bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Intercategory and Generational Dynamics for A Growing Information Technology Industry
Authors: Kim Namwoon , Chang Dae Ryun , Shocker Allan D.
Published: April 2003

Previous studies dealing with product growth have dealt only with substitution effects among successive generations of one product category and not with complementarity and competition provided by related product categories.

Based on a broadened concept of the competitive information technology (IT) market, we develop a dynamic market growth model that is able to incorporate both interproduct category and technological substitution effects simultaneously. The market potential for each category or generation is treated as a variable rather than a constant parameter, which is typical of recently growing IT sectors such as wireless telecommunications. The model is calibrated, its plausibility discussed, and its face and predictive validity assessed using data on wireless telecommunications services from two Asian markets.

Results show that the market potential (and sales growth) of one category or generation is significantly affected by others and by the overall structure of a geographic market. The model is shown to make relatively good predictions even when the data from recently introduced categories/generations are limited.
A Remark on Third Degree Stochastic Dominance
Authors: Ng Man-Chung
Published: April 2003

This note presents two counterexamples to illustrate that neither implication of Theorem 4 in Levy (1992) is correct.
Bounds on the Opportunity Cost of Neglecting Reoptimization in Mathematical Programming
Authors: Oğuz Osman
Published: April 2003

Postoptimality or sensitivity analysis are well-developed subjects in almost all branches of mathematical programming. In this note, we propose a simple formula which can be used to get preliminary bounds on the value of this type of analysis for a specific class of mathematical programming problems. We also show that our bounds are tight.
Do Corporate Global Environmental Standards Create or Destroy Market Value?
Authors: Dowell Glen , Hart Stuart , Yeung Bernard
Published: April 2003

Arguments can be made on both sides of the question of whether a stringent global corporate environmental standard represents a competitive asset or liability for multinational enterprises (MNEs) investing in emerging and developing markets. Analyzing the global environmental standards of a sample of U.S.-based MNEs in relation to their stock market performance, we find that firms adopting a single stringent global environmental standard have much higher market values, as measured by Tobin's q, than firms defaulting to less stringent, or poorly enforced host country standards. Thus, developing countries that use lax environmental regulations to attract foreign direct investment may end up attracting poorer quality, and perhaps less competitive, firms. Our results also suggest that externalities are incorporated to a significant extent in firm valuation. We discuss plausible reasons for this observation.
A Fast Computational Procedure to Solve the Multi-Item Single Machine Lot Scheduling Optimization Problem: The Average Cost Case
Authors: Aragone L. S. , González R. L. V.
Published: April 2003

In this paper we present some special procedures for the numerical solution of the optimal scheduling problem of a multi-item single machine. We study the in6nite horizon case when the optimization criterion is the average cost. We establish the solution of the problem in terms of viscosity solutions of the Quasi-Variational Inequality (QVI) system associated to the problem. The existence of solution of the QVI and the uniqueness of the optimal average cost are proved. A method of discretization and a computational procedure are described. They allow us to compute the solution in a short time and with precision of order k. We obtain an estimate for the discretization error and develop an algorithm that converges in a finite number of steps. In our method the nodes of the triangulation mesh are joined by segments of trajectories of the original system. This feature allows us to obtain the k-order precision which, in general, is impossible to obtain by usual methods.
A Note on the Finite Time Behavior of Simulated Annealing
Authors: Nolte Andreas , Schrader Rainer
Published: April 2003

Simulated Annealing has proven to be a very successful heuristic for various combinatorial optimization problems. It is a randomized algorithm that attempts to find the global optimum with high probability by local exchanges. In this paper we give a new proof of the convergence of Simulated Annealing by applying results about rapidly mixing Markov chains. With this proof technique it is possible to obtain better bounds for the finite time behavior of Simulated Annealing than previously known.
Optimizing Over the Efficient Set Using a Top-Down Search of Faces
Authors: Sayin Serpil
Published: April 2003

The problem of optimizing a linear function over the efficient set of a multiple objective linear programming problem is studied. The decomposition of the efficient set into efficient faces is used as the basis of a search-based algorithm to solve this problem. The faces of the feasible region are characterized by the set of constraints that hold as equality in that face. The search is conducted over the indices of the constraints in a way that explores faces of possibly higher dimension first. Computational tests are performed to establish the behavior of the algorithm when the objective function is built according to different schemes that have received attention in the literature. The results indicate that different objective function types may lead to varying computation time requirements. In general, computational requirements of the algorithm increase significantly with problem size. A heuristic modification of the algorithm is proposed to solve large problems within reasonable time limits. Tests to measure the quality of the heuristic solutions show that the heuristic approach constitutes a practical alternative for finding good solutions for the problem.
A Dynamic Network Flow Problem with Uncertain arc Capacities: Formulation and Problem Structure
Authors: Glockner Gregory D. , Nemhauser George L.
Published: April 2003

We consider a dynamic network flow problem where the arc capacities are random variables. This gives a multistage stochastic linear program. We describe the randomness using a multi-scenario approach. Because of the multilayered structure, there are several ways to decompose the linear program. We classify different decomposition schemes, and we develop a scheme called compath decomposition, which is derived from path decomposition for network flows. We give a polynomial-time algorithm to find a cheapest compath that can solve the subproblems resulting from compath decomposition. Finally, compath decomposition is extended to multicommodity flow problems.
An Assurance Interval for the Non-Archimedean Epsilon in DEA Models
Authors: Mehrabian Saeid , Jahanshahloo Gholam R. , Alirezaee Mohammad R. , Amin Gholam R.
Published: April 2003

This paper clarifies the role of non-Archimedean infinitesimal ε in DEA models so that the associated linear programs may be infeasible (for the multiplier side) and unbounded (for the envelopment side) for certain values of ε. It is shown that the bound of ε proposed by Ali and Seiford (1993) is invalid for feasibility and boundedness of the linear programs. A procedure is presented for determining an assurance interval of ε. It is also shown that an assurance value for ε can be found using a single linear program.
Research Strategies Used by OR/MS Workers: Extension of the Analysis of U.S. Flagship Journals to the United Kingdom
Authors: Ormerod Richard , Delibassi Panagiota , Morris Clare
Published: April 2003

Reisman and Kirschnick (1995) have defined seven process categories among OR/MS research strategies and analysed the contents of U.S. flagship OR/MS journals in 1992 to examine how often OR/MS workers use these processes. We have applied their method of analysis to the 1994 contents of the U.K. flagship journal, the Journal of the Operational Research Society. As well as providing some insight into the nature of OR/MS research in the United Kingdom, the results enable a comparison to be made with the results from the U.S. flagship journals. The findings confirm that the ripple process is dominantly used in theoretical research, and the transfer-of-technology process is the one most frequently used in true applications in the United Kingdom as well as the United States. Because the literature is dominated by theoretical research using a ripple strategy, the discrimination achieved by the classification is limited. To provide further discrimination an alternative categorisation is used to analyse the nature of research output, distinguishing between the object (material, social, personal) and the objective (knowledge, function, purpose) of the research. The paper proposes that the analysis of the content of research, using a method such as Reisman and Kirschnick's categorisation, could be used for the evaluation of OR/MS research output to complement citation analysis and peer reviews.
High Multiplicity in Earliness-Tardiness Scheduling
Authors: Clifford John J. , Posner Marc E.
Published: April 2003

When a production shop has a large number of identical parts, the parts are often recorded by a part description and quantity. This differs from the type of description used by standard scheduling problems, which assume that all parts or jobs are unique. In high-multiplicity scheduling problems, identical jobs are encoded in an efficient format similar to that of the production shop. The input describes one of the jobs and the number of such identical jobs. We consider single-machine, high-multiplicity problems with earliness and tardiness weights. We investigate three categories of weights: unit, common, and job-specific. For the unit and common weights problems, a polynomial time algorithm is developed. The algorithm takes advantage of identical jobs and finds solutions faster than by standard methods.

We provide a new method for creating a lower bound for the standard encoding of the job-specific weights problem, which is NP-complete. We disaggregate each job into identical sub jobs with unit processing times. Then, using high-multiplicity encoding for this disaggregated problem, we create a lower bound on the optimal objective function value of the original problem in polynomial time. Heuristic solutions are generated using a randomized rounding technique on the lower bound solution. These results are used in a branch-and-bound solution method. Analytical and computational results are presented. Our combination of disaggregation and high-multiplicity encoding provides a new method for creating lower bounds on the objective functions of NP-complete problems.
Putting the Community into Organizational Science: Exploring the Construction of Knowledge Claims
Authors: Deetz Stanley
Published: April 2003

Like Weiss, I too dislike some of the postmodern writings on organizations. I too worry that shallow works given even more shallow and opportunistic readings can have negative social consequences. But I also recognize that most of Weiss's concerns are not unique to postmodern writings. Many of the problems he discusses could also be descriptive of work from different conceptual and methodological stances. Statistics are often contrived and misleading. Ethnography has at times aided colonization. Both social and physical sciences have at times produced bad theories and been put to very negative uses. Some early postmodernist theorists, Christians, and scientists, were Nazis, and elements of each of their fundamental conceptions could be co-opted to support this particular form of barbarism. This potential utilization, however, does not lead for me to a blanket condemnation of postmodernism, science, ethnography, religion, or statistics. Devotees of each have used their special understandings to fight tyranny. Both postmodernism and science also draw on fundamental conceptions that are productive, enable open choices, and help us see through the masters and ideologies of a particular time and place. I am less interested in blame than in finding what each can contribute. I look to an ongoing community discussion that helps us to do the best we can to sort out the good from the bad, and I hope that the current set of essays helps stimulate a positive dialogue.
Predefined‐time adaptive backstepping control for a class of nonlinear dynamical systems with parametric uncertainties
Authors: Singh Vijay Kumar , Kamal Shyam , Ghosh Sandip
Published: January 2024

In this article, we address the problem of achieving predefined‐time control for a class of nonlinear dynamical systems with parameter uncertainties. We introduce an adaptive predefined‐time control algorithm based on integrator backstepping for th order nonlinear systems. Using Lyapunov's stability theory, we establish that the proposed predefined time control approach, combined with an adaptive law, ensures the boundedness of all signals within the closed‐loop system. A notable advantage of our method is its potential to achieve convergence within a predetermined time frame. To validate our approach's efficacy, we present a practical example involving a 2 DOF helicopter, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
RobustH2nonlinear fuzzy decentralized control design for a VSC‐HVDC link
Authors: Ngo Hoang‐Trung , Kamal Elkhatib , Marinescu Bogdan , Xavier Florent
Published: January 2024

A Robust Nonlinear Fuzzy Decentralized Controller ( RNFDC) is proposed to improve the overall robustness and tracking ability of a VSC‐HVDC link. The studied system is considered as composed by two overlapping nonlinear subsystems. The nonlinear interaction between the two subsystems is treated as a disturbance rejection problem by fuzzy control techniques. First, the Takagi Sugeno (TS) fuzzy model is adopted for fuzzy modeling of the uncertain nonlinear system. Next, new stability conditions for a generalized class of uncertain HVDC systems are derived from robust control techniques based on Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). The design method employs the so‐called Parallel Distributed Compensation (PDC) to obtain RNFDC gains based on LMIs.The efficiency and robustness of the proposed controllers are analytically proven and tested through validation simulations. The main contributions of this paper are: (i) resilience: in case of failure of one converter or loss of measures or controls, the control of the other converter is not affected; (ii) robustness is improved in order to provide good responses in case of network variations and HVDC line parameters changes; (iii) fuzzy techniques are adopted to handle nonlinearities and changes of operating conditions. The proposed RNFDC is compared with Fuzzy H Decentralized State Feedback Control ( NFDC) and Linear Decentralized Control ( LDC) in simulation to illustrate the control synthesis and its effectiveness.
Non‐Hetero‐Deformation‐Induced Hardening in Steel/Polymer/Steel Layered Sheet: Experiment and Modeling Analyses
Authors: Kim Yongju , Gu Gang Hee , Kim Rae Eon , Seo Min Hong , Kim Hyoung Seop
Published: January 2024

The mechanical properties of the steel/polymer/steel layered material are determined by taking the sum or average of the properties of the constituent components. To understand the reasons behind non‐hetero‐deformation‐induced hardening at the deformed polymer/steel interface, a combined approach of experimental methods and modeling techniques is employed.
Manipulation of Convection Using Infrared Light Emitted from Human Hands
Authors: Zhu Hanrui , Luo Zhen , Zhang Lifu , Shen Qingchen , Yang Runheng , Cheng Weizheng , Zhang Yingyue , Jiang Modi , Guo Chunzhi , Fu Benwei , Song Chengyi , Tao Peng , An Shun , Shang Wen , Deng Tao
Published: January 2024

Control of convection plays an important role in heat transfer regulation, bio/chemical sensing, phase separation, etc. Current convection controlling systems generally depend on engineered energy sources to drive and manipulate the convection, which brings additional energy consumption into the system. Here the use of human hand as a natural and sustainable infrared (IR) radiation source for the manipulation of liquid convection is demonstrated. The fluid can sense the change of the relative position or the shape of the hand with the formation of different convection patterns. Besides the generation of static complex patterns, dynamic manipulation of convections can also be realized via moving of hand or finger. The use of such sustainable convections to control the movement of a floating “boat” is further achieved. The use of human hands as the natural energy sources provides a promising approach for the manipulation of liquid convection without the need of extra external energy, which may be further utilized for low‐cost and intelligent bio/chemical sensing and separation.
Reversible Radical Addition Guides Selective Photocatalytic Intermolecular Thiol‐Yne‐Ene Molecular Assembly
Authors: Shlapakov Nikita S. , Kobelev Andrey D. , Burykina Julia V. , Kostyukovich Alexander Yu. , König Burkhard , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: January 2024

In modern organic chemistry, harnessing the power of multicomponent radical reactions presents both significant challenges and extraordinary potential. This article delves into this scientific frontier by addressing the critical issue of controlling selectivity in such complex processes. We introduce a novel approach that revolves around the reversible addition of thiyl radicals to multiple bonds, reshaping the landscape of multicomponent radical reactions. The key to selectivity lies in the intricate interplay between reversibility and the energy landscapes governing C−C bond formation in thiol‐yne‐ene reactions. The developed approach not only allows to prioritize the thiol‐yne‐ene cascade, dominating over alternative reactions, but also extends the scope of coupling products obtained from alkenes and alkynes of various structures and electron density distributions, regardless of their relative polarity difference, opening doors to more versatile synthetic possibilities. In the present study, we provide a powerful tool for atom‐economical C−S and C−C bond formation, paving the way for the efficient synthesis of complex molecules. Carrying out our experimental and computational studies, we elucidated the fundamental mechanisms underlying radical cascades, a knowledge that can be broadly applied in the field of organic chemistry.
A comparative study on the spectra of normal outburst and mini‐outbursts of black hole X‐ray binary XTE J1550‐564
Authors: He Wei‐Long , Zhang Xue‐Kun , Yang Wei‐Jia , Dong Ai‐Jun , Ge Kang
Published: January 2024

One normal outburst and three mini‐outbursts have been detected by Rossi X‐ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite after 2000 in the well‐known black hole X‐ray binary XTE J1550‐564. In our work, we explored the energy spectral properties of the four outbursts and the three mini‐outbursts retained in the Low/Hard state. The results show that the X‐ray spectra of the three mini‐outbursts are harder than that of normal outburst and have no disk component. In the correlation analysis, the anti‐relationship of the three mini‐outbursts suggested that it may be a result of the incomplete evolutionary success of Shakura‐Sunyaev disk. The whole X‐ray spectral correlation evolution shows well the state transition from the Shakura‐Sunyaev disk to the advection‐dominated accretion flow. We think that the three mini‐outbursts may originated from a small discrete accretion event.
Wet‐chemical synthesis of two‐dimensional complex nanorings for near‐field focusing
Authors: Jung Insub , Lee Sungwoo , Lee Soohyun , Park Sungho
Published: January 2024

Plasmonic nanorings are promising building blocks for a variety of applications, including optical and biological sensing, and energy because the open inner spaces of the nanorings exhibit a high surface‐to‐area ratio and possess unique optical properties that are different from solid nanostructures. However, the simple architecture of mono‐rim based structures leads to low electromagnetic near‐field confinement, which requires a more complex structure to facilitate effective interaction with light. Herein, we report on recent progress of synthetic strategies for fabricating plasmonic nanorings using both top‐down and bottom‐up approaches. First, we introduce the conventional methods for achieving classical ring architectures. Then, we discuss rationally designed synthesis methods for creating advanced and structurally unique nanostructures to increase near‐field enhancement. This process involves multi‐step chemical toolkits that enable control over the shape and the introduction of repeated units in a single entity. Then, we explore the potential applications of complex nanoring architectures.
Transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery—A transient but potentially recurrent disease
Authors: Peycheva Marieta , Zdravkova Tina , Zlatareva Dora , Viteva Ekaterina , Harizanova Zdravka , Meinel Thomas R. , Heldner Mirjam R.
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery (TIPIC syndrome) is a rare, unclassified vascular syndrome that usually affects the distal part of the common carotid artery and has a favorable prognosis. The disease is often misdiagnosed even by neurologists due to the moderate intensity of clinical symptoms and their transient character. We present a case of a 52‐year‐old man who experienced two episodes of transient neck pain and moderate local tenderness one and a half years apart. Different imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, CT angiography, and high‐resolution 3T MR, were applied to better visualize the perivascular inflammation of the common carotid arteries. Based on the clinical‐radiological characteristics of our case and applying the diagnostic criteria, we established the diagnosis of TIPIC syndrome. The patient was treated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for few weeks, and reduction in perivascular changes was observed in both episodes. The case raises questions about the phases of the disease, its duration and the intervals between follow‐ups. Our article also increases the awareness of this rare clinical‐radiological entity and presents recent data from the literature.
Electrophilic Functionalization of a Hexaphosphabenzene Ligand in [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η6 : 6‐P6)]
Authors: Widmann Maximilian , Riesinger Christoph , Szlosek Robert , Balázs Gábor , Scheer Manfred
Published: January 2024

The electrophilic functionalization of the triple‐decker sandwich complex [{Cp*Mo}2(μ,η6:6‐P6)] (A) and its mono‐oxidized counterpart [{Cp*Mo}2(μ,η6:6‐P6)][SbF6] (B) with reactive main‐group electrophiles as well as radical scavengers is shown to be a reliable method for the selective functionalization of the hexaphosphabenzene ligand. Depending on the electrophile used, the regioselectivity of the functionalization can be adjusted. Using group 16 electrophiles, the trisubstituted compounds [{Cp*Mo}2{(μ,η3 : 3‐P3)(μ,η1 : 1 : 1 : 1‐1,3‐(SePh)2‐2‐Br‐P3)}][TEF] (1), [{Cp*Mo}2(μ,η3 : 3‐P3)(μ,η1 : 1 : 1 : 1‐1,2,3‐(EPh)3‐P3)][SbF6] (E=S (2), Se (3)) as well as the side product [{Cp*Mo}2(μ,η4:4‐P4)(μ,η1 : 1‐P(SPh)2)][SbF6] (4) are obtained. By switching to phosphenium ions as group 15 electrophiles, the ring‐inserted products [{Cp*Mo}2(μ,η3 : 3 : 2 : 2‐P7R2)][TEF] (R=Cy (5), iPr (6)) are isolated, showing an unprecedented P7R2 structural motif. Furthermore, the reaction with MeOTf yields the dimeric [{Cp*Mo}4(1,4‐Me2‐μ4,η1 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1‐P6)(μ,η3 : 3‐P3)2][TEF]2 (7) as the first example of a complex featuring two interconnected cyclo‐P6 middle deck ligands. Finally, by combination of the methylation step with Ph2Se2, the mixed group 14/16 complex [{Cp*Mo}2{(μ,η3 : 3‐P3)(μ,η1 : 1 : 1 : 11,2‐(SePh)2‐3‐Me‐P3)}][OTf] (8) is obtained.
A ProTide of AZT Shows Activity Against Human Papillomaviruses
Authors: Gniech Tim , Humboldt Adrian , Keith Kathy A. , James Scott H. , Richert Clemens
Published: January 2024

Infection by human papillomaviruses (HPV) can cause warts and tumors. So far, no small molecule antiviral has been approved for the treatment of infections with this DNA virus, although preclinical studies show activity for nucleosidic compounds, such as 9‐(2‐phosphonylmethoxy)ethylguanine (PMEG) or cidofovir. This prompted us to test new prodrug versions of the nucleoside analog 3’‐azido‐2’,3’‐dideoxythymidine (AZT), known to be active against reverse transcriptases and approved for the treatment of HIV. Here we report the synthesis of an ethylbutyl alaninyl ester phosphosphoramidate prodrug of AZT, dubbed AZAEB, and its activity against HPV, a target not known to be sensitive to AZT. A methyl ester derivative was found to be inactive against this and three other DNA viruses, while the phosphoramidate prodrug AZAEB showed a modest inhibitory effect against HPV types 6, 11, 18 and 31. Our results open up new avenues of study for the treatment of diseases caused by members of the papillomaviridae family.
A portable frequency‐domain electromagnetic detection system
Authors: Peng Fengjiang , Zhao XueZhao , Zhang Song , Duan Haoran , Du Shibao , Zhao Qing , Guo Cheng
Published: January 2024

Frequency‐domain detection stands as a critical method in remote geophysical exploration; however, its practical application is constrained by the considerable size of the requisite instrumentation. In this paper, we present a compact frequency domain electromagnetic detection system. The integration of intelligent power devices and a novel hardware architecture substantially diminishes the system's dimensions, thereby enhancing its portability. Furthermore, the system design incorporates sinusoidal pulse width modulation and digital phase‐locked amplification to ensure the efficacy of the proposed system. Both the transmitter and receiver system are constrained to dimensions smaller than 1.5 m. Subsequent experimental validation attests to the exemplary hardware performance of the proposed system, with the transmitting voltage of the transmitter circuit attaining 500 V, and the receiver circuit exhibiting a sensitivity as low as 10−8 V. Significantly, this design paradigm not only facilitates the integration of transmitter and receiver systems for frequency‐domain electromagnetic detection but also introduces novel prospects for the application of frequency‐domain electromagnetic detection methods across diverse fields.
A comparison of diagnostic utility of new endoscopic scraper combined cell block method and conventional brush catheter for biliary tract cancer
Authors: Kuniyoshi Noriyuki , Yamada Koji , Osawa Rota , Nomura Shuzo , Fujisawa Mariko , Saito Kei , Imazu Hiroo , Masuda Shinobu , Kogure Hirofumi
Published: January 2024

Background/Aims

The sensitivities of endoscopic trans‐papillary pathologic diagnosis of biliary tract cancer (BTC) are unsatisfactory. Recently, the diagnostic utility of the endoscopic scraper device, Trefle for biliary stricture has been reported. The Trefle can be guided to the target biliary stricture over the guidewire and is as easy to use as the conventional brush catheter (CBC). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Trefle‐assisted tissue acquisition combined cell block method and CBC cytology for biliary strictures due to BTCs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with biliary strictures in whom CBC cytology or Trefle‐assisted tissue acquisition under endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed for suspected BTCs from January 2015 to June 2022 at our institution.

Results

173 patients (CBC group; n = 55, Trefle group; n = 118) were enrolled in this study. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CBC cytology for BTC were 68.3%/100%/76.4%. On the other hand, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Trefle‐assisted tissue acquisition for BTC were 93.7%/95.7%/94.1%, showing superior sensitivity (p < 0.001) and accuracy (p = 0.002) compared to that of CBC.

Conclusions

Compared to CBC cytology, Trefle‐assisted tissue acquisition has superior diagnostic performance while maintaining procedural simplicity and is considered useful for diagnosing malignant biliary stricture.
Sensitivity to change in well‐being and health‐related quality of life in adults with eating disorder symptoms: ICECAP‐A versus EQ‐5D‐5L
Authors: van Kaam Fleur E. , Rohrbach Pieter J. , van den Akker‐Van Marle M. Elske , van Furth Eric F. , Dingemans Alexandra E.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Economic evaluations of treatments help to inform decisions on allocating health care resources. These evaluations involve comparing costs and effectiveness in terms of quality of life. To calculate quality‐adjusted life years, generic health related quality of life is often used, but is criticized for not being sensitive to change in mental health populations. Another approach, using experienced well‐being measured through capabilities with the ICECAP‐A, has been proposed as an alternative. The aim of this study was to investigate whether changes in individuals with eating disorder (ED) symptoms can be better captured using health related quality of life (EQ‐5D‐5L) or well‐being (ICECAP‐A).

Method

Measurements at two time points with an interval of 1 year were used from a sample of 233 participants with self‐reported ED symptoms. An analysis of variance was used to test whether the EQ‐5D‐5L and ICECAP‐A differed in sensitivity to change over time. In order to compare the two questionnaires in terms of clinically significant outcome, the reliable change index and clinical cut‐off score were calculated.

Results

The two questionnaires did not differ in sensitivity to change. More individuals had recovered but also more had deteriorated according to the EQ‐5D‐5L compared to the ICECAP.

Discussion

The present study revealed no differences in sensitivity to change in health‐related quality of life or well‐being in individuals with ED symptoms in the context of mild clinical change. Results corroborated the pervasiveness of low quality of life in this population, even after alleviation of ED symptoms.

Public significance statement

Measuring treatment benefits in terms of improvements in quality of life is an integral part of economic evaluations in health care. It was expected that these treatment benefits would be better captured as changes in well‐being (measured with the ICECAP‐A) than as changes in health‐related quality of life (measured with the EQ‐5D‐5L) for individuals with ED symptoms. Based on the results of this study, no preference for one of the two approaches was found.
LCMS: An R package for automated semitargeted analysis in lipidomics
Authors: Peltier Caroline , Vasku Glenda , Crépin Marine , Cabaret Stephanie , Berdeaux Olivier
Published: January 2024

While nontargeted analysis aims to profile and report the relative distributions of a wide range of molecules from different lipid classes/subclasses, its major challenge is the annotation and identification of the molecules. Semitargeted analysis circumvents the problem by establishing a (potentially large) list of molecules to be targeted in the samples that are identified before the analysis. This approach is particularly adapted for lipid analysis to help with the automation of lipid annotation and identification. However, the manual extraction of peaks for many molecules and many samples is time consuming. Consequently, an automation of these extractions is deeply required. This paper presents a free R package for the automation of semitargeted analysis for lipid analysis. From raw files collected with LC‐MS device and a list of molecules to target (containing their class), it automatically returns Excel files containing the intensities for each targeted molecule and each sample. This package allows a fast computation of the intensities. Furthermore, it guarantees the reproducibility of the results and is freely available and user‐friendly.

Practical Applications: With the help of the R package presented in this paper, the use of semitargeted lipidomics as an alternative to untargeted analysis should be investigated by more labs. Work on the comparisons between the approaches could be conducted. While untargeted methods are mostly used, they require long pretreatments and identification of molecules of interest. On the contrary, in semitargeted analysis, once the integration table and retention time are obtained, the results are fast and directly interpretable. An idea for lipidomics would be to use untargeted lipidomics to compute the integration table and retention table, then use semitargeted analysis for a fast computation of well identified molecules.
Investigation into a Tetrahydroquinazoline Scaffold
Authors: Jardner Jonathan , Bantel Leah , Claußen Marie , Christoffers Jens
Published: January 2024

A new 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydroquinazoline (i. e. 1,3‐diazanaphthalene) scaffold with four points of diversification RA−RD was prepared. The sequence started from nitroalkanes RCCH2NO2 (with RC = Me, Bu), ethyl acrylate and amidines RAC(NH)NH2 (with RA = Ph, 4‐pyridyl) which were converted in a conjugate addition, Dieckmann condensation and pyrimidine ring formation. After transformation of the OH group in 4‐position to a chloro leaving group, residues RB were introduced by nucleophilic substitution with alkyl amines RBNH2 (10 examples) or aryl thiols RBSH (two examples). Finally, the nitro group in the 6‐position was reduced and the primary amino function amidated with various carboxylic acids RDCO2H. Along this seven‐step sequence, eight examples of the fully decorated scaffold were prepared.
Synthesis and Cell‐Based Evaluation of Umifenovir Analogues as Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Agents
Authors: Tanaka Hiroaki , Miyagi Seiya , Morita Tomoko , Ishii Hiroaki , Mori Natsuki , Oishi Kaho , Sakaguchi Takemasa , Usuki Toyonobu
Published: January 2024

Umifenovir is a broad‐spectrum antiviral agent used to treat influenza in China and Russia, and it has been studied as an antiviral agent for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). We have previously reported the synthesis of novel umifenovir analogues and their biological evaluation with a focus on their inhibitory activity against the binding of the spike glycoprotein (S‐protein) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor; however, no strong inhibitory activity was observed from these analogues. In the present study, an additional set of umifenovir analogues was synthesized with replacement of the substituents at the 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐positions of the indole, and a cell‐based assay using SARS‐CoV‐2 (B.1.1) was performed to examine the antiviral activity of the analogues. We found that one of the newly synthesized umifenovir analogues exhibited antiviral activity and reduced the viral load to 0.06 % as compared to the control when it was assessed in the presence of nafamostat and marimastat, which inhibit cell‐surface viral entry. In contrast, when this analogue was evaluated without the addition of nafamostat or marimastat, it exhibited less antiviral activity, suggesting that the umifenovir analogue would exert antiviral activity mainly by inhibiting endosome‐mediated viral entry.
Sex addiction 101: Empirical support, treatment considerations, and future directions
Authors: Drozda Natalie A. , Delmonico David
Published: January 2024

Sex addiction prevalence is estimated between 3% and 10%. There are multiple pathways to its development including biological predispositions, trauma and attachment issues, comorbid conditions, among others. Although controversy still surrounds sex addiction's conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment, some approaches to treatment have shown promise, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Empirical support, clinical implications, and future directions are discussed.
High‐precision Drosophila heart segmentation and dynamic cardiac parameter measurement for optogenetics‐OCT‐based cardiac function research
Authors: Zheng Fei , Wu Renxiong , Huang Shaoyan , Li Meixuan , Yuan Wuzhou , Ni Guangming , Liu Yong
Published: January 2024

Drosophila model has been widely used to study cardiac functions, especially combined with optogenetics and optical coherence tomography (OCT) that can continuously acquire mass cross‐sectional images of the Drosophila heart in vivo over time. It's urgent to quickly and accurately obtain dynamic Drosophila cardiac parameters such as heartbeat rate for cardiac function quantitative analysis through these mass cross‐sectional images of the Drosophila heart. Here we present a deep‐learning method that integrates U‐Net and generative adversarial network architectures while incorporating residually connected convolutions for high‐precision OCT image segmentation of Drosophila heart and dynamic cardiac parameter measurements for optogenetics‐OCT‐based cardiac function research. We compared our proposed network with the previous approaches and our segmentation results achieved the accuracy of intersection over union and Dice similarity coefficient higher than 98%, which can be used to better quantify dynamic heart parameters and improve the efficiency of Drosophila‐model‐based cardiac research via the optogenetics‐OCT‐based platform.
Structures, photoluminescence, and magnetism of 1D lanthanide coordination polymers dominated on 3,5‐dichlorobenzoate
Authors: Dong Yanping , Li Li , Li Guangming , Zhang Ruijia
Published: January 2024

Two series of novel coordination polymers (CPs), namely, Ln3(3,5‐DCB)9(bipy) (H2O)2·(bipy) [Ln = Nd (1), Sm (2)] and Ln2(3,5‐DCB)6(bipy)H2O [Ln = Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5) and Dy (6)], have been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction of a bridging ligand, 3,5‐dichlorobenzoic acid (3,5‐HDCB), with LnCl3·nH2O and N‐donor neutral ligand, 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy). Single‐crystal x‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and powder x‐ray diffraction (PXRD) for 1–6 are presented. CPs 1 and 2 exhibit trinuclear lanthanide architectures, in which the center Ln(III) are seven‐coordinated and eight‐coordinated adopting monocapped triangular prismatic, distorted square antiprism and bicapped trigonal prismatic coordination geometry, respectively, whereas CPs 3–6 are isostructural dinuclear structures. The center Ln(III) ions are also seven‐coordinated and eight‐coordinated with different coordinate modes adopting distorted monocapped triangular prismatic and square antiprism coordination geometry. Trinuclear CPs 1 and 2 are packed together via hydrogen‐bonding interaction to form the two‐dimensional (2D) supramolecular layers. CPs 3–6 exhibit 2D layers by the π–π interaction. CPs 2, 3, 5, and 6 display the characteristic fluorescent emissions of Sm(III), Eu(III), Tb(III), and Dy(III), respectively. CPs 1 and 4–6 exhibit corresponding weak anti‐ferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions of Nd(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), and Dy(III) in the low‐temperature range.
Late pregnancy maternal naringin supplementation affects the mitochondria in the cerebellum of Wistar rat offspring via sirtuin 3 and AKT
Authors: Gindri dos Santos Bernardo , Maciel August Pauline , Santos Rocha Débora , Mesquita Ismael , Menegotto Manuela , Stone Vinícius , Matté Cristiane
Published: January 2024

Dietary polyphenol consumption is associated with a wide range of neuroprotective effects by improving mitochondrial function and signaling. Consequently, the use of polyphenol supplementation has been investigated as an approach to prevent neurodevelopmental diseases during gestation; however, the data obtained are still very inconclusive, mostly because of the difficulty of choosing the correct doses and period of administration to properly prevent neurodegenerative diseases without undermining normal brain development. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of naringin supplementation during the third week of gestation on mitochondrial health and signaling in the cerebellum of 21‐day‐old offspring. The offspring born to naringin‐supplemented dams displayed higher mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, and superoxide content in the cerebellum without protein oxidative damage. Such alterations were associated with dynamin‐related protein 1 (DRP1) and phosphorylated AKT (p‐AKT) downregulation, whereas the sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) levels were strongly upregulated. Our findings suggest that high dietary polyphenol supplementation during gestation may reduce mitochondrial fission and affect mitochondrial dynamics even 3 weeks after delivery via SIRT3 and p‐AKT. Although the offspring born to naringin dams did not present neurobehavioral defects, the mitochondrial alterations elicited by naringin may potentially interfere during neurodevelopment and need to be further investigated.
Repetitive strikes loading organ culture model to investigate the biological and biomechanical responses of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Zhou Jiaxiang , Wang Jianmin , Li Jianfeng , Zhu Zhengya , He Zhongyuan , Li Junhong , Tang Tao , Chen Hongkun , Du Yukun , Li Zhen , Gao Manman , Zhou Zhiyu , Xi Yongming
Published: January 2024

Background

Disc degeneration is associated with repetitive violent injuries. This study aims to explore the impact of repetitive strikes loading on the biology and biomechanics of intervertebral discs (IVDs) using an organ culture model.

Methods

IVDs from the bovine tail were isolated and cultured in a bioreactor, with exposure to various loading conditions. The control group was subjected to physiological loading, while the model group was exposed to either one strike loading (compression at 38% of IVD height) or repetitive one strike loading (compression at 38% of IVD height). Disc height and dynamic compressive stiffness were measured after overnight swelling and loading. Furthermore, histological morphology, cell viability, and gene expression were analyzed on Day 32. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and nitric oxide (NO) release in conditioned medium were also analyzed.

Results

The repetitive one strike group exhibited early disc degeneration, characterized by decreased dynamic compression stiffness, the presence of annulus fibrosus clefts, and degradation of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, this group demonstrated significantly higher levels of cell death (p < 0.05) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Furthermore, upregulation of MMP1, MMP13, and ADAMTS5 was observed in both nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) tissues of the repetitive one strike group (p < 0.05). The one strike group exhibited annulus fibrosus clefts but showed no gene expression changes compared to the control group.

Conclusions

This study shows that repetitive violent injuries lead to the degeneration of a healthy bovine IVDs, thereby providing new insights into early‐stage disc degeneration.
A new phenotype of EVEN‐PLUS syndrome in a Chinese family and literature review
Authors: Liu Ming , Li Huanhuan , Ren Shuhong , Ding Changhong
Published: January 2024

Background

Epiphyseal, Vertebral, Ear, and Nose (EVEN)‐PLUS syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the involvement of the Epiphyses, Vertebrae, Ears, and Nose, plus other associated findings, due to pathogenic variants in the HSPA9 gene. Due to the sparse number of patients, the clinical phenotypic spectrum is not clear.

Methods

We report two patients with pathogenic HSPA9 variants from a Chinese family. Besides the core clinical features of EVEN‐PLUS syndrome, the two cases had seizures, developmental delay, and basal ganglia lesions in cerebral MRI. We also reviewed the previously published reports of patients with biallelic pathogenic HSPA9 variants.

Results

Together with the presented cases, 12 cases (9 females) were identified from 6 relevant research items for analysis. All patients had synophrys or arched eyebrows, hypoplastic or dysplastic ears, hypoplastic nasal bone, and dysplastic femoral head. Other specific craniofacial features (such as triangular nares), abnormal skeletal presentations (such as bifid femur, dysplastic epiphyses at the knee, dysplastic acetabula, delayed ossification, short stature, vertebral clefting, scoliosis, and dislocated patellae), congenital heart defects, and renal alterations are common clinical features. Two patients had seizures and basal ganglia lesions in cerebral MRI. Infrequent features, such as aplasia cutis, short thorax and sternum, and widely spaced nipples, are also observed in the syndrome. Thirteen variants associated with EVEN‐PLUS syndrome have been reported.

Conclusions

HSPA9 gene mutations should be suspected in all cases with specific craniofacial features, abnormal skeletal presentations, congenital heart defects, and renal alterations. Seizures and basal ganglia lesions are a new phenotype of EVEN‐PLUS syndrome.
South Carolina leading the way with 988 geotracking resource
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2024

A 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline mapping tool and an online platform are among the new tools in South Carolina's suicide prevention toolbox as the state works to bring down its number of suicide rates.
Design of a 2–18 GHz low noise amplifier MMIC with current reused topology
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Mou Shouxian
Published: January 2024

A 2–18 GHz ultra wideband low noise amplifier (LNA) is illustrated in this letter. The proposed LNA adopts a two‐stage structure, which is composed of a common source amplifying stage and a cascode amplifying stage. By combining band extension matching technique, current reused topology and active bias circuit, the LNA performs excellent in gain, noise figure, power consumption, and immunization against the fluctuation of voltage supply. The LNA is implemented with a 0.18‐μm GaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor process and has a compact chip area of 1.75 × 1 mm2. The dedicated LNA achieves a measured average gain of 20.7 dB with ±1.5 dB variation all over the ultra‐wide bandwidth of 2–18 GHz. It also has a measured noise figure of lower than 1.7 dB and a measured output 1 dB compression point of higher than 5 dBm in the operating frequency band. The LNA has a low direct current power dissipation of 100 mW under a 5 V voltage supply.
Double diffusive effects on nanofluid flow toward a permeable stretching surface in presence of Thermophoresis and Brownian motion effects: A numerical study
Authors: Deepthi V. V. L. , Narla V. K. , Srinivasa Raju R.
Published: January 2024

The present study explores the nanofluid boundary layer flow over a stretching sheet with the combined influence of the double diffusive effects of thermophoresis and Brownian motion effects. For the purpose of transforming nonlinear partial differential equations into the linear united ordinary differential equation method, the similarity transformation technique is used. The Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method was used to solve the equations of flow, along with sufficient boundary conditions. The effect on hydrodynamic, thermal and solutes boundary layers of a number of related parameters is investigated and the effects are graphically displayed. In conclusion, a strong agreement between the current numerical findings and the previous literature results is sought.