bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of the Ammann–Beenker Tiling and its Square Periodic Approximants
Authors: Jagannathan Anuradha , Duneau Michel
Published: June 2024

Our understanding of physical properties of quasicrystals owes a great deal to studies of tight‐binding models constructed on quasiperiodic tilings. Among the large number of possible quasiperiodic structures, two dimensional tilings are of particular importance – in their own right, but also for information regarding properties of three dimensional systems. We provide here a users manual for those wishing to construct and study physical properties of the 8‐fold Ammann–Beenker quasicrystal, a good starting point for investigations of two dimensional quasiperiodic systems. This tiling has a relatively straightforward construction. Thus, geometrical properties such as the type and number of local environments can be readily found by simple analytical computations. Transformations of sites under discrete scale changes – called inflations and deflations – are easier to establish compared to the celebrated Penrose tiling, for example. We have aimed to describe the methodology with a minimum of technicalities but in sufficient detail so as to enable non‐specialists to generate quasiperiodic tilings and periodic approximants, with or without disorder. The discussion of properties includes some relations not previously published, and examples with figures.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting placenta accreta spectrum in pregnancies with one previous cesarean delivery
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Xi Fangfang , Luo Peiying , Dong Tian , Jiang Hangjin , Luo Qiong
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aimed to develop and validate a prenatal nomogram to predict the risk of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in women with one previous cesarean delivery.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 5157 pregnant women with one previous cesarean delivery in China from January 2021 to January 2023. The nomogram was developed from a training cohort of 3612 pregnant women and tested on a validation cohort of 1545 pregnant women. Multivariate regression analysis was performed using the minimum value of the Akaike information criterion to select prognostic factors that can be included in the nomogram. We evaluated the nomogram by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curves, and the decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

PAS occurred in 199 (5.51%) and 80 (5.18%) patients in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Backward stepwise algorithms in the multivariable logistic regression model determined abortion, hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy, fetal position, and placenta previa as relevant PAS predictors. The area under the ROC curve for the nomogram was 0.770 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.733–0.807) and 0.791 (95% CI 0.730–0.853) for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curves indicated that the nomogram's prediction probability was consistent with the actual probability. The DCA curve revealed that the nomogram has potential clinical benefit.

Conclusion

A prenatal nomogram was developed for PAS in our study, which helped obstetricians determine potential patients with PAS and make sufficient preoperative preparation to reduce maternal and neonatal complications.
Boosting flexible electronics with integration of two‐dimensional materials
Authors: Hou Chongyang , Zhang Shuye , Liu Rui , Gemming Thomas , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Zhao Hongbin , Jia Hao , Huang Shirong , Zhou Weijia , Xu Jian‐Bin , Pang Jinbo , Rümmeli Mark H. , Bi Jinshun , Liu Hong , Cuniberti Gianaurelio
Published: June 2024

Flexible electronics has emerged as a continuously growing field of study. Two‐dimensional (2D) materials often act as conductors and electrodes in electronic devices, holding significant promise in the design of high‐performance, flexible electronics. Numerous studies have focused on harnessing the potential of these materials for the development of such devices. However, to date, the incorporation of 2D materials in flexible electronics has rarely been summarized or reviewed. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop comprehensive reviews for rapid updates on this evolving landscape. This review covers progress in complex material architectures based on 2D materials, including interfaces, heterostructures, and 2D/polymer composites. Additionally, it explores flexible and wearable energy storage and conversion, display and touch technologies, and biomedical applications, together with integrated design solutions. Although the pursuit of high‐performance and high‐sensitivity instruments remains a primary objective, the integrated design of flexible electronics with 2D materials also warrants consideration. By combining multiple functionalities into a singular device, augmented by machine learning and algorithms, we can potentially surpass the performance of existing wearable technologies. Finally, we briefly discuss the future trajectory of this burgeoning field. This review discusses the recent advancements in flexible sensors made from 2D materials and their applications in integrated architecture and device design.
Unusual bendable soft molecule‐based ferroelectric crystals enabling the flexible photo‐pyroelectric detection
Authors: Tang Liwei , Zhu Xinxu , Ma Yu , Xu Haojie , Han Shiguo , Liu Yi , Chen Yaoyao , Wang Daohua , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: June 2024

Soft molecule‐based ferroelectrics with unique structural flexibility hold a promise for versatile applications of non‐volatile memory, imaging and photovoltaic devices. Except for few polymers (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride, PVDF), it is challenging to exploit soft ferroelectric crystals toward free‐standing flexible photoactive devices. We here report a multiaxial soft molecule‐based ferroelectric, (n‐PA)2PbCl4 (1, where n‐PA+ is n‐pentylammonium), of which spontaneous polarization can be reversibly switched in both crystal and powder forms. Strikingly, single crystals of 1 have unusual structural flexibility and bendability, achieving the self‐standing bending with a bending radius of ~0.22 mm. Besides, the pyroelectric activities are also preserved for these single crystals after several bending cycles. Further, the bendable crystal‐based photodetector of 1 allows broadband photoactivities via the photo‐pyroelectric effect, covering a wide range from 405 to 940 nm spectral region, breaking through the limit of optical absorption bandgap. As the first study of bendable free‐standing photo‐pyroelectric detectors in ferroelectric crystals, our work sheds light on the assembly of flexible smart photoelectric devices.

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Effects of adult children's marriage on household stock market participation: An event‐study difference‐in‐differences approach using Chinese micro data
Authors: Sun Haopeng
Published: June 2024

This paper examines households' stock market participation responses to a critical life‐cycle event, adult children's marriage. An event‐study difference‐in‐differences approach is employed to facilitate identification, which compares changes in the stock market participation behaviors of households that experience children's marriage with households that experience it later as well as households that never experience it. Exploiting household‐wide variations in exposure to children's marriage using the China Family Panel Studies data over the 2010–2020 period, this paper finds that 2 years after children's marriage, households significantly enhance their likelihood of participating in the stock market. Households' willingness to participate increases by 1.1 to 1.6 percentage points depending on specifications. This paper's finding supports time‐varying risk aversion at the household level. Mechanism analysis indicates that children's marriage raises household risk preferences because it mitigates parental old‐age support concerns and alleviates households' consumption commitment to housing and children.
A 90‐day preclinical toxicological evaluation in rats of a highly purified and concentrated mulberry leaf extract
Authors: Murbach Timothy S. , Glávits Róbert , Endres John R. , Hirka Gábor , Pasics Szakonyiné Ilona
Published: June 2024

Mulberry (genus Morus) leaves have long been used as a human food, especially in Asia, and animal feed. More recently, mulberry leaf extracts have been introduced as a convenient way to consume mulberry for non‐nutritional functional effects. Reducose® 5% is an Morus alba leaf extract that has been highly purified and standardized to a content of 5 ± 0.5% 1‐deoxynojirimycin, a naturally present polyhydroxylated piperidine alkaloid analog of D‐glucose. This extract has previously been evaluated in acute and subacute (28‐day) oral toxicity studies in which no adverse effects of the test item were observed in mice or rats, respectively. Due to continued and growing interest in the extract in multinational markets, we have now further investigated potential toxic effects in subchronic (90‐day) oral toxicity study in male and female Han:WIST rats. The test item was administered at doses of 850, 1700, and 2550 mg/kg bw/day, and did not cause adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight development, clinical pathology, gross pathology, or histopathology in comparison to the vehicle‐control group. The no‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level was determined to be 2550 mg/kg bw/day. These results add to the existing body of both preclinical and clinical work relevant to the safety of the extract and of interest to regulators in various global markets.
Quo vadis ureagenesis disorders? A journey from 90 years ago into the future
Authors: Häberle Johannes , Siri Barbara , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo
Published: June 2024

The pathway of ammonia disposal in the mammalian organism has been described in 1932 as a metabolic cycle present in the liver in different compartments. In 1958, the first human disorder affecting this pathway was described as a genetic condition leading to cognitive impairment and constant abnormalities of amino acid metabolism. Since then, defects in all enzymes and transporters of the urea cycle have been described, referring to them as primary urea cycle disorders causing primary hyperammonemia. In addition, there is a still increasing list of conditions that impact on the function of the urea cycle by various mechanisms, hereby leading to secondary hyperammonemia. Despite great advances in understanding the molecular background and the biochemical specificities of both primary and secondary hyperammonemias, there remain many open questions: we do not fully understand the pathophysiology in many of the conditions; we do not always understand the highly variable clinical course of affected patients; we clearly appreciate the need for novel and improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This study does look back to the beginning of the urea cycle (hi)story, briefly describes the journey through past decades, hereby illustrating advancements and knowledge gaps, and gives examples for the extremely broad perspective imminent to some of the defects of ureagenesis and allied conditions.
The effect of an antioxidant gel compared to chlorhexidine during the soft tissue healing process: An animal study
Authors: Ukaegbu Kelechi , Foyle Deborah , Luan Xianghong , Schneiderman Emet , Allen Edward P. , Plemons Jacqueline , Svoboda Kathy K. H.
Published: June 2024

Background

Prolonged inflammation and oxidative stress can impede healing. To enhance healing efficiency, many solutions have been employed. This is an in vivo study comparing chlorhexidine (CHX) to a commercial antioxidant gel (AO).

Methods

Envelope flaps were created in the lower incisor gingival region of 60 Sprague–Dawley rats, and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was inserted. Animals were randomly assigned to postsurgical treatment application of AO gel or 0.12% CHX twice daily. A control group received no postsurgical treatment. Data collected (before surgery, 24 h, and 72 h) included surgical images, tissue samples, and weights. Blinded scorers assessed images using a wound healing scale. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used for gene expression of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα), interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Results

The AO group scored higher than the CHX and control groups in clinical evaluation (p < 0.05). At 24 h, TNFα expression was upregulated in the AO group compared to CHX (p = 0.027) and controls (p = 0.018). The AO group had significantly higher expression of antioxidant enzyme (SOD) at 24 h compared to CHX (p = 0.021). All animals lost weight in the first 24 h. Animals treated with AO or CHX regained more weight at 72 h than control animals (p = 0.034 and 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion

Animals treated with AO healed faster. AO led to earlier upregulation of TNFα and antioxidant enzyme SOD. We hypothesized that AO promoted an earlier inflammatory process while counteracting oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant responses via SOD.
Global trends and hotspots on recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: A 20‐year bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Chao , Pan Yufei , Huang Huili , Liu Kai , Yu Zhenkun
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is the most common benign laryngeal tumor in children. It can cause serious psychological and mental burden on patients since RRP requires repeated surgical treatment. This study aims to delineate the global trends and identify hotspots related to RRP over the past two decades.

Methods

We systematically gathered research findings on RRP from 2004 to 2023, utilizing the Web of Science as our data source. Subsequently, we performed a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature using Vosviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrics online analysis platform.

Results

A total of 839 publications were finally identified on RRP from 2004 to 2023. The United States has the largest number of publications (392), accounting for 46.7%. The Capital Medical University is the most productive organization (24), followed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (18). The most productive journal was the Laryngoscope, with 86 publicatios. Comparatively, Vaccine is the most cited journal (2297). Craig S. Derkay ranked highest among all authors in publication (16). Burst detection shows onset, adjuvant therapy, management, juvenile‐onset RRP, systemic bevacizumab, avastin, human papillomavirus vaccine are recent keywords of great interest to researchers.

Conclusion

Research on RRP has progressed significantly over the past two decades, especially in terms of therapeutic strategies. We strongly believe that this article will provide new research directions for other researchers and may contribute to future breakthroughs in the field.
Vortex‐Vector Beam Conversion and Chiral Field Manipulation based on Terahertz Liquid Crystal Cascaded Metadevice
Authors: Zhao Huijun , Fan Fei , Wang Yiming , Liu Jing , Ji Yunyun , Cheng Jierong , Chang Shengjiang
Published: June 2024

Vortex‐vector beam generators can effectively improve the channel capacity and communication accuracy, but they face the problems of narrow operating frequency band, low efficiency, and fixed function. Here, a terahertz liquid crystal cascaded metadevice is demonstrated, including a liquid crystal layer, an asymmetric metasurface layer, and a helical phase metasurface layer. The combination of liquid crystal's anisotropy and structural anisotropy from the asymmetric metasurface realizes the dynamic chirality construction. Then, the tunable chiral fields are effectively coupled with the helical geometric phase of the last metasurface layer to realize an active control between symmetric and asymmetric spin‐orbit angular momentum coupling, leading to the two types of beam generation and conversion: 1) spin‐dependent conversion and energy distribution between the vortex beams with ±2 topological charges; 2) the conversions between the 2‐order vortex beam and the cylindrical vector beam. The experimental results show that the excitation efficiency of vortex beams can reach over 92.1%, and the intensity modulation depth between different types of beams is more than 72.4%. This THz beam dynamic conversion mechanism and device scheme increase the degree of freedom of the device and have potential applications in terahertz multi‐channel wireless communication, polarization multiplexing imaging, and chiral spectrum detection.
Price regulation, network externality, and product innovation strategies: A dynamic analysis
Authors: Ge Lijia , Li Shoude
Published: June 2024

For many high‐tech and Internet‐related products, consumers' utility depends partly on the scale of user groups, which is called network externality. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in shaping firms' innovation strategies, especially in markets with price regulation. This paper aims to investigate a monopolist's dynamic product innovation problem in a price‐regulated market exhibiting network externality. We identify the sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence of optimal steady‐state equilibrium. Our analysis mainly shows the following: (i) the product quality and network size move in opposite directions along the path to the steady‐state equilibrium; (ii) the equilibrium result of product innovation increases with the regulated price but decreases with the intensity of network externality; (iii) the social‐welfare maximizing path of product innovation can be replicated by a dynamic price regulation regime, involving a premium on quality and a premium or a penalty on network size. Numerical experiments are performed to characterize the dynamic patterns of product innovation. We find that firms with high brand power prefer adopting mild product innovation strategy while for firms with low brand power, almost constant high‐quality strategy is better.
Barriers and enablers to the implementation and sustainability of short‐stay arthroplasty programs for elective primary total hip and knee replacement: A systematic review with qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Berkovic Danielle , Vallance Patrick , Harris Ian A. , Naylor Justine M. , Lewis Peter L. , de Steiger Richard , Buchbinder Rachelle , Ademi Zanfina , Ackerman Ilana N.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

We aimed to systematically review contemporary evidence on the barriers and enablers to implementing and sustaining short‐stay arthroplasty programs for elective primary total hip and knee replacement from the perspectives of patients, health professionals, carers, healthcare administrators, funders and policymakers and to map the findings to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Methods

Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched (up to 19 August 2023). Primary qualitative or mixed‐methods studies reporting on perspectives relating to the review aims that utilised a short‐stay programme were eligible for inclusion. Study quality was assessed using the qualitative critical appraisal tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data were analysed inductively. The final themes were mapped to the TDF. The confidence in the findings was assessed using GRADE CERQual.

Results

Fifteen studies were included. Twelve barrier themes and twelve enabler themes were identified. Three themes were graded with high confidence, 10 were graded with moderate confidence, three were graded with low confidence, and eight were graded with very low confidence. The most pertinent domains that the themes were mapped to for patients were beliefs about capabilities, reinforcement, and the environmental context and resources. Health professionals identified knowledge, environmental context and resources as important domains. Two domains were identified for carers: (1) social/professional role and identity and (2) memory, attention, and decision processes.

Conclusion

We identified key barrier and enabler themes linked to the TDF that can be used to guide implementation initiatives and promote the sustainability of short‐stay arthroplasty programs.
Boundary integrated neural networks and code for acoustic radiation and scattering
Authors: Qu Wenzhen , Gu Yan , Zhao Shengdong , Wang Fajie , Lin Ji
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a novel approach called the boundary integrated neural networks (BINNs) for analyzing acoustic radiation and scattering. The method introduces fundamental solutions of the time‐harmonic wave equation to encode the boundary integral equations (BIEs) within the neural networks, replacing the conventional use of the governing equation in physics‐informed neural networks (PINNs). This approach offers several advantages. First, the input data for the neural networks in the BINNs only require the coordinates of “boundary” collocation points, making it highly suitable for analyzing acoustic fields in unbounded domains. Second, the loss function of the BINNs is not a composite form and has a fast convergence. Third, the BINNs achieve comparable precision to the PINNs using fewer collocation points and hidden layers/neurons. Finally, the semianalytic characteristic of the BIEs contributes to the higher precision of the BINNs. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, and a MATLAB code implementation is provided as supplementary material.
Short sleep duration is associated with higher risk of central obesity in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Kohanmoo Ali , Akhlaghi Masoumeh , Sasani Najmeh , Nouripour Fatemeh , Lombardo Caterina , Kazemi Asma
Published: June 2024

Background and Objective

The relationship between sleep duration and obesity has been the focus of numerous investigations. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies aimed to assess the relationship between sleep duration, abdominal obesity, and body composition.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until February 2024. Cohort studies that assessed the relationship between sleep duration at night and central obesity measures or body composition indices in adults were included. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was conducted on studies that reported risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Eighteen studies were eligible to be included. Eleven out of the 18 studies were not included in the analysis as 10 studies did not report RR, and in one study, the definition of short and normal sleep duration was different from others. The results of the meta‐analysis indicated that short sleep duration was significantly associated with abdominal obesity (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04–1.12; I2 = 49.1%, n = 7), but long sleep duration was not (RR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.83–1.24; I2 = 98.2%, n = 6).

Conclusions

Short sleep duration was associated with a slightly higher risk of central obesity, while long sleep duration was not.
Newly formed and ruptured infectious intracranial aneurysm in few days following first intracranial aneurysm embolization concurrent with middle cerebral artery occlusion: A regrettable case in a baby child
Authors: Yang Yunying , Ma Hongtu , Hu Hui , Li Lusheng , Tang Jun
Published: June 2024

Infectious intracranial aneurysm (IIA) and embolic cerebral infarction are well‐known devastating complications of children suffering infective endocarditis. In this report, we describe a successfully embolized IIA concurrent with bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Unfortunately, a newly formed IIA located in the contralateral MCA bifurcation ruptured at the seventh day following embolization. A 6‐month‐old female child was admitted to hospital 3 days following acute right limb mobility disorder. An interventional surgery history of congenital heart disease was confirmed. She was immediately started on antibiotic therapy and the computed tomography agiography (CTA) scan showed occlusion of the upper branch of the left MCA. Unfortunately an IIA was located in the distal artery region (DAR) of the ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery. Angiography (digital subtraction angiography) was performed and the DAR IIA was embolized by OnyX‐18 with Magic 1.2 Fr. microcatheter. On the sixth day, magnetic resonance imaging during the hospital stay showed reduced infarction area with no other special sign. Desperately, a major seizure with opisthotonos attacked the baby on the seventh day after embolization. An immediate CTA scan showed massive hematoma in the right basal ganglia and a ruptured bifurcate aneurysm of the right MCA. The parents refused positive treatment and discharged in considering the critical situation. It should be noted that IIA can be fast formed anywhere in cerebral artery and dynamic angio‐image should be performed as supervision.
The association between overuse and musculoskeletal injuries and the female athlete triad in Division I collegiate athletes
Authors: Miller Olson Emily , Sainani Kristin L. , Dyrek Paige , Bakal David , Miller Kenneth , Carlson Jennifer L. , Fredericson Michael , Tenforde Adam S.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Although the female athlete triad (Triad) has been associated with increased risk of bone‐stress injuries (BSIs), limited research among collegiate athletes has addressed the associations between the Triad and non‐BSI injuries.

Objective

To elucidate the relationship between Triad and both BSI and non‐BSI in female athletes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Primary and tertiary care student athlete clinic.

Participants

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female athletes at a single institution.

Intervention

Participants completed a pre‐participation questionnaire and dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, which was used to generate a Triad cumulative risk assessment score (Triad score). The number of overuse musculoskeletal injuries that occurred while the athletes were still competing collegiately were identified through chart review.

Main Outcome Measure

BSI and non‐BSI were treated as count variables. The association between BSI, non‐BSI, and Triad score was measured using Poisson regression to calculate rate ratios.

Results

Of 239 athletes, 43% of athletes (n = 103) sustained at least one injury. Of those, 40% (n = 95) sustained at least one non‐BSI and 10% (n = 24) sustained at least one BSI over an average follow‐up 2.5 years. After accounting for sport type (non‐lean, runner, other endurance sport, or other lean advantage sport) and baseline age, we found that every additional Triad score risk point was associated with a significant 17% increase in the rate of BSI (rate ratio [RR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.33; p = .016). However, Triad score was unrelated to non‐BSI (1.00, 95% CI 0.91–1.11; p = .99). Compared with athletes in non‐lean sports (n = 108), athletes in other lean advantage sports (n = 30) had an increased rate of non‐BSI (RR: 2.09, p = .004) whereas distance runners (n = 46) had increased rates of BSI (RR: 7.65, p < .001) and non‐BSI (RR: 2.25, p < .001).

Conclusions

Higher Triad score is associated with an increased risk of BSI but not non‐BSI in collegiate athletes.
Examining the impact of nano‐sized Litharge, Tenorite, and Hematite on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate‐based cross‐linked composite modified double base propellant
Authors: Fertassi Meriem Amina , Belkhiri Samir , Touidjine Sabri , Boulkadid Moulai Karim , Hamdane Akbi , Khimeche Kamel
Published: June 2024

This study aims to compare the catalytic effects of three nano‐metal oxides (nMOs); Litharge (α‐PbO), Tenorite (CuO), and Hematite (α‐Fe2O3) on the thermal decomposition of an ammonium perchlorate based cross‐linked composite modified double base propellant (AP‐XLCMDBP). The three nMOs are synthesized via a chemical precipitation method and then characterized using XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Their effect on the thermal decomposition of AP‐XLCMDBP is studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results indicate that Litharge has no significant effect on the thermal decomposition of AP‐XLCMDBP. However, both Tenorite and Hematite nanocatalysts accelerate the thermolysis process and enhance the total heat released from AP‐XLCMDBP. Moreover, compared to Tenorite, Hematite nanoparticles are found to be a more efficient catalyst, where their presence in AP‐XLCMDBP leads to a significant decrease in activation energies of the first and the second decomposition stages by 13.67 kJ/mol and 17.57 kJ/mol, respectively. An increase of the total decomposition heat by 153.73 J/g is also attained in the presence of Hematite, displaying its high catalytic action on the thermal decomposition of AP‐XLCMDBP.
Eco‐friendly chemically crosslinked solid composite propellants via catalyst‐free azide‐alkyne cycloaddition
Authors: Min Byoung Sun , Kim Sung June , Shim Hong Min , Jeon Heung Bae
Published: June 2024

We have innovatively formulated solid propellants by employing a catalyst‐free azide‐alkyne cycloaddition approach, steering away from the conventional urethane curing system reliant on moisture‐sensitive isocyanate compounds. These conventional systems exhibits poor compatibility with the eco‐friendly ionic oxidizers. Azide polymers, including polycaprolactone ether (PCE), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were incorporated, with their terminal hydroxyl groups strategically modified with azides. Additionally, glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), characterized by an abundance of azides in its side chains, was introduced. For polybutadiene‐based solid propellants, a departure from the norm was pursued. We employed polybutadiene (PB) terminated with electron‐deficient alkynes(propiolate), synthesized through a urethane reaction involving an unsymmetric divalent chain‐linker containing both isocyanate and propiolate functionalities with hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). This approach diverged from the common practice of modifying other polymers with azides at the terminal. To ensure the attainment of optical mechanical properties in azide‐terminated polymer‐based solid propellants, trivalent propiolate curatives were judiciously combined with divalent propiolate curatives in an appropriate blend ratio. A meticulously synthesized series of polymeric bonding agents, designed to establish chemical links between solid oxidizers and polymer binder, revealed the idenfication of exceptional bonding agents. These agents played a pivotal role in delivering outstanding mechanical properties in solid propellants based on ammonium perchlorate (AP) and nitramine‐typed oxidizers. GAP‐based solid propellants were meticulously prepared, incorporating both urethane moieties at the terminal and triazole moieties at the side chains. Trivalent azide‐terminal curatives were introduced for crosslinking PB terminated with propiolates. Generally, triazole‐curing system resulted in solid propellants exhibiting notably higher burning rates compared to those crosslinked through urethanes. In summary, this research presents a sophisticated approach to the formulation of solid propellants, emphasizing a departure from conventional systems, strategic polymer modifications, and the meticulous synthesis of bonding agents to achieve superior mechanical properties and burning rates.
An Approach Toward Broader Emission Bands in Semipolar InGaN Quantum Wells on Convex Lens‐Shaped GaN Microstructures via Lower‐Temperature Growth
Authors: Fukushige Shogo , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Funato Mitsuru , Kawakami Yoichi
Published: June 2024

InGaN quantum wells (QWs) are grown at different temperatures on convex lens‐shaped GaN microstructures formed on the () plane. Microlens QWs grown at different temperatures have centrosymmetric convex lens shapes, and the wavelength spatial distributions within the structures exhibit similar tendencies. However, lowering the growth temperature broadens the wavelength range of room‐temperature cathodoluminescence spectra from the microlens QWs as ≈70 nm for ≈700 °C, ≈100 nm for ≈660 °C, and ≈150 nm for ≈650 °C. Peak wavelength profiles of the two orthogonal lines along [] and [] indicate that the broader emission bands are mainly due to the significant spatial distribution of the emission wavelength along the [] direction. Because the QW thickness variations are nearly the same along [] and [], the observed difference in the emission wavelength distributions along those directions is attributed to the difference in In incorporation, which is determined by the competition among the growth rate, crystal orientation, and growth temperature.
Modulating hydrogen bonding through Lewis acid complexation
Authors: Mazumder Lakhya J. , Sarmah Kangkan , Guha Ankur K.
Published: June 2024

Present calculations reveal that complexation with a Lewis acid such as BH3 dramatically increases the strength of hydrogen bonding between H2O, H2S, HF, HCl, and NH3 dimers. The increase in strength is attributed to the increase in electrostatic component. The interaction energies were found to increase by two to three folds (more than 50% increase in interaction energies). Detailed electronic structure analyses within the realm of quantum theory of atoms in molecules and non‐covalent interaction index confirms the strengthening of hydrogen bonding due to Lewis acid complexation. Decomposition of interaction energies using symmetry adapted perturbation theory reveals that the increase in interaction energy (more than 60%) is due to the dramatic increase in electrostatic component.
Liposome‐Based Delivery of a Bis‐benzimidazole Derivative to Duplex DNA: A Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Shit Debatri , Mandal Pabitra , Das Priyabrata , Pramanik Smritimoy
Published: June 2024

Due to the immense pharmacological significance, the interaction of small molecules with liposome and the exact knowledge of their binding location and distribution within the lipid bilayer of liposome is an active field of biophysical research. Here, we have studied the binding interaction of H33258 with DPPC liposome, a model biological membrane. From the steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy it was revealed that H33258 bounded to DPPC liposome and the estimated binding constant value was 2.5×102 M−1. It was also revealed that the H33258 essentially partitioned within the lipid bilayer of DPPC liposome. Moreover, from steady‐state fluorescence, time‐resolved lifetime, time‐resolved anisotropy and ITC studies it was established that the probe molecules were sequestrated from the lipid bilayer and bounded to a duplex DNA structure. Our results on the binding consequences of H33258 with liposome will aid development of a simple and safe strategy to deliver drugs to the target sites using liposome, endogenously.
2D Tantalum Disulfide Reduction Strategy Customized Ta2O5/rGO Heterointerface Aerogel Toward Boosting Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Flame Retardancy
Authors: Deng Fukang , Zhang Zhen , Xu Xinyun , Tian Dingkun , Duan Yingjie , Lu Xi , Xu Yadong , Wan Yanjun , Lin Zhiqiang , Hu Yougen , Sun Rong
Published: June 2024

The exceptional and substantial electron affinity, as well as the excellent chemical and thermal stability of transition metal oxides (TMOs), infuse infinite vitality into multifunctional applications, especially in the field of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption. Nonetheless, the suboptimal structural mechanical properties and absence of structural regulation continue to hinder the advancement of TMOs‐based aerogels. Herein, a novel 2D tantalum disulfide (2H‐TaS2) reduction strategy is demonstrated to synthesize Ta2O5/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) heterointerface aerogels with unique characters. As the prerequisite, the defects, interfaces, and configurations of aerogels are regulated by varying the concentration of 2H‐TaS2 to ensure the Ta2O5/rGO heterointerface aerogels with appealing EMW absorption properties such as a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −61.93 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8.54 GHz (7.80−16.34 GHz). This strategy provides valuable insights for designing advanced EMW absorbers. Meanwhile, the aerogel exhibits favorable thermal insulation performance with a value of 36 mW m−1 K−1, outstanding fire resistance capability, and exceptional mechanical energy dissipation performance, making it promising for applications in the aerospace industry and consumer electronics devices.
In Situ Array Microextraction and Metabolic Profiling of Small Extracellular Vesicles to Guide and Monitor Maternal Delivery
Authors: Yang Chenyu , Li Ning , Chen Haolin , Zhang Man , Chen Yijie , Zhang Xiangmin , Huang Shaoqiang , Sun Nianrong , Deng Chunhui
Published: June 2024

The advantages of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) in disease management have become increasingly prominent, with the main challenge lying in meeting the demands of large‐scale extraction and high‐throughput analysis, a crucial aspect in the realm of precision medicine. To overcome this challenge, an engineered on‐plate aptamer array (16×24 spots) is developed for continuous scale‐up microextraction of plasma sEV and their in situ metabolic analysis using mass spectrometry. With this integrated array strategy, metabolic profiles of sEV are acquired from the plasma of 274 antenatal or postpartum women, reducing analysis time by half (7.5 h) and sample volume by 95% (only 0.125 µL usage) compared to the traditional suspension method. Moreover, using machine learning algorithms on sEV metabolic profiles, a risk score system is constructed that accurately assesses the need for epidural analgesia during childbirth and the likelihood of post‐administration fever. The system, based on admission samples, achieves an impressive 94% accuracy. Furthermore, post‐administration fever can be identified from delivery samples, reaching an overall accuracy rate of 88%. This work offers real‐time monitoring of the childbirth process that can provide timely guidance for maternal delivery, underscoring the significance of sEV detection in large‐scale clinical samples for medicine innovation and advancement.
Disentangling the impact of nested sources of variability on species growth processes: A mixture of multilevel mixed model approach.
Authors: Leumbe Fabrice Moudjieu , Mortier Frédéric , Takam Patrice Soh , Picard Nicolas , Félix Allah‐Barem , Fidèle Baya , Tadesse Mahlet G. , Rossi Vivien
Published: June 2024

The understanding of tree growth processes is crucial for promoting sustainable forest management strategies. This is a challenging task in highly biodiverse ecosystems where many tree species are observed on very few individuals and the small sample sizes hinder a good fit of species‐specific models. We propose the use of finite mixture of random coefficient regression models with multilevel nested random effects to infer guild specific fixed and random effects while evaluating the relative importance of the nested sources of variability on goodness‐of‐fit. This approach extends finite mixture of linear mixed model used for longitudinal or single group structured data contexts. A dedicated expectation–maximisation algorithm is introduced for parameter estimation. Simulations are performed for the evaluation of the misspecification of nested‐grouping structures. This work has been motivated by data collected biennially in Central African rainforests from 1986 to 2010. We show the accuracy of the proposed approach in successfully reproducing individual growth processes and classifying tree species into well‐differentiated clusters with clear ecological interpretations. Moreover, results confirm that interindividual variability appears as the most important factor to explain tropical tree species growth process variability from Central Africa forests.
Mechanical properties of steel fiber RPC, basalt fiber RPC, and hybrid fiber RPC: A review of research progress
Authors: Li Fangyuan , Guo Zhenwei , Wu Peifeng
Published: June 2024

Based on an analysis of the literature on fiber‐reinforced concrete (FRC), especially the development and formation of various types of FRC combined with reactive powder concrete (RPC) in recent years, this paper systematically expounds the research progress, particularly the mechanical properties, of steel fiber RPC, basalt fiber RPC and hybrid fiber RPC. This paper concludes the improvement in the mechanical properties of RPC under common curing methods, elaborates on the influence of steel fiber on the compressive, tensile, and flexural strength of RPC, and outlines the principle of fiber enhancing the mechanical properties of RPC. Additionally, it discusses the research progress in basalt FRC, and further examines the impact of basalt fiber on the mechanical properties of RPC. Referring to the research on single fiber reinforced RPC, the mechanical properties of hybrid fiber RPC are analyzed and summarized; based on the characteristics of steel fiber and basalt fiber, research on steel‐basalt hybrid fiber RPC is proposed.
Captures do not affect escape response to humans in Alpine marmot
Authors: Giari Chiara , Corlatti Luca , Morocutti Elena , Storch Ilse , Zenth Friederike
Published: June 2024

Capture and manipulation are an integral part of wildlife research and management. These practices, however, can affect animals either directly or indirectly, and studies should generally evaluate the consequences of captures to ensure animal welfare and reduce sampling bias. Here, we investigated the indirect, behavioural effects of live‐capture on escape response to humans in Alpine marmot Marmota marmota within the Stelvio National Park (central Italian Alps) over three seasons (2021–2023). We used flight initiation distance (FID) as a measure of escape response and tested it in relation to capture status using linear mixed modelling. Captures did not have any detectable effect on escape response, and FID was best explained by covariates such as starting distance, distance to nearest burrow, current behaviour during the observation and year of observation. It might be that, in marmots, escape response to humans is a rather inert behaviour. As such, although we cannot rule out unmeasured effects, capture may not represent an excessively traumatic experience which could trigger immediate behavioural modification. In turn, capture is unlikely to compromise animal welfare or cause scientific bias in studies investigating escape response in this species, at least over the short term.
Properties of set-valued Young integrals and Young differential inclusions generated by sets of Hölder functions
Authors: Michta Mariusz , Motyl Jerzy
Published: June 2024

The present studies concern properties of set-valued Young integrals generated by families of $$\beta $$
β
-Hölder functions and differential inclusions governed by such a type of integrals. These integrals differ from classical set-valued integrals of set-valued functions constructed in an Aumann’s sense. Integrals and inclusions considered in the manuscript contain as a particular case set-valued integrals and inclusions driven by a fractional Brownian motion. Our study is focused on topological properties of solutions to Young differential inclusions. In particular, we show that the set of all solutions is compact in the space of continuous functions. We also study its dependence on initial conditions as well as properties of reachable sets of solutions. The results obtained in the paper are finally applied to some optimality problems driven by Young differential inclusions. The properties of optimal solutions and their reachable sets are discussed.
AI in situated action: a scoping review of ethnomethodological and conversation analytic studies
Authors: Mlynář Jakub , de Rijk Lynn , Liesenfeld Andreas , Stommel Wyke , Albert Saul
Published: June 2024

Despite its elusiveness as a concept, ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) is becoming part of everyday life, and a range of empirical and methodological approaches to social studies of AI now span many disciplines. This article reviews the scope of ethnomethodological and conversation analytic (EM/CA) approaches that treat AI as a phenomenon emerging in and through the situated organization of social interaction. Although this approach has been very influential in the field of computational technology since the 1980s, AI has only recently emerged as such a pervasive part of daily life to warrant a sustained empirical focus in EM/CA. Reviewing over 50 peer-reviewed publications, we find that the studies focus on various social and group activities such as task-oriented situations, semi-experimental setups, play, and everyday interactions. They also involve a range of participant categories including children, older participants, and people with disabilities. Most of the reviewed studies apply CA’s conceptual apparatus, its approach to data analysis, and core topics such as turn-taking and repair. We find that across this corpus, studies center on three key themes: openings and closing the interaction, miscommunication, and non-verbal aspects of interaction. In the discussion, we reflect on EM studies that differ from those in our corpus by focusing on praxeological respecifications of AI-related phenomena. Concurrently, we offer a critical reflection on the work of literature reviewing, and explore the tortuous relationship between EM and CA in the area of research on AI.
We’re only human after all: a critique of human-centred AI
Authors: Ryan Mark
Published: June 2024

The use of a ‘human-centred’ artificial intelligence approach (HCAI) has substantially increased over the past few years in academic texts (1600 +); institutions (27 Universities have HCAI labs, such as Stanford, Sydney, Berkeley, and Chicago); in tech companies (e.g., Microsoft, IBM, and Google); in politics (e.g., G7, G20, UN, EU, and EC); and major institutional bodies (e.g., World Bank, World Economic Forum, UNESCO, and OECD). Intuitively, it sounds very appealing: placing human concerns at the centre of AI development and use. However, this paper will use insights from the works of Michel Foucault (mostly The Order of Things) to argue that the HCAI approach is deeply problematic in its assumptions. In particular, this paper will criticise four main assumptions commonly found within HCAI: human–AI hybridisation is desirable and unproblematic; humans are not currently at the centre of the AI universe; we should use humans as a way to guide AI development; AI is the next step in a continuous path of human progress; and increasing human control over AI will reduce harmful bias. This paper will contribute to the field of philosophy of technology by using Foucault's analysis to examine assumptions found in HCAI [it provides a Foucauldian conceptual analysis of a current approach (human-centredness) that aims to influence the design and development of a transformative technology (AI)], it will contribute to AI ethics debates by offering a critique of human-centredness in AI (by choosing Foucault, it provides a bridge between older ideas with contemporary issues), and it will also contribute to Foucault studies (by using his work to engage in contemporary debates, such as AI).