bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brush‐Like Coatings Provide a Cloak of Invisibility to Titanium Implants
Authors: Witzdam Lena , Garay‐Sarmiento Manuela , Gagliardi Mick , Meurer Yannick L. , Rutsch Yannik , Englert Jenny , Philipsen Sandra , Janem Anisa , Alsheghri Rawan , Jakob Felix , Molin Daniël G. M. , Schwaneberg Ulrich , van den Akker Nynke M. S. , Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOrthopedic implants such as knee and hip implants are one of the most important types of medical devices. Currently, the surface of the most advanced implants consists of titanium or titanium‐alloys with high porosity at the bone‐contacting surface leading to superior mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and the capability of inducing osseointegration. However, the increased surface area of porous titanium provides a nidus for bacteria colonization leading to implant‐related infections, one of the main reasons for implant failure. Here, two readily applicable titanium‐coatings based on hydrophilic carboxybetaine polymers that turn the surface stealth thereby preventing bacterial adhesion and colonization are developed. These coatings are biocompatible, do not affect cell functionality, exhibit great antifouling properties, and do not cause additional inflammation during the healing process. In this way, the coatings can prevent implant‐related infections, while at the same time being completely innocuous to its biological environment. Thus, these coating strategies are a promising route to enhance the biocompatibility of orthopedic implants and have a high potential for clinical use, while being easy to implement in the implant manufacturing process.
Oil‐Infused Polymer Fiber Membranes as Porous Patches for Long‐Term Skin Hydration and Moisturization
Authors: Szewczyk Piotr K. , Kopacz Michał , Krysiak Zuzanna J. , Stachewicz Urszula 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSkin allergies and diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), affect millions worldwide. Current treatments for AD are often expensive, leading to a need for cost‐effective solutions. Here, using fiber‐based patches to maintain and increase skin hydration is explored, which helps treat eczema and AD. Nanofiber membranes are manufactured via electrospinning of eight different polymers: nylon 6 (PA6), polyimide (PI), poly(3‐hydroxybuty‐rate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate (PHBV), poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polystyrene (PS), and two molecular weights poly(vinyl butyral‐co‐vinyl alcohol‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PVB). Further, their morphology is examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fibers, and pores diameter, wettability, and membrane thickness. Additionally, water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) are measured, and notably, skin hydration tests are conducted before and after using evening primrose oil‐infused patches. The comparison and findings highlight the flexibility of electrospun patches, demonstrating their potential in maintaining skin hydration for 6 h and enhancing skin moisture, which are necessary in AD treatment. These insights, which focus on selecting the most effective performance patches, help improve skin moisture, leading to tailored treatments for AD, which can significantly impact the efforts to reduce healthcare costs and simplify skincare steps.
Validation of the Distress Thermometer as a Screening Tool for Psychosocial Distress and Resilience in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Schnalke Nils , Tekampe Esther , Feige Tim , Frank Anika , Reichmann Heinz , Falkenburger Björn , D'Souza Simone 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is associated with psychosocial distress that affects patients’ quality of life. The distress thermometer (DT) is an 11‐point visual analogue scale that is used as a screening tool for the assessment of psychosocial distress, originally developed for oncological diseases.ObjectivesTo validate the DT for PD and to explore contributing factors.MethodsThe DT scale was administered to 105 people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD). Along with it, we assessed motor symptoms (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III [UPDRS III], Hoehn and Yahr‐stage [H&Y]), non‐motor symptoms (Non‐motor Symptom Questionnaire [NMSQ]), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS], Fear of Progression‐Questionnaire Short Form [FOP‐Q‐SF], Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale‐7 [GAD‐7], 9‐question Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ‐9]), the feeling of hope (Herth Hope Index [HHI]) and quality of life (Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life [SEIQoL]).ResultsWith a cut‐off of 4, the DT identified PwPD with distress with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 38%. With this cut‐off, the DT will yield false negative results in 1 out of 100 cases. Factor analyses and a random forest regression of the dataset revealed that distress can be predicted by two factors, which we termed “anxiety” and “depression/resilience/motor symptoms”.ConclusionThe DT is an ultra‐short and reliable screening tool for distress in PwPD. DT values below 4 rule out distress with a high degree of certainty. Anxiety and depression are important factors in distress but are counterbalanced by the individuals’ psychological resilience.
Dynamic pricing for group‐buying strategy with network externality
Authors: Hou Rui , Li Weijian , Jin Kangning , Qu Mingyue , Lin Xiaogang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe consider a two‐stage dynamic pricing problem for a seller who employs online group purchasing with strategic customers. Customers who arrive in Periods 1 and 2 can decide whether to purchase the product in the current period, delay their purchases to the next period (for those customers in Period 1), or leave the market. The network externality, a typical characteristic of group buying, is captured in our model. That is, more customers who purchase the product would positively or negatively affect the demand. We investigate the impacts of positive/negative externality on the seller's prices, demands, and profits, respectively. By comparing positive and negative externality cases, we find that customers who purchase the product in Period 2 can enjoy a lower price than in Period 1 for negative externality. Interestingly, however, the price in Period 1 might be higher or lower than in Period 2 for positive externality, even if the corresponding demand is lower. Compared to no externality, our result shows that the seller should reduce the price in Period 1 but increase it in Period 2 because this helps increase the total demand and profit in the presence of a positive externality. Nevertheless, when there exists a negative externality, we confirm that the prices in two periods might both decrease for a lower externality, which leads to lower total demand and profit for the seller. Since the seller can decide whether to disclose their reviews or product historical sales to customers, this result can provide practical implications for sellers who adopt a group purchasing strategy.
Managerial myopia and outward foreign direct investment: Evidence from Chinese listed firms
Authors: Dong Li , Chen Jinlong , Guo Huiling 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPrevious literature has studied the effect of managers' attributes on firms' outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). However, this extant literature ignored the role of managerial myopia. We use a sample of Chinese listed companies to examine the impact of managerial myopia on firms' OFDI. Based on the MD&A disclosure of firms, we use textual analysis and machine learning technology to measure managerial myopia. The result shows that managerial myopia has a negative impact on firms' OFDI. The cross‐sectional analysis results shows that the effect of managerial myopia on firms' OFDI is concentrated in firms with low financial constraints, technology‐intensive firms, and non‐state‐owned enterprises. Further analysis indicates that managerial short‐term performance pressure and corporate risk‐taking, respectively, strengthen and weaken the negative impact of managerial myopia on firms' OFDI. Our results suggest that managerial myopia will hinder a firm's international expansion. Therefore, firms committed to international expansion should also consider the long‐horizon vision of managers when appointing senior managers.
Impaired Mitochondrial Respiration in REM‐Sleep Behavior Disorder: A Biomarker of Parkinson's Disease?
Authors: Ongari Gerardo , Ghezzi Cristina , Di Martino Deborah , Pisani Antonio , Terzaghi Michele , Avenali Micol , Valente Enza Maria , Cerri Silvia , Blandini Fabio 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundIdiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is associated with prodromal Parkinson's disease (PD), but the mechanisms linking phenoconversion of iRBD to PD have not yet been clarified. Considering the association between mitochondrial dysfunction and sleep disturbances in PD, we explored mitochondrial activity in fibroblasts derived from iRBD patients to identify a biochemical profile that could mark the presence of impending neurodegeneration.MethodsThe study involved 28 participants, divided into three groups: patients diagnosed with iRBD, PD patients converted from iRBD (RBD‐PD), and healthy controls. We performed a comprehensive assessment of mitochondrial function, including an examination of mitochondrial morphology, analysis of mitochondrial protein expression levels by western blot, and measurement of mitochondrial respiration using the Seahorse XFe24 analyzer.ResultsIn basal conditions, mitochondrial respiration did not differ between iRBD and control fibroblasts, but when cells were challenged with a higher energy demand, iRBD fibroblasts exhibited a significant (P = 0.006) drop in maximal and spare respiration compared to controls. Interestingly, RBD‐PD patients showed the same alterations with a further significant reduction in oxygen consumption linked to adenosine triphosphate production (P = 0.032). Moreover, RBD‐PD patients exhibited a significant decrease in protein levels of complexes III (P = 0.02) and V (P = 0.002) compared to controls, along with fragmentation of the mitochondrial network. iRBD patients showed similar, but milder alterations.ConclusionsAltogether, these findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunctions in individuals with iRBD might predispose to worsening of the bioenergetic profile observed in RBD‐PD patients, highlighting these alterations as potential predictors of phenoconversion to PD. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
To flame‐seal or not to flame‐seal NMR tubes: The role of liquid–vapor equilibria on the accuracy of variable temperature experiments
Authors: Morrelli Derek , Maitra Santanu , Krishnan V. V. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn NMR experiments, it is crucial to control the temperature of the sample, especially when measuring kinetic parameters. Usually, it takes 2 to 5 min for the temperature of the sample inside the NMR probe to stabilize at a fixed value set for the experiment. However, the NMR sample tubes are flame‐sealed in some cases, such as when working with volatile solvents, atmosphere‐sensitive samples, or calibration samples for long‐term use. When these samples are placed inside the NMR probe, the spectrometer controls the lower portion (liquid phase) of the NMR sample tube with a gas flow at a fixed temperature, while the upper portion (vapor) is at ambient temperature. This probe design creates a unique temperature gradient across the sample, leading to vapor pressure build‐up, particularly inside a sealed NMR tube. By analyzing the temperature‐dependent spectral line shape changes of a chemical exchange process, we report that under standard experimental conditions, the sample temperature can take up to 2 to 3 h (instead of minutes) to stabilize. The time scale of the liquid–vapor equilibrium process is much slower, with a half‐life exceeding 35 min, in contrast to the 2‐min duration required to obtain each spectrum. This phenomenon is exclusively due to the liquid–vapor equilibrium process of the flame‐sealed NMR tube and is not observable otherwise.
Changes in tissue sodium concentration and sodium relaxation times during the maturation of human knee cartilage: Ex vivo 23Na MRI study at 10.5 T
Authors: Zbýň Štefan , Ludwig Kai D. , Watkins Lauren E. , Lagore Russell L. , Nowacki Amanda , Tóth Ferenc , Tompkins Marc A. , Zhang Lin , Adriany Gregor , Gold Garry E. , Shea Kevin G. , Nagel Armin M. , Carlson Cathy S. , Metzger Gregory J. , Ellermann Jutta M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the influence of skeletal maturation on sodium (23Na) MRI relaxation parameters and the accuracy of tissue sodium concentration (TSC) quantification in human knee cartilage.MethodsTwelve pediatric knee specimens were imaged with whole‐body 10.5 T MRI using a density‐adapted 3D radial projection sequence to evaluate 23Na parameters: B1+, T1, biexponential , and TSC. Water, collagen, and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) content were calculated from osteochondral biopsies. The TSC was corrected for B1+, relaxation, and water content. The literature‐based TSC (TSCLB) used previously published values for corrections, whereas the specimen‐specific TSC (TSCSP) used measurements from individual specimens. 23Na parameters were evaluated in eight cartilage compartments segmented on proton images. Associations between 23Na parameters, TSCLB − TSCSP difference, biochemical content, and age were determined.ResultsFrom birth to 12 years, cartilage water content decreased by 18%; collagen increased by 59%; and sGAG decreased by 36% (all R2 ≥ 0.557). The short () decreased by 72%, and the signal fraction relaxing with () increased by 55% during the first 5 years but remained relatively stable after that. TSCSP was significantly correlated with sGAG content from biopsies (R2 = 0.739). Depending on age, TSCLB showed higher or lower values than TSCSP. The TSCLB − TSCSP difference was significantly correlated with (R2 = 0.850), (R2 = 0.651), and water content (R2 = 0.738).ConclusionTSC and relaxation parameters measured with 23Na MRI provide noninvasive information about changes in sGAG content and collagen matrix during cartilage maturation. Cartilage TSC quantification assuming fixed relaxation may be feasible in children older than 5 years.
Modeling cracks in viscoelastic materials at finite strains
Authors: Abu‐Qbeitah Suhib , Jabareen Mahmood , Volokh Konstantin Y. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractViscosity is a manifestation of internal friction in materials. Such friction is accompanied by the dissipation of energy, which affects deformation and fracture. In the present work, we develop a new theoretical formulation and its numerical implementation for modeling fracture in viscoelastic soft materials. Concerning the theory, we extend the material‐sink approach by including a viscosity description at finite strains. Concerning numerical methods, we introduce a mixed finite‐element formulation based on the relative deformation gradient and implement it in Abaqus. Representative numerical examples show that the proposed approach captures the viscous behavior of material and demonstrates the coupling between viscosity and fracture. Simulations reveal that the viscous dissipation suppresses minor crack branching as compared to the purely hyperelastic case, when the strain rate is relatively small. That said, when the strain rate is relatively large, viscoelastic and hyperelastic materials fracture consonantly.
Searching for the North Star or how to navigate a boat with a fixed rudder through turbulent times
Authors: Ahmad Sufina , von Schnurbein Georg 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis piece of work aims to connect the governance and leadership levels of foundations with the demand to respond to the societal poly‐crisis. Challenges such as climate change, migration, demographic development and economic debts cannot be solved on the level of a single country and, thus, call for joint action. Given the inherent independence of foundations, an analysis of how foundations can strengthen their contribution to solve the global poly‐crisis has to begin with the single organisation, its purpose and its leaders. However, how feasible is it to evolve, transform even, governance and leadership in philanthropic organisations, which are often considered rather rigid and inflexible organisations? Based on arguments on governance and leadership of foundations from both the academic and the public debate, we formulate four propositions on how foundation leaders can adapt their foundation to the current societal situation. The propositions include aspects such as transparency, empowerment, sensemaking and leadership support.
Does citizen participation make public servants more satisfied with their jobs? It depends on whether they are Spectators or Participants
Authors: Islam Kazi Maruful , Meyer‐Sahling Jan‐Hinrik , Mikkelsen Kim Sass , Rahman Taiabur , Schuster Christian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIs citizen participation in policymaking and implementation desirable? Numerous studies have explored its effects on policy outcomes and citizen attitudes. We, instead, examine its effects on public servants. Citizen participation changes public sector job characteristics and thus potentially job attitudes. Looking at job satisfaction, we argue that citizen participation negatively affects public servants who observe, but do not participate in citizen participation initiatives in their institution's decisions (“Spectators”), yet not public servants who are “Participants.” “Participants” learn to appreciate the benefits of citizen participation while minimizing its cost. Survey data from public servants in one developing country, Bangladesh, provides empirical support.
Interests, beliefs, experience and perceptions shape tolerance towards impacts of recovering predators
Authors: Hobson Keziah J. , Stringer Andrew , Gill Robin , MacPherson Jenny , Lambin Xavier 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The modification of landscapes is increasing the interface between humans and wildlife, while conflicts concerning predator impacts on human activities persist. Some previously persecuted but now protected predator species are experiencing recovery and range expansion.

Tolerance is considered essential for achieving coexistence between humans and wildlife; however, its conceptualisation remains unresolved. Little is known about tolerance in the context of recovering predators, particularly which drivers are relevant to all or specific species and human interests.

Using an online questionnaire survey shared with members of organisations with interests in rural land‐based activities, we collected data on interests and beliefs, and attitudes, perceptions, experience and management preferences for six recovering vertebrate predators in the United Kingdom (n = 819). We created a species tolerance score representing the management choices of the respondents in different conflict scenarios, which differed in the degree of impact on the predator population.

Our species tolerance score was characterised by a complex combination of the interests and beliefs of the respondents about wildlife management, perceptions and experience of that species (perceived benefits, population trend, positive and negative experience, indirect negative experience) and negative experience of other recovering predators.

We found a tolerance gradient between interest groups with notable overlap between groups with primary interests in wildlife conservation, shooting, farming and fishing. Although higher perceived benefits consistently corresponded to higher tolerance, having a negative experience of the species dampened the effect of perceived benefits on tolerance. When both negative personal and indirect experiences were reported, tolerance was dramatically reduced. The classification of species from least to most tolerated was consistent between interest groups.

The application of our species tolerance score as the normative dimension (i.e. acceptability) in Brenner and Metcalf's (2020) Social Tolerance of Wildlife Framework highlights that tolerance (negative attitude—high acceptability) is potentially rare and more positive attitudes must be achieved before acceptance of the impacts of species can increase.

Our findings highlight that considering only primary interests may hinder debates concerning recovering predators. Strategies to reduce negative experiences or change how they are perceived could significantly increase tolerance in combination with increasing positive experiences.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
A mini‐review of ultra‐low dielectric constant intrinsic epoxy resins: Mechanism, preparation and application
Authors: Wu Yalan , Fan Xuerong , Wang Zhen , Zhang Zhiming , Liu Zheng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEpoxy resins are widely utilized in electronics, electrical components, and communication equipment for polymer‐based wave‐transparent composites. However, the dielectric constant (ε) and dielectric loss (tanδ) of common epoxy resins are relatively high (ε for 3.8–4.2; tanδ for 0.018–0.025), and the corresponding impact resistance is poor. Thus, it cannot meet the requirements of advanced microelectronic materials. And the epoxy resins prepared by filling the inorganic fillers are difficult to combine the low ε with good machining performance. The ε and tanδ of intrinsic epoxy resins can be decreased by the synthesis of epoxy monomers and curing agents and the optimization of the final curing network. Meanwhile, the use of some special processing methods, such as the electrospinning technology, is also conducive to reducing the ε and tanδ values of final epoxy‐cured resins. The factors affecting the dielectric properties of epoxy‐cured resins, and the common methods to decrease the ε value of epoxy‐cured resins are reviewed in this article. Then, the design, synthesis and research progress of ultra‐low ε epoxy resins are investigated with the relevant academic results. Finally, the development trends and application prospects of the ultra‐low ε epoxy resins are discussed.
Novel polycarbonate/Fe3O4 nanocomposite membranes: Fabrication and performance evaluation in water treatment
Authors: Etemadi Habib , Ghasemian Naser , Ghesmati Zahra , Hermani Milad 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this work, a novel polycarbonate (PC) nanocomposite membrane was prepared by incorporation of iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles using the nonsolvent induced phase separation method. The prepared membranes was applied in a submerged membrane system for bovine serum albumin (BSA) filtration through two cycles of 60 min. The properties and performance of fabricated membranes was characterized using water content, porosity, water contact angle, mechanical and thermal properties, membrane morphology including FESEM and AFM, antifouling performance, and BSA rejection. Results showed that by incorporation of Fe3O4 up to 0.5 wt.% in membrane, the hydrophilicity and porosity was increased and then decreased again by more nanoparticles concentration. DSC analysis indicated that Tg of membrane increased from 135.2 to 140.1°C when 0.5 wt.% of Fe3O4 was used. Also, the results of FESEM images revealed that addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles significantly increased the number and pore size of membrane surface. According to AFM analysis, the membrane containing 0.5 wt.% showed smoother surface as compared to other membranes. Additionally, the PC/Fe3O4–0.5 membrane had better antifouling properties in term of high flux recovery ratio of 82.3% and 85% in the first and second cycles, respectively, while the neat PC membrane showed lower FRR of 70.4% and 74%.