bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of frost heave of saturated soil considering thermo‐hydro‐mechanical coupling
Authors: Fu Hao , Song Erxiang , Tong Rui
Published: September 2023

Frost heave can lead to both the ground uplifting and frost heave pressure under different circumstances, and cause many engineering problems. To describe the characteristics of frost heave under various thermo‐hydro‐mechanical (THM) coupling conditions and calculate both the frost heave amount and the frost heave pressure, the coupled THM process, as well as the phase change of the pore water, should be considered for freezing soil. In this paper, thermodynamic equilibrium conditions in saturated freezing soil were derived to account for the mechanical effect on the cryogenic suction and unfrozen saturation of pore water during phase transition. Then the governing equations were developed considering the water flow, heat transfer, stress equilibrium, phase change, ice segregation, and their complex interactions. Based on that, a numerical model considering fully THM coupling is presented within the framework of finite element provided by COMSOL. Both frost heave amount tests and frost heave pressure tests were simulated to verify the proposed model. Then the model was applied to subgrades with different types of soil and different boundary conditions, to reveal the characteristics of frost heave amount and frost heave pressure under different conditions, and at the same time to demonstrate the model's applicative prospect.
Achilles tendon and enthesis assessment using ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging (UTE‐MRI) T1 and magnetization transfer (MT) modeling in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Moazamian Dina , Athertya Jiyo S. , Dwek Sophia , Lombardi Alecio F. , Mohammadi Hamidreza Shaterian , Sedaghat Sam , Jang Hyungseok , Ma Yajun , Chung Christine B. , Du Jiang , Jerban Saeed , Chang Eric Y.
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques (T1 and magnetization transfer [MT] modeling) for imaging of the Achilles tendons and entheses in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared with asymptomatic volunteers. The heels of twenty‐six PsA patients (age 59 ± 15 years, 41% female) and twenty‐seven asymptomatic volunteers (age 33 ± 11 years, 47% female) were scanned in the sagittal plane with UTE‐T1 and UTE‐MT modeling sequences on a 3‐T clinical scanner. UTE‐T1 and macromolecular proton fraction (MMF; the main outcome of MT modeling) were calculated in the tensile portions of the Achilles tendon and at the enthesis (close to the calcaneus bone). Mann–Whitney‐U tests were used to examine statistically significant differences between the two cohorts. UTE‐T1 in the entheses was significantly higher for the PsA group compared with the asymptomatic group (967 ± 145 vs. 872 ± 133 ms, p < 0.01). UTE‐T1 in the tendons was also significantly higher for the PsA group (950 ± 145 vs. 850 ± 138 ms, p < 0.01). MMF in the entheses was significantly lower in the PsA group compared with the asymptomatic group (15% ± 3% vs. 18% ± 3%, p < 0.01). MMF in the tendons was also significantly lower in the PsA group compared with the asymptomatic group (17% ± 4% vs. 20% ± 5%, p < 0.01). Percentage differences in MMF between the asymptomatic and PsA groups (−16.6% and −15.0% for the enthesis and tendon, respectively) were higher than the T1 differences (10.8% and 11.7% for the enthesis and tendon, respectively). The results suggest higher T1 and lower MMF in the Achilles tendons and entheses in PsA patients compared with the asymptomatic group. This study highlights the potential of UTE‐T1 and UTE‐MT modeling for quantitative evaluation of entheses and tendons in PsA patients.
Synthetic multi‐contrast late gadolinium enhancement imaging using post‐contrast magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Authors: Rashid Imran , Al‐Kindi Sadeer , Rajagopalan Varun , Walker Jonathan , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Seiberlich Nicole , Hamilton Jesse I.
Published: September 2023

Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) MRI is the non‐invasive reference standard for identifying myocardial scar and fibrosis but has limitations, including difficulty delineating subendocardial scar and operator dependence on image quality. The purpose of this work is to assess the feasibility of generating multi‐contrast synthetic LGE images from post‐contrast T1 and T2 maps acquired using magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF). Fifteen consecutive patients with a history of prior ischemic cardiomyopathy (12 men; mean age 63 
 13 years) were prospectively scanned at 1.5 T between Oct 2020 and May 2021 using conventional LGE and MRF after injection of gadolinium contrast. Three classes of synthetic LGE images were derived from MRF post‐contrast T1 and T2 maps: bright‐blood phase‐sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR), black‐ and gray‐blood T2‐prepared PSIR (T2‐PSIR), and a novel “tissue‐optimized” image to enhance differentiation among scar, viable myocardium, and blood. Image quality was assessed on a 1–5 Likert scale by two cardiologists, and contrast was quantified as the mean absolute difference (MAD) in pixel intensities between two tissues, with different methods compared using Kruskal–Wallis with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Per‐patient and per‐segment scar detection rates were evaluated using conventional LGE images as reference. Image quality scores were highest for synthetic PSIR (4.0) and reference images (3.8), followed by synthetic tissue‐optimized (3.3), gray‐blood T2‐PSIR (3.0), and black‐blood T2‐PSIR (2.6). Among synthetic images, PSIR yielded the highest myocardium/scar contrast (MAD = 0.42) but the lowest blood/scar contrast (MAD = 0.05), and vice versa for T2‐PSIR, while tissue‐optimized images achieved a balance among all tissues (myocardium/scar MAD = 0.16, blood/scar MAD = 0.26, myocardium/blood MAD = 0.10). Based on reference mid‐ventricular LGE scans, 13/15 patients had myocardial scar. The per‐patient sensitivity/accuracy for synthetic images were the following: PSIR, 85/87%; black‐blood T2‐PSIR, 62/53%; gray‐blood T2‐PSIR, 100/93%; tissue optimized, 100/93%. Synthetic multi‐contrast LGE images can be generated from post‐contrast MRF data without additional scan time, with initial feasibility shown in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients.
The role of board skepticism in strengthening nonprofit performance measurement and accountability
Authors: Bruni‐Bossio Vincent , Kaczur Melanie
Published: September 2023

We interviewed 21 board chairs of nonprofits with social missions to ask how their organizations assess performance when they cannot adequately track the intangible work by employees or the outcomes of this work. We find that the uncertainty around tracking performance data makes boards skeptical of their ability to assess performance in these organizations. Our study suggests that the skepticism of these boards inspires effective strategies focused on decreasing uncertainty around performance. These strategies include tracking a combination of quantified data, process data, and narratives from employees and clients, and ensuring specific board processes that foster a psychologically safe environment for discussion and checking against cognitive biases. We find boards in these organizations to be aware, engaged, and effective at assessing performance and we suggest that policy makers can be better informed by accessing the knowledge and strategy used by these boards.
Psychological empowerment and quality of life in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients: A quantitative study
Authors: Turlinskienė Marija , Seniūnaitė‐Ramanauskienė Raminta , Pociūnaitė Justina , Sargautytė Rūta
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between psychological empowerment, depression, anxiety, and quality of life in people with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Design

A longitudinal prospective study.

Methods

A sample of 150 people with haematological was recruited at Santaros Clinics in Lithuania between September 2020 and April 2022. Demographic characteristics, cancer‐related characteristics, depression, anxiety, psychological empowerment and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using self‐report questionnaires before and 10–12 weeks after HSCT. Descriptive statistics, correlation and moderation analyses were performed.

Results

The results showed that psychological empowerment had a significant correlation with patients’ depression, anxiety and QoL. Patients who were more empowered before HSCT had a subjectively better QoL before and after HSCT and were less depressed after transplantation. The results showed that empowerment was a moderator between depression and QoL after transplantation, but it had a significant effect on the QoL only among patients who are less depressed.

Patient or public contribution

With this study, we aim to contribute to a better understanding of the psychological experiences of people with HSCT. Particularly, psychological empowerment is an important factor in preparing for this treatment. Medical professionals like nurses can be crucial contributors to implementing and strengthening psychological empowerment.
Deep learning‐based surrogate modeling of coronary in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Shi Jianye , Manjunatha Kiran , Reese Stefanie
Published: September 2023

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the largest causes of death worldwide. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a minimally invasive procedure to restore blood flow in blocked coronary arteries. However, PCI carries risks such as in‐stent restenosis and thrombosis. Drug‐eluting stents were developed to counteract the restenosis observed after stent implantation. An effective in silico model that can accurately predict the restenosis procedure is of great importance for the cardiology. This study aims to develop a deep learning‐based surrogate model for in‐stent restenosis incorporating anti‐inflammatory drugs embedded in the drug‐eluting stents. The model includes a detailed multiphysics approach based on partial differential equations (PDEs) to capture platelet aggregation, growth‐factor release, cellular motility and drug deposition.
Graph‐to‐local limit for a multi‐species nonlocal cross‐interaction system
Authors: Esposito Antonio , Heinze Georg , Pietschmann Jan‐Frederik , Schlichting André
Published: September 2023

In this note we continue the study of nonlocal interaction dynamics on a sequence of infinite graphs, extending the results of Esposito, Heinze and Schlichting to an arbitrary number of species. Our analysis relies on the observation that the graph dynamics form a gradient flow with respect to a non‐symmetric Finslerian gradient structure. Keeping the nonlocal interaction energy fixed, while localizing the graph structure, we are able to prove evolutionary Γ‐convergence to an Otto‐Wassertein‐type gradient flow with a tensor‐weighted, yet symmetric, inner product. As a byproduct this implies the existence of solutions to the multi‐species non‐local (cross‐)interaction system on the tensor‐weighted Euclidean space.
Birefringent polyvinyl alcohol layers as retardation components for display devices
Authors: Barzic Andreea Irina , Albu Raluca Marinica , Stoica Iuliana , Nechifor Cristina‐Delia , Avadanei Mihaela Iuliana , Dimitriu Dan Gheorghe , Dorohoi Dana Ortansa
Published: September 2023

Optically birefringent polymers have found utility in numerous applications, especially in liquid crystal displays. This work is focused on inducing molecular ordering in polyvinyl alcohol films in different conditions. The samples were modified by new mixed approaches: drawing, rubbing before drying, rubbing before drying followed by drawing, and combined rubbing, drawing and then parallel scratching. The level of chain alignment in the samples was quantified by birefringence measurements using several experimental techniques, namely interferometry, polarization ellipse approach, channeled spectra and polarized light refractometry. The produced anisotropy was correlated with the sample morphology examined via optical microscopy under crossed polarizers. Optical retardation was found to be larger as the generated birefringence of mechanically deformed polyvinyl alcohol foils was higher. It was found the new proposed approach of ordering polymer sample by combined rubbing, drawing and then scratching is most suitable as retardation layer for compensating light leakage in display devices.
Ocular venous occlusion in pediatrics: Should thrombophilia investigation and anticoagulant treatment be initiated?
Authors: Benish Marganit , Shrot Shai , Barg Assaf , Kventsel Iris , Elhasid Ronit , Kenet Gili , Levy‐Mendelovich Sarina
Published: September 2023

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis (SOVT) are rare diseases in the pediatric population; however, the ophthalmic and neurologic morbidity are significant. As published data are scarce for these conditions, we present our experience with pediatric ocular venous thrombosis in four patients, and discuss recommended management for evaluation and treatment. We suggest performing thrombophilia workup for all pediatric patients with RVO or SOVT. In patients with thrombophilia risk factors or patients with additional thrombi, we highly recommend initiating anticoagulation therapy. There is a need for more research in order to determine the optimal management strategy.
Reducing chemotherapy dose intensity by 25% and adding rituximab improves survival in pediatric mature B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in LMIC setting
Authors: Radhakrishnan Venkatraman , Kritthivasan Venkatakrishnan , Kothandan Balaji Thiruvengadam , Srinivasan Prasanth , Das Gargi , Ramamurthy Jaikumar
Published: September 2023

Background and objectives

Pediatric B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) have historically had inferior outcomes due to higher treatment‐related mortality (TRM) and relapses. To address this issue, we evaluated the impact of reducing chemotherapy dose intensity by 25% and adding rituximab on outcomes in pediatric B‐NHL.

Patients and methods

Patients, less than 18 years of age with group B and C disease as per the Lymphome Malin de Burkitt (LMB) risk stratification were enrolled between September 2017 and October 2022. The LMB‐89 protocol, with a 25% reduction in all chemotherapy doses and the addition of rituximab, was administered. The response was assessed using positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) after four cycles of chemotherapy (interim) and at the end of treatment.

Results

The study included 25 patients with a median age of 6.9 years, among whom 20 (80%) were males. Twenty patients had group B and five had group C disease. Complete metabolic response (CMR) was achieved by 22/25 (88%) patients, and three (12%) achieved partial metabolic response (PMR) in the interim PET/CT. At the end of treatment, 22/24 (92%) patients achieved CMR, one had PMR, and one had progressive disease. The median follow‐up was 45 months (range: 3–71 months). The 4‐year event‐free survival and overall survival were 88% and 92%, respectively. There were two deaths, one due to disease progression and the other due to sepsis.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a significant improvement in outcomes in pediatric B‐NHL compared to previous reports from LMICs, achieved through a 25% reduction in chemotherapy dose intensity and the addition of rituximab.
Associations between neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and prognosis in patients with neuroblastoma
Authors: Mirzayeva Gunay , Kupeli Serhan , Ozkan Ayse , Sezgin Gulay , Bayram Ibrahim
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Recent studies have shown that the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a new inflammatory marker that is effective in determining the prognosis of many solid tumors, chemotherapy responses, survival, and their recurrence rate. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study to investigate the effect of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on risk factors and prognosis in these patients.

Materials and methods

In this study, 246 pediatric patients with neuroblastoma who were diagnosed, treated, and followed up during 2000–2021 in Division of Pediatric Oncology, Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, were included. Required information of patients was obtained from archive files, Mergentech hospital program, and E‐pulse system.

Results

Median value for NLR was found to be 1.06, for PLR it was found as 92. The relationship of NLR values with age, stage, risk group, and Shimada was found to be statistically signifıcant with p < .001, vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) (p = .006) also depicted the signifıcant value. Likewise, the relationship of PLR values with age (p < .001), stage (p = .022), Shimada (p = .004), and N‐Myc amplification (p = .039) was found to be statistically significant as well. Survival analysis showed that no statistically significant difference was observed among the higher and lower values of NLR. Survival rates were noticed to be higher in the lower values of NLR (10‐year overall survival [OS] 55% vs. 49%, 10‐year event‐free survival (EFS) 54% vs. 43%), albeit nonsignificant.

Conclusion

Pretreatment evaluation of NLR and PLR values in patients with neuroblastoma may be instructive in respect of prognosis and risk group.
Cyclic and linear poly(L‐lactide)s by ring‐expansion polymerization with Bu2SnO, Oct2SnO, and Bu2SnS
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Weidner Steffen M.
Published: September 2023

To elucidate the usefulness of commercial Bu2SnO as catalyst for syntheses of linear and/or cyclic polylactides l‐Lactide was polymerized in bulk with variation of the LA/Cat ratio, temperature and time. Based on a ring‐expansion polymerization (REP) mechanism cyclic polylactides (PLAs) with weight average molecular weights in the range of 200,000–300,000 are obtained at the highest temperature (180 °C). Polymerizations at 150 °C yielded crystalline, mainly cyclic polylactides which, after annealing, showed high melting temperatures (up to 197.5 °C) and high crystallinities (>80%). Polymerization at 120 °C confirmed the trend towards more linear chains with lower temperatures but yielded extended‐ring crystals showing a “saw‐tooth pattern” in the mass spectra. Oct2SnO gave similar results as Bu2SnO. Bu2SnS proved a sluggish polymerization catalyst, but a good transesterification catalyst in solid PLA.
A randomized, double‐blind, comparative study of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of GP40141 (romiplostim biosimilar) and reference romiplostim in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Makarenko Igor , Dorotenko Artem , Noskov Sergey , Banko Veniamin , Saparova Valeria , Khokhlov Alexandr , Zoreeva Evgeniia , Nedorubov Andrey , Zinnatulina Bella , Gefen Maria , Drai Roman
Published: September 2023

Aims

The pharmacodynamic (PD) similarity between GP40141, a proposed romiplostim biosimilar, and reference romiplostim was evaluated. Pharmacokinetics and safety were also assessed.

Methods

In this phase 1, randomized, double‐blind, single‐dose, crossover comparative study with an adaptive design, 56 healthy male volunteers were randomized 1:1 to receive a 3 ug × kg−1 subcutaneous dose of GP40141 and reference romiplostim. The PD similarity between GP40141 and the reference romiplostim was determined using the standard equivalence criteria (80%–125%) for the area under the platelet count‐time curve from time 0 to the time of the last sampling for PD (AUCplt) and the maximum observed platelet count (Pmax).

Results

GP40141 and the reference romiplostim exhibited similar PD profiles. 90% CI for the geometric mean ratios for the primary PD parameters (AUCplt, Pmax) for GP40141 (T) and the reference romiplostim (R) were fully contained within the predefined equivalence limits of 80%–125%: 98.13%–102.42% for AUCplt and 97.56%–105.80% for Pmax. The pharmacokinetic profiles of GP40141 and the reference romiplostim were well described. No adverse events were observed during the clinical trial after the administration of GP40141 and the reference romiplostim.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the PD similarity of GP40141 to the reference romiplostim. Both treatments had comparable safety profiles (NCT05652595)
Neuroprotective effect of Kurarinone against corticosterone‐induced cytotoxicity on rat hippocampal neurons by targeting BACE1 to activate P13K–AKT signaling – A potential treatment in insomnia disorder
Authors: Wu Guoqing , Wu Yanyan
Published: September 2023

The hippocampus has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insomnia disorder (ID) and the purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of the natural flavone Kurarinone (Kur) on hippocampal neurotoxicity as a potential treatment of ID. The effect of Kur on hippocampal neuronal cell (HNC) viability and apoptosis were assessed by Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Then, the effect of Kur on β‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation level were measured by Western blot. Further, SwissTargetPrediction analysis and molecular docking experiments were used to detect a potential target of Kur. Then, the p‐chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) model was established in vivo to further study the effect of BACE1 expression on Kur and HNC. As a result, HNC viability was only significantly decreased by 2 μM of Kur. Kur reversed the impacts of corticosterone upon inhibiting viability (0.25–1 μM), PI3K (0.5–1 μM)/AKT phosphorylation, and BDNF (1 μM) level, and enhancing the apoptosis (0.25–1 μM) and BACE1 expression (1 μM) in HNCs. BACE1 was a potential target of Kur. Notably, Kur (150 mg/kg) attenuated PCPA‐induced upregulation of BACE1 expression in rat hippocampal tissues as ZRAS (0.8 g/kg). The effects of Kur (1 μM) on corticosterone‐treated HNCs were reversed by BACE1 overexpression. Collectively, Kur downregulates BACE1 level to activate PI3K/AKT, thereby attenuating corticosterone‐induced toxicity in HNCs, indicating that Kur possibly exerted a neuroprotective effect, which providing a new perspective for the treatment of insomnia disorders.
Dopaminergic cell protection and alleviation of neuropsychiatric disease symptoms byVMAT2expression through the class IHDACinhibitorTC‐H106
Authors: Lee Heejin , Kim Hye‐Ji , Choi Dong‐Kyu , Ko Eu n.‐A. , Choi Jae‐Hyeog , Seo Yohan , Lee Sion , Kim Soong‐Hyun , Jung Sejin , Kim Minwoo , Kang Dongwan , Im Chun‐Young , Bae Gi‐Hun , Jung Sung‐Cherl , Kwon Oh‐Bin
Published: September 2023

The importance of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) in dopamine regulation, which is considered crucial for neuropsychiatric disorders, is currently being studied. Moreover, the development of disease treatments using histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACi) is actively progressing in various fields. Recently, research on the possibility of regulating neuropsychiatric disorders has been conducted. In this study, we evaluated whether VMAT2 expression increased by an HDACi can fine‐tune neuropsychotic behavior, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and protect against the cell toxicity through oxidized dopamine. First, approximately 300 candidate HDACi compounds were added to the SH‐SY5Y dopaminergic cell line to identify the possible changes in the VMAT2 expression levels, which were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated, that treatment with pimelic diphenylamide 106 (TC‐H 106), a class I HDACi, increased VMAT2 expression in both the SH‐SY5Y cells and mouse brain. The increased VMAT2 expression induced by TC‐H 106 alleviated the cytotoxicity attributed to 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) or 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and free dopamine treatment. Moreover, dopamine concentrations, both intracellularly and in the synaptosomes, were significantly elevated by increased VMAT2 expression. These results suggest that dopamine concentration regulation by VMAT2 expression induced by TC‐H 106 could alter several related behavioral aspects that was confirmed by attenuation of hyperactivity and impulsivity, which were major characteristics of animal model showing ADHD‐like behaviors. These results indicate that HDACi‐increased VMAT2 expression offers sufficient protections against dopaminergic cell death induced by oxidative stress. Thus, the epigenetic approach could be considered as therapeutic candidate for neuropsychiatric disease regulation.
Temperature Dependence of Electrical Properties and Conduction Mechanism of SiNx‐Based Resistive Random Access Memory
Authors: Bai Yifan , Duan Yiwei , Qian Mengyi , Zhu Shilong , Ma Xiaohua , Yang Yintang , Gao Haixia
Published: September 2023

Herein, the effect of temperature on the switching characteristics and the conduction mechanism of the Ti/SiNx/Pt resistive random access memory device is investigated. The switching behavior of the device is investigated by comparing the I–V curves of the device in the temperature range of RT‐653 K. The temperature dependence of the current and the conduction mechanism of the device within RT‐463 K is investigated. It is found that the device exhibits good bipolar switching behavior in the temperature range of RT‐463 K, and the low resistance state (LRS) current and high resistance state (HRS) current show an increasing and then decreasing trend with increasing temperature. There is a stronger temperature dependence of the LRS current and the conduction mechanism from ohmic conduction to Schottky emission under LRS, which is attributed to the involvement of the reactive electrode Ti in the reaction at a certain temperature and the generation of a TiNx layer. Based on the above phenomenon, it is believed that not only the temperature affects the reliability of the device, but also the influence of reactive electrodes cannot be ignored. This article provides a reference for further preparation of SiNx‐based resistive random access memory devices with higher reliability and wider temperature usage range.
Mechanical, Magnetic, and Optical Characteristics of Tm‐Based Chalcogenides for Energy‐Harvesting Applications
Authors: Asghar Mazia , Nazir Sadia , Hameed Tariq , Noor Naveed A. , Alanazi Yousef Mohammed , Mumtaz Sohail
Published: September 2023

Herein, a comprehensive theoretical analysis of Tm‐based chalcogenides MgTm2Y4 (Y = S, Se) is performed to understand magnetic, optical, mechanical, and transport characteristics. And, Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (PBEsol‐GGA) functional and modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ) potentials are employed while computing the mechanical and spin‐polarized electronic properties, respectively. The structural stability of both spinels is confirmed using formation energy and Born stability criteria. Both spinels are found exhibiting ductile nature according to the computed Pugh's and Poisson's ratios. For observing the room‐temperature ferromagnetism, Curie temperature is calculated. Furthermore, spin‐polarized electronic properties reveal that both spinels exhibit ferromagnetic nature, which is induced due to coupling among Tm‐ and S/Se‐related constituent states. The potential optoelectronic applications are suggested by computing and discussing dielectric constant, refractive index, and absorption coefficient. BoltzTraP code is used to investigate the thermoelectric features of MgTm2Y4 (Y = S, Se) in the 200–800 K temperature range.
Tuning Ferroelectric Properties of Barium Titanate by Lateral Strain: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Azuma Hikaru , Shimoi Seiya , Tsuzuki Takahiro , Kobayashi Ryo , Uranagase Masayuki , Deguchi Genki , Wendler Frank , Durdiev Dilshod , Ogata Shuji
Published: September 2023

BaTiO3 (BT), a lead‐free ferroelectric material, is employed in energy‐conversion devices, including actuators and capacitors. However, its ferroelectric properties, such as the piezoelectric coefficient and Curie temperature, fall short of those of harmful lead‐based ferroelectrics, such as Pb(Zrx, Ti1−x)O3. In this study, a BT crystal is examined under biaxial strain (i.e., strain in the a‐ and b‐directions of the unit cell) to investigate the alterations in its ferroelectric properties. The piezoelectric coefficient, Curie temperature, polarization magnitude, and coercive electric field are calculated under varying biaxial strains using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations utilize a core–shell‐type interatomic potential developed from first‐principles electronic structure calculations. In the findings, it is revealed that 1) the Curie temperature, polarization magnitude, and coercive electric field increase, whereas the piezoelectric coefficient in the c‐direction decreases under biaxial compression; 2) modifications in the ferroelectric properties depend on the area of ab‐plane and not on its aspect ratio. Comprehensive analyses of the Ti‐displacement distribution offer microscopic insights into strain‐induced shifts in ferroelectric properties.
A risk‐adjusted exponentially weighted moving average control chart for detection of the scale parameter in surgical quality monitoring
Authors: Lai Xin , Li Xiao , Liu Liu , Wang Jiayin , Zhang Xuanping , Zhu Xiaoyan , Lai Paul B. S.
Published: September 2023

Risk‐adjusted control charts have been widely used in monitoring surgical quality in detecting risks of surgical performance. Most of the previous approaches focus on shifts in the location parameter as well as the existence of the scale parameter, which cannot get the full measure of the scale parameter under different levels. Ignoring the magnitude of the scale parameter, the monitoring methods cannot detect different variations of surgical mortality that is measured by scale parameter and required to reflect surgical quality improvement. The method of detecting variations in surgical quality is of interest in surgical quality improvement. This paper uses a new weighted h‐likelihood method to obtain a weighted score test for the surgical risks from the logistic model. Then an exponentially weighted moving average chart can be constructed to monitor the changes in the variance of risks, which could be of interest in practical surgical monitoring programs. Simulation results indicate that the proposed approach performs more efficiently than existing methods under various magnitudes of shifts in scale parameters on top of different pre‐set threshold stability. In addition, the application of the proposed method to real surgical data from the Surgical Outcome Monitoring and Improvement Program in Hong Kong shows the improvement and deterioration in a hospital's outcomes.
Kerr‐Nonlinearity Enhanced Photon Blockades via Driving a Δ‐Type Atom
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Shutian , Zhang Shou , Wang Hong‐Fu
Published: September 2023

The single‐ and two‐photon blockade effects in an optical cavity with a nonlinear Kerr medium, which is coupled with a three‐level atom, forming a Δ‐type transition configuration and closed‐loop coupling are investigated by introducing two driving fields in the atom‐cavity system. It is found that single‐ and two‐photon blockades can be remarkably enhanced by the Kerr nonlinearity, however, the parameter regimes governing two blockades are distinctly different. It is demonstrated that a large Kerr nonlinearity makes more contribution to the single‐photon blockade, as compared to the two‐photon blockade effect. Furthermore, by varying the atom‐cavity coupling strength, single‐ and two‐photon blockades can alternatingly occur. Additionally, the region where two‐photon blockade occurs is widened at the cost of increased Kerr nonlinearity and atom‐cavity coupling. This work provides an alternative way to manipulate the few‐photon states and has potential applications in generating single‐photon or two‐photon sources.
Two‐Stage, Low Noise Quantum Frequency Conversion of Single Photons from Silicon‐Vacancy Centers in Diamond to the Telecom C‐Band
Authors: Schäfer Marlon , Kambs Benjamin , Herrmann Dennis , Bauer Tobias , Becher Christoph
Published: September 2023

The silicon‐vacancy center in diamond holds great promise as a qubit for quantum communication networks. However, since the optical transitions are located within the visible red spectral region, quantum frequency conversion to low‐loss telecommunication wavelengths becomes a necessity for its use in long‐range, fiber‐linked networks. This work presents a highly efficient, low‐noise quantum frequency conversion device for photons emitted by a silicon‐vacancy (SiV) center in diamond to the telecom C‐band. By using a two‐stage difference‐frequency mixing scheme, spontaneous parametric down‐conversion (SPDC) noise is circumvented and Raman noise is minimized, resulting in a very low noise rate of photons per second as well as an overall device efficiency of 35.6%. By converting single photons from SiV centers, it demonstrates the preservation of photon statistics upon conversion.
Hierarchical Nash equilibrium seeking strategies of quadratic time‐varying games with Euler–Lagrange players
Authors: Liu Wen‐Jin , Yao Xiang‐Yu , Ge Ming‐Feng , Hua Menghu , Ding Hua‐Feng
Published: September 2023

This article investigates the distributed Nash equilibrium seeking problem of quadratic time‐varying games with Euler–Lagrange (EL) players, where external disturbances and parametric uncertainties are involved. A gradient‐based hierarchical algorithm consisting of a game layer and a control layer is proposed. Specifically, in the game layer, EL players communicate with neighbors through a graph to reach the consensus on potential aggregate values, which will be employed to calculate the gradient of each player's objective function, and then, a gradient‐based sliding mode controller is developed to track time‐varying gradient in the control layer. Thus, the convergence results are hierarchically obtained through the Lyapunov stability method. In addition, the hierarchical control strategy is extended to address the constrained problems through the utilization of a smooth penalty function. By appropriately choosing control parameters, the Nash equilibrium seeking errors can be arbitrarily small. The relation between the optimal solutions of the original problem and the dual one is further discussed. Finally, the proposed methods are numerically verified.
What you hear may not be what you see: Potential of citizen science methods to use bats as riverine forest quality indicators
Authors: López‐Bosch David , Blanch Estel , Páramo Ferran , Flaquer‐Sánchez Carles , López‐Baucells Adrià
Published: September 2023

Mediterranean habitats will be one of the Eurasian ecosystems more strongly affected by Climate Change, especially their riverine systems. Monitoring these ecosystems, which are endemism hotspots and extremely sensitive to changes in rain regimes and extreme weather events like droughts, is of crucial importance. Decades of citizen science projects have proven their utility in highlighting ecological shifts and conservation action priority areas. The Bat Monitoring Programme (www.batmonitoring.org), for instance, has already been used to develop ecological indicators to evaluate the evolution and conservation status of Mediterranean ecosystems. However, using bats as ecological indicators for aquatic ecosystems has resulted in contradicting results, making its application a little controversial. In the present study, we compared two citizen science protocols (visual counting vs. passive acoustic monitoring) used in the Bat Monitoring Programme to test the utility of trawling bats as indicators of Mediterranean riverine habitat quality at both local and landscape scales. By doing so, we aimed to build a specific ecological indicator to determine habitat quality through visual and acoustic counts. Although both protocols presented similar positive significant responses to riverine forest quality, visual counts are suggested as the best sampling approach due to their simplicity and potential within citizen science projects. Moreover, for the first time, we defined threshold values of trawling bat activity to assign different levels of habitat quality to the sampled rivers. We applied them in NE Iberia to exemplify the benefits of using them in a Mediterranean region and discussed the potential, pros and cons of these two citizen science methodologies to establish a pan‐European river biomonitoring programme using trawling bats.
Square Technique—A Treatment for Cellulite with Large Size Particle Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: de Matos Lourenço Luciana , Colla Lara Apendino , Ortiz de Noronha Maria Gabriela , Izzo Thomaz Rezende , Sigrist Rosa
Published: September 2023

Gynoid lipodystrophy, also called cellulite, is defined as a metabolic disorder of the subcutaneous tissue that alters body contour. It is rare in men but affects 80%–90% of adult women.The authors describe a technique for the treatment of cellulite with non-traumatic subcisionTM of septa by cannula associated with large-gel-particle hyaluronic acid (HA). It uses a special marking, a safe plan and a specific product. The product being used is Subskin Aeskins, in a subcutaneous plan as no major blood vessels were found.The authors report good aesthetic results with the proposed technique. The patients reported a high degree of satisfaction.The product chosen has high G prime and large particles, which accounts for resistance to deformation and a high lifting power. Moreover, HA is a biocompatible, absorbable product and considered a safe filler. This technique allows the treatment of an area with various surface irregularities.The Square Technique proved to be a minimally invasive technique, with fast results, no major risks and little downtime, bringing satisfaction to patients and improving their self-confidence and quality of life.
Effects of Anionic Polymer Modification of Dye‐Sensitized Niobate Photocatalysts on Solar‐Driven Z‐Scheme Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Yamamoto Haruka , Nishioka Shunta , Xiao Langqiu , Miseki Yugo , Sayama Kazuhiro , Mallouk Thomas E. , Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: September 2023

Pt‐intercalated calcium niobate nanosheets (Pt/HCa2Nb3O10) sensitized by a Ru(II) complex dye are good photocatalysts for producing H2 from aqueous solutions containing I− as a reversible electron donor. These materials are applicable to Z‐scheme overall water splitting in combination with a WO3‐based O2‐evolving photocatalyst under simulated sunlight. In this work, the effects of anionic polymer modification of the dye‐sensitized nanosheets are examined by adsorbing sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS), sodium polyacrylate, sodium polymethacrylate (PMA), or sodium poly(4‐styrenesulfonic‐co‐maleic acid) onto the dye‐sensitized nanosheet surface. For half‐cell H2‐evolution reaction in the presence of NaI, all of the polymers have a positive impact on the activity under visible light at lower light intensity, whereas only PMA is effective under high light‐intensity condition. For Z‐scheme overall water splitting with PtOx/H‐Cs‐WO3, PSS and PMA give almost the same solar‐to‐hydrogen energy conversion efficiencies (0.12% ± 0.01%) under optimized conditions. However, PMA operates better than PSS at relatively low and high NaI concentrations, which are in general disadvantageous for the H2‐ and O2‐evolving components of the Z‐scheme, respectively.
Tailoring the Mechanical Properties of Copper‐Added Transformation‐Induced Plasticity‐Aided Multiphase Steel by Thermomechanical Processing
Authors: Deldar Saeed , Mirzadeh Hamed , Habibi Parsa Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Herein, the microstructure and mechanical properties of a low‐alloy Cu‐bearing transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) steel and their dependence on the processing history are investigated. The distributions of the retained austenite and bainite are found to be dependent on the initial cold‐rolled microstructure, which can be tailored by the preceding hot‐rolling route (unidirectional/cross rolling) and the subsequent cooling rate (furnace/air cooling). Mechanical properties and TRIP effect strongly depend on the initial microstructure, where the air‐cooled sheet shows remarkable mechanical properties; while the cross‐rolled sheet shows isotropic properties. The addition of copper results in an increase in the amount of the retained austenite, enhancement of strength‐ductility balance, and improvement of the hardening behavior of TRIP‐assisted high‐performance steel.
Rapid identification of chemical constituents of Chaihu‐jia‐Longgu‐Muli decoction based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry coupled with the UNIFI platform
Authors: Wu Tong , Liu Yin , Dong Hanshuo , Ai Chunling , Sun Li
Published: September 2023

Chaihu‐jia Longgu‐Muli decoction (CLMD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula, and it has been used for more than a thousand years to treat mental and nervous system diseases. However, the active constitutions of the CLMD are unclear. Accordingly, an integrated analysis based on the ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method combined with the UNIFI platform was used to clarify the chemical composition of the CLMD. As a result, 102 compounds including 38 saponins, 32 flavonoids, 12 polyphenols, nine anthraquinones, and 11 others were identified or tentatively presumed. Among them, 19 compounds were confirmed unambiguously with standards. Moreover, the characteristic fragmentations and fragmentation patterns of different compounds in CLMD were summarized, and each compound was classified as an individual herb. It was demonstrated that this method is rapid and accurate and could provide a strategy for the qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents of CLMD, and these results will provide experimental evidence for the subsequent studies on the pharmacodynamic material basis and quality control of CLMD.
Systems engineering and water resources management: A closer relationship is needed
Authors: Grigg Neil S.
Published: September 2023

Systems engineering can be applied in a broad spectrum of sectors, but only its analysis tool has been applied in the field of water resources management. Because systems engineering has a separate community of practice from water resources, there is little crosstalk between the two fields. As a result, the systems engineering functions that support planning, design, production, procurement, and customer support are not being applied to water systems. Meanwhile, water systems exhibit complexities that have generated a separate field named Integrated Water Resources Management that continues to confuse its followers after several decades. Its methods are applied to a broad spectrum of water issues that affect multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests and involve distinct subsystems, such as water supply or hydropower, as well as combinations of them. Use of systems analysis for such water issues began six decades ago, but it is still a work in progress. Evolving methods of systems engineering offer new possibilities to address problems of water resources management, but they must extend beyond systems analysis, which belongs to multiple disciplines. Examples show possibilities to apply systems engineering methods when water issues exhibit attributes of engineered systems and do not involve social and environmental complexities that cannot be included in system boundaries. Collaboration among systems engineering and water resources management would offer a fertile test bed to advance both fields.
The impact of Geospatial Inquiry lessons on student interest in science and technology careers
Authors: Rubino‐Hare Lori , Whitworth Brooke A. , Boateng Francis , Bloom Nena
Published: September 2023

Advances in online geospatial technologies (GST) have expanded access to K‐12 classrooms which has implications for the support teachers require to effectively integrate GSTs to promote learning. Previous studies have shown the impact of GST‐integrated lessons on student engagement, spatial thinking skills, and/or content knowledge; however, most of these studies have been small in scope and scale and frequently focus on the affordances of the technology, without addressing the context of the implementation and student characteristics for whom GST is most impactful. We attempt to address some of these gaps. Our program scaled an effective GST‐focused professional learning and development program to a national audience through a facilitator development model. This paper explores the student characteristics and lesson factors that resulted in student interest in science and technology and careers in those fields. After teaching a Geospatial Inquiry lesson created during a teacher workshop, teachers (n = 82) submitted the lessons and surveys on the implementation of Geospatial Inquiry lessons. The implementation surveys and lessons were scored for alignment to the principles of high‐quality Geospatial Inquiry. Students (n = 1924) completed a post‐lesson retrospective survey and indicated the extent to which their perceptions and attitudes toward science and technology changed because of the lesson. Results indicate that teacher GST performance is associated with increases in student outcomes. Students with previous exposure to science activities were more likely to have increased interest and excitement in science and careers in science but decreased interest in technology careers. Students who had previous exposure to technology activities had increased interest and excitement in technology and careers in technology but decreased interest in science careers. Geospatial Inquiry lessons also had a significant impact on students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. After participating in the lessons, students who identify as female reported higher engagement and interest in science and higher interest in science careers. Students who identified as Black or Hispanic also reported higher interest and excitement in science and technology, and students who identified as Black reported marginally higher interest in science careers.
In Pursuit of Queer Inquiry with Turkish EFL Preservice Teachers
Authors: Güney Özge
Published: September 2023

Based on queer critical literacies framework, this study describes an intervention that aimed to help preservice teachers identify and deconstruct heteronormative discourse in Turkish social and educational contexts. Through a local documentary that narrates the experiences of a Turkish transgender individual, preservice teachers critique the normal/abnormal binary as conditioned by social practices, power relations, and religion in Turkey. The study further explores the attitudes of preservice teachers towards incorporation of sexuality issues in the English classroom and in English language teaching programs with data from in‐class discussions and individual interviews conducted at three Turkish state universities. Certain methodological challenges I encountered during data collection are also presented to hopefully give insights to future researchers interested in exploring sexual diversity issues in similar settings. As for the findings, the study revealed that participants’ lived experiences of queer conversations with teacher educators enabled them to successfully identify and deconstruct heteronormative discourses in their programs. Their experiences as trainee teachers additionally showed that queer discussions, considered a taboo in the Turkish society, are inevitable in the English classroom. However, preservice teachers revealed certain reservations about how or whether they would adopt a queer friendly discourse in their future classrooms considering the strict government policies and high levels of religiosity in society. It is thus critical that (preservice) teachers in conservative communities be pedagogically prepared for future encounters of queer discussions to offer a respectful classroom environment for all learners. Queer critical literacies might be a useful framework for teacher educators to increase awareness of teachers about how dominant discourses may reinforce heteronormativity and how teachers could be agents of change by identifying and deconstructing such discourses to create a safe classroom environment for learners of diverse sexual identities.