bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHARGE syndrome with both primary and secondary hypogonadism
Authors: Yoshida Yuki , Ogawa Soichiro , Meguro Satoru , Onagi Akifumi , Tanji Ryo , Matsuoka Kanako , Hoshi Seiji , Hata Junya , Sato Yuichi , Akaihata Hidenori , Kataoka Masao , Uemura Motohide , Kojima Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2024

Introduction

CHARGE syndrome is a rare disorder that causes congenital abnormalities in multiple organs, including secondary hypogonadism. We report, herein, a unique case of CHARGE syndrome with both primary and secondary hypogonadism and discuss the possible causes and pathogenesis in this patient.

Case presentation

A 15‐year‐old boy with delayed secondary sexual characteristics and non‐palpable testes was referred to our hospital. Physical examination and detection of a chromodomain‐helicase‐deoxyribonucleic acid‐binding protein 7 gene mutation confirmed CHARGE syndrome. Hormone stimulation tests suggested both primary and secondary hypogonadism. Laparoscopic bilateral orchiectomy was performed because of decreased testosterone production and atrophy in both testes. Pathological examination of the testes revealed maturation arrest, germ cell neoplasm in situ, and decreased expression of steroid synthase.

Conclusion

This appears to be the first report of CHARGE syndrome with both primary and secondary hypogonadism demonstrated in endocrinological and histological examinations.
Factors influencing the design and implementation of accessible e‐Government services in South Africa
Authors: Abdurahman Saleem , Kabanda Salah
Published: February 2024

As governments embark on providing their services online (e‐Government services), it is imperative for them to ensure that these services remain accessible to all online users. Prior studies have demonstrated that providing accessible online services remains a challenge for most governments, and more so for developing countries. This study seeks to identify and better understand the factors influencing the design and implementation of accessible e‐Government services. The study employed qualitative semi‐structured interviews in order to collect primary data from twelve government employees working as developers, designers, business analysts, and the management team. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. This study identifies two key factors influencing the design and implementation of accessible e‐Government services, namely: organizational structures and stakeholder supporting structures. Furthermore, the findings explain how these factors affect the current practices of designing and implementing accessible e‐Government services. Four practices in use were recognized as instrumental in the design and implementation of accessible e‐Government services. These are: (i) championing accessibility; (ii) adoption of an omni‐channel approach, as well as digital learning and awareness; (iii) development of inhouse guidelines and best practices, as well as support for developing assistive technologies; (iv) and lastly, reflective practices. The study discusses the implications of these findings for future studies.
Impacts of microplastics on terrestrial plants: A critical review
Authors: Sun Xiaoqi , Withana Piumi Amasha , Palansooriya Kumuduni Niroshika , Vithanage Meththika , Yang Xiao , Lee Sang‐Ryong , Bank Michael S. , You Siming , Ok Yong Sik
Published: February 2024

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an important environmental problem owing to its widespread use, long residence time, and overall persistence. MPs threaten the health of humans, animals, and plants. However, studies on the effects of MPs on terrestrial plants are less common compared to those conducted in aquatic systems. This review discusses the sources of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems, their effects on C and N cycling in soils, and the impact of MPs on terrestrial plants, and focuses on plant growth and the potential risks to human health. MPs affect plants and their performance by altering soil structure, microbial activity, nutrient immobilization, transporting contaminants, and causing direct toxicity. Chemicals, such as plasticizers, additives, and colorants, in MPs may negatively affect ecosystems and their inhabitants, and MPs may interact with a wide array of pollutants, including pesticides, heavy metals, and antibiotics. These impacts vary as a function of soil type, plant species, and MP type. Future research efforts should focus on interaction complexity, uptake mechanisms, and impacts on plants at multiple spatiotemporal scales, while concurrently considering their effects on food chains and human health.
Prenatal arsenic exposure alters keratinocyte stem cell fate through persistent activation of IGF2R‐MAPK cascade leading to aggravated skin carcinogenesis in mice offspring
Authors: Chauhan Anchal , Gangopadhyay Siddhartha , Sharma Vineeta , Singh Sukhveer , Koshta Kavita , Singh Dhirendra , Ansari Kausar M. , Srivastava Vikas
Published: February 2024

Chronic exposure to arsenic (As) promotes skin carcinogenesis in humans and potentially disturbs resident stem cell dynamics, particularly during maternal and early life exposure. In the present study, we demonstrate how only prenatal arsenic exposure disturbs keratinocyte stem cell (KSC) conditioning using a BALB/c mice model. Prenatal As exposure alters the normal stemness (CD34, KRT5), differentiation (Involucrin), and proliferation (PCNA) program in skin of offspring with progression of age as observed at 2, 10, and 18 weeks. Primary KSCs isolated from exposed animal at Day‐2 showed increased survival (Bax:Bcl‐xL, TUNEL assay), proliferation (BrdU), and differentiation (KRT5, Involucrin) potential through the activation of pro‐carcinogenic IGF2R‐MAPK cascade (IGF2R‐G(α)q‐MEK1‐ERK1/2). This was associated with reduced enrichment of histone H3K27me3 and its methylase, EZH2 along with increased binding of demethylase, KDM6A at Igf2r promoter. Altered KSCs conditioning through disturbed Igf2r imprint contributed to impaired proliferation and differentiation and an aggravated tumor response in offspring.
Pedicled chimeric superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap with external oblique fascia for vesicocutaneous bladder fistula repair: A case report and literature review on the utility of pedicled chimeric SCIP
Authors: Lichtenberg Nicholas Jan , B Sandeep , Taylor D. M.
Published: February 2024

Following its initial description by Koshima in 2004, the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap has become a ubiquitous and extremely useful flap in coverage of defects whereby bulkiness must be avoided. It also allows direct closure and concealment of the donor site. Its use as a free tissue transfer has been demonstrated by various surgeons globally. Nevertheless, there are few cases illustrating the utility of the pedicled SCIP flap in the reconstruction of lower abdominal defects. We present a case of a pedicled SCIP flap utilized as a chimeric flap incorporating external oblique muscle fascia on a deep branch along with the typical fasciocutaneous component based on the superficial branch to cover the suprapubic defect after vesicocutaneous fistula repair. We thereafter report on the literature of pedicled chimeric SCIP flap for locoregional reconstruction. A 26‐year‐old female was referred to the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery unit after suffering a functional bladder outlet obstruction necessitating the creation of a urinary stoma. Subsequently, stoma obstruction occurred, and a suprapubic catheter was performed that was complicated by infection and resulted in the development of a vesicocutaneous fistula. Accordingly, the urological surgeons were planning surgical closure of the suprapubic vesicocutaneous defect, measuring 5 × 4 cm. A pedicled SCIP flap was designed to match the defect size; and raised as a chimeric flap with external oblique muscle fascia based on the deep branch, along with the fasciocutaneous component based on the superficial branch. The external oblique fascial component was used to secure the suture line of fistula repair, over which the fasciocutaneous component was inset, effectively double breasting the fistula repair and full thickness lower abdominal defect. The patient had an unremarkable postoperative recovery and has since been followed up in the outpatient setting without complication for the past 24 months. Robust coverage of the suprapubic defect was reliably achieved and no further fistulation has occurred. This case illustrates that a pedicled SCIP flap can be harvested as a chimeric flap and used to reliably cover defects in the infra‐umbilical region.
Microsurgical breast reconstruction and primary hypercoagulable disorders
Authors: Zarb Rakel M. , Lamberton Charles , Ramamurthi Aishwarya , Berry Vince , Adamson Karri A. , Doren Erin L. , Hettinger Patrick C. , Hijjawi John B. , LoGiudice John A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Primary hypercoagulable disorders pose a significant challenge to microsurgeons and have traditionally been regarded as a relative contraindication to free tissue transfer. Since free flaps offer numerous advantages in breast reconstruction, there is an effort to expand the population to whom these operations can be safely offered. The purpose of this study is to describe our chemoprophylaxis regimen in cases of primary hypercoagulability, as well as to compare flap outcomes and complications between women with and without hypercoagulability.

Patients and Methods

A single institution retrospective review identified 15 patients (25 flaps) with known primary hypercoagulability who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction from 2010 through 2020. There were 785 patients (1268 flaps) without primary hypercoagulability who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction, including 40 patients (73 flaps) with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), evaluated for comparison. Patient characteristics, thromboprophylaxis regimen, and surgical outcomes were collected. In carrying out this cohort study, we have adhered to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Results

Fifteen patients with primary hypercoagulability were identified, including heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation (n = 12), protein S deficiency (n = 1), prothrombin mutation (n = 1), and primary antiphospholipid syndrome (n = 1). Thirteen of these (87%) were discharged with an extended LMWH course. There was no postoperative VTE or mortality in this cohort, and no significant difference in hematoma or transfusion compared with the control group (p = .31, p = .87, respectively). The flap loss rate was 4% in the hypercoagulable group compared with 0.92% in the control group (p = .15). The salvage for arterial or venous compromise in the hypercoagulable group was poor (0% vs. 52%, p = .3).

Conclusion

Microsurgical breast reconstruction in women with primary hypercoagulability disorders is feasible with acceptable risk of flap loss but poor salvage potential. Postoperative thromboprophylaxis with extended prophylactic LMWH in this population appears to be a safe regimen.
EPolar‐UNet: An edge‐attending polar UNet for automatic medical image segmentation with small datasets
Authors: Ling Yating , Wang Yuling , liu Qian , Yu Jie , Xu Lei , Zhang Xiaoqian , Liang Ping , Kong Dexing
Published: February 2024

Background

Medical image segmentation is one of the most key steps in computer‐aided clinical diagnosis, geometric characterization, measurement, image registration, and so forth. Convolutional neural networks especially UNet and its variants have been successfully used in many medical image segmentation tasks. However, the results are limited by the deficiency in extracting high resolution edge information because of the design of the skip connections in UNet and the need for large available datasets.

Purpose

In this paper, we proposed an edge‐attending polar UNet (EPolar‐UNet), which was trained on the polar coordinate system instead of classic Cartesian coordinate system with an edge‐attending construction in skip connection path.

Methods

EPolar‐UNet extracted the location information from an eight‐stacked hourglass network as the pole for polar transformation and extracted the boundary cues from an edge‐attending UNet, which consisted of a deconvolution layer and a subtraction operation.

Results

We evaluated the performance of EPolar‐UNet across three imaging modalities for different segmentation tasks: CVC‐ClinicDB dataset for polyp, ISIC‐2018 dataset for skin lesion, and our private ultrasound dataset for liver tumor segmentation. Our proposed model outperformed state‐of‐the‐art models on all three datasets and needed only 30%–60% of training data compared with the benchmark UNet model to achieve similar performances for medical image segmentation tasks.

Conclusions

We proposed an end‐to‐end EPolar‐UNet for automatic medical image segmentation and showed good performance on small datasets, which was critical in the field of medical image segmentation.
Analytical corrections for B1‐inhomogeneity and signal decay in multi‐slice 2D spiral hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI using keyhole reconstruction
Authors: Plummer J. W. , Hussain R. , Bdaiwi A. S. , Costa M. L. , Willmering M. M. , Parra‐Robles J. , Cleveland Z. I. , Walkup L. L.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Hyperpolarized xenon MRI suffers from heterogeneous coil bias and magnetization decay that obscure pulmonary abnormalities. Non‐physiological signal variability can be mitigated by measuring and mapping the nominal flip angle, and by rescaling the images to correct for signal bias and decay. While flip angle maps can be calculated from sequentially acquired images, scan time and breath‐hold duration are doubled. Here, we exploit the low‐frequency oversampling of 2D‐spiral and keyhole reconstruction to measure flip angle maps from a single acquisition.

Methods

Flip angle maps were calculated from two images generated from a single dataset using keyhole reconstructions and a Bloch‐equation–based model suitable for hyperpolarized substances. Artifacts resulting from acquisition and reconstruction schemes (e.g., keyhole reconstruction radius, slice‐selection profile, spiral‐ordering, and oversampling) were assessed using point‐spread functions. Simulated flip angle maps generated using keyhole reconstruction were compared against the paired‐image approach using RMS error (RMSE). Finally, feasibility was demonstrated for in vivo xenon ventilation imaging.

Results

Simulations demonstrated accurate flip angle maps and B1‐inhomogeneity correction can be generated with only 1.25‐fold central‐oversampling and keyhole reconstruction radius = 5% (RMSE = 0.460°). These settings also generated accurate flip angle maps in a healthy control (RSME = 0.337°) and a person with cystic fibrosis (RMSE = 0.404°) in as little as 3.3 s.

Conclusion

Regional lung ventilation images with reduced impact of B1‐inhomogeneity can be acquired rapidly by combining 2D‐spiral acquisition, Bloch‐equation–based modeling, and keyhole reconstruction. This approach will be especially useful for breath‐hold studies where short scan durations are necessary, such as dynamic imaging and applications in children or people with severely compromised respiratory function.
Influence of the food environment on obesity risk in a large cohort of US veterans by community type
Authors: Rummo Pasquale E. , Kanchi Rania , Adhikari Samrachana , Titus Andrea R. , Lee David C. , McAlexander Tara , Thorpe Lorna E. , Elbel Brian
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine relationships between the food environment and obesity by community type.

Methods

Using electronic health record data from the US Veterans Administration Diabetes Risk (VADR) cohort, we examined associations between the percentage of supermarkets and fast‐food restaurants with obesity prevalence from 2008 to 2018. We constructed multivariable logistic regression models with random effects and interaction terms for year and food environment variables. We stratified models by community type.

Results

Mean age at baseline was 59.8 (SD = 16.1) years; 93.3% identified as men; and 2,102,542 (41.8%) were classified as having obesity. The association between the percentage of fast‐food restaurants and obesity was positive in high‐density urban areas (odds ratio [OR] = 1.033; 95% CI: 1.028–1.037), with no interaction by time (p = 0.83). The interaction with year was significant in other community types (p < 0.001), with increasing odds of obesity in each follow‐up year. The associations between the percentage of supermarkets and obesity were null in high‐density and low‐density urban areas and positive in suburban (OR = 1.033; 95% CI: 1.027–1.039) and rural (OR = 1.007; 95% CI: 1.002–1.012) areas, with no interactions by time.

Conclusions

Many healthy eating policies have been passed in urban areas; our results suggest such policies might also mitigate obesity risk in nonurban areas.
Plant fiber‐reinforced composites based on injection molding process: Manufacturing, service life, and remanufacturing
Authors: Zhao Feng , Liu Xiaorui , Zhao Jialong , Feng Tao , Guo Wei
Published: February 2024

Resource depletion and environmental degradation have become important issues affecting the human development process. Plant fiber‐reinforced composites (PFRCs) are characterized by high natural availability, good mechanical properties, low density, recyclability, and eco‐friendliness. Expanding human applications of plant fibers is an important measure to combat resource and environmental problems. The injection molding process has the characteristics of strong product size adaptability, high molding precision, and high production efficiency. It is suitable for large‐scale production in the industry and is one of the main molding methods of PFRCs. Currently, there are still challenges and opportunities for high‐performance manufacturing of PFRCs based on the injection molding process. This article reviews the complete process of manufacturing‐service life‐remanufacturing of PFRCs based on the injection molding process. Emphasis is placed on the pretreatment technology and selection strategy of multi‐phase blended raw materials, the molding process conditions, functional applications, and simulation analysis, the aging and degradation characteristics during service, and the remanufacturing characteristics of the composites. Finally, the future research focus is summarized and prospected. The research in this paper will help promote the continuous progress of key technologies in the production process of PFRCs and help the industry to truly realize high‐performance green manufacturing in the future.

Highlights

Plant fibers exhibit variability in morphology and properties.

The link between the structure and performance of PFRCs is unclear.

The degradability and durability of PFRCs are contradictory.

The functionality and mechanical properties of PFRCs are contradictory.

PFRCs have good characteristics for remanufacturing.
Enhanced electromechanical coupling in Pb(ZrTi)O3 piezoelectric composite via poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) clamping
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Xia Weimin , Wang Rong , Pan Hong , Zhang Xiaofang
Published: February 2024

This study presents an advanced two‐step hot‐pressing process for fabricating the 1‐3 type Pb(ZrTi)O3/poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) (PZT/P(VDF‐TrFE)) piezoelectric composite sheets, demonstrating significant potential for nondestructive evaluation and information storage applications. The engineered columnar architecture within these composites induces a two‐phase clamping effect, which, upon polarization, facilitates the elongation of PZT and suppresses its lateral vibrations, thus enhancing the electromechanical coupling effect as verified by COMSOL simulations. A notable dielectric constant of 2200 at 100 Hz and a coupling coefficient of 0.725 was achieved with specific geometric modifications to the PZT/P(VDF‐TrFE) sheets. These findings suggest that P(VDF‐TrFE) as a polymer matrix exceeds the performance of conventional epoxy matrices, offering a novel approach to designing 1‐3 type piezoelectric composites.

Highlights

P(VDF‐TrFE) effectively drives the elongation strain of internal PZT columns.

COMSOL simulation clarifies the clamping effect of piezoelectric P(VDF‐TrFE).

PZT/P(VDF‐TrFE) shows a higher kt of 0.725 than that of pure PZT samples.
Assessing the precision of a detergent‐assisted cartridge precipitation workflow for non‐targeted quantitative proteomics
Authors: Nickerson Jessica L. , Gagnon Hugo , Wentzell Peter D. , Doucette Alan A.
Published: February 2024

Detergent‐based workflows incorporating sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) necessitate additional steps for detergent removal ahead of mass spectrometry (MS). These steps may lead to variable protein recovery, inconsistent enzyme digestion efficiency, and unreliable MS signals. To validate a detergent‐based workflow for quantitative proteomics, we herein evaluate the precision of a bottom‐up sample preparation strategy incorporating cartridge‐based protein precipitation with organic solvent to deplete SDS. The variance of data‐independent acquisition (SWATH‐MS) data was isolated from sample preparation error by modelling the variance as a function of peptide signal intensity. Our SDS‐assisted cartridge workflow yield a coefficient of variance (CV) of 13%–14%. By comparison, conventional (detergent‐free) in‐solution digestion increased the CV to 50%; in‐gel digestion provided lower CVs between 14% and 20%. By filtering peptides predicting to display lower precision, we further enhance the validity of data in global comparative proteomics. These results demonstrate the detergent‐based precipitation workflow is a reliable approach for in depth, label‐free quantitative proteome analysis.
Recognition of histidines with a synthetic zinc amino‐oxochlorin regioisomer via synergetic coordination and hydrogen bonding
Authors: Yuasa Mio , Hara Nobuyuki , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: February 2024

Zinc 13‐(N,N‐diethylamino)methyl‐3,3,7,8,12,17,18‐heptaethyl‐2‐oxochlorin was prepared from 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18‐octaethylporphyrin via the regioselectively acid‐catalyzed double dehydration of cis‐12,13‐diethyl‐cis‐12,13‐dihydroxy‐2‐oxobacteriochlorin to the corresponding 12‐ethyl‐13‐vinyl‐2‐oxochlorin. The synthetic zinc amino‐oxochlorin was axially ligated with the imidazolyl group of Nα‐protected histidines in chloroform, and concomitantly the amino group of the former was hydrogen‐bonded with the carboxy group of the latter. The resulting two‐point bonding supramolecules served as models for the complexes of chlorophylls with peptides in photosynthetic apparatuses including light‐harvesting antennas and charge‐separating reaction centers. A similar 1:1 complex was produced by the interaction of the zinc amino‐chlorin with the related methionine possessing thioether and carboxylic acid moieties.
The HOG‐pathway related AaOS1 leads to dicarboximide‐resistance in field strains of Alternaria alternata and contributes, together with the Aafhk1, to mycotoxin production and virulence
Authors: Wei Lingling , Chen Bin , Li Xiujuan , Shi Haiping , Xie Shuai , Hu Hao , Chen Wenchan , Wei Lihui , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Changjun
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Garlic leaf spot (GLS) caused by Alternaria alternata is one of the main diseases in the garlic production areas, and its management heavily relies on dicarboximide fungicides. However, the efficacy of dicarboximides against the GLS disease has decreased year on year.

RESULTS

In the present study, 10 of 148 A. alternata strains separated from Jiangsu Province were moderately resistant (MR) to a dicarboximide fungicide procymidone (ProMR). Positive cross‐resistance was observed between Pro and iprodione (Ipro) or fludioxonil (Fld), but not between Pro and fluazinam or azoxystrobin. Mutations at AaOS1, but not Aafhk1, were confirmed to confer the Pro resistance by constructing replacement mutants, whereas mutations at both AaOS1 and Aafhk1 decreased the gene expression level of AapksI, as well as the ability to produce mycotoxin AOH (polyketide‐derived alternariol) and virulence. Additionally, more genes (AaOS1 and Aafhk1) harboring the mutations experienced a larger biological fitness penalty.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report on Pro resistance selected in garlic fields, and mutations at AaOS1 of A. alternata causing a decreased ability to produce the mycotoxin AOH. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A generalized Bayesian optimal interval design for dose optimization in immunotherapy
Authors: Xia Qing , Takeda Kentaro , Yamaguchi Yusuke , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2024

For novel immuno‐oncology therapies, the primary purpose of a dose‐finding trial is to identify an optimal dose (OD), defined as the tolerable dose having adequate efficacy and immune response under the unpredictable dose–outcome (toxicity, efficacy, and immune response) relationships. In addition, the multiple low or moderate‐grade toxicities rather than dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) and multiple levels of efficacy should be evaluated differently in dose‐finding to determine true OD for developing novel immuno‐oncology therapies. We proposed a generalized Bayesian optimal interval design for immunotherapy, simultaneously considering efficacy and toxicity grades and immune response outcomes. The proposed design, named gBOIN‐ETI design, is model‐assisted and easy to implement to develop immunotherapy efficiently. The operating characteristics of the gBOIN‐ETI are compared with other dose‐finding trial designs in oncology by simulation across various realistic settings. Our simulations show that the gBOIN‐ETI design could outperform the other available approaches in terms of both the percentage of correct OD selection and the average number of patients allocated to the OD across various realistic trial settings.
ASAH: An arc‐surface‐adsorption hexapod robot with a motion control scheme
Authors: Ma Congjun , Dian Songyi , Guo Bin , Sun Jianglong
Published: February 2024

Mobile robots with the ability to climb provide significant advantages in equipment contact operation and maintenance. In this work, an arc‐surface‐adsorption hexapod (ASAH) robot is designed for a class of internal cavity‐cylindrical‐type electrical equipment (ICCEE). The target of robot reliable movement on the ICCEE surface obtains its priority to be solved. Therefore, a matched‐specific motion control scheme is proposed. First, the mechanisms, adaptability, and motility of the ASAH robot are analyzed from a kinematic point of view. Subsequently, to solve the arc surface movement problem, this study proposes a novel six‐three‐legged composite gait and a “trapezoidal” foot tip trajectory algorithm, which improve safety in robot support phase movements and adsorption accuracy in the swing phase, respectively. In addition, based on the motion gait and trajectory, an active adsorption scheme is added to compensate for the position error. Finally, both virtual and physical prototype are constructed for performance verification. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in facilitating accurate motion on internal and external arc surfaces with different diameters, with an error lower than 5.3 mm/rad and  rad/mm for movements in the circumferential and axial directions, respectively. Experimental results and application performance in a nuclear power plant further verify the effectiveness of the gait and trajectory algorithm; an overall success rate of 85% in circumferential movement was achieved with a maximum load weight of 2.63 kg, representing 76% of the robot body weight.
Organizational hubris: Its antecedents and consequences for stakeholder relationships
Authors: Gamache Daniel L. , Pfarrer Michael D. , Curran Kevin
Published: February 2024

Research Summary

Although research has explored how executive hubris shapes organizational actions, we theorize that hubris can also develop outside the executive suite. We introduce the construct organizational hubris, which we define as a durable, collective attitude marked by exaggerated pride and confidence in the organization. Organizational hubris differs from executive hubris in terms of level (individual versus collective) and target (self‐focused vs. organization‐focused). We argue that organizational hubris can develop among high‐identification organizations via an external route (positive external attributions) or an internal route (charismatic messaging from top leaders), or both. Once developed, organizational hubris affects important outcomes by shaping (1) how external stakeholders perceive the organization, (2) how insiders treat external stakeholders, and (3) the relationship among internal stakeholders—particularly between employees and top managers.

Managerial Summary

Among the many stories of corporate excess, some organizations exhibit a sense of superiority—the view that success is inevitable and failure impossible—that can shape their very nature. In this article, we depart from the idea that hubris is confined to the C‐suite and introduce the construct organizational hubris, which we define as a durable, collective attitude marked by exaggerated pride and confidence in the organization. Organizational hubris can develop from positive external attributions and/or charismatic messaging from top leaders. Once developed, organizational hubris affects important strategic outcomes by shaping (1) how external stakeholders perceive the organization, (2) how insiders treat external stakeholders, and (3) the relationship among internal stakeholders—particularly between employees and top managers.
Correlating Buffering Agents' Premier pH with Interface Stability Toward Long‐Term Zn Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhuang Weiman , Chen Qianwen , Wan Jianyong , Hou Zhen , Huang Limin
Published: February 2024

Aqueous solvents in Zn metal batteries inevitably induces hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) due to fluctuating pH levels in electrolytes, leading to severe side reactions and dendrite growth. To address these challenges, buffering agents have been recently proposed as a solution to maintain constant electrolyte pH values upon cycling. Nonetheless, the critical role of buffering additives’ premier pH in determining interface stability is largely overlooked. Herein, two types of buffering agents, single amphoteric and conjugate acid‐base pairs, are employed to correlate their initial pHs with the interface stability. Based on the observations, the lifetime of Zn metal anodes initially increases and then decreases as the initial pH level goes up from 2.0 to 5.0, with an optimal lifetime at pH 3.3 for both buffering agent categories. This phenomenon lies in ample H+ in low pH and rich OH− in high pH, leading to either severe HER or by‐products passivation layer. The optimized pH allows cells to deliver a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.61% over 1500 cycles at a large current density of 5 mA cm−2, which is significantly superior to 345 cycles achieved in the pristine electrolyte. Furthermore, this enhanced interface enables stable Zn/activated carbon full batteries over 15 000 cycles.
Biomimetic Multiscale Oriented PVA/NRL Hydrogel Enabled Multistimulus Responsive and Smart Shape Memory Actuator
Authors: Li Zhaohui , Li Zewei , Zhou Shihao , Zhang Jianming , Zong Lu
Published: February 2024

Shape memory hydrogels provide a worldwide scope for functional soft materials. However, most shape memory hydrogels exhibit poor mechanical properties, leading to low actuation strength, which severely limits their applications in smart biomimetic devices. Herein, a strategy for muscle‐inspired shape memory‐oriented polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐natural rubber latex (NRL) hydrogel (OPNH) with multiscale oriented structure is demonstrated. The shape memory function comes from the stretch‐induced crystallization of natural rubber (NR), while PVA forms strong hydrogen bonding interactions with proteins and phospholipids on the surface of NRL particles. Meanwhile, the reconfigurable interactions of PVA and NR produce a multiscale‐oriented structure during stretch‐drying, improving the mechanical and shape memory properties. The resultant OPNH shows excellent interfacial compatibility, exhibiting outstanding mechanical performance (3.2 MPa), high shape fixity (≈80%) and shape recovery ratio (≈92%), high actuation strength (206 kPa), working capacity (105 kJ m−3), extremely short response time (≈2 s), low response temperature (28 °C) and smart thermal responsiveness. It can even maintain muscle‐like working capacity when lifting a load equivalent to 372 times its weight, providing a new class shape memory material for the application in smart biomimetic muscles and multistimulus responsive devices.
In‐Foam Bioprinting: An Embedded Bioprinting Technique with Self‐Removable Support Bath
Authors: Madadian Elias , Ravanbakhsh Hossein , Touani Kameni Francesco , Rahimnejad Maedeh , Lerouge Sophie , Ahmadi Ali
Published: February 2024

The emergence of embedded three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting has revolutionized the biofabrication of free‐form constructs out of low‐viscosity and slow‐crosslinking hydrogels. Using gel‐based support baths has limitations including lack of proper oxygenation and nutrition and complications with bath removal. Herein, a novel‐embedded 3D bioprinting technique is developed with an albumin foam support bath as a promising substitute. The proposed technique, in‐foam bioprinting, offers excellent printability and convenience in bath removal while providing cells with easy access to oxygen and nutrients. The foam‐based support bath is characterized through foam stability and rheological tests. The bubble size in the foam is measured to study the change in the structure of the bath due to the coalescence of the bubbles over time. Free‐form structures are successfully 3D printed with thermoresponsive chitosan‐based bioinks to demonstrate the capability of the in‐foam bioprinting technique. The viability of bioprinted fibroblast L929 cells is studied over a seven‐day period, showing high cell viability of over 97%, which is attributed to the abundance of oxygen and nutrition in the foam support bath. Importantly, in‐foam bioprinting is beneficial for biofabricating large samples with a long printing time without jeopardizing cell viability.
Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography method development for the quantification of Molnupiravir and its process‐related impurities using Box‐Behnken experimental design
Authors: Nuli Mohana Vamsi , Bhikshapathi Darna , Garige Anil Kumar , Chandupatla Vijitha , Sunkara Surya Lakshmi , Grover Parul
Published: February 2024

Molnupiravir, a promising antiviral agent, has gained significant attention for its potential in treating viral infections, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study aimed to develop and validate an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method for the quantification of Molnupiravir and its associated impurities (Imp‐I, Imp‐II, Imp‐III, and Imp‐IV). The method involved a systematic investigation of critical method parameters and their optimization using Quality by Design principles. The percentage of organic modifiers, column temperature, and flow rate were systematically optimized using the Box‐Behnken design. The developed method was assessed for specificity, system suitability, accuracy, precision, linearity, and detection limits. The results demonstrate strong specificity, with the analysis remaining accurate even in the presence of impurities. The developed method exhibits excellent precision, with repeatability and intermediate precision showing relative standard deviation values ranging from 0.78% to 1.14% for impurities and 0.82% to 1.91% for Molnupiravir. Furthermore, the method displays exceptional linearity, covering a wide range of concentrations. The linear regression analysis yields high coefficients of determination (r2, 9993–0.9997), confirming the linearity. The developed UHPLC method is well‐suited for the accurate and reliable analysis of Molnupiravir and its impurities, making it a valuable tool for quality control and pharmaceutical research applications.
Bioinorganic Materials for Imaging, Diagnosis and Therapy of Neurological Disease
Authors: Zhao Yangyang , Ngai Howai , Wang Fan , Liu Yawei , Sun Yao , Zhang Hongjie , Wang Shidong , Chen Liang , Liu Kai
Published: February 2024

The treatment of neurological disease, such as epilepsy is rather complicated. Emerging therapies such as surgery, gene therapy, stem cell transplantation, and neurostimulation have been developed to replace traditional drug therapy. However, great challenges such as the difficult localization of epileptic foci (EF), incomplete excision of lesioned nerves, high drug resistance, and severe side effects limit their clinical applications. As an alternative, bioinorganic materials have been emerged and show great potentials for epilepsy theranostics. Their unique physical properties, including fluorescence, magnetic resonance effect, and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering effect (SERS), give them the ability to image the localization of EF. In addition, the fluorescence and conductivity of bioinorganic materials could be further used for studying pathogenesis. Moreover, bioinorganic materials could serve as intelligent systems to deliver drugs and cooperative therapy for epilepsy. Herein, this review highlights the design and application of bioinorganic materials in the imaging, diagnosis, and therapy of epilepsy. Furthermore, light is shown on the potential bottlenecks and future perspectives of bioinorganic materials in epilepsy theranostics.
Shear behavior of box‐section concrete beams reinforced by FRP bars and FRP stirrups
Authors: Ebrahim Ebrahim A. , Mahmoud Ahmed A. , Salama Mohamed A. , Khater Ahmed N.
Published: February 2024

A few research studies are available on the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) box section beams with fiber‐reinforced polymer bars (FRP) and FRP stirrups. Consequently, the behavior of these beams needs to be investigated. This article studies experimentally, numerically, and analytically the effect of some variables on the behavior of RC box section beams. This article investigates many variables, such as the shear span‐to‐total depth ratio, the flexural FRP reinforcement ratio, and the FRP vertical and horizontal web reinforcement ratio. The experimental program consists of nine simply supported reinforced concrete box section beams. The numerical models using the nonlinear finite element program ANSYS V.15 are carried out. The results are compared to the experimental results using load‐deflection curves, crack patterns, failure loads, and failure modes. The shear capacities based on Egyptian ECP 208‐2019 and ACI 440‐2015 codes are compared to each other and to the experimental results. The findings show an adequate agreement between the experimental, numerical, and analytical results for the range of the studied parameters. The results reveal that increasing the shear span‐to‐depth ratio by 50% decreases the carrying capacity, toughness, and displacement ductility by 2%, 28%, and 12%, respectively. The increase in main FRP reinforcement rebars by 20% increases the carrying capacity and toughness by 59% and 62%, respectively. Increasing vertical FRP stirrups by 79% increases the failure load and toughness by 26% and 15%, respectively, and displacement ductility increases only by 0.8%. The increase in horizontal FRP stirrups by 79% increases the failure load, toughness, and displacement ductility by 33%, 8%, and 4%, respectively. Both Egyptian and American codes are conservative in some cases and unconservative in others, while the numerical results are unconservative.
Primary hyperparathyroidism and concurrent severe hypergastrinemia in a dog
Authors: Freytet Léa , Boot Grégor , Petitpré Arthur , Lamoureux Anaïs
Published: February 2024

A 7‐year‐old, neutered, male beagle dog was presented for the investigation of hyporexia, vomiting and polyuria‐polydipsia. Ionised hypercalcaemia secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed. The dog developed a perforated gastric ulcer associated with marked hypergastrinemia. The dog died of cardiopulmonary arrest 6 days after admission. Gastrinoma can be associated with Zollinger–Ellison syndrome, characterised by the presence of peptic ulcers and hypergastrinemia. Concurrent primary hyperparathyroidism and gastrinoma is a typical presentation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome, a human syndrome that causes the development of several tumours in endocrine glands; but has never been described in dogs. Hypergastrinemia secondary to hypercalcaemia, and unrelated to gastrinoma, has also been described in humans, but not in dogs. This case reports the atypical co‐occurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism and severe hypergastrinemia, which could be a consequence of hypercalcaemia, or be secondary to a concurrent disease such as an undetected gastrinoma.
Degradation of 2, 4‐dichlorophenol by peroxymonosulfate catalyzed by ZnO/ZnMn2O4
Authors: Ruan Xinchao , Wang Huan , Huang Fengyun , Wang Fanye , Yang Xiaojun
Published: February 2024

In this study, a highly efficient peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator, ZnO/ZnMn2O4, was synthesized using a simple one‐step hydrothermal method. The resulting bimetallic oxide catalyst demonstrated a homogenous and high‐purity composition, showcasing synergistic catalytic activity in activating PMS for degrading 2, 4‐dichlorophenol (2, 4‐DCP) in aqueous solution. This catalytic performance surpassed that of individual ZnO, Mn2O3, and ZnMn2O4 metal materials. Under the optimized conditions, the removal efficiency of 2, 4‐DCP reached approximately 86% within 60 min, and the catalytic ability remained almost constant even after four cycles of recycling. The developed degradation system proved effective in degrading other azo‐dye pollutants. Certain inorganic anions such as HPO4−, HCO3−, and NO3− significantly inhibited the degradation of 2, 4‐DCP, while Cl− and SO42− did not exhibit such interference. Results from electrochemical experiments indicated that the electron transfer ability of ZnO/ZnMn2O4 surpassed that of individual metals, and electron transfer occurred between ZnO/ZnMn2O4 and the oxidant. The primary active radicals responsible for degrading 2, 4‐DCP were identified as SO4•−, OH• and O2•−, generated through the oxidation and reduction of PMS catalyzed by Zn (II) and Mn (III). Furthermore, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the fresh and used catalysts revealed that the exceptional electron transfer ability of ZnO facilitated the valence transfer of Mn (III) and the transfer of electrons to the catalyst's oxygen surface, thus enhancing the catalytic efficiency. The analysis of radicals and intermediates indicates that the two main pathways for degrading 2, 4‐DCP involve hydroxylation and radical attack on its aromatic ring.

Practitioner Points

A bimetallic ZnO/ZnMn2O4 catalyst was synthesized and characterized.

ZnO/ZnMn2O4 can synergistically activate PMS to degrade 2, 4‐DCP compared with single metal oxide.

Three primary active radicals, O2•−, •OH, and SO4•−, were generated to promote the degradation.

ZnO promoted electron transfer among the three species of Mn to facilitate oxidizing pollutants.

Hydroxylation and radical attack on the aromatic ring of 2, 4‐DCP are the two degradation pathways.
Lifting of two-mode states in the D1-D5 CFT
Authors: Hughes Marcel R. R. , Mathur Samir D. , Mehta Madhur
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We consider D1-D5-P states in the untwisted sector of the D1-D5 orbifold CFT where one copy of the seed CFT has been excited by a pair of oscillators, each being either bosonic or fermionic. While such states are BPS at the orbifold point, they will in general ‘lift’ as the theory is deformed towards general values of the couplings. We compute the expectation value of this lift at second order in the deformation parameter for the above mentioned states. We write this lift in terms of a fixed number of nested contour integrals on a given integrand; this integrand depends on the mode numbers of the oscillators in the state. We evaluate these integrals to obtain the explicit value of the lift for various subfamilies of states. At large mode numbers one observes a smooth increase of the lift with the dimension of the state h; this increase appears to follow $$ \textrm{a}\sim \sqrt{h} $$
a
∼

h

behavior similar to that found analytically in earlier computations for other classes of states.
Heavy Wilson quarks and O(a) improvement: nonperturbative results for bg
Authors: Dalla Brida Mattia , Höllwieser Roman , Knechtli Francesco , Korzec Tomasz , Sint Stefan , Sommer Rainer
Published: February 2024

Abstract

With Wilson quarks, on-shell O(a) improvement of the lattice QCD action is achieved by including the Sheikholeslami-Wohlert term and two further operators of mass dimension 5, which amount to a mass-dependent rescaling of the bare parameters. We here focus on the rescaled bare coupling, $$ {\tilde{g}}_0^2={g}_0^2\left(1+{b}_{\textrm{g}}a{m}_{\textrm{q}}\right) $$

g
~

0
2

=

g
0
2

1
+

b
g

a

m
q

, and the determination of $$ {b}_{\textrm{g}}\left({g}_0^2\right) $$

b
g

g
0
2

which is currently only known to 1-loop order of perturbation theory. We derive suitable improvement conditions in the chiral limit and in a finite space-time volume and evaluate these for different gluonic observables, both with and without the gradient flow. The choice of β-values and the line of constant physics are motivated by the ALPHA collaboration’s decoupling strategy to determine αs(mZ) [1]. However, the improvement conditions and some insight into systematic effects may prove useful in other contexts, too.
SMEFT at NNLO+PS: Vh production
Authors: Gauld Rhorry , Haisch Ulrich , Schnell Luc
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In the context of the Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT) the next-to-next-to-leading (NNLO) QCD corrections to the Higgsstrahlungs (Vh) processes in hadronic collisions are calculated and matched to a parton shower (PS). NNLO+PS precision is achieved for the complete sets of SMEFT operators that describe the interactions between the Higgs and two vector bosons and the couplings of the Higgs, a W or a Z boson, and light fermions. A POWHEG-BOX implementation of the computed NNLO SMEFT corrections is provided that allows for a realistic exclusive description of Vh production at the level of hadronic events. This feature makes it an essential tool for future Higgs characterisation studies by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations. Utilising our new Monte Carlo code the numerical impact of NNLO+PS corrections on the kinematic distributions in pp → Zh → ℓ+ℓ−h production is explored, employing well-motivated SMEFT benchmark scenarios.
Two-point sum-rules in three-dimensional Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Caron-Huot Simon , Pokraka Andrzej , Zahraee Zahra
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We compute the stress-tensor two-point function in three-dimensional Yang-Mills theory to three-loops in perturbation theory. Using its calculable shape at high momenta, we test the notion that its Borel transform is saturated at low energies by the lowest glueball state(s). This assumption provides relatively stable estimates for the mass of the lightest glueball that we compare with lattice simulations. We also provide estimates for the coupling of the lightest glueball to the stress tensor. Along the way, we comment on the extent that such estimates are non-rigorous. Lastly, we discuss the possibility of applying the sum-rule analysis to two-point functions of higher-spin operators and obtain a crude approximation for the glueball couplings to these operators.
Two Rigidity Results for Stable Minimal Hypersurfaces
Authors: Catino Giovanni , Mastrolia Paolo , Roncoroni Alberto
Published: February 2024

The aim of this paper is to prove two results concerning the rigidity of complete, immersed, orientable, stable minimal hypersurfaces: we show that they are hyperplane in R4, while they do not exist in positively curved closed Riemannian (n+1)-manifold when n≤5; in particular, there are no stable minimal hypersurfaces in Sn+1 when n≤5. The first result was recently proved also by Chodosh and Li, and the second is a consequence of a more general result concerning minimal surfaces with finite index. Both theorems rely on a conformal method, inspired by a classical work of Fischer-Colbrie.