bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐material topology optimization considering arbitrary strength and yield criteria constraints with single‐variable interpolation
Authors: Ding Wenjie , Liao Haitao , Yuan Xujin
Published: July 2024

Material heterogeneity gives composite constructions unique mechanical and physical qualities. Combining multiple materials takes full use of these features in stress‐constrained topology optimization. Traditional research in this field often assumes a consistent yield criterion for all possible materials but adapts their stiffness and strengths accordingly. To cope with this challenge, an innovative single‐variable interpolation approach is proposed to enable the simultaneous inclusion of distinct yield criteria and material strengths. A stress‐constrained topology optimization formulation is presented based on this yield function interpolation method, which can independently support various materials with different elastic characteristics, material strengths, and yield criteria. Then, the large‐scale problem of local stress constraints can be effectively solved by the Augmented Lagrangian (AL) method. Several two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) design scenarios are investigated to reduce the overall mass of the structure while considering stress constraints. The optimal composite designs exhibit several crucial benefits resulting from material heterogeneity, including the enlargement of the design possibilities, the dispersion of stress, and the utilization of asymmetry in tension‐compression strength.
Hot and cold: How do consumers hate and forgive offending charity brands?
Authors: Ren Chen , Moisieiev Dmytro , Rodrigo Padmali , Johnson Emma
Published: July 2024

When brands transgress, consumers often react by hating them and sometimes forgiving them. Charity brands transgress, too, including serious transgressions of a sexual nature or against children. Charity brands contribute greatly to the economy, but differ from for‐profit brands in their nature and do transgress; yet whether charity brands are hated and forgiven similarly to for‐profit brands has not been researched adequately. Our study aimed to build a framework that demonstrates the antecedents of charity brand hate, the emotions associated with different types of charity brand hate and the behavioural consequences of charity brand hate, including brand forgiveness. We adopted a qualitative approach that involved collecting data from 26 semi‐structured interviews and analysing it thematically. The findings of this study advance the current understanding of brand hate and brand forgiveness by identifying the emotional outcome (feeling of suspicion and hurt) and behavioural outcomes (distancing from charity brands and practising financial punishment) associated with charity brand transgressions. In the long term, interviewees display the intention to reconnect with charity brands and to forgive transgressing charity brands due to the benevolence associated with them. Therefore, we also contribute to the brand forgiveness literature by highlighting the nature of the forgiveness (forgiving is given to the charity brands, not the individual employees responsible) and the steps consumers take to forgive the charity brands (step one when charity brands fix their wrongdoing, and step two when charity brands continue helping people in need). Finally, we identified that brand switching (switching to donating to new charity brands offering similar support and help) is the behaviour consequence when charity brands are not forgiven.
Symptomatology in Unilateral Versus Bilateral Superior Canal Dehiscence Patients Undergoing Unilateral Surgery
Authors: Suresh Krish , Garcia Alejandro , Nwosu Obinna , Bartholomew Ryan A. , Song Yohan , Lee Daniel J.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To compare symptomatology in patients with unilateral versus bilateral superior semicircular canal dehiscence who underwent unilateral surgical repair.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Single surgeon series at tertiary academic medical center from 2002 to 2021.

Methods

Patients were administered a standardized questionnaire regarding the presence or absence of 16 symptoms (11 auditory and 8 vestibular) pre‐ and postoperatively. Symptom rates were compared between patients with unilateral and bilateral dehiscence, and paired statistical testing was used to analyze symptom improvement with surgery.

Results

Our final cohort included 125 patients, 93 (74%) with unilateral superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) and 32 (26%) with bilateral SCDS. Bilateral patients had an increased burden of auditory and vestibular symptoms compared to unilateral patients before surgery (7.6 vs 6.2, P = .03) and after surgery (3.1 vs 1.9, P = .02). Both groups experienced a significant reduction of symptoms following repair (P < .01 for both).

Conclusion

Our study has 2 key findings: First, patients with bilateral dehiscence seem to be more symptomatic, reporting more auditory and vestibular symptoms both before and after surgery. Second, bilateral patients still seem to benefit from unilateral repair, demonstrating a significant reduction in the number of symptoms with surgery. Our findings may help inform the management of the sizable proportion of SCDS patients with bilateral defects.
Longitudinal associations of internalized weight stigma with physical activity and weight loss
Authors: Sheynblyum Miriam , Wadden Thomas A. , Latner Janet D. , Pearl Rebecca L.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Cross‐sectional research has demonstrated that internalized weight stigma (IWS) is associated with less engagement in weight management behaviors, including physical activity. However, limited research has explored longitudinal relationships among IWS, physical activity, and weight loss. This study examined longitudinal associations of changes in IWS, physical activity, and weight and tested whether physical activity mediated the relationship between IWS and weight change.

Methods

Individuals with obesity and high IWS (N = 105) participated in a 72‐week behavioral weight loss intervention, with or without a weight stigma intervention. Measures of IWS (Weight Self‐Stigma Questionnaire), physical activity (accelerometry and self‐report), and weight were collected at baseline and weeks 20, 46 and 72. Correlations examined relationships among changes in variables from baseline to all timepoints, controlling for treatment condition. Mediation, controlling for treatment condition, tested whether IWS reductions during the first 20 weeks predicted greater weight loss at weeks 46 and 72 via increased physical activity between weeks 20 and 46 or 72.

Results

Decreases in IWS at week 20 were associated with greater week‐20 weight loss (r = 0.265, p = 0.012). Physical activity was not a significant mediator, but greater reductions in IWS at week 20 predicted greater week‐46 weight loss with or without controlling for physical activity (WSSQ: b = 0.30, confidence interval: 0.12, 0.54). Significant associations were not found at week 72.

Conclusion

Initial reductions in IWS were associated with greater week‐46 weight loss. Further research should investigate whether reducing IWS early in obesity treatment enhances long‐term outcomes.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03704064).
Adherence to physical activity and screen time recommendations of youth: Demographic differences from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018
Authors: Mokari‐Yamchi Amin , Brazendale Keith , Faghfouri Amir Hossein , Mohammadpour Yousef , Gheibi Shahsanam
Published: July 2024

Background

Engaging in physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behaviors among youth are linked to improved mental and physical health. This study aimed to examine demographic differences among youth adhering to PA and Screen Time (ST) recommendations.

Methods

The present study utilized data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The NHANES survey employed a cross‐sectional design and gathered information on the daily duration of moderate‐to‐vigorous PA lasting 60 min or more, as well as the maximum daily ST not exceeding 2 h. The analysis encompassed a total of 1697 youth aged between 6 and 17 years.

Results

Overall, 36.3% of participants adhered to PA recommendations, 20.9% adhered to ST recommendations and 10.8% of youth met both recommendations. The odds of meeting PA, ST and both recommendations were inversely associated with obesity (obese vs. normal: aOR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.42–0.75]), (aOR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.48–0.94]) and (aOR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32–0.82]) respectively, and age (14–17 years vs. 6–9 years: aOR, 0.2 [95% CI, 0.15–0.27]), (aOR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.23–0.47]) and (aOR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.09–0.3]) respectively.

Conclusion

A small portion of the youth met PA and ST recommendations. Older youth, youth with obesity, and youth with a parent or guardian who had not completed a high school education were particularly at risk.
Carbon Footprint Reduction Associated With Multidisciplinary Pediatric Airway Clinics: A Program Evaluation Study
Authors: Zgardau Alina , Hathi Kalpesh , Fowler James , Mullowney Tara , Price April , Husein Murad , Graham M. Elise , Dzioba Agnieszka , Madou Edward , Strychowsky Julie E.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Health care is a significant contributor to the climate crisis. Multidisciplinary clinics (MDC) may reduce carbon emissions by combining multiple appointments into one. This is the first program evaluation study to quantify the carbon footprint associated with multidisciplinary pediatric airway clinics.

Study Design

Retrospective.

Setting

Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Center, London, Canada.

Methods

Pediatric airway MDC allows patients to see otolaryngology and respirology in one appointment. The carbon and financial savings (Canadian Dollars) of all patients attending the MDC from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022 were calculated. Patient postal codes and institutional parking rates were inputted into the CASCADES carbon accounting tool. Total distance was divided into unsustainable (vehicles) and sustainable (transit, walking, cycling) transportation to calculate carbon emissions. Travel costs included cost/kilometer for vehicles (maintenance, license/registration, insurance, fuel) and costs/ride for transit.

Results

A total of 560 MDC appointments for 300 patients saved 77,785 km. Total carbon emissions saved from travel averted was 16.21 tonnes. The total carbon emissions saved, minus public transit, was 15.60 tonnes. Using the Natural Resources Canada Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, 16.21 tonnes are approximately equivalent to 5 passenger vehicles, 6906 L of gasoline, 3.8 homes' energy, and 10.8 homes' electricity use for one year, 36.6 barrels of oil consumed, and 675 propane cylinders. Travel costs of $28,891.83 (no parking), $30,519.40 ($4 minimum parking fee), or $33,774.55 ($12 maximum parking fee) were saved.

Conclusion

MDC effectively reduced carbon emissions and offered patients financial savings. Similar models can be adapted across institutions to help mitigate climate change.
Plasma treated‐double layer electrospun fiber mats from thermoplastic polyurethane and gelatin for wound healing applications
Authors: Yıldırım Arzu , Erdoğan Eray Sarper , Caglayan Seyma , Keskinkaya Rüya , Turker Yurdanur , Karbancıoğlu‐Güler Funda , Dikmetaş Dilara Nur , Batirel Saime , Taygun Melek Erol , Guner F. Seniha
Published: July 2024

Conventional wound treatment options provide a barrier against exogenous microbial penetration but cannot simultaneously provide an antibacterial characteristic and promote healing. However, bioactive dressings can accelerate wound healing and have an antibacterial effect in addition to being able to cover and protect lesions. In this study, double‐layer thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)‐gelatin fibrous dressings that mimic the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin were fabricated via electrospinning technique. As a bioactive agent, Hypericum perforatum oil (HPO) was utilized to impart antibacterial and therapeutic properties to the dressings. Tannic acid was also used in fiber mat formulations as a cross‐linking agent. Oxygen plasma treatment was applied as a surface activation technique to improve adhesion of TPU and gelation layers. The fiber structure of the mats was revealed by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to demonstrate HPO loading onto the mats. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and fluid absorbency of the mats were compared with some commercial dressings. According to these results, it can be suggested that the mats can be used for moderate to high exudative wounds. All dressings, even the control sample showed antibacterial features against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria due to the tannic acid. In vitro wound healing assays were carried out on the plasma‐treated sample and it was observed that the sample did not negatively affect the migration and proliferation abilities of the cells which are necessary for wound healing. Overall results indicated that the plasma‐treated fibrous mat would be a good candidate as a wound dressing material having an antibacterial character.
SegNet‐VOLOmodel for classifying microplastic contaminants in water bodies
Authors: Thavasimuthu Rajendran , Vidhya P. M. , Sridhar S. , Sherubha P.
Published: July 2024

In recent times, microplastics (MPs) have emerged as notable contaminants within several environments, especially in water bodies. The characterization and description of MPs necessitate extensive and laborious analytical methods, making this part of MPs research an essential issue. In this research, SegNet‐Vision Outlooker (VOLO), a computer vision and deep learning (DL)‐based model, is proposed for detecting and classifying MPs present in a water environment. This research model includes step‐by‐step processes such as data collection, preprocessing, filtering and enhancement, augmentation, segmentation, feature extraction, and classification for detecting MPs. The key objective of this research model is to improve the classification accuracy in detecting MPs and to validate the model's effectiveness in handling holographic images. The Holographic Image MPs dataset is collected and used to evaluate the model. In preprocessing, image rescaling is performed to match the proposed model's input resolution as 224 × 224. After rescaling, the images are applied to remove noise using a bilateral filtering technique. The contrast‐limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) method is applied to enhance the image with better contrast and brightness, which helps the model to segment and classify the images accurately. The enhanced images are applied to the SegNet model for segmentation, which segmented the images according to the MP classes. Based on the segmented images, the VOLO‐D1 model extracted the features and classified the images to detect the MPs present in the images. The SegNet‐VOLO model attained 97.70% detection rate, 98.26% accuracy, 98.13% F1‐score, and 98.62% precision. These performances are compared with the various existing models discussed in the review, where the research model outperformed all the models with better performances.
Anti‐inflammatory and pro‐healing effects of acetate chitosan sponge with calcium cross‐links
Authors: Chang Liu , Shengdong Wang , Huien Zhang , Liping Liu
Published: July 2024

Chitosan, a potential material for tissue wound repair, exhibits limitations like poor solubility and low gel strength. Acetate chitosan (CA) was synthesized through ethanol precipitation, while acetate chitosan sponge (CA‐Ca) was created using the freeze‐drying method with CaCO3 as cross‐linking agents. The addition of CaCO3 enhanced the mechanical strength of the sponges formed by CA, but affected the water absorption performance of the sponge. Both CA and CA‐Ca demonstrated antioxidant properties, with CA‐Ca showing slightly higher maximal scavenging rates for DPPH and hydroxyl radicals compared to CA. Concentrations ranging from 1 to 500 μg/mL of CA and CA‐Ca exhibited a proliferative effect on L929 and RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, both CA and CA‐Ca promoted the migration of L929 cells, with CA‐Ca showing a higher maximal healing rate within 24 h compared to the control group. Additionally, both materials reduced the levels of TNF‐αand IL‐6 in inflammatory RAW264.7 cells, thereby alleviating the inflammatory response. Moreover, CA and CA‐Ca stimulated collagen secretion in fibroblasts without inducing excessive secretion. CA sponge demonstrated the ability to accelerate in vitro coagulation, while CA‐Ca‐8 (CA:CaCO3 1:8) sponge, prepared with 2% CA, exhibited the most effective coagulation. Overall, CA‐Ca has suitable characteristics such as water absorption, coagulation, cytocompatibility, anti‐inflammatory properties, and promoting cell healing, laying the foundation for its potential clinical applications.
Diagnostic pitfalls in assessment of ferritin following CAR‐T‐cell therapy: Understanding the hook effect
Authors: Harb Roa , Coverdell Tatiana C. , Shalabi Haneen , Shah Nirali N.
Published: July 2024

The hook effect is a well‐described but clinically underappreciated immunoassay interference, where a falsely lowered result is caused by analyte excess. We describe a situation in which ferritin immunoassay results from a 27‐year‐old female with immune effector cell‐associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis‐like syndrome were more than 1000 times lower at a reference laboratory than those determined in‐house after dilution. This case underscores the importance for clinical care providers to be aware of the impact of the hook effect on ferritin measurements, and to promptly communicate with the laboratory when there are discrepancies between clinical symptoms and test results.
A mixed methods examination of teachers' use of bias‐reduction strategies to increase relational equity and the role of the implementation context
Authors: Gaias Larissa M. , Duong Mylien T. , Corbin Catherine M. , Cook Clayton R. , Deveau Mark , Kyoyetera Priscilla , Wood Olivia
Published: July 2024

Teachers' racial biases can impact disparities in their perceptions and expectations of students and contribute to inequitable student outcomes. Therefore, interventions that train teachers on strategies for reducing racial biases may hold promise for mitigating inequities. However, research on bias‐reduction interventions in applied contexts is limited and has not focused on examining the implementation of specific strategies or the implementation context. In this study, we used mixed methodology to examine the extent to which teachers (n = 43) use four bias‐reduction strategies, called equity levers (i.e., seeking commonalities, gaining perspective, gathering facts to disprove assumptions, and knowing your vulnerabilities), which are embedded into a student–teacher relationship intervention called Equity‐Explicit Establish‐Maintain‐Restore. In addition, we explored whether any features of the school context support or hinder their implementation of these strategies. We found that teachers implemented the four equity levers and reported increased implementation of these strategies over time. We found quantitative and qualitative evidence of the importance of a strong implementation climate for supporting teachers' use of the equity levers, where teachers collectively value implementing the program and collaborating with one another. This study has implications for both the promise of four specific strategies that can be incorporated into other teacher training to reduce racial bias as well as the importance of establishing strong contextual supports to ensure the successful implementation of equity‐focused strategies.
Research and applications of nanoclays: A review
Authors: Uddin Md. Nur , Hossain Md. Tanvir , Mahmud Nadim , Alam Sadikul , Jobaer Md , Mahedi Sajjatul Islam , Ali Ayub
Published: July 2024

Nanoclays, a specific type of nanomaterial, have emerged as versatile and dynamic materials, with tremendous potential for advanced functional applications. Despite publishing a large number of research articles, there are relatively few review articles on this topic. This comprehensive review delves into the most widely used nanoclays and explores the diverse range of applications in different fields, such as aerospace, automobile, construction, biomedical, food packaging, and polymer composites. With their ability to enhance the performance of materials and products, nanoclays have become a highly desired material in various industries. The challenges associated with nanoclays like complex properties, difficulty in developing new synthesis methods, and challenges in investigating long‐term durability and stability have been summarized. The future research directions with the exciting possibilities to develop future innovative materials have been highlighted at the end of the article.

Highlights

This review provides an extensive examination of the most widely used nanoclays, detailing their properties, types, and limitations.

A summary of publication trends over the last 15 years, based on Scopus data up to 2024, indicates growing interest and research output in nanoclays.

Applications of nanoclays span across aerospace, automobile, construction, biomedical, food packaging, and polymer composites, showcasing their versatility.

Key challenges discussed include complex properties, difficulties in new synthesis methods, and issues in long‐term durability and stability.

Future research directions highlight the potential for developing innovative materials using nanoclays.
Feeding specialization shapes the bottom‐up effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi across a plant–aphid–parasitoid system
Authors: Cascone Pasquale , Iodice Luigi , Gualtieri Liberata , Russo Assunta , Cesaro Patrizia , Yang Zekun , Ruocco Michelina , Monti Maurilia Maria , Massa Nadia , Lingua Guido , Guerrieri Emilio
Published: July 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) impact the relationships between plants, aphids (insects that feed on plant phloem), and their natural enemies (insects that prey on or parasitize aphids). The presence of AMF influences the growth and population of different aphid species and affects the development of aphid‐killing wasps and their attraction to plants. This research has been conducted also considering the insects' feeding strategy and their feeding specialization. This study provides novel perspectives on how these fungi shape interactions in the natural world, offering potential insights for the development of sustainable pest management strategies in agriculture.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are major root symbionts regulating plant physiology. Their presence affects the performance of aboveground insect herbivores in relation to their feeding strategy and their feeding specialization. For example, the effect of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis on chewing insects, positive for specialists and negative for generalists, has been previously demonstrated. Conversely, the impact of AMF on phloem‐suckers with relatively different levels of specialization remains unexplored.

We tested the influence of the AM Funneliformis mosseae on the fitness of the specialist aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum and the generalist aphid Myzus persicae on Vicia faba plants. Further, we investigated the effects of AMF on the higher trophic level, the aphid parasitoids Aphidius ervi (specialist) and Aphidius colemani (generalist), by evaluating plant attractiveness and parasitoid fitness. To support the results of behavioral and biological bioassays we characterized the photosynthetic parameters, the volatilome and the transcriptome of tested plants.

Mycorrhizal plants proved unsuitable for the generalist M. persicae but enhanced the fitness of the specialist A. pisum. The AM symbiosis had no effects on the behavioral response of A. colemani and enhanced the attraction and fitness of A. ervi.

Volatilome and transcriptome profiling corroborated the results of bioassay highlighting a bottom‐up effect of the AMF across a plant–aphid–parasitoid system.
Effects of high‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation combined with inspiratory muscle training for treating respiratory sequelae of long COVID: A case series
Authors: de Souza Iara Tainá C. , dos Santos Ewerton Graziane G. , da Costa Roberto Vinicius A. , Ferreira Wanessa do N. , Santana Kelly de J. , Felix João Victor dos S. , Brandão Celso B. F. , Candeia Aline A. , Nascimento Laura Morgana dos S. , da Silva Ana Catarine T. , Ferreira Carlos André S. , Queiroz Maria Heloísa B. S. , Silva Jackeline S. , Lima José Heriston de M. , Pedrosa Rafaela , Onofre Tatiana , de França Eduardo E. T.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Long COVID occurs when numerous symptoms begin 3 weeks after acute infection and last for 12 months or more. High‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD‐tDCS) has been tested in patients with COVID‐19; however, previous studies did not investigate the HD‐tDCS use combined with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) for respiratory sequelae of long COVID.

Case presentation

Six individuals (four women and two men) aged between 29 and 71 years and presenting with respiratory sequelae of long COVID were included. They were submitted to an intervention that comprised HD‐tDCS combined with IMT twice a week for 5 weeks. Lung function and respiratory muscle assessments were performed at baseline and after 5 weeks of intervention.

Implications on physiotherapy practice

HD‐tDCS may enhance the IMT effects by increasing respiratory muscle strength, efficiency, and lung function of individuals with long COVID.
Dose optimization of cefazolin in South African children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Gebreyesus Manna Semere , Dresner Alexandra , Wiesner Lubbe , Coetzee Ettienne , Verschuuren Tess , Wasmann Roeland , Denti Paolo
Published: July 2024

Cefazolin is an antibiotic used to prevent surgical site infections. During cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), its efficacy target could be underachieved. We aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic model for cefazolin in children and optimize the prophylactic dosing regimen. Children under 25 kg undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB and receiving cefazolin at standard doses (50 mg/kg IV every 4–6 h) were included in this analysis. A population pharmacokinetic model and Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate the probability of target attainment (PTA) for efficacy and toxicity with the standard regimen and an alternative regimen of continuous infusion, where loading and maintenance doses were calculated from model‐derived individual parameters. Twenty‐two patients were included, with median (range) age, body weight, and eGFR of 19.5 (1–94) months, 8.7 (2–21) kg, and 116 (48–159) mL/min, respectively. Six patients received an additional dose in the CPB circuit. A two‐compartment disposition model with an additional compartment for the CPB was developed, including weight‐based allometric scaling and eGFR. For a 10 kg patient with eGFR of 120 mL/min/1.73 m2, clearance was estimated as 0.856 L/h. Simulations indicated that the standard dosing regimen fell short of achieving the efficacy target >40% of the time within a dosing duration and in patients with good renal function, PTA ranged from <20% to 70% for the smallest to the largest patients, respectively, at high MICs. In contrast, the alternative regimen consistently maintained target concentrations throughout the procedure for all patients while using a lower overall dose.
Effect of Au Deposition Rate on the Gold Droplet Velocity on Si(111) and Si(011) Surfaces (Monte Carlo Simulation)
Authors: Mantsurova Snezhana , Shwartz Nataliya
Published: July 2024

Herein, Monte Carlo simulation of gold droplets motion on Si(111) and Si(011) surfaces during the gold deposition is carried out. The influence of gold deposition rateFon the Au–Si droplet velocity on the silicon surfaces with (111) and (011) orientations is analyzed. On the vicinal (111) surface, the droplet moves with almost constant velocity, while, on the (011) surface, the droplet velocity decreases as the Au deposition rate increases. It is demonstrated that the droplet velocity dependence on the gold deposition rate is determined by the droplet size change. The etching anisotropy of substrates with different orientations leads to different shapes of an etch pit under the droplet on Si(111) and Si(011) surfaces. This results in differences in the droplet velocity depending on the gold deposition rate on (111) and (011) surfaces. The feature of the droplet motion on the Si(011) surface is demonstrated: the droplets are able to merge due to the possibility of motion in two opposite directions.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with metachronous isolation of three distinct Aspergillus species
Authors: Sasahara Yosuke , Akata Kentaro , Yamasaki Kei , Orihashi Takeshi , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: July 2024

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an inflammatory disease induced by exaggerated immune responses to Aspergillus species. Although ABPA has a high recurrence (48%), its instances with sequential isolation of distinct Aspergillus species are sporadic. Only one case report has documented the metachronous isolation of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. However, no reported cases of metachronous isolation involving three distinct Aspergillus species exist. Herein, we report a novel case of a 47‐year‐old Japanese man with sequential metachronous isolation of A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. fumigatus. Initially presenting with symptoms of productive cough and pulmonary infiltration, the patient experienced two relapses following treatment with oral prednisolone. Adjustments in therapy, including voriconazole and a tailored corticosteroid regimen, resulted in significant improvement without relapse for over 6 months. This case report highlights the challenges and successful management of ABPA involving multiple Aspergillus species.
Semihierarchical reconstruction and weak‐area revisiting for robotic visual seafloor mapping
Authors: She Mengkun , Song Yifan , Nakath David , Köser Kevin
Published: July 2024

Despite impressive results achieved by many on‐land visual mapping algorithms in the recent decades, transferring these methods from land to the deep sea remains a challenge due to harsh environmental conditions. Images captured by autonomous underwater vehicles, equipped with high‐resolution cameras and artificial illumination systems, often suffer from heterogeneous illumination and quality degradation caused by attenuation and scattering, on top of refraction of light rays. These challenges often result in the failure of on‐land Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) approaches when applied underwater or cause Structure‐from‐Motion (SfM) approaches to exhibit drifting or omit challenging images. Consequently, this leads to gaps, jumps, or weakly reconstructed areas. In this work, we present a navigation‐aided hierarchical reconstruction approach to facilitate the automated robotic three‐dimensional reconstruction of hectares of seafloor. Our hierarchical approach combines the advantages of SLAM and global SfM that are much more efficient than incremental SfM, while ensuring the completeness and consistency of the global map. This is achieved through identifying and revisiting problematic or weakly reconstructed areas, avoiding to omit images and making better use of limited dive time. The proposed system has been extensively tested and evaluated during several research cruises, demonstrating its robustness and practicality in real‐world conditions.
Tradition, entrepreneurship, and innovation: The craft of Japanese fine dining
Authors: Yamauchi Yutaka , Hjorth Daniel
Published: July 2024

Research Summary

This study explores how traditional craft produces novelty, which appears to be at odds with its emphasis on continuation. While prior research has explored how tradition is rediscovered and revived from the past, traditional craft can produce intrinsic novelty potentially through its own repetitive acts. This study examines a Japanese cuisine Kaiseki, which is traditional but simultaneously innovative. The analysis of a well‐known chef's design processes reveals that the chef designs novel dishes by responding to what has been done before, making something better and differently and thereby going beyond the limit of the tradition; Kaiseki tradition is re‐enacted through such practices. A process philosophy of Gills Deleuze is engaged to explain our concept of “tradition as capacity” as well as “tradition as object.”

Managerial Summary

Tradition is now seen as important source of value. This study explains how craft can be both traditional and innovative. Typically, innovation has been explained by recombination with new technologies and restoration and reinterpretation to reinvigorate identity rooted in the past, this study sheds light on the intrinsic novelty within the practices of craft. This novelty is evident in traditional Japanese cuisine, called Kaiseki, which is traditional but also innovative because customers seek novel exquisite experience as they do in any Michelin Guide starred restaurants. Through the analysis of a chef's practices, we propose a new conceptualization of tradition as capacity. The creative force of this tradition as capacity is important for creating new opportunities and novel values.
BHAFT: Bayesian heredity‐constrained accelerated failure time models for detecting gene‐environment interactions in survival analysis
Authors: Sun Na , Chu Jiadong , He Qida , Wang Yu , Han Qiang , Yi Nengjun , Zhang Ruyang , Shen Yueping
Published: July 2024

In addition to considering the main effects, understanding gene‐environment (G × E) interactions is imperative for determining the etiology of diseases and the factors that affect their prognosis. In the existing statistical framework for censored survival outcomes, there are several challenges in detecting G × E interactions, such as handling high‐dimensional omics data, diverse environmental factors, and algorithmic complications in survival analysis. The effect heredity principle has widely been used in studies involving interaction identification because it incorporates the dependence of the main and interaction effects. However, Bayesian survival models that incorporate the assumption of this principle have not been developed. Therefore, we propose Bayesian heredity‐constrained accelerated failure time (BHAFT) models for identifying main and interaction (M‐I) effects with novel spike‐and‐slab or regularized horseshoe priors to incorporate the assumption of effect heredity principle. The R package rstan was used to fit the proposed models. Extensive simulations demonstrated that BHAFT models had outperformed other existing models in terms of signal identification, coefficient estimation, and prognosis prediction. Biologically plausible G × E interactions associated with the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma were identified using our proposed model. Notably, BHAFT models incorporating the effect heredity principle could identify both main and interaction effects, which are highly useful in exploring G × E interactions in high‐dimensional survival analysis. The code and data used in our paper are available at
https://github.com/SunNa‐bayesian/BHAFT.
Novel Formulations of Humic acid, Lignin, and Lignite Grafted Hydrogels for the Slow Release of Thiamethoxam
Authors: Manu  , Kumar Devendra , Gupta Rajinder K.
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study is to explore the novel use of natural polymers like Humic acid, Lignin, and Lignite based hydrogels for the formulation of pesticides and fertilizers that would reduce the residues in soil and run‐off water that pose a threat to human health and the environment. We synthesized hydrogels by grafting Humic acid, lignin, and lignite onto acrylic acid with N′N‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) for the ex‐situ encapsulation of thiamethoxam, a common pesticide. Various characterization techniques including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, Carbon‐13 Solid‐state Cross‐Polarization Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, X‐ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Rheology were employed. The release kinetics of thiamethoxam in water from the developed formulations were analyzed using the Korsmeyer‐ Peppas model and the Weibull model. Humic acid and lignin‐based hydrogels exhibited a long‐sustained release for 49 hours, followed by lignite‐based hydrogels (38 hours). According to ANOVA results, the change of biopolymer proved to be an effective factor in reducing the water evaporation rate, which decreased from 99 % to 72.85 % in the soil amended with synthesized hydrogels. In conclusion, the novel formulations of humic acid, lignin, and lignite exhibit potential as slow‐release vehicles for pesticides and fertilizers. This study provides valuable insights for the research community, addressing the need to develop effective strategies for mitigating pesticide residues in soil and water bodies.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polymer Particles as Metal‐Free Catalysts for Electrooxidation and Methanolysis of Sodium Borohydride
Authors: Gokkus Kutalmis , Kaya Sefika , Yildiz Derya , Saka Ceren , Gür Mahmut , Bütün Vural , Kivrak Hilal
Published: July 2024

In this study, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether/diethylenetriamine (TD) and glutaraldehyde/diethylenetriamine (GD) polymer particles are synthesized as catalysts for hydrogen production from NaBH4 methanolysis and NaBH4 electrooxidation. SEM, FT‐IR and TGA characterization methods are applied to determine the surface morphologies, chemical structures, thermal stability and decomposition of the synthesized polymer particles. The parameters affecting the hydrogen generation rate on NaBH4 methanolysis are investigated and optimum conditions are determined. Under optimum conditions, the hydrogen generation rates of TD and GD polymer particles are obtained as 34903.2 and 97998 mL/min.gcat, respectively. The activation energies of TD and GD polymer particles are also calculated as 16.86 and 18.14 kJ/mol, respectively. The catalytic activities of polymer particles as anode catalysts in NaBH4 electrooxidation are determined by CV, CA, EIS analyses. The specific activities of TD and GD polymer particles are acquired as 0.54 and 0.64 mA/cm2, respectively. These results indicate that the synthesized polymer particles are promising catalysts for electrooxidation and methanolysis of sodium borohydride.
Flavonoids from Pancratium aegyptiacum M. Roem.: Exploring the Potential Anti‐Alzheimer's Activity through Network Pharmacology and In Silico Analysis
Authors: Ragab Nermin A. , El Shabrawy Mona O. , Farid Mai M. , Marzouk Mona M.
Published: July 2024

The repurposing of therapeutic and preventive strategies against Alzheimer's disease (AD) is progressing rapidly. Pancratium aegyptiacum has been found to possess considerable anticholinesterase potential attributed to its alkaloid contents. In this study, the potential anti‐Alzheimer's activity of isolated flavonoids from P. aegyptiacum was investigated through computational analysis, focusing on the flavonoids rather than their well‐known alkaloids. Molecular docking was performed against three crucial targets involved in the development of AD, and the isolated phytoconstituents were analysed against these targets. Pathway enrichment analyses were also established, additionally, ADMETlab and PASS web servers predicted the pharmacological properties and potential biological functions of the isolated flavonoids. The phytochemical analysis of P. aegyptiacum aerial parts revealed the isolation and identification of eleven flavonoids. They were identified as derivatives of kaempferol (Km), quercetin (Qn) and isorhamnetin (Is). Our investigation revealed that these phytoconstituents potentially act against AD, with several phytochemicals showing superior binding affinity against essential AD targets. The Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Reactome pathway enrichment database revealed that isolated phytochemicals may have a role in regulating the immune pathway directly correlated to AD. Additionally, these phytochemicals exhibited lower toxicity with pleiotropic biological activities, including dementia treatment and neurotrophic factor enhancement.
Assessment of 3‐Amino‐Benzoic Acid Methyl Ester Derivatives as Glutathione S‐Transferase and Glutathione Reductase Inhibitor: Supported by Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Korkmaz Işıl Nihan , Güller Pınar , Kalın Ramazan , Özdemir Hasan
Published: July 2024

GSTs catalyze detoxification reactions of harmful xenobiotics via conjugation with glutathione (GSH) while glutathione reductase (GR) is the sole enzyme that acts in the recovery reaction of GSH from oxidized glutathione (GSSG). In this study, in vitro inhibitory impacts of 3‐amino‐benzoic acid methyl ester compounds on GR and GST were investigated. For this firstly, GR and GST were obtained from human blood with specific activity of 6.26 EU/mg protein and 8.57 EU/mg protein respectively. Then, inhibition studies were performed. It was found that methyl 3‐amino‐5‐chlorobenzoate had the highest inhibitory effect on hGR with Ki value of 0.524±0.109 μM) and methyl 3‐amino‐4‐nitrobenzoate was the most effective inhibitor on hGST with Ki value of 37.05±4.487 μM. Besides, molecular docking analysis was used to estimate the binding energies of molecules. Methyl 3‐amino‐4‐nitrobenzoate and methyl 3‐amino‐4‐chlorobenzoate were predicted to have the highest binding affinity into GR and GST receptors respectively.
Design and Synthesis of β‐O‐Glucosylated 5‐(Arylidene)‐6‐Aminouracils: Towards Water‐Soluble 8‐Aryl Xanthines as Effective Enzyme Inhibitors
Authors: Poslu Ayşe Halıç , Ertik Onur , Abul Nurgül , Telli Fatma Çetin , Gülçin İlhami , Koz Ömer , Koz Gamze
Published: July 2024

8‐Aryl xanthines are selective enzyme inhibitors modified from naturally occurring methylxanthines. However, the low water solubility of substituted xanthines restricts their clinical applications. We developed a strategy to improve the water solubility of biologically privileged 8‐aryl xanthines. A series of glucosylated 5‐(arylidene)‐6‐aminouracil was synthesized as 8‐aryl‐1,3‐dimethyl xanthine precursors and fully characterized with spectroscopic methods. Koenigs‐Knorr reaction was used to synthesize β‐O‐glucosylated aromatic aldehydes which were then reacted with 5,6‐diamino‐1,3‐dimethyluracil to obtain the corresponding 5‐(arylidene)‐6‐aminouracils. The strategy was validated by the ring‐closing reaction of a β‐O‐glucosylated 5‐(arylidene)‐6‐aminouracil derivative with iodine (I2) in dimethoxyethane. The water solubility of the glucosylated 8‐aryl‐1,3‐dimethyl xanthine and its non‐glycosylated counterpart was compared. Glucosylation improved the water solubility of the compound. The effect of glucosylation on the bioactivity of the compounds was investigated by measuring their inhibition effect on some common enzymes. The glucosylated 8‐aryl xanthine demonstrated significantly better efficiency. Molecular docking was performed to elucidate the ligand‐protein interactions. Since the target enzymes are primarily related to brain disorders, the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) penetration ability of 8‐aryl xanthine partners was investigated. According to adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions, glucosylated 8‐aryl xanthine was found to be BBB permeable.
Organic Cation Modulation in Manganese Halides to Optimize Crystallization Process and X‐Ray Response Toward Large‐Area Scintillator Screen
Authors: Wang Shuo , Chen Huanyu , Xu Youkui , Peng Guoqiang , Wang Haoxu , Li Qijun , Zhou Xufeng , Li ZhenHua , Wang Qian , Jin Zhiwen
Published: July 2024

Manganese halides are one of the most potential candidates for large‐area flat‐panel detection owing to their biological safety and all‐solution preparation. However, reducing photon scattering and enhancing the efficient luminescence of scintillator screens remains a challenge due to their uncontrollable crystallization and serious nonradiative recombination. Herein, an organic cation modulation is reported to control the crystallization process and enhance the luminescence properties of manganese halides. Given the industrial requirements of the X‐ray flat‐panel detector, the large‐area A2MnBr4 screen (900 cm2) with excellent uniformity is blade‐coated at 60 °C. Theoretical calculations and in situ measurements reveal that organic cations with larger steric hindrance can slow down the crystallization of the screen, thus neatening the crystal arrangement and reducing the photon scattering. Moreover, larger steric hindrance can also endow the material with higher exciton binding energy, which is beneficial for restraining nonradiative recombination. Therefore, the BPP2MnBr4 (BPP = C25H22P+) screen with larger steric hindrance exhibits a superior spatial resolution (>20 lp mm−1) and ultra‐low detection limit (< 250 nGyair s−1). This is the first time steric hindrance modulation is used in blade‐coated scintillator screens, and it believes this study will provide some guidance for the development of high‐performance manganese halide scintillators.
Promoting social and human factors through a gamified automotive software development environment
Authors: Gasca‐Hurtado Gloria Piedad , Muñoz Mirna , Sameh Samer
Published: July 2024

Gamification is an attractive strategy for different contexts, including software process improvement, where it presents positive results associated with increased factors such as motivation and others classified into social and human factors. Such factors are required to improve software processes in the automotive industry due to the influence of changes in the conditions and the behavior of individuals. However, the treatment of gamification strategies requires rigor at a scientific level. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze critical dimensions such as the gamification maturity level, the ability to intervene, and the influence of social and human factors. Such analysis is motivated by the relationship between social and human factors and the success of a process improvement. The above justifies the researchers' interest in this article in analyzing a gamification strategy implemented in the automotive industry from such dimensions. Therefore, this article presents the analysis from the point of view of developing software‐controlled systems in automobiles. Besides, it uses a deductive approach to conduct this analysis to abstract all the design aspects of a strategy created and implemented in a software development automotive environment. One of the most representative findings of this study is the strategy's capacity to promote SHF, which identifies motivation, commitment, team cohesion, emotional intelligence, and autonomy.