bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An empirical study of micro‐ and small‐enterprise bankruptcy protection under the COVID‐19 pandemic: New evidence from China
Authors: Yuxia Song , Mei Sun , Congyuan Yu , Zhiya Liao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMicro‐ and small‐enterprises (MSEs) serve as a strong foundation for sustainable and stable economic and social development in countries worldwide. However, they are highly susceptible to bankruptcy crises, a phenomenon that has been significantly amplified by the COVID‐19 pandemic. The article presents an empirical investigation of the application of the bankruptcy system to MSEs, using data on MSE bankruptcies published by the Sichuan courts in China in 2020 during the COVID‐19 pandemic as evidence. The article reveals that MSEs face a triple dilemma when applying bankruptcy procedures. Firstly, the legal system for bankruptcy is unsound. Secondly, the institutional mechanism for bankruptcy is imperfect. And thirdly, the social environment surrounding bankruptcy is not conducive. The article presents a novel approach to address bankruptcy issues by suggesting the implementation of streamlined bankruptcy procedures, a reorganization system for small and micro‐enterprises and a personal bankruptcy system. Additionally, it proposes enhancing the institutional framework for the selection, evaluation and oversight of bankruptcy judges and administrators, as well as the establishment of third‐party institutions. Furthermore, it advocates for a modernized understanding of bankruptcy, the provision of pre‐bankruptcy services and the creation of a bankruptcy protection system. The article presents a unique sample of international comparative studies on MSEs and proposes a new approach to examining bankruptcy protection for MSEs in China.
Blue light aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy downregulates cell division and proliferation pathways in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Austin Evan , Mineroff Jessica , Dana Isabella , Jagdeo Jared 
Published: February 2024

Abstract5‐Aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment for actinic keratosis (AK) and has been studied as a treatment for noninvasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). PDT induces apoptosis and necrosis in AKs and cSCC. 5‐ALA blue light PDT may modulate gene expression and pathways in surviving cells. In this study, differential gene expression and pathway analysis of cSCC and human dermal fibroblasts were compared before and after 5‐ALA blue light PDT using RNA sequencing. No genes were differentially expressed after correcting for multiple testing (false discovery rate < 0.05). As a result, transcription factor, gene enrichment, and pathway analysis were performed with genes identified before multiple testing (p < 0.05). Pathways associated with proliferation and carcinogenesis were downregulated. These findings using 5‐ALA blue light PDT are similar to previously published studies using methyl‐aminolevulinic and red light protocols, indicating that surviving residual cells may undergo changes consistent with a less aggressive cancerous phenotype.
Repair of a rat calvaria defect with injectable strontium (Sr)‐doped polyphosphate dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (P‐DCPD) ceramic bone grafts
Authors: Markel David C. , Dietz Paula R. , Wu Bin , Chen Liang , Bou‐Akl Therese , Shi Tong , Ren Weiping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe trace element strontium (Sr) enhances new bone formation. However, delivering Sr, like other materials, in a sustained manner from a ceramic bone graft substitute (BGS) is difficult. We developed a novel ceramic BGS, polyphosphate dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (P‐DCPD), which delivers embedded drugs in a sustained pattern. This study assessed the in vitro and in vivo performance of Sr‐doped P‐DCPD. In vitro P‐DCPD and 10%Sr‐P‐DCPD were nontoxic and eluents from 10%Sr‐P‐DCPD significantly enhanced osteoblastic MC3T3 cell differentiation. A sustained, zero‐order Sr release was observed from 10%Sr‐P‐DCPD for up to 70 days. When using this BGS in a rat calvaria defect model, both P‐DCPD and 10% Sr‐P‐DCPD were found to be biocompatible and biodegradable. Histologic data from decalcified and undecalcified tissue showed that 10%Sr‐P‐DCPD had more extensive new bone formation compared with P‐DCPD 12‐weeks after surgery and the 10%Sr‐P‐DCPD had more organized new bone and much less fibrous tissue at the defect margins. The new bone was formed on the surface of the degraded ceramic debris within the bone defect area. P‐DCPD represented a promising drug‐eluting BGS for repair of critical bone defects.
How activist investors value target firms: Evidence from hedge fund presentations
Authors: Pfirrmann Maximilian , Eichner Korbinian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis research study provides insights on how activist hedge funds perform valuation analyses of target firms. Relevant data was hand‐collected from a sample of activist hedge fund presentations. Based on the hedge funds’ valuation analyses, the undervaluation of the target firms amounts to approximately 30%, compared to the targets’ current share price. Besides, activist investors derive a value enhancement potential from their proposed strategies of approximately 70% to the targets’ current share price. These valuation results rely predominately on trading multiples. The dominant multiples are Enterprise value/EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) and Price/Earnings (P/E). Further, applied multiples are mainly forward‐looking, and the predicted performance measures are primarily consensus estimates. Besides, hedge funds sometimes adjust multiples arbitrarily to increase the comparability. Our results confirm that short‐term investors rely predominately on pricing analyses in their valuations.
Long‐term retention on antiretroviral treatment after enrolment in prevention of vertical HIV transmission services: a prospective cohort study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Urrio Roseline Faustine , Lyatuu Goodluck Willey , Sando David , Mahande Michael J. , Philipo Emmanuel , Naburi Helga , Lyaruu Peter , Kimonge Amanda , Mayogu Kasasi , Simba Brenda , Kibao Ayoub Muhamed , Msangi Michael , Zeebari Zangin , Biberfeld Gunnel , Ekström Anna Mia , Kilewo Charles , Kågesten Anna E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionTo prevent vertical HIV transmission and ensure healthy mothers and children, pregnant women with HIV must remain on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for life. However, motivation to remain on ART may decline beyond the standard 2‐year breastfeeding/postpartum period. We assessed attrition and retention in ART care among women with HIV up to 6 years since enrolment in vertical transmission prevention services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodsA prospective cohort of 22,631 pregnant women with HIV were enrolled in vertical transmission prevention services between January 2015 and December 2017 in routine healthcare settings and followed‐up to July 2021. Kaplan−Meier was used to estimate time to ART attrition (died, stopped ART or was lost to follow‐up [no show ≥90 days since scheduled appointment]) and the proportion retained in care. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of ART attrition in relation to predictors.ResultsParticipants were followed‐up to 6 years for a median of 3 years (IQR: 0.1–4). The overall ART attrition rate was 13.8 per 100 person‐years (95% CI: 13.5–14.1), highest in the first year of enrolment at 27.1 (26.3–27.9), thereafter declined to 9.5 (8.9–10.1) in year 3 and 2.7 (2.1–3.5) in year 6. The proportion of women retained in care were 78%, 69%, 63%, 60%, 57% and 56% at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 years, respectively. ART attrition was higher in young women aged <20 years (aHR 1.63, 95% CI: 1.38–1.92) as compared to 30‐39 year‐olds and women enrolled late in the third versus first trimester (aHR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16–1.44). In contrast, attrition was lower in older women ≥40 years, women who initiated ART before versus during the index pregnancy and women attending higher‐level health facilities.ConclusionsART attrition among women with HIV remains highest in the first year of enrolment in vertical transmission prevention services and declines markedly following a transition to chronic HIV care. Targeted interventions to improve ART continuity among women with HIV during and beyond prevention of vertical transmission are vital to ending paediatric HIV and keeping women and children alive and healthy.
Tritium and deuterium labelling of a kainate receptor antagonist and evaluation as a radioligand
Authors: Chałupnik Paulina , Marek Aleš , Hovah Marie Emilie Leiticia , Pickering Darryl S. , Temperini Piero , Donbosco Stephanie , Szymańska Ewa , Johansen Tommy N. 
Published: February 2024

Kainate receptors play a crucial role in mediating synaptic transmission within the central nervous system. However, the lack of selective pharmacological tool compounds for the GluK3 subunit represents a significant challenge in studying these receptors. Recently presented compound 1 stands out as a potent antagonist of GluK3 receptors, exhibiting nanomolar affinity at GluK3 receptors and strongly inhibiting glutamate‐induced currents at homomeric GluK1 and GluK3 receptors in HEK293 cells with Kb values of 65 and 39 nM, respectively. This study presents the synthesis of two potent GluK3‐preferring iodine derivatives of compound 1, serving as precursors for radiolabelling. Furthermore, we demonstrate the optimisation of dehalogenation conditions using hydrogen and deuterium, resulting in [2H]‐1, and demonstrate the efficient synthesis of the radioligand [3H]‐1 with a specific activity of 1.48 TBq/mmol (40.1 Ci/mmol). Radioligand binding studies conducted with [3H]‐1 as a radiotracer at GluK1, GluK2, and GluK3 receptors expressed in Sf9 and rat P2 membranes demonstrated its potential applicability for selectively studying native GluK3 receptors in the presence of GluK1 and 2‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor‐blocking ligands.
Effect of deacetylated konjac glucomannan on the 3D printing properties of minced pork
Authors: Li Junguang , Yue Xiaonan , Zhang Xuyue , Chen Bo , Han Ying , Zhao Jiansheng , Bai Yanhong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe influences of deacetylated konjac glucomannan (DKGM) at different condition levels (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%) on the 3D printing feasibility, printing properties, and the final gel characteristics of minced pork were investigated.RESULTSAs the DKGM content increased, the printing accuracy and stability initially increased and then declined, and the printing stability and accuracy increased to their highest levels (98.16% and 98.85%) with a 1.5% addition of DKGM. Furthermore, the addition of DKGM significantly enhanced the texture of 3D‐printed meat after heat treatments. When the DKGM content reached 1.5%, the hardness and springiness were 1.19 and 1.06 times higher than those of the control group. The results of low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance and Raman spectra revealed that DKGM enhanced the amount of bound water in 3D‐printed meat and encouraged changes in protein structure. After the addition of DKGM at 1.5%, the contents of bound water and β‐sheets were 7.67% and 12.89% higher than those of the control group, respectively, facilitating the development of a better gel network of minced meat during heating.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that a concentration of 1.5% DKGM is the ideal setting for obtaining the desired rheological properties and textural characteristics (printability) of 3D‐printed minced meat products compared to other samples. In addition, the results showed that the addition of DKGM at 1.5% promotes the transition from α‐helix to β‐folding of proteins during heating, which facilitates the formation of gels. The results of the study contribute to the application potential of minced meat in the field of 3D food printing. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Oxygen dynamics in a deep‐silled fjord: Tight coupling to the open shelf
Authors: Hannah Charles G. , Johannessen Sophia C. , Wright Cynthia A. , Page Stephen J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOxygen is declining globally in subsurface seawater. Fjords are particularly susceptible to hypoxia, because entrance sills restrict water circulation. We studied the oxygen dynamics of the Kitimat Fjord System on the west coast of Canada, using 3 yr of data from moored sensors and water column profiles. Subsurface oxygen within the fjord system is principally controlled by the connection to Hecate Strait on the outer shelf. Variations in oxygen concentration in Hecate Strait are reflected in the water that is drawn into the fjord system year‐round at mid‐depth (50–150 m). Deep water is renewed annually, beginning in May/June. Remineralization results in a seasonal decline in oxygen at depth. In the absence of deep‐water renewal, the bottom water in the system could become hypoxic in 1–2 yr. Mixing over a shallow inner sill (100 m) replenishes the oxygen in the deep water of Gardner Canal year‐round. The decadal trends in oxygen concentration show an increase from the 1950s to a maximum in the late 1970s, followed by a decline through 2016. The decline over the period 1977–2016 is 0.018 mL L−1 yr−1 (~ 0.83 μmol L−1 yr−1), which is consistent with the decline observed over the upper continental shelf over the same period.
Probing Laser‐Driven Structure Formation at Extreme Scales in Space and Time
Authors: Bonse Jörn , Sokolowski‐Tinten Klaus 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIrradiation of solid surfaces with high intensity, ultrashort laser pulses triggers a variety of secondary processes that can lead to the formation of transient and permanent structures over a large range of length scales from mm down to the nano‐range. One of the most prominent examples are LIPSS – Laser‐Induced Periodic Surface Structures. While LIPSS have been a scientific evergreen for of almost 60 years, experimental methods that combine ultrafast temporal with the required nm spatial resolution have become available only recently with the advent of short pulse, short wavelength free electron lasers. Here, the current status and future perspectives in this field are discussed by exploiting the unique possibilities of these 4th‐generation light sources to address by time‐domain experimental techniques the fundamental LIPSS‐question, namely why and how laser irradiation can initiate the transition of a “chaotic” (rough) surface from an aperiodic into a periodic structure.
Isomaltulose Enhances GLP‐1 and PYY Secretion to a Mixed Meal in People With or Without Type 2 Diabetes as Compared to Saccharose
Authors: Zhang Jiudan , Sonnenburg Dominik , Tricò Domenico , Kabisch Stefan , Mari Andrea , Theis Stephan , Kemper Margrit , Pivovarova‐Ramich Olga , Rohn Sascha , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H. 
Published: February 2024

ScopeSecretion of the gut hormones glucagon‐like peptide (GLP‐1) and peptide YY (PYY) are induced by nutrients reaching the lower small intestine which regulate insulin and glucagon release, inhibit appetite, and may improve β‐cell regeneration. The aim is to test the effect of a slowly digested isomaltulose (ISO) compared to the rapidly digested saccharose (SAC) as a snack given 1 h before a standardized mixed meal test (MMT) on GLP‐1, PYY, glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and metabolic responses in participants with or without type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods and resultsFifteen healthy volunteers and 15 patients with T2DM consumed either 50 g ISO or SAC 1 h preload of MMT on nonconsecutive days. Clinical parameters and incretin hormones are measured throughout the whole course of MMT. Administration of 50 g ISO as compared to SAC induced a significant increase in GLP‐1, GIP, and PYY responses over 2 h after intake of a typical lunch in healthy controls. Patients with T2DM showed reduced overall responses of GLP‐1 and delayed insulin release compared to controls while ISO significantly enhanced the GIP and almost tripled the PYY response compared to SAC.ConclusionA snack containing ISO markedly enhances the release of the metabolically advantageous gut hormones PYY and GLP‐1 and enhances GIP release in response to a subsequent complex meal.
Laser power stabilization system based on variable universe fuzzy proportional‐integral‐differential
Authors: Ma Hong‐Liang , Zhang Yu , Yang Tao , Guo Yu‐Xiang , Ji Juan‐Juan , Zhang Qi‐Lei , Zha Shen‐Long , Liu Qiang , Jiang Gui‐Sheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA variable universe fuzzy proportional‐integral‐differential (PID) algorithm was designed and first application for a laser power stabilization system. To validate the algorithm's effectiveness, it is applied to the simulation model of Simulink and the experimental system based on an acousto‐optic modulator. The results demonstrate that the variable universe fuzzy PID presents higher control precision, better robustness, and can suppress long‐term drift phenomena compared with the traditional feedback control algorithm. The algorithm design method in this paper has significant reference and guidance value for laser power stabilization system.
Three‐element ultrawideband MIMO antenna based on shared‐radiator structures with high efficiency and gain
Authors: Xue Yan Mei , Li Yuan Jun , Du Zhi‐Xia , Ye Liang Hua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis letter presents a novel three‐port ultrawideband (UWB) multi‐input‐multi‐output (MIMO) antenna that covers the sub‐6 GHz (between 1.7 and 6 GHz) frequency band for wireless device applications. The proposed antenna consists of two parts: a dipole and two centrosymmetric slot antennas with shared structures. The radiating arm of the dipole can be reused as the large slot ground without increasing the size. The novel circular slot antenna etched on the radiator and circular microstrip feed line are designed to achieve wide impedance bandwidth. Meanwhile, four chamfers are loaded at the corners of the dipole to further optimize the impedance match in the whole frequency band. The physical dimension of the proposed three‐port MIMO antenna is 70 × 45 × 0.762 mm3. Experimental results validate that the reflection coefficient remains lower than −12 dB and the port isolation is better than 12 dB in the entire operational bandwidth without any decoupling network. The measured average peak gains are up to 5.6 dBi for all three ports, accompanied by a radiation efficiency of 90% across the frequency spectrum. With the advantages of simple design, high gain and high radiation efficiency, the proposed three‐element MIMO antenna design is well‐suited for implementation in UWB applications.
A stochastic variance reduced gradient method with adaptive step for stochastic optimization
Authors: Li Jing , Xue Dan , Liu Lei , Qi Rulei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a stochastic variance reduction gradient method with adaptive step size, referred to as the SVRG‐New BB method, to solve the convex stochastic optimization problem. The method could be roughly viewed as a hybrid of the SVRG algorithm and a new BB step mechanism. Under the condition that the objective function is strongly convex, we provide the linear convergence proof of this algorithm. Numerical experiment results show that the performance of the SVRG‐New BB algorithm can surpass other existing algorithms if parameters in the algorithm are properly chosen.
Dynamic control of circumrotation of a [2]catenane by acid‐base switching
Authors: Shi Kelun , Jia Guohui , Wu Ying , Zhang Shilong , Chen Jiawen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDynamic control of the motion in a catenane remains a big challenge as it requires precise design and sophisticated well‐organized structures. This paper reports the design and synthesis of a donor‐acceptor [2]catenane through mechanical interlocking, employing a crown ether featuring two dibenzylammonium salts on its side arms as the host and a cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) (CBPQT ⋅ 4PF6) ring as the guest molecule. By addition of external acid or base, the catenane can form self‐complexed or decomplexed compounds to alter the cavity size of the crown ether ring, consequently affecting circumrotation rate of CBPQT ⋅ 4PF6 ring of the catenane. This study offers insights for the design and exploration of artificial molecular machines with intricate cascading responsive mechanisms.
Ribbon‐like microfiber of vulcanized and non‐vulcanized natural rubber obtained by the solution blow spinning
Authors: Sousa Eliraldrin Amorin , Sanches Alex Otávio , Vilches José Luiz , da Silva Michael Jones , de Paula Fernando Rogério , McMahan Colleen Marie , Malmonge José Antonio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNatural rubber (NR) microfibers were obtained from NR/chloroform solutions with or without vulcanization agents, by a solution blow spinning (SBS) technique. The microfibers showed a ribbon‐like morphology with average widths ranging from 15 to 45 μm, depending on the processing conditions. Concentrations of 3%, 4%, and 5% (wt/vol) of NR/chloroform were compared; at 4% wt/vol the spinning process was most stable, and fiber width was the most homogeneous. Microfibrous NR membranes incorporating vulcanizing agents were treated at temperatures of 70, 80, and 90°C for 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. Membrane tensile strength and elongation at break varied with temperature and treatment time. The best result was found with the sample treated at 90°C for 3 h. In this case, the tensile strength and elongation at break was (4.9 ± 0.8) MPa and (867 ± 18) % which is about 310% and 330% higher than the values found for the same sample without the incorporation of vulcanizing agents. This expressive increase was attributed to the vulcanization of the rubber, which also provided a shift to a higher value of the glass transition temperature. Overall properties of the blow‐spun films, especially the high elasticity‐contraction, suggest they are attractive candidates for use in robotics, and biobased electronics including wearable sensors.
Enhanced mechanical properties of MWCNT reinforced ABS nanocomposites fabricated through additive manufacturing process
Authors: Singh Phool , Singari Ranganath M. , Mishra R. S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMultiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be spread out in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) using a twin‐screw micro‐compounding extruder. It can significantly improve the mechanical properties of 3D‐printed objects. Dispersed MWCNTs in pure ABS to develop the nanocomposites through a two‐time micro compounding extruding process. 3D printed filaments with a diameter of 1.75 mm have been prepared by processing the acquired composite structure through a filament extruder. The mechanical and other properties of 3D printed pure ABS and 1, 2, and 3 wt.% of the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process were studied for MWCNTs/ABS composites. Compared with pure ABS, the tensile and thermal properties were significant for 1, 2, and 3 wt.% of MWCNTs/ABS composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also analyzed for 0, 1, 2, and 3 wt.% MWCNTs/ABS composites. Additive manufacturing (AM) processes have recently been emphasized for their applications in electronics, aerospace, biomedical, and automobile engineering.