bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Expeditious Synthesis of Near‐Infrared‐Absorbing Imide‐Based Graphene Nanoribbons and Their Photothermal Properties
Authors: Nandgaye Akash Shamrao , Ghosh Kalpak , Yamijala Sharma S. R. K. C. , Rao Kotagiri Venkata
Published: November 2024

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with low band gap and strong near‐infrared (NIR) absorption are potential candidates for optoelectronic and biomedical applications. In this context, imide‐based GNRs are promising, but there are no rational design principles that yield these robust GNRs with strong NIR absorption. Here, we demonstrate a rational synthesis route to achieve NIR‐absorbing imide‐based robust GNRs by exploring the bay region of polyperylene (PP). Using the oxidative Diels–Alder reaction, we have successfully introduced mono and diimide functional groups on PP. After cyclodehydrogenation, the resultant GNRs, benzoperylene imide GNR (BPI‐GNR) and coronene diimide GNR (CDI‐GNR), show oscillatory edge geometry with strong NIR absorption (up to 1000 nm) and optical band gap of ~1.3 eV. Computational studies also indicate that imide substituents play an important role in fine‐tuning the optoelectronic properties of GNRs. Moreover, these GNRs are solution‐processable and can be made into thin films via spray coating. Owing to the strong NIR absorption and imide substitutions, BPI and CDI‐GNRs show good photothermal conversion with excellent cyclic stability.
Halogen Radical‐Activated Perovskite‐Substrate Buried Heterointerface for Achieving Hole Transport Layer‐Free Tin‐Based Solar Cells with Efficiencies Surpassing 14 %
Authors: Liu Gengling , Jiang Xianyuan , He Yaorong , Kuan Chun‐Hsiao , Yang Guo , Feng Wenhuai , Chen Xi , Wu Wu‐Qiang
Published: November 2024

Sn‐based perovskites have emerged as one of the most promising environmentally‐friendly photovoltaic materials owing to their low toxicity and exceptional optoelectronic properties. Nonetheless, the low‐cost production and stable operation of Sn‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are still largely limited by the costly hole transport materials and the under‐optimized interfaces between hole transport layer (HTL) and Sn perovskite layer. Here, we innovatively developed a chlorine radical chemical bridging (Cl‐RCB) strategy that enabled to remove the HTL and optimize the indium tin oxide (ITO)/perovskite heterointerface for constructing high‐performance Sn‐based PSCs with simplified structures. The key is to modify the commercially‐purchased ITO electrode with highly active chlorine radicals that could effectively mitigate the surface oxygen vacancies, alter the chemical constitutions, and favorably down‐shifted the work function of ITO surface to be close to the valence band of perovskites. As a result, the interfacial energy barrier has been largely reduced by 0.20 eV and the interfacial carrier dynamics have been optimized at the ITO/perovskite heterointerface. Encouragingly, the efficiency of HTL‐free Sn‐based PSCs has been enhanced from 6.79 % to 14.20 %, which is on par with the state‐of‐the‐art conventional HTL‐containing counterparts (normally >14 % efficiency) and representing the record performance for the Sn perovskite photovoltaics in the absence of HTL. Notably, the target device exhibited enhanced stability for up to 2000 h. The Cl‐RCB strategy is also versatile to be used in Pb‐based and mixed Sn−Pb HTL‐free PSCs, achieving efficiencies of 22.27 % and 21.13 %, respectively, all representing the advanced device performances for the carrier transport layer‐free PSCs with simplified device architectures.
Safety and Efficacy of Ianalumab in Patients With Sjögren's Disease: 52‐Week Results From a Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Phase 2b Dose‐Ranging Study
Authors: Dörner Thomas , Bowman Simon J. , Fox Robert , Mariette Xavier , Papas Athena , Grader‐Beck Thomas , Fisher Benjamin A. , Barcelos Filipe , De Vita Salvatore , Schulze‐Koops Hendrik , Moots Robert J. , Junge Guido , Woznicki Janice , Sopala Monika , Avrameas Alexandre , Luo Wen‐Lin , Hueber Wolfgang
Published: November 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to report 52‐week safety and efficacy of ianalumab from phase 2b dose‐finding study in patients with Sjögren's disease (SjD).

Methods

Patients randomly received (1:1:1:1) ianalumab (5, 50, or 300 mg) or placebo subcutaneously every 4 weeks until week 24 (treatment period [TP]1). At week 24, patients on 300 mg were rerandomized to continue 300 mg or receive placebo until week 52 (TP2), patients on placebo were switched to ianalumab 150 mg, and patients on 5 and 50 mg directly entered posttreatment safety follow‐up. Patients who discontinued treatment early or completed treatment entered safety follow‐up (≥20 weeks).

Results

During TP1, 190 patients were randomized (placebo = 49, 5 mg = 47, 50 mg = 47, 300 mg = 47). Of these 190 patients, 90 (47.4 %; 43 continued 300 mg and 47 received placebo) entered TP2, and 81 of 90 (90.0%) completed the study treatment. By week 52, efficacy was sustained in patients who continued 300 mg in TP2 (EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index, EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index, patient global assessment, and physician global assessment change from week 24: −1.45, −0.46, −4.69, and −6.86, respectively). Stimulated salivary flow rates and autoantibody levels numerically improved in the 300 mg group. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were not dose‐dependent, except for injection‐site reactions. Cases of decreased neutrophil counts (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03 grade 3 according to laboratory listings) were observed in three patients during the posttreatment follow‐up, occurring at 3.5, 5.5, and 3 months, after the last ianalumab administration. None were associated with infection except one incidental finding of asymptomatic cytomegalovirus infection (IgM‐positive).

Conclusion

In patients with SjD, ianalumab 300 mg demonstrated sustained efficacy through week 52 and a favorable safety profile up to two years of follow‐up.
On the input‐output decoupling of Boolean control networks by state feedback
Authors: Li Yiliang , Lyu Hongli , Feng Jun‐e , Tayebi Abdelhamid
Published: November 2024

We propose a new state feedback‐based input‐output‐decoupling approach for Boolean control networks. A constructive necessary and sufficient condition, based on some appropriately constructed input‐output‐decoupling matrices, is established for the design of the input‐output‐decoupling state feedback gain. The proposed approach does not rely on the restrictive assumption of the existence of the input‐output decomposed form which is instrumental in the very few existing state‐feedback‐based input‐output‐decoupling approaches in the literature. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A Comprehensive Insight Into Primary Intimal Sarcoma of the Pulmonary Artery; From Diagnosis to Management: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Alizadehasl Azin , Najdaghi Soroush , Mohseni Salehi Maryam , Meshgi Shahla , Hosseini Jebelli Seyedeh Fatemeh , Yalameh Aliabadi Azam , Hakimian Hoda , Forati Sara , Safavirad Amineh , Narimani Davani Delaram
Published: November 2024

Primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery is a rare and aggressive malignancy that presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its nonspecific symptoms and propensity for late detection. This case report aimed to elucidate the diagnostic journey, surgical intervention, and multidisciplinary management of this rare entity. In September 2023, a 42‐year‐old male presented with dyspnea on exertion and retrosternal chest pain, classified as NYHA FC II. Initial investigations, including ECG and lab tests, indicated tachycardia and elevated troponin and NT‐pro‐BNP levels. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography identified a multilobulated mass in the right ventricular outflow tract and main pulmonary artery. Cardiac MRI and CT angiography confirmed a high‐grade pleomorphic spindle cell tumor, leading to surgical resection in October 2023. Histopathology confirmed intimal sarcoma. Postsurgery, the patient underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, showing significant clinical improvement and no recurrence on follow‐up PET‐CT. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and managing primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery, emphasizing the role of advanced imaging, timely surgical intervention, and combined chemotherapy with radiotherapy in improving patient outcomes.
Whole Lung Lavage in Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis: Unique Challenges in a Resource‐Limited Setting
Authors: Dhungana Ashesh , Lamichhane Buddhi Sagar , Shrestha Prajowl , Shrestha Deepa Kumari , Oli Ritamvara , Dhungana Shreya , Bista Pratibha
Published: November 2024

Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is characterized by antibodies to granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), alveolar macrophage dysfunction, and surfactant accumulation. Whole lung lavage (WLL) is the treatment of choice in patients with PAP and severe hypoxemia. In resource‐limited settings, WLL can be performed in the intubated, anesthetized patient who is being one lung ventilated using a Y‐type bladder irrigation catheter for saline instillation and drainage.
GPU Acceleration of the Boys Function Evaluation in Computational Quantum Chemistry
Authors: Tsuji Satoki , Ito Yasuaki , Nakano Koji , Kasagi Akihiko
Published: November 2024

The Boys function, a mathematical integral function, plays a pivotal role and is frequently evaluated in ab initio molecular orbital computations. The main contribution of this paper is to accelerate the bulk evaluation of the Boys function through the effective utilization of GPUs. The proposed GPU implementation addresses GPU‐specific programming issues such as warp divergence and coalesced/stride access to global memory, and we employ the optimal numerical evaluation method from four methods based on input values to ensure efficient computation with sufficient accuracy. Moreover, to consider actual computation of molecular integrals, we have implemented and evaluated the proposed method in two scenarios: single evaluation, which computes a single value of the Boys function for a single input, and incremental evaluation, which computes multiple values of the Boys function incrementally. The execution time of the proposed GPU implementation was evaluated for both scenarios using an NVIDIA A100 Tensor Core GPU. As a result, the GPU‐accelerated bulk evaluation has achieved a throughput of computing the values of the Boys function times per second for the single evaluation and times per second for the incremental evaluation, respectively. Our parallelized CPU and GPU implementation is available at
https://github.com/sstsuji/Boys‐function‐GPU‐library.
Bidirectional DC/DC Converter Based on Interleaved Parallel Buck/Boost Cascades CLLLC
Authors: Zhou Kai , Xu Kailong , Sun Yue
Published: November 2024

In this paper, a two‐stage bidirectional DC/DC converter is suggested to handle the energy transfer for electric vehicles between high‐voltage and low‐voltage batteries. The converter enables bidirectional power transfer, a broad range of input voltage, and a high ratio of voltage. The front stage adopts the bidirectional CLLLC resonant converter, which possesses excellent soft switching characteristics because of its symmetrical structure in both forward and reverse directions. Open‐loop fixed frequency control is used in the forward direction to set the working frequency of the switching transistors near the resonance frequency, and the voltage and current double closed loop control is employed to achieve a constant voltage ratio and efficient power transmission in the reverse direction. The rear stage adopts an interleaved parallel bidirectional Buck/Boost converter, and the interleaved parallel structure helps to lessen the output current ripple. The duty cycle secondary distribution method is used on the basis of the voltage and current double closed loop control to regulate the output voltage and make the converter operate stably. The principle and characteristics of the bidirectional DC/DC converter are analyzed, and by modeling and experimentation, the theoretical analysis's viability and correctness are confirmed.
The Space–Time Representation of Extraordinary Rainfall Events
Authors: Manfreda Salvatore
Published: November 2024

Extraordinary events are rarely observable in a single rainfall gauge, and this make extremely challenging the correct prediction of their arrivals. However, it may be possible to develop a more robust approach by employing a space–time modelling scheme that is able to capture the spatial dynamics of such phenomena. Therefore, a space–time Poisson model of rainfall cells with circular shape and random depth has been exploited for the first time to interpret the behaviour of this family of extraordinary events. This category of events that may be connected to larger meteorological phenomena not necessarily connected with local heterogeneity of the landscape. Following the identification of the observed extraordinary event across southern Italy, six zones with significantly different dynamics in terms of the frequency of such extremes were identified. Subsequently, a simple mathematical representation was adopted to calibrate the model parameters, leading to an estimate of regional probability distributions defined on the space–time occurrences of extraordinary events over homogeneous zones. The approach allows to overcome the limitations posed by point observations allowed the definition of a probability distribution that pertains to an entire area rather than just a point. The obtained quantiles of rainfall estimated seems to align well with the upper bound of the probability distribution of the annual maxima observed over the areas of interests.
Optimizing Wind and Solar Integration in a Hybrid Energy System for Enhanced Sustainability
Authors: Forghani Amir Hossein , Solghar Alireza Arab , Hajabdollahi Hassan
Published: November 2024

A hybrid energy system, comprising a diesel engine as the prime mover, electrical and absorption chillers, a backup boiler, and a multi‐effect distillation through thermal vapor compression (MED‐TVC) unit, has been utilized to meet the requirements of a residential complex. This study focuses on redesigning and optimizing the system to enhance environmental conditions, reduce pollutants, and minimize the use of fossil energy. The feasibility and design of renewable energy systems, including wind turbines (WTs), photovoltaic panels (PVs), and flat plate collectors (FPCs), have been examined. Genetic algorithm (GA) has been employed for optimization. The hybrid system employs 21 design variables, with 24 design variables chosen for optimization alongside renewable energies. The total annual cost (TAC), encompassing investment, operation, and pollution emission fines, has been chosen as the objective function for minimization. The results indicate that the use of WTs has not been cost‐effective, and solar energy can enhance the system's performance in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan province in Iran. In the case of using a combined system, the objective function value was 2.0472 × 106 $/year, and when using renewable energies, the objective function became 1.6795 × 106 $/year. Thus, the proposed combined‐renewable system has reduced the objective function by 17.96%.
Transmedicalism's seduction: Normative gender, affectual productions, and white trans legitimacy
Authors: Dillon S. J.
Published: November 2024

This article uses feminist autoethnographic techniques to reflect on a set of interactions between a trans theorist and interlocuter I interviewed for my research, who I call Beth, and myself. In this work, I analyze how medical discourses of transgender transition, particularly that of transmedicalism, functions as an outgrowth of white supremacy. In this ethnographic vignette, binary [white] trans transition promises a coherent gender identity via recourse to anti‐Blackness, rather than to cisheteronormativity. I argue that the binary assumptions built within transmedicalist approaches to trans life introduce gender not as an identity or even social phenomenon, but rather as a kind of successful or unsuccessful discursive and visual claim‐making. These claims are reliant on whiteness and the ways in which white bodies can become invisibly normatively gendered because Black people are gendered as nonnormative. Contesting the boundedness of gender present within popular American conceptions, this series of interactions illustrates a fluid field of conceptual gender which relies on affective connections that mobilize through and across bodies in order to produce certain kinds of normativity.
Rethinking the undergraduate textbook as a tool to build a diverse community of ecologists
Authors: Richards Jeannine H , Charton Katherine T , McFarlane Stephanie L , Widell Abigail F , Haddad Nick M , Wyer Mary B , Damschen Ellen I
Published: November 2024

Recruitment and retention of a diverse scientific workforce depends on a more inclusive culture of science. Textbooks introduce prospective scientists to their chosen field and convey its cultural norms. We use ecology textbook data spanning two decades and document little change in representation of scientists during that time. Despite decades of multifaceted efforts to increase diversity in ecology, 91% of founders/innovators and 76% of working scientists introduced in textbooks were white men, poorly matching the demographics of scientists currently publishing in ecology. Textbook images depicted white men working as scientists, while women and people of color were frequently shown as nonscientists. Moreover, textbooks lack discussion of how science and society shape each other. Pathways to increase retention and sense of belonging for individuals from historically excluded groups include updating textbooks to accurately represent the scientists active in the field, contextualizing historical constraints on participation, and revealing how culture shapes scientific investigations.
Childhood Peer Relationships and Dementia Risk in Chinese Older Adults: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Zhou Zi , Zhao Haoyu
Published: November 2024

Background

Early‐life social experiences significantly influence later‐life health, yet the association between childhood peer relationships and dementia, as well as the underlying mechanisms, remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate this association and the mediating roles of social disengagement and loneliness.

Methods

Leveraging data from 7574 adults aged ≥ 60 in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2018), we employed marginal structural models to assess the associations between childhood peer relationships and dementia risk in later life. Inverse odds ratio weighting was used to examine the mediating roles of formal and informal social disengagement and loneliness.

Results

Individuals with deficits in childhood peer relationships had a higher risk of dementia (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.34) compared with those with more positive experiences. This association was partially mediated by formal social disengagement (proportion mediated, 21.44%; 95% CI, 12.20%–40.94%), loneliness (proportion mediated, 22.00%; 95% CI, 13.42%–33.82%), and their combination with informal social disengagement (proportion mediated, 41.50%; 95% CI, 30.76%–66.07%). Informal social disengagement alone did not show a significant mediating effect.

Conclusions

In this cohort study of older Chinese adults, negative childhood peer relationship experiences were associated with an elevated risk of dementia in later life. Formal social disengagement and loneliness partially mediated this association. These findings underscore the importance of fostering positive social relationships in early life and suggest potential psychosocial strategies to mitigate dementia risk in older adults due to childhood peer relationship deficits.
Never quite right: Identity factors contributing to bias and discrimination experienced by women leaders in the United States
Authors: Diehl Amy B. , Dzubinski Leanne M. , Stephenson Amber L.
Published: November 2024

While much bias and discrimination research has focused on individual identity analysis, for example, gender, race, or ethnicity, what is not fully understood is how other social categories of difference influence discrimination. Using qualitative content analysis, this study examines facets of women leaders' identity that influence their experiences of bias. Respondents were 913 women in four United States industries in which top leadership roles are male dominated but the industries overall are female dominated or gender balanced. The findings revealed 30 distinct identity factors that were used as the basis for discrimination. The variety of the factors and the variation of stigma within each factor show that women leaders are considered “never quite right” as almost any facet of their identity can be declared problematic for a specific woman in a specific context. Human resource leaders should create inclusive policies so that women can express their authentic selves at work. Leadership teams and supervisors should be trained to recognize identity factors that may be the focus of criticism and, thus, serve as veiled bases for discrimination.
Qualities That Mexican, Dominican and African American US Mothers Attribute to ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Mothers and Fathers
Authors: Kuchirko Yana , Bennet Anna , Pérez De León Marimar , Piñeiro‐Barrera Marina , Marki‐Wright Quyn
Published: November 2024

Women raise children within cultural ideologies that enforce gendered standards for caregiving. In market‐driven societies, working mothers face the ‘intensive mothering ideology’, which demands self‐sacrifice for children while promoting self‐interest at work. Fathers are primarily framed as breadwinners. We know little about how ethnically and racially diverse, low‐SES mothers construct ideas of good and bad parenting. In this study, we examined Dominican, African American and Mexican US‐based mothers' perspectives on ideal qualities of mothers and fathers (N = 193, daughters = 51.3%, M
Age = 26.27). Using semantic and latent coding, we analysed the content and framing of mothers' responses, which fell into 28 themes, emphasising idealised parenting as providing basic needs, emotional support, education and embodying desired traits. Our latent analyses captured the frequencies of qualities mentioned by mothers, whether they centered children or parents, the presence or absence of qualities and performed actions or embodied characteristics. Our findings highlight the social constructions of mothering and fathering and offer a foundation for future mixed‐methods research.
Longitudinal change in cervical length measured after prophylactic cerclage in predicting spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Lv Min , Jin Neng , Wang Danxiao , Qiu Liping , Chen Danqing , Luo Qiong
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the value of serial post‐cerclage cervical length measurements in predicting preterm birth.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of women with a singleton pregnancy who underwent prophylactic transvaginal cerclage from 2017 to 2023. Prophylactic cerclage was performed in women with an obstetric history of cervical insufficiency. After cerclage, all participants underwent routine transvaginal cervical measurement every 2–4 weeks until 32–34 weeks of gestation. Trajectory patterns of changes in cervical length were identified through latent class trajectory modeling. The association of patterns with spontaneous preterm birth and pregnancy interval was analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models. The specific characteristics of changes in cervical length associated with preterm birth were identified.

Results

We involved 225 women and acquired a total of 1248 measurements of cervical length. Two distinct trajectories of cervical length change along gestation were identified: Class 1 (persistent shortening of cervix, n = 52 [23.11%]) and class 2 (stable cervix, n = 173 [76.89%]). Women in class 1 were highly associated with spontaneous preterm birth, with a hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 2.00 (1.36, 2.96). The average shortening rate ≥0.24 cm per week and cervical length ≤1.1 cm was significantly associated with spontaneous preterm birth at different gestational age.

Conclusion

Serial sonographic cervical length measurements after prophylactic cerclage are valuable in predicting preterm birth.
Solitary fibrous tumor of the bladder: A rare cause of bladder outlet obstruction in an adult male
Authors: van Jaarsveld Návan , Aldera Alessandro Pietro , John Jeff
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Solitary fibrous bladder tumors are extremely uncommon, with only a few cases reported. These fibroblastic mesenchymal neoplasms are typically benign, indolent, and slow growing.

Case presentation

A 44‐year‐old male patient with obstructive uropathy was referred to our unit for workup. Ultrasonography and MRI of the pelvis showed a large, well‐circumscribed bladder mass, also visualized cystoscopically. This mass was excised en bloc using the Pfannenstiel approach. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed a solitary fibrous tumor.

Conclusion

The management of SFTs can be challenging due to the lack of established guidelines. Hence, we offered our patient long‐term follow‐up. Twelve months postoperatively, no recurrence or metastases were found on the follow‐up imaging.
Wearable Facial Whitening Level Estimation Based on Edge Computing
Authors: Qi Lin
Published: November 2024

Whitening level estimation is an application of skin color measurement in the field of cosmetics, which is related to the evaluation of skincare products. Previous skin color measurement methods depend on either contactable devices or cumbersome professional instruments. How to implement non‐contactable whitening level estimation in a lightweight manner is urgent in the evaluation of skincare products. In order to tackle this issue, the paper designs a lightweight solution using edge computing to implement whitening level estimation with wearable devices. First, the skin images are collected using camera and represented as Scale‐Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) features; then SIFT feature vectors are input into a trained Reduces Support Vector Ordinal Regression (Reduced SVOR) model to obtain whitening level result. Compared with deep learning models, both SIFT and Reduced SVOR need fewer resources. Thus, the proposed solution can be deployed in edge nodes. The experiments shows the proposed whitening level estimation solution can meet the requirements of mobile devices as well as achieve satisfied mean absolute error (MAE).
Accommodation of posttraumatic stress symptoms: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Talbot Margaret , Thompson‐Hollands Johanna
Published: November 2024

Social support is protective in the recovery from mental health diagnoses. However, well‐intended support can also interfere with treatment, as in the case of accommodation, when a support person changes their behaviors to alleviate a patient's distress. This paper describes a scoping review of the research literature regarding posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and accommodation, conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items extension for Scoping Review Guidelines (PRISMA‐ScR). A total of 26 articles were included in the review. Designs and settings were mixed, but most studies examined accommodation by female adult intimate partners of male military members, veterans, and first responders with PTSS. Most participants were White. Accommodation was typically associated with negative relationship outcomes, and some couples treatments (e.g., cognitive behavioral conjoint therapy interventions) were associated with improvements in PTSS accommodation. Future work on PTSS accommodation should prioritize recruiting more diverse participants (i.e., gender, race, ethnicity, military status, types of support people). In addition, researchers should continue to examine accommodation as a mediator or moderator variable. Further examination of accommodation and PTSS may provide helpful insights into the involvement of support people in treatment to increase treatment effectiveness.
The Torsional Characterization of 3D‐Printed Polylactic Acid Parts With Alternating Additive Manufacturing Parameters
Authors: Saraç İsmail , Horasan Murat
Published: November 2024

Three‐dimensional (3D) printed polymer parts can be subjected to torsional loads in accordance with the conditions of use. Understanding the torsional properties of 3D printed polymers depending on the printing parameters is a significant research topic in fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing processes to be used as machine parts operating under torsional load, such as polymer parts manufactured by extrusion method. Some studies have shown that raster angle and printing speed affect the mechanical properties of 3D‐printed polymers. However, tensile tests were used in most of those studies. In this study, the torsional behavior of 3D printed Polylactic acid (PLA) materials was investigated by static torsion tests, finite element analyses, and theoretical and failure analyses with respect to the printing speed and raster angle parameters. Torsion test specimens were manufactured at five different raster angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) and two different printing speeds (20 and 80 mm/s) from PLA material using the FDM additive manufacturing method. The results showed that raster angle and printing speed parameters affected the torsional load‐carrying capacity of FDM‐3D printed PLA parts. The best load‐carrying capacity was achieved at 30° and 60° raster angles, while the lowest was measured at 0° raster angle. The torsional load‐carrying capacity was significantly enhanced by 85% for specimens manufactured at the printing speed of 80 mm/s.
A 3D Nerve Guidance Conduit Surface With a Wrinkled Protein Coating Toward Peripheral Nerve Injury Repair
Authors: Oguntade Elizabeth , Agyapong Johnson N. , O'Grady Kerrin , Henderson James H.
Published: November 2024

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) resulting in myelin breakdown and axonal degeneration at both the proximal and distal nerve stumps are major clinical concerns that can induce functional loss and diminished quality of life. In biomaterials science, considerable attention has been given to artificial nerve guidance conduits (NGCs), since the engineered tubular structures have the potential to supply a supportive nerve microenvironment to longitudinally align the regenerating axons for bridging the injured nerve sites. Although NGCs may become promising alternatives to nerve autografts, the fabrication approaches available to incorporate directional cues for dictating neuronal behavior and nerve reconnection have been limited to conventional micro/nano‐fabrication techniques that are complex and time‐consuming due to manual processing steps. Thus, our goal here was to develop a simple manufacturing approach for introducing topographical cues onto NGCs. To achieve this goal, we used an established mechanically actuated silk wrinkling approach to create topographically functionalized surfaces as a potential NGC material platform for guided directional alignment of neurons. We 3D‐printed thermo‐responsive shape‐memory polymer (SMP)‐based NGCs that can produce silk fibroin (SF)‐wrinkled topographies on the micro and nano‐meter length scale. Since SF is a commonly used biomaterial surface coating with excellent neuro‐compatibility, we studied the ability to develop NGCs that can autonomously actuate silk wrinkles upon heat‐induced contraction of the SMP and evaluated the effects of the topographically functionalized construct on neuronal behavior. Using an immortalized dorsal root ganglion neuronal cell line, we found that the silk‐wrinkled conduits displayed high neuronal viability and adhesion compared to uncoated conduits and tissue‐culture polystyrene controls. We also found that the wrinkled conduits enabled the neurons to elongate and align parallel to the direction of the wrinkled topography. Longer neurite extension was also observed on the wrinkled conduits compared to their respective controls. These findings demonstrate the potential for functional wrinkled protein coatings to provide directional cues in the fabrication of artificial NGCs for peripheral nerve repair.
Construction and performance study of interface layer of carbon fiber/epoxy composites by electrostatic adsorption
Authors: Zhang Meili , Wang Heng , Shao Linwen , Xu Ziyi , Pan Shaowu , Chen Huifang
Published: November 2024

Electrostatic adsorption was used to self‐assemble layers of polymers and nanoparticles with varying charges onto the carbon fiber (CF) surface. This process created two distinct ionic crosslinked network layers: (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane‐phytic acid‐polyethyleneimine (APTES‐PA‐PEI) and (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane‐phytic acid‐nano‐silica (APTES‐PA‐SiO2). Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to confirm the presence of ionic interactions. The modified carbon fibers (CFs) exhibited increased surface roughness, higher concentration of functional groups, and improved wettability. Compared to untreated CF composites, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and the transverse tensile strength test (TFBT) of CF‐APTES‐PA‐PEI/epoxy composites increased by 67.8% and 62%, respectively. In contrast, the IFSS and TFBT of CF‐APTES‐PA‐SiO2/epoxy composites increased by 63.3% and 52.8%, respectively. The observed strengthening is attributed to the combined effects of ionic crosslinked networks, covalent and hydrogen bonding interactions, enhanced wettability, and the relatively roughened fiber surface. The interfacial layer design approach proposed in this study is both straightforward and effective, demonstrating significant potential for functionalizing CFs. This method is expected to be adaptable for other high‐performance fibers.

Highlights

The ionic cross‐linked network interface layers were designed.

IFSS and TFBT were significantly improved.

The enhancement mechanism was elaborated.
Productivity Benchmarking and Burnout in Psychosocial Oncology: Creating a Sustainable Care Model
Authors: Wells‐Di Gregorio Sharla , Dixon Beth , Flowers Stacy , Ashton Kathy , Muenks Elizabeth , Deshields Teresa
Published: November 2024

Objective

Psychosocial oncology specialists in academic medical centers are at risk for burnout as they deliver a wide range of clinical, research, educational, and administrative services in high demand work environments. No national productivity benchmarks exist for this specialty. This study examines factors contributing to burnout among academic psychosocial oncology psychologists (PSOP), presents viable productivity standards, and a sustainable care model to mitigate burnout.

Methods

Psychosocial oncology specialists recruited from the American Psychosocial Oncology Society membership were surveyed to determine frequency of burnout as measured by the Mini Z, professional fulfillment via the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index, as well as demographic, clinical practice, and systems predictors of burnout. We examine salary discrepancies by gender and race. We focus on psychologists providing services in academic medical centers.

Results

Burnout was reported by 37%–44% of psychologists and was associated with high clinical volumes, mid‐career status, and less than 10% administrative time. There were no differences in burnout by gender or race. However, females earned significantly less than men at each academic rank.

Conclusions

PSOP report high levels of burnout consistent with other oncology professionals. Critical predictors include patient volume and lack of administrative time. Mid‐career providers are more vulnerable to burnout, suggesting an inflection point at which individuals may be more likely to leave the field. We recommend a benchmark for clinical volume and sufficient administrative time to support the tripartite mission (education, research, patient care) and quadruple aim (patient experience, population health, cost, worker well‐being) of academic medical centers.
Roots of resilience: Optimizing microbe‐rootstock interactions to enhance vineyard productivity
Authors: Francioli Davide , Strack Timo , Dries Leonie , Voss‐Fels Kai Peter , Geilfus Christoph‐Martin
Published: November 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Grape production relies signifcantly on agrochemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, to sustain vine health and yield. However, excessive or improper use of these inputs leads to detrimental environmental effects, including soil degradation, water contamination, and biodiversity decline. To address this, research must explore sustainable alternatives. Enhancing the symbiotic interactions between grapevine rootstocks and beneficial soil microorganisms offers a viable pathway. By fostering these natural relationships, producers and scientists can develop environmentally sustainable viticulture practices that strengthen vine resilience without compromising productivity. This approach also supports the broader transition to regenerative, ecologically balanced agricultural systems.

The productivity and resilience of vineyards are influenced by complex interactions between grapevine rootstocks and the surrounding soil microbiome. Emerging research has highlighted the pivotal role of these microbe‐rootstock alliances in modulating nutrient acquisition, water‐use efficiency, and pathogen resistance. By leveraging the symbiotic potential of beneficial soil microorganisms, viticulturists can optimize vineyard management practices to enhance overall productivity, stability, and sustainability. Through the strategic selection of rootstocks with enhanced mycorrhizal associations and the targeted introduction of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria, growers can support the grapevine in adapting to challenging soil conditions. Aditionally, manipulating the rhizosphere microbiome, through techniques such as biofertilization and reverse microdialysis, can foster the development of robust, disease‐suppressive communities that safeguard the vines against biotic and abiotic stressors. Integrating these microbiome‐centric approaches into comprehensive vineyard management strategies, and potentially in future rootstock genetic improvement programs, holds promise for improving grape yield, quality, and the long‐term resilience of viticultural systems.
Enhancing collaboration quotient in crop protection research and development – multi‐disciplinary cross‐learning to promote sustainability
Authors: Mandal Sunil Kumar , Singhal Mayank
Published: November 2024

After a decade of consolidation with a focus on top market players, global crop protection research is undergoing a paradigm transition by integrating new cutting‐edge technologies originating from established and new research organizations. Both development and distribution organizations are working together to make these innovations available to the global farming community. For this, excellent crop protection products are in demand, creating value for farmers and society with superior biological performance and at the same time very high product safety profiles. However, the enormous constraints researchers are exposed to, require the discovery and development of innovative solutions in the shortest possible time frame, while embracing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives as the new normal across the whole industry. Today, fully integrated research and development (R&D) companies are addressing the whole plethora of agrochemistry, biologicals and plant health products, organic farming, seeds and traits, new application technologies, digital farming, improved diagnostics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML)‐based approaches. However, there is still a strong need for further innovations from a wide range of sources. Targeted collaboration across various market players is key to combining required activities. This mandates a high level of discipline to frame the proprietary and knowledge environment across the industry. Furthermore, the cooperation of industry and academia will enable an extra push for innovation in the crop protection landscape. Current trends and suggestions are given of how collaborations need to be framed within the industry as well as within the public sector. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Revolutionizing High‐Temperature Electrical Properties of Epoxy Resin via Tailoring Weak Conjugation Rigid Structures
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Boya , Zhang Xuanjie , Li Yixuan , Li Kaixuan , Wang Tianyu , Li Xingwen
Published: November 2024

The escalating demand for high‐power and compact‐size advanced electronic devices and power systems necessitates polymers to exhibit superior electrical properties even under harsh environments. However, reconciling the seemingly contradictory attributes of excellent electrical properties and thermal stability poses a formidable challenge for current epoxy polymer (EP) materials and their applications. To meet the need, here two classes of bi‐aryl diamine curing agents are described that enable polymers to exhibit well‐balanced thermal and dielectric properties with functional bridging groups. A weak conjugation system in highly thermally stable polymers with an aromatic backbone is constructed, using electron‐modulating bridging groups to immobilize intramolecular free carriers by tailoring trap sites, and bulky bridging groups to prevent molecular stacking to inhibit intermolecular charge transport. The resultant polymer exhibits a volume resistance of 7.45 × 1012 Ω m and a direct current breakdown strength of 368.74 kV mm−1 at 120 °C, which are 2.2 and 2.4 times higher than that of commercial anhydride‐cured EP, respectively. It is demonstrated to be due to the inhibition of charge injection and transport. The proposed aromatic amine multimolecule approach, combined with diverse functional bridging groups, is a promising direction for exploring next‐generation EP insulation materials suitable for extreme conditions.
Unveiling Unidirectional Transport within Janus Membranes
Authors: Li Kai , Yang Hao‐Cheng , Li Hao‐Nan , Zhang Chao , Liang Hong‐Qing , Xu Zhi‐Kang
Published: November 2024

Janus membranes with unidirectional transport capacity have shown broad potential across various fields of mass–energy transmission and conversion. However, the underlying mechanisms driving this transport remain unclear. In this study, a three‐stage model—encompassing liquid intrusion, capillary wetting, and liquid transport—is proposed to elucidate the unidirectional liquid transport within Janus membranes. Finite element analysis reveals two key mechanisms: direct contact‐driven liquid intrusion in bilayer structures and surface‐energy‐driven intrusion in gradient structures. It is also demonstrated that capillary forces within the hydrophilic pores predominantly control the second stage, while droplet Laplace pressure dictates continuous liquid transport at the last stage. Furthermore, critical structural parameters that influence the transport process are identified, aligning with experimental observations. These findings lay a theoretical foundation for optimizing the Janus membrane structures and expanding their applications.
Stability of Sharp Fourier Restriction to Spheres
Authors: Carneiro Emanuel , Negro Giuseppe , e Silva Diogo Oliveira
Published: November 2024

In dimensions $$d \in \{3,4,5,6,7\}$$

d
∈
{
3
,
4
,
5
,
6
,
7
}

, we prove that the constant functions on the unit sphere $$\mathbb {S}^{d-1}\subset \mathbb {R}^d$$

S

d
-
1

⊂

R

d

maximize the weighted adjoint Fourier restriction inequality $$\begin{aligned} \left| \int _{\mathbb {R}^d} |\widehat{f\sigma }(x)|^4\,\big (1 + g(x)\big )\,\textrm{d}x\right| ^{1/4} \leqslant \textbf{C} \, \Vert f\Vert _{L^2(\mathbb {S}^{d-1})}, \end{aligned}$$

∫

R

d

|

f
σ

^

(
x
)

|

4

(

1
+
g

(
x
)

)

d
x

1
/
4

⩽
C

‖
f
‖

L
2

(

S

d
-
1

)

,

where $$\sigma $$
σ
is the surface measure on $$\mathbb {S}^{d-1}$$

S

d
-
1

, for a suitable class of bounded perturbations $$g:\mathbb {R}^d \rightarrow \mathbb {C}$$

g
:

R

d

→
C

. In such cases we also fully classify the complex-valued maximizers of the inequality. In the unperturbed setting ($$g = \textbf{0}$$

g
=
0

), this was established by Foschi ($$d=3$$

d
=
3

) and by the first and third authors ($$d \in \{4,5,6,7\}$$

d
∈
{
4
,
5
,
6
,
7
}

) in 2015. Our methods also yield a new sharp adjoint restriction inequality on $$\mathbb S^7\subset \mathbb {R}^8$$

S
7

⊂

R

8

.
Population connectivity of the European squid Loligo vulgaris along the West Iberian Peninsula coast: comparing mtDNA and SNPs
Authors: García-Mayoral Elsa , Silva Catarina N. S. , Ramilo Andrea , Roura Álvaro , Moreno Ana , Strugnell Jan M. , González Ángel F.
Published: November 2024

Understanding genetic diversity and population connectivity in marine organisms is essential for fisheries management. In the present study, we examined the population genetics of the European squid, Loligo vulgaris, along the western Iberian Peninsula at two genetic resolutions using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI) and genomic markers obtained via double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). The results obtained revealed 79 haplotypes out of 160 COI sequences, while the SNP data set included 86,431 loci after filtering for 38 individuals with 86,319 neutral data. Mitochondrial COI analyses revealed high haplotype (0.961) and nucleotide (0.010) diversities, and the haplotype network reveals complex sub-structure in Turkish waters within a panmictic population. Both Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs tests suggest that the population of L. vulgaris analysed is evolving neutrally. Pairwise Fst for neutral SNPs were low (0 < Fst<0.002) and not significant showing high homogeneity among populations, while pairwise comparations for candidate adaptive SNPs (112 loci) showed Fst values ranging from 0.026 to 0.234. While neutral SNPs showed admixture, the candidate adaptive SNPs showed a moderate significant structure with a latitudinal discrimination. Overall, both genetic approaches showed homogeneity and strong genetic flux identifying a unique population along the Western Iberian Peninsula.