bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemistry and geochronology of Upper Triassic sedimentary rocks from the south of the Dabie Orogen: Implications for the paleoenvironment, provenance and tectonic setting
Authors: Zhao Tian , Hu Huifeng , Zhan Run , Zhang Jingjie , Lai Guilin , Gu Jiayi , Tian Feiyang , Wang Gang , Liu Yingming , Liu Yuye
Published: October 2023

The formation and evolution of the foreland basin in the south of the Dabie Orogen are both closely related to the uplift of the orogenic belt. However, the Late Triassic paleoenvironment and the provenance of the sediments in the foreland basin remain controversial. Nine samples from the Upper Triassic Puqi Group of the foreland basin were analysed for whole‐rock major and trace elements and three sandstone samples were selected for zircon dating by U–Pb laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentrations of some major (e.g., CaO and Na2O) and trace (e.g., Rb, Sr and Ba) elements varied over a large range and showed different degrees of depletion. A series of major and trace element indicators, as well as the patterns of the rare earth elements, suggested derivation from felsic igneous rocks. The Late Triassic experienced fluctuations between cold warm climates, as indicated by the chemical weathering index ranging from 51.33 to 88.65. The CaO/(FeO + CaO), Rb/Sr and Ba/K ratios indicated that the paleosalinity changed from high to low. The Fe2O3/FeO, U/Th, V/Cr and Ni/Co ratios indicated an oxidizing sedimentary environment. The cathodoluminescence images, Th/U ratios and rare earth elements patterns of the detrital zircons all indicated a magmatic origin. Three samples showed significant peak ages of 224, 440, 748, 1870 and 2492 Ma, corresponding to the development of the Dabie Orogen. Our comprehensive analyses suggest that the Upper Triassic Puqi Group was formed by deposition during continental–continental collision. The Dabie Orogen was exhumed in the Late Triassic and supplied detrital sediments to the foreland basin.
Temporal dynamics of oscillatory activity during nonlexical language decoding: Evidence from Morse code and magnetoencephalography
Authors: Junker Frederick Benjamin , Schmidt‐Wilcke Tobias , Schnitzler Alfons , Lange Joachim
Published: October 2023

Understanding encoded languages, such as written script or Morse code, requires nonlexical and lexical processing components that act in a parallel and interactive fashion. Decoding written script—as for example in reading—is typically very fast, making the investigation of the lexical and nonlexical components and their underlying neural mechanisms challenging. In the current study, we aimed to accomplish this problem by using Morse code as a model for language decoding. The decoding of Morse code is slower and thus allows a better and more fine‐grained investigation of the lexical and nonlexical components of language decoding. In the current study, we investigated the impact of various components of nonlexical decoding of Morse code using magnetoencephalography. For this purpose, we reconstructed the time–frequency responses below 40 Hz in brain regions significantly involved in Morse code decoding and word comprehension that were identified in a previous study. Event‐related reduction in beta‐ and alpha‐band power were found in left inferior frontal cortex and angular gyrus, respectively, while event‐related theta‐band power increase was found at frontal midline. These induced oscillations reflect working‐memory encoding, long‐term memory retrieval as well as demanding cognitive control, respectively. In sum, by using Morse code and MEG, we were able to identify a cortical network underlying language decoding in a time‐ and frequency‐resolved manner.
Refractory patients with favorable/intermediate‐risk acute myeloid leukemia benefit from azacytidine maintenance therapy following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cao Yigeng , Zheng Xinhui , Zhang Haixiao , Wang Mingyang , Guo Wenwen , Chen Xin , Zhai Weihua , Wei Jialin , Yang Donglin , Huang Yong , Pang Aiming , Feng Sizhou , Jiang Erlie , Han Mingzhe
Published: October 2023

Recurrence following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) is the major cause of treatment failure in patients with myeloid malignancy. Azacytidine (AZA) maintenance is a promising therapy to prevent relapse and improve survival. We conducted a prospective, one‐arm study involving 78 patients with myeloid malignancy at a high risk of recurrence who were enrolled between September 2019 and April 2022. Furthermore, 102 matched historical controls were selected using propensity score matching. With a median follow‐up time of 19.6 (3.5–91.7) months, AZA maintenance therapy significantly improved relapse‐free survival (RFS; log‐rank test, p = 0.01). The AZA and control groups had a 1‐year RFS of 87.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80–0.96) and 72.2% (95% CI, 0.64–0.82), respectively, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.21 (95% CI, 0.09–0. 47; p < 0.01). There were no grade 4 adverse effects or deaths related to AZA. Refractory patients with favorable/intermediate‐risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) benefited more from AZA maintenance therapy than those with adverse‐risk AML according to the European Leukemia Net guidelines (RFS in favorable/intermediate‐risk AML, HR = 0.29, 95% CI, 0.11–0.79; RFS in adverse‐risk AML, HR = 0.57, 95% CI, 0.21–1.6; p for interaction = 0.03). Our findings suggest that AZA maintenance therapy following allo‐HSCT was safe and could reduce the incidence of relapse, particularly for refractory patients with favorable/intermediate‐risk AML.
Cost‐effectiveness of risk‐based low‐dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer in Switzerland
Authors: Tomonaga Yuki , de Nijs Koen , Bucher Heiner C. , de Koning Harry , ten Haaf Kevin
Published: October 2023

Throughout Europe, computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer is in a phase of clinical implementation or reimbursement evaluation. To efficiently select individuals for screening, the use of lung cancer risk models has been suggested, but their incremental (cost‐)effectiveness relative to eligibility based on pack‐year criteria has not been thoroughly evaluated for a European setting. We evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of pack‐year and risk‐based screening (PLCOm2012 model‐based) strategies for Switzerland, which aided in informing the recommendations of the Swiss Cancer Screening Committee (CSC). We use the MISCAN (MIcrosimulation SCreening ANalysis)‐Lung model to estimate benefits and harms of screening among individuals born 1940 to 1979 in Switzerland. We evaluate 1512 strategies, differing in the age ranges employed for screening, the screening interval and the strictness of the smoking requirements. We estimate risk‐based strategies to be more cost‐effective than pack‐year‐based screening strategies. The most efficient strategy compliant with CSC recommendations is biennial screening for ever‐smokers aged 55 to 80 with a 1.6% PLCOm2012 risk. Relative to no screening this strategy is estimated to reduce lung cancer mortality by 11.0%, with estimated costs per Quality‐Adjusted Life‐Year (QALY) gained of €19 341, and a €1.990 billion 15‐year budget impact. Biennial screening ages 55 to 80 for those with 20 pack‐years shows a lower mortality reduction (10.5%) and higher cost per QALY gained (€20 869). Despite model uncertainties, our estimates suggest there may be cost‐effective screening policies for Switzerland. Risk‐based biennial screening ages 55 to 80 for those with ≥1.6% PLCOm2012 risk conforms to CSC recommendations and is estimated to be more efficient than pack‐year‐based alternatives.
Network federation: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Santos David , Corujo Daniel , Quevedo José , Aguiar Rui
Published: October 2023

Network federation is a promising approach for organizations to improve their infrastructure by pooling their resources and creating a larger, more scalable network. Despite the many benefits of network federation, there are also significant challenges that must be addressed, such as security, interoperability, and policy management. Various efforts have been underway for many years to develop common standards and protocols, to overcome these challenges. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities of network federation, and presents the standardization efforts in the field.
miR‐203a—A multifaceted regulator modulating cancer hallmarks and therapy response
Authors: Biswal Priyajit , Lalruatfela Anthony , Behera Subham Kumar , Biswal Sruti , Mallick Bibekanand
Published: October 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs of about 19–25 nucleotides, which serve as critical modulators of various cellular and biological processes by target gene regulation. Dysregulated expression of miRNAs modulates the pathophysiology of various human diseases, including cancer. Among miRNAs, miR‐203a is one of the most extensively researched dysregulated miRNAs in different cancers. Our review investigated the roles of miR‐203a in the hallmarks of cancer modulating different pathways through target gene regulations, chemoresistance, its crosstalk with other ncRNAs or genes in terms of ceRNAs impacting oncogenesis, and its potential applications in the diagnosis, prognosis, and chemotherapeutic responses in different cancer types. miR‐203a impacts cancer cell behavior by regulating these exclusive hallmarks‐ sustaining proliferation, cell growth, invasion and metastasis, cell death, and angiogenesis. Besides, miR‐203a is found in human circulating biofluids like plasma or serum of colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma, hinting at its potential as a biomarker. Further, miR‐203a is involved in enhancing the chemosensitivity of cisplatin, docetaxel, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and 5‐fluorouracil in a variety of malignancies through their cognate target genes. These results suggest that miR‐203a is a crucial multifaceted miRNA that controls cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemotherapy response, shedding new light on its possible application.
Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2 by R(‐)‐ and S(+)‐Ibuprofen
Authors: Boneberg Eva M. , Zou Ming‐Hui , Ullrich Volker
Published: October 2023

Since the discovery of a cytokine‐inducible isozyme of cyclooxygenase (COX‐2), its pharmacologic inhibition has been the subject of recent investigations. These include tests for the selectivity of known nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the constitutive enzyme of cyclooxygenase (COX‐1) compared with the inducible enzyme COX‐2. The interesting question arose whether the R(—)‐ and S(+)‐isomers exhibited different inhibitory potencies for ibuprofen. Results with isolated COX‐1 and COX‐2 isozymes confirmed the known higher efficacy of S(+)‐ compared with R(‐)‐ibuprofen. The R(‐)‐isomer is almost inactive in inhibiting COX‐2. In addition, the S(+) form has a several times lower potency with COX‐2 than with COX‐1. These data were evaluated in platelets containing mainly the constitutive COX‐1, with interleukin‐1, pretreated, rat mesangial cells which almost exclusively express COX‐2.
Is Higher Docetaxel Clearance in Prostate Cancer Patients Explained by Higher CYP3A? An In Vivo Phenotyping Study with Midazolam
Authors: van der Heijden Lisa T. , Ribbers Claire A. , Vermunt Marit A.C. , Pluim Dick , Acda Manon , Tibben Matthijs , Rosing Hilde , Douma Joeri A.J. , Naipal Kishan , Bergman Andre M. , Beijnen Jos H. , Huitema Alwin D.R. , Opdam Frans L.
Published: October 2023

Patients with prostate cancer (PCa) have a lower docetaxel exposure for both intravenous (1.8‐fold) and oral administration (2.4‐fold) than patients with other solid cancers, which could influence efficacy and toxicity. An altered metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) due to castration status might explain the observed difference in docetaxel pharmacokinetics. In this in vivo phenotyping, pharmacokinetic study, CYP3A activity defined by midazolam clearance (CL) was compared between patients with PCa and male patients with other solid tumors. All patients with solid tumors who did not use CYP3A‐modulating drugs were eligible for participation. Patients received 2 mg midazolam orally and 1 mg midazolam intravenously on 2 consecutive days. Plasma concentrations were measured with a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. Genotyping was performed for CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. Nine patients were included in each group. Oral midazolam CL was 1.26‐fold higher in patients with PCa compared to patients with other solid tumors (geometric mean [coefficient of variation], 94.1 [33.5%] L/h vs 74.4 [39.1%] L/h, respectively; P = .08). Intravenous midazolam CL did not significantly differ between the 2 groups (P = .93). Moreover, the metabolic ratio of midazolam to 1′‐hydroxy midazolam did not differ between the 2 groups for both oral administration (P = .67) and intravenous administration (P = .26). CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genotypes did not influence midazolam pharmacokinetics. The observed difference in docetaxel pharmacokinetics between both patient groups therefore appears to be explained neither by a difference in midazolam CL nor by a difference in metabolic conversion rate of midazolam.
Use of design thinking and human factors approach to improve situation awareness in the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Gifford Annika , Butcher Bain , Chima Ranjit S. , Moore Lindsey , Brady Patrick W. , Zackoff Matthew W. , Dewan Maya
Published: October 2023

Background

Optimal design of healthcare spaces can enhance patient care. We applied design thinking and human factors principles to optimize communication and signage on high risk patients to improve situation awareness in a new clinical space for the pediatric ICU.

Objective

To assess the impact of these tools in mitigating situation awareness concerns within the new clinical space. We hypothesized that implementing these design‐informed tools would either maintain or improve situation awareness.

Design, Settings, and Participants

A 15‐week design thinking process was employed, involving research, ideation, and refinement to develop and implement new situation awareness tools. The process included engagement with interprofessional clinical teams, scenario planning, workflow mapping, iterative feedback collection, and collaboration with an industry partner for signage development and implementation.

Intervention

Improved and updated communication devices and bedside mitigation plans.

Main Outcome and Measures

Process metrics included individual and shared situation awareness of PICU care teams and our patient outcome metric was the rate of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) events pre‐ and post‐transition.

Results

When evaluating all patients, shared situation awareness for accurate high‐risk status improved from 81% pre‐transition to 92% post‐transition (p = .006). When assessing individual care team roles, accuracy of patient high‐risk status improved from 88% to 95% (p = .05) for RNs, 85% to 96% (p = .003) for residents, and 88% to 95% (p = .03) for RTs. There was no change in the rate of CPR events following the transition.
Spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of drought in southern Ethiopia from 1981 to 2100
Authors: Mena Markato Markos , Kenea Tadesse Tujuba , Yate Tewodros Addisu
Published: October 2023

We assess the spatiotemporal characteristics of historical and projected future drought over southern Ethiopia using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index and the K‐means clustering method. Historical assessment is done for the period 1981–2018 while projected drought is analysed over two consecutive future periods, that is, 2021–2060 (near future) and 2061–2100 (far future). Projected drought events are identified under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 climate scenarios based on three RCMs selected after performance evaluation. Modified Mann–Kendall trend test is applied to determine trends and significance at the 5% significance level. The results reveal broadly diverse and heterogeneous spatiotemporal characteristics both over the historical and future periods. Droughts of various frequencies, durations, and magnitudes are observed amongst stations, while trends generally lack spatial coherence. The year 1984 is noted to be the driest year in the historical period while the years 1982, 2009, and 1991 are with the driest March–May (MAM), June–August (JJA), and September–November (SON) seasons, respectively. Compared to the historical period, the frequency, magnitude, and duration of drought events are projected to decrease in the near future and increase in the far future. The frequency of drought events in SON and JJA seasons are projected to increase in the near future and far future, respectively, under both scenarios. More number of station shows a wetting tendency in the historical period while more number of stations exhibit a drying tendency during the projected future periods under the two scenarios. Since complex drought characteristics are observed both in the historical and future periods, rigorous local‐scale drought monitoring and management is recommended.
Characterizing the T Cell Repertoire in the Proximal Airway in Health and Disease
Authors: Clark Evan A. , Talatala Edward Ryan R. , Ye Wenda , Davis Ruth J. , Collins Samuel L. , Hillel Alexander T. , Ramirez‐Solano Marisol , Sheng Quanhu , Wanjalla Celestine N. , Mallal Simon A. , Gelbard Alexander
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Recent translational scientific efforts in subglottic stenosis (SGS) support a disease model where epithelial alterations facilitate microbiome displacement, dysregulated immune activation, and localized fibrosis. Given the observed immune cell infiltrate in SGS, we sought to test the hypothesis that SGS cases possessed a low diversity (highly clonal) adaptive immune response when compared with healthy controls.

Methods

Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) of subglottic mucosal scar in iSGS (n = 24), iLTS (n = 8), and healthy controls (n = 7) was performed. T cell receptor (TCR) sequences were extracted, analyzed, and used to construct repertoire structure, compare diversity, interrogate overlap, and define antigenic targets using the Immunarch bioinformatics pipeline.

Results

The proximal airway mucosa in health and disease are equally diverse via Hill framework quantitation (iSGS vs. iLTS vs. Control, p > 0.05). Repertoires do not significantly overlap between individuals (Morisita <0.02). Among iSGS patients, clonality of the TCR repertoire is driven by CD8+ T cells, and iSGS patients possess numerous TCRs targeting viral and intercellular pathogens. High frequency clonotypes do not map to known targets in public datasets.

Conclusion

SGS cases do not possess a lower diversity adaptive immune infiltrate when compared with healthy controls. Interestingly, the TCR repertoire in both health and disease contains a restricted number of high frequency clonotypes that do not significantly overlap between individuals. The target of the high frequency clonotypes in health and disease remain unresolved.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:1757–1764, 2024
Nitric Oxide‐Releasing Macromolecular Systems in Anticoagulant Therapeutics
Authors: Luo Siyuan , Sheng Jiahui , Jia Xiaoyu , Zhang Guoying , Wang Xiaotian , Hu Jinming
Published: October 2023

Nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are considered endogenous gaseous signaling molecules that play crucial roles in regulating physiological and pathological pathways. Among these molecules, NO has demonstrated unique advantages and clear efficacy in the treatment of blood coagulation in cardiovascular diseases. As a result, the development of NO‐releasing materials for anticoagulant therapeutics has garnered significant attention. However, unlike traditional anticoagulant treatments such as heparin and oral anticoagulants, NO, a gaseous molecule under ambient conditions, cannot be administered orally, through injection, or via the skin. Consequently, researchers have focused on developing NO‐releasing macromolecular systems by combining various donors with polymeric materials for use in anticoagulant therapeutics. This minireview aims to highlight the methods and advancements in constructing such NO‐releasing macromolecular systems and exploring their applications in anticoagulant therapeutics.
The initial assessment of an important pelagic fish, Mackerel Scad, in the South China Sea using data-poor length-based methods
Authors: Xu Youwei , Zhang Peng , Panhwar Sher Khan , Li Jie , Yan Lei , Chen Zuozhi , Zhang Kui
Published: October 2023

Objective

Scads Decapterus spp. occur widely throughout tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans and are both economically and ecologically important species. They are among the main commercial fish species caught by the light falling-net fishery in the South China Sea, which is dominated by Mackerel Scad Decapterus macarellus and Shortfin Scad D. macrosoma. Stock assessment is an approach used to guide effective management and maintain fishery sustainability.

Methods

Two data-poor methods, namely length-based Bayesian biomass estimation and length-based spawning potential ratio, were applied to assess the status of Mackerel Scad, the most dominant Decapterus species in the South China Sea. Electronic length–frequency analysis was used to estimate von Bertalanffy growth parameters (asymptotic length Linf and growth coefficient K) to serve as priors.

Result

The results show the estimated Linf and K of Mackerel Scad in the South China Sea as 36.0 cm and 0.37/year, respectively. Estimated natural mortality was 0.74/year, and mean fork length at 50% sexual maturity was 24.29 cm. Length-based Bayesian biomass estimation analysis showed that the estimated relative stock size had decreased from 1.3 in 2012–2014 to 0.7 in 2019–2021, indicating an overfished status. Length-based spawning potential ratio analysis showed that the estimated spawning potential ratio for this fishery decreased from 13% to 12%, which is significantly below the limit reference point of 20%.

Conclusion

Our results obtained through length-based methods indicate the lower SPR of Mackerel Scad stock was due to catching an excess of juveniles. Therefore, we highlight the need to increase the minimum mesh size in the fishing nets and strengthen international cooperation for conserving this shared stock in the South China Sea.
Existence of periodic solutions for the Newtonian equation of motion with p‐Laplacian operator
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Gao Peng , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we study the existence of periodic solutions for the Newtonian equation of motion with p‐Laplacian operator by asymptotic behavior of potential function, establish some new sufficient criteria of existence of periodic solutions for the differential system under the frame of Fuc̆ik spectrum, generalize and improve some known works, and give an example to illustrate the application of the theorems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound: Accuracy, variability, and impact of acquisition parameters on flow measurements
Authors: Russ Megan K. , Lafata Nicole M. , Robertson Scott H. , Samei Ehsan
Published: October 2023

Background

Pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound is a useful modality for assessing vascular health as it quantifies blood flow characteristics. To facilitate accurate diagnosis, accuracy and consistency of this modality should be assessed through Doppler quality assurance (QA).

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize the accuracy, reproducibility, and inter‐scanner variability of ultrasound flow velocity measurements via a flow phantom, with a focus on the effect of systematic acquisition parameters on measured flow velocity accuracy.

Methods

Using a manufacturer‐calibrated flow phantom, pulsed wave measurements were acquired on five clinical systems (iU22, Philips) with three models of transducers, including both linear and curvilinear models. The peak and mean flow velocities were estimated by vendor‐supplied spectral analysis tools. To investigate intra‐ and inter‐scanner variability, measurements were repeated using each scanner‐transducer pair under a standardized set of conditions. Inter‐scanner variability was assessed using ANOVA. Flow velocity accuracy was investigated by mean absolute percentage error. The impacts of receive gain, measurement depth, and beam steering on measured flow velocity accuracy were examined by varying each parameter over its available range and comparing to the ground truth flow velocity.

Results

Inter‐scanner variability was statistically significant for peak flow measurements made using both linear and curvilinear transducers, though absolute differences in measured velocity were small. Inter‐scanner variability was not statistically significant for mean flow velocity. Receive gain, measurement depth, and beam steering were all found to impact the accuracy of measured flow characteristics for linear transducers. Accuracy of the flow measurements made with the curvilinear transducer demonstrated high consistency to changes in receive gain at a constant depth, though were impacted by increasing the measurement depth.

Conclusions

Carefully and consistently selected acquisition and set‐up parameters are essential in order to establish a reliable and meaningful QA program.
Impacts of gray market selling on the supply chain under product upgrade and pricing flexibility decisions
Authors: Srivastava Abhishek , Choi Tsan‐Ming , Mahajan Aarushi , Roy Vivek
Published: October 2023

Gray markets are infamous for unauthorized diversion of authentic products at lower prices to harm the manufacturer's authorized distribution channel. Hence, manufacturers are becoming more proactive in shaping strategies that can counter gray markets. By considering the risk of unauthorized selling through gray markets, we analyze the manufacturer's strategic channel choice and product upgrade decision. We analytically explore the provision of granting flexibility to the legitimate retailer to adjust price during the selling season as a strategy to cope with gray market. We find that unauthorized selling through gray markets has a severe negative impact on the manufacturer's profitability depending on the degree of channel differentiation and product brand equity. We counter‐intuitively reveal that the overall decentralized supply chain can be better‐off, owing to higher product leakage, especially because the legitimate retailer gains an increased sales volume through product diversion to the gray market. However, the manufacturer's loss is more severe in such a decentralized supply chain. We show that the manufacturer can eliminate unauthorized sales through gray market by offering price adjustment flexibility to the retailer. Another compelling finding exhibits that the manufacturer's decision to launch an upgraded product can intensify the diversion of an existing product. However, unfair competition from the unauthorized channel cannibalizes the sales of an upgraded product, thereby making the manufacturer worse‐off. Interestingly, despite the cannibalization of upgraded product sales, the manufacturer can be better‐off in terms of overall profitability via price adjustment flexibility if both the degree of upgrade and brand equity are higher. Overall, in addition to deploying monitoring mechanisms for supervising legitimate retailers, price adjustment flexibility can reduce product diversion if the degree of upgrade is moderate and channel differentiation is higher.
Stronger together: Building nonprofit resilience through a network with a shared Mission and organizational humility
Authors: Woznyj Haley M. , Stewart Oscar J. , Beck Tammy E.
Published: October 2023

Nonprofit organizations increasingly face surprising and disruptive shocks, beyond financial setbacks, that challenge an organization's operations, long‐term survival, and success. To continue to execute their  mission, nonprofits must be resilient. Despite the importance of resilience in nonprofits, more research is needed to understand the factors that build organizational resilience and how leaders can help promote resilience. We conducted a qualitative case study, consisting of 23 interviews with organizational members and key partners, fieldwork, and archival information, of a documented resilient nonprofit organization. Our findings suggest that leaders can enhance resilience by gaining access to resources through collaboration, which is in line with previous theorizing. Our results add to previous research by providing a more nuanced understanding of how collaboration can facilitate resilience. Specifically, our findings suggest that resilience may be enhanced when organizational humility drives leaders to strategically constrain their network primarily to partners that share a common mission. Our research contributes predominantly to the organizational resilience literature, while offering more auxiliary contributions to the organizational humility literature. Further, our research offers practical guidance for how leaders of nonprofits can develop resilience in their organizations.
Massively parallelizable proximal algorithms for large‐scale stochastic optimal control problems
Authors: Sampathirao Ajay K. , Patrinos Panagiotis , Bemporad Alberto , Sopasakis Pantelis
Published: October 2023

Scenario‐based stochastic optimal control problems suffer from the curse of dimensionality as they can easily grow to six and seven figure sizes. First‐order methods are suitable as they can deal with such large‐scale problems, but may perform poorly and fail to converge within a reasonable number of iterations. To achieve a fast rate of convergence and high solution speeds, in this article, we propose the use of two proximal quasi‐Newtonian limited‐memory algorithms—minfbe applied to the dual problem and the Newton‐type alternating minimization algorithm (nama)—which can be massively parallelized on lockstep hardware such as graphics processing units. In particular, we use minfbe and nama to solve scenario‐based stochastic optimal control problems with affine dynamics, convex quadratic cost functions (with the stage cost functions being strongly convex in the control variable) and joint state‐input convex constraints. We demonstrate the performance of these methods, in terms of convergence speed and parallelizability, on large‐scale problems involving millions of variables.
Covalent functionalization of activated MoS2 via using alkyl sulfide and their utilization in polymeric composites with mechanical and thermal property enhancements
Authors: Li Yunxia , Song Yiming , Yang Dongchun , Tian Sheng , Deng Qin , Chen Xuegang , Wang Zhaobo , Wang Xin , Hu Haiqing , Wang Yilong , Tao Yong , Zhao Jian
Published: October 2023

Recently developed covalent functionalization of chemically exfoliated MoS2 (typically in alkyl lithium) allows the formation of chalcogenide‐carbon bonds by reacting with organohalides and aryl diazonium salts. We herein develop a novel method for the covalent functionalization of MoS2 to yield dodecylated MoS2 via reductive activation in a strongly reducing sodium‐naphthalene solution and using alkyl sulfide as an electrophile. Dodecylated MoS2/polystyrene (PS) composites fabricated by solution casting method. Dodecyl chains are grafted successfully onto MoS2 nanosheets, which gives rise to the exfoliation level of few‐layer thickness and matched compatibility with the host polymeric matrix. The inclusion of dodecylated MoS2 at a concentration of 1.0 wt% yields a substantial improvement in both Young's modulus and tensile strength, with a 106.7% increase and a 67% enhancement, respectively, as compared to the performance of pure PS. The enhanced mechanical characteristics can be credited to the uniform dispersion of dodecylated MoS2 within the PS matrix and enhanced interfacial interaction between the PS material and the filler. The composites demonstrate a significant increase in their glass transition temperature (Tg). Notably, the dodecylated MoS2/PS (1.0 wt%) composite exhibits a 59.8% elevation in storage modulus when compared to pure PS. The coke yield of dodecylated MoS2/PS (1.0 wt%) reaches 2.7%, much larger than the value (only 0.2%) for pure PS. The novel functionalization might expedite the applications of molybdenum disulfide in diverse fields.

Highlights

A novel method for the covalent functionalization of MoS2.

Dodecylated MoS2/PS composites were fabricated via solution casting method.

Ultrathin structure of MoS2 nanosheets was obtained after functionalization.

Composites improvement in Young's modulus and tensile strength compared to PS.

The composites show significant enhancements in Tg.
Review on NMR as a tool to analyse natural products extract directly: Molecular structure elucidation and biological activity analysis
Authors: Huang Zhouman , Bi Tian , Jiang Haipeng , Liu Huwei
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Natural products, the small organic molecules produced by plants, microbes and invertebrates, often present in the form of a mixture, this leads to the structural characterisation of natural extracts often requiring time‐consuming multistep purification procedures. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology is traditionally utilised as a tool for the structural elucidation of pure compounds. Contemporarily, an up‐to‐date trend in the application of NMR in natural product research is shifting to the direct NMR analysis of crude mixtures, to obtain molecular structure and biological activity information without performing cumbersome separation.

Objective

To review works of literature on the evolution, principle and progress of NMR technologies for analysing mixtures, we focus on the successful application of NMR technologies in direct analysis of natural product extracts.

Methodology

Based on our research experience, academic tracking and extensive literature search, which involved, but not limited to, the use of various databases, like Web of Knowledge and PubMed. The keywords used, in various combinations, to retrieve recent literature on the successful application of NMR technologies to sheer natural product extracts, and excluded artificially natural product mixture and biofluid.

Results

NMR technologies for direct natural extracts analysis, including two‐dimensional J‐resolved spectroscopy (2D‐JRES), pure shift NMR, diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY), statistical correlation spectroscopy (STOCSY), concentration‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (CORDY), saturation transfer difference (STD) and water‐ligand observed via gradient spectroscopy (WaterLOGSY) were illustrated.

Conclusions

By these methods, molecular structure and biological activity information will be directly obtained from NMR analysis of natural products extract, aiming to save experimental time and expenses.
Progress in preparation of high‐performance and multi‐functional polymer foams
Authors: Li Li , Xu Dawei , Bai Shibing , Chen Ning , Wang Qi
Published: October 2023

Polymer foams are widely used owing to their distinctive cell structure and properties. However, polymer foams prepared by traditional foaming technologies are mainly from commodity polymers due to the difficulties of foaming at high temperature and have the problems such as poor mechanical properties and heat resistance, limited composition and functions, susceptibility to combustion, and challenges in achieving flame retardancy. This article presented a comprehensive review of our research on polymer foams that exhibit high performances and multiple functions. The study encompassed advanced foaming equipment, high‐temperature foaming of supercritical carbon dioxide, foaming of polymer‐based micro/nano‐functional composites, microwave selective sintering and foaming, as well as the development of novel polymer foams derived from engineering plastics and special engineering plastics, water‐soluble poly(vinyl alcohol), and multi‐functional polymer composites, which could not be prepared by the traditional foaming technologies. These advancements broaden the potential application fields of polymer foams.
Thermal decomposition characteristics and spontaneous combustion phenomenon of emulsion explosive containing FeS2 impurity
Authors: Wang Hao , Cheng Yang‐fan , Zhu Shou‐jun , Li Zi‐han , Shen Zhao‐wu
Published: October 2023

In the process of pyrite blasting mining, emulsion explosives in blast holes can sometimes spontaneously detonate prematurely. In order to reveal its accidental explosion mechanism, the effects of different content of FeS2 impurity on the thermal decomposition characteristics and thermal spontaneous combustion parameters of emulsion explosives were studied in detail. The experimental results of thermal analysis showed that pure emulsion explosive had a strong stability, but when it was doped with FeS2 impurity, its initial temperature of thermal decomposition reaction reduced and the decomposition rate accelerated. With the increase of FeS2 impurity content, the average activation energy of emulsion explosives decomposition decreased from 110.84 to 63.78 kJ/mol, resulting in an increasing risk of thermal runaway. The results of thermal spontaneous combustion experiments showed that FeS2 impurity would significantly shorten the ignition delay period and combustion flame duration of emulsion explosive, and increase the combustion flame temperature. With the increase of FeS2 impurity content in emulsion explosive, the ignition delay period and the duration of the flame continued to decrease and increase, respectively, and the maximum average temperature of the flame showed a trend of rising at first and then decreasing. The research results were of great significance to the accident identification of emulsion explosive accidental explosion in pyrite blasting operations.
Towards a heat‐ and mass‐balanced kinetic model of TATB decomposition
Authors: Burnham Alan K. , Coffee Keith R. , Klunder Gregory L. , Panasci‐Nott Adele F. , Reynolds John G.
Published: October 2023

TATB (1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene) was thermally degraded by two small‐scale analytical methods – simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (SDT) and a hot‐stage microscope with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis capabilities. SDT used ramped heating, isothermal soaking, and thermal pretreatment at various conditions. The heat flow and mass loss were monitored during various treatment conditions to derive chemical decomposition kinetics and Arrhenius parameters. FTIR experiments used isothermal heating, and changes were monitored spectroscopically. Solid samples generated at specific conditions were collected from both methods and were analyzed by DMSO extraction followed by chemical speciation by optical and mass spectrometric methods. Characterization provided the following reaction insights:

1. TATB decreases in a sigmoidal pattern in isothermally heated samples. Other soluble products gradually increase in concentration and then abruptly decline in concentration during the second exotherm, such as diamino‐dinitro‐benzofurazan and amino‐nitro‐benzodifurazan.

2. FTIR showed gradual changes in the amino and nitro functionality, shifting positions and decreasing intensity for the first 40 min. Then the solid gradually appeared more like an amorphous C with N incorporated, similar to previous studies on thermally degraded TATB‐type materials.

3. Extracted residues (DMSO‐soluble components removed) examined by FTIR showed an abrupt change in chemical composition between 40‐ and 45‐min isothermal treatment, indicating early forming solids are different than later forming residues.

4. A reliable mass‐ and energy‐balanced global reaction network must include at least two autocatalytic reactions, either in parallel or series, and at least one must have an explicit initiation reaction having a low activation energy.
Antioxidant films based on poly(lactic acid) incorporated with crude extract from Malpighia emarginata DC pomace for use in food packaging
Authors: Freitas Esther Emily Silva , Dias Êuder Reis , Albuquerque Mara Márcia Sampaio , Biondi Ilka Borges , Branco Carla Rodrigues Cardoso , Cruz Renato Souza , Branco Alexsandro , Camilloto Geany Peruch
Published: October 2023

The interest in natural antioxidants for the development of active food packaging is increasing, since lipid oxidation has a negative impact on food quality and people's living standards are changing. The aim of this work was to obtain Malpighia emarginata DC pomace extract (MEPE), as well as to develop poly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐based films with antioxidant activity, through the incorporation of MEPE. MEPE showed antioxidant activity through the DPPH and ABTS assays, 127.16 ± 9.70 μmol TEAC g−1 extract and 322.84 ± 19.38 μmol TEAC g−1 extract, respectively. The HPLC quantification revealed that quercetin and isorhamnetin were found at concentrations of 244.77 ± 8.42 and 707.20 ± 23.17 μg g−1, respectively. The properties of the films were influenced by the presence of MEPE, which caused a plasticizing effect on the PLA film, reducing the tensile strength and Young's modulus and increasing the elongation at break and water vapour permeability. The antioxidant property test (DPPH and ABTS) of the films was shown to be improved with the addition of MEPE. Despite changes in the film properties, they have potential for application as active food packaging. This work showed the potential utilization of agriculture pomace to produce antioxidant additive and its application as antioxidant in active food packaging, since they showed excellent antioxidant activity in radical scavenging activity tests.
Epidemiology of COVID‐19 mortality in Nepal: An analysis of the National Health Emergency Operation Center data
Authors: Adhikari Samir Kumar , Ranabhat Kamal , Bhattarai Suraj , Saud Bhuvan , Paudel Kiran , Bhandari Rabindra , Khanal Pratik , Keene Claire Marriott , Khanal Vishnu
Published: October 2023

Introduction

COVID‐19 had caused nearly 12,000 deaths in Nepal by March 2023. In this study, we compare COVID‐19‐associated mortality in the first (September 15 to November 30, 2020) and second (April 15 to June 30, 2021) waves of the pandemic in Nepal and investigate the associated epidemiological factors.

Methods

We disaggregated the COVID‐19‐related deaths between the first and second waves of the pandemic using the national COVID‐19 database and evaluated the association of independent variables with the deaths in the first versus second waves.

Results

Out of 8133 deaths, 25% died in the first wave and 75% in the second. Overall, 33.5% of the deceased were female, and 52% of the deaths were in those 60 years or older. A vast majority (92%) of deaths occurred in hospitals. Geographically, the middle “Hill” region (58.3%) witnessed the most significant number of deaths. About two thirds (64%) had at least one comorbid condition. Multivariable logistic regression showed a difference in the reported deaths by province (state) and geography (ecological region) between the first and second waves. Those in the age groups “19–39 years” and “40–59 years” were more likely to die in the second wave than in the first wave compared to the younger age group.

Conclusions

Overall, deaths were concentrated among older age groups, males, in the Hill regions, in the western provinces, and those with comorbidities. Therefore, the country must focus on these areas to ensure an efficient and effective pandemic response in the future.
A new model to optimize the human reliability based on CREAM and group decision making
Authors: Bafandegan Emroozi Vahideh , Modares Azam , Roozkhosh Pardis
Published: October 2023

The Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM) represents one of the second‐generation approaches to human reliability assessment, taking into account the influence of environmental conditions on human error probability (HEP). In the context of CREAM, the Common Performance Conditions (CPCs) influence error probabilities. Since not all CPCs have equal impacts, this study employs the Bayesian Best Worst Method (BWM), a novel approach in group decision‐making, to assign weights to these factors. Subsequently, two techniques based on basic CREAM are proposed. The current control mode is determined in the first technique according to the experts' opinions. Then the probability of human error is calculated based on the amount of control. It is possible to provide solutions for improving control mode, based on obtained results. Therefore, in this study, the second method has been used to make suggestions to enhance human reliability. For this purpose, in the second technique, an optimization problem is formulated to select the best applicable programs for managers to enhance human reliability. The proposed bi‐objective model tries to increase the reliability of human resources by reducing human error and costs. The proposed bi‐objective model seeks to bolster the reliability of human resources by concurrently minimizing HEP and associated costs. The efficiency of the presented methods is verified through a case study in the control room of the cement factory. The results of the first technique reveal an opportunistic control mode with a corresponding HEP of 0.0198. On the other hand, the outcomes of our proposed model underscore the greater impact of improving CPC levels in reducing the probability of human error. Ultimately, the practical programs derived from our mathematical model provide decision‐makers with valuable insights to reduce the probability of human error to a mere 0.000172 through the transition from opportunistic to strategic control.
Poverty and Excess in Binge Economies
Authors: Wilk Richard
Published: October 2023

The history of excess has tended to focus on middle‐class groups intent on demonstrating their wealth through conspicuous consumption. I draw on historical evidence from working cultures of loggers, fishermen, miners, sailors, and manual laborers to show how consumption was embedded in daily rhythms of work, in the cultural construction of gender, and the economy. I define a “binge economy” which typically emerged in extractive industries on the margins of the capitalist world system. Then I question whether working‐class displays of excessive consumption were self‐limiting. Rather than being based on greed, I argue that working‐class binge consumption was an attempt to build a social order which would allow workers to survive harsh work discipline, extremely dangerous physical labor, and the socially corrosive nature of money. But rather than being an effective form of resistance or solidarity, excessive consumption created as many problems as it solved, perpetuating servitude in the guise of freedom, and serving the interests of capital. Nevertheless, the close association of masculinity with excessive forms of social consumption continues to inspire many forms of excess and overconsumption among middle‐class Americans.
Simultaneous selection and incorporation of consistent external aggregate information
Authors: Huang Yunxiang , Huang Chiung‐Yu , Kim Mi‐Ok
Published: October 2023

Interest has grown in synthesizing participant level data of a study with relevant external aggregate information. Several efficient and flexible procedures have been developed under the assumption that the internal study and the external sources concern the same population. This homogeneity condition, albeit commonly being imposed, is hard to check due to limitedly available external information in aggregate data forms. Bias may be introduced when the assumption is violated. In this article, we propose a penalized likelihood approach that avoids undesirable bias by simultaneously selecting and synthesizing consistent external aggregate information. The proposed approach provides a general framework which incorporate consistent external information from heterogeneous study populations as long as the conditional distribution of the dependent variable under investigation is same and differences in the independent variable distributions are properly accounted for via a semi‐parametric density ratio model. The proposed approach also properly accounts for the sampling errors in the external information. A two‐step estimator and an optimization algorithm are proposed for computation. We establish the selection and estimation consistency and the asymptotic normality of the two‐step estimator. The proposed approach is illustrated with an analysis of gestational weight gain management studies.