical stress in lactic acid fermentation
Authors: Pangestu Radityo , Kahar Prihardi , Ogino Chiaki , Kondo Akihiko
Published: December 2023

While flocculation has demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing yeast robustness and ethanol production, its potential application for lactic acid fermentation remains largely unexplored. Our study examined the differences between flocculating and nonflocculating Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains in terms of their metabolic dynamics when incorporating an exogenous lactic acid pathway, across varying cell densities and in the presence of lignocellulose‐derived byproducts. Comparative gene expression profiles revealed that cultivating a nonflocculant strain at higher cell density yielded a substantial upregulation of genes associated with glycolysis, energy metabolism, and other key pathways, resulting in elevated levels of fermentation products. Meanwhile, the flocculating strain displayed an inherent ability to sustain high glycolytic activity regardless of the cell density. Moreover, our investigation revealed a significant reduction in glycolytic activity under chemical stress, potentially attributable to diminished ATP supply during the energy investment phase. Conversely, the formation of flocs in the flocculating strain conferred protection against toxic chemicals present in the medium, fostering more stable lactic acid production levels. Additionally, the distinct flocculation traits observed between the two examined strains may be attributed to variations in the nucleotide sequences of the flocculin genes and their regulators. This study uncovers the potential of flocculation for enhanced lactic acid production in yeast, offering insights into metabolic mechanisms and potential gene targets for strain improvement.
Influence of Marangoni convection, viscous dissipation, and variable fluid viscosity of nanofluid flow on stretching surface analytical analysis
Authors: Rehman Ali , Khun Ma Chau , Alsubaie Abdullah Saad , Inc Mustafa
Published: December 2023

The current research paper investigates the viscous dissipation, influence of Marangoni convection (MC), and the variable fluid viscosity of nanofluid flow on stretching surfaces. The flow system takes into account variable viscosity with the impact of MC. Furthermore, velocity and temperature slips at the stretching surface are also considered in this study. To convert a collection of NLPDE to a NODE, we applied appropriate transformations. We utilize Homotopy analysis method (HAM) to solve this set of equations. The effects of temperature, tangential, and radial velocities on numerical perceptions involving Marangoni convection, nanoparticle volume friction, porosity parameter, Eckert number (EN) and heat source input factors are shown. A physical description is used to simulate and evaluate the structures of flow features such as velocity and temperature profiles in response to changes in developing factors. Based on the given result, we can observe that the temperature profile increases as EN and the heat source parameter increase, and that the velocity profile decreases as MC increases and increases with the porosity parameter.
Spiritual Crossings: Olokun and Caribbean Futures Past in La Mucama de Omicunlé by Rita Indiana
Authors: Deckman Joshua R.
Published: December 2023

This chapter explores Yoruba divination systems as complex systems of patakís meant to aid in the healing process in the dystopian island geographies of Rita Indiana’s La Mucama de Omicunlé. Specifically, the chapter explores this concept through the figure of Olokun, guardian of stories and mysteries of creation who resides at the bottom of the sea. What is more, Olokun provides the stories necessary to reflect upon how we might be transformed by our past, present, and futures at the crossroads of being in diaspora. In this way, the chapter demonstrates the transformative time-space of Olokun as a radical figure of decolonial yearning in order to move away from the replication of colonial racial-gender-sexual-economic violence that has torn apart the fictional, dystopian world time and again in order to repair ourselves and move forward toward a new future of liberation, one that will emerge from the spatio-temporal crossroads opened by the forgotten mysteries of the sea.
Fiction as a Spider’s Web? Ananse and Gender in Karen Lord’s Speculative Folktale Redemption in Indigo
Authors: Zimmerman Tegan
Published: December 2023

Karen Lord’s speculative folktale Redemption in Indigo (2010) engages the other-wordly or un-worldly to explore Caribbean social justice issues such as race, gender, and class inequality. Demonstrating her trickster powers, Lord merges folk gods and hero(ines) from different African traditions, for example Akan, Ashanti, Xhosa, and Karamba, with those found in Caribbean cultures. This syncretic textual strategy not only emphasizes the subversive, liminal qualities of both Ananse, the African-Caribbean folk figure, and Anansesem in challenging colonial metanarratives of time and space that have erased, denigrated, or falsely represented the African-Caribbean woman but also critiques masculinist versions of Ananse and traditionally male-dominated Anansesem. By contrast, Lord’s antipatriarchal, anticolonial account foregrounds Ananse’s feminine qualities and empowered female figures: the nonbinary storyteller, the heroine Paama, and the goddess Atabey. In doing so, Lord offers a new futuristic, feminocentric Ananse story whose weblike concentric patterns interweave the African past with the Caribbean present, the ancestral homeland with the diaspora.