bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Discovery of Gas Response in Materials Via Density Functional Theory and Machine Learning
Authors: Gao Shasha , Cheng Yongchao , Chen Lu , Huang Sheng
Published: August 2024

In this study, a framework for predicting the gas‐sensitive properties of gas‐sensitive materials by combining machine learning and density functional theory (DFT) has been proposed. The framework rapidly predicts the gas response of materials by establishing relationships between multisource physical parameters and gas‐sensitive properties. In order to prove its effectiveness, the perovskite Cs3Cu2I5 has been selected as the representative material. The physical parameters before and after the adsorption of various gases have been calculated using DFT, and then a machine learning model has been trained based on these parameters. Previous studies have shown that a single physical parameter alone is not enough to accurately predict the gas sensitivity of materials. Therefore, a variety of physical parameters have been selected for machine learning, and the final machine learning model achieved 92% accuracy in predicting gas sensitivity. It is important to note that although there have been no previous reports on the response of Cs3Cu2I5 to hydrogen sulfide, the resulting model predicts the gas response of H2S; it is subsequently confirmed experimentally. This method not only enhances the understanding of the gas sensing mechanism, but also has a universal nature, making it suitable for the development of various new gas‐sensitive materials.
The role of target‐specific shared reality in interpersonal interactions and protective health behaviours
Authors: Rossignac‐Milon Maya , Schmalbach Bjarne , Keller Victor N. , Cornwell James F. M. , Higgins E. Tory , Echterhoff Gerald
Published: August 2024

Shared reality—the experience of sharing common inner states (e.g. feelings, beliefs) with other people about a given topic or target—is a ubiquitous human experience. With research on the construct of shared reality burgeoning in various domains, we examined a fundamental, yet understudied topic: the role of experiencing shared reality about a target in real‐time conversations and real‐world contexts. Across five studies conducted in various contexts (total N = 973), we developed a measure of target‐specific shared reality (SR‐T) and examined its role in interpersonal interactions and protective health behaviours. In our initial Studies (1a‐2), we developed a measure of SR‐T and establish psychometric, construct and criterion validity. In Study 3, we established predictive validity by investigating the link between SR‐T and important interpersonal interaction constructs (e.g. interpersonal rapport and epistemic trust in the partner). In Study 4 (preregistered), SR‐T moderated the effect of close others’ attitudes on vaccination and precautionary behaviours against COVID‐19 during the Omicron‐variant peak (2022). Our findings suggest that the experience of SR‐T, assessed with a valid measure, is linked to important dimensions of interpersonal interactions and health decisions in the real world.
Prediction of crude oil physical properties based on molecular compositional modeling approach
Authors: Sihang Chen , Qifu Li , Feng Yan , Bo Xu , Linlin Mo , Lianfeng Huo , Yubin Wang , Luxin Jiang
Published: August 2024

In this study, the Structural Units‐Bonding Matrix will be introduced into the crude oil characteristics analysis, specifically engineered to depict the molecular intricacies of petroleum substances. This methodology synergizes the bonding matrix with structural units, assigning the bonding matrix to the foundational layer, while the structural units adorn the surface layer. Through meticulous analysis of crude oil data, this study identified the core and branched molecular constituents of crude oil, facilitating the digital articulation of these molecules. Leveraging this foundational work, this study developed composition models for five quintessential types of crude oil, enabling the precise prognostication of their macroscopic physical properties. Further, by evaluating the viscosity‐temperature characteristics of these selected crude oils, this study established a predictive model for the viscosity–temperature relationship of crude oils, grounded in the quantitative structure–property relationship method. This approach not only augments this study understanding of crude oil molecular composition but also enhances the predictive accuracy of their physical properties, heralding a significant advancement in the field of petroleum molecular science.
Sensitivity analysis of parameters on carbon dioxide desorption processes from aqueous monoethanolamine solution
Authors: Zanone Armando , de Paiva José Luis
Published: August 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture technologies are crucial for mitigating climate change, with post‐combustion capture (PCC) using chemical absorption being a leading method. However, the energy‐intensive solvent regeneration process presents a significant challenge, consuming up to 50% of the total energy in carbon sequestration. Despite extensive research on absorption, desorption studies remain limited. This study focuses on the desorption analysis through experimental runs in a pilot‐scale tray column with varying flow rates, validating an Aspen Plus model. The research compares the impact of the number of stages, feed stage position, column pressure, and reflux ratio between equilibrium and rate‐based models. The findings reveal enhanced desorption efficiency through optimized operational conditions, including reduced flow rates, additional equilibrium stages, feeding stage positioning closer to the condenser, elevated pressures, and lower reflux ratios. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occurrence characteristics and enrichment mechanism of cobalt in pyrite from the Han‐Xing type skarn iron deposit using laser‐ablation inductively‐coupled‐plasma mass‐spectrometry elemental mapping, Taihang Mountain, China
Authors: Qin Chao , Zhang Ju‐Quan , Alam Masroor , Tang Yu‐Ying , Bai Ming , Dong Li‐Shuai , Wang Fang‐Yue , Liang Xian , Lu Jing
Published: August 2024

Cobalt is a critical and strategic metal mainly found as associated element in several types of deposits, of which skarn‐type deposits are the major sources. Han‐Xing type skarn iron deposit, having high grade iron ore and associated cobalt, is a typical skarn‐type iron ore in China. But the complete recovery and exploitation of cobalt are restricted because of the lower grade of related cobalt and the dearth of prior research on its occurrence condition and enrichment mechanism. In this paper, pyrite from five typical ore deposits in the Han‐Xing area was studied by using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser‐ablation inductively‐coupled‐plasma mass‐spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) techniques to decipher the occurrence state and enrichment mechanism of associated cobalt in skarn‐type iron deposits. The results show that Co2+ replaces Fe2+ in pyrite through isomorphism. The distribution of cobalt in pyrite from different deposits varies greatly, that is, in the Xishimen iron deposit, the cobalt content is comparatively enriched in the pyrite's core. In contrast, in other deposits, the cobalt content is concentrated in the pyrite's rims, where it can be up to 1000 times higher than in the core. The cobalt mineralization in Han‐Xing area can be divided into several stages. The sulphur element of sulphide is mainly derived from evaporite, while cobalt mineralization occurred in the early stage with pyrite formation or in the late stage by metasomatism/cementation of Co‐rich ore‐forming fluid. The magma assimilated with the Ordovician evaporite not only promoted iron mineralization, but also became the main controlling factor for cobalt enrichment.
Camera‐based near‐infrared autofluorescence versus visual identification in total thyroidectomy for parathyroid function preservation: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Canali Luca , Russell Marika D. , Sistovaris Anthea , Abdelhamid Ahmed Amr H. , Otremba Michael , Tierney Hien T. , Triponez Frédéric , Benmiloud Fares , Spriano Giuseppe , Mercante Giuseppe , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: August 2024

Background

Hypocalcemia is the most common postoperative complication of total thyroidectomy. Near‐infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) technology is a surgical adjunct that has been increasingly utilized with the aim of preventing postoperative hypocalcemia, but its clinical benefits have not yet been firmly established. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical benefit of utilizing NIRAF technology in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials was performed according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Seven randomized clinical trials with 1437 patients (318 males, 22.13%) undergoing total thyroidectomy were included for analysis. Risk of postoperative hypocalcemia was reduced in the NIRAF arm (RR, 0.65; 95%CI, 0.50–0.84). Use of NIRAF was also associated with a reduction in the risk of permanent parathyroid dysfunction (RR, 0.46; 95%CI, 0.22–0.95) and inadvertent parathyroid gland resection (RR, 0.40; 95%CI, 0.26–0.60).

Conclusions

We present a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials examining the impact of NIRAF technology on preservation of parathyroid function. Our results suggest that use of camera‐based NIRAF technology reduces the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia, permanent parathyroid dysfunction, and inadvertent parathyroid gland resection.
The association between skeletal muscle mass and sensorineural hearing loss upon cisplatin‐based chemoradiotherapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Schaeffers Anouk W. M. A. , Burger Anouk V. M. , Duinkerken Charlotte W. , van Sluis Klaske E. , de Boer Jan Paul , van der Molen Lisette , Hoetink Alex E. , Al‐Mamgani Abrahim , Jóźwiak Katarzyna , Devriese Lot A. , de Bree Remco , Zuur Charlotte L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with cisplatin‐based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) frequently experience irreversible sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Patients with low lumbar skeletal muscle index (LSMI) may experience higher serum peak dosages of cisplatin. This study investigated whether pre‐treatment low LSMI is associated with increased SNHL upon cisplatin‐based CRT.

Materials and methods

LSMI was assessed using routine pre‐treatment CT scans. Pure tone audiometry was performed at baseline and at follow‐up to assess treatment‐related SNHL. Linear mixed models were used to reveal a potential association between the continuous variable LSMI and SNHL.

Results

This retrospective cohort study included 81 patients and found a significant association between low LSMI and increased treatment‐related SNHL at pure tone frequencies vital for the perception of speech (averaged of 1, 2, and 4 kHz) (p = 0.048).

Conclusions

HNSCC patients with low LSMI suffer increased treatment‐related SNHL upon cisplatin‐based CRT.
Texture‐based speciation of otitis media‐related bacterial biofilms from optical coherence tomography images using supervised classification
Authors: Zaki Farzana R. , Monroy Guillermo L. , Shi Jindou , Sudhir Kavya , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: August 2024

Otitis media (OM), a highly prevalent inflammatory middle‐ear disease in children worldwide, is commonly caused by an infection, and can lead to antibiotic‐resistant bacterial biofilms in recurrent/chronic OM cases. A biofilm related to OM typically contains one or multiple bacterial species. OCT has been used clinically to visualize the presence of bacterial biofilms in the middle ear. This study used OCT to compare microstructural image texture features from bacterial biofilms. The proposed method applied supervised machine‐learning‐based frameworks (SVM, random forest, and XGBoost) to classify multiple species bacterial biofilms from in vitro cultures and clinically‐obtained in vivo images from human subjects. Our findings show that optimized SVM‐RBF and XGBoost classifiers achieved more than 95% of AUC, detecting each biofilm class. These results demonstrate the potential for differentiating OM‐causing bacterial biofilms through texture analysis of OCT images and a machine‐learning framework, offering valuable insights for real‐time in vivo characterization of ear infections.
The novel thromboxane prostanoid receptor mediates CTGF production to drive human nasal fibroblast self‐migration through NF‐κB and PKCδ‐CREB signaling pathways
Authors: Chang Shih‐Lun , Tsai Yih‐Jeng , Shieh Jiunn‐Min , Wu Wen‐Bin
Published: August 2024

Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyp (CRSsNP) is characterized by tissue repair/remodeling and the subepithelial stroma region in whose nasal mucosa has been reported by us to have thromboxane A2 (TXA2) prostanoid (TP) receptor and overexpress connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between TP receptor activation and CTGF production/function in human CRSsNP nasal mucosa stromal fibroblasts. We found that TP agonists including U46619 and IBOP ([1S‐[1α,2α(Z),3β(1E,3 S*),4α]]‐7‐[3‐[3‐hydroxy‐4‐(4‐iodophenoxy)‐1‐butenyl]‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐yl]‐5‐heptenoic acid) could promote CTGF protein/messenger RNA expression and secretion. The pharmacological intervention and TP activation assay with U46619 identified the possible participation of PKCμ, PKCδ, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation/activation in the CTGF induction. Moreover, a phorbol ester—phorbol‐12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) exhibited a similar cellular signaling and CTGF production profile to that elicited by TP activation. However, further small interfering RNA interference analysis revealed that only NF‐κB and PKCδ‐CREB pathways were necessarily required for TP‐mediated CTGF production, which could not be completely supported by those findings from PMA. Finally, in a functional assay, although CTGF did not affect fibroblast proliferation, TP‐mediated CTGF could drive novel self‐migration in fibroblasts both in the scratch/wound healing and transwell apparatus assays. Meanwhile, the overall staining for stress fibers and formation of the lamellipodia and filopodia‐like structures was concomitantly increased in the treated migrating cells. Collectively, we provided here that novel TP mediates CTGF production and self‐migration in human nasal fibroblasts through NF‐κB and PKCδ‐CREB signaling pathways. More importantly, we also demonstrated that thromboxane, TP receptor, CTGF, and stromal fibroblasts may act in concert in the tissue remodeling/repair process during CRSsNP development and progression.
Fragility analysis and systematic review of patellar resurfacing versus non‐patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Polisetty Teja , Hohmann Alexandra L. , DiDomenico Eric , Lonner Jess H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Fragility analysis is a method of further characterising the robustness of statistical outcomes. This study evaluates the statistical fragility of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing patellar resurfacing versus non‐patellar surfacing in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for RCTs comparing outcomes in TKA based on patellar resurfacing. Fragility index (FI) and reverse FI (collectively, “FI”) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes as the number of outcome reversals needed to change statistical significance. Fragility quotient (FQ) was calculated by dividing the FI by the sample size for that outcome. Median FI and FQ were calculated for each individual outcome and for the overall study. Subanalyses were performed to assess FI and FQ based on outcome type, statistical significance and loss to follow‐up.

Results

Twenty‐one RCTs were included in the analysis, capturing 3910 subjects. The overall median FI was 5.0 (interquartile range, [IQR] 4.0−6.0), and the overall median FQ was 0.048 (IQR 0.022−0.065). The outcome of anterior knee pain has a median FI of 6.0 (IQR 4.0−6.0) and a median FQ of 0.057 (IQR 0.025−0.065). Only five (7%) outcomes were significant. The loss to follow‐up was greater than the FI in 12 of 19 studies (63%) with available data.

Conclusion

RCTs comparing patellar resurfacing in TKAs show significant statistical fragility; a few outcome reversals can alter findings. The majority of outcomes were nonsignificant, indicating that the choice to resurface the patella may not affect most clinical outcomes; however, clinical conclusions are limited by the statistical fragility of the analysed outcomes. Larger RCTs for this comparison are necessary, and we suggest adding FI and FQ to RCT reports with p values to improve the interpretability of results.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Regional quality analysis of the hydrological environment with an improved random forest model based on the chimpanzee algorithm
Authors: Li Xuesong , Zhang Liangliang , Chen Xian , Yang Yifan , Mao Xiaoyun
Published: August 2024

High‐precision evaluations of water environment quality are highly important for improving the accuracy of early warning systems of regional water pollution risk and improving the regional water environment. This paper employs the chimp optimization algorithm (ChOA) to enhance the traditional random forest model, resulting in the chimp optimization algorithm‐random forest (ChOA‐RF) water quality assessment model for evaluating the Jiansanjiang area in Heilongjiang Province, China. The results show that the overall water environment in Jiansanjiang has the following characteristics: “The water quality of farms in the northwest is poor, and the quality of groundwater is better than that of surface water.” Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in surface water and ammonium nitrogen (NH3‐N), ferrum (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in groundwater are the main pollutants. The TP and TN in surface water and the NH3‐N in groundwater exceeded the relevant standards, likely due to the excessive application of chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizers. Additionally, Fe and Mn are harmful native substances. According to these findings, targeted improvement strategies, such as reducing nitrogen fertilizer application, plugging well, and increasing the surface water utilization rate, are proposed. Moreover, the ChOA‐RF model is compared with the traditional empirical value model and the particle swarm optimization‐random forest (PSO‐RF) model. The results show that the ChOA‐RF model can effectively reduce the root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error and improve the coefficient of determination. The running time and convergence ability are also better than those of the PSO‐RF model, which is a more accurate and efficient machine learning model. The model can be used not only for high‐precision evaluation of regional water environment quality but also for other machine learning fields.
Association of fucosyltransferase 2 gene polymorphism with the susceptibility to norovirus infection in Han Chinese population
Authors: Liu Shun , Chen Hanyu , Wen Zihan , Ouyang Yaoling , Mei Bing , Li Chengbin
Published: August 2024

Fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) gene, which regulates the formation of Histoblood group antigens, could determine the human susceptibility to norovirus. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between FUT2 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to norovirus gastroenteritis in Han Chinese population. A total of 212 children patients with acute gastroenteritis were enrolled. The stool and serum samples were collected respectively. We used the qPCR method to detect the norovirus infection status from the stool samples, and we used serum samples to detect the FUT2 polymorphism. A case‐control study was conducted to investigate the three common SNPs polymorphisms (rs281377, rs1047781, and rs601338) of FUT2 gene with sanger sequencing method. The results indicated that the homozygous genotypes and mutant allele of rs1047781 (A385T) would downgrade the risk of norovirus gastroenteritis in Chinese Han population (AA vs. TT, odds ratio [OR] = 0.098, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.026−0.370, p = 0.001; AA + AT vs. TT, OR = 0.118. 95% CI = 0.033−0.424, p = 0.001; A vs. T, OR = 0.528, 95% CI = 0.351−0.974, p = 0.002). There were no significant difference of rs281377 (C357T) and rs601338 (G428A) polymorphisms between norovirus positive and norovirus negative groups (p > 0.05). The haplotype T‐T‐G was less susceptible (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.31−0.79, p = 0.0034) to norovirus infection compared to other haplotypes. Our results investigated the relationship between the FUT2 gene polymorphisms and norovirus susceptibility in Han Chinese population, and firstly revealed that children with homozygous genotypes and mutant alleles of FUT2 rs1047781 (A385T) were less susceptible to norovirus gastroenteritis.
Ultrasonic Estimation of Fetal Weight: Are Averaged Triplicate Measurements More Accurate Than Single Measurements?
Authors: Sheiman Vadim , Frenkel Aviv , Glick Noa , Tovbin Josef , Neeman Ortal , Barzilay Eran
Published: August 2024

Objective

To assess whether, and to what extent, performing triplicate measurements can improve accuracy of estimation of fetal weight (EFW) compared to single measurements.

Methods

This was a prospective study conducted at a single medical center. A total of 100 term parturients with an anticipated delivery within 72 hours were recruited for EFW measurements. All examinations were done with adherence to the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) guidelines. EFW was calculated using the Hadlock formula. Triplicate measurements from three different images were obtained for each parameter and the averaged values were used for clinical purposes. EFW calculated using average measurements was compared to EFW calculated using the first measurements.

Results

There was a small but significant improvement in EFW when using averaged measurements compared to single measurements (mean improvement 34 ± 105 g, P = .002). Deviance from birthweight in single measurements was significantly higher compared to averaged measurements (median deviance 198 versus 148 g, respectively, P = .005). This difference was more pronounced when assessing the 75th centile (348 versus 282 g, respectively).

Conclusions

Using triplicate measurements instead of single measurements when performing EFW confers a small, but statistically significant, improvement to EFW accuracy. Using triplicate measurements for assessing EFW should be thus considered, especially in cases suspected of growth disorders.
Net Optical Gain from PbS Quantum Dot‐Doped Glasses under Continuous‐Wave Pumping
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Li Kai , Zhao Zhipeng , Chen Hao , Wei Jiahui , Zhang Wenchao , Cao Shiyi , Chang Zhiwu , Xiao Xinhua , Deng Zhao , Liu Chao
Published: August 2024

Lead chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs) have been considered promising gain media in the near‐infrared region. Precipitation of lead chalcogenide QDs into glasses can significantly improve their stabilities and processabilities using mature fiber‐optic technologies and has great potential for application as a broad‐band optical amplification in optical telecommunication. However, the net optical gain of lead chalcogenide QD‐doped glasses has not been realized upon continuous‐wave (CW) pumping, hindering their application as fiber‐optic amplifiers. Here, the study reports a heterostructured PbS/NaCl QD‐doped glass and realizes a net optical gain in the near‐infrared region upon CW pumping. The photoluminescence quantum efficiencies of these QD‐doped glasses are boosted to 43–75% with significantly improved photo/thermal stabilities, and the gain threshold is reduced to ∼single exciton level due to the passivation and charge doping of the PbS QDs by the NaCl wrapping. As a result, net optical gain in the conventional band of telecommunication is realized from the 1 mm thick PbS QD‐doped glasses under CW pumping.
Simultaneously Possessing High Quantum Efficiency and Thermal Robustness in a Near‐Infrared Emitting ZnAlB(1‐x)GaxO4:Cr3+ Phosphor
Authors: Lim Jin Xiang , Wang Hongcheng , Kang Xiaojiao , Lü Wei , Lim Chin Seong , Zhu Zhennan , Pan Qiwen , Sakundarini Novita , Chuah Yea Dat
Published: August 2024

Near‐infrared (NIR) phosphors are a vital component of phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs), with simultaneous high quantum efficiency and thermal stability being essential attributes for optimal performance. In this paper, a novel ZnAlB(1‐x)GaxO4:0.05Cr3+ system is designed by gradually substituting B with Ga. Surprisingly, a significant enhancement in photoluminescence performance is observed, reaching peak efficiency at x = 1. Further development led to a series of ZnAlGaO4:yCr3+ (ZAGO:yCr3+) phosphors, exhibiting variable full width at half maximum (FWHM) ranging from 32 to 163 nm with increasing Cr3+ content, attributed to energy transfer between two Cr3+ emission centers. Among these, ZAGO:0.05Cr3+ emerges as the optimal phosphor, boasting a high internal/external quantum efficiency of 80%/34% with a FWHM of 80 nm. Notably, this phosphor demonstrates anti‐thermal quenching behavior (125.53% @ 423 K), with its exceptional thermal stability elucidated through the defect level model. The fabricated NIR pc‐LEDs featuring ZAGO:Cr3+ phosphors show great prospect in multifunctional applications in plant cultivation, night vision, non‐destructive analysis and veins imaging.
Enhancing Brillouin Scattering with Chalcogenide Metasurfaces of Optical Bound States in the Continuum and Mechanical Resonances
Authors: Yuan Jin , Li Pengteng , Song Jingcui , Yang Shuixian , Lu Chao , Zhang Xin , Feng Tianhua , Li Zhaohui
Published: August 2024

Brillouin scattering provides a unique approach in diverse applications ranging from sensing to signal processing and beyond. The recent advancement in Brillouin scattering research has been driven by the development of integrated photonic platforms. However, the realization of efficient Brillouin scattering with substantial gains at low pump powers within compact devices is still a challenge. Here, a chalcogenide metasurface is proposed and demonstrated as a promising candidate for facilitating spontaneous Brillouin scattering. By employing Ge25Sb10S65 materials with remarkable photoelastic properties and leveraging the capacity of metasurfaces to effectively confine light waves through quasi‐bound states in the continuum, alongside their ability to confine acoustic waves via mechanical resonances, a substantial Brillouin gain of up to 27.7 dB at a low pump power of 23 mW is achieved within a metasurface with a compact dimension of <0.03 cm. The superior performance of chalcogenide metasurfaces‐based Brillouin scattering may hold profound potential to advance Brillouin scattering research and find wide applications.
Novel Folded Structure TFLN Recycling Phase Modulator Enabling Large Low‐Vπ Bandwidth and Efficient Microwave–Optical Velocity Matching
Authors: Du Yongtao , Zou Xihua , Zou Fang , Pan Wei , Yan Lianshan , Zhao Qiang , Liu Naijin
Published: August 2024

Electro–optic phase modulators (PMs) are critical components for modern communication, sensing, and microwave photonics. A recycling PM has been demonstrated to effectively reduce the half‐wave voltage (Vπ) while exhibiting resonant behavior for the driven microwave signals [Nature 612, 252 (2022)]. However, the significant optical delay of the loop‐back waveguide reduces the low‐Vπ bandwidth to 1.5 GHz. Herein, a novel folded structure is proposed for recycling PM fabricated on a thin‐film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. The low‐Vπ bandwidth can be expanded by significantly reducing the optical loop‐back delay. Additionally, efficient velocity matching can be achieved by aligning the time delay between the microwave and optical signals. The proposed folded recycling PM, with a 0.6 × 12 mm2 footprint, is characterized by the lowest Vπ of 2–3 V in each modulation period across 3.5 to 40 GHz and a doubled low‐Vπ bandwidth of 3 GHz. As an application demonstration, such a folded recycling PM is employed for tunable optical frequency combs (OFCs) generation. Flat OFCs consisting of 15, 21, and 13 comb lines are generated with flexible comb spacings of 29.6, 31.3, and 33 GHz, respectively. The proposed novel modulator can find distinct applications in communication, sensing, and microwave photonics.
Photonic Square‐Root Second‐Order Topological Bound States in the Continuum
Authors: Yan Wenchao , Cheng Weizhao , Liu Quancheng , Liu Weijie , Zhang Bin , Ni Xiang , Chen Feng
Published: August 2024

Second‐order topological bound states in the continuum (SOTBICs) have received widely attention in photonics due to theirs counterintuitive localized properties. A model of square‐root SOTBICs is proposed that not only inherit topological features from its parent Hamiltonian, but also support multiple corner states with different propagation constants, a unique feature not found in its parent Hamiltonian. Using femtosecond laser‐writing technology, a photonic nontrivial 2D edge‐centered SSH lattice is fabricated and observe two types of localized corner states with distinct phase distribution. Interestingly, by using an auxiliary waveguide with defined refractive index and coupling into the array, it is experimentally demonstrated that corner states are embedded but do not hybridize with bulk states of the lattice. Additionally, it is experimentally verified that these square‐root SOTBICs are robust against disorders as long as the essential symmetries remain preserved. The work marks the instance of SOTBICs with multiple corner states in photonic lattices.
Fabrication of GelMA – Agarose Based 3D Bioprinted Photocurable Hydrogel with In Vitro Cytocompatibility and Cells Mirroring Natural Keratocytes for Corneal Stromal Regeneration
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Renuka , Loganathan Sravanthi , Valapa Ravi Babu
Published: August 2024

The complex anatomy of the cornea and the subsequent keratocyte‐fibroblast transition have always made corneal stromal regeneration difficult. Recently, 3D printing has received considerable attention in terms of fabrication of scaffolds with precise dimension and pattern. In the current work, 3D printable polymer hydrogels made of GelMA/agarose are formulated and its rheological properties are evaluated. Despite the variation in agarose content, both the hydrogels exhibited G′>G′′ modulus. A prototype for 3D stromal model is created using Solid Works software, mimicking the anatomy of an adult cornea. The fabrication of 3D‐printed hydrogels is performed using pneumatic extrusion. The FTIR analysis speculated that the hydrogel is well crosslinked and established strong hydrogen bonding with each other, thus contributing to improved thermal and structural stability. The MTT analysis revealed a higher rate of cell proliferation on the hydrogels. The optical analysis carried out on the 14th day of incubation revealed that the hydrogels exhibit transparency matching with natural corneal stromal tissue. Specific protein marker expression confirmed the keratocyte phenotype and showed that the cells do not undergo terminal differentiation into stromal fibroblasts. The findings of this work point to the potential of GelMA/A hydrogels as a novel biomaterial for corneal stromal tissue engineering.
Information security decisions of security‐interdependent firms in the presence of consumer sensitivity
Authors: Wu Yong , Jin Zhijie , Dai Tao , Yang Dong
Published: August 2024

Firms suffer security‐interdependent risks while applying network technology, causing severe customer churn. This paper studies the security and price decisions of security‐interdependent firms that face security‐sensitivity consumers. We show that one firm's product price increases (decreases) with the other's security efforts under positive (negative) interdependence. Firms can overinvest or underinvest in security due to security interdependence. Two mechanisms are proposed to solve this distortion. In the Reward mechanism, the firms reward (penalize) the other under the positive (negative) interdependence. In the Outsourcing mechanism, the security service providers raise (reduce) the compensations with consumer sensitivity.
Motivations for a firm's willingness to standardize: A perspective based on collective action theory
Authors: Zhou Lijun , Li Yuting , Wang Dandan , Yang Jing
Published: August 2024

Standards allow companies to improve their competitiveness and achieve their strategic goals. Encouraging a strong willingness among firms to develop and implement standards is a complex task; consequently, the linkages between internal and external factors influencing this willingness require further exploration. This study considers interorganizational learning as an intermediate mechanism for empirical research and investigates the relationship between external motivation for collective action and a firm's willingness to participate in standards development. To verify the proposed theoretical model, this study used a questionnaire to collect 205 responses from companies belonging to the Zhejiang Brand Building Association. Structural equation modeling was conducted to verify the research framework. The results of this study reveal that an association's organizational capability has a direct positive effect on its willingness to develop and implement standards; however, government support and industrial scale have no significant positive direct effects on collective action willingness. Moreover, knowledge acquisition and knowledge application have mediating effects on the relationship between external motivation for collective action and willingness for collective action. This study analyzes the factors influencing a firm's participation in standardization activities on the basis of a collective action perspective and the mediating role of interorganizational learning. This study contributes to the literature by developing collective action and interorganizational learning theories.
DELTA: A Modular, Transparent, and Efficient Synchronization of DLTs and Databases
Authors: Fernández‐Bravo Peñuela F. Javier , Arjona Aroca Jordi , Muñoz‐Escoí Francesc D. , Yatsyk Gavrylyak Yuriy , Illán García Ismael , Bernabéu‐Aubán José M.
Published: August 2024

Besides cryptocurrencies, DLTs may be also exploited in enterprise systems operated by a consortium of organizations. Their interaction takes usually place on a permissioned blockchain network that holds a set of data to be queried frequently. In this scope, the main problem of DLTs is their unsuitability for a fast service of complex queries on those data. In order to solve this issue, many proposals dump the ledger contents onto databases that, because of their own goals and design, are already optimized for the execution of those queries. Unfortunately, many of those proposals assume that the data to be queried consist in only a block or (cryptocurrency‐related) transaction history. However, those organization consortiums commonly store other structured business‐related information in the DLT, and there is an evident lack of support for querying that other kind of structured data. To remedy those problems, DELTA synchronizes, with minimal overhead, the DLT state into a database, providing (1) a modular architecture with event‐based handling of DLT updates that supports different DLTs and databases, (2) a transparent management, since DLT end users do not need to learn or use any new API in order to handle that synchronization (i.e., those users still rely on the original interface provided by their chosen DLT), (3) the efficient execution of complex queries on those structured data. Thus, DELTA reduces query times up to five orders of magnitude, depending on the DLT and the database, compared to queries directed to the ledger nodes.
Accurate data‐driven surrogates of dynamical systems for forward propagation of uncertainty
Authors: De Saibal , Jones Reese E. , Kolla Hemanth
Published: August 2024

Stochastic collocation (SC) is a well‐known non‐intrusive method of constructing surrogate models for uncertainty quantification. In dynamical systems, SC is especially suited for full‐field uncertainty propagation that characterizes the distributions of the high‐dimensional solution fields of a model with stochastic input parameters. However, due to the highly nonlinear nature of the parameter‐to‐solution map in even the simplest dynamical systems, the constructed SC surrogates are often inaccurate. This work presents an alternative approach, where we apply the SC approximation over the dynamics of the model, rather than the solution. By combining the data‐driven sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics framework with SC, we construct dynamics surrogates and integrate them through time to construct the surrogate solutions. We demonstrate that the SC‐over‐dynamics framework leads to smaller errors, both in terms of the approximated system trajectories as well as the model state distributions, when compared against full‐field SC applied to the solutions directly. We present numerical evidence of this improvement using three test problems: a chaotic ordinary differential equation, and two partial differential equations from solid mechanics.
The unique metabolome of clear cell ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Ji Jennifer X , Hoang Lien N , Cochrane Dawn R , Lum Amy , Senz Janine , Farnell David , Tessier‐Cloutier Basile , Huntsman David G , Klein Geltink Ramon I
Published: August 2024

Clear cell ovarian carcinoma (CCOC) is an aggressive malignancy affecting younger women. Despite ovarian cancer subtypes having diverse molecular and clinical characteristics, the mainstay of treatment for advanced stage disease remains cytotoxic chemotherapy. Late stage CCOC is resistant to conventional chemotherapy, which means a suboptimal outcome for patients affected. Despite detailed genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic characterisation, subtype‐specific treatment for CCOC has shown little progress. The unique glycogen accumulation defining CCOC suggests altered metabolic pathway activity and dependency. This study presents the first metabolomic landscape of ovarian cancer subtypes, including 42 CCOC, 20 high‐grade serous and 21 endometrioid ovarian carcinomas, together comprising the three most common ovarian carcinoma subtypes. We describe a distinct metabolomic landscape of CCOC compared with other ovarian cancer subtypes, including alterations in energy utilisation and cysteine metabolism. In addition, we identify CCOC‐specific alterations in metabolic pathways including serine biosynthesis and ROS‐associated pathways that could serve as potential therapeutic targets. Our study provides the first in‐depth study into the metabolome of ovarian cancers and a rich resource to support ongoing research efforts to identify subtype‐specific therapeutic targets that could improve the dismal outcome for patients with this devastating malignancy. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Effect of cobalt ferrite concentration on the EMI shielding effectiveness of cobalt ferrite/graphene based epoxy composites
Authors: S. Manobalan , Bose Suryasarathi , T. P. Sumangala
Published: August 2024

The study investigates the impact of cobalt ferrite (CF) concentration on the electrical, thermal, mechanical, magnetic, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of Epoxy/Graphene/Cobalt ferrite composite samples. This paper presents the novel impact of agglomeration formation using an increased CF concentration, which results in the  enhancement of electrical conductivity and slight decrease in EMI SE after 7% CF loading. The scanning electron micrograph provided a clear evidence for the formation of agglomeration with the increase of CF content. The amount of CF loading in Ep/Gr was varied steadily to achieve electrical percolation. The maximum tensile strength value of 21.6 MPa was observed for sample with 7% CF. The sample with 15% CF exhibited the maximum saturation magnetization of 7.5 emu/gm. TG‐DTA showed thermal degradation of all samples up to 800°C. The maximum shield effectiveness (SE), 16 dB was observed for sample with 7% CF in X band and 22 dB for sample with 10% CF in Ku band frequency range. The composites exhibited great absorption properties compared to reflection in both X band Ku band frequency range. These epoxy‐based composites are useful as cost effective EMI shielding material.

Highlights

Hybrid filler (CF/graphene) addition alters properties of composites

Structural, thermal, mechanical, electrical and, magnetic properties of composites reported

Agglomeration of nanoparticles effect mechanical and EMI shielding properties.

Electrical conductivity improved with filler addition

The EMI Shield effectiveness is dominated by absorption loss in both X and Ku band
High performance poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/nickel oxide nanocomposite prepared through open mill mixing technique for energy storage applications
Authors: Shini M. , Arun K. , Ramesan M. T.
Published: August 2024

Polymer nanocomposite films of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) with different concentrations of nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs), produced by an open two‐roll mill mixing method. Structural characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopic studies and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed elevated peak intensity for composites confirming good polymer‐filler interaction, optical clarity and improved crystallinity. Morphological analysis by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) revealed the structural regularity of nanocomposites (NCs). Augmented thermal stability, evident from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with increased decomposition temperature was corroborated by an increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) detected through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Dielectric constant and alternating current (AC) conductivity values increased with temperature, filler content and frequency. Composites containing 7 wt% NiO showed significant enhancements in mechanical properties compared to EVA, with tensile strength increasing by 122%, tear strength by 179.9%, and impact strength by 111.9%. EVA/10 wt% NiO composite exhibited the highest hardness increase of 11.9%, while elongation at break decreased by 8% for the same composition. The experimental results suggest that EVA/NiO nanocomposite films can be employed as promising alternatives for flexible dielectric substrates for optoelectronic devices.

Highlights

A series of EVA/NiO NCs were prepared and characterized.

Enhanced optical property, thermal stability and Tg.

Possess excellent electrical properties.

Mechanical strength and impact resistance of EVA was greatly enhanced.

A promising material for flexible energy storage applications.
Tensile and flexural behavior of graphene‐reinforced carbon/epoxy composites manufactured via compression molding method
Authors: Shelar Mahendra L. , Suryawanshi Vinod B. , Wayzode Neerajkumar
Published: August 2024

Graphene's unique characteristics have piqued a great deal of academic and industrial curiosity. Its potential as a composite material reinforcement is the subject of intensive study. When it comes to reinforcing fillers, graphene stands head and shoulders above the rest due to its remarkable thermal, electrical, and mechanical capabilities. Epoxy resin, is widely used in a variety of industrial processes, including the production of laminates, coatings, and composites due to its processing simplicity, its tenacious adhesion to substance types, and its resistance to chemical agents. The performance of the composite relies on how the graphene nanoparticles are dispersed and interact with the polymer. Graphene‐enhanced composites use a variety of methods, such as dispersing graphene in a polymer matrix, to incorporate the material into its structure. Composites find their most common use in competitive situations settings where elements like mass and mechanical characteristics are prioritized over economic consideration. The use of carbon fiber and other state‐of‐the‐art fibers in composite structures is becoming increasingly common. This study aims to conduct an experimental analysis of a graphene‐reinforced epoxy composite's flexural and tensile properties containing varying amounts graphene. In this study, a multi‐step procedure was designed to ensure uniform distribution graphene. The results of a study on tensile and flexural strength showed good enhancement at a weight percent of G0.6% compared to clean epoxy.

Highlights

The novel method of manufacturing of graphene enhanced composite sheet.

The lower weight fraction of graphene gives good results in terms of mechanical properties.

Improvement in tensile strength by 53.35% and flexural test occurs of 8.04% in stress value at 0.6 wt% addition of Graphene

Tensile Modulus and flexural modulus improvement of 76.26% and 16.87% respectively at 0.6% of wt. of graphene

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed promising results which shows existing of functionalized groups of amines.

Scanning electron microscopy revealed graphene's interaction with the polymer matrix at the interface.
Mechanical characterization and puncture resistance of 3D‐printed PLA lattice structures
Authors: Mani Megavannan , Murugaiyan Thiyagu , Shanmugam Vigneshwaran
Published: August 2024

The increasing application of additively manufactured (AM) materials in engineering and biomedical fields highlights the necessity of understanding their mechanical behavior, particularly with complex lattice structures. Polylactic acid (PLA), a popular biopolymer in additive manufacturing, exhibits mechanical characteristics highly dependent on its structural design. This research investigates the quasi‐static puncture failure analysis and mechanical characteristics of additively manufactured (AM) polylactic acid (PLA) materials with various lattice structures. The mechanical behavior, including tensile strength, flexural properties, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), Izod impact resistance, and quasi‐static punch shear strength (QS‐PSS), was investigated following the respective ASTM protocols. Results indicate a 6% increase in tensile strength, to ca. 28 MPa, for the triangular PLA lattice structure compared with plain lattice structures. In the flexural test, the hexagonal structure showed a 13% increase in bending strength, to ca. 45 MPa, compared with the plain structure. Additionally, the hexagonal PLA lattice structure exhibited a 24% increase in shear strength, to approximately 8 MPa, over the plain lattice structure in the interlaminar shear strength analysis. In the Izod impact analysis, the plain lattice structure demonstrated a 17% increase in impact strength, to ca. 278 J/m, compared with the circular structure. A stainless‐steel hemispherical indenter was employed to investigate the quasi‐static punch shear behavior (QS‐PSS) of different lattice structures. The triangular structure displayed increased total energy absorption capacity and specific energy absorption of ca. 19 J and 0.529 J/g, respectively, compared with other lattice structures. These results are important for the creation of additively manufactured PLA lattice structures, improving the puncture resistance of advanced composites.

Highlights

Polylactic acid (PLA) lattice structures were fabricated.

Plain, circular, triangular, and hexagonal lattice structures were investigated.

Lattice structures were used as reinforcements.

The triangular structure demonstrated improved strength.

The triangular structure reduced crack formation and propagation.