bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Going out and bringing in: Exploring the impact of OFDI on green innovation performance under firms' digital transformation strategies
Authors: Wang Jianlong , Wu Haitao , Liu Yong , Wang Weilong
Published: February 2024

Under the digital transformation strategy, whether the overseas investment activities of firms can achieve reverse green spillover is significant to their implementation of green and low‐carbon transformation. Accordingly, we examined the impact of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on green technology innovation (GTI) in parent firms under the digital transformation strategy at the micro‐level using a zero‐inflated negative binomial regression (ZINB) model with data from Chinese A‐share listed firms for 2000–2021. The study shows that (1) OFDI is beneficial to the growth of the parent firm's GTI. The results of both the instrumental variables approach and robustness tests support the baseline findings. (2) The scale, competitive, and human capital effects are the three micro‐mechanisms through which OFDI drives GTI. (3) Digital transformation has a positive moderating effect on OFDI and GTI, implying that digital transformation reinforces the reverse green spillover effect of OFDI. (4) The results of heterogeneity analysis show that state‐owned firms and firms with overseas executives have a more outstanding contribution of OFDI to GTI, and the moderating effect of digital transformation is more significant. This study provides micro‐level theoretical and empirical experiences on the green innovation effects of firms' digital transformation and overseas investment strategies.
A stochastic particle extended SEIRS model with repeated vaccination: Application to real data of COVID‐19 in Italy
Authors: Papageorgiou Vasileios E. , Tsaklidis George
Published: February 2024

The prediction of the evolution of epidemics plays an important role in limiting the transmissibility and the burdensome consequences of infectious diseases, which leads to the employment of mathematical modeling. In this paper, we propose a stochastic particle filtering extended SEIRS model with repeated vaccination and time‐dependent parameters, aiming to efficiently describe the demanding dynamics of time‐varying epidemics. The validity of our model is examined using daily records of COVID‐19 in Italy for a period of 525 days, revealing a notable capacity to uncover the hidden dynamics of the pandemic. The main findings include the estimation of asymptomatic cases, which is a well‐known feature of the current pandemic. Unlike other proposed models that employ extra compartments for asymptomatic cases, which force the estimation of this proportion and significantly increase the model's complexity, our approach leads to the evaluation of the hidden dynamics of COVID‐19 without additional computational burden. Other findings that confirm the model's appropriateness and robustness are its parameter evolution and the estimation of more ICU‐admitted cases compared to the official records during the most prevalent infection wave of January 2022, attributed to the intensified increase in admissions that may have led to full occupancy in ICUs. As the vast majority of datasets contain time series of total recovered and vaccinated cases, we propose a statistical algorithm to estimate the currently recovered and protected through vaccination cases. This necessity arises from the attenuation of antibodies after vaccination/infection and is necessary for long‐time interval predictions. Finally, we not only present a novel stochastic epidemiological model and test its efficiency but also investigate its mathematical properties, such as the existence and stability of epidemic equilibria, giving new insights to the literature. The latter provides additional details concerning the system's long‐term behavior, while the conclusions drawn from the
index provide perspectives on the severity and future of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Electric vehicle smart charging with network expansion planning using hybrid COA‐CCG‐DLNN approach
Authors: Rahila J. , Soundra Devi G. , Radhika A. , Singh Gurkirpal
Published: February 2024

Integrating network expansion planning into electric vehicle (EV) smart charging solutions involves designing scalable infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for electric mobility while considering grid capacity and energy distribution efficiency. This paper proposes a hybrid approach for EV smart charging with network expansion planning. The hybrid technique is the joint execution of the coati optimization algorithm (COA) and cascade‐correlation‐growing deep learning neural network, commonly known as the COA‐CCG‐DLNN technique. The objective of the proposed method is to minimize the cost of charging EVs, and it forecasts the best course of action. EV charging with network expansion is based on vehicle‐to‐building (V2B), vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G), and grid‐to‐vehicle (G2V). The COA approach is used to minimize the cost of EV charging and the CCG‐DLNN approach is used to predict the optimal solution for the system. The proposed method is executed on the MATLAB platform and is compared with existing techniques like particle swarm optimization (PSO), heap‐based optimization (HBO), and wild horse optimization (WHO). The proposed method achieves a low cost of $1.33 and a high accuracy of 99.5% compared with other existing techniques. The performance metrics for the proposed method include 2996.348 as the best result, 3000.100 as the mean, 3001.261 as the worst, and a standard deviation of 1.160348, along with a median of 2998.816, all of which outperform other existing methods.
Impact of Ergonomics on Muscle Fatigue During Surgical Drilling Using Surface Electromyography
Authors: Joo Henry H. , Formeister Eric , Pozin Michael , Fatollahkhani Paria Arfa , Carey John , Raghavan Preeti , Galaiya Deepa
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between ergonomic positions and electromyographic muscle activity during otologic drilling.

Study Design

Cross‐over experimental trial.

Setting

Tertiary Academic Medical Center.

Methods

Surgeon participants were tasked with delicate eggshell drilling in 3 different seated positions: “neutral,” “slouched,” and “craned.” Surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors recorded the amplitude and frequency of muscle activity. The joint analysis of spectrum and amplitude (JASA) method, which combines temporal trends in frequency and amplitude, was used to identify trials that exhibited patterns of fatigue.

Results

The sEMG amplitude and frequency responses demonstrated wide temporal changes. In a majority of experiments, amplitude increased over the course of the experiment, while frequency remained more stable. On analysis of variance testing, only the mean frequency of the deltoid differed significantly between postures (P = .02). Under the JASA framework, external carpi radialis and upper trapezius experienced fatigue in nearly half of the trials regardless of position (47% vs 49%). The upper trapezius demonstrated fatigue during 46% and 69% of the “craned” and “slouched” trials, respectively, compared to just 31% of the “neutral” trials. Fewer attendings demonstrated upper trapezius fatigue compared to trainees (33% vs 62%). Female surgeons experienced fatigue in more trials than male counterparts (73% vs 25%).

Conclusion

This study highlights a first step in quantifying the relationship between operating postures and muscle fatigue. Results suggest that specific muscle groups are more susceptible to fatigue; gender and experience may also impact muscle activity.
Ring‐opening polymerization of l‐lactide in the presence of α‐hydroxy‐γ‐butyrolactone
Authors: Pascouau Chloé , Carlotti Stéphane , Cramail Henri , Peruch Frédéric
Published: February 2024

Among the polymer families, aliphatic polyesters stand out from this category thanks to their degradable and biocompatible properties. In particular, the γ‐lactones differ from other lactones by yielding polyesters that can be depolymerized back to the monomer and offer the advantage of counting various biobased monomers. As an example, α‐hydroxy‐γ‐butyrolactone (HBL) is a hydroxy‐functionalized monomer that can be obtained by a biological synthetic route from glucose. In this article, the ring‐opening copolymerization (ROCP) of HBL and l‐lactide (LLA) using t‐BuP4 as catalyst is investigated. The copolymerizations were conducted within a temperature range of 5–100°C, affording monomer conversions exceeding 80%. The characterization of the copolyesters revealed a branched structure consisting of different HBL patterns, including cyclic, linear, and branched motives. Performing a kinetic study of the copolymerization at room temperature provided a deeper understanding of the mechanism. By modulating the reaction parameters, copolymers of low molar masses with an HBL content of up to 33% were synthesized. High molar mass LLA/HBL‐based copolyesters, with up to 290,000 g/mol, were synthesized by a straightforward chain coupling reaction with a diisocyanate.
Pancreatic iron in pediatric transfusion‐dependent beta‐thalassemia patients: A longitudinal MRI study
Authors: Meloni Antonella , Pistoia Laura , Putti Maria Caterina , Longo Filomena , Corigliano Elisabetta , Ricchi Paolo , Rossi Vincenza , Casini Tommaso , Righi Riccardo , Renne Stefania , Peritore Giuseppe , Barbuto Luigi , Positano Vincenzo , Cademartiri Filippo
Published: February 2024

Background

In pediatric transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients, we evaluated the prevalence, pattern, and clinical associations of pancreatic siderosis and the changes in pancreatic iron levels and their association with baseline and changes in total body iron balance.

Procedure

We considered 86 pediatric TDT patients consecutively enrolled in the Extension‐Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia Network. Iron overload (IO) was quantified by R2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

Sixty‐three (73%) patients had pancreatic IO (R2* > 38 Hz). Global pancreas R2* values were significantly correlated with mean serum ferritin levels, MRI liver iron concentration (LIC) values, and global heart R2* values. Global pancreas R2* values were significantly higher in patients with altered versus normal glucose metabolism. Thirty‐one patients also performed the follow‐up MRI at 18 ± 3 months. Higher pancreatic R2* values were detected at the follow‐up, but the difference versus the baseline MRI was not significant. The 20% of patients with baseline pancreatic IO showed no pancreatic IO at the follow‐up. The 46% of patients without baseline pancreatic IO developed pancreatic siderosis. The changes in global pancreas R2* between the two MRIs were not correlated with baseline serum ferritin levels, baseline, final, and changes in MRI LIC values, or baseline pancreatic iron levels.

Conclusions

In children with TDT, pancreatic siderosis is a frequent finding associated with hepatic siderosis and represents a risk factor for myocardial siderosis and alterations of glucose metabolism. Iron removal from the pancreas is exceptionally challenging and independent from hepatic iron status.
Well‐defined poly(methyl methacrylate) hybrid titanium dioxide via miniemulsion polymerization: Design and evaluation of methylene blue dye degradation and antibacterial
Authors: Metanawin Tanapak , Panutumrong Praripatsaya , Metanawin Siripan
Published: February 2024

A poly(methyl methacrylate)/TiO2 (PMMA/TiO2) hybrid was synthesized in the presence of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinking agent. Different types of TiO2 rutile, anatase, and P25 were employed in this study, and the morphology, crystalline structure, particle size, thermal properties, photocatalytic activity, and antibacterial activity were investigated. The results show that the particle size of the PMMA/TiO2 hybrids was in the range of 73.3 nm to 210.0 nm. The morphology of the PMMA/TiO2 hybrid was spherical with a narrow particle size distribution. The thermal properties of the PMMA/TiO2 hybrid were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry. The glass transition temperature of the PMMA/TiO2 was higher than that of pristine PMMA. The photocatalytic properties were investigated by monitoring the color changes of methylene blue (MB). It was found that the MB degradation for the PMMA hybrid anatase TiO2 (PMMA/aTiO2) reached 80%, which was similar to that for the PMMA hybrid P25TiO2 at 83% in 60 min. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the PMMA/TiO2 hybrids were estimated. The MIC of PMMA hybrid anatase TiO2 was 9.65 mg mL−1 (P. aeruginosa) and 19.33 mg mL−1 (S. aureus) which can inhibit the bacteria. The MBC results of the PMMA/aTiO2 were 19.33 mg mL−1 for both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.

Highlights

TiO2 nanoparticle encapsulation with poly(methyl methacrylate) via mini‐emulsion polymerization.

Encapsulated particles exhibit excellent photocatalytic properties.

Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) crosslinking ensures stability, enhances photocatalytic property.

The influence of TEGDMA on the hybrid was discussed.
Effect of preschool teacher's math anxiety on teaching efficacy and classroom engagement in math
Authors: Park Jiniee , Ramirez Gerardo , Park Daeun
Published: February 2024

Increasing number of studies have revealed that teacher's math anxiety is related to the use of less effective pedagogical practices, which can lead to reduced math achievement among elementary school students. Children's math experience begins before formal schooling. However, there is limited information about the effect of preschool teachers' math anxiety on math‐related activities. In the current study, 209 in‐service preschool teachers were recruited to explore the relationship between math anxiety and their involvement in math activities within the classroom. Our findings showed that preschool teachers with high levels of math anxiety reported feeling less comfortable teaching math, leading to reduced engagement in math‐related activities and decreased interactions with their students. Building upon these insights, potential strategies are proposed to mitigate adverse effects of math anxiety among preschool teachers and cultivate a more positive learning environment for children.
Species‐specific duplicated FMRFaR‐like gene A62 regulates spontaneous locomotion in Apolygus lucorum
Authors: Gao Han , Tian Ying , Zhang Hui , Li Yanxiao , Li Chenjun , Li Bin
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Apolygus lucorum, a major cotton pest, has undergone a significant expansion of the FMRFaR gene within the GPCR superfamily, resulting in two classes of GPCR, namely FMRFaR (A54‐55) and newly duplicated FMRFaR‐like (A56‐62). Notably, FMRFaR‐like genes, particularly A62, show enhanced expression in the legs and wings of adults, indicating their potential role in locomotion. Employing A62 as a representative of FMRFaR‐like, our study investigates the influence of FMRFa, FMRFaR, and FMRFaR‐like on locomotion and development of A. lucorum.

RESULTS

FMRFaR and FMRFa exhibit comparable temporal and tissue expression patterns, whereas the FMRFaR‐like genes within A. lucorum exhibit completely distinct evolutionary and expression patterns compared to classical FMRFaR. RNA interference (RNAi) experiments revealed that suppressing FMRFa expression results in complete lethality in A. lucorum, but neither FMRFaR nor A62 exhibit the same effect after RNAi. Suppressing the expression of FMRFa only decreases the expression of the A54 gene simultaneously, suggesting that A54 may function as a classical FMRFaR activated by FMRFa. RNAi of A62 leads to wing malformation and a significant reduction in spontaneous movement behavior in A. lucorum. Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that A62 affects the A. lucorum's movement behavior through energy metabolism pathways and motor protein pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our study unveils the unique and complex roles of FMRFa and its receptor in A. lucorum. These findings provide valuable insights into potential targets for pest control strategies aimed at managing A. lucorum populations in cotton fields. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Asiaticoside ameliorates DSS‐induced colitis in mice by inhibiting inflammatory response, protecting intestinal barrier and regulating intestinal microecology
Authors: Liu Kunjian , Yin Yu , Shi Chong , Yan Chengqiu , Zhang Yiwen , Qiu Li , He Shuangyan , Li Guofeng
Published: February 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory bowel diseases and poses a serious threat to human health. Currently, safe and effective preventive measures are unavailable. In this study, the protective effects of asiaticoside (AS) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice and the underlying molecular mechanism were investigated. In this experiment, colitis was induced in mice with DSS. Subsequently, the role of AS in colitis and its underlying mechanisms were examined using H&E staining, immunofluorescence staining, western blot, Elisa, FMT, and other assays. The results showed that AS significantly attenuated the related symptoms of DSS‐induced colitis in mice. In addition, AS inhibited the activation of signaling pathways TLR4/NF‐κB and MAPK reduced the release of inflammatory factors, thereby attenuating the inflammatory response in mice. AS administration also restored the permeability of the intestinal barrier by increasing the levels of tight junction‐associated proteins (claudin‐3, occludin, and ZO‐1). In addition, AS rebalanced the intestinal flora of DSS‐treated mice by increasing the diversity of the flora. AS can alleviate DSS‐induced ulcerative colitis in mice by maintaining the intestinal barrier, thus inhibiting the signaling pathways TLR4/NF‐κB and MAPK activation, reducing the release of inflammatory factors, and regulating intestinal microecology.
GPU acceleration of many‐body perturbation theory methods in MOLGW with OpenACC
Authors: Byun Young‐Moo , Yoo Jejoong
Published: February 2024

Quasiparticle self‐consistent many‐body perturbation theory (MBPT) methods that update both eigenvalues and eigenvectors can calculate the excited‐state properties of molecular systems without depending on the choice of starting points. However, those methods are computationally intensive even on modern multi‐core central processing units (CPUs) and thus typically limited to small systems. Many‐core accelerators such as graphics processing units (GPUs) may be able to boost the performance of those methods without losing accuracy, making starting‐point‐independent MBPT methods applicable to large systems. Here, we GPU accelerate MOLGW, a Gaussian‐based MBPT code for molecules, with open accelerators (OpenACC) and achieve speedups of up to over 32 open multi‐processing (OpenMP) CPU threads.
A new braiding index to assess river regulation effects in multi‐thread channels: Insights from a highly regulated Himalayan river
Authors: Ghosh Kausik , Chakraborty Tapan , Patel Priyank Pravin
Published: February 2024

River regulation by dams and embankments drastically reduce/alter flow, which affects the natural channel pattern. Existing braiding indices have seldom incorporated the effects of diurnal flow variations caused by hydropeaking, leading to over/underestimation of the braiding intensity. These indices consider only the visible wet channels, ignoring the existence of dry channels that are activated only episodically during phases of water release from hydropower dams. We have extracted the dry channels (those that are periodically wet) coursing across the channel belt of the highly regulated River Tista from Landsat images between 1977 and 2014, using Normalized Difference Wetness Index values. These were combined with existing wet channel widths and numbers to formulate the Regulated Braiding Index (RBi) for characterizing channel braiding in the Tista's course over the Himalayan foothill plains. Overall, the widths and numbers of wet channels decreased by 63% and 25%, respectively, during the regulated years (2003 and 2014) as compared to pre‐dam years (1977 and 1995) due to the collective operation of 14 upstream dams/barrages (having cumulative ~89 million m3 reservoir capacity), whose operations reduced the braiding intensity (eliciting lower RBi values). Further, the number of high braiding reaches decreased by half while low braiding stretches rose by 10% in comparison to the pre‐dam period due to reduced/regulated flow. Comparative analysis of derived RBi values with three existing braiding indices revealed that RBi values consistently decreased near barrages, bridges, and within embankment‐confined reaches, unlike the other indices, thus providing a better framework for assessing expected river regulation effects.
Intermolecular Interactions of Binary Mixtures Comprising 2‐Benzylaminoethanol with Alcohols (C1−C3) at Different Temperatures: Experiments and Modelling
Authors: Belabbaci Aouicha , Ayad Amal , Negadi Amina , Hernández Ariel , Kabane Bakusele , Bahadur Indra , Mohammad Faruq , Mokbel Ilham , Negadi Latifa
Published: February 2024

This manuscript represents the physical quantities comprising the densities, speed of sound and refractive indices for the binary mixtures involving [2‐Benzylaminoethanol (BAE) with methanol, ethanol, 1‐propanol, or 2‐propanol] over a molar composition (xBAE=0–1). The measurements were conducted with the use of Anton Paar densimeter (DSA 5000 M) operated at different temperatures, T=(293.15–323.15) K and at atmospheric pressure. The intermolecular interactions occurring between the prepared binary mixtures were interpreted by computing the excess properties including excess molar volumes (
), isentropic compressibilities (
), intermolecular free length (
), specific acoustic impedance (
), relative association (
, relaxation strength (
), and Rao's molar sound function (
). The Redlich‐Kister polynomial equation was utilized to fit the computed excess properties and PC‐SAFT EoS was utilized for modeling the measured densities. In addition, the Laplace mixing rule as well as the Nomoto's relation were utilized for the modeling of refractive indices and speed of sound, respectively. The experimental data was found in good agreement with the theoretical data for the measured properties.
Dispersive Micro‐Solid Phase Extraction of Selected Metals in Water and Food Samples Followed by ICP‐OES Analysis: Method Development, Analysis of Real Samples and Greenness Evaluation
Authors: Sajid Muhammad , Kabeer Muhamed , Nazal Mazen Khaled , Younas Muhammad , Płotka‐Wasylka Justyna
Published: February 2024

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are well‐known adsorbents because of their high surface area, layered and hollow architecture, hydrophobicity, and multiple and easily accessible adsorption sites. In this study, MWCNTs were used for dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction of various metal chelates in environmental and food samples. Different parameters such as concentration of the chelating reagent, the sorbent dosage, the extraction time, the desorption time, and the strength of the eluent were suitably optimized. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the proposed method demonstrated a good linear working range for all the analytes, with correlation coefficients above 0.9915. The limit of detection ranged from 0.02 to 0.21 μg/L. The inter‐day and intra‐day relative standard deviations were less than 2.5 %. The proposed method was used for the determination of selected metals in tap water, drinking water, cucumber, and tomato samples. In the end, GAPI tool was used to evaluate the greenness of the method.
Synthesis of New Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine Triazole Hybrid Molecules as Potential Apoptotic Antitumor Agents
Authors: Albayrak Halac Fatma , Essiz Sebnem , Servili Burak , Altundas Ramazan , Onur Sucu Bilgesu , Kulu Irem
Published: February 2024

Novel imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines bearing 1,2,3‐triazole moieties at the C3 position were synthesized. After the characterization of the synthesized compounds, their in vitro therapeutic activities were evaluated in various cancer cell lines (MCF7, A549, HePG2 and T98G). Methoxy substituted derivative was identified as the most potent compound based on the results of its anti‐proliferative activity on various cancer cell lines, as well as showing no cytotoxicity on the healthy human fibroblast cell line (MRC‐5). As an indicator of apoptosis, a significant decrease in the level of PARP protein was observed in the MCF7 cells treated with this derivative. Molecular docking studies were conducted on wide range of targets such as phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), cyclin‐independent kinase 2 (CDK2), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK), insulin‐like growth‐factor‐1 (IGF‐1), tubulin, DNA topoisomerase, poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (BCL2). All the compounds tested showed the lowest binding energies with target PARP1. Moreover, CDK2 and tubulin displayed relatively good binding scores. The docking poses and scores were cross‐checked with two different software and multiple protein conformations were included to incorporate flexible protein docking features. Finally, drug‐likeness properties of the compounds are further tested via Swiss‐ADME software.
Efficient Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO by Cu‐doped Carbon Materials Derived from ZIF‐8
Authors: Song M. S. Tao , Wang M. S. Yimin , Yuan Zhen , Liu Hai , Zhang B. S. Xiaoli , Cui B. S. Li , Chen B. S. Yuewen , Liu Tianxia , Zhang Xiya
Published: February 2024

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide presents a promising pathway to tackle global energy and environmental challenges. Porous carbon materials from metal‐organic frameworks exhibit high specific surface area, abundant active sites, and adjustable pore structure, demonstrating excellent electrocatalytic performance. With their abundant resources and tunability, copper‐based catalysts are well‐suited for efficient carbon dioxide conversion. However, the selectivity and stability of copper‐based catalysts is poor. This study presents the preparation of the first Cu‐doped ZIF‐8‐derived carbon materials and investigates their effect on electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction. At the optimal potential of −0.7 V vs. RHE, the CO Faradaic Efficiency (FE) of the Cu0.5‐N−C catalyst reaches 89 %. Furthermore, the electrochemical current density and CO FE of Cu0.5‐N−C catalyst remain nearly unchanged within 13 hours in 0.1 mol L−1 KHCO3 electrolyte. Compared to most of the reported copper‐based catalysts, Cu0.5‐N−C exhibits better stability. Characterization results show that Cu0.5‐N−C has a larger Cu‐N4, higher pyridinic N content, larger specific surface area, and average pore size, which help promote CO2 adsorption and enhance catalyst stability. This work provides new insights and pathways for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction, with enormous potential to contribute to the global energy transition and environmental protection.
Synthesis of New Nifuroxazide Derivatives Based on Nitropyrrole Skeleton with Good Antitumor Activity in Vitro
Authors: Luo Huaxin , Luo Shunyin , Lu Zujia , Yang Guangzao , Irfan Majeed , Deng Rong , Zhu Xiaofeng , Zeng Zhuo
Published: February 2024

Herein, we reported 36 novel nifuroxazide derivatives based on 4 or 5‐nitropyrrole skeleton for the first time. The influence of the benzyl substituents on the pyrrole ring and/or hydroxyl substituent on the benzene ring for the anticancer activity was investigated. Most of the designed derivatives were active at micromolar or submicromolar concentrations. The most promising compounds, namely derivatives (E)‐2,3‐dihydroxy‐N′‐((5‐nitro‐1‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)methylene) benzohydrazide (18), (E)‐N′‐((1‐(4‐fluorobenzyl)‐5‐nitro‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl) methylene)‐2,3‐dihydroxybenzohydrazide (24), and (E)‐N′‐((1‐(3‐fluorobenzyl)‐5‐nitro‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl) methylene)‐2,3‐dihydroxybenzohydrazide (30), exhibited better antitumor activity than nifuroxazide in vitro, with IC50 values ranging from 0.80 to 5.18 μM on CNE2 (human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line) and SUNE1 (human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line). Docking results indicated that compounds 24 and 30 interacted with the SRC homology 2 (SH2) and carboxyl‐terminal transactivation domain of STAT3 (the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), with binding energies ranging from −3.98 to −3.88 kcal/mol, and exhibited similar binding modes and energies to nifuroxazide. Interestingly, the trifluoromethyl substituted 18 interacts in the coiled‐coil, DNA‐binding and linker domain of STAT3, with a binding energy of −4.16 kcal/mol.
Dynamic Structural Change of Plant Epidermal Cell Walls under Strain
Authors: Yu Jingyi , Del Mundo Joshua T. , Freychet Guillaume , Zhernenkov Mikhail , Schaible Eric , Gomez Esther W. , Gomez Enrique D. , Cosgrove Daniel J.
Published: February 2024

The molecular foundations of epidermal cell wall mechanics are critical for understanding structure–function relationships of primary cell walls in plants and facilitating the design of bioinspired materials. To uncover the molecular mechanisms regulating the high extensibility and strength of the cell wall, the onion epidermal wall is stretched uniaxially to various strains and cell wall structures from mesoscale to atomic scale are characterized. Upon longitudinal stretching to high strain, epidermal walls contract in the transverse direction, resulting in a reduced area. Atomic force microscopy shows that cellulose microfibrils exhibit orientation‐dependent rearrangements at high strains: longitudinal microfibrils are straightened out and become highly ordered, while transverse microfibrils curve and kink. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering detects a 7.4 nm spacing aligned along the stretch direction at high strain, which is attributed to distances between individual cellulose microfibrils. Furthermore, wide‐angle X‐ray scattering reveals a widening of (004) lattice spacing and contraction of (200) lattice spacing in longitudinally aligned cellulose microfibrils at high strain, which implies longitudinal stretching of the cellulose crystal. These findings provide molecular insights into the ability of the wall to bear additional load after yielding: the aggregation of longitudinal microfibrils impedes sliding and enables further stretching of the cellulose to bear increased loads.
Dynamics of Molecular Self‐Assembly of Short Peptides at Liquid–Solid Interfaces – Effect of Charged Amino Acid Point Mutations
Authors: Yurtsever Ayhan , Hirata Kaito , Kojima Ryohei , Miyazawa Keisuke , Miyata Kazuki , Kesornsit Sanhanut , Zareie Hadi , Sun Linhao , Maeda Katsuhiro , Sarikaya Mehmet , Fukuma Takeshi
Published: February 2024

Self‐organizing solid‐binding peptides on atomically flat solid surfaces offer a unique bio/nano hybrid platform, useful for understanding the basic nature of biology/solid coupling and their practical applications. The surface behavior of peptides is determined by their molecular folding, which is influenced by various factors and is challenging to study. Here, the effect of charged amino acids is studied on the self‐assembly behavior of a directed evolution selected graphite‐binding dodecapeptide on graphite surface. Two mutations, M6 and M8, are designed to introduce negatively and positively charged moieties, respectively, at the anchoring domain of the wild‐type (WT) peptide, affecting both binding and assembly. The questions addressed here are whether mutant peptides exhibit molecular crystal formation and demonstrate molecular recognition on the solid surface based on the specific mutations. Frequency‐modulated atomic force microscopy is used for observations of the surface processes dynamically in water at molecular resolution over several hours at the ambient. The results indicate that while the mutants display distinct folding and surface behavior, each homogeneously nucleates and forms 2D self‐organized patterns, akin to the WT peptide. However, their growth dynamics, domain formation, and crystalline lattice structures differ significantly. The results represent a significant step toward the rational design of bio/solid interfaces, potent facilitators of a variety of future implementations.
Strong variation in Brook Trout trends across geology, elevation, and stream size in Shenandoah National Park
Authors: Childress Evan S. , Demarest E. David , Wofford John E. B. , Hitt Nathaniel P. , Letcher Benjamin H.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Landscape context structures fish abundance and dynamics, and understanding trends in fish abundance across the landscape is often prerequisite for effective conservation. In this study, we evaluated the status and trends of Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis in Shenandoah National Park to understand how these are structured across bedrock geology, elevation, and stream size.

Methods

We used long-term monitoring data from 94 sites in Shenandoah National Park to evaluate trends in Brook Trout abundance over a 27-year period (1996–2022) and assess the importance of local environmental covariates using a hierarchical Bayesian N-mixture model based on depletion sampling. Focal covariates were chosen for their demonstrated importance in structuring fish populations in Shenandoah National Park and elsewhere. Bedrock geology controls sensitivity to acid deposition, watershed area is related to stream habitat features such as complexity and flow variability, and elevation creates gradients in temperature.

Result

Models revealed significant decreases in adult Brook Trout abundance over time (95% credible intervals < 0) for 31 of 94 sites (33%), and at least three sites exhibited apparent extirpations over the study period. Estimated Brook Trout abundance declined by 50% or more in approximately 70% of streams across the park over the study period. Sites with the warmest water temperatures exhibited the fastest declines in abundance. However, large watersheds on poorly buffered bedrock exhibited significant gains in abundance over time, suggesting some recovery from acid deposition due to improvements in air quality.

Conclusion

Our analysis revealed large and divergent changes in Brook Trout abundance over recent decades and suggests the importance of local water temperature and acid sensitivity as probable causal mechanisms. These results highlight the importance of considering local factors when evaluating long-term trends in stream fish populations. Results of this study can assist the development of targeted conservation actions within Shenandoah National Park and elsewhere.
Security Enhancement of mmWave MIMO Wireless Communication System Using Adversarial Training
Authors: Saini Mehak , Grewal Surender K.
Published: February 2024

Millimeter wave MIMO wireless communication systems are deployed in 5G and next‐generation networks. The effectiveness of deep learning models for improving the performance of these systems has been proven in the literature. However, several deep learning models are vulnerable to security threats, such as adversarial attacks. Therefore, for the deployment of these systems, it is essential to make them resilient to such kinds of attacks for good quality secure communication. Adversarial training is a solution by which deep learning models are trained for adversarial attacks beforehand. Adversarial training for three types of adversarial attacks, that is, Fast Gradient Sign Method, Iterative Fast Gradient Sign Method, and Momentum Iterative Fast Gradient Sign Method is implemented in this paper. The simulation results depict a decrease in the error at the receiving end after adversarial training, even after an adversarial attack has been applied. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Guidelines for culturally and linguistically responsive instruction in higher education
Authors: Kim Hyunjin Jinna
Published: February 2024

Given the internationalization of higher education and the increasingly diversifying student population in higher education institutions worldwide, it is critical to reevaluate the teaching and learning environment in higher education classrooms. Although inclusion and inclusive pedagogy emerged as essential orientations in education, gaps in educational opportunities, access, and achievements persist. This practical guide is intended to inform and promote inclusive pedagogy, specifically for culturally and linguistically diverse students in higher education settings across various disciplines. The guidelines for culturally and linguistically responsive instruction in higher education offer a brief outline of the theoretical foundation and practical self‐reflective questions with recommended strategies to implement in curriculum, assessment, and instructional designs. With the hope of providing a welcoming classroom for culturally and linguistically diverse students where their knowledge and experiences are valued, the article ends with discussions to establish a more inclusive higher education learning ecology.
Post‐treatment of soft drink industrial wastewater using a new antibacterial ultra‐filtration membrane prepared of Polyethersulfone blended with boehmite–tannic acid–graphene quantum dot
Authors: Moradi Sahar , Zinatizadeh Ali Akbar , Zinadini Sirus
Published: February 2024

Polymeric membranes have garnered great interest in wastewater treatment; however, fouling is known as their main limitation. Therefore, the blending of hydrophilic nanoparticles in polymeric membranes' structure is a promising approach for fouling reduction. Herein, a hydrophilic boehmite–tannic acid–graphene quantum dot (BM‐TA‐GQD) nanoparticle was synthesized and blended in a polyethersulfone polymeric membrane in different percentages. The fabricated membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) images, water contact angle, porosity measurement, and antibacterial and antifouling properties. Surface SEM images of the modified membranes showed good dispersion of nanoparticles up to 0.5 wt%, which resulted in hydrophilicity and pure water flux enhancement. Based on AFM images, the mean roughness (Sa) of the fabricated membranes decreased from 2.07 to 0.84 nm for the bare and optimum membranes, respectively. In terms of performance, increasing the nanoparticle percentages up to 0.5 wt% resulted in the flux recovery ratio developing from 44.58% for the bare membrane to 71.35% for the 0.5 wt% BM‐TA‐GQD/PES membrane (optimum membrane). The antibacterial property of fabricated membranes was studied against biologically treated soft drink industrial wastewater (BTSDIW) as a bacterial source. The results showed that the turbidity of solutions containing permeated wastewater from the modified membranes (0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt% of BM‐TA‐GQD) was lower than that obtained from the unmodified membrane. These results confirmed the antibacterial properties of fabricated membranes. Finally, the optimal membrane (0.5 wt% BM‐TA‐GQD) was examined for post‐treatment of the BTSDIW. An effluent COD of 13 mg/L and turbidity of 2 NTU showed a successful performance of the filtration process.

Practitioner Points

Ultrafiltration PES membranes were modified by different loadings of BM‐TA‐GQD.

Hydrophilicity improvement was achieved by adding BM‐TA‐GQD nanoparticles.

Expansion of size and number of macro‐voids in modified membranes was confirmed.

Membrane roughness was reduced in the BM‐TA‐GQD blended membranes.

The optimum membrane was efficient in COD and turbidity removal.
Introduction: The Changing World of Pedagogy in Diverse Cultural Contexts
Authors: Dobson Stephen , Svoen Brit
Published: February 2024

In this book we are interested in how learning inclusion in a digital age can lead to an enhanced voice and sense of belonging for all participants. We are also interested in how this entails the establishment of what we would call cultures of learning inclusion. The emphasis is upon culture; we mentioned the Norwegian anthropologist Frederik Barth in the Preface who highlighted the importance of the weave of individuals in social relationships as a foundation for inclusion. This weave gives rise to different forms of community, digital or otherwise and, by extension, accompanying cultures with different markers that offer ways of expressing and understanding others, setting expectations and making possible a sense of belonging and voice for participants. Cultures of inclusion are shared ways of being together through the weave of activities taking place. But what might culture mean in an educational sense for cultures of learning inclusion? Let us consider some examples.
Towards Wellbeing-Ness as an Experience of Inclusion, Belonging and Voice in a Digital (Post-Covid) World of Global Change
Authors: Dobson Stephen , Hardy Pip
Published: February 2024

This chapter considers what it means to learn and create personal and shared experiences of wellbeing-ness, where inclusion, belonging and finding a voice are defining moments. Only a few years ago this might have been understood in terms such as social and emotional learning (SEL), but now the buzz word globally and especially in a country such as New Zealand is ‘wellbeing’. The challenge is twofold: firstly, how to conceptualise and practice wellbeing-ness in a more digitally informed COVID world, such as through digital storytelling and, secondly, how to assess and put a value on it and, in so doing, show how a taxonomy of the emotions might support an understanding of inclusion.
Non-geometric BPS branes on T-folds
Authors: Bianchi Massimo , Bossard Guillaume
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We give a detailed (microscopic) description of the geometric and non-geometric fundamental branes and their bound states in Type II superstring compactifications preserving $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 supersymmetry. We consider general boundary states that couple to the twisted sector and compute the relevant annulus amplitudes. We check consistency of the construction by relating the ‘transverse’ channel, corresponding to closed-string ‘tree-level’ exchange, with the ‘direct’ open-string loop channel. Focussing on the Type IIA frame, we show that D0-D4 have the expected tension for a geometric brane, while the non-geometric D2-D6 boundary states have a tension equal to $$ 1/\sqrt{K} $$
1
/

K

the one of a geometric brane for the ZK orbifold. This is consistent with Fricke T-duality of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 model.
A progesterone derivative linked to a stable phospholipid activates breast cancer cell response without leaving the cell membrane
Authors: Font-Mateu Jofre , Sanllehí Pol , Sot Jesús , Abad Beatriz , Mateos Nicolas , Torreno-Pina Juan Andres , Ferrari Roberto , Wright Roni H. G. , Garcia-Parajo Maria F. , Joglar Jesús , Goñi Félix M. , Beato Miguel
Published: February 2024

In hormone-responsive breast cancer cells, progesterone (P4) has been shown to act via its nuclear receptor (nPR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. A small fraction of progesterone receptor is palmitoylated and anchored to the cell membrane (mbPR) forming a complex with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Upon hormone exposure, either directly or via interaction with ERα, mbPR activates the SRC/RAS/ERK kinase pathway leading to phosphorylation of nPR by ERK. Kinase activation is essential for P4 gene regulation, as the ERK and MSK1 kinases are recruited by the nPR to its genomic binding sites and trigger chromatin remodeling. An interesting open question is whether activation of mbPR can result in gene regulation in the absence of ligand binding to intracellular progesterone receptor (iPR). This matter has been investigated in the past using P4 attached to serum albumin, but the attachment is leaky and albumin can be endocytosed and degraded, liberating P4. Here, we propose a more stringent approach to address this issue by ensuring attachment of P4 to the cell membrane via covalent binding to a stable phospholipid. This strategy identifies the actions of P4 independent from hormone binding to iPR. We found that a membrane-attached progestin can activate mbPR, the ERK signaling pathway leading to iPR phosphorylation, initial gene regulation and entry into the cell cycle, in the absence of detectable intracellular progestin.
Geometric error compensation method using the Laser R-test
Authors: Hsieh Tung-Hsien , Jywe Wen-Yuh , Zeng Jheng-Jhong , Hsu Chia-Ming , Chang Yu-Wei
Published: February 2024

Traditional methods for measuring geometric errors in machine tools, including interferometry and Double Ball Bar (DBB), are known to be expensive and time-intensive. Consequently, a non-contact calibration system called the “Laser R-test” has been developed. This innovative system is designed to measure both position-independent geometric errors (PIGEs) and position-dependent geometric errors (PDGEs) efficiently. Since its development in 2000, this tool has been instrumental in analyzing eccentricity errors, angular position errors, and simultaneous trajectory errors. Through extensive research, it has been determined that the total error in a five-axis machine tool can be controlled to below 40 µm after compensating for eccentricity parameters and angular position errors. However, reducing this error to below ± 10 µm is challenging, primarily due to wobble errors in the orientation of the rotary axis without compensating. In this study, a new methodology based on Laser R-test and Rodrigues’ rotation formula has been developed to establish a PIGE model of rotary axis. Based on the methodology, the 8 PIGEs can be analyzed by measuring 5 coordinate positions. The compensation of 8 PIGEs in the rotary axis is completed within 30 min using the inspection path. Compatibility with ISO-10791–6 standards for BK1, BK2, and BK4 path tests is confirmed, validating the compensation effects. A precision of below ± 10 µm is achieved, with inspection time reduced by over 50%. This system can complete multiple errors by simply using the different paths. This greatly reduces the setup time for future users, enhancing its commercial applicability.
A unified approach to inverse robust optimization problems
Authors: Berthold Holger , Heller Till , Seidel Tobias
Published: February 2024

A variety of approaches has been developed to deal with uncertain optimization problems. Often, they start with a given set of uncertainties and then try to minimize the influence of these uncertainties. The reverse view is to first set a budget for the price one is willing to pay and then find the most robust solution. In this article, we aim to unify these inverse approaches to robustness. We provide a general problem definition and a proof of the existence of its solution. We study properties of this solution such as closedness, convexity, and boundedness. We also provide a comparison with existing robustness concepts such as the stability radius, the resilience radius, and the robust feasibility radius. We show that the general definition unifies these approaches. We conclude with an example that demonstrates the flexibility of the introduced concept.