bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of film thickness on structural, optical, and electrical properties of sputtered nickel oxide thin films
Authors: Rezaee Sahar , Korpi Alireza Grayeli , Karimi Maryam , Jurečka Stanislav , Arman Ali , Luna Carlos , Ţălu Ştefan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUtilizing radio frequency magnetron sputtering, we successfully fabricated nickel oxide thin films with different thickness (from 80 to 270 nm), and conducted an in‐depth examination of their structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties. The crystal structure and surface roughness were determined using x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The XRD analyses showed that the films were composed of cubic nickel oxide, exhibiting a notable orientation along the (200) direction. This crystal texture partially increased when the film thickness reached 270 nm. In addition, a direct correlation between film thickness and crystallite size was observed, with the latter increasing as the former did. AFM analysis provided insights into the surface morphology, revealing metrics like the bearing area, 3D surfaces intersections, and statistical properties of surface height. These insights underscore the relationship between film thickness and surface properties, which in turn influence the overall electrical, and prominently, optical properties of the films. Employing transmittance UV–visible spectroscopy, we characterized the optical behavior of these films, noting a proportional increase in refractive index with film thickness. Additionally, resistivity was observed to increase concomitantly with film thickness. In conclusion, the deposition process's film thickness acts as a pivotal parameter for fine‐tuning the structural, morphological, and optical properties of nickel oxide thin films. This knowledge paves the way for optimizing nickel oxide‐based devices across various applications.Research Highlights
We synthesized and characterized of p‐type semiconducting NiO thin films sputtered on substrates by using RF magnetron sputtering with different thickness.
Advanced crystalline structures and fractal features extracted from XRD and AFM analysis.
The 2D and 3D surface analysis of the samples indicates a complex structure with an imperfect self‐similarity that suggests a multifractal structure.
We represented graphically the relative representation of higher geometric objects in the AFM image.
We attributed the optical and electrical properties of the samples to the crystallite size, and the concurrent reduction in oxygen vacancies and crystalline defects within the films.
Synthesis of 1‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)‐2‐benzoyl indoles from 2‐pyrrolidine benzaldehydes and α‐bromoacetophenones in deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Jiang Guofang , Zhang Can , Xing Xiaohong , Ouyang Jinbo , Yang Hong , Xie Zongbo , Le Zhanggao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA novel and highly efficient method for the synthesis of 1‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)‐2‐benzoyl indoles from 2‐pyrrolidine benzaldehyde and α‐bromoacetophenone in a choline chloride (ChCl)/ZnCl2 eutectic mixture was developed. This method, which does not require any catalyst, additive, or alkali, is useful for realizing tandem cyclization reactions. Several indoles were produced after cyclization and ring opening processes. Not all the compounds obtained are reported in the literature. This synthetic strategy proves that deep eutectic solvents can replace catalysts and organic solvents. Consequently, this is an environmentally friendly strategy that has significant potential in the development of green and sustainable chemistry.
A comprehensive review and shiny application on the matching‐adjusted indirect comparison
Authors: Jiang Ziren , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Gamalo Margaret , Chen Yong , Thomas Neal , Chu Haitao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPopulation‐adjusted indirect comparison (PAIC) is an increasingly used technique for estimating the comparative effectiveness of different treatments for the health technology assessments when head‐to‐head trials are unavailable. Three commonly used PAIC methods include matching‐adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC), simulated treatment comparison (STC), and multilevel network meta‐regression (ML‐NMR). MAIC enables researchers to achieve balanced covariate distribution across two independent trials when individual participant data are only available in one trial. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the MAIC methods, including their theoretical derivation, implicit assumptions, and connection to calibration estimation in survey sampling. We discuss the nuances between anchored and unanchored MAIC, as well as their required assumptions. Furthermore, we implement various MAIC methods in a user‐friendly R Shiny application Shiny‐MAIC. To our knowledge, it is the first Shiny application that implements various MAIC methods. The Shiny‐MAIC application offers choice between anchored or unanchored MAIC, choice among different types of covariates and outcomes, and two variance estimators including bootstrap and robust standard errors. An example with simulated data is provided to demonstrate the utility of the Shiny‐MAIC application, enabling a user‐friendly approach conducting MAIC for healthcare decision‐making. The Shiny‐MAIC is freely available through the link: https://ziren.shinyapps.io/Shiny_MAIC/.
Preparation of hyaluronic acid‐loaded liquid‐core hydrogel beads with acceptable mechanical properties and thermal stability
Authors: Li Hang , Zhang Qinyi , Chen Ling , Wang Yongzhi , Ai Zheng , Zhang Tianmeng , Liu Fei , Zhong Fang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHyaluronic acid liquid‐core hydrogel beads (HA‐LHB) is a good way for oral intake of HA. However, HA may affect the reaction–diffusion of sodium alginate (SA) and Ca2+ leading to poor mechanical properties, since HA is a polyanionic electrolyte having electrostatic effect and a certain spatial site‐blocking effect.ResultsThe mechanical properties of HA‐LHB were modified from bathing solution, core solution and secondary calcium bath time. The mechanical properties varied with the SA structure and concentration in bathing solution, where SA with high G (guluronic acid) segment compounded with SA with high M (mannuronic acid) segment at a mass ratio of 7:3 with a 11 g kg−1 concentration showed the best mechanical properties. The secondary calcium bath can greatly improve the mechanical properties due to the tight network formed by bidirectional crosslinking, and 15 min reaction reached the plateau if Ca2+ is sufficient. And the mechanical properties were positively correlated with calcium lactate concentration only at <70 g kg−1 in core solution, but the diffusion of Ca2+ was hindered by the tight gel network at higher concentrations. Moreover, the mechanical properties can be maintained during heat treatment, due to the rearrangement of alginate network structure.ConclusionOur results suggested that the problem of poor mechanical properties of LHB in the presence of high HA concentration can be avoided by process control, which may broaden the development of HA and popping boba market. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Benchtop Round Window Model for Studying Magnetic Nanoparticle Transport to the Inner Ear
Authors: Goyal Mukund M. , Shen Sarek A. , Lehar Mohamed , Martinez Angela , Hiel Hakim , Wang Canhui , Liu Yulin , Wang Chao , Sun Daniel Q. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe round window membrane (RWM) presents a significant barrier to the local application of therapeutics to the inner ear. We demonstrate a benchtop preclinical RWM model and evaluate superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as vehicles for magnetically assisted drug delivery.MethodsGuinea pig RWM explants were inset into a 3D‐printed dual chamber benchtop device. Custom‐synthesized 7‐nm iron core nanoparticles were modified with different polyethylene glycol chains to yield two sizes of SPIONs (NP‐PEG600 and NP‐PEG3000) and applied to the benchtop model with and without a magnetic field. Histologic analysis of the RWM was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal microscopy.ResultsOver a 4‐h period, 19.5 ± 1.9% of NP‐PEG3000 and 14.6 ± 1.9% of NP‐PEG600 were transported across the guinea pig RWM. The overall transport increased by 1.45× to 28.4 ± 5.8% and 21.0 ± 2.0%, respectively, when a magnetic field was applied. Paraformaldehyde fixation of the RWM decreased transport significantly (NP‐PEG3000: 7.6 ± 1.5%; NP‐PEG600: 7.0 ± 1.6%). Confocal and electron microscopy analysis demonstrated nanoparticle localization throughout all cellular layers and layer‐specific transport characteristics within RWM.ConclusionThe guinea pig RWM explant benchtop model allows for targeted and practical investigations of transmembrane transport in the development of nanoparticle drug delivery vehicles. The presence of a magnetic field increases SPION delivery by 45%–50% in a nanoparticle size‐ and cellular layer‐dependent manner.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:3355–3362, 2024
Littlewood–Paley and wavelet characterization for mixed Morrey spaces
Authors: Nogayama Toru 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the Littlewood–Paley characterization for mixed Morrey spaces and its predual spaces. The topology to converge the Littlewood–Paley decomposition for the element of mixed Morrey spaces is the weak‐ topology. If we consider the topology of mixed Morrey spaces, we must give other characterization by using the heat semigroup. As an application, we show the wavelet characterization for mixed Morrey spaces. In particular, this characterization can be shown without the Peetre maximal operator.
Mental accounting, heuristics, and the second‐best: Solving the calculator‐jacket puzzle
Authors: Khalil Elias L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper conceives mental accounting along Kahneman's “mental economy,” specifically as a heuristic. This mental‐accounting‐as‐heuristic conception allows us to solve the calculator‐jacket puzzle. The opportunity cost of time is not constant but roughly varies with the variation of the item's value. As the value of the item rises, the decision maker (DM) should be more attentive. However, the measurement of the opportunity cost of time at each point of purchase is cognitively costly. To reduce such cost, the DM adopts a heuristic, the item's price itself, as a rough proxy of the varying opportunity cost of time.
Co‐production of agroecological innovations to improve sustainability in South American fruit farms
Authors: Oliveira da Silva Fabiana , Arellano Eduardo C. , Felipe Viana Blandina , Silva‐Ferreira Vinina , Oliveira‐Rebouças Patricia , Rojas‐Arévalo Nadia , Muñoz‐Sáez Andrés , Jimenez Valentina P. , Zielonka Natalia B. , Crowther Liam P. , Dicks Lynn V. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Agricultural intensification and expansion are the main drivers of biodiversity loss that continue to increase this century, especially in South America. International markets and global policy provide incentives and frameworks to address this, but these are unlikely to be effective unless farmers on the ground are enabled and motivated to respond to them by developing long‐term solutions that fit their production systems and local contexts.

Here, we use a multi‐actor transdisciplinary approach to co‐design and test agroecological innovations suitable for intensive, exporting South American fruit farms. We focus on highly biodiverse regions experiencing habitat loss in the Mediterranean and dry tropical forest regions of Chile and Brazil, respectively. The innovations were designed to support local biodiversity without compromising productivity or quality.

Fourteen farmers participated throughout the project, covering a total of 4178 ha of intensive table grape, mango and cherry production. All were under pressure from buyers to report action on biodiversity.

Farmers worked with researchers and industry representatives through an iterative process of dialogues and workshops to select, co‐design and implement three agroecological innovations: perches for birds of prey, cover crops and native hedgerows. Farmers became engaged in monitoring their effectiveness and redesigning them to suit local contexts.

We develop an extensive set of resources for ongoing dissemination, including an online sustainability metric to report the practices carried out. Eight farms continued to implement at least one agroecological innovation beyond the end of the project, motivated by its fit to their management system and their ability to report positive actions in their supply chains.

Policy implications. Our model of knowledge co‐production demonstrates how transdisciplinary research in agriculture, fully localised in a particular food‐producing context, can enable farmers in the global South to engage with biodiversity conservation in response to top‐down market signals incentivising sustainability. We argue that many top‐down efforts to enhance the sustainability of food supply chains, whether through market incentives, voluntary codes or trade regulations, require locally based knowledge co‐production, in which multiple stakeholders from agriculture and the food industry can benefit from working with locally based researchers.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Current situation and prospect for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric critical rare diseases in China
Authors: Liu Yingchao , Qian Suyun 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTThe onset of critical rare diseases (RDs) in children is rapid and dangerous, accompanied by a high mortality rate, which brings a heavy burden to both families and society. Multiple malformations, neuromuscular diseases, metabolic diseases, and heart diseases are the most common types of RDs in children of China, often manifesting with multiple organ dysfunction. At present, the diagnosis and treatment of critical RDs in children face challenges such as prolonged diagnosis time, a high misdiagnosis rate, limited treatment modalities, and a significant disease burden. However, with the progress in genetic testing technology, the establishment of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment platforms, and the implementation of relevant RD policies in China, children with critical RDs will received enhanced medical services, experience improved prognoses, and reintegrate into social life.
Seed mucilage in temperate grassland species is unrelated to moisture requirements
Authors: Ladwig Laura M. , Lucas Jessica R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMyxospermy, the release of seed mucilage upon hydration, plays multiple roles in seed biology. Here, we explore whether seed mucilage occurs in a suite of temperate grassland species to test if the prevalence of species producing seed mucilage is associated with habitat type or seed characteristics. Seventy plant species found in wet or dry North American temperate grasslands were tested for the presence of seed mucilage through microscopic examination of seeds imbibed with histochemical stain for mucilage. Mucilage production was compared among species with different moisture requirements and seed mass. In this study, 43 of 70 of species tested produced seed mucilage. Seed mucilage did not differ based on habitat type, species moisture requirements, or seed mass. Most seed mucilage was non‐adherent and did not remain stuck to the seed after extrusion. Seed mucilage was a common trait in the surveyed temperate grassland species and was observed in 61% of evaluated species. Surprisingly, seed mucilage was more common in temperate grasslands than in previous ecological surveys from arid/semiarid systems, which found 10%–31% myxospermous species. Given the high prevalence, seed mucilage may influence seedling ecology in temperate grasslands and requires further investigation.
Enhancing structural replication of microfluidic chips: Parameter optimization and mold insert modification
Authors: Wang Yilei , Weng Can , Fei Zihao , Sun Huijie , Jiang Bingyan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe demolding process in micro‐injection molding constitutes a critical phase, exerting a decisive influence on the quality of polymer microstructures. In this study, the demolding forces of PMMA microfluidic chips were measured under different demolding temperatures, packing pressures, and demolding speeds by using pure nickel (Ni) mold insert. The dimensional deviations of the microchannels with different aspect ratios were analyzed. In addition, the effect of mold insert modification on the demolding force was further analyzed. The results showed that the effect of demolding temperature on the demolding force was the most significant, and the peak demolding force decreased with the decrease in temperature. The width of the microchannels increased and the depth decreased after demolding, while the opposite results were observed for the micro‐mixing structures. However, the dimensional deviation of the micro‐mixing structures was larger than that of the microchannels. Using the optimal molding parameters, the peak demolding force could be reduced from 114.0 N at 110°C to 47.0 N, a decrease of 58.8%. It is noteworthy that, when the microchannel was narrower than 100 μm, achieving precise replication of microchannel dimensions became progressively more challenging as the microchannel width decreased. Using the Ni‐WS2 mold insert with low surface energy and low friction coefficient, the demolding force could be further reduced by 38.3%. The effect of the molding quality of microfluidic chip microstructures on the mixing performance of heavy metals was demonstrated by micro‐mixing experiments.Highlights
Demolding temperature crucially affects microstructure dimensions.
Optimal parameters and modified mold insert reduce demolding force by 38.3%.
Dimensional deviation increases with the increase of microchannel aspect ratio.
Optimized microfluidic chip enhances Co2+ chemiluminescence by 6.42%.
Steroid reduction‐resistant pulmonary involvement with Sweet's syndrome suspected of being vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X‐linked, autoinflammatory, somatic syndrome: A case report
Authors: Amakusa Yuki , Suzuki Tatsuro , Takemura Masaya , Oguri Tetsuya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn cases of Sweet's syndrome with pulmonary involvement, fever of unknown origin, and macrocytic anaemia, VEXAS syndrome can be considered in the differential diagnosis. A 67‐year‐old man who was taking prednisolone for a fever of unknown origin and Sweet's syndrome was referred to us because of an abnormal chest shadow. Computed tomography revealed a nonfibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis‐like opacity, and blood test results indicated macrocytic anaemia. His pulmonary symptoms spontaneously improved but again exacerbated approximately 1 month later. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy improved his condition, but he had recurring fever flare and pulmonary involvement post‐treatment. A peripheral blood UBA1 gene test planned at a specialized institution was not performed, making the diagnosis difficult. We attempted careful tapering of methylprednisolone, but his macrocytic anaemia led to pancytopenia and he unfortunately died of sepsis due to neutropenia.
Tracheopathia osteochondroplastica—A benign disorder with a daunting appearance
Authors: Hu Chia‐Hao , Su Po‐Lan , Huang Li‐Ting , Lee Chung‐Ta , Huang Tang‐Hsiu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTracheopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare and benign condition. It typically manifests as multiple osteocartilaginous nodules in the submucosa of the central airway. TO‐related clinical symptoms and physical signs are nonspecific. The bronchoscopic examination is helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Treatment for TO is mostly conservative and symptom‐oriented. The prognosis of TO is generally good, although cases of associated airway stenosis have been reported. In this case report, we describe the clinical, imaging, and histological features, and videoed bronchoscopic findings, of a middle‐aged male patient with incidentally diagnosed TO.
Social dimension of the circular economy: Impact categories through fuzzy Delphi method
Authors: Galarza‐María Julen , Díaz de Junguitu Alberto , Labaien Irati 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe scholarly literature highlights the relevance of the social dimension of the circular economy (CE); yet the empirical analysis of this issue has been overlooked. This work sheds light empirically on this gap with a fuzzy Delphi study carried out in a region with strong institutional support for this paradigm. Through the consensus of 25 experts, a set of social impact categories of the CE was scrutinized. The results contribute to widening the current quantitative vision on the employment generated by CE, through the exploration of its qualitative aspects. According to our findings, technological innovation in high‐skilled employment appears to be crucial. Likewise, the results anticipate impacts derived from collaboration among stakeholders in a circular context still at an incipient stage. The expert panel also highlights the relevance of socio‐cultural and behavioral changes. Implications for public policy makers and other stakeholders are also analyzed, namely the development of a monitoring framework of the social dimension of the CE.
Removal of High Concentrations of Arsenite from Aqueous Solutions by the Emulsion Liquid Membrane Technique
Authors: Ghasemi Zeynab , Abdi Sara , Nasiri Masoud 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs(III) is a dangerous species that contaminates groundwater resources and therefore water purification from this element is necessary. In this study, the removal of As(III) was investigated by the emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) technique due to the high toxicity levels of this species. The effect of various parameters such as hydrochloric acid and arsenic concentration in the feed solution, emulsion to feed ratio, surfactant concentration and type of carrier was evaluated on the arsenic separation efficiency. The results showed that the best type of carrier in terms of emulsion stability and separation efficiency of arsenic ions was di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA), and its optimal concentration was about 5 % (v/v). In addition, paraffin as the organic solvent performed better than the mixture of paraffin and kerosene in the separation of As(III) ions. The optimal conditions were obtained at 8 and 0.1 M HCl concentrations for the feed and the internal phases, respectively. Also, the emulsion to feed ratio of 1 : 4.5, the volume ratio of the internal phase to the membrane phase of 1 : 1 and the surfactant concentration of 5 % (v/v) led to achieving the maximum removal of arsenic ions. This work presents a broad perspective of removing As(III) ions from wastewater by carefully examining the parameters influencing the separation of this hazardous element through the ELM method.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Properties of Some Spirocyclic Pyrimidine Hydrazones
Authors: Ragab Sherif S. , Sweed Ayman M. , Srour Aladdin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA new series of hydrazone derivatives incorporating spirocyclic aminopyrimidine with aryl alkanesulfonates were synthesized. The targeted products were obtained in excellent yields via an acid catalyzed reaction of spirocyclic hydrazinopyrimidine with aryl aldehyde sulfonates. The structures of the synthesized hydrazones were studied by the different spectroscopic tools, in addition to the high resolution mass analysis. The antiproliferative activities of the compounds were tested in vitro against the National Cancer Institute (NCI) 60 cell panel by the Developmental Therapeutics Program. Amongst the tested hydrazone compounds, the methansulfonate derivatives showed the highest activities against lung, brain, kidney, and breast cancers.