bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prejudice is epistemically unwarranted belief
Authors: Lobato Emilio Jon Christopher , Holbrook Colin
Published: June 2024

In two preregistered online studies with U.S. adults, we provide evidence of a common psychological profile characterizing belief in prejudicial and non‐prejudicial epistemically unwarranted claims. We solicited self‐report ratings of beliefs in prejudicial and non‐prejudicial pseudoscientific, conspiratorial, and paranormal claims, as well as individual difference measures related to cognitive style, social dominance orientation (SDO), and trust in science. We found moderate to strong positive correlations between endorsing prejudicial and non‐prejudicial unwarranted claims, and robustly replicable associations between endorsement of all the assessed varieties of epistemically unwarranted beliefs, SDO, and perceptions of the credibility of science. Our findings suggest that individuals who endorse epistemically unwarranted beliefs are not only characterized by a rejection of epistemic authority (e.g., science), but also by preferences for a rigid, inequitably stratified society. This suggests that successfully challenging epistemically unwarranted beliefs may benefit by incorporating explicit challenges to social dominance motivations.
Visible‐Light Induced C‐3 Carbamoylation of Quinoxalinones Assisted by EDA Complex
Authors: Azim Aznur , Mandal Tanumoy , Vasudevan Vidhul , Patra Shefali , De Sarkar Suman
Published: June 2024

A visible‐light‐promoted strategy for the decarboxylative C‐3 carbamoylation of quinoxalinone scaffolds is developed. This approach initiates through the formation of an EDA complex between oxamic acid and quinoxalinone. Successive SET and decarboxylative carbamoylation construct the C−C bond. This method utilizes aerial oxygen as the green oxidant and eradicates the process from the use of external photocatalysts and transition metals. Detailed synthetic and photophysical studies enlighten the reaction pathway.
Toughening Self‐Healing Elastomers with Chain Mobility
Authors: Tan Matthew Wei Ming , Thornton Patrick Michael , Thangavel Gurunathan , Bark Hyunwoo , Dauskardt Reinhold , Lee Pooi See
Published: June 2024

Enhancing fracture toughness and self‐healing within soft elastomers is crucial to prolonging the operational lifetimes of soft devices. Herein, it is revealed that tuning the polymer chain mobilities of carboxylated‐functionalized polyurethane through incorporating plasticizers or thermal treatment can enhance these properties. Self‐healing is promoted as polymer chains gain greater mobility toward the broken interface to reassociate their bonds. Raising the temperature from 80 to 120 °C, the recovered work of fracture is increased from 2.86 to 123.7 MJ m−3. Improved fracture toughness is realized through two effects. First, strong carboxyl hydrogen bonds dissipate large energies when broken. Second, chain mobilities enable the redistribution of localized stress concentrations to allow crack blunting, enlarging the size of dissipation zones. At optimal conditions of plasticizers (3 wt.%) or temperature (40 °C) to promote chain mobilities, fracture toughness improves from 16.3 to 19.9 and 25.6 kJ m−2, respectively. Insights of fracture properties at healed soft interfaces are revealed through double cantilever beam tests. These measurements indicate that fracture mechanics play a critical role in delaying complete failure at partial self‐healing. By imparting optimal polymer chain mobilities within tough and self‐healing elastomers, effective prevention against damage and better recovery are realized.
Sexually Dimorphic Response to Hepatic Injury in Newborn Suffering from Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Wei Yu‐Sen , Tang Wen‐Jie , Mao Pei‐Yu , Mao Jiang‐Di , Ni Zhi‐Xiang , Hou Kang‐Wei , Valencak Teresa G. , Liu Da‐Ren , Ji Jun‐Fang , Wang Hai‐Feng
Published: June 2024

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), when a fetus does not grow as expected, is associated with a reduction in hepatic functionality and a higher risk for chronic liver disease in adulthood. Utilizing early developmental plasticity to reverse the outcome of poor fetal programming remains an unexplored area. Focusing on the biochemical profiles of neonates and previous transcriptome findings, piglets from the same fetus are selected as models for studying IUGR. The cellular landscape of the liver is created by scRNA‐seq to reveal sex‐dependent patterns in IUGR‐induced hepatic injury. One week after birth, IUGR piglets experience hypoxic stress. IUGR females exhibit fibroblast‐driven T cell conversion into an immune‐adapted phenotype, which effectively alleviates inflammation and fosters hepatic regeneration. In contrast, males experience even more severe hepatic injury. Prolonged inflammation due to disrupted lipid metabolism hinders intercellular communication among non‐immune cells, which ultimately impairs liver regeneration even into adulthood. Additionally, Apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4) is explored as a novel biomarker by reducing hepatic triglyceride deposition as a protective response against hypoxia in IUGR males. PPARα activation can mitigate hepatic damage and meanwhile restore over‐expressed APOA4 to normal in IUGR males. The pioneering study offers valuable insights into the sexually dimorphic responses to hepatic injury during IUGR.
Multi‐Scale MXene/Silver Nanowire Composite Foams with Double Conductive Networks for Multifunctional Integration
Authors: Xu Chenhui , Li Zhihui , Hang Tianyi , Chen Yiming , He Tianlong , Li Xiping , Zheng Jiajia , Wu Zhiyi
Published: June 2024

With the onset of the 5G era, wearable flexible electronic devices have developed rapidly and gradually entered the daily life of people. However, the vast majority of research focuses on the integration of functions and performance improvement, while ignoring electromagnetic hazards caused by devices. Herein, the 3D double conductive networks are constructed through a repetitive vacuum‐assisted dip‐coating technique to decorate the 2D MXene and 1D silver nanowires on the melamine foam. Benefiting from the unique porous structure and multi‐scale interconnected frame, the resultant composite foam exhibited high electrical conductivity, low density, superb electromagnetic interference shielding (48.32 dB), and Joule heating performance (up to 90.8 °C under 0.8 V). Furthermore, a single‐electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with powerful energy harvesting capability is assembled by combining the composite foam with an ultra‐thin Ecoflex film and a polyvinylidene fluoride film. Simultaneously, the foam‐based TENG can also be considered a reliable wearable sensor for monitoring activity patterns in different parts of the human body. The versatility and scalable manufacturing of high‐performance composite foams will provide new design ideas for the development of next‐generation flexible wearable devices.
The Geometry and Nature of C─I···O─N Interactions in Perfluoroiodobenzene‐Pyridine N‐oxide Halogen‐Bonded Complexes
Authors: Rautiainen Juha Mikko , Valkonen Arto , Lundell Jan , Rissanen Kari , Puttreddy Rakesh
Published: June 2024

The N─Oxide oxygen in the 111 C─I···⁻O─N+ halogen bond (XB) complexes, formed by five perfluoroiodobenzene XB donors and 32 pyridine N‐oxides (PyNO) XB acceptors, exhibits three XB modes: bidentate, tridentate, and monodentate. Their C─I···O XB angles range from 148° to 180°, reflecting the iodine σ‐hole's structure‐guiding influence. The I···⁻O─N+ angles range from 87° to 152°. On the contrary, the I···⁻O─N+ angles have a narrower range from 107° to 125° in stronger monodentate N─I···⁻O─N+ XBs of N‐iodoimides and PyNOs. The C─I···⁻O─N+ systems exhibit a larger variation in I···⁻O─N+ angles due to weaker XB donor perfluoroiodoaromatics forming weak I···O XBs, which allows wider access to electron‐rich N‐O group regions. Density Functional Theory analysis shows that I···O interactions are attractive even when the I···⁻O─N+ angle is ≈80°. Correlation analysis of structural parameters showed that weak I···O XBs in perfluoroiodobenzene‐PyNO complexes affect the C─I bond via n(O)→σ*(C─I) donation less than the N─I bond via n(O)→σ*(N─I) donation in very strong I···O XBs of N‐iodoimide‐PyNO complexes. This implies that PyNOs' oxygen self‐tunes its XB acceptor property, dependent on the XB donor σ‐hole strength affecting the bonding denticity, geometry, and interaction energies.
Computational Design of 2D Phosphorus Nanostructures for Renewable Energy Applications: A Review
Authors: Er Chen‐Chen , Fung Cheng‐May , Chong Wei‐Kean , Lee Yong Jieh , Tan Lling‐Lling , Ang Yee Sin , Medhekar Nikhil V. , Chai Siang‐Piao
Published: June 2024

Elemental phosphorus in its various allotropes has received tremendous research attention recently due to its intriguing electronic and structural properties. Notably, the application of nanostructured materials to overcome the inherent flaws in bulk materials is promising. However, many challenges need to be addressed before its widespread implementation. Thus, a specific tenet to design novel and robust nanomaterials is a decisive factor in the desired outcome, and the most daunting task before realizing this is solving the Schrödinger equation. First principle density functional theory (DFT) calculations have emerged as an insightful and accurate design tool to investigate the structural, electronic, and possible synthesis scenarios of yet undiscovered materials at atomic levels. In this review, the basic principles and the importance of DFT are discussed, followed by a summary of recent advances in the first principle study of elemental phosphorus‐based nanomaterials. Elemental phosphorus‐based nanomaterials and their allotropes have attracted growing interest in the renewable energy community due to their modulable product selectivity. However, the understanding of the physical phenomena of allotropic modification is still lacking. Therefore, the aim is to motivate experimental researchers to conduct DFT studies and experiments to comprehend relevant engineered nanomaterials better. Finally, the challenges and potential future research directions for further theoretical and computational development of phosphorus‐based nanomaterials are outlined.
Soil profile distribution of nutrients in contrasting soils amended with struvite and other conventional phosphorus fertilizers
Authors: Simms Tatum , Brye Kristofor R. , Roberts Trenton L. , Greenlee Lauren F.
Published: June 2024

Phosphorus (P) can be recovered from wastewater and used as an alternative fertilizer, namely, struvite [MgNH4PO4·6(H2O)]. However, the soil mobility of wastewater‐derived P and other nutrients needs to be evaluated. The objective of this study was to compare the vertical distribution of water‐soluble (WS) soil P and other nutrients from a synthetic‐wastewater‐derived electrochemically precipitated struvite (ECST) to that from a chemically precipitated struvite (CPST), triple superphosphate (TSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and a control in six soils from Arkansas (AR; loam [L] and silt loam [SiL]), Missouri (MO; SiL 1 and SiL 2), and Nebraska (NE; sandy loam [SL] and SiL). A column‐leaching experiment was conducted with the six soils and five fertilizer‐P treatments. Water‐soluble (WS) P from the two struvite materials generally did not differ (p > 0.05) and was similar to that of MAP in the depths of 0–3, 3–6, and 6–10 cm, but was greater than that of TSP in the top 6 cm in four of the six soils. WS P from CPST in the MO‐SiL 2 and NE‐SL soils (6.6 and 12.7 mg kg−1, respectively) was larger than that from ECST, MAP, and TSP. In the AR‐L and MO‐SiL 1 soils, TSP was the only fertilizer‐P source that had increased WS P concentrations in the top 6 cm relative to the other fertilizer‐P sources. Results showed that ECST‐derived, WS P had similar soil profile distributions in the top 10 cm, suggesting that ECST will be equally protective of environmental health and leachate quality across multiple soil textures as other common fertilizer‐P sources.
Efficacy of red sunflower seed weevil resistance from inbred line cms HA 488 in single‐cross hybrids
Authors: Prasifka Jarrad R. , Hulke Brent S.
Published: June 2024

Sunflower line HA 488 (where HA is Helianthus annuus) is resistant to the red sunflower seed weevil, Smicronyx fulvus LeConte, with ≈80% less seed damage compared to susceptible lines. To determine the value of resistance in single‐cross hybrids, six hybrids were created by pollinating weevil‐resistant (cms HA 488, where cms cytoplasmic male sterile) or susceptible (cms HA 412HO) inbred lines with three putatively susceptible restorer lines (RHA 274, RHA 464, or RHA 468) and artificially infesting each with 30 weevils head−1. In 2021–2022, resistant hybrids from cms HA 488 reduced seed damage by ≈40%–50% for hybrids with RHA 274 or RHA 464. However, cms HA 488 did not reduce damage when crossed with RHA 468. Infestation of male‐fertile isogenic lines HA 488 and HA 412HO with 60 weevils head−1 showed resistance remained effective at 12–20 times economic thresholds. Results confirm the value of resistance to S. fulvus for sunflower hybrids but also suggest a need to further examine the role of the male heterotic group in resistance to the red sunflower seed weevil.
Magnetic Hair Tactile Sensor for Directional Pressure Detection
Authors: Meier Yuki A. , Duhr Pierre , Mordarski Marcel , Vergne Céline , Poloni Erik , Studart André R. , Pascal Joris , Demirörs Ahmet F.
Published: June 2024

Tactile sensing in the human body is achieved via the skin. This has inspired the fabrication of synthetic skins with pressure sensors for potential applications in robotics, bio‐medicine, and human–machine interfaces. Tactile sensors based on magnetic elements are promising as they provide high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range. However, current magnetic tactile sensors mostly detect pressures of solid objects and operate at relatively high forces about 100 mN. Herein, these limitations are addressed by manufacturing soft, stretchable, and hair‐like structures that are permanently magnetized to achieve high‐resolution, cost‐effective, and high‐resolution pressure sensing. Combining these hair‐like structures with advances in 3D magnetic‐field measurements allows us to monitor directional tactile pressures without solid contact. To prove the concept of this technology, a bio‐inspired soft device is built with a hairy structure that senses and reports environmental mechanical stresses, similar to that of human skin. Simple self‐assembly of the soft magnetic hair structure makes our approach easy to scale for large‐area applications.
Enhancing cell‐based therapies with synthetic gene circuits responsive to molecular stimuli
Authors: Galvan Silvia , Teixeira Ana P. , Fussenegger Martin
Published: June 2024

Synthetic biology aims to contribute to the development of next‐generation patient‐specific cell‐based therapies for chronic diseases especially through the construction of sophisticated synthetic gene switches to enhance the safety and spatiotemporal controllability of engineered cells. Indeed, switches that sense and process specific cues, which may be either externally administered triggers or endogenous disease‐associated molecules, have emerged as powerful tools for programming and fine‐tuning therapeutic outputs. Living engineered cells, often referred to as designer cells, incorporating such switches are delivered to patients either as encapsulated cell implants or by infusion, as in the case of the clinically approved CAR‐T cell therapies. Here, we review recent developments in synthetic gene switches responsive to molecular stimuli, spanning regulatory mechanisms acting at the transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational levels. We also discuss current challenges facing clinical translation of cell‐based therapies employing these devices.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the assessment of acupuncture effect on exercise‐induced fatigue
Authors: Hu Linghui , Wei Zhen , Wang Xiaolei , Wu Wei
Published: June 2024

Background

Acupuncture as a traditional Chinese medicine therapy relies on unique theories to alleviate fatigue. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on exercise‐induced fatigue utilizing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Methods

A total of 20 participants with regular exercise habits were recruited for this study. All participants were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture intervention for exercise‐induced fatigue. TMS and a heart rate monitor were used to measure the amplitude and latency of motor evoked potential (MEP) as well as heart rate every 5 min over a 30‐min period. The blood lactic acid (BLA) levels were measured using Lactate Scout+ at baseline, 0 min, and 30 min after fatigue. Two‐way repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized to compare the differences between the effects of acupuncture method and time. Bonferroni post hoc tests were conducted to compare specific differences. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.

Results

Interaction effect was observed between acupuncture method and time effect in terms of amplitude (F(1, 38) = 5.40, p < .001, η2 = 0.12) and latency (F(1, 38) = 3.78, p = .008, η2 = .09) of MEP. The application of acupuncture can promote the recovery of heart rate especially at 30 min (p < .05), but which seem insufficient to generate significant difference in BLA (F(1, 38) = 0.067, p = .797, η2 = 0.002).

Conclusions

Acupuncture can promote the increase of MEP amplitude, shorten MEP latency, and restore heart rate. Preliminary findings provide novel insights for individuals with exercise habits to alleviate fatigue and enhance sports performance.
DNA Molecular Glue Assisted Bacterial Conjugative Transfer
Authors: Qi Liqing , Wang Wenxi , Fang Le , Li Jin , Qi Lubin , Wang Dachi , Liu Jie , Xiao Yating , Zhou Wei , Fang Xiaohong
Published: June 2024

Bacterial conjugation, a commonly used method to horizontally transfer functional genes from donor to recipient strains, plays an important role in the genetic manipulation of bacteria for basic research and industrial production. Successful conjugation depends on the donor‐recipient cell recognition and a tight mating junction formation. However, the efficiency of conjugative transfer is usually very low. In this work, we developed a new technique that employed DNA molecule “glue” to increase the match frequency and the interaction stability between the donor and recipient cells. We used two E. coli strains, ETZ and BL21, as a model system, and modified them with the complementary ssDNA oligonucleotides by click chemistry. The conjugation efficiency of the modified bacteria was improved more than 4 times from 10 %–46 %. This technique is simple and generalizable as it only relies on the active amino groups on the bacterial surface. It is expected to have broad applications in constructing engineered bacteria.
Neighborhood ethnicity is related to mammal occupancy and activity across a desert metropolitan area
Authors: Cocroft Alexandreana , Lewis Jesse S. , Clark Jeffrey , Haight Jeffrey , Lerman Susannah B. , Snyder Zachary , Hall Sharon J.
Published: June 2024

Cities support abundant human and wildlife populations that are shaped indirectly and directly by human decisions, often resulting in unequal access to environmental services and accessible open spaces. Urban land cover drives biodiversity patterns across metropolitan areas, but at smaller scales that matter to local residents, neighborhood socio‐cultural factors can influence the presence and abundance of wildlife. Neighborhood income is associated with plant and animal diversity in some cities, but the influence of other social variables is less well understood, especially across desert ecosystems. We explored wildlife distribution across gradients of neighborhood ethnicity in addition to income and landscape characteristics within residential areas of metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Utilizing data from 38 wildlife cameras deployed in public parks and undeveloped open spaces within or near suburban neighborhoods, we estimated occupancy and activity patterns of common mammal species, including species native to the Sonoran Desert (coyote [Canis latrans] and desert cottontail rabbit [Sylvilagus audubonii]), and non‐native domestic cat (Felis catus). Neighborhood ethnicity (percentage of Latino residents) appeared to exhibit a negative relationship with occupancy for coyotes and cottontail rabbits. Additionally, daily activity patterns of coyotes occurred later in the evenings and mornings in neighborhoods with higher proportions of Latino residents, but activity was unaffected by differences in neighborhood income. This study is one of the first to show that social‐ecological mechanisms associated with patterns of neighborhood ethnicity as well as income may help to shape wildlife distribution in cities. These findings have implications for equitable management and provisioning of ecosystem services for urban residents and highlight the importance of considering a range of social covariates to better understand biodiversity outcomes in urban and urbanizing areas.
14‐3‐3σ/Stratifin and p21 limit AKT‐related malignant progression in skin carcinogenesis following MDM2‐associated p53 loss
Authors: McMenemy Carol M. , Guo Dajiang , Quinn Jean A. , Greenhalgh David A.
Published: June 2024

To study mechanisms driving/inhibiting skin carcinogenesis, stage‐specific expression of 14‐3‐3σ (Stratifin) was analyzed in skin carcinogenesis driven by activated rasHa/fos expression (HK1.ras/fos) and ablation of PTEN‐mediated AKT regulation (K14.creP/Δ5PTENflx/flx). Consistent with 14‐3‐3σ roles in epidermal differentiation, HK1.ras hyperplasia and papillomas displayed elevated 14‐3‐3σ expression in supra‐basal keratinocytes, paralleled by supra‐basal p‐MDM2166 activation and sporadic p‐AKT473 expression. In bi‐genic HK1.fos/Δ5PTENflx/flx hyperplasia, basal‐layer 14‐3‐3σ expression appeared, and alongside p53/p21, was associated with keratinocyte differentiation and keratoacanthoma etiology. Tri‐genic HK1.ras/fos‐Δ5PTENflx/flx hyperplasia/papillomas initially displayed increased basal‐layer 14‐3‐3σ, suggesting attempts to maintain supra‐basal p‐MDM2166 and protect basal‐layer p53. However, HK1.ras/fos‐Δ5PTENflx/flx papillomas exhibited increasing basal‐layer p‐MDM2166 activation that reduced p53, which coincided with malignant conversion. Despite p53 loss, 14‐3‐3σ expression persisted in well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (wdSCCs) and alongside elevated p21, limited malignant progression via inhibiting p‐AKT1473 expression; until 14‐3‐3σ/p21 loss facilitated progression to aggressive SCC exhibiting uniform p‐AKT1473. Analysis of TPA‐promoted HK1.ras‐Δ5PTENflx/flx mouse skin, demonstrated early loss of 14‐3‐3σ/p53/p21 in hyperplasia and papillomas, with increased p‐MDM2166/p‐AKT1473 that resulted in rapid malignant conversion and progression to poorly differentiated SCC. In 2D/3D cultures, membranous 14‐3‐3σ expression observed in normal HaCaT and SP1ras61 papilloma keratinocytes was unexpectedly detected in malignant T52ras61/v‐fos SCC cells cultured in monolayers, but not invasive 3D‐cells. Collectively, these data suggest 14‐3‐3σ/Stratifin exerts suppressive roles in papillomatogenesis via MDM2/p53‐dependent mechanisms; while persistent p53‐independent expression in early wdSCC may involve p21‐mediated AKT1 inhibition to limit malignant progression.
Thermodynamic variational principle, its connections to the phenomenological laws and its applications to the derivation of microstructural models
Authors: Du Qiang
Published: June 2024

Understanding microstructural evolution occupies a central position in the discipline of materials science and engineering. As stated by Carter et al., microstructural evolution involves complex, coupled, and often nonlinear processes even the description of the dynamics for isolated microstructural evolution processes can be quite complicated. It would be desirable to enrich the microstructural evolution theory by introducing a powerful mathematical tool, which could enable describing and predicting the rich intertwining phenomena such as diffusive or displacive phase transformation, grain growth, generation, or annihilation of defects (vacancy, dislocations, etc.) in a straightforward manner. There have been continuing efforts along this front, and I will restrict myself to the issues in the development and application of the thermodynamic variational principle. Although being reviewed by various authors recently, we hope to redraw attentions to some valuable papers and provide our understanding and viewpoints. It is our opinion that the most appealing feature about the principle is the nature that it could give approximate solutions with tunable accuracy. The other feature is its role as a basic principle in deriving the new models. It is hoped that this paper could promote the development and application of the variational principle even further in materials science.
Modification of a commercial fish feeder for use in small rearing ponds
Authors: Stromberg Mark , Barnes Michael E.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Automatic feeders are commonly used in aquaculture, but the feed delivery pattern cannot be adjusted to accommodate a variety of rearing unit sizes. For those few feeders that can be adjusted, their use has been limited because of initial costs, availability, and other issues. This paper describes modification to a commercially available fish feeder (Texas Hunter Products 31.75-kg [70-lb] Lake and Pond Directional Fish Feeder) to effectively provide feed to different-sized ponds.

Methods

This feeder has a 14-m fish feed distribution pattern, making it unusable for smaller ponds. To reduce the distance of fish feed projected from the feeder, a resistor (rheostat) was installed in series with the fan motor.

Result

The rheostat reduced the power to the fan motor, thereby decreasing the feed projection distance. In addition, because the rheostat was adjustable, the resistance—and the resulting power to the fan motor—could be easily changed, making it possible for the same feeder to be used in different-sized ponds while using approximately the same amount of power from the battery and solar panels.

Conclusion

This modification was inexpensive and relatively easy to perform. The feeders reliably dispensed feed in a number of small ponds during an 8-month evaluation period.
Finite‐time L1 bumpless transfer control for switched positive delayed systems: A state‐dependent limited frequency switching scheme
Authors: Wang Peng , Lin Pin , Zhang Hehong , Zhao Ying , Sang Hong , Dimirovski Georgi M.
Published: June 2024

This work is concerned with the bumpless transfer control issue for switched positive delayed systems on finite horizons. A bumpless transfer input scheme and a state‐dependent limited frequency switching scheme, induced by the transient control input discontinuities during controller switching and by the frequent switching for multiple subsystems, respectively, are jointly introduced. The main advantages of the presented schemes are that the amplitude of the control input discontinuities and the frequent switches are all reduced by the dual design of bumpless transfer controllers for subsystems and a state‐dependent limited frequency switching scheme. By utilizing the multiple linear copositive Lyapunov functionals, sufficient conditions are also offered so as to achieve the desirable closed‐loop performances, including positivity, finite‐time boundedness, bumpless transfer property and a prescribed ‐gain property. Finally, a practical example is borrowed which validates the proposed schemes.
Intercalation‐Conversion Hybrid Cathode Enabled by MXene‐Driven TiO2/TiS2 Heterostructure for High‐Energy‐Density Li–S Battery
Authors: Nguyen Viet Phuong , Qureshi Yusra , Shim Hyung Cheoul , Yuk Jong Min , Kim Jae‐Hyun , Lee Seung‐Mo
Published: June 2024

A dense electrode with high sulfur loading is a straightforward approach to increasing the energy density of lithium–sulfur battery (LSB), but the development of dense electrodes suffers from both fabrication challenges and electron/ion transport limitations. In addition, the shuttle effect of soluble lithium polysulfides and sluggish reaction kinetics cause declined utilization efficiency of the active material and poor cycling stability. Herein, a dense intercalation‐conversion hybrid cathode is prepared using MXene‐driven TiS2 nano‐needles decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles. The TiO2/TiS2 heterostructure simultaneously possessing a high adsorption capability (TiO2) and bidirectional electrocatalytic effect (TiS2) is observed to effectively suppress lithium polysulfide shuttling and facilitate the sulfur conversion reactions. Furthermore, it is believed that TiS2 provides additional capacity from the intercalation reaction and functions as a multichannel network to feed both Li+/e− to the active sulfur material due to its high electronic and ionic conductivities. Thanks to these synergistic effects, the LSB assembled using the TiO2/TiS2 heterostructure exhibits high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of 331 Wh kg−1 and 730 Wh L−1, respectively, as well as superior cyclability at a high sulfur mass loading of 7.5 mg cm−2 and lean electrolyte of 2.5 μL mg−1.
On the evaluation of the Ray-Singer torsion path integral
Authors: Blau Matthias , Kakona Mbambu , Thompson George
Published: June 2024

Abstract

There are very few explicit evaluations of path integrals for topological gauge theories in more than 3 dimensions. Here we provide such a calculation for the path integral representation of the Ray-Singer Torsion of a flat connection on a vector bundle on base manifolds that are themselves S1 bundles of any dimension. The calculation relies on a suitable algebraic choice of gauge which leads to a convenient factorisation of the path integral into horizontal and vertical parts.
Verhaltenstherapeutische Diagnostik und Therapie bei Kopfschmerzerkrankungen
Authors: Klan Timo , Diezemann-Prößdorf Anke , Guth Anna-Lena , Liesering-Latta Eva , Dresler Thomas
Published: June 2024

Kopfschmerzerkrankungen (die auch die Gesichtsschmerzen umfassen) sind vielfältig und häufig. Es besteht eine hohe Krankheitslast, dennoch sind Kopfschmerzerkrankungen unterdiagnostiziert und unterversorgt. Kopfschmerzen sollten vor dem Hintergrund des biopsychosozialen Modells gesehen werden. Für die psychologische Diagnostik existieren spezifische Fragebogen, die eine gezielte Behandlungsplanung und -evaluation ermöglichen. Zur psychologischen Behandlung stehen sowohl transdiagnostische als auch kopfschmerzspezifische Interventionen zur Verfügung; diese sollten auf die jeweilige Kopfschmerzerkrankung abgestimmt werden. Psychologische Interventionen können sowohl die Kopfschmerzaktivität als auch die kopfschmerzassoziierte Beeinträchtigung und psychische Belastung reduzieren. Es besteht ein großer Forschungsbedarf zur Optimierung und zur Evaluation psychologisch-psychotherapeutischer Interventionen.
Extending ConWIP by flexible capacity and WIP-Cap adjustment for a make-to-order multi-item multi-stage production system
Authors: Bokor Balwin , Altendorfer Klaus
Published: June 2024

Constant-Work-In-Process (ConWIP) is a promising production planning and control method for make-to-order production systems, exhibiting notable potential in attaining reduced tardiness alongside effective management of work in process and finished goods inventories, as demonstrated in various studies. Furthermore, several papers show that the negative effects of high demand uncertainty, which occur when applying a make-to-order approach, can be mitigated by providing flexible capacity to coordinate demand and throughput. Therefore, in this paper the workload-based ConWIP method is combined with a flexible capacity setting method, to enable a better fit between demand and throughput. To fully capitalize on the benefits of flexible capacity and enable the production system to adapt to changes in throughput potential, an adjustment of the WIP-Cap is integrated to avoid machine starvation or unused overcapacity. To evaluate the system performance, a multi-stage multi-item make-to-order flow shop production system with stochastic demand, processing and customer required lead times is simulated. The results of a broad numerical study show a high improvement potential of the extended ConWIP version in comparison to workload-based ConWIP.
Metformin as adjuvant therapy in obese knee osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Aiad Amany Abd Elaal , El-Haggar Sahar Mohamed , El-Barbary Amal Mohamed , El-Afify Dalia Refat
Published: June 2024

Aims

This study aimed at investigating the efficacy of metformin as adjuvant therapy for obese knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients, considering its anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective effects.

Patients and methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 50 obese knee OA patients were assigned randomly to two groups, the metformin group (n = 25) which was treated with metformin 500 mg orally BID plus celecoxib 200 mg orally once daily, and the placebo group (n = 25) which was treated with placebo tablets BID plus celecoxib 200 mg orally once daily for 12 weeks. Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP), C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1), and Interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) serum levels were measured, while Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score assessed knee pain, stiffness, and physical function at baseline and after 12 weeks.

Results

Following a 12-week treatment, the metformin group exhibited significantly reduced levels of COMP, CTX-1, and IL-1β in the serum compared to the placebo group (p = 0.0081,p = 0.0106, andp = 0.0223, respectively). Furthermore, metformin group produced significant improvements in WOMAC total scale (p < 0.0001), specifically in knee pain, stiffness, and physical function compared to placebo group (p < 0.0001,p < 0.0001, andp < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

Metformin as an adjuvant therapy in obese knee OA patients may have beneficial effects on cartilage degradation and inflammation, as evidenced by the significant decreases in serum COMP, CTX-1, and IL-1β levels. Additionally, metformin may improve clinical outcomes, as shown by the significant improvements in WOMAC scores.

Clinicaltrials.gov ID

NCT05638893/Registered December 6, 2022 — Retrospectively.
India’s labour market challenges: Employability of young workforce from the perspective of supply and demand
Authors: Schneider Sebastian , Pilz Matthias
Published: June 2024

India has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and the highest working-age population. The country has a particular demand for skilled labourers, especially at the semi-skilled level, in various sectors. However, many young people find it challenging to acquire the skills employers demand. To approach the issue of youth employability, it is essential to distinguish two sides of the question. On the one hand, the demand side of the labour market, and, on the other, the supply side of the workforce. It is significant that, in quantitative terms, the vocational education and training (VET) system does not yet play a decisive role here. To understand whether the VET system can solve the problem of high youth unemployment, the concept of ‘employability’ is introduced. A critical analysis of the VET system in terms of the concept of employability follows. Based on the analysis, this paper concludes that the VET system in India requires reform and proposes possible policy interventions to address this.
Pollution pressure drives microbial assemblages that improve the phytoremediation potential of heavy metals by Ricinus communis
Authors: Rubio-Noguez Daniela , Breton-Deval Luz , Salinas-Peralta Ilse , Juárez Katy , Galicia Leopoldo
Published: June 2024

Due to the rapid expansion of industrial activity, soil pollution has intensified. Plants growing in these polluted areas have developed a rhizobiome uniquely and specially adapted to thrive in such environments. However, it remains uncertain whether pollution acts as a sufficiently selective force to shape the rhizobiome, and whether these adaptations endure over time, potentially aiding in long-term phytoremediation. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to compare whether the microbiome associated with roots from plants germinated in polluted riverbanks will improve the phytoremediation of Cd and Pb under mesocosm experiments compared with plants germinating in a greenhouse. The experimental design was a factorial 2 × 2, i.e., the origin of the plant and the presence or absence of 100 mg/L of Cd and 1000 mg/L of Pb. Our results showed that plants germinated in polluted riverbanks have the capacity to accumulate twice the amount of Pb and Cd during mesocosm experiments. The metagenomic analysis showed that plants from the river exposed to heavy metals at the end of mesocosm experiments were rich in Rhizobium sp. AC44/96 and Enterobacter sp. EA-1, Enterobacter soli, Pantoea rwandensis, Pantoea endophytica. In addition, those plants were uniquely associated with Rhizobium grahamii, which likely contributed to the differences in the levels of phytoremediation achieved. Furthermore, the functional analysis revealed an augmented functional potential related to hormones, metallothioneins, dismutases, and reductases; meanwhile, the plants germinated in the greenhouse showed an unspecific strategy to exceed heavy metal stress. In conclusion, pollution pressure drives stable microbial assemblages, which could be used in future phytostabilization and phytoremediation experiments.

Graphical Abstract
External Beam Radiotherapy in the Management of Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Yilmaz Melek Tugce , Sari Sezin Yuce , Zorlu Faruk , Yazici Gozde
Published: June 2024

Opinion statement

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary ocular tumor in adults. With the evidence demonstrating that episcleral plaque brachytherapy (EPB) has similar survival rates as enucleation in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS), eye-sparing treatments have come to the fore today. External radiotherapy techniques (proton beam radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery/fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery) are an important treatment option for globe-sparing treatments. There are no prospective randomized trials comparing these techniques; however, retrospective series, meta-analyses, and reviews indicate that these EPB and external radiotherapy techniques are equal. With this review, we aimed to examine the external radiotherapy techniques used in the treatment of uveal melanoma in detail with reference to the current literature.
Patients’ Satisfaction with Healthcare Services Among Older People with Multimorbidity: Subnational Gender Perspective
Authors: Ahmed Abdulsalam , Khan Hafiz T.A. , Lawal Muili
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim The universal use of patient satisfaction as a measure of quality of healthcare cannot be overemphasized, but studies of healthcare satisfaction between older women and older men with multimorbidity in our contemporary society has been questioned over the years. This paper explores the disparities in patient satisfaction between older women and men with multimorbidity in Nigeria using survey data. Methods We analyzed data collected between October 2021 to February 2022 from a cross-section of randomly sampled 734 participants with multimorbidity with age 60 years and above who presented for routine check-ups and consented to participate in the study. The data were entered into JISC online data collection tool and exported to IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27 for analysis. Mann-Whitney U test analysis was performed to compare the participant’s mean satisfaction level and gender. Results Despite higher education among males, females utilize healthcare services more. Our study shows that females are less likely to be satisfied with factors that are linked to access and quality of healthcare, and financial burden of medical care. Whereas males are more likely to be satisfied with factors that relate to patient-physician interaction time and patient waiting time and confidence and trust in medical care. Conclusions Female and male patients may have different expectations regarding healthcare, especially in our society where men are more educated, but females utilize the healthcare services more. The development of appropriate strategies for the implementation of knowledge about patient gender differences will be crucial for the delivery of high-quality gender-sensitive healthcare.
Further improvements of the estimation of key enumeration with applications to solving LWE
Authors: Budroni Alessandro , Mårtensson Erik
Published: June 2024

In post-quantum cryptography, Learning With Errors (LWE) is one of the dominant underlying mathematical problems. The dual attack is one of the main strategies for solving the LWE problem, and it has recently gathered significant attention within the research community. The attack strategy consists of a lattice reduction part and a distinguishing part. The latter includes an enumeration subroutine over a certain number of positions of the secret key. Our contribution consists of giving a precise and efficient approach for calculating the expected complexity of such an enumeration procedure, which was missing in the literature. This allows us to decrease the estimated cost of the whole dual attack, both classically and quantumly, on well-known protocols such as Kyber, Saber, and TFHE. In addition, we explore different enumeration strategies to investigate some potential further improvements. As our method of calculating the expected cost of enumeration is pretty general, it might be of independent interest in other areas of cryptanalysis or even in different research areas.
Sympathetic 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine index for Lewy body disease: probability-based diagnosis and identifying patients exempt from late imaging
Authors: Nakajima Kenichi , Matsumura Takeshi , Komatsu Junji , Wakabayashi Hiroshi , Ono Kenjiro , Kinuya Seigo
Published: June 2024

Objective

We aimed to establish a practical diagnostic index for Lewy body diseases (LBD), such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia, with Lewy bodies in outpatient settings and criteria for exempting patients from late imaging.

Methods

We acquired early and late 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) images from 108 consecutive patients with suspected LBD and standardized heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratios for collimator conditions. Exclusions included young-onset Parkinson’s disease (age < 50 years) and genetic transthyretin-type amyloidosis. We developed logistic models incorporating H/M ratios with or without age (n = 92). The sympathetic MIBG index for LBD (SMILe index), categorized LBD likelihood from 0 (lowest) to 1 (highest). Diagnostic accuracy was assessed as the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The characteristics of the new index were compared with H/M ratios. The need for late imaging was explored using the SMILe index.

Results

Early or late SMILe indexes using a single H/M ratio variable discriminated LBD from non-LBD. The AUC values for early and late SMILe indexes were 0.880 and 0.894 (p < 0.0001 for both), identical to those for early and late H/M ratios. The sensitivity and the specificity of early SMILe indexes with a 0.5 threshold were 76% and 90%, achieving accuracy of accuracy 86%. Similarly, the late SMILe index demonstrated a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 87%, with an accuracy of 84%. Early SMILe indexes < 0.3 or > 0.7 (representing 84% patients) indicated a diagnosis without a late MIBG study.

Conclusion

The 123I-MIBG-derived SMILe indexes provide likelihood of LBD, and those with a 50% threshold demonstrated optimal diagnostic accuracy for LBD. The index values of either < 0.3 or > 0.7 accurately selected patients who do not need late imaging.
Denizli Travertine: A Global Heritage Stone Resource Nominee from Western Türkiye
Authors: Özkul Mehmet , Gül Arzu , Koralay Tamer , Özen Hülya , Semiz Barış , Duman Bahadır
Published: June 2024

A global heritage stone designated by International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) is a natural stone that has been widely used in significant architecture and monuments, recognized as integral aspects of human culture.The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of the Quaternary travertine formations located in Western Türkiye called ‘Denizli Travertine’ as a global heritage stone candidate. The Denizli Travertine have been commonly used as building stones in the ancient cities of the Lycus Valley since the second century BC. The cotton-white Pamukkale Travertine, which was designated as one of The First 100 Geological Heritage by IUGS in 2022, is the recent part of the Denizli Travertine. The travertine-dominated structures have given a privileged feature to the aforementioned ancient cities. In these cities, public buildings such as theatre, agora, bath basilica, monumental fountain, bridges and fortification wall were predominantly built in travertine. Since the thirteenth century, the use of the travertine also continued in the buildings of Seljuk Period, like caravanserais, monumental tombs and castle walls. The travertine consists of carbonate minerals (i.e. mostly calcite, with less amount of aragonite) and is porous. The main texture is significantly wackestone to packstone including peloid, bacterial/crystalline dendrite, and coated grain. Another type is banded travertines, which occurs as a fissure fill or vein, have a completely crystalline texture and has been mostly used for decorative purpose. Contemporarily, the stone is widely used in many areas such as flooring, cladding, stair steps, countertops, table, coffee tables and sculptures and is traded worldwide, and therefore considered to deserve to be designated as a global heritage stone resource.
Detection of Cyclic Imines (CIs) Toxins in Whole Body of Shellfishes: First Monitoring Report of CIs in South Korea Shellfishes
Authors: Kim Young-Sang , Nagahawatta D. P. , Kurera M. J. M. S. , Jayawardhana H. H. A. C. K. , Liyanage N. M. , Dissanayake D. S. , Amarasiri R. P. G. S. K. , Kim Chan-Young , Je Jun-Geon , Lee Sang Gil , Jo Hee Young , Kim Hong Ju , Oh Myung Jin , Seo Nari , An Hyun Joo , Jeon You-Jin
Published: June 2024

Cyclic imines (CIs) produced by microalgal species that accumulate in the food chains of marine organisms are novel biotoxins that do not belong to the classic group of marine biotoxins. In the past, CIs were found only in limited areas; however, in recent years, rapid changes in marine ecosystems have led to widespread CIs and increased exposure to toxic risks. In this study, we analyzed seven CI toxins, GYM-A, SPX (13-desmethyl spirolide C, 13, 19-dideMe spirolide C, 20-methyl spirolide G), and PnTX-E, F, and G, using LC/MRM-MS. Shellfish samples were purchased from a domestic Korean fish market (67 samples in 2021 and 216 samples in 2022). The entire body of the shellfish was ground and extracted with 50% methanol, followed by lipophilic-specific SPE. Only GYM-A, PnTX-G, and 13-desmethyl spirolide C were detected in all analyzed samples. The maximum concentrations of GYM-A is maximum 179 ppt (ng/kg) in Crassostrea nippona (March 2022), PnTX-G is maximum 7 ppt in Anadara broughtonii (April 2022), 13-desmethyl SPX C is maximum 58 ppt in Crassostrea nippona (April 2022). The southern coast exhibited the highest frequency of detection of these toxins, which was attributed to elevated sea-surface temperatures, aligned with conducive conditions for toxin-producing phytoplankton. According to the monitoring results, there were no significant CI toxins in the shellfish; however, it is important to monitor CI toxin accumulation in shellfish because of their high risk of toxicity.