bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the influence of entrepreneurial skills, human capital, and home country institutions on firm internationalization
Authors: Ndofirepi Takawira Munyaradzi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the factors that influence firm internationalization is crucial for businesses and policymakers alike. This study examines the complex interplay between entrepreneurial skills, human capital, institutional environments and firm internationalization. Specifically, it investigates the mediating role of home country institutional environments in the relationship between entrepreneurial skills, human capital and firm internationalization. Based on a theoretical framework that integrates resource‐based and institutional theories, this study employs a quantitative research design, using cross‐sectional international data from the Global Entrepreneurship Development Institute (GEDI) and Global Competitiveness Index 2018 reports for 137 countries. The findings of this reveal compelling insights into the factors driving firm internationalization. Both direct and indirect effects of entrepreneurial skills and human capital on firm internationalization emerge as positive and statistically significant. Moreover, the study underscores the nuanced influence of institutional environments, indicating their partial mediation of the relationship between entrepreneurial skills, human capital and firm internationalization. This sheds light on the pivotal role of the dynamic interplay between resources and institutional frameworks in shaping firms’ strategic decisions to venture into foreign markets. The implications of these results extend beyond academia, with actionable insights for both businesses and policymakers alike. This study not only contributes to our theoretical understanding of internationalization processes but also provides practical guidance for firms seeking to navigate and optimize their global expansion strategies.
Essential oil from Citrus depressa peel exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant and cancer chemopreventive effects
Authors: Weng Yu‐Xiang , Wang Hsiao‐Chi , Chu Yung‐Lin , Wu Yun‐Zhen , Liao Jie‐An , Su Zheng‐Yuan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDMany diseases may be caused by pathogens and oxidative stress resulting from carcinogens. Earlier studies have highlighted the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of plant essential oils (EO). It is crucial to effectively utilize agricultural waste to achieve a sustainable agricultural economy and protect the environment. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of EO extracted from the discarded peels of Citrus depressa Hayata (CD) and Citrus microcarpa Bunge (CM), synonyms of Citrus deliciosa Ten and Citrus japonica Thunb, respectively.RESULTSGas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the main compounds in CD‐EO were (R)‐(+)‐limonene (38.97%), γ‐terpinene (24.39%) and linalool (6.22%), whereas, in CM‐EO, the main compounds were (R)‐(+)‐limonene (48.00%), β‐pinene (13.60%) and γ‐terpinene (12.07%). CD‐EO exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of common microorganisms, including Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. However, CM‐EO showed only inhibitory effects on E. coli. Furthermore, CD‐EO exhibited superior antioxidant potential, as demonstrated by its ability to eliminate 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonate free radicals. Furthermore, CD‐EO at a concentration of 100 μg mL−1 significantly inhibited 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate‐induced cancer transformation in mouse epidermal JB6 P+ cells (P < 0.05), possibly by up‐regulating protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 and its downstream antioxidant enzymes, such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, heme oxygenase‐1 and UGT1A.CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that CD‐EO exhibits inhibitory effects on pathogenic microorganisms, possesses antioxidant properties and has cancer chemopreventive potential. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hyperspectral imaging for monitoring of free flaps of the oral cavity: A feasibility study
Authors: Felicio‐Briegel Axelle , Linek Matthäus , Sroka Ronald , Rühm Adrian , Freymüller Christian , Stocker Magdalena , Baumeister Philipp , Reichel Christoph , Volgger Veronika 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesHyperspectral imaging (HSI) provides spectral information about hemoglobin, water and oxygen supply and has thus great potential in perfusion monitoring. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of HSI in the postoperative monitoring of intraoral free flaps.MethodsThe 14 patients receiving reconstructive head and neck surgery with a radial forearm free flap were included. HSI was performed intraoperatively (t0), on Day 1 (t1), 2 (t2), 3–6 (t3), 7–9 (t4), 10–11 (t5) and 12–15 (t6) postoperatively. Flap tissue perfusion was assessed on defined regions of interest by calculating the perfusion indices Tissue Hemoglobin Index (THI), hemoglobin oxygenation (StO2), Near Infrared Perfusion Index (NIR Perfusion Index) and Tissue Water Index (TWI).ResultsImage quality varied depending on location of the flap and time of measurement. StO2 was >50 intraoperatively and >40 on t1 for all patients. A significant difference was found solely for TWI between t0 and t2 and t0 and t4. No flap loss occurred.ConclusionsThe use of HSI in the monitoring of intraoral flaps is feasible and might become a valuable addition to the current clinical examination of free flaps.
Unsupervised deep learning with convolutional neural networks for static parallel transmit design: A retrospective study
Authors: Kilic Toygan , Liebig Patrick , Demirel Omer Burak , Herrler Jürgen , Nagel Armin M. , Ugurbil Kamil , Akçakaya Mehmet 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPurposeTo mitigate inhomogeneity at 7T for multi‐channel transmit arrays using unsupervised deep learning with convolutional neural networks (CNNs).MethodsDeep learning parallel transmit (pTx) pulse design has received attention, but such methods have relied on supervised training and did not use CNNs for multi‐channel maps. In this work, we introduce an alternative approach that facilitates the use of CNNs with multi‐channel maps while performing unsupervised training. The multi‐channel maps are concatenated along the spatial dimension to enable shift‐equivariant processing amenable to CNNs. Training is performed in an unsupervised manner using a physics‐driven loss function that minimizes the discrepancy of the Bloch simulation with the target magnetization, which eliminates the calculation of reference transmit RF weights. The training database comprises 3824 2D sagittal, multi‐channel maps of the healthy human brain from 143 subjects. data were acquired at 7T using an 8Tx/32Rx head coil. The proposed method is compared to the unregularized magnitude least‐squares (MLS) solution for the target magnetization in static pTx design.ResultsThe proposed method outperformed the unregularized MLS solution for RMS error and coefficient‐of‐variation and had comparable energy consumption. Additionally, the proposed method did not show local phase singularities leading to distinct holes in the resulting magnetization unlike the unregularized MLS solution.ConclusionProposed unsupervised deep learning with CNNs performs better than unregularized MLS in static pTx for speed and robustness.
Modern Trends in Otologic Surgery and Implications for Residency Training
Authors: Adams Jason K. , Marinelli John P. , De Jong Russell , Spear Samuel A. , Erbele Isaac D. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivePlacing a middle ear prosthesis is considered a key competency for the general otolaryngologist, but surgeons struggle to obtain and maintain this skill. The current study aims to characterize pre‐coronavirus disease 2019 trends in stapedectomy and ossiculoplasty.Study DesignDatabase review.SettingTricare beneficiaries are treated at civilian and military facilities.MethodsThe Department of Defense beneficiary population of more than nine million persons per year was reviewed for patients undergoing either stapedectomy or ossiculoplasty between 2010 and 2019, identified by the current procedural terminology code.ResultsA total of 3052 stapedectomies and 7197 ossiculoplasties were performed. Over the 10‐year study period, stapedectomy decreased by 23%, with an average annual rate of −2.7% per year (Pearson r = −.91, P = .0003). Ossiculoplasties declined by 18%, an average annual rate of −1.9% (r = −.8, P = .006). In combination, cases declined by 20%, an average annual rate of −2.2% (r = −.87, P = .001).ConclusionWhile declines in stapedectomy surgery have been well reported, here we show steady declines in ossiculoplasty as well. If these trends continue, more cochlear implantations may be performed annually than stapedectomy and ossiculoplasty combined, with cochlear implantation likely to overtake ossicular chain surgery in the near future. These changes in surgical volume have a direct implication on resident education and general otolaryngology expectations after graduation. Strong consideration should be made to replace “Stapedectomy/Ossiculoplasty” as resident key indicator with “Cochlear Implantation,” a more professionally meaningful skill.
Robust underwater superoleophobic coatings based on zwitterionic P(CBMAE‐co‐TMSPMA)/SiO2 with anti‐adhesive behavior
Authors: Yuan Yinghui , Dong Guangli , Liu Yinglin , Tian Lili , He Bingyu , Zhou Enliang , Hao Hong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on the surface modification of substrates using a poly(N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)‐N‐[2′‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl]‐ammonium chloride‐co‐3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate) P(CBMAE‐co‐TMSPMA) and ethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). By covalently bonding the Si‐OH pendant of the copolymer with hydroxyl residues on the material's surface, a stable polymer coating is formed. The properties of P(CBMAE‐co‐TMSPMA) coatings were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and contact angle (CA) meter. The addition of TEOS allows for the regulation of surface roughness. With the increase of TEOS content, the contact angle of underwater oil first increased and then decreased. The water contact angles were 8°, the underwater superoleophobic contact angle reached 168°, and the number of adherent platelets and Escherichia coli were significantly reduced to 7.5% and 5% on the surface of the coating, respectively. After undergoing simultaneous hydrolysis, the superoleophobic contact angle of P(CBMAE‐co‐TMSPMA)/SiO2 coating further increased to 174°. These interesting and robust properties make them promising candidates for biomedical applications.Highlights
The underwater superoleophobic coating (contact angles of 174°).
The P(CBMAE‐co‐TMSPMA)/SiO2 coating with excellent resistance to oil adhesion.
Solve the hydroxyl residue problem.
The coating resistance to E. coli and platelet adhesion.
Self‐assembly and degradation of photolabile diblock bottlebrushes
Authors: Liu Cheyenne H. , Dugas Logan D. , Dishner Isaiah T. , Chidanguro Tamuka , Simon Yoan C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAqueous self‐assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers form diverse nanostructured morphologies depending on block volume fraction and solvophilicity. Stimuli‐responsive motifs have been combined with self‐assembled micelles to afford spatiotemporal, on‐demand encapsulation and payload release. However, the role of modular polymer architecture (i.e., bottlebrushes) in stimuli‐responsive aqueous self‐assembly is not fully understood. The synthesis, aqueous self‐assembly, and photoirradiation of photolabile, amphiphilic bottlebrush block copolymers is presented herein. Specifically, the efficient photoscission of o‐nitrobenzene motifs at the junction of a poly(norbornene o‐nitrobenzene polystyrene)‐block‐poly(norbornene polyethylene glycol) diblock bottlebrush side chain and backbone cleaved away hydrophobic polystyrene side chains and artificially increased the volume fraction of poly(ethylene glycol) (fPEG). In doing so, self‐assembled micelles readily degrade to micelle‐to‐micelle and micelle‐to‐aggregate structures after photoirradiation. Finally, this bottlebrush micelle system is used to demonstrate the efficient encapsulation and stimuli‐responsive release of Nile Red that is monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The contribution of this work expands the utility of amphiphilic bottlebrush systems as highly efficient and responsive, hierarchically assembled nanomaterials.
Lens epithelial cell response to polymer stiffness and polymer chemistry
Authors: Hamedi Hamid , Green Spencer W. , Puri Raima , Luo Richard , Lee Michael , Liu Jian , Cho Hanna , Hansford Derek J. , Chandler Heather L. , Swindle‐Reilly Katelyn E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPosterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common complication of cataract surgery, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is the standard of care for cataract patients. Induction of postoperative epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in residual lens epithelial cells (LEC) is the main mechanism by which PCO forms. Previous studies have shown that IOLs made with different materials have varying incidence of PCO. The aim of this paper was to study the interactions between human (h)LEC and polymer substrates. Polymers and copolymers of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 3‐methacryloxypropyl tris(trimethylsiloxy)silane (TRIS) were synthesized and evaluated due to the clinical use of these materials as ocular biomaterials and implants. The chemical properties of the polymer surfaces were evaluated by contact angle, and polymer stiffness and roughness were measured using atomic force microscopy. In vitro studies showed the effect of polymer mechanical properties on the behavior of hLECs. Stiffer polymers increased α‐smooth muscle actin expression and induced cell elongation. Hydrophobic and rough polymer surfaces increased cell attachment. These results demonstrate that attachment of hLECs on different surfaces is affected by surface properties in vitro, and evaluating these properties may be useful for investigating prevention of PCO.
Sast1‐mediated manifold effects inhibit Plutella xylostella fertility
Authors: Cao Min‐Hui , Zou Ming‐Min , Liu Li‐Li , Dong Shi‐Jie , Huang Meng‐Qi , Zheng Jun‐Hao , Li Ruo‐Nan , Cui Jin‐Dong , Peng Lu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlutella xylostella (Linnaeus) is a destructive pest of cruciferous crops due to its strong reproductive capacity and extensive resistance to pesticides. Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are the main effective factors that determine the reproductive physiology and behaviour of both sexes. Although an increasing number of SFPs have been identified, the effects of astacins in SFPs on agricultural pests have not yet been reported. Here, we elucidated the mechanisms by which Sast1 (seminal astacin 1) regulates the fertility of Plutella xylostella (L.).RESULTSPxSast1 was specifically expressed in the testis and accesssory gland. CRISPR/Cas9‐induced PxSast1 knockout successfully constructed two homozygous mutant strains. Sast1 impaired the fertility of P. xylostella by separately regulating the reproductive capacity of males and females. Loss of PxSast1, on the one hand, significantly decreased the ability of males to mate and fertilize, mainly manifested as shortened mating duration, reduced mating competitiveness and decreased eupyrene sperm production; on the other hand, it significantly inhibited the expression of chorion genes in females, resulting in oogenesis deficits. Simultaneously, for mated females, the differentially expressed genes in signalling pathways related to oogenesis and chorion formation were significantly enriched after PxSast1 knockout.CONCLUSIONThese analyses of the functions of PxSast1 as the regulator of spermatogenesis and oogenesis establish its importance in the fertility process of P. xylostella, as well as its potential as a promising target for genetic regulation‐based pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
RNAi silencing CHS1 gene shortens the mortality time of Plutella xylostella feeding Bt‐transgenic Brassica napus
Authors: Deng Purong , Peng Yujia , Sheng Zhilu , Li Wencui , Liu Yongbo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDInsect‐resistance genetically modified (GM) plants derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been cultivated to control pests, but continuous cultivation of Bt‐transgenic plants at large‐scale regions leads to the resistance evolution of target insects to transgenic plants. RNA interference (RNAi) technology is considered an effective strategy in delaying the resistance evolution of target insects.RESULTSWe here developed a single transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) line with hairpin RNA of the chitin‐synthase 1 gene (CHS1) of Plutella xylostella (hpPxCHS1) and a pyramid transgenic B. napus line harboring hpPxCHS1 and Bt gene (Cry1Ac). Escherichia coli HT115 delivered hpPxCHS1 showed negative effects on the growth of P. xylostella. The single transgenic and pyramid transgenic B. napus significantly reduced the larval weight and length of P. xylostella and increased its lethality rate, with down‐regulation expression of the PxCHS1 gene in insects.CONCLUSIONCompared to Bt‐transgenic B. napus, pyramid‐transgenic B. napus shorted the mortality time of P. xylostella, indicating that RNAi technology synergistic with Bt protein improves the effectiveness of controlling target insects. Our results proved that RNAi can delay the resistance evolution of target insects to Bt‐transgenic plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Density functional study on highly energetic organic azides with empirical formula Cn(N3)m
Authors: Mahajan Tnu , Bhargava Gaurav , Sharma Hitesh 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe structural, electronic, and thermodynamical properties of Cn(N3)m (n = 1–7) (m = 4, 6) organic azides have been investigated using Density Functional Calculations. The ground state structures of organic azides were compared with CnHm (n = 1–7) (m = 4, 6) cumulenes which shows their higher relative stability. The stability and reactivity of organic azides were analyzed by calculating the HOMO‐LUMO gap, binding energies, and harmonic frequencies of the azides. The binding energy and formation energy of Cn(N3)m (n = 1–7) (m = 4, 6) organic azides suggest their energetic stability. The structural analysis of the azide group in Cn(N3)m (n = 1–7) (m = 4, 6) organic azide shows a tendency to stabilize at a maximum separation between functional azide groups. Ionization potential, electron affinities, and global hardness have been computed for Cn(N3)m (n = 1–7) (m = 4, 6) organic azides and the odd–even alternation rule was observed. The molecular dynamic simulation performed at 300 K for 1 fs confirms organic azide's structural stability at room temperature, except for C4(N3)4, and the members of their family can be synthesized.
A composite fractional order active disturbance rejection control method for a class of uncertain systems with multiple disturbances
Authors: Zheng Weijia , Chen YangQuan , Wang Xiaohong , Guo Fang , Chen Yong 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe existing active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) method may not provide sufficient disturbance rejection to multiple mismatched disturbances for the fractional order systems. In this paper, a composite disturbance rejection approach is developed for a class of fractional order uncertain systems, by synthesizing the fractional order ADRC (FOADRC) approach and a disturbance observer (DO)‐based compensation scheme. Taking advantage of more disturbance information and a filter structure, an improved DO is developed to achieve precise estimation of disturbances in the presence of sensor noises. In addition, a state transformation is developed to convert the system into a simple integral chain model with only matched disturbances. Then a composite control law is designed to compensate the disturbances and provide satisfying dynamic performance. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated by a numerical simulation and an actual servo control simulation, as well as the comparison with two kinds of the existing ADRC methods and the commonly used integral sliding mode control (I‐SMC) method.
Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Probiotics toward Oxidative Stress Using a Microfluidic‐Based Platform
Authors: Nguyen Ann V. , Yaghoobi Mohammad , Zhang Shiying , Li Peilong , Li Qike , Dogan Belgin , Ahnrud Gianna P. , Flock Genevieve , Marek Patrick , Simpson Kenneth W. , Abbaspourrad Alireza 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAdaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) can be used to make bacteria less susceptible to oxidative stress. An alternative to large batch scale ALE cultures is to use microfluidic platforms, which are often more economical and more efficient. Microfluidic ALE platforms have shown promise, but many have suffered from subpar cell passaging mechanisms and poor spatial definition. A new approach is presented using a microfluidic Evolution on a Chip (EVoc) design which progressively drives microbial cells from areas of lower H2O2 concentration to areas of higher concentration. Prolonged exposure, up to 72 h, revealed the survival of adaptive strains of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, a beneficial probiotic often included in food products. After performing ALE on this microfluidic platform, the bacteria persisted under high H2O2 concentrations in repeated trials. After two progressive exposures, the ability of L. rhamnosus to grow in the presence of H2O2 increased from 1 mm H2O2 after a lag time of 31 h to 1 mm after 21 h, 2 mm after 28 h, and 3 mm after 42 h. The adaptive strains have different morphology, and gene expression compared to wild type, and genome sequencing revealed a potentially meaningful single nucleotide mutation in the protein omega‐amidase.
Flexible organic integrated circuits free of parasitic capacitance fabricated through a simple dual self‐alignment method
Authors: Jiang Baichuan , Han Xiao , Che Yu , Li Wenbin , Zheng Hongxian , Li Jun , Ou Cailing , Dou Nannan , Han Zixiao , Ji Tingyu , Liu Chuanhui , Zhao Zhiyuan , Guo Yunlong , Liu Yunqi , Zhang Lei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn integrated circuits (ICs), the parasitic capacitance is one of the crucial factors that degrade the circuit dynamic performance; for instance, it reduces the operating frequency of the circuit. Eliminating the parasitic capacitance in organic transistors is notoriously challenging due to the inherent tradeoff between manufacturing costs and interlayer alignment accuracy. Here, we overcome such a limitation using a cost‐effective method for fabricating organic thin‐film transistors and rectifying diodes without redundant electrode overlaps. This is achieved by placing all electrodes horizontally and introducing sub‐100 nm gaps for separation. A representative small‐scale IC consisting of five‐stage ring oscillators based on the obtained nonparasitic transistors and diodes is fabricated on flexible substrates, which performs reliably at a low driving voltage of 1 V. Notably, the oscillator exhibits signal propagation delays of 5.8 μs per stage at a supply voltage of 20 V when utilizing pentacene as the active layer. Since parasitic capacitance has been a common challenge for all types of thin‐film transistors, our approach may pave the way toward the realization of flexible and large‐area ICs based on other emerging and highly performing semiconductors.