bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unlocking the Potential of Polythioesters
Authors: Woodhouse Adam W. , Kocaarslan Azra , Garden Jennifer A. , Mutlu Hatice
Published: June 2024

As the demand for sustainable polymers increases, most research efforts have focused on polyesters, which can be bioderived and biodegradable. Yet analogous polythioesters, where one of the oxygen atoms has been replaced by a sulfur atom, remain a relatively untapped source of potential. The incorporation of sulfur allows the polymer to exhibit a wide range of favorable properties, such as thermal resistance, degradability, and high refractive index. Polythioester synthesis represents a frontier in research, holding the promise of paving the way for eco‐friendly alternatives to conventional polyesters. Moreover, polythioester research can also open avenues to the development of sustainable and recyclable materials. In the last 25 years, many methods to synthesize polythioesters have been developed. However, to date no industrial synthesis of polythioesters has been developed due to challenges of costs, yields, and the toxicity of the by‐products. This review will summarize the recent advances in polythioester synthesis, covering step‐growth polymerization, ring‐opening polymerization (ROP), and biosynthesis. Crucially, the benefits and challenges of the processes will be highlighted, paying particular attention to their sustainability, with the aim of encouraging further exploration and research into the fast‐growing field of polythioesters.
How do firms design R&D cooperation contracts with innovation institutes by considering the impacts of selective subsidy?
Authors: Wu Aiping , Li Hua , Du Danyang , Guo Wei
Published: June 2024

In an R&D cooperation with an innovation institution, the firm needs to design an efficient cooperation contract to enhance the cooperation efficiency under asymmetric information. Many governments encourage innovation through selective subsidies, whose review and supervision do disclose more information. However, the existing studies have ignored these impacts on designing R&D cooperation contracts. Thus, this paper constructs game models of R&D cooperation to obtain the optimal contract terms under different subsidy strategies and then further discusses the impacts of selective subsidy on R&D contract design.
Differential Performance of Xanthophylls in Combination with Phenol Classes against H2O2‐Induced Oxidative Stress: An In Vitro Analysis Using Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Hu Weili , Kim Jung Eun
Published: June 2024

Scope

Xanthophylls, vital for ocular defense against blue light and reactive oxygen species, are prone to oxidative degradation; however, they may be regenerated antioxidant‐rich plant phenols. Despite certain in vitro evidence, clinical studies show inconsistent findings and this may be due to varying phenolic reduction potentials. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the ocular protective effect of various plant phenols combined with xanthophyll.

Methods and results

Human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE‐19) are subjected to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) after xanthophyll and phenol pretreatment. Assessments include xanthophyll uptake, total antioxidant capacity, cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, apoptosis, phagocytosis, and vascular endothelial growth factor formation. The study finds that while the combination of lutein with phenols does not show significant protective effects compared to lutein‐only, zeaxanthin combined with phenols exhibits enhanced protection compared to both the zeaxanthin‐only and control groups.

Conclusion

The research reveals the complex relationship between xanthophylls and phenols, suggesting that the advantageous effects of their combination might vary among different xanthophylls. Caution is necessary when applying molecular theories to ocular health, and this necessitates further research, serving as a basis for proposing clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of specific xanthophyll and phenol combinations.
Nursing researchers' concern about research activities during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A secondary analysis of longitudinal survey data in Japan
Authors: Mitoma Miwa , Tanaka Makiko , Shimpuku Yoko , Yokota Shinichiroh , Yoshinaga Naoki
Published: June 2024

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has negatively affected research activities across various fields. This study aimed to determine nursing researchers' concerns about research activities during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan and subsequent changes brought on by it. For this study, we conducted descriptive statistics and text mining analyses using data from two surveys conducted by the Japan Academy of Nursing Science (JANS) in the early days of the pandemic (first survey: mid‐2020) and after 2 years (second survey: early 2022). Concerns about research activities were observed in 89% and 80% of the nursing researchers in the first and second surveys, respectively. Furthermore, concerns about “Difficulty in collecting research data” and “Content and quality of your research” were stronger in the second survey. Text mining analyses revealed that in the first survey, they were concerned about environmental changes and restrictions when proceeding with research during the COVID‐19 pandemic, which was unfamiliar at the time. In the second survey, after overcoming environmental changes in the early stages of the pandemic, nursing researchers' concerns shifted to anxiety about the future, such as concerns about degree acquisition, employment and career advancement, and research results. The current study highlights various concerns among nursing researchers regarding research activities that have evolved over time during the pandemic. Academic societies must flexibly construct support measures for nursing researchers when a new infectious disease occurs. Such measures should be sensitive to the prevailing social circumstances and the evolving needs of researchers.
Cover Image
Authors: Yu Zeyang , Kanbargi Nihal , Gupta Sumit , Shin Yongsoon , Qiao Yao , Bowland Christopher C. , Merkel Daniel R. , Simmons Kevin L. , Naskar Amit K.
Published: June 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐lignin thermoplastic rubber adhesive for enhanced metal‐to‐metal joining by Zeyang Yu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28258.

image
Identification of RNA‐dependent liquid‐liquid phase separation proteins using an artificial intelligence strategy
Authors: Ahmed Zahoor , Shahzadi Kiran , Jin Yanting , Li Rui , Momanyi Biffon Manyura , Zulfiqar Hasan , Ning Lin , Lin Hao
Published: June 2024

RNA‐dependent liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS) proteins play critical roles in cellular processes such as stress granule formation, DNA repair, RNA metabolism, germ cell development, and protein translation regulation. The abnormal behavior of these proteins is associated with various diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, making their identification crucial. However, conventional biochemistry‐based methods for identifying these proteins are time‐consuming and costly. Addressing this challenge, our study developed a robust computational model for their identification. We constructed a comprehensive dataset containing 137 RNA‐dependent and 606 non‐RNA‐dependent LLPS protein sequences, which were then encoded using amino acid composition, composition of K‐spaced amino acid pairs, Geary autocorrelation, and conjoined triad methods. Through a combination of correlation analysis, mutual information scoring, and incremental feature selection, we identified an optimal feature subset. This subset was used to train a random forest model, which achieved an accuracy of 90% when tested against an independent dataset. This study demonstrates the potential of computational methods as efficient alternatives for the identification of RNA‐dependent LLPS proteins. To enhance the accessibility of the model, a user‐centric web server has been established and can be accessed via the link: http://rpp.lin‐group.cn.
A complementary metaproteomic approach to interrogate microbiome cultivated from clinical colon biopsies
Authors: Duong Van‐An , Enkhbayar Altai , Bhasin Nobel , Senavirathna Lakmini , Preisner Eva C. , Hoffman Kristi L. , Shukla Richa , Jenq Robert R. , Cheng Kai , Bronner Mary P. , Figeys Daniel , Britton Robert A. , Pan Sheng , Chen Ru
Published: June 2024

The human gut microbiome plays a vital role in preserving individual health and is intricately involved in essential functions. Imbalances or dysbiosis within the microbiome can significantly impact human health and are associated with many diseases. Several metaproteomics platforms are currently available to study microbial proteins within complex microbial communities. In this study, we attempted to develop an integrated pipeline to provide deeper insights into both the taxonomic and functional aspects of the cultivated human gut microbiomes derived from clinical colon biopsies. We combined a rapid peptide search by MSFragger against the Unified Human Gastrointestinal Protein database and the taxonomic and functional analyses with Unipept Desktop and MetaLab‐MAG. Across seven samples, we identified and matched nearly 36,000 unique peptides to approximately 300 species and 11 phyla. Unipept Desktop provided gene ontology, InterPro entries, and enzyme commission number annotations, facilitating the identification of relevant metabolic pathways. MetaLab‐MAG contributed functional annotations through Clusters of Orthologous Genes and Non‐supervised Orthologous Groups categories. These results unveiled functional similarities and differences among the samples. This integrated pipeline holds the potential to provide deeper insights into the taxonomy and functions of the human gut microbiome for interrogating the intricate connections between microbiome balance and diseases.
LGALS3 cfDNA methylation in seminal fluid as a novel prostate cancer biomarker outperforming PSA
Authors: Abramovic Irena , Pezelj Ivan , Dumbovic Leo , Skara Abramovic Lucija , Vodopic Tonci , Bulimbasic Stela , Stimac Goran , Bulic‐Jakus Floriana , Kulis Tomislav , Katusic Bojanac Ana , Tomas Davor , Ulamec Monika , Sincic Nino
Published: June 2024

Background

The unmet challenge in prostate cancer (PCa) management is to discriminate it from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) due to the lack of specific diagnostic biomarkers. Contemporary research on potential PCa biomarkers is directed toward methylated cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) from liquid biopsies since epigenetic mechanisms are strongly involved in PCa development.

Methods

In the present research, cfDNA methylation of the LGALS3 gene in blood and seminal plasma of PCa and BPH patients was assessed using pyrosequencing, as well as LGALS3 DNA methylation in tissue biopsies. Liquid biopsy samples were taken from patients with clinical suspicion of PCa, who were subsequently divided into two groups, that is, 42 with PCa and 55 with BPH, according to the histopathological analysis.

Results

Statistically significant higher cfDNA methylation of LGALS3 in seminal plasma of BPH than in PCa patients was detected by pyrosequencing. ROC curve analysis showed that it could distinguish PCa and BPH patients with 56.4% sensitivity and 70.4% specificity, while PSA did not differ between the two patient groups. In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in LGALS3 cfDNA methylation in blood plasma between the two patient groups. In prostate tumor tissue, there was a statistically significant DNA hypermethylation of LGALS3 compared to surrounding nontumor tissue and BPH tissue.

Conclusions

The DNA hypermethylation of the LGALS3 gene represents an event specific to PCa development. In conclusion, LGALS3 cfDNA methylation in seminal fluid discriminates early PCa and BPH presenting itself as a powerful novel PCa biomarker highly outperforming PSA.
Retrospective analysis of the learning curve in perineal robot‐assisted prostate biopsy
Authors: Himmelsbach Ruth , Hackländer Alexander , Weishaar Moritz , Morlock Jonathan , Schoeb Dominik , Jilg Cordula , Gratzke Christian , Grabbert Markus , Sigle August
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging‐transrectal ultrasound (MRI‐TRUS)‐fusion biopsy (FBx) of the prostate allows targeted sampling of suspicious lesions within the prostate, identified by multiparametric MRI. Due to its reliable results and feasibility, perineal MRI/TRUS FBx is now the gold standard for prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis. There are various systems for performing FBx on the market, for example, software‐based, semirobotic, or robot‐assisted platform solutions. Their semiautomated workflow promises high process quality independent of the surgeon's experience. The aim of this study was to analyze how the surgeon's experience influences the cancer detection rate (CDR) via targeted biopsy (TB) and the procedure's duration in robot‐assisted FBx.

Patients and Methods

A total of 1716 men who underwent robot‐assisted FBx involving a combination of targeted and systematic sampling between October 2015 and April 2022 were analyzed. We extracted data from the patients' electronic medical records retrospectively. Primary endpoints were the CDR by TB and the procedure's duration. For our analysis, surgeons were divided into three levels of experience: ≤20 procedures (little), 21–100 procedures (intermediate), and >100 procedures (high). Statistical analysis was performed via regression analyses and group comparisons.

Results

Median age, prostate‐specific antigen level, and prostate volume of the cohort were 67 (±7.7) years, 8.13 (±9.4) ng/mL, and 53 (±34.2) mL, respectively. Median duration of the procedure was 26 (±10.9) min. The duration decreased significantly with the surgeon's increasing experience from 35.1 (little experience) to 28.4 (intermediate experience) to 24.0 min (high experience) (p < 0.001). Using TB only, significant PC (sPC) was diagnosed in 872/1758 (49.6%) of the men. The CDR revealed no significant correlation with the surgeon's experience in either group comparison (p = 0.907) or in regression analysis (p = 0.65).

Conclusion

While the duration of this procedure decreases with increasing experience, the detection rate of sPC in TB is not significantly associated with the experience of the surgeon performing robot‐assisted FBx. This robot‐assisted biopsy system's diagnostic accuracy therefore appears to be independent of experience.
Extended Infrared Absorption in Nanostructured Si Through Se Implantation and Flash Lamp Annealing
Authors: Radfar Behrad , Liu Xiaolong , Berencén Yonder , Shaikh Mohd Saif , Prucnal Slawomir , Kentsch Ulrich , Vähänissi Ville , Zhou Shengqiang , Savin Hele
Published: June 2024

Nanostructured silicon can reduce reflectance loss in optoelectronic applications, but intrinsic silicon cannot absorb photons with energy below its 1.1 eV bandgap. However, incorporating a high concentration of dopants, i.e., hyperdoping, to nanostructured silicon is expected to bring broadband absorption ranging from UV to short‐wavelength IR (SWIR, <2500 nm). In this work, we prepare nanostructured silicon using cryogenic plasma etching, which is then hyperdoped with selenium (Se) through ion implantation. Besides sub‐bandgap absorption, ion implantation forms crystal damage, which can be recovered through flash lamp annealing. We study crystal damage and broadband (250–2500 nm) absorption from planar and nanostructured surfaces. We first show that nanostructures survive ion implantation hyperdoping and flash lamp annealing under optimized conditions. Secondly, we demonstrate that nanostructured silicon has a 15% higher sub‐bandgap absorption (1100–2500 nm) compared to its non‐hyperdoped nanostructure counterpart while maintaining 97% above‐bandgap absorption (250–1100 nm). Lastly, we simulate the sub‐bandgap absorption of hyperdoped Si nanostructures in a 2D model using the finite element method. Simulation results show that the sub‐bandgap absorption is mainly limited by the thickness of the hyperdoped layer rather than the height of nanostructures.
Phonon and Thermal Properties of Silicon Carbide: A Comparison of Empirical and Machine Learning Potentials
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Haochun , Zhang Yuan , Ma Xikui , Li Weifeng , Zhang Gang
Published: June 2024

Silicon carbide (SiC), as a third‐generation semiconductor material, has attracted significant research attention. Various empirical potentials and machine learning potentials have been developed, but there are few comparative studies on phonon and thermal properties. Herein, the Tersoff and Vashishta empirical potentials, as well as the Bayesian force field constructed by the FLARE framework using principled Gaussian process uncertainties (FLARE BFF), for a comparative study, are selected. The phonon dispersion relation, phonon density of states, Grüneisen constants, and the average phonon‐weighted Grüneisen constants are calculated using different potentials, and it is found that the FLARE BFF potential has the highest accuracy with respect to the first‐principles calculations. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity using molecular dynamics simulation with different potentials is calculated. The calculation results using the FLARE BFF potential closely match the experimental reports at high temperature, but the longest computing time is required. This study can facilitate the understanding of thermal properties of SiC.
Electrocaloric Properties of Lead‐Free Multilayer Ceramic Films Composed of 0.2Ba(Ti0.9Sn0.1)O3–0.8Ba(Zr0.18Ti0.82)O3
Authors: Li Liya , Zhang Xiuli , Xu Haisheng , Li Xingjia , Wang Huiping , Hou Ying
Published: June 2024

Lead‐free electrocaloric (EC) materials have attracted considerable attention due to their potential applications in environmentally friendly solid‐state cooling devices. Achieving a large adiabatic temperature change () at low applied voltage and good temperature stability is crucial and closely related to the phase structure and ferroelectric properties. In this study, 0.2Ba(Ti0.9Sn0.1)O3–0.8Ba(Zr0.18Ti0.82)O3 (BZSnT20) multilayer electrocaloric ceramics (MLEC) are synthesized and characterized for their phase structure and dielectric properties using X‐ray diffraction and dielectric testing. The ferroelectric performance of BZSnT20 is assessed by analyzing their polarization–electric field loops, and the is measured using a heat‐flow measurement system. By investigating the mechanisms, structure–activity relationship between the BaO–CaO–SiO2 (BCS) glass sintering aid and the , the optimal content of BCS glass sintering aid is obtained. In the case of BZSnT20 MLEC, a positive relationship between effective volume and is observed, consistent with theoretical calculations. Additionally, the ceramic layer is found to have no significant influence on the EC properties of the sample. In this study, valuable insights into modifying the dielectric and adiabatic temperature change performance in lead‐free MLEC are provided and a potential pathway for the development of low‐voltage EC cooling devices is suggested.
Out‐of‐Plane Dynamics of a Novel Auxetic Honeycomb with an Anti‐Trichiral Hierarchy
Authors: Guang Xinlong , Huang Huilan , Deng Xiaolin
Published: June 2024

This study extensively characterizes the out‐of‐plane stiffness and energy harvesting capabilities of a newly proposed anti‐trichiral hierarchical auxetic honeycomb structure, both mechanically and deformationally. By introducing a design concept based on the anti‐trichiral honeycomb (ATCH), a structure with superior out‐of‐plane load‐carrying capacity and excellent auxeticity is achieved. To validate the finite element model, compression simulations are conducted. Comparative investigations into the morphing characteristics and energy harvesting performance between the novel structure and the ATCH are performed. Additionally, the influence of various parameters on the comprehensive performance of the novel auxetic structure is explored. It has been found that the angle φ is most sensitive to the auxetic properties, while the ratio k significantly impacts energy absorption. This research advances the design of novel auxetic structures for potential applications in protective engineering.
Assessing quality of life in pulmonary arterial hypertension: An independent prognostic marker
Authors: Reeves Glenn Edward Malcolm , Shepherd Julie , Collins Nicholas John , Twaddell Scott , Harjit Singh Rajinder
Published: June 2024

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, or PH Group 1), a disease of aberrant pulmonary vascular remodeling, causing progressive right heart failure (RHF) due to elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Patient mortality risk stratification guides choice and intensity of pharmacological intervention and is assessed by haemodynamics (especially PVR) as well as noninvasive tools including WHO functional class (FC), 6‐min walk distance (6MWD), and NT‐proBNP levels. Quality of life (QOL) assessment is acknowledged as a central aspect of patient‐centered care, but our study sought to extend QOL's role as an additional noninvasive risk marker that could further refine risk stratification and hence therapeutic choices within a “treatment to target” paradigm (aiming to achieve low‐risk status). This study found that QOL assessment using the PAH‐SYMPACT© physical activity tool provided enhanced, independent mortality risk information, with one unit rise in this score associated with a 41% increase in likelihood risk (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.98 (p < 0.05)) of falling within intermediate versus low‐group category. We therefore found further support for additional prognostic value being conferred by measurement of QOL as part of routine PAH evaluation, reinforcing its critical role.
Radical prostatectomy using the Hinotori robot‐assisted surgical system: Docking‐free design may contribute to reduction in postoperative pain
Authors: Sasaki Yutaro , Kusuhara Yoshito , Oyama Takuro , Nishiyama Mitsuki , Kobayashi Saki , Daizumoto Kei , Tomida Ryotaro , Ueno Yoshiteru , Fukawa Tomoya , Yamaguchi Kunihisa , Yamamoto Yasuyo , Takahashi Masayuki , Kanayama Hiroomi , Furukawa Junya
Published: June 2024

Background

The docking‐free design of the Japanese Hinotori surgical robotic system allows the robotic arm to avoid trocar grasping, thereby minimising excessive abdominal wall stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using the Hinotori system and to explore the potential contribution of its docking‐free design to postoperative pain reduction.

Methods

This study reviewed the clinical records of 94 patients who underwent RARP: 48 patients in the Hinotori group and 46 in the da Vinci Xi group.

Results

Hinotori group had significantly longer operative and console times (p = 0.030 and p = 0.029, respectively). Perioperative complications and oncologic outcomes did not differ between the two groups. On postoperative day 4, the rate of decline from the maximum visual analogue scale score was marginally significant in the Hinotori group (p = 0.062).

Conclusions

The docking‐free design may contribute to reducing postoperative pain.
“Sometimes it looks fake”:Hiyaland contrivances as tools for exploring aspirations for radical social change
Authors: Pitluck Aaron Z.
Published: June 2024

On one hand, Islamic banking and finance is an aspiration to radically transform banks and the financial system to conform with interpretations of Islamic ethics and morals. On the other hand, such high aspirations patently conflict with the existing global, US$3.6 trillion market dominated by profit‐oriented private banks. These aspirations also potentially conflict with the technical details of how financial products are constructed to be “Shariah compliant.” How do Islamic financial practitioners reconcile their vision of the Islamic good society with the products and processes observed at work? One such theological tool and cultural concept is to interpret Islamic financial products as relying onhiyal, a legal stratagem used to provide remedies and alleviate predicaments, to provide an escape from the unlawful to the lawful. This essay summarizes how thinkers in Malaysia are developing the concept ofhiyaleither to critique or to promote Islamic finance. As a contribution to anthropological and postcolonial theorizing, the essay concludes by exploring how the concept ofhiyalcan help us understand contrivances, conspiracies, cons, and stratagems. This theoretical tool kit can assist social scientists in exploring the gap between people's economic behaviors and their aspirations for what a good economy should look like.
Energy Transfer Between i‐Motif DNA Encapsulated Silver Nanoclusters and Fluorescein Amidite Efficiently Visualizes the Redox State of Live Cells
Authors: Yadavalli Hari Chandana , Kim Yeolhoe , Jung Il Lae , Park Sooyeon , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Shin Jin Young , Nagda Riddhi , Thulstrup Peter Waaben , Bjerrum Morten Jannik , Bhang Yong Joo , Lee Phil Hyu , Yang Won Ho , Shah Pratik , Yang Seong Wook
Published: June 2024

The redox regulation, maintaining a balance between oxidation and reduction in living cells, is vital for cellular homeostasis, intricate signaling networks, and appropriate responses to physiological and environmental cues. Here, a novel redox sensor, based on DNA‐encapsulated silver nanoclusters (DNA/AgNCs) and well‐defined chemical fluorophores, effectively illustrating cellular redox states in live cells is introduced. Among various i‐motif DNAs, the photophysical property of poly‐cytosines (C20)‐encapsulated AgNCs that sense reactive oxygen species (ROS) is adopted. However, the sensitivity of C20/AgNCs is insufficient for evaluating ROS levels in live cells. To overcome this drawback, the ROS sensing mechanism of C20/AgNCs through gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering is primarily defined. Then, by tethering fluorescein amidite (FAM) and Cyanine 5 (Cy5) dyes to each end of the C20/AgNCs sensor, an Energy Transfer (ET) between AgNCs and FAM is achieved, resulting in intensified green fluorescence upon ROS detection. Taken together, the FAM‐C20/AgNCs‐Cy5 redox sensor enables dynamic visualization of intracellular redox states, yielding insights into oxidative stress‐related processes in live cells.
Deep learning or classical machine learning? An empirical study on line‐level software defect prediction
Authors: Zhou Yufei , Liu Xutong , Guo Zhaoqiang , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Corey , Qian Junyan
Published: June 2024

Background

Line‐level software defect prediction (LL‐SDP) serves as a valuable tool for developers to detect defective lines with minimal human effort. Recently, GLANCE was proposed as a readily implementable baseline for assessing the efficacy of newly proposed LL‐SDP models.

Problem

While DeepLineDP, a cutting‐edge LL‐SDP model rooted in deep learning, has demonstrated state‐of‐the‐art performance, it has not yet been compared against GLANCE.

Objective

We aim to empirically compare DeepLineDP with GLANCE to obtain a comprehensive understanding of how deep learning contributes to solving the LL‐SDP challenge.

Method

We compare GLANCE against DeepLineDP to assess the extent to which DeepLineDP surpasses GLANCE in predicting defective files and identifying problematic lines. In order to obtain a reliable conclusion, we use the same dataset and performance metrics utilized by DeepLineDP.

Result

Our experimental findings indicate that DeepLineDP does not outperform GLANCE in LL‐SDP. This suggests that the application of deep learning, in this context, does not yield the anticipated significant improvements.

Conclusion

This finding underscores the need for further research in deep learning‐based LL‐SDP to attain the state‐of‐the‐art performance that remains elusive for less advanced techniques.
A Proteomic Approach to Determine Stem Cell Skeletal Differentiation Signature on Additive Manufactured Scaffolds
Authors: Tomasina Clarissa , Mohren Ronny , Camarero‐Espinosa Sandra , Cillero‐Pastor Berta , Moroni Lorenzo
Published: June 2024

Understanding how porous biomaterials interact with cells at their surface and how they either promote or inhibit cellular processes has presented several challenges. Additive manufacturing enables the fabrication of scaffolds with distinct compositions and designs for different tissue engineering applications. To evaluate the in vitro performance of multiple printed materials, biochemical assays can be limiting in providing valuable insight and key information to select the best tissue destination. Omics technologies like proteomics are crucial for studying important cellular events and gathering valuable information about cellular processes and mechanisms. However, only few studies focus on proteomics to decipher cell–material interactions and cell differentiation on additive manufactured scaffolds. Here, scaffolds were fabricated using three polymers (polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(butylene terephthalate) (PEOT/PBT), and polylactic acid (PLA)) through additive manufacturing. Their chondrogenic and osteogenic potential were characterized and compared using human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) through proteomics analysis. The 3D scaffolds were all hydrophilic and displayed Young's moduli close to those of bone or cartilage for PLA and PCL and PEOT/PBT, respectively. Biochemical assays indicated that PEOT/PBT and PLA scaffolds have a greater chondrogenic potential by higher glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen deposition compared to PCL. PLA and PEOT/PBT showed to be more effective in promoting bone formation, as evidenced by higher calcium deposits detected by alizarin red staining, and higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP), especially for PLA in osteogenic medium. Proteomics data revealed the most distinct separation between conditions in chondrogenic medium, which had the highest protein identification rates. Pathway analysis showed that PCL did not induce any differentiation‐related pathways when compared to PEOT/PBT and PLA in any of the tested media conditions. Analysis of PEOT/PBT proteins showed pathways involved in chondrogenesis in all three media and pathways related to hypertrophic phenotype progression in chondrogenic medium. These data suggests that PEOT/PBT is a valuable candidate for cartilage and osteochondral applications, able to drive hBMSCs differentiation without the need of growth factors. PLA was also a valuable candidate for cartilage and bone applications by upregulating both chondrogenic and osteogenic‐related proteins in maintenance and chondrogenic media. In osteogenic and maintenance media, the upregulation of angiogenic proteins makes PLA a better candidate for bone application where vascularization is key.
A Tumor Targeting Strategy of Phytoflavonoid Biochanin A for Efficient Fluorescence‐Guided Chemotherapy
Authors: Park Yoonbin , Jo Gayoung , Hyun Hoon
Published: June 2024

Cancer chemotherapy using natural phytochemicals, especially including isoflavone biochanin A (BCA), has attracted considerable attention because of the potent antitumor therapeutic effect and excellent biosafety. However, the preclinical application of BCA is still generally limited by its poor water solubility and low biological availability. To overcome these important limitations, a tumor targetable hemicyanine‐based near‐infrared (NIR) theranostic agent is rationally designed and prepared to improve the water solubility, tumor targetability, and antitumor activity of BCA. A key point to enhance the tumor targeting efficiency of BCA is the combination of a tumor‐targeted water‐soluble zwitterionic NIR fluorophore (ZW800‐Cl) and BCA to create the hemicyanine structure, named BCA‐ZW. Owing to the long‐wavelength emission (>750 nm) and large Stokes shift (72 nm) of BCA‐ZW, the in vivo performance of BCA‐ZW is effectively monitored. The molecularly engineered BCA‐ZW not only exhibits high targeting ability to HT‐29 xenograft tumors but also induces high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the tumor tissues. Therefore, the fluorescence‐guided chemotherapy by BCA‐ZW to the tumor‐bearing mouse model achieves the enhanced antitumor effect of BCA. This work provides a simple but effective strategy to design NIR fluorescent phytoflavonoids as potential therapeutic agents for further biomedical applications.
Self‐Regenerating Photothermal Agents for Tandem Photothermal and Thermodynamic Tumor Therapy
Authors: Li Xiangli , Jiang Yao‐Wen , Tang Wen‐Jing , Yue Shuzhen , Wang Wei , Yao Huiqin , Xu Junpeng , Chen Zixuan , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: June 2024

Small molecule‐based photothermal agents (PTAs) hold promising future for photothermal therapy; however, unexpected inactivation exerts negative impacts on their application clinically. Herein, a self‐regenerating PTA strategy is proposed by integrating 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS•+) with a thermodynamic agent (TDA) 2,2′‐azobis[2‐(2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl) propane] dihydrochloride (AIPH). Under NIR laser, the photothermal effect of ABTS•+ accelerates the production of alkyl radicals by AIPH, which activates the regeneration of ABTS•+, thus creating a continuous positive feedback loop between photothermal and thermodynamic effects. The combination of ABTS•+ regeneration and alkyl radical production leads to the tandem photothermal and thermodynamic tumor therapy. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that the synergistic action of thermal ablation, radical damage, and oxidative stress effectively realizes tumor suppression. This work offers a promising approach to address the unwanted inactivation of PTAs and provides valuable insights for optimizing combination therapy.
Assessment of Mechanical Behavior in H13 Tool Steel Synthesized through Electron Beam Melting and Selective Laser Melting Techniques
Authors: Han LiXiong , Wang Yan , Zhang ZhaoHui , Liu ShiFeng , Li Yunzhe , Liu Wei , Dang Yu , Zuo Qianlong
Published: June 2024

This study investigates H13 tool steel's microstructure and mechanical properties using selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM). SLMed‐H13 steel has fine martensite, residual austenite, dense low‐angle grain boundaries (LAGBs), and nanoscale carbides, whereas EBMed‐H13 predominantly shows lamellar ferrite–bainite, needle‐like lower bainite (Blower), and spongy upper bainite (Bupper), with fewer LAGBs and larger carbides. SLMed‐H13 exhibits higher hardness (617.4 HV0.5) than EBM (532.17 HV0.5), with a yield strength (YS) of 1241.1 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 1412.2 MPa, and elongation (El) of 5.36%, versus EBM's 765.8 MPa YS, 1252.7 MPa UTS, and 6.89% El. SLM shows superior mechanical performance and wear resistance, with a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.81, wear depth of 0.86 μm, wear track of 448.4 μm, and wear rate of 5.5 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1, compared to EBM's 0.68 COF, 2.2 μm wear depth, 508 μm wear track, and wear rate of 6.5 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1. Confocal microscopy highlights SLM's uniform wear tracks versus EBM's distinct microcutting, illustrating the impact of manufacturing techniques on material properties and wear performance.
Effect of Mg Treatment on the Evolution of Inclusions in M50 Aerospace Bearing Steel Under Different S/O Ratio Conditions
Authors: Wang Lichao , Jiang Zhouhua , Jiang Chenggang , Ren Ji , Tian Jialong , You Zhimin
Published: June 2024

Herein, laboratory experiments and thermodynamic calculations are conducted to study the influence of Mg treatment on the inclusion behavior of M50 aerospace bearing steels under different S/O mass ratios (mass ratios of S content to O content). The type, morphology, and distribution of inclusions in ingots with and without Mg treatment are characterized by the scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐Ray spectroscopy, and ASPEX automated inclusions analysis system. In addition, the phase distributions of inclusions in M50 steels are simulated using FactSage software to clarify the mechanism of inclusion evolution during the smelting and solidification processes. For both high and low S/O mass ratio steels, the primary spinel and Al2O3 inclusions can be completely modified into MgO inclusions and MnS can be partially transformed into MgS inclusions by Mg treatment. After Mg treatment, the size and number density of inclusions show a noticeable increase in high S/O mass ratio steel resulted from a mass of MgS formation but a slight decrease in low S/O mass ratio steel due to the MgO removal by floatation. Based on the present study, an optimal S/O mass ratio for tight control of detrimental inclusions in Mg‐treated M50 steels is obtained.
Grain Size Effect and Spinel Transition for Alumina Scale Thermally Grown on Rare Earth–Mg Codoped FeCrAl Alloy
Authors: Duan Xiu-Feng , Zhang Shou-Lu , Liu Bao-Sheng , Hou Li-Feng , Wang Zhi-Guo , Wang Qian , Wei Ying-Hui
Published: June 2024

The synergistic effects of rare earth (RE) and Mg elements on the high‐temperature oxidation resistance of Fe–20Cr–6Al alloy are investigated in‐depth. The scale on RE–Mg codoped alloy mainly consists of α‐Al2O3/MgAl2O4, with many pores caused by spinel transition. Owing to the segregation of RE ion at the grain boundaries, there is a significant refinement effect of oxide grains, which improves the spallation resistance of scale and offers more grain boundary diffusion pathways for ion transport, resulting in an obvious increase of oxidation weight gain. The findings indicate that RE is beneficial for inhibiting the grow‐up of oxide grains, whereas Mg can weaken the compactness of scale.
Female patients have higher in‐hospital mortality after type A aortic dissection repair: A population study from the national inpatient sample
Authors: Li Renxi , Prastein Deyanira
Published: June 2024

Background

Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection (TAAD) is an emergent condition with high in‐hospital mortality. Gender disparity in TAAD has been a topic of ongoing debate. This study aimed to conduct a population‐based examination of gender disparities in short‐term TAAD outcomes using the National/Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, the largest all‐payer database in the US.

Methods

Patients undergoing TAAD repair were identified in NIS from the last quarter of 2015–2020. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare in‐hospital outcomes between male and female patients, adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, primary payer status, and transfer status.

Results

There were 1454 female and 2828 male patients identified who underwent TAAD repair. Female patients presented with TAAD were at a more advanced mean age (64.03 ± 13.81 vs. 58.28 ± 13.43 years, p < 0.01) and had greater comorbid burden. Compared to male patients, female patients had higher risks of in‐hospital mortality (17.88% vs. 13.68%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.266, p = 0.01). In addition, female patients had higher pericardial complications (20.29% vs. 17.22%, aOR = 1.227, p = 0.02), but lower acute kidney injury (AKI; 39.96% vs. 53.47%, aOR = 0.476, p < 0.01) and venous thromboembolism (VTE; 1.38% vs. 2.65%, aOR = 0.517, p = 0.01). Female patients had comparable time from admission to operation and transfer‐in status, longer hospital stays, but fewer total hospital expenses.

Conclusion

Female patients were 1.27 times as likely to die in‐hospital after TAAD repair but had less AKI and VTE. While there is no evidence suggesting delay in TAAD repair for female patients, the disparities might stem from other differences such as in care provided or intrinsic physiological variations.
The Power of Many: Securing Organisational Identity Through Distributed Key Management
Authors: Bakhtina Mariia , Kvapil Jan , Švenda Petr , Matulevičius Raimundas
Published: June 2024

Organisational Digital Identity (ODI) often relies on the credentials and keys being controlled by a single person-representative. Moreover, some Information Systems (IS) outsource the key management to a third-party controller. Both the centralisation and outsourcing of the keys threaten data integrity within the IS, allegedly provided by a trusted organisation. Also, outsourcing the control prevents an organisation from cryptographically enforcing custom policies, e.g. time-based, regarding the data originating from it. To address this, we propose a Distributed Key Management System (DKMS) that eliminates the risks associated with centralised control over an organisation’s identity and allows organisation-enforceable policies. The DKMS employs threshold signatures to directly involve multiple organisation’s representatives (e.g. employees, IS components, and external custodians) in data signing on its behalf. The threshold signature creation and, therefore, the custom signing policy inclusion, is fully backwards compatible with commonly used signing schemes, such as RSA or ECDSA. The feasibility of the proposed system is shown in an example data exchange system, X-Road. The implementation confirms the ability of the design to achieve distributed control over the ODI during the operational key phase. Excluding a network delay, the implementation introduces less than 200 ms overhead compared to the built-in signing solution.
General hydrodynamic features of elastoviscoplastic fluid flows through randomised porous media
Authors: Parvar Saeed , Chaparian Emad , Tammisola Outi
Published: June 2024

A numerical study of yield-stress fluids flowing in porous media is presented. The porous media is randomly constructed by non-overlapping mono-dispersed circular obstacles. Two class of rheological models are investigated: elastoviscoplastic fluids (i.e. Saramito model) and viscoplastic fluids (i.e. Bingham model). A wide range of practical Weissenberg and Bingham numbers is studied at three different levels of porosities of the media. The emphasis is on revealing some physical transport mechanisms of yield-stress fluids in porous media when the elastic behaviour of this kind of fluids is incorporated. Thus, computations of elastoviscoplastic fluids are performed and are compared with the viscoplastic fluid flow properties. At a constant Weissenberg number, the pressure drop increases both with the Bingham number and the solid volume fraction of obstacles. However, the effect of elasticity is less trivial. At low Bingham numbers, the pressure drop of an elastoviscoplastic fluid increases compared to a viscoplastic fluid, while at high Bingham numbers we observe drag reduction by elasticity. At the yield limit (i.e. infinitely large Bingham numbers), elasticity of the fluid systematically promotes yielding: elastic stresses help the fluid to overcome the yield stress resistance at smaller pressure gradients. We observe that elastic effects increase with both Weissenberg and Bingham numbers. In both cases, elastic effects finally make the elastoviscoplastic flow unsteady, which consequently can result in chaos and turbulence.

Graphical abstract
From bits to emissions: how FinTech benefits climate resilience?
Authors: Wu Qingyang
Published: June 2024

With financial technology (FinTech) emerging as a pivotal force driving business model innovation and reshaping market competitiveness, its potential contribution to sustainability has garnered widespread attention. Drawing on carbon emissions data at the county level from 2011 to 2017 in China, alongside information on the FinTech companies, this study reveals that FinTech significantly reduces regional carbon emissions intensity. This effect is particularly pronounced in developed regions and metropolitan cities. These findings withstand rigorous scrutiny, including the application of instrumental variable strategies, controlling for financial attributes, and robustness checks altering model specifications. Mechanism analysis indicates that FinTech fosters optimization and upgrading of industrial structure and promotes the development of the ICT industry, while simultaneously driving down the proportion of coal in electricity generation and per unit GDP energy consumption, and increasing the proportion of new energy generation, thereby enhancing overall energy efficiency. The evidence presented herein supports the role of FinTech in enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions and achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Change in cognitive performance during seven-year follow-up in midlife is associated with sex, age, and education – The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: Heiskanen Marja A. , Nevalainen Jaakko , Pahkala Katja , Juonala Markus , Hutri Nina , Kähönen Mika , Jokinen Eero , Laitinen Tomi P. , Tossavainen Päivi , Taittonen Leena , Viikari Jorma S. A. , Raitakari Olli T. , Rovio Suvi P.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Sex, age, and education are associated with the level of cognitive performance. We investigated whether these factors modulate the change in cognitive performance in midlife by leveraging the longitudinal data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (YFS).

Methods

Participants of the YFS cohort performed a computer-based Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) in 2011 and 2018 (n = 1671, age 41–56 years in 2018). Overall cognitive performance and domains representing learning and memory, working memory, reaction time, and information processing were extracted by common principal component analysis from the longitudinal cognitive data. Linear models adjusted for baseline cognitive performance were used to study the association of sex, age, and education with changes in overall cognitive performance and in the cognitive domains.

Results

Cognitive performance decreased in all domains (overall cognition -0.56 SD, p < 0.001; working memory -0.81 SD, p < 0.001; learning and memory -0.70 SD, p < 0.001; reaction time -0.06 SD, p = 0.019; information processing -0.03 SD, p = 0.016). The decrease in working memory and information processing was greater in females compared to males. Cognitive performance decreased more in older participants in all domains. Education alleviated the decrease in cognitive performance in all domains except reaction time. The beneficial effect of education was greater for males.

Conclusions

This study describes the natural course of aging-related changes in cognitive performance in midlife, the critical time window for early prevention of clinical cognitive decline. These findings provide a reference for studies focusing on determinants of pathological cognitive decline deviating from normal changes in cognitive performance.
A novel artificial hummingbird algorithm improved by natural survivor method
Authors: Bakır Hüseyin
Published: June 2024

The artificial hummingbird algorithm (AHA) has been applied in various fields of science and provided promising solutions. Although the algorithm has demonstrated merits in the optimization area, it suffers from local optimum stagnation and poor exploration of the search space. To overcome these drawbacks, this study redesigns the update mechanism of the original AHA algorithm with the natural survivor method (NSM) and proposes a novel metaheuristic called NSM-AHA. The strength of the developed algorithm is that it performs population management not only according to the fitness function value but also according to the NSM score value. The adopted strategy contributes to NSM-AHA exhibiting powerful local optimum avoidance and unique exploration ability. The optimization ability of the proposed NSM-AHA algorithm was compared with 21 state-of-the-art algorithms over CEC 2017 and CEC 2020 benchmark functions with dimensions of 30, 50, and 100, respectively. Based on the Friedman test results, it was observed that NSM-AHA ranked 1st out of 22 competitive algorithms, while the original AHA ranked 8th. This result highlights that the NSM update mechanism provides a remarkable evolution in the convergence performance of the original AHA algorithm. Furthermore, two constrained engineering problems including the optimization of single-diode solar cell model (SDSCM) parameters and the design of a power system stabilizer (PSS) are solved with the proposed algorithm. The NSM-AHA algorithm provided better results compared to other algorithms with a value of 9.86E − 04 root mean square error for SDSCM and 1.43E − 03 integral time square error for PSS. The experimental results showed that the proposed NSM-AHA is a competitive optimizer for solving global and engineering problems.