bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Design Rules: A Multidomain Perspective
Authors: Brusoni Stefano , Prencipe Andrea
Published: March 2006

Design rules allocate functions to modules, identify operating principles, and set interfaces among modules that determine how organizations evolve. A case study of radical innovation in tire manufacturing illustrates the transition from old to new design rules through the joint adaptation of the manufacturing organization and the product to reflect changes in the underlying engineering knowledge. The case shows how knowledge evolution mediates organizational and technological change and makes any organization design openended and evolving.
Mitigating Hazards Through Continuing Design: The Birth and Evolution of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Madsen Peter , Desai Vinit , Roberts Karlene , Wong Daniel
Published: March 2006

Often, researchers study organizations in which design is largely in place and the design process is shrouded in the distant past. However, the design process can have dramatic implications for how organizations function. This paper reports a specific attempt to design one organizational subunit, a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), to function under difficult circumstances. The founders aimed to create a highly reliable and safe unit, but implementing their vision required continuous effort. The unit needed constant buffering from external pressures and a dissimilar parent organization, and these forces shaped the unit’s ultimate design. Through the presentation of this case, we discuss the impact of design on the organization, its members, and the larger hospital organization to which the unit belonged. The study reveals that the PICU’s design was an ongoing effort and its most stable component was a vision of distributed knowledge and decentralized intensive care. We conclude by discussing implications of the case for organizational design theory and practice.
Recent incremental health care reforms in the US: a way forward or false promise?
Authors: Waddan Alex , Jaenicke Douglas
Published: March 2006

English

US health care is well known for its high cost and high levels of uninsurance. Following the political failure of the Clinton health care reform plan many commentators suggested that incremental reform was the way to remedy these problems. To be transformative, however, incrementalism must entail more than the claim that incremental reforms are politically viable; rather, such reforms must represent a coherent strategy. To evaluate the prescription of incrementalism, this article assesses a range of recent incremental health care reforms. It concludes that these did not constitute a coordinated and consistent strategy, leaving the case for incrementalism unproven.
Factor VII Gene Haplotypes and Risk of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Funk Marion , Endler Georg , Lalouschek Wolfgang , Hsieh Kety , Schillinger Martin , Lang Wilfried , Mannhalter Christine
Published: March 2006

Background: Coagulation factor VII (FVII) plays an important role in the activation of blood coagulation and clot formation. Recent studies have provided evidence for an association between common polymorphic markers in the FVII gene and plasma FVII concentrations. The 353R>Q sequence variation, and 3 common sequence variations in the promoter of the FVII gene—the 10-bp insertion/deletion at position −323 and the −401G>T and −402G>A sequence variations—are well-known determinants of circulating FVII concentrations.

Methods: To clarify the role of these sequence variations in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke, we performed a case–control study with 242 patients with ischemic stroke before the age of 60 years and 239 healthy controls.

Results: The −323 insertion/deletion and the 353R>Q and −401G>T sequence variations were in strong linkage disequilibrium, and the resulting haplotypes occurred with equal frequencies in patients and controls. The variant form of FVII (−402G>A) occurred only in combination with the common (wild-type) sequences at all other loci. This haplotype was more frequent in patients than in healthy controls (28% vs 22%). The difference in the prevalence of carriers of this haplotype among patients and controls was statistically significant (P = 0.03; odds ratio = 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.6).

Conclusion: According to our results, the FVII −402A allele seems to increase the risk of early ischemic cerebrovascular events, whereas the 353R>Q, G−401T, and −323ins/del sequence variations, which are in close linkage disequilibrium, apparently do not influence the risk of stroke.
Relationship of Adiponectin with Markers of Systemic Inflammation, Atherogenic Dyslipidemia, and Heart Failure in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: von Eynatten Maximilian , Hamann Andreas , Twardella Dorothee , Nawroth Peter P , Brenner Hermann , Rothenbacher Dietrich
Published: March 2006

Background: Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, appears to be a modulator of lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation and is present in particularly low concentrations in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the clinical importance of adiponectin in individuals at markedly high risk for future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been fully elucidated. We examined the associations between serum adiponectin and several biomarkers related to cardiovascular disease and heart failure in a large high-risk population comprising patients with prevalent CHD.

Methods: We measured fasting adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and markers of lipoprotein metabolism in 1174 patients with CHD.

Results: After adjustment for age and sex, adiponectin was associated with HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C; r = 0.25; P <0.0001), NT-proBNP (r = 0.17; P <0.0001), and plasma triglyceride (r = −0.21; P <0.0001) concentrations. There was, however, no statistically significant association between adiponectin and markers of systemic inflammation. In partial correlation analyses further adjusted for body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking status, presence of diabetes and/or hypertension, lipid-lowering drug therapy, and fasting plasma glucose, adiponectin remained significantly associated with HDL-C (r = 0.21; P <0.0001), NT-proBNP (r = 0.15; P <0.0001), and plasma triglycerides (r = −0.16; P <0.0001).

Conclusions: Serum adiponectin is associated with the presence of atherogenic dyslipidemia and with NT-proBNP concentration but not with markers of systemic inflammation in patients with manifest CHD. Thus, atherogenic dyslipidemia may link adiponectin with the progression of atherosclerosis. Moreover, serum adiponectin may be related to BNP in patients with CHD.
Simultaneous Determination of 7 N-Acetyltransferase-2 Single-Nucleotide Variations by Allele-Specific Primer Extension Assay
Authors: Zhu Yusheng , Hein David W , Doll Mark A , Reynolds Kristen K , Abudu Ntei , Valdes Roland , Linder Mark W
Published: March 2006

Background: Genotyping of N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) is useful in predicting the risk for toxicity of NAT2 substrates. Current methods cannot detect the 7 most important single-nucleotide variations in NAT2 simultaneously in 1 tube.

Methods: We developed an assay that uses allele-specific primer extension (ASPE) and microsphere hybridization for the simultaneous detection of 7 single-nucleotide variations in NAT2. Using 12 samples previously genotyped by a TaqMan-based assay for method development and as positive controls, we amplified the genetic locus of NAT2 comprising the single-nucleotide variations of interest by PCR and then performed ASPE with allele-specific primers and biotinylated dCTP followed by bead hybridization and streptavidin–R-phycoerythrin binding. Genotypes were determined according to the allele-specific fluorescent signal ratios.

Results: The mean (SD) allelic ratios for homozygous common, heterozygous variant, and homozygous variant NAT2 genotypes were 0.0394 (0.0113) (n = 80), 0.4372 (0.0270) (n = 148), and 0.9331 (0.0127) (n = 325). The assay had 100% (95% confidence interval, 99%–100%) within-run reproducibility for 12 samples repeated 6 times and 100% (98%–100%) between-run reproducibility for a 5-sample subset run on 6 different days. NAT2 genotypes of 30 blinded samples determined by this assay were 100% (98%–100%) concordant with results obtained using the TaqMan method.

Conclusions: The developed assay can simultaneously determine single-nucleotide variations in NAT2. The assay demonstrates no overlap in allele-specific signal ratios between homozygous common, heterozygous, and homozygous variant and shows agreement with a reference method and reproducibility of genotype identification.
Reference Limits for Erythema‐effective UV Doses
Authors: Gambichler T. , Moussa G. , Tomi N. S. , Paech V. , Altmeyer P. , Kreuter A.
Published: March 2006

Diagnostic phototesting, including the determination of the minimal erythema dose (MED), is a useful procedure to detect abnormal sensitivity to UV radiation. We aimed to estimate the reference limits (RLs) of the MED in a reasonably large reference sample of white individuals. Skin phototypes and MED values for broadband UVB and for UVA were determined in 461 white subjects. When appropriate, the 95% reference intervals, including the 0.025 fractile and 0.975 fractile, were computed for the MED‐UVB reference values (by means of parametric methods) and the MED‐UVA reference values (by means of nonparametric methods). MED data were also converted to standard erythema doses (SEDs). As described elsewhere we observed a considerable overlap of MED values for all skin phototypes and confirmed that age and sex do not substantially influence the MED. The lower RLs observed for MED‐UVB were 33 mJ cm−2 (0.5 SEDs) and for MED‐UVA 12.6 mJ cm−2 (1.2 SEDs). The MED and SED findings from this investigation may serve as reference data for white individuals and give support to the clinician in differentiating between normal and pathologically abnormal photosensitivity. Although the MED data given here are limited to the phototest device used in the present study, the SED results establish comparability between our data and phototest results obtained from laboratories using different UV sources.
Binding of Warfarin Influences the Acid‐Base Equilibrium of H242 in Sudlow Site I of Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Perry Jennifer L. , Goldsmith Michael R. , Williams T. Richard , Radack Kyle P. , Christensen Trine , Gorham Justin , Pasquinelli Melissa A. , Toone Eric J. , Beratan David N. , Simon John D.
Published: March 2006

Sudlow Site I of human serum albumin (HSA) is located in subdomain IIA of the protein and serves as a binding cavity for a variety of ligands. In this study, the binding of warfarin (W) is examined using computational techniques and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The structure of the docked warfarin anion (W−) to Site I is similar to that revealed by X‐ray crystallography, with a calculated binding constant of 5.8 × 105M−1. ITC experiments (pH 7.13 and I = 0.1) carried out in three different buffers (MOPs, phosphate and Tris) reveal binding of W− is accompanied by uptake of 0.30 ± 0.02 protons from the solvent. This measurement suggests that the binding of W− is stabilized by an ion‐pair interaction between protonated H242 and the phenoxide group of W−.
Accuracy of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot’s Interpretation of Clinical Ophthalmic Images
Authors: Mihalache Andrew , Huang Ryan S. , Popovic Marko M. , Patil Nikhil S. , Pandya Bhadra U. , Shor Reut , Pereira Austin , Kwok Jason M. , Yan Peng , Wong David T. , Kertes Peter J. , Muni Rajeev H.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Ophthalmology is reliant on effective interpretation of multimodal imaging to ensure diagnostic accuracy. The new ability of ChatGPT-4 (OpenAI) to interpret ophthalmic images has not yet been explored.

Objective

To evaluate the performance of the novel release of an artificial intelligence chatbot that is capable of processing imaging data.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used a publicly available dataset of ophthalmic cases from OCTCases, a medical education platform based out of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto, with accompanying clinical multimodal imaging and multiple-choice questions. Across 137 available cases, 136 contained multiple-choice questions (99%).

Exposures

The chatbot answered questions requiring multimodal input from October 16 to October 23, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the accuracy of the chatbot in answering multiple-choice questions pertaining to image recognition in ophthalmic cases, measured as the proportion of correct responses. χ2 Tests were conducted to compare the proportion of correct responses across different ophthalmic subspecialties.

Results

A total of 429 multiple-choice questions from 136 ophthalmic cases and 448 images were included in the analysis. The chatbot answered 299 of multiple-choice questions correctly across all cases (70%). The chatbot’s performance was better on retina questions than neuro-ophthalmology questions (77% vs 58%; difference = 18%; 95% CI, 7.5%-29.4%; χ21 = 11.4; P < .001). The chatbot achieved a better performance on nonimage–based questions compared with image-based questions (82% vs 65%; difference = 17%; 95% CI, 7.8%-25.1%; χ21 = 12.2; P < .001).The chatbot performed best on questions in the retina category (77% correct) and poorest in the neuro-ophthalmology category (58% correct). The chatbot demonstrated intermediate performance on questions from the ocular oncology (72% correct), pediatric ophthalmology (68% correct), uveitis (67% correct), and glaucoma (61% correct) categories.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, the recent version of the chatbot accurately responded to approximately two-thirds of multiple-choice questions pertaining to ophthalmic cases based on imaging interpretation. The multimodal chatbot performed better on questions that did not rely on the interpretation of imaging modalities. As the use of multimodal chatbots becomes increasingly widespread, it is imperative to stress their appropriate integration within medical contexts.
Multi‐Factor Modulated Organic Bulk Heterojunction Synaptic Transistor Enabled by Ligand Engineering for Centrosymmetric In‐Sensor Computing
Authors: Li Enlong , Wang Xiumei , Yu Xipeng , Yu Rengjian , Li Wenwu , Guo Tailiang , Chu Junhao , Chen Huipeng
Published: February 2024

Efficient in‐sensor computing necessitates linear, bidirectional, and centrosymmetric photoresponse weight updates; however, the realization of these attributes poses a persistent challenge, with most photosensor devices achieving linear analog weight updates while falling short of accomplishing bidirectional and centrosymmetric characteristics. Here, the development of a quantum dot (QD)–based bulk heterojunction synaptic transistor (QBST) with multi‐factor modulation through surface ligand engineering of blend QDs is reported. By controlling the charge transmission between QDs and the semiconductor, the QBST device enables tunable fading memory, which transforms linear weight updates in short‐chain devices into linear, bidirectional, and unprecedented centrosymmetric optical synaptic responses in long‐chain devices. Moreover, through the synergy of chemical and electric factors, the convolutional kernel of QBSTs‐based convolutional neural network realizes enhanced recognition for complex noisy fashion‐costume images, achieving an impressive 90.3% accuracy in the long‐chain device, highlighting the efficiency of centrosymmetric weight updates. The results demonstrate that surface ligand engineering offers a promising approach for customizable synaptic modulation, facilitating energy‐ and time‐efficient in‐sensor computing.
Polymer Hydrogel‐Based Multifunctional Theranostics for Managing Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Gong Xia , Yang Jian , Zheng Ying , Chen Shuijin , Duan Hong , Gao Jie , Haick Hossam , Yi Changqing , Jiang Lelun
Published: February 2024

Chronic, non‐healing wounds pose significant challenges for public health, particularly in the context of diabetes, and carry significant economic consequences. This article introduces a new solution in the form of a wireless theranostic patch, developed to meet the critical need for real‐time monitoring and targeted treatments to facilitate optimal healing. The patch incorporates advanced materials that are both multifunctional and electro‐responsive, leveraging a sophisticated blend of smart hydrogels and wearable bioelectronics to support diabetic wound management with unparalleled efficacy. With electro‐responsive multifunctional polymer hydrogels at its core, the patch delivers a stretchable, antimicrobial, and moist environment for the wound, with added benefits such as conductivity and visibility. The materials also allow for continuous and autonomous monitoring of glucose and pH levels, providing precise and personalized treatments like insulin delivery via iontophoresis and electrical stimulation. Animal models have demonstrated that this integrated system is highly adaptable, effectively promoting wound closure and healing. Overall, the wireless theranostic system offers an exciting prospect for personalized healthcare solutions, adopting a patient‐centric approach that prioritizes real‐time, targeted care for chronic wounds. Its incorporation of advanced materials and electro‐controlled treatments paves the way for new and innovative approaches to wound management.
Achieving Bright and Long‐Lived Aqueous Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence of Carbon Nitrogen Dots Through In Situ Host–Guest Binding
Authors: Li Jie , Zhou Heng , Jin Shan , Xu Bin , Teng Qian , Li Chenhao , Li Jinsui , Li Qijun , Gao Zhenhua , Zhu Chaofeng , Wang Zifei , Su Wen , Yuan Fanglong
Published: February 2024

The development of bright and long‐lived aqueous room‐temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials holds paramount importance in broadening the application scope of RTP material system. However, the conventional RTP materials usually exhibit low efficiency and short lifetime in aqueous solution. Herein, an in situ host–guest strategy is proposed to achieve cyanuric acid (CA)‐derived phosphorescent carbon nitrogen dots (CNDs) composite (CNDs@CA) that demonstrates a significant enhancement of both quantum yield (QY) and lifetime mediated by water. Detailed investigations reveal that the robust hydrogen bonding networks between CNDs@CA and water effectively stabilize triplet excitons and suppress nonradiative decays, as well as facilitate efficient energy transfer from CA to CNDs, thereby prolonging the lifetime and enhancing the efficiency of RTP. The phosphorescent QY and lifetime of CNDs@CA can be increased to 26.89% (3.9‐fold increase) and 951.25 ms (5.5‐fold increase), respectively, with the incorporation of 50 wt% water under ambient conditions. Even in fully aqueous environments (with up to 400 wt% water added), CNDs@CA exhibits persistent water‐boosted RTP properties, demonstrating exceptional stability. The robust water‐boosted RTP property of CNDs@CA in aqueous solutions presents significant potential for high signal‐to‐noise ratio afterglow bioimaging as well as advanced information encryption.
Winter cover cropping to improve soil health in semiarid, irrigated cropping systems of Central Oregon
Authors: Sullivan Clare S. , Kleber Markus
Published: February 2024

A 1‐year experiment was conducted in Madras, OR, to examine the ability of winter cover crops (CCs) to improve physical, chemical, and biological soil properties over a bare fallow control. Competition for water is frequently seen as an obstacle to cover cropping in semiarid, irrigated systems. Benefits from CCs need to be demonstrated and quantified in regions such as Central Oregon's high desert for growers to make cost/benefit analysis decisions. To support such decisions, the effect of eight winter CC treatments (two brassicas, four legumes, two cereal mixtures) on five agronomic parameters and 39 soil health indicators (0–5 cm) were measured in the spring of 2019 after 8 months of CC growth. We identified four soil indicator response patterns in reference to the fallow: (i) steady improvement over fallow across all CCs (16 indicators, with hairy vetch and turnip being most efficient); (ii) marked improvement over fallow but somewhat constant response among CCs (organic C and N, surface hardness); (iii) negligible change from fallow; and (iv) varied response to CCs including both a deterioration and an improvement of soil health. Overall, 13 soil health indicators and five agronomic parameters responded significantly to CC treatment. CCs generated a stronger response of soil chemical and biological parameters than physical (average 82%, 79%, and 18% improvement over fallow, respectively). Hairy vetch had the greatest positive impact on soil biological and chemical properties but the lowest average impact on physical indicators. Winter CCs do offer soil health benefits in Central Oregon but should not be viewed as a short‐term fix to physical soil deficiencies. Our study provides strong evidence for the general ability of CCs to improve soil health in water‐limited systems. It also demonstrates the need for further studies focused on multiyear rotations, especially related to the improvement of soil physical properties such as soil moisture availability.
Sophorolipid‐mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles for antimicrobial starch nanocomposite films
Authors: Silveira Victória Akemi Itakura , Filipe Giovanna Amaral , Bigotto Briani Gisele , Gonçalves Marcelly Chue , Baldo Cristiani , Mali Suzana , Kobayashi Renata Katsuko Takayama , Nakazato Gerson , Bidóia Danielle Lazarin , Nakamura Celso Vataru , Celligoi Maria Antonia Pedrine Colabone
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles with sophorolipids (AgNP‐SL) and develop starch nanocomposite films with improved properties to be explored in food packaging applications. AgNP‐SL were spherical and highly stable, with an average size of 61.46 nm. They also demonstrated potent antibacterial action against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, revealing its promising application for antimicrobial packaging. The addition of AgNP‐SL into films resulted in color changes, which could contribute to a better UV‐barrier capacity. Nanoparticles and tartaric acid incorporation resulted in a heterogeneous matrix, suggesting chemical interactions between the compounds and the biopolymer. The nanocomposite films presented thermal stability, enhanced flexibility, and antimicrobial action against E. coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, and S. aureus. The combination of AgNP‐SL and tartaric acid resulted in pronounced bactericidal properties. The results demonstrate the great potential of these nanocomposite films as an effective packaging material against foodborne pathogens.
Updated overall survival and circulating tumor DNA analysis of ensartinib for crizotinib‐refractory ALK‐positive NSCLC from a phase II study
Authors: Zheng Jing , Wang Tao , Yang Yunpeng , Huang Jie , Feng Jifeng , Zhuang Wu , Chen Jianhua , Zhao Jun , Zhong Wei , Zhao Yanqiu , Zhang Yiping , Song Yong , Hu Yi , Yu Zhuang , Gong Youling , Chen Yuan , Ye Feng , Zhang Shucai , Cao Lejie , Fan Yun , Wu Gang , Guo Yubiao , Zhou Chengzhi , Ma Kewei , Fang Jian , Feng Weineng , Liu Yunpeng , Zheng Zhendong , Li Gaofeng , Wang Huijie , Cang Shundong , Wu Ning , Song Wei , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhao Shijun , Ding Lieming , Selvaggi Giovanni , Wang Yang , Xiao Shanshan , Wang Qian , Shen Zhilin , Zhou Jianya , Zhou Jianying , Zhang Li
Published: February 2024

Background

The initial phase II stuty (NCT03215693) demonstrated that ensartinib has shown clinical activity in patients with advanced crizotinib‐refractory, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we reported the updated data on overall survival (OS) and molecular profiling from the initial phase II study.

Methods

In this study, 180 patients received 225 mg of ensartinib orally once daily until disease progression, death or withdrawal. OS was estimated by Kaplan‒Meier methods with two‐sided 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Next‐generation sequencing was employed to explore prognostic biomarkers based on plasma samples collected at baseline and after initiating ensartinib. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was detected to dynamically monitor the genomic alternations during treatment and indicate the existence of molecular residual disease, facilitating improvement of clinical management.

Results

At the data cut‐off date (August 31, 2022), with a median follow‐up time of 53.2 months, 97 of 180 (53.9%) patients had died. The median OS was 42.8 months (95% CI: 29.3‐53.2 months). A total of 333 plasma samples from 168 patients were included for ctDNA analysis. An inferior OS correlated significantly with baseline ALK or tumor protein 53 (TP53) mutation. In addition, patients with concurrent TP53 mutations had shorter OS than those without concurrent TP53 mutations. High ctDNA levels evaluated by variant allele frequency (VAF) and haploid genome equivalents per milliliter of plasma (hGE/mL) at baseline were associated with poor OS. Additionally, patients with ctDNA clearance at 6 weeks and slow ascent growth had dramatically longer OS than those with ctDNA residual and fast ascent growth, respectively. Furthermore, patients who had a lower tumor burden, as evaluated by the diameter of target lesions, had a longer OS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis further uncovered the independent prognostic values of bone metastases, higher hGE, and elevated ALK mutation abundance at 6 weeks.

Conclusion

Ensartinib led to a favorable OS in patients with advanced, crizotinib‐resistant, and ALK‐positive NSCLC. Quantification of ctDNA levels also provided valuable prognostic information for risk stratification.
Infected charcot spine
Authors: Yoshizato Hiromu , Morimoto Tadatsugu , Nonaka Toshihiro , Hirata Hirohito , Mawatari Masaaki
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

Patients with an infected charcot spine (ICS) may experience little or no back pain despite severe vertebral destruction. Understanding the pathophysiology underlying ICS and its differential diagnoses is crucial for its accurate diagnosis. Worsening symptoms of chronic charcot spine should raise suspicions of an infection.
Chemogenetic Tools in Focus: Proximity, Conformation, and Sterics
Authors: Shen Jiaqi , Zhou Guanwei , Wang Wenjing
Published: February 2024

Chemogenetic tools are genetically encoded systems regulated by user‐defined chemicals. Their ability to temporally modulate protein functions in specific cell populations has facilitated in‐depth understanding of dynamic biological systems. Many chemogenetic domains have been developed for regulating a wide range of biological processes, ranging from cellular events to animal behaviors. These tools share some common mechanisms, including proximity regulation, conformational change and allosteric control, as well as steric hinderance control. Here in this review, we aim to provide an overview of different chemogenetic tool designs that utilize the above three common mechanisms to control cellular events.
Unleashing the Potential of Boron Nitride Spheres for High‐Performance Thermal Management
Authors: Jiang Hongbo , Cai Qiran , Mateti Srikanth , Shao Hao , Sathikumar Gautham , Zeng Xiaoliang , Sun Rong , Huang Shaoming , Zhi Chunyi , Chen Ying Ian
Published: February 2024

Highly integrated and miniaturized electronic devices require advanced thermal management techniques to improve reliability and performance. Thanks to their high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are commomly used as fillers to construct thermally conductive polymer composites for heat dissipation. However, the BNNS reinforced composites exhibit anisotropic thermal conductivity due to the anisotropic structure of BNNSs. Micro‐sized boron nitride spheres (BNSs) with isotropic thermal conductivity are considered one of the best solutions. Nevertheless, precisely measuring the thermal conductivity of BNSs remains a challenge, limiting the understanding of the thermal transport mechanism. Herein, we have successfully estimated the thermal conductivity of BNSs using the laser flash method. Factors influencing BNSs’ thermal conductivity, including precursor, polymer binder and sintering temperature, are also investigated. Under optimized conditions, BNSs exhibit high, isotropic thermal conductivity of 37.2±2.5 W/(m ⋅ K), and the BNS pellet outperforms its h‐BN counterpart in heat dissipation for an LED light. This superiority is attributed to outstanding heat transfer performance in the cross‐plane direction, in addition to high in‐plane thermal conductivity. This study provides a feasible method to estimate the thermal conductivity of spherical materials and highlights promising boron nitride materials with isotropic thermal conductivity for heat dissipation in advanced electronics.
FogSec: A secure and effective mutual authentication scheme for fog computing
Authors: Raja Sree Thankaraja , Harish R. , Veni T.
Published: February 2024

As opposed to cloud servers, fog servers, and fog users may be malicious, so developing a mutual identity‐preserving authentication mechanism between them is a crucial and difficult problem in fog computing. Such a technique must conceal the user's true identity from the adversary; otherwise, the adversary will be able to determine which fog user and fog server are in communication. This article suggests a secure and reliable anonymous mutual authentication system for use at the network's edge between fog users and fog servers. With the aid of the registration authority (RA) in our system, they can verify one another and decide on a new session key that will be used to encrypt messages throughout the session. Fog users don't need to re‐register with RA to wander freely over the network and authenticate to any fog server that is within their range. The proposed technique only needs a small number of symmetric encryption/decryption and one‐way hash functions, making it easy to implement for fog‐user devices with limited resources. The new scheme's performance is evaluated in comparison to the existing one, showing that it is more resilient to various types of assaults (such as known plaintext attacks, man‐in‐the‐middle attacks, session hijacking, etc.). The widely used Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications tool is used to verify the proposed system. The outcomes demonstrate that our approach can safely withstand different attacks and accomplish the desired outcomes. Additionally, the proposed method is tested in real‐world scenarios with the NS3 simulator.
Phase Evolution, Dielectric, and Electric Behavior of Sm‐Doped BCTO Ceramic Fabricated by Semi‐Wet Method
Authors: Prajapati Dinesh , Rai Vishnu Shankar , Kumar Atendra , Singh N. B. , Verma Harish , Upadhyay Shail , Mandal K. D
Published: February 2024

Bi(2/3)‐xSmxCu3Ti4O12 (BSCTO x = 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20) ceramics are synthesized using semi‐wet technique and an extensive investigation into their structural, morphological, and elemental properties, alongside dielectric and impedance behaviors, is meticulously carried out. X‐ray powder diffraction analysis unequivocally confirmed the formation of a monophasic BCTO cubic phase without any discernible secondary phases. and the crystallite size of the BSCTO ceramic, obtained by X‐ray diffraction  using Debye Scherrer formula, range from 62 to 81 nm. Rietveld analysis reveals that ceramics have a body centered cubic structure with space group Im‐3. The Scanning electron microscope image displays the dense microstructure of the ceramics, while EDX analysis unveils the elemental composition of resulting products. Doping with Sm3+ induced a notable reduction in grain size, as observed through Scanning electron microscope and Atomic Force Microscope analyses, indicating Sm3+ hindered grain growth during sintering, potentially resulting in reduced dielectric constant (ε′). Dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the composition (x = 0.2) are found to be 152 and 0.04, respectively at room temperature (1 kHz). Impedance characteristics revealed a substantial increase in grain boundary resistance, leading to improved dielectric loss. The AC conductivity of BSCTO ceramics exhibited a frequency‐dependent increase satisfying to Johncher's power law.
The origin of 2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐methylamphetamine (DOM, STP)
Authors: Trout Keeper , Daley Paul F.
Published: February 2024

The story of the 1967 appearance of the powerful psychedelic 2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐methylamphetamine (DOM, STP) commonly omits details and often includes hyperbole and inaccuracies. It is well known how and when the drug was first distributed to the public for free by Owsley Stanley, but the role that Alexander Shulgin played in providing that material is not as well understood. In the interest of transparency and historical accuracy, this article attempts to present an accurate account of this well‐known but inadequately detailed event. It follows DOM's development as an experimental substance believed to hold potential promise in psychotherapeutic applications through its appearance as a street drug generating bad press and a lasting bad impression among the public. One of the more interesting questions is why Shulgin would have taken such an immense risk in releasing this material to clandestine operators. While DOM was still legal it was also Dow's intellectual property, so discovery of his involvement could have jeopardized his career. The escape is especially curious as all fingers would logically first point towards Shulgin as the source. Drawing from published and unpublished sources, the authors attempt to suggest answers. DOM rapidly faded into oblivion before human pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics could be established. In this account, the reader is informed of the potential value that the compound played in non‐clinical molecular neuroscience, elucidating receptor specificity of new drugs, and how mistaken warnings about combining DOM with chlorpromazine led to better non‐pharmacological drug crisis response.
One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐(Alkylsulfanyl)quinolines from Aryl Isothiocyanates and Allenes or Alkynes
Authors: Nedolya Nina A. , Tarasova Ol'ga A. , Artem'ev Alexander V. , Albanov Alexander I. , Bagryanskaya Irina Yu. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: February 2024

In this work, a conceptually novel approach to diversely substituted 2‐(alkylsulfanyl)quinolines is described. The approach includes the assembly of the target molecules from allenic or acetylenic carbanions, aromatic isothiocyanates, and alkylating agents. The process proceeds in a single synthetic operation via the formation and 6π‐electrocyclization of N‐aryl‐1‐aza‐1,3,4‐trienes, R2R3C=C=C(R1)C(SAlk)=NAr, with the participation of the carbon‐carbon double bond of the phenyl group and the azadiene fragment of the azatrienic system.
Conservative solution transfer between anisotropic meshes for time‐accurate hybridized discontinuous Galerkin methods
Authors: Levý Tomáš , May Georg
Published: February 2024

We present a hybridized discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) solver for general time‐dependent balance laws. In particular, we focus on a coupling of the solution process for unsteady problems with our anisotropic mesh refinement framework. The goal is to properly resolve all relevant unsteady features with the smallest possible number of mesh elements, and hence to reduce the computational cost of numerical simulations while maintaining its accuracy. A crucial step is then to transfer the numerical solution between two meshes, as the anisotropic mesh adaptation is producing highly skewed, non‐nested sequences of triangular grids. For this purpose, we adopt the Galerkin projection for the HDG solution transfer as it preserves the conservation of physically relevant quantities and does not compromise the accuracy of high‐order method. We present numerical experiments verifying these properties of the anisotropically adaptive HDG method.
Mediating effect of financial inclusion on FinTech innovations and economic development in West Africa: Evidence from the Benin Republic
Authors: Tchidi Guillaume Edou , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2024

Studies from previous literature has exhausted the direct relationship between FinTech innovations and economic development with mixed findings. Thus, the current study investigates the mediating effect of financial inclusion on FinTech innovations and economic development in the Benin Republic. The study is survey research that used a questionnaire from bank customers and residents of suburb areas with a sample size of 357 respondents. The study employed a regression‐based data analysis technique using SPSS and SEM‐PLS 3 software. The results indicate a positive and significant relationship between FinTech and economic development. In addition, there is a positive and significant association between financial inclusion and economic development. The study also reports a positive and significant mediating role of financial inclusion in the relationship between financial technology and economic development. Consequently, the research confirms that financial inclusion serves as a crucial mechanism through which financial technology influences economic development. In light of these findings, it is recommended that efforts to enhance financial inclusion in the Benin Republic should specifically focus on fostering FinTech innovations to support sustainable economic development.
Cultural values, parenting and child adjustment in Colombia
Authors: Di Giunta Laura , Uribe Tirado Liliana Maria , Ruiz Garcia Marcela
Published: February 2024

This study examined associations of mothers' and fathers' individualism, collectivism and conformity values with parenting (warmth, rules/limit‐setting, knowledge solicitation and expectations regarding children's family obligations) and child internalising and externalising behaviours in Colombia. Mothers, fathers and children (N = 100) from Medellín, Colombia were interviewed when children were, on average, 10 years old. Higher maternal collectivism and conformity values were associated with higher maternal warmth and fewer child externalising problems, whereas higher paternal collectivism was associated with lower maternal warmth and more child externalising problems. Fathers' cultural values also were related to their expectations regarding children's family obligations. The findings suggest differences in how mothers' and fathers' cultural values are related to parenting and child adjustment in Colombia, as well as the need to examine cultural values beyond individualism, collectivism and conformity values.
Following in the footsteps of the successful spice farmers: Determinants of spice income in Tanzania
Authors: Kajembe Jacqueline George , Bostedt Göran , Ngaga Yonika M. , Abdallah Jumanne M.
Published: February 2024

Factors influencing spice income in Tanzania are assessed, exploring household effects of spice diversification, socio‐economic and land characteristics on spice income. Spice diversification, household size, age and gender of the household head, non‐spice crops and off‐farm activities are factors influencing spice income. Results indicate that successful farmers can negotiate higher prices for most spices. This suggests that policymakers should encourage farmers to diversify production and supplement their income with non‐spice crops. Promoting cooperation among farmers, improving marketing infrastructure and implementing education programs could equip farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to negotiate prices and reduce income differences among farmers.
Zooplankton in northern lakes show taxon‐specific responses in fatty acids across climate‐productivity and ecosystem size gradients
Authors: Chaguaceda Fernando , Lau Danny C. P. , Goedkoop Willem , Fadhlaoui Mariem , Lavoie Isabelle , Vrede Tobias
Published: February 2024

Northern lakes are facing rapid environmental alterations—including warming, browning, and/or changes in nutrient concentrations—driven by climate change. These environmental changes can have profound impacts on the synthesis and trophic transfer of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are important biochemical molecules for consumer growth and reproduction. Zooplankton are a key trophic link between phytoplankton and fish, but their biochemical responses to environmental change are not well understood. In this study, we assess the trends in fatty acid (FA) composition of zooplankton taxa among 32 subarctic and temperate lakes across broad climate‐productivity and ecosystem size gradients. We found that genus‐level taxonomy explained most FA variability in zooplankton (54%), suggesting that environmental changes that alter the taxonomic composition also affect the FA composition of zooplankton communities. Furthermore, the FA responses and their underlying environmental drivers differed between cladocerans and copepods. Cladocerans, including widespread Bosmina spp. and Daphnia spp., showed pronounced responses across the climate‐productivity gradient, with abrupt declines in PUFA, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid in warmer, browner, and more eutrophic lakes. Conversely, calanoid copepods had high and relatively stable PUFA levels across the gradient. In addition, all zooplankton taxa increased in stearidonic acid levels in larger lakes where PUFA‐rich cryptophytes were more abundant. Overall, our results suggest that climate‐driven environmental alterations pose heterogeneous impacts on PUFA levels among zooplankton taxa, and that the negative impacts of climate warming are stronger for cladocerans, especially so in small lakes.
Wonderings to research questions: Engaging patients in long COVID research prioritization within a learning health system
Authors: Kennedy Ann Blair , Mitcham Ariana , Parris Katherine , Albertson Faith , Sanchez Ferrer Luis , O'Boyle Conor , Patel Maushmi K. , Gartner Tracey , Broomer Amy M. , Katzman Evan , Coffin Jeanette , Grier Jennifer T. , Natafgi Nabil
Published: February 2024

Background

An integral component of research within a learning health system is patient engagement at all stages of the research process. While there are well‐defined best practices for engaging with patients on predetermined research questions, there is little specific methodology for engaging patients at the stage of research question formation and prioritization. Further, with an emerging disease such as Long COVID, population‐specific strategies for meaningful engagement have not been characterized.

Methods

The COVID‐19 Focused Virtual Patient Engagement Studio (CoVIP studio) was a virtual panel created to facilitate patient‐centered studies surrounding the effects of long‐term COVID (“Long COVID”) also known as post‐acute SARS‐CoV‐2 syndrome (PASC). A diverse group of panelists was recruited and trained in several different areas of knowledge, competencies, and abilities regarding research and Long COVID. A three‐step approach was developed that consisted of recording panelists' broad wonderings to generate patient‐specific research questions.

Results

The “wonderings” discussed in panelists' training sessions were analyzed to identify specific populations, interventions, comparators, outcomes, and timeframes (PICOT) elements, which were then used to create a survey to identify the elements of greatest importance to the panel. Based on the findings, 10 research questions were formulated using the PICOT format. The panelists then ranked the questions on perceived order of importance and distributed one million fictional grant dollars between the five chosen questions in the second survey. Through this stepwise prioritization process, the project team successfully translated panelists' research wonderings into investigable research questions.

Conclusion

This methodology has implications for the advancement of patient‐engaged prioritization both within the scope of Long COVID research and in research on other rare or emerging diseases.
Oxidized cellulose as bio‐adhesive for hydrophobic lignocellulosic bioplastic
Authors: Xu Jingliang , Wang Zhiyuan , Alam Asraful , Liu Leiyu , Zhang Shen
Published: February 2024

This study presents a novel hydrophobic lignocellulosic bioplastic from corn stover reinforced by oxidized cellulose and in situ regenerated lignin. Cellulose‐lignin mixture as a matrix was obtained by acid‐recyclable deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment of corn stover in mild conditions. Triethoxy(octyl)silane (C14H32O3Si) was employed to improve the water stability of the bioplastic by vapor deposition. The results show that the hydrophobic bioplastic has a high tensile strength, measuring 62.36 MPa. The water contact angle of the bioplastic was increased from 8.50° to 121.9° after hydrophobic modification. We prepared oxidized cellulose‐reinforced cellulose paper by different particle size distributions of oxidized cellulose to investigate the reinforcement of oxidized cellulose. The tensile strength of oxidized cellulose cellulose paper increased from 14.41 to 21.18 MPa with the addition of oxidized cellulose. The zeta potential of oxidized cellulose is −47.99 mV, which shows a more negative charge due to carbonyl groups. The repulsive force of oxidized cellulose contributes to the formation of a brick‐and‐mortar microstructure with cellulose‐lignin mixture. It demonstrates that oxidized cellulose can act as bio‐adhesives and has a good toughening effect on the mechanical properties of bioplastic.

Highlights

Lignocellulosic bioplastic was prepared by DES pretreatment of corn stover.

Oxidized cellulose was used to reinforce the lignocellulosic bioplastic.

The tensile strength of the bioplastic was 62.36 MPa after the reinforcement process.

Trieth‐oxy(octyl)silane was employed to improve water stability.

The water contact angle of the bioplastic was increased from 8.50° to 121.9°.
Mechanical behavior monitoring of composite hybrid bonded‐riveted joints using high‐stability MXene sensors
Authors: Zhang Lu , Xie Yunqi , Lu Shaowei , Zhang Binbin , Wang Xing , Li Xingliang , Li Wei , Wang Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2024

Composite adhesive rivet hybrid connection structure has been more and more recognized and applied in aerospace, automobile, and other industries due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, and good stability. However, due to the particularity of the composite structure and the complex nonlinear coupling factors existing in the bearing process of the adhesive rivet hybrid connection structure, it is difficult to carry out structural health monitoring of the composite adhesive rivet hybrid connection structure. In this paper, a new fabrication technique is proposed to fabricate MXene thin film sensors with excellent performance. The MXene sensor can be tailored to the required size and arrangement to monitor the hybrid connection structure. The multi‐stage loading‐unloading test verifies the feasibility of using the MXene sensor to monitor the hybrid connection structure. The monitoring curves of the MXene sensor for composite adhesive rivet mixed connection structure specimens under low‐speed impact test and vibration fatigue test were obtained, and the sensing mechanism of the MXene sensor was explained. The proposed monitoring method based on the MXene sensor is suitable for the health monitoring of adhesive rivet hybrid connection structures under tensile‐compression, impact, and vibration conditions.

Highlights

MXene sensors can be integrated into composite hybrid bonded‐riveted joints without defects.

MXene sensors combined with flexible circuits can form a high‐stability monitoring array.

Monitor the mechanical behavior of bonded and riveted areas by the resistance change rate of MXene sensors.

Real‐time monitor the micro damage and acceleration changes under the vibration environments.